NationStates Jolt Archive

History

The Khurganate came into being on the planet of Hecuba, home to a former Imperium colony. Isolated by numerous Warpstorms, the people of Hecuba lost much of their civilization, breaking up into numerous tribes. For centuries, the tribes lived peacefully amongst one another, but one day, a Warpstorm brought the touch of Chaos to the surface of Hecuba. Daemons swarmed the surface, warring amongst themselves for servants. The tribes viewed them as warring angels, and worshipped and reviled them. Eventually, one God of Chaos defeated the forces of the others: Tzeentch, the Changer of the Ways.

From the daemonic servants of the Weaver of Fates, the tribes learned of Tzeentch, and worshipped him. They reaped the benefits of their faith, recieving the gifts of their God, changed to be more than human. The leaders of many tribes became great sorcerers, and ascended to the lofty position of Daemon Prince.

By the decree of Tzeentch, the tribes began to war with one another, battling for supremacy, for the glory of Tzeentch, and the chance to become his Chosen. For millenia this continued, until finally, one tribe gained power over the others: the Khurgan. Lead by their daemonic Warmaster, Helion, they conquered the peoples of Hecuba, subjugating them to the will of Helion. In a battle with his rival Maa'kal, of the tribe of the Jaktahr, Helion defeated his nemesis, binding the greater Daemon Ish'Sur'Baal into his hide. For this service, Helion finally truly ascended, becoming the Chosen of Tzeentch.

Religion

Religion in the Khurganate is mandatory, with the worship of Tzeentch the only choice. The Tzaani religion is a part of life here, integrated into every daily routine. Prayers to the Changer of the Ways are said before meals, while working, even hypnotically implanted into dreams. Sacrifices are made, daemons are conjured and sanctified, and gifts are imparted to the most devout.

Tzeentch is the Great Sorcerer, the god of magic and master of the mutable time stream. He is known as the Changer of the Ways, the one who directs the fate of the universe. Tzeentch guides unwitting mortals along paths destined to increase his own power , though they may never realise their part in his plan. He shows favour to those who use intelligence to control the world, especially to wizards and magical creatures. He takes delight in the plotting and politicking of men, and favours the cunning over the strong, the manipulative over the violent. Tzeentch is the Great Conspirator, the master of plot and intrigue. Few of Tzeentch's plots are simple, and many appear contradictory to others, or against Tzeentch's own interests. Only Tzeentch can see the trails of potential futures weaving forward in time like multicoloured threads. Tzeentch's plans reach through time and space and can carry through untold centuries. For what is a mere hundred years to a god who existed before the dawn of time and will exist long after the world is no more.

His skin crawls constantly changing faces which leer and mock those who look upon him. As Tzeentch speaks these faces repeat his words, often with subtle but important differences in meaning. The god's puckered face is formed upon his upper torso, so his head and body are one. From above his eyes spring two sweeping horns of great length. He appears suspended above a sea of swirling multicoloured mist. In this form he speaks with his followers and in such shape he is depicted in his temples.

It is Tzeentch who holds the Realm of Chaos beyond time and space and it is he who watches over the destiny of the material universe. His plots are complex and interwoven, and he is the principal architect of secret alliances amongst the Dark Gods.

Politics

Politics in the Khurganate are inanely complex, beyond the comprehension of many mortals, most Khurgans included. Still, at their core, Tzaani politics adhere loosely to a simple hierarchy.

Chosen: The Chosen of Tzeentch, the single most powerful man in the Khurganate. He is the head of the Tzaani religion, and as such, commands the undying respect and obediance of all the Khurgan.

Warmaster: Great sorcerers of Tzeentch, the Warmasters are the generals of the Khurganate. They muster the Legions of Change, lead the fleets into battle, and also preside over many religious functions.

Tzaanlord: Governors of the planets conquered by the Khurgan, Tzaanlords convert the populace to the worship of Tzeentch, by force if neccessary. They oversee the management of their fiefdoms, ensuring that the Khurganate is properly supplied. Tzaanlords also serve in the military, and are ranked directly below the Warmasters.

Tzaanpriest: Overseeing individual planetary departments and organizations, Tzaanpriests protect the interests of the Khurganate in every sector of the Empire. They manage everything from agriculture to specific industries such as mining, weapons manufacturing, and the induction of able-bodied men into the Legions of Change. Tzaanpriest in the military are ranked directly below Tzaanlords.

Military

Notable Personalities