Pharnce

Though the sands of the Blue Desert are not themselves blue, they are named for the Constructs that pepper their surface, breaking through the dunes like colossal Sandsharks. The people of Pharnce are rich and decadent, living comfortable lives in relative luxury despite their long history of war with neighbouring Khabrna.

Description
Pharnce occupies a large region of the North-East of the Shattered Earth, though its population is sparse – towns are thinly spread across the desert, with the largest settlements, including the capitol (also called Pharnce) located on the coast. Nyset, Ghance, and Norphe are the largest townships scattered throughout the Steel Dunes, whilst the largest city beside the Capitol is the military bastion of Nalan, which lies on the Black Delta that separates Pharnce and Khabrna.

The Blue Desert backs up to the North and East Circle Sea, though it's western reaches stretch as far as Churna and Simarnia. A small stretch of its Southern border reaches Kavristan, but the south is separated from Khabrna only by the Black Delta and the White River.

Pharnce the city is built in the shadow of a mighty cliff wall, on a large strut of land that juts out into the Bay of Drowned Honour, named for the reputation of the many sailors and travellers who visit the city and lose themselves to its charms.

Culture
The people of Pharnce are a decadent, hedonistic people, who find much enjoyment in wine, war, and the pleasures of the flesh. It is the only nation in which Slavery is not merely tolerated, but expected; any family of stature is expected to own several slaves, with the richest and most lavish households maintaining a stable of dozens of slaves. Slaves are not, for the most part, ill-treated, their roles are viewed as necessary and they are accorded a degree of respect. Though many slaves find themselves at the whim of their masters' hedonistic delights, many do enjoy the opportunities it provides, and it is not uncommon for slaves to have their debt bought out by their owners in exchange for freedom.

As a matriarchy, the women of Pharnce are viewed as the heads of the households, and the political circles are dominated by powerful women from rich families, each seeking to out-manoeuvre the others into a position of power. Pharnce is ruled by the Regent Family, whom legend has it were installed on the Throne by the last of the Desert Kings, Aldo Baikah. The present Regent, Shadi Casuarin, is a young, but wise noble who was able to broker peace with Ekrayne of Khabrna.

There are three distinct classes in Pharnce; the Marcedi, who provide political governance and are the richest houses, the Mercanti, middle-class families who have built up their wealth through trade and commerce, and the Mercallet, which encompasses labourers, undecorated soldiers, sailors, and slaves. Polygamy is relatively commonplace, and it is not unusual for women to take multiple husbands.

Appearance
Pharnian attire is often considered scandalous by other nations, but it acts as a symbol of the nations' decadence. Men of the Mercallet usually wear light coloured, baggy trousers, sandals, and often go shirtless, with those of Mercanti and Marcedi are often decorated with tattoos, piercings and gold and gem-encrusted jewellery. Facial hair is not generally seen as fashionable by the upper classes.

Styles differ greatly between classes for women. Those of the Mercallet usually wear similar baggy clothes to the men, though they are usually dyed bright hues. Lose blouses and bustiers are also worn for dignity. Such dignity is less of a concern for women of the Mercanti, who often go shirtless, decorating their bodies similarly to their husbands, often with matching tattoos or jewellery. Veils are worn as a token of modesty. Amongst the Marcedi fashions again differ, with sheer, semi-translucent silks preferred by the women of such rank, showcasing their decorative body art and jewellery whilst also advertising their desirability.

Much care is taken on one's physical appearance for men and women, as Pharnian's see their bodies as tools to be cared for and carefully presented. Makeup, accessories, high quality fabrics and exotic hair styles and dyes are much desired in the Blue Desert.

Notable Locations
●       Pharnce

●       Steel Dunes

●       Great Tome Chamber

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Notable Inhabitants
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