Ekbir, Sultanate of
The greatest of the Baklunish cities, Ekbir is a thriving center of trade, learning, and political intrigue, ruled by the divine-blooded Sultan Xargun. Though prosperous, it remains ever watchful, seeking to reclaim Tusmit and assert its dominance over all Baklunish lands.
History
Founded in the years immediately following the Invoked Devastation, this former nomad trading village has grown over the centuries into the strongest Baklunish city in the Flanaess. Approximately 100 years ago, there was a vicious struggle for succession, as the previous Sultan died without an heir. This struggle lasted for 9 years, during which time the lands of Tusmit declared and were able to keep their independence. That has not been forgotten, and since then the Sultans have made it their policy to try to re-acquire Tusmit by any means necessary.
Politics and Society
The Sultan is an absolute ruler, and the court is a hive of intrigue and political infighting, as various factions vie for influence with the Sultan and those who can influence him. Traditionally, Ekbir’s ruler claims suzerainty over all of the Baklunish lands, although as a practical matter that has never really been the case. Ekbir prides itself on being the most civilized of the Baklunish states, and as such the art of assassination has been developed to a high level.
Religion
Only the Baklunish religion is practiced here, and visitors are forbidden from carrying on worship of foreign deities, or even wearing their holy symbols, in public. Lawful good pilgrims will invariably be heading to one of the many small shrines of the Lost Imam Al'Akbar, whose reputation for miraculous healing powers is famed throughout the Flanaess and beyond; such shrines may be found in all of the cities and most of the villages of the region, including Zeif and Tusmit, each specializing in some particular ailment. Caravans of pilgrims will spend years visiting each and every one in an effort to heal the afflictions of all the seekers present among their ranks.
Military
Ekbir maintains an army of some 5,000, including 1,000 heavy foot with the rest being mostly light and medium cavalry. It maintains a strong war fleet in the Dramidj Ocean, second only to Zeif.
Notable Locales
In the heart of the Udgru Forest is the fabled Tower of Melesh Tur, with its djinn-powered machines and its efreet-driven weapons. The place is said to date back to the Invoked Devastation, and is rumored to be the source of the true power of the Sultans of Ekbir, whence their claim to authority over all Bakluni derives.
Ekbir is known for its extensive trade, thriving society, and political stability. It is the greatest center of learning in the west, with sages coming to access knowledge of fallen empires or to join the Zashassar, the most ancient school of magic in the Flanaess. Traders from all states in the western Flanaess are found here. In particular, large populations of halflings and elves are attracted to Ekbir for its comforts and security.
The Sultan, Xargun, is an Aasimar, a rare and divine-blooded ruler whose presence adds to the mystique of Ekbir’s sovereignty. Under his rule, the city flourishes as both a hub of commerce and a bastion of tradition, standing firm against the tides of history.
Proper Name: Sultanate of Ekbir
Ruler: Sultan Xargun II (aasimar)
Government: Aristocratic theocracy; ruler must be a high-ranking cleric from one of five royal clans
Major Settlements: Ekbir; Kofeh, Fashtri
Resources: Foodstuffs, cloth, wood, ship building
Population: Human, Halfling, Elf
Law: LG
Allies: Tusmit (sometimes), Zeif (sometimes)
Enemies: Zeif (sometimes), Tusmit (sometimes), Chakyik (sometimes), Ket (sometimes), Knights of the Watch
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