by Sarah and Logan
I. Land and Climate
Carthak is the southern-most country that we know of, being the only country south of the Inland Sea. The northern border touches the Inland Sea and the western edge borders the Emerald Ocean. The only river located in Carthak that we know of is the River Zekoi, which flows past Carthak City and Thak's Gate. The land in Carthak is dry and the majority of the terrain is either desert or savanna. The climate is warm and humid almost year round. Winters are warm and summers are very hot. In Emperor Mage, Daine notes that the palace seamstresses used summer cloth for her autumn wardrobe.
II. Fauna
Carthak is similar (but not the same as) Africa and bears notable similarities to Carthage. If your character is Carthakian, they may have encountered animal species that would never be found in Tortall, such as Daine's pygmy marmoset, and crocodiles. Cheetahs, hyenas, lions, and all sorts of exotic birds flourish.
III. Food
Fruit is very common in Carthaki dishes. Bananas, figs, and citrus fruits are seen often. Meat comes from cattle, goats, and antelope. Dairy products were produced by goats, cattle, and camels. Upper class nobles often ate extravagantly while the lower class ate little due to poverty.
The People
I. Appearance
The people of northern Carthak range from lightly tanned to a warm brown-skinned, whereas the people of the south are even darker, almost black. The southern population has the more African coloring. Those living between the north and south vary in terms of skin, hair, and eye colors, though they all have dark coloring.
II. Clothing
The typical wardrobe consists of a knee- or calf-length tunic with short sleeves. The clothing is made with light material and often bright colors. Trousers and breeches were also used for weapons training. Slaves, both male and female, shave their heads and wear only loincloths. Sandals are common throughout social classes, though the wealthy would have sandals or slippers made of leather, while the poor would wear sandals made of straw.
III. Religion
The Carthakians, like the Tortallans, worship a variety of gods and goddesses. In addition to these, Carthak's patron goddess, the Graveyard Hag, is given special interest. She is the goddess of cemeteries and gambling, with her identifying animals as rats and hyenas. Other gods and goddesses of importance include Mynoss, a god of justice and the underworld; Shakith, the blind goddess of seers; and Jihuk, the god of the desert winds and demons. The Banjiku tribesmen from the south worship Lushagui, who they believe gave birth to their tribe, and Kidunka, the World-Snake, who is Lushagui's brother.
IV. Language
The native language is Carthaki, though many may speak Common as well.
The System
I. Settlement
The largest cities are Carthak City, the capital, and Thak's Gate, both of which lie on the River Zekoi. We know as well that Carthak gave birth to several child nations which it later absorbed back up again: Siraj, Ekallatum, Amar, Apal, Zallara, Shusin, Yamut. In Emperor Mage, Daine compares Carthak to the hyena because they both eat their young.
II. Ruling
The country is an empire, which means that an emperor reigns supreme. Like most rulers, he does have a board of ambassadors and counselors that help him rule the country. The country of Carthak has the largest army and navy in the world. The Imperial Guard, also known as the Red Legion, is a specialized unit of guards. They are distinguished by their crimson kilts and gold-washed armor. They are not allowed on Palace grounds. The current emperor of Carthak is Emperor Kaddar.
III. Classes
Carthakis are heavily separated into classes. The nobles and rich middle-class live in luxury. They have the money and power to keep slaves in their households. These slaves live better lives than the poor commoners, though it is far from the perfect life; they are seen as property. Wome are below men in terms of social ranking.