Sphynxx — The Empire of Questions

Leader: High Oracle Nekhara
Government: Theocratic monarchy led by the Temple of Truth
Population: ≈ 10 million
Religion: The Riddle of Life — enlightenment through inquiry

Economy / Trade:

• Exports: incense, parchment, prophecy, glasswork.

• Imports: metals, grains, artisans.

Military:
~90 000 disciplined desert soldiers. Skilled in endurance and deception.

Elite Sector: The Sandbound Order — silent riders who vanish beneath dunes, appearing where least expected.

Oracles:
Entire governance guided by The Circle of Whispered Sand, a council of seers who answer every question with another.

Myths & Legends:
The Mirror of Nekhara supposedly shows not faces but possible futures; those who stare too long go mad believing all are true.

International Reputation:
Feared for intellect; sought after for prophecy.

Organized Crime:
Information-traders operate in gray legality; secrets are their only currency.

Anti-Crime:
Temple Inquisitors purge false prophets and rogue scribes.

Population Philosophy:
Truth exists only in contrast; ignorance is the true sin.

Foreign Policy:
Strict neutrality; prefers manipulation by knowledge over arms.

Allies / Enemies / Neutral:
Officially neutral; holds sway through counsel in all courts.

Intelligence:
The Eyes of Dust — a network of spies disguised as caravan guides and storytellers.