Xirkaali
With elite Hemicyon warriors possesed of an enormous strength, easily able to wield swords and axes with devastating effect, steadfast Yan soldiers to command these monstrous warriors, and ferocious Wildfangs capable of shredding flesh and armour with their own claws, your path to conquest is unstoppable.
The Xirkaali Empire is ruled by the hemicyons, a species of dog-headed humanoids born of dark magic. Originally created by the serpentine uraeus in the deserts of Ophidia, the hemicyons were slaves, bred to serve and toil.
But centuries of oppression bred cunning and resentment. When the uraeus tried to manipulate the Ahmunite Empire into war with the elves, elven spies infiltrated the hemicyon ranks and sowed rebellion. The uprising coincided with a human invasion, and the uraeus were crushed.
The hemicyons fled north, rejected and attacked, until they reached the shores of Lake Mirkaali. There, they founded Kaali – a land of open cities, animist magic, and democratic governance. The hemicyons ruled with pragmatism, not cruelty.
