Between the lands of Cyperia and Ankhor-Londo, lies the expansive planes of the Empire of Irakkis.
Unique, among peoples, Irakkis is a sprawling set of cities, villages and townships, that all live by a curiously codified matriarchy.
The origin of this social order is seemingly rooted in the semi-religious perception of pregnancy.
Irakkia is a harsh land, where life is cheap and death plentiful, so perhaps that is what mythologized the act of childbearing. Or what lead to women taking the leading roles in society as early men died so readily.
Regardless, in Irakkis, though people can lead independent lives, there are points of office or social order that can only be achieved by a woman. Men cannot hold political office, inherit leadership of a house, study arcana, bear a sword, serve in the military, or command women.
Another interesting quirk, however, is that in Irakkis, so intimately is the concept of childbearing tied with womanhood, that it is seen as a fundamental feature to a woman's presentation of herself.
This has several interesting consequences, and is likely how Irakkis remains so expansive despite the many hostilities it can face. Women's fashion is designed, alongside the hot climate, to either emphasize or expose the wearer's gravidity, often leaving such things entirely uncovered. Even the armour of gladiators and retainers is designed to be similarly revealing. Even the use of oils, herbs, tinctures and alchemy are common, to enhance or preserve this impression of motherhood and fertility.
Of course, for all their matriarchism, even the high Priestess' of Irakkis cannot ignore the truths of biology, and for as many barriers as there are to men, there are almost an equal number of loopholes.
Men cannot serve in the armies, but auxiliary's and mercenaries can be found on the boarders, often outnumbering guardswomen 20-1, or even within the very capital itself. They cannot bear swords or spears, armour or shields, true. But knives, cudgels and even lumber axes are permitted. While in the courts noblewomen may elect to send a representative speaker, letting them attend meetings and speak in their stead while they rest. Some consider this a dangerous degeneration of society, while others consider it an inevitability, or a secret blessing.