Salimstan
"Enterprise is our goal, progress is our motto, and success is our way of life. In Salimstan you make it big, and then you get to decide how to use your money. I, personally, am a big fan of guns!"
-Samir Al Hayid
Intro
Salimstan is not one nation, but a collection of merchant kingdoms and theocracies, most of which are run by caliphs. Salimstan has diverse culture and inhabitants thanks to the variety of territories within, and the region maintains importance on the global stage.Geography
Salimstan is located directly east of the Crown Ocean and takes up the majority of its continent, the rest of which belongs to The Farvian Magocracy. The continent holds a small sea that connects to the Crown Ocean, known as the Sea of Spices. The most influential territories border this sea.The majority of Salimstan is close to the equator and is thus blisteringly hot. Much of the region is desert with small ranges of mountains sprinkled throughout. A number of rivers run through the region, the majority of which come from Salim Qima, Heaven's Mountain - the tallest mountain in the world, which is in the centre of the desert's most desolate region.
History
Salimstinian history stretches back well over 2000 years. The first Salimstinians were supposedly the descendants of dao, who had come over from the plane of elemental earth because they were outclassed by other elementals. The dao each established their own territories and took rulership before most either died or were driven out - at least that's the myth. The influence of elemental earth can still be seen in the region today, so it's likely that there's some truth in it, but some Salimstinian territories have histories that conflict with this story.For a long time, many Salimstinians have been deeply religious, primarily devoting their faith towards Cyrill, Goddess of Fortune, Arket, Goddess of Misfortune, & Zarkina, Goddess of Wrath. The centre of Religion in Salimstan is Saldata. it is an ancient tradition to make pilgrimages to Saldata as a show of faith.
Regions
Salimstan is divided into many smaller regions, each ruled by a caliph, merchant king, or high priest. Each holds unique culture and a primary focus in trade. Those listed below are only a few from many, and others of equal relevance exist.Kilsabar
Kilsabar is a region on the southern coast of Salimstan, a couple of hundred miles south overseas are The Chixualtl Wilds. Kilsabar is the seat of earth elemental power in Salimstan. The region is run by a council of dao who keep a tight grip on the populace. Dao ancestry is a sign of pride within Kilsabar, so earth gensai are commonplace, and even most humans have some elemental blood in them. Some such humans have rocklike growths on their bodies, which are taken as a sign of fortune and power.Dantari
The Dantari region is located far inland just south of Salim Qima. Dantari is ruled by a merchant king and trades primarily in high-quality furs and woodwork. Despite being landlocked, it is known for its exceedingly strong navy. Questions have arisen if there's foreign influence that has led to the navy growing that strong, but rumours are only rumours.Elkeen
Elkeen is on Salimstan's northwestern coastline. It is known as the beauty capital of the world for its primary exports: makeup, jewelry, fine cloth, and other such products. Its capital city (also Elkeen) is one of the richest in the world as nobles and diplomats swarm to it.Elkeen's caliph has recently set out a bounty: the first man to give him 10,000,000 gp can have his daughter's hand in marriage, no questions asked. This has set a fire in the hearts of Elkeenian merchants and pirates alike, who pursue the goal with reckless abandon.
Melkhul
Melkhul is the largest region that borders the Sea of Spices, taking up the majority of the east bank. Unsurprisingly, it is known for its spice trade. It is said that the best spices in the world are produced within its borders, but the best stock is never traded despite how profitable it would be. This is because most Melkhuli people have a crippling addiction to spice, thanks to the trace amounts of narcotics laced in spice made there to keep customers coming.Saldata
Saldata is the theocratic capital of Salimstan. It is a small inland territory surrounded by mountains and with a river flowing through it. A single city (also Saldata) runs along the river, but all the temples and places of religious worship are half a day's travel or more away from the city. It's important that one shows dedication to giving prayer in Saldata, and each week on Solaris most of the city closes to go on journeys to the places of worship.Inhabitants
Salimstan is inhabited by a mixture of humans, gensai, and tieflings, with tieflings taking up by far the smallest proportion, and humans taking up by far the largest. Humans and gensai are generally found in the south, often closer to coastlines and rivers. Conversely, tieflings, usually immigrants from Farvia, are more northern, usually sticking to mountainous regions and further from central Salimstinian society.In addition, a number of earth elementals inhabit the region - some as citizens, some as outlanders, some as threats.
Culture
Salimstinian culture widely varies from region to region, but one commonality is the prevalence of wealth. Salimstan is well off on a bad day and filthy rich on the rest, and this has become a core aspect of culture. Jewelry and fine clothing are a necessity for business, and those without are often treated as common thieves. It often isn't about superiority, it's simply a way of being for many Salimstinians.Another commonality in Salimstinian culture is an enterprising, sportsmanlike attitude. There are no societal expectations, but many people have reasonable ambitions. When a good opportunity is presented people will jump on it. Unlike in Farvia, this is accompanied by respect for competitors and others with conflicting interests. The less often people step on each other's toes, the more everybody profits - at least in theory.
Founding Date
N/A
Demonym
Salimstinian
Currency
Quimas
Neighboring Nations
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