The Essence of Kairos
Kairos, a coastal region renowned for its long, hot summers, stunning islands, and beautiful sandy beaches, is home to the Kairosi people. They are a devout people who revere all gods equally within the Pantheon and believe that by empowering and properly worshipping the gods, they can overcome any threat. This collective worship is central to their identity and daily practices.
Life is comparatively easy there thanks to material wealth, a willing national workforce and plentiful farmland away from the coast. This has led to a more sedate approach to life than their neighbours. Still, they would not consider themselves lazy. Striving for the improvement of both oneself and Kairosi society is a constant drive.
Social Dynamics
A unique feature of Kairos is the Kolossi. These are stone effigies of the dead empowered by Forge Magics, employed to carry out mundane, laborious, or dangerous tasks. The bodies of citizens are left to the State to continue their service. Those who have lived the most storied lives are forever immortalised as Prime Kolossi, gargantuan stone soldiers who can be animated in defence of the realm.
This system allows living citizens the freedom to focus on their personal growth and chosen paths, and to indulge in their interests. Self-improvement and sacrifice are vital to being a productive member of society; acting purely for personal gain is seen as shameful by most Kairosi, and the selfish are shunned. A sense of community is deeply ingrained into the Kairosi and the line between friends and family is blurred, meaning requests for help rarely go unanswered.
Player Experience
Players in Kairos can expect a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere characterised by devotion and dedication. The Kairosi are openly trusting of the other nations and are keen to trade and share knowledge. They take pride in their arts, literature, theatre, crafts, and cuisine. Free time is often spent honing skills: soldiers train, artists create, and musicians perfect their craft. Religion plays a significant role in daily life. Prayers, guidance-seeking, and scrying are common, as are elaborate ceremonies and festivals.
What Kairosi are Not
Not Ancient Greece: While the aesthetic influence is obvious and some cultural parallels exist, this is not a reenactment of any historical civilisation. Ancient Greek gods or real-world historical figures will not be represented in this game. Not Crusaders or Fanatics: While the Kairosi are fervent in their belief, Kairosian faith is inclusive and non-coercive. They believe in their path being correct but do not try to force it upon others through threats or violence.
Look and Feel
Kairos is a nation that has existed while other civilisations have risen and declined. Their self-belief is as strong as their Kolossi – and their clothing reflects this. The main element of the Kairos aesthetic is drapery – fabrics that flow and move with the body, with a wide variety of colours available to them. Ancient Greece is a heavy inspiration, but also Neo-Classical shapes for those who appreciate a little more tailoring, and some of the more structured lines of Rome and the Byzantine, alongside fantasy elements like Atlantis and the various media that have been inspired by it.
Layering is key in Kairos, both for warmth and to display the elegance of their clothing. A basic outfit may be made up of a long tunic and leggings, with an overlayer of a dress, chiton or toga. This is accessorised with a cloak or over-robe for warmth, gold jewellery, some form of headdress, and a belt. The colour gold has significance in Kairos – it not only harkens to the nation’s wealth, but also their relationship with the Gods. Halo-like headdresses are common, decorated with gilded flowers and leaves, or more simply in the form of circlets and headbands for practical situations. Gold bangles and cuffs are also popular, reminding the people that their actions and gestures are in service of the Gods.
Though scale, chain, leather, and cloth armour are all popular, armour crafted in the form of the body, such as muscleplate, is valued above all others. It is said to evoke the eventual goal of every Kairosi warrior: to become the Kolossi who guard their people forever more.
Further information on Kairos
Naming Conventions
Look and Feel