Kem-Duati

The Kem-Duati of Kemara are one of the most ancient of all the divine pantheons, and are one of the few who can claim to have been founded by one of the Primordials. That founder is none other than Ra, the Primordial of Light, and one of the most infamous tyrants and conquerors of Creation. It should come as no surprise then, considering their origins, that the Kem-Duati are one of the most autocratic pantheons in existence, with all power flowing from the Pharoah, their leader.

The Kem-Duati have always been one of the most prominent pantheons, though at the height of their power under Ra, their expansion was curbed by the numerous Serpent Wars, brought on by the forces of Apophis and his chaospawn. Always a formidable force, the Kem-Duati were among the last of the pantheons to be subjugated by the Ynochim during the Angelic Conquest. They are also one of the few pantheons who survived and rebuilt after the Great Maelstrom, and exist largely intact in the modern Iron Age, adhering strictly to the tenets of Divine Law.

## Hierarchy

### The Pharaoh

While many pantheons have a singular ruler, there is none who wields the same degree as absolute power as the Kem-Duati Pharaoh, and the royal family that surrounds them. Thanks to the long ages of Ra's rule, the gods and mortals under Kem-Duati rule have been bombarded with propaganda professing the Pharaoh's absolute power and superiority. Countless savagely crushed revolts have long taught the price of defiance to would-be rebels. Not only that, but it has been tradition since ancient days for individuals of prominence to swear magically binding oaths of loyalty to the Pharaoh before the Throne of Fire. No other lesser ruler's vassals may give such an oath. Such loyalty may belong to the pharaoh alone.

In the Kem-Duati's history, four individuals have ruled as Pharaoh. First was Great Ra himself, the Primordial founder of the pantheon. Next was Osiris, his grandson, who succeeded him after he departed Creation. Osiris was in turn usurped by his brother Set. The throne was taken back by Osiris's son, Horus, who has ruled the pantheon ever since.

While the Four Pharaohs each have personal titles, earned through their legendary deeds, the post of Pharaoh carries numerous epithets of its own, inherited by each ruler who has sat the Throne of Fire. Among these titles include:

Light of Kemara, Shield of Memphet-Ra, Center of All that is Consequential, Font of Prosperity, Lord of All Suns, Grand Sovereign of the Duat, Dispenser of Water, Possessor of the Infallible Spirit, Ascendant Guardian of All His Subjects, Autarch of Heaven and Earth and All that Lies Between, Transcendent Overlord of All Within His Sight, Wielder of the Holy Crook and Sacred Flail, Bastion Against Depravity, Master of Life and Death, Speaker of Ultimate Truth, Giver of Life, High Commander of the Solar Fleet, Prime Architect of Law, Foremost Source of All that is Good, Exalted Monarch of the Heavens, Reader of Souls, Supreme Arbiter of Justice, Lord Paramount of the Winds, and many, many more...

The Pharaoh's subjects, subservient in every way as they are to their exalted monarch, are not permitted to address or discuss the Pharaoh by name (though exceptions are made on occasion for friends and relatives). One of the most frequently employed is simply addressing them as "my Pharaoh". "Great One" is commonly used, as is "Great [Pharaoh's Name]". "Your Radiance", "Your Magnificence", or "Your Worship" are also acceptable forms of address.

### The Royal Council

The Pharaoh's Royal Councilors are gods appointed by the Pharaoh to serve as councilors, and to oversee various aspects of the running of their domain.

* War Vizier: The War Vizier is the Pharaoh's top general, responsible for leading the armies of Kemara in the Pharaoh's name. It was the most prestigious position in the pantheon during the rule of Ra and Set, second only to the Pharaoh himself in an era where the Kem-Duati were entirely geared for war.
* Master of Toil: The Master of Toil overseer charged with managing various "mundane" affairs within the Pharaoh's domains, such as construction and agricultural projects. This included both the construction of cities for the gods, the pantheon's warfleets, and the maintenance of Kemara's natural environment, such as the weather, the flooding of the rivers, etc.
* Grand Archivist: The Grand Archivist is in charge of running the archives of Kemara, and maintaining a mastery of all manner of historical, logistical, and magical knowledge.
* Arbiter of Faith: The Arbiter of Faith serves to manage the relationship of the gods with the mortals of Kemara, and keeps the Pharaoh appraised of mortal goings on. They ensure that the gods receive the proper devotion they are due, and are responsible for divvying out divine wrath upon them whenever it is warranted.
* High Justice: The High Justice exists as the supreme expert on Kemari law, and exists to arbitrate disputes that are beneath the Pharaoh's direct notice, as well as to advise the Pharaoh on the laws they have previously enacted. Of course, if it is the Pharaoh's desire those laws be altered, the High Justice, along with the Grand Archivist, helps ensure that they are codified and implemented.

### Exemplars

The Exemplars are a group of attendants who serve as workers of the Pharaoh's will and bearers of his authority. Rather than serving in advisory or administrative roles, the Hands serve the Pharaoh as direct enforcers, and carry out tasks given to them directly by their liege. As direct vessels of the Pharaoh's power, they accept orders from no other being in all Creation.

* Voice of the Pharaoh: The Voice of the Pharaoh, also known as the Royal Herald, attends the Pharaoh in court, serves to spread their edicts about whenever they are issued, can act as a diplomat to foreign powers, and bears the Pharaoh's banner in battle. The Herald is the most public and visible of the Pharaoh's Exemplars.
* Shadow of the Pharaoh: The Pharaoh's Shadow acts as a personal spy, infiltrator, and assassin, directly at the Pharaoh's beck and call, performing all manner of secretive tasks for their master. Though rarely seen, they sometimes act as a bodyguard to the Pharaoh.
* Eye of the Pharaoh: The Pharaoh's Eye acts as their direct battlefield champion, fighting in any battle deemed to be beneath the Pharaoh's direct intervention, allowing the Pharaoh to act as general and defending their honor at every turn. They can often be found at the Pharaoh's side, acting as a bodyguard, though more often, they are sent out to confront their liege's enemies.
* Shield of the Pharaoh: The Shield of the Pharaoh, like the Eye, is a warrior and champion in their liege's service. Unlike the Eye, however, the Pharaoh's Shield is always at their side, ready to defend them.

### Nomarchs

The title of Nomarch is bestowed upon any deity the Pharaoh appoints to govern a portion of the Kemari dominions, an area known as a Nome. Nomarchs serve as extension's of the Pharaoh's will, and are responsible for enforcing their edicts and ensuring the the mortals within their Nome properly venerate the Pharaoh and the other gods, as well as being prepared to raise armies from their Nomes whenever it is required. All Nomarchs, upon being appointed to the position, swear fealty to the Pharaoh by the Throne of Fire, permanently ensuring their loyalty.