Tuhannen Saarip Maazira
The Tuhannen Saarip Maazira (Imperial Wythian: Land of a Thousand Islands), commonly known simply as the Tuhannen, is the name given to the island archipelago located south of Tel-Raiq and northwest of Barazár. It is inhabited primarily by the descendants of nomadic Erzihari tribesmen and Gnomish seafarers, both of whom settled the area several centuries prior to the birth of Friedrich Wythe. The archipelago is home to dozens of disparate polities, ranging from tiny backwater hamlets unable to maintain control beyond their own walls to magnificent city-states that claim dominion over entire islands. Since their inception, the inhabitants of the Tuhannen have been entangled in an incomprehensible web of alliances, border wars, trade agreements, and political marriages. However, on occasions when the sovereignty of the entire archipelago is threatened by foreign powers, the numerous city-states and petty kingdoms have been known to band together into a loose military alliance until the foreign threat has been driven off.
Government & culture
Euqda
The Euqda (IW: lit. "Gathering/Knot") is a sacred Tuhannish governing body, summoned only when the sovereignty of the archipelago as a whole is threatened or when major events concerning the greatest city-states must be discussed. Once the Euqda has been officially called upon, the head of states are expected to gather within a large underground hot spring (typically found on Ronk Quima, see below) which has been carved out over centuries to accomodate a growing number of polities. Members are not permitted to carry weapons into the springs, and must fully disrobe to show their commitment to candor before being granted entry. Once gathered, the heads of state sit and discuss matters that pertain to the security of the archipelago. Traditionally, ornate wooden boards are provided that serve as both floatation devices and portable writing desks.
Major Polities
Ronk Quima
Ronk Quima (IW: Raven's Peak) is one of the largest islands of the Tuhannen. The majority of the island (with the exception of its southernmost peninsula, which is controlled by the Alqimat Hamra) is governed by a conglomeration of merchant guilds, privateer companies, and landed gentry that shares the island's name. As a prominent and instantly-recognizable landmark amongst the archipelago, Ronk Quima has served as the primary location of the sacred Euqda for hundreds of years. The island derives its name from the dormant volcano at its center, the distinctive shape of which reminded the original Gnomish settlers of a Sijmeni raven's beak.
Alqimat Hamra
The Alqimat Hamra (IW: Red Crest) is a mannish-controlled region of Ronk Quima (see above) that maintains a nominal alliance with their northern neighbors whilst quietly preaching a doctrine of mannish supremacy. The Red Crest derives its name from the vast amounts of red soil that can be found throughout the peninsula.