The Holy Land
Nioyaathep is comprised of the great desert and mountains in the western hemisphere of Nora. This land was originally claimed by
Sturn in the Age of Creation as he favored heat and open spaces. He also believed that the harshness of the area would lead to his Rise becoming a hardy and thrifty folk as they adapted to the climate. When the
Dahlen were created, it did not take them long to begin spreading out to each corner of the desert and populating the area. After the gift of Magick to the Dahlen, this progress was multiplied.
Despite the Sundering caused by
Larael Shimmerweave and Zuberi Thokh, Nioyaathep remains the largest nation in the world. It is believed that the Dahlen are now only outnumbered by Humans as the large populace has now thrived in the desert. The great Sands of Sturn keep the cities separate from one another to where each has developed its individuality. From the great temples of the capital city of
Bakison to the formidable keep of
Enomenolhi, down to the simple fishing village of Noyacki, each city has a unique air and architecture about it to keep the vibrant Dahlen culture alive. If there is one thing that keeps them together, however, it is the zealous worship of their creator gods that they are so well-known for.
Religion comes first in life for most Dahlen and Nioyaathep display this well. Their homeland is referred to by them as 'The Holy Land' to symbolize just how important the great desert and their creators are to them. Sturn is believed to have been born in
Nyopothep alongside his brother
Firna, and
Dahlia was said to be discovered in Neimahei.
Anenoyte is also believed to be where
Nora originally rested her head when she created this world. Nearly every city in Nioyaathep, different as they may be, was founded out of a religious purpose and a love for their favored gods.
The Great Desert
The Sands of Sturn that make up the majority of Nioyaathep is also referred to as the Great Desert by many Risen as it is by and far the largest throughout all of Nora. The harsh sandy winds, the overwhelming heat from the midday sun, and the variety of deadly beasts within all make it nearly unapproachable to outsiders. Dahlen, however, welcome the challenge that their homeland gives them and often treat it as a continuous test from Sturn and Dahlia to prove they are worthy of calling this place home. Many of them make pilgrimages on foot and without assistance to prove themselves to their gods. If they are to die on these journeys, it is the gods' will.
Magickal Beasts and Risen found throughout the desert also make for their trouble. The
Nehebek, large sand serpents easily able to swallow a Risen whole, can be felt coming through the ground long before they can be seen. The seemingly safe shadows of large sand dunes are often the hiding spots for great Dune Scorpions lying in ambush. If proper tribute is not paid, the mysterious
Shasreel are also known to take the lives of passersby under the desert sun. The Sands of Sturn is also no stranger to bandits; much more willing to prey upon the weary travelers of the desert.
Despite the dangers present and the common mocking of outsiders, visitors are very welcome in Nioyaathep, provided that they come in peace. The Dahlen believe that those Risen who are able to make their way across the desert have survived Sturn and Dahlia's trials and should be welcome in their cities. The words of local citizens may be harsh, but they will often provide food and shelter to foreigners within the cities. Outsiders are still expected to partake in the regular temple visits where the locals hope to make converts out of them in time.
A Life of Ritual and Celebration
Having Ascended from a Risen into godhood,
Mortair is the third favored god of the Dahlen. Her notable work was the creation of religious rituals which now have made their way into every church and temple throughout the world. Dahlen in particular have embraced these more than any other Risen. Citizens of Nioyaathep are expected to visit their local temple daily, with the exception of a single rest day falling on Midsday each week. Each temple in Nioyaathep hosts rituals regularly, offering devoted worship and great sacrifices to the Dahlen gods.
Nioyaathep is home to a great number of festivals celebrated by its citizens throughout the year. The most prolific would be the
Festival of the Black Solstice held in Bakison to celebrate the annual eclipse on the summer solstice. Others include the Night of Dahlen Ascension, celebrating where Mortair became the first Dahlen to ascend to godhood, and the Birth of Serpents, commemorating the day Sturn was given to the world. All of these festivals are taken very seriously despite the joyous atmosphere they bring. Nioyaathep citizens are expected to take part in the festivities; merchants found abstaining are known to have their stalls and stores ransacked by those partaking in the festival.
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