Qaddan

Qaddan occupies northeastern Gondwana, with its capital, the famous trading port of Acheron, at the Mediterranean mouth of the Great Canal of Kha-Em. Most of its wealth flows from the canal, which charges every ship both a cargo tax and a passage toll. The Qaddani are of medium height, dark brown with black hair and eyes; townsfolk dress finely and both sexes wear face and eye makeup, ordinary people go about in sandals with light cloaks and short tunics or kaftans, and priests shave all body hair and wear long robes.

The Pharaoh is absolute ruler and the living, perfect form of the god Heru. He must prove his divinity at festivals through feats of strength and endurance, mostly ritual now, though in the popular test of virility he still kills a grown bull with his bare hands. The state faith honors Heru in heaven and on earth, with many sub-cults of related gods; all use necromantic rites, especially mummification, but most are not evil. Other gods are banned, yet the evil followers of Set keep hidden temples across the land.

Most Qaddani farm the fertile banks of the River Styx, but a short growing season forces food imports. Skilled artisans export fine glass goblets, bowls and jewelry, the hills yield a little gold, and coastal shells are worked into goods. The large, well-drilled infantry, a small cavalry, many chariots and war elephants brought from Magan and Massawa through Nubia have repelled every invader for almost 300 years, helped by Nubian mercenaries used mainly against Turan. Qaddan has long warred with Turan and the nomadic Zin, whom it calls the wretched ones, keeps a cool peace with Kush, and has a limited alliance with Hesperia against Gorgos.