The Caluan Desert

Calua is a vast desert region that is home to many trade routes. The taxes to travel the arid desert are lower than the King’s Roads so many caravans brave the desert. Merchants are protected by Sandcloaks given by the Oligarch and the Tombking . This is done to keep bandits away to continue having trade flow through the desert. The Sandcloaks are also helpful because no outsiders may enter the Great Bazaar of Odell without a Caluan guide. The landscape is literally carved by giants as the Ancient Ones were wonderful artists. They were giantfolk we carved faces and runes into the orange rocks bathing in the desert sun. Calua is home to dangerous heat, beautiful sand dunes, glass forests erupting form the ground, quicksand and moltsand pits, rivers of molten gold and the northern foul smelling salt fields.

The Hierarch

Two leaders run the region and thus their underlings have approximately equal rule over each and every town. There is a fine balance between the cultural and economic leaders that make the Caluan government function.

The Cultural

The Tombking leads the kingdom from the capitol of Odell. The Tombking is the rightful heir and protector of the deceased. The emissary of the Tombking is the religious leaders of each town known as the Moonfolk, this is the main church to the very important deity of Creseidant. Through ancient magic members of the church known as the Deathscriers commune with the passed on ancestors to determine their next steps.

The current Tombking is Viumu Rhytyn

The Economic

To ensure the Caluan culture stands, the rule of gold has become ever more important. This is why there is an Oligarch who leads his Merchant Magnate Guild in each city.
The current Oligarch is Romulan
This dual system allows all decisions of a town to be decided by a compromise between the cultural Deathscrier and the economic Magnate. The system is known as the Hierarch. If any such town cannot come to a compromise, the Royal Mediator treks down to make a decision.

Important People

Viumu Rhytyn - Tombking, Leader of Culture
Romulan - Oligarch, Leader of Commerce
Dius Scrawl - Sandcloak Leader / Apostle of the Wind
Cerith Scrawl - Syndicate Olgnew
Orolio - Royal Mediator of the Hierarch
Amir Kraal - Tombguard Captain

Merchant Magnates

Chief Regrator - Haafiza Kraal
Magnate of Food - Carie Beibbo
Magnate of Wine - Moscogany
Magnate of Ore - Goran Sablic
Magnate of Spice - Levant al-Bashir
Magnate of People - Rha'Been A'Huud
Magnate of Arms - Tokitane Takashima
Magnate of Livestock - Barley Serfson
Magnate of Cloth - Hennin Garnache
Huckster - A low member of the guild who sells small items, either door-to-door or from a stall or small store.
Tarkan - Military force that follows the orders of the current Oligarch.

Celestial Evangelism

Apostle of the Moon - Leader of the Moonfolk
Apostle of the Sun - Leader of the Sunseekers
Apostle of the Wind - Leader of the Sandcloaks
Unspoken - Religious hermit who lives under the Tombking's temple, only revealing themselves to perform the Moon Sacrifice.
Deathscrier - Priest like people who can communicate with willing spirits of the ancestors for gidance. They require Ancestral Ink to do these ceremonies.
Tombking Guard - Elite guards of the capitol city. Guards of Odell protect the Tombking or Tombqueen at all times.
Sandcloak - The militia who have attuned with the desert winds. They patrol the desert and work with locals to ensure safe passage across the desert.

Factions

Hierarch - Tombking Viumu Rhytyn / Oligarch Romulan
Celestial Evangelism - Tombking Viumu Rhytyn
Merchant Magnate Guild - Oligarch Romulan
Moonfolk - Apostle of the Moon ???
Merchant Magnate Guild - Chief Regrator Haafiza Kraal
Sunseekers of Siolus - Apostle of the Sun ???
Merkaynian Enclave Desert Faction - Byycon Daedra
Sandcloaks - Apostle of the Wind Dius Scrawl
Jasmine Guards - Jasmine Guard Raesis Farehelm
Tarkantry - Khazar Yemenos
Tombguards - Tombking Captain Amir Kraal
Syndicate - Olgnew Cerith Scrawl
Goldsmiths - Aur'Un Gullblud
Knowledge Collective - Bibliothecarius

Religion

Above all other gods, the Moon is the most important one to the people of Calua. Even though some worship Creseident like others in the world, most common folk don't use that name and just pray to the moon itself as if it's a different being entirely. The Sun and Wind are the other main religious icons the Caluan people pray to.
As most people in these desert provinces worship Siolus, Creseident (aka the Moon) and the Sand Dove, the people of this region are weary to Dharans. They know Dhara to have been a great man in the Revolt who brought the 6 Heroes together but don’t believe him to be a god.
The Moon Sacrifice
The Infamous Rule States "If a royal child comes of age (14) and they have a younger sibling, the Tombking or Tombqueen will sacrifice their eldest child to the Moon. This act will continually occur until they only have 1 child remaining and sterilize themselves to ensure a proper heir."
This has been a way of the people for many years as they believe their eldest children will travel through the time stream as warriors to protect the people who live in the afterlife. Usually this is a traumatic event that children and parents are prepared for but sometimes a monarch will use this religious rule to make sure their successor is which child they want.
The Unspoken is a Moonfolk priestess who lives underneath the great temple of Odell. She is tasked and burdened with the slaying of the children when it is time. She does not reveal her face to anyone besides the children on the eve on their last night before leaving to protect the afterlife.
The Sacrifice also gives the Unspoken Deathscrier a vision into times to come when it comes to the Moon worshippers. Tombking's also use this infamous method to gain insight into the future of their kingdom.
Law of Blessing The Commoners
Marital Affairs are looked down upon by this region's religions, in fact it is strictly forbidden and result in a death penalty. Affairs are however only allowed for someone of the royal family or a member of the Magnate Guild. Tombking Ramses enacted this law when he grew tired of his wife, he superseded the cultural vote and had to add in the Guild stipulation to pass the law. This law was the reason the current Tombking is in power, as the legitimacy of the child does not lose credence if they are born of an affair. Viumu, Dius and Cerith were all born of the 5 year affair between Tombking Anubane and one of his maids. She did not tell him of the births, Amir Kraal took care of her and made sure the proper royal records were in place so they would be legitimate and also be protected from the Moon Sacrifice by their father. Amir seeked to have Anubane removed from the crown by someone good. Once Viumu turned 14 and was not sacrificed to the Moon, Anubane lost his powerful Lycan form and was killed by an invader, Ug'Col-Ek of the Blade Ogres. Although this was not exactly Amir's plan, years later it did lead to the 18 year old Viumu taking the Tombking throne and changing the laws for the better. The Moon Sacrifice was abolished and less cruel punishments for leaving a betrothal were initiated. The Magnate's would not give up their power to openly cheat on their wives or husbands.

Important People of History

Tombqueen Ghinan Rhytyn - One of the 6 Heroes of Dhara, she rode her Chakra mount into battle. She was famous for her spirituality as well as her fierceness in battle. She carried with her bottle of glowing navy blue oil that she would dip her arrows into. This special oil caused hordes of spirits to rise from the ground as her arrows whizzed overhead. The warrior ancestors of the past joined Ghinan in battle as she beautifully carved through the elven ranks.
Tombking Rahh Rhytyn - enacted the first Moon sacrifice to appease his failing economy, he received a vision to reach out the reclusive city of Silvermound. This led to the first trade deal with the rather closed off city-state which brought wealth back into Calua. This is when the Hierarch was first formed. Ra worked with the the newly elected Oligarch Maskivaar of Silvermound.
Tombking Ramses Rhytyn - This infamous leader wanted out of his marriage to his wife but do to royal duties and customs he would be put to death. Ramses worked with the Oligarch at the time to place a rule that Magnates and Royals could bed partners outside of their marriage. Ramses was painted in a terrible light for this but it was revealed years later that he wished to have a romantic relationship with a man he fell in love with. This deal with the Oligarch enacted the "Law of Blessing the Commoners".
Tombqueen Nefertiti Rhytyn - The Tombqueen repealed the Moon Sacrifice ritual because she felt it was barbaric and was quoted saying that she loved all her children too much to allow it to continue. Nefertiti's grandson Ahti was the only one of her descendants to not die violently and painfully from the Black Fog.
Tombking Ahti Rhytyn - reinstated the Moon Sacrifice as the Black Fog had just ravaged the desert nation and he was desperate. He watched as his family fell to the grey skin and black tumours as he was slowly put in charge as his siblings fell. Shortly after Ahti sacrificed his newly born baby did Boto and Remus Silverstaff find a cure for the disease.
Tombking Anubane Rhytyn - He channelled the full power of the Moon and became a powerful lycanthrope. Anubane had killed 13 of his bastard children before the Unspoken could ritually kill them. They were all seen as great, healthy kids but because they were too soft to be his heir, he had them killed. Not on the ritual tablet but by assassins in the street. He had many affairs with many woman and because of this he bore many children but didn't want to give up his throne. His captain in charge knew he had relations with one maid, Amir worked in secret to hide her away during her months of showing. She loved him dearly but didn't want her children killed. Amir helped raise the three Scrawl children in secret so when the oldest came of age and wasn't sacrificed to the Moon, Anubane would lose his bestowed powers causing someone else to be able to take the throne. Anubane was killed in combat with a blade ogre usurper. This laid a path for his eldest son to claim the throne years later.

Artifacts

Ancestral Inkwell This is a jar filled with a navy blue oil that is dispersed to each and every Deathscrier across Calua. The Moonfolk of Calua use this Ancestral Ink to speak to the ancestors. Some Deathscriers can receive more fluent messages instead of vague answers. Sometimes Deathscriers can even have full written conversations with the past ancestors. The Inkwell is housed within a safehouse controlled by the Hierarch. There are 4 elemental djinn that can open the vault. The Inkwell slowly fils itself up with the powerful magic imbued by it's creator.
Guiltloss Amulet This was an artifact sought out by the assassin known as the Night. It gives the wearer a surge of pure Essence for each life they have taken. This can cause the wearer to shrug off damage that would usually be enough to kill them as well as amplify the magical powers they might have already had.

Elemental Guardians

The Djinn who guard the Inkwell Chamber in the Mir'Dhat Acropolis, they have protected the Inkwell since Ghinan locked it away for safety's sake. The Djinn's were sworn to an oath when Ghinan freed them from the control of the Onyx Elves. They each have their own essence-filled cave where they would usually live until called upon to open the vault. These Djinn hold the keys to opening the Inkwell Chamber. Aur'Un Gullblud defeated them and they have returned to their respective homes. This means until they are sent back the door is inaccessible. Air Djinn - Ram and pushes you around like a gust of air. Water Djinn - Two Fish that swim through sand. Fire Djinn - Scorpion whos sting sears like no pain ever felt before. Earth Djinn - Sphinx Lion who sits stoically waiting for a wise traveller.

Geography

A large region with rolling sand dunes, pleasant oasis springs, searing hot sand and blistering winds. Three main edges of the region provide different biomes within the desert region. The cool air of the Arid Sea blows in on the province of Karin. The cool air plus the natural minerals have made this province a lucrative area for salt mine owners. The Tarkantry uses the Salt Fields as a type of work camp and prison. The southern border is close to the Gaulan Plains and is much more hospitable, only worrying about the summer sand storms that come out of nowhere and must be protected against. The far West side of Calua borders the Firefang Jags and is very warm as not much rain makes it over the volcanic mountain range.

Provinces

Mira

Geo info on Mira

Kadin

Geo info on Kadin

Rhyte

Geo info on Rhyte

Climate

This region is known for its warm temperatures for most of the year. It is a must have to travel with water as it can be a long time before finding a spring. Most travellers are mugged for their canteens over their coffers. Most of the time, you cannot travel in the heat of the sun as it will simply drain your energy. Just because it is usually warm does not mean it is not affected by the coldest month. In Glaciate the short days cause the very cold night air to remain through the day. The nights themselves are so frigid you require many layers. This change in temperature causes many of the animals used to the warmer weather to stay in their homes until the peak of the sun's travel across the sky. During the arid other months of the year, predators hunt all day long while taking breaks within the sparse shaded areas under large cacti. A common occurrence is to find on of the molten gold rivers that flow above the surface. They are common enough that you could plan a days travel to each golden river. The problem occurs when burglars know travellers stop at these.

Fauna & Flora

World Tree

The World Tree is the oldest living creature on Galfin. It has been growing since before recorded history. World Roots spread out across Galfin and always have runes carved into them. The tree is in the least favourable spot for a deciduous tree but because of it's size, the roots gather nutrients from all across the world and its canopy absorbs enough sunlight to maintain its health. The World Tree is said to be connected to all facets of energy. Essence, Life, Time and Death.

Flora

Large cacti grows here with budding flowers and fruit. Many travellers find shade under these prickly canopies but must be cautious as predators also find comfort here.

Fauna

Ancient Ones roam the dunes of the desert and they are incredibly good at carving sculptures. There are hundreds of enormous statues carved into the monoliths of the desert by sand giants.
Armadrillo
Basilisk
Sand Wyrm
Chakra
Helioptar
Hippo
Hyena
Monitor Lizard
Naga
Moonrat
Rhinestrich
Scarab
Shredcorpse Scorpion
Sphinx
Desert Statuelurk

Natural Resources

A unique aspect of Calua is the hot vein of magma running underneath the sands. This interesting phenomenon has resulted in certain areas have molten rivers of gold flowing through the sand. This can be very dangerous to weary travellers as the desert sun causes them to see the gold as shifting sand in their confused vision. They step in and believe it to be quicksand until they realized their skin is melting off with the molten sand. One would think this is a jackpot of treasure but really the gold that flows from the earth is so tainted with other sands that the gold is mostly worthless and used by counterfeiters outside the desert. No one would try to sell sanded gold to a Caluan or risk getting their fingers cut off for thievery. It is used by some to guild things such as statues and emblems that are for aesthetic and not to be sold. Some people have even seen the Goldsmiths mercenary group coat their limbs in molten gold. Only a few fresh water rivers run through the Caluan Desert but where springs are is where most major cities have made their settlement. The city of Silvermound was formed when three solid silver meteorites fell from the moon Cresio thousands of years ago. This uncovered a fresh well of water underneath Silvermound as well as created the largest deposit of pure silver in Galfin.

Food and Dining

Helioptar stew Basilisk egg omelette Chakra roast Camel steak Seared Snake

Type

Region

Location under

Gaul Mainland

Included Locations

Included Organizations

Owner/Ruler

Viumu Rhytyn

Ruling/Owning Rank

Tombmonarch

Owning Organization

Hierarch

Contested By

Inhabiting Species

Entry for WorldEmber 2019

Competition Homepage

The World of Galfin

Nimbreach

The Caluan Desert

Agata

Agates Ruin

ancestral hom of the desert elves - Javar

ancestral home of desert elves, mir dhat grave

Ancient Ziggurat of Cavahn

Big Tent in Ragbag Row

Caluan Sandstone Sculpture

Carthueagus

Carved Peaks of Agata

Caves of Moringua

Caves of Moringua Entrance

Chakra Lizard Farms

Cliffs of Kadin

Essencia

Farnein

Fort Argent

Glass Forest of Rhyte

Glass Forest of Rhyte

Goblintown

Great Bazaar of Odell

Hearthen Invasion

Illenbye

Jasmin

Kerno

Kerno Sand Ships

Lost Sirocco Temple

Lost Wai Gates

Lunanvailles

Masnarab

Melanchordion

Mir'Dhat Region

Mir’Dhat Acropolis

Moon Temple in Khito

Moon Temple in Odell

Odell

Odell

Red Clay of the Sandroot Glade

Salt Flats

Salt Flats of Kadin

Sand Ocean

Sand Ocean of Calua

Sandroot Glade

Sandroot Shrubs

Shade Dial of Madestone

Silvermound Height Beauty.png

Silvermound Perspective.PNG

Siroccan Plains

Siroccan Plains - Sunken Temple

Siroccan Sandstorms

Solv Family Home

suntek temple to the sun

The Gray Tower

The Meadway

The silver senate