Podrusans
Originating from precursor tribes, the Podrusans are known for their celebrations of unity, the Podrusan Empire, and the Zahretian Caliphate which overthrew it. Podrusans differ by region, but in general excel in the practices of trade and warfare.
Origin: Coastal tribes and lake clans before 1000 BR
Presence: Steadfast
Common Religions: Southern Pantheon, Nabuelism, New Ghiskan, Ilueism Real World Influence: Bedouin, Malian, Swahili 5e Additions:
Magic Proficiency: Abjuration
Non-Magic Proficiency: Religion
Beyond the practices of trade and warfare, Podrusans are also known for their religion and diligent adherence to authority.
History
The Podrusan culture is perhaps the most isolated one on the continent of Barakon. To their north is the great Dan Verig Mountain chain, and to their west is the Cursed Coast - both desolate and barely traversable places. They have persisted through their prominent coastal position as one way of transporting goods from the Western Gateway to the Eastern Gateway - often a route that bypasses the pirates who roam the inner seas. To the east, Podrusan nations maintained only limited contact with the roving barbarian clans and the Lammetrians beyond. Those closer to the edges of Podrusan influence, such as the Cities of Linsan, Kybaea, and Zurem, formed trade republics and became the site of a melting pot of Podrusan, Ghiskan, and Balan cultures, later known as Zuremi-Ghiskan. Several early Podrusan states developed a unique style of government. They were headed by Sills - a Podrusan word for a king who fights in the front. These Silldoms dominated much of early Podrusan history, notably of the legendary Podrusan Empire. As time progressed true Sills emerged less and less, as dynastic inheritance did not prove to produce the best warrior kings.
Religious Turmoil
Around 100 AR the metropolis known as Fidas, which held a hegemony over many Podrusan cities, centralized and united as the Podrusan Empire. Their religion was regarded highest among all else within this empire and it maintained a sense of unity between all Podrusans. The Podrusan Empire lasted a long time due to this religious unity, but it also proved their undoing. In 250 AR a new state formed called Zahret, and it supported a radically new belief in Zemourism worshipping only one deity called Zemour. How this new religion began is often pegged on a mysterious unknown prophet named Alt, but the theories are endless. Regardless, a new chapter began in Podrusan history. The Zahreti, styling themselves a holy Caliphate, became based on a religion in a similar structure to the Podrusan Empire. Zemourism apparently appealed to many over the original Podrusan Pantheon. Zahret's core beliefs took influence from the Cursed Coast and the Dresnid nomads who traversed around the borders of the Podrusan Valleys. Some say that Zahret was not a true Podrusan state but was instead one run by the Dresnids themselves. The Zahretian Caliphate soon grew at the expense of the Podrusan Empire's collapse, and eventually became the new dominant empire over Podrusans. Podrusan society became split, with many embracing the new religion as others fought vigilantly against it. The Podrusan Silldoms of Zemia and Monha fought to uphold a semblance of the old Podrusan legacy, while the old capital of the Podrusan Empire, Fidas, wallowed into a decaying state.
Recent History
The Zahretian Caliphate lasted for a few centuries before its constant infighting finally erupted in a complete fracture of the state. The Imperial Civil War in 514 AR set the empire almost reeling, and an unfortunate series of quick unstable successions in the mid-600s AR saw the rebellious factions within Zahret's borders gain strength... and later independence. The end of the Zahretian Caliphate saw the Podrusan culture thrust into chaos and dozens of independent Emirates, Beyliks, Duchies, and Counties.
Traditions
Podrusans value their harvests and often offer prayers and celebration in gratefullness when they are bountiful - which is not altogether uncommon. One would then expect the Podrusans to place great importance on the Numen God Aziz of the Podrusan Pantheon, who stands as the God of the ocean and weather; but they do not! The Podrusans place greater importance on Negelya, the Numen Goddess of rivers and fertility. She is viewed as the patron of Lake Godon, the source from which many rivers in the Podrusan Valleys flow. Further east, other Podrusans instead worship local deities of the land and the animals which roam it. Podrusans also have an affinity with the mountains that are rich in metals and the valleys in between that provide fertile soil. There are a plethora of localized festivals to be had regarding all of these things. Podrusans admire the faith and piety in one-another, especially in times where they wish to unify. As such, religions play a sizable part of a Podrusan's daily life - whether it be prayer or labor dedicated to a certain god. However, these feelings are not as strongly held farther east, closer to the Zuremi-Ghiskan peoples. Lastly, Podrusans place emphasis on valor. In the ancient times, Podrusan kings often were expected to lead their armies into combat from the very front line. These kings were titled as Sills, and they tended to enjoy great respect and stable kingdoms for as long as they reigned.
Mythos
With their close proximity to the Dan Verig mountains, the Podrusans are mostly humans but have extensive contact with the wild varieties of monsters and beings dwelling within the mountains. Humanoid Goliaths can be commonly found in northern Podrusan cities and towns, while Genasi are known to roam the western-most provinces. The most powerful giants in the world are said to dwell in the Dan Verig mountains, and the Podrusan Empire of legends is said to have had well-established contact and treaties with the beings. Podrusan Sills are believed to have befriended certain Giant clans at one time in history or another. However, nothing is known for certain about the Giants' circumstances, and most Podrusans as of 1000 AR regard the Giants as unruly and creatures to be feared.
Naming Traditions
Podrusans have three names in the following format: [First Name] [Clan/Lineage Name] [Dynastic Name]. A Podrusan will tend to favor one name only when introducing themselves. Common examples:
Male: Malik Jandari Abunakar, Kaamil Azrin Talbariq, Omari Balshun Othmadi, Barnacles Jabulani Kubwa
Female: Samira Jandari Khediran, Raniya Hadari Zafran, Taziri Qashan Idramun, Fariha Emrani Khossuth
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