Pa Mi Empire

The **Pa Mi Empire** makes up one of five playable factions on the Isle of Lahwi. Their territory rest within the island jungles of the Sunisa Peaks after they were split from the mainland by the rival gods many generations ago.

In recent years, resources have become more scarce and the empire is in desperate need to claim more territory.

Their patron gods are Mu'oi and Intira.

## **Law and Punishments**

1. The word of the Matriarch and Patriarch is law.
2. Any attempt to harm the Tree of Phra’cea is akin to treason.
3. Marriage vows are sacred.
4. Females are allowed only one litter until more territory is secured. Matriarch exempt.
5. All pregnant females and outside visitors must register with the Phra’cea.
6. Two weaned kittens will be sent to Xacari to protect the realm annually.
7. Breeding with a member of another clan is considered a crime.

* There are dozens of other rules, such as not to steal, but they are typically managed by the parties involved and the overseeing viscounts.

Most punishments within the empire are comparable to a slap on the wrist or a clawed ear, painful for a time but otherwise harmless. However, for those that break the laws of the empire there may be greater pains in store. Minor crimes may result in lose of social standing, relegated to the lowest of positions even below a commoner; but more serious crimes such as open treason will result in execution without fail.

## **Culture**

### Social Hierarchy

* The empire once had a strict and distinct hierarchy, with those closest to their living gods sat comfortable and secure on the top. Over the generations of being isolated on an island, with blood mixing many times over with both nobility and commonwealth, this has diminished the gap between the two classes. To the point where it is mostly a formality outside the leaders of the empire.
* While initial social standing depends on the ranks of a cat’s parentage, after they are grown it is entirely up to them to maintain their own spot within the chain. Expectation is heavy upon the nobility, and should they fail to meet them, they will be stripped of their rank; sometimes to find themselves even lower than the commonwealth.
* Historians hold a certain amount of weight in the hierarchy, despite being equally made up of nobility and commonwealth, due to their close association with the Phra’cea.
* Artisans and merchants enjoy a degree of reverence as well, for providing for the empire’s ravenous appetite for finery. Even visitors from other clans, primarily Thray, have received politeness from those within Pa Mi eager to purchase their wares.

### Proper Etiquette

* It is customary for a Pa Mi cat to bow to one another in greeting or farewell, with degrees depending on their own social standing rather then whom they are speaking to. A commonwealth may bow deeply with head and shoulders, an aristocrat bows their head low, while a ruler will only give a nod.
* Handmade lanterns are seen as a very flirtatious gift to give that special someone.
* Rivalry is an encouraged trait among the Pa Mi but subtly is key, for the use of magic or weapon against another Pa Mi is prohibited.
* A male kitten may be referred to as a 'kindling', while female kittens may be referred to as a 'breeze'.

### Family and Partners

* The family unit within Pa Mi is not only made up of a married couple and their cubs; it also encompasses any partners the married couple has, along with their mates and cubs as well. These networks can become quite expansive and in truth contain a great number of family trees. Their expansive homes display this, as all will live in a singular home made up of many.
* While children are precious within the empire, more often then not cubs are treated as bargaining chips to gain high social standing. Commonwealth attempt to arrange a match with the aristocracy, while both parties will happily partner their cubs with a member of the royal family. This could extend to marriage but is most often content to settle with just arranging their battle brother or sister. Because these partners have a high frequency of becoming mates anyway, it is seen as killing two birds with one stone if it happens.
* There will always be one who wields fire and one who controls air in the Pa Mi pairbonds, regardless of any other factor such as gender or parentage; though it's not unheard of for parents to have a voice in choosing the partner of their children. Those who do not wield either element are prohibited from the pairing ceremony, and therefore never receive a partner.
* In a Pa Mian's life, it is argued that their bonded partner plays a bigger role then their parents, due to the amount of time spent with them over their life. They are bonded to the partner when they become apprentices and stay with them for the rest of their lives, even after they find a mate to marry. Unless married, the partner bond is not meant to have any sort of romantic implication, it is meant to push both toward becoming their best selves.
	+ Not all partnerships are peaceful, many turn into bitter, intense rivalries where the two parties compete with one another to create or perform better. This is common and the empire sees it as just as much a means toward a good goal as if the partners worked well together.
* Because of how vital and close these battle sisters and brothers are, even if their relationship was strained by competition, it is a great and devestating loss if one was to die. it is treated as if a Pa Mian has lost their loved ones, and many lose inspiration to continue the drive to be better. If this happens while they are young enough, they may be permitted a new partner bond, but it is known to never be quite the same. Most older Pa Mians will retire after the death of their partner.

### Gender and Sexuality

* Pa Mi has very few roles that are specific to a kayan's sex or gender. Either can perform any task they wish so long as if ultimately is to benefit the empire. In fact, it is vital that all ranks have an even mix of males and females, so that they can each be bonded to an appropriate partner.
* While Pa Mi is open to any gender working whatever job they feel a passion for, they are strict about pairing fire and air magical talents together. Even if a kayan has poor magical ability, once it is displayed they will be bonded to the opposite.
* Due to their culture being based around what magic is wielded, gender plays little role in how one is treated. A trans kayan may receive confused looks, but so long as they wield either air or fire magic, the empire will accommodate them accordingly just as any other.
* The empire will only accept a marriage as legal if it is between Fire and Air magics. Which means that while most mates would be heterosexual couplings, due to the reliable frequency of their magic being tied to biological sex, it is not entirely unheard of for two males or two females to wed under the rare circumstance of one individual having odd magical talent.
	+ Those with magic that is neither fire nor air are forbidden to wed just as they are not given a partner at their bonding ceremony.
	+ Many who do not fall into that neat mold find other ways to feel united with their paramour, but if they are discovered they may face sever social discrimination. These pairings also lack benefits given to officially married couples.
	+ It is an unspoken theory that an unwed couple, or those who have an unregistered litter, are more likely to have their cubs chosen to go to Xacari.

### Beauty Standards

* Due to the resemblance to their gods, mollies with long flowing kirin feathering and males with full manes are seen as the ideal.
	+ Maned females and kirin males are considered less attractive but still perfectly suitable.
	+ Manes of other clans are considered eyesores, and can be the root of rumors of tainted blood.
* Pale colors on females and dark on males are considered especially attractive.
	+ Those outside this standard may choose to clothes themselves in a proper shade to compensate, which is also deemed aesthetically pleasing.
	+ Markings rarely affect a Pa Mi's overall attractiveness, but it seems that pattern-less, accented by clothing, has come into a season of favor.
* Curls and long manes have come into fashion in recent years.
* Meteor themed attire is the height of fashion, as it represents the full unbridled power of their gods.

### Magic

The magic of the Pa Mi is unique in that it is gender specific. Following the Karenni legends, with Mu’oi being the first wielder of fire magic and Intira of air, all male cats born to Pa Mi are birthed with fire powers, and all females with air.

Please see the Fire and Air Magic page for further details.

## **Architecture**

The layout of Pa Mi is vertical in construction, due to their natural affinity for high places and the relative safety it had once provided from predators. Despite large predators not being a threat for generations, the practice to build higher and higher has never ceased. While many families choose to live in the rocky mountainside, in caves carved out by generations of air magic and the passage of time, most live within more delicate nests of woven branches and fabrics.

The majority of these pod nests hang freely from the branches, connected with rope bridges, however some that are housing larger or multiple families can envelope entire branches of the great jungle trees, containing many entrances, complex tunnels, and spacious chambers, all intricately woven together by hand and air magic. The woven nature of these nests allow for wind to flow through them, but also for rain to drain through the floors. The constant airflow in Pa Mi’s warm climate provides a welcome cool breeze

The mountain caves are also suitable homes, in fact they are favored by families with strong fire magic users due to their less likelihood to catch flame during a moment of unrestrained emotion. While not as customizable as the woven tree nests, generations of work have created some truly impressive dens, among them the Royal Palace, home to the rulers of Pa Mi. The largest residence in Pa Mi is the sacred Tree of Phra’cea, where the empire’s historians reside.

Nearer to the jungle floor, there are few homes, but many work areas are primarily located here; either by necessity or ease. One cannot raise deer in the trees, after all. Many Pa Mi have also taken to constructing platforms and gardens along the trunks of trees near their homes, raising herbs and decorative plants.

In the center of the treetop city is the truly massive Tree of Phra’cea, towering over all the surrounding trees by over three dozen feet. Numerous bridges are built to connect other dens and homes to this tree that had become the religious center of the empire.

### Notable Locations

**Royal Palace** | A large den carved into the mountainside, its walls smooth and polished by age and treatment of generations of air-wielding matriarchs. The palace is two levels, with the first floor being primarily used for receiving guests, while the second contains the living quarters of the royal pair. Their living quarters has a balcony that looks out upon the empire. In the enterance hall, there is a true wonder: a live tree planted within a section of soil, with a skylight shining sunlight from above, through an open section of the second floor. This tree, appearing to be a pink flowering willow, is a species from the ancient Thray forests, is said to have once been a wedding gift from Mu'oi to his bride Intira, a sign that he was not the brash monster other clans claimed him to be and was capable of peace. Perhaps if history had been different...

**Tree of Phra’cea** | The largest residence in Pa Mi is the sacred Tree of Phra’cea, where the empire’s expecting females, historians and religious leaders reside. Only the top chambers serve the purpose to house individuals, the rest of the tree is home to the wisdom of generations. The tree is littered inside and out with various slashes, burn marks and paw prints in a sort of historic language meant to track the comings and goings of the Pa Mi.

**Sunisa Peaks** | A sheer mountain range that only barely manages to overshadow the lush jungles of Pa Mi. Even so it is sometimes difficult to tell where forest ends and mountain begins, covered in vegetation as it is. The sides are steep with narrow ridges to allow for vines and other plantlife to find purchase, and in turn these plants provide a way for Pa Mians to climb the cliffs. The mountain is pocked with numerous kayan dens, including the royal palace near the peak.

**The Twin Karenni** | Often called simply “The Twins”, these massive golden Karenni statues flank the great bridge to the mainland, welcoming newcomers with spectacle. Braziers at their feet are lit with flames to provide light and also a subtle reminder of the protective capabilities of the empire. It is claimed that these Karenni guard the realm, and if any evildoers walk underneath their gaze they will come alive and destroy them.

**Dao’s Tear** | A small, scarcely visited, island off the western coast. Its lack of mountains, trees and prey made it unfit for residence in the eyes of the Pa Mians, but it does boast an interesting assortment of herbs. Named after a famed herbalist that discovered the medicinal significance of the abandoned island.

## **Festivals and Holidays**

### Pairing Ceremony

The majority of ranks within the Pa Mi are reliant in some way on the partnership between fire and air magic users. When a kayan comes of age to be apprenticed and pursue their chosen rank, they are paired with a suitable ‘battle brother/sister’ in a public ceremony by the Ruling Pair, overseen by the Phra’cea for records. Those who do not wield either fire or air magic are prohibited from this ceremony.

### Lantern Festival

During the spring months love flows in the air; it is the most common breeding time for kayans, and the empire celebrates the occasion. Pa Mians who wish to be married, or who are already mated, will come together to light a lantern with the male’s fire and lift it into the sky with the female’s air, a coming together of their skills to unite them in the eyes of the heavens. Those who do not wish to be married also make lanterns, though they are more often hung up around the empire, while all take part in other festivities.

### Night of the Demise

During the summer months, the Pa Mi host a festival complete with a reenactment play of the Great Demise - most often the current Matriarch and Patriarch play the roles of the fire and air Karenni. Their stories are somewhat biased, favoring and victimizing the Pa Mi, but regardless it is a night of festivities and prayers to Mu’oi and Intira. There is a great feast, and the Phra’cea will interpret the sky to predict the Empire’s fortune in the coming winter.

### The Offering

As the cooler months arrive, the empire is faced with the reality of their bargain with Xacari: two of the newly weaned kittens must be sent away to join the other clan. This day was originally quite controversial and solemn, but in recent generations the leaders have attempted to sway the public into viewing it as a beneficial thing, as their cubs being chosen as protectors of the realm, to fight their mainland enemies alongside the Xacarites.

## **Playable Ranks**

*Rulers*

* Patriarch/Matriarch
* The Phra’cea

*Aristocracy*

* Viscount
* Baron

*Commonwealth*

* Envoy
* Historian
* Artisan
* Merchant
* Soldier
* Shepherd
* Hunter
* Healer
* Entertainer

*Outsiders*

* Servant

## **History**

### The Demise

When the Island of Lahwi was on the brink of war and the Pa Mi were under attack, Mu’oi and Intira - the leaders of the Empire- were driven to strike what some may call a deal with the devil in their desperation to protect their people. They traded their son and daughter to a dark evil, the whisper of a witch in their ears, in exchange for the powers of fire and air. It is said that as the wars began, Intira’s wind fueled Mu’oi’s fire to an even more deadly intensity - for without the wind, a fire will die.

The Pa Mi struck their enemies with a relentless force, Mu’oi wreaking havoc on the neighboring Thray colony; burning their forests and grasses until their land was nothing but barren earth. The Pa Mi use of magic seemed to awaken magic in the Isle, and a Thayan called Saeng rose the Saeng Mountains to protect her people, while working together with an Okigharan called Rath’Kari to push the island of Pa Mi into the sea.

The island was ravaged by fire, flood, tornado and earthquake. Few survived, but those who did gave birth to magical kittens with powers akin to their founders. Banished, the Pa Mi were at once sheltered away from the mainland, and on their island they began to regrow.

### Aftermath

The cats who followed shared similar traits: the males were blessed with fire magic and the females with air. Many Pa Mi believe they were wronged and should still be the rightful rulers of the Isle - if it weren’t for Rath’Kari and Saeng, they would have succeeded in their conquest. While some Pa-Mians have learned from their history and do not wish for another war, others believe that water and earth magic should be eliminated, allowing the Pa Mi to rightfully reign supreme.

### Present Day

Pa Mi once again flourished, to the point where it could barely sustain them. One leader, Anurak, commanded a bridge be constructed to the mainland. Once explorers took to the new world, they encountered a neighboring region of cats who wielded a familiar dark magic. Allied once with the dark goddess, and fearing what these dark kayans could do to them if employed by their enemies, the Pa Mi struck a new alliance; paid for with the fruits of their empire.

## **Empire Politics**

**Xacari** | Neutral/Friendly. They are useful for the time being as mercenaries to fight against the Thray and Okigharans while the Empire grows, but someday their ties will subside.

**Thray** | Negative. Due to the history between the Thray and Pa Mi, many Pa-Mians still hold a grudge against the colonies.

**Okighara** | Negative. Due to the history between the Okigharans and Pa Mi, many Pa-Mians still hold a grudge against the tribe.

**Nomads** | Neutral/friendly. Visitors are welcome; Pa Mi has an active and thriving marketplace and the cats of the Empire highly enjoy new trinkets and exotic foods. Nomads are often welcomed guests, but must be registered with the Phra’cea in order to keep track of who enters and exits the Empire.