Aljahim
The encampment was silent and still in the cold air of evening even as Jabir staggered back to it. Most of its inhabitants were still resting in their tents, oblivious of the conflict that had taken place not two hundred paces away from their hideaway. The canvases of the protective structures were barely noticeable against the shifting shrubs and sands. Only the occasional shifting wind jostled the fabric, creating a fault in its illusion of the landscape. The shiftweave had been worth its weight in gold, even if Jabir wouldn’t be caught dead speaking the words aloud.
Jabir sighed, gripping tightly at his wounded side, returning his attention back to his post. He had been awake for close to four hours. He looked out over the dunes, continuing to move away from the upturned sand and now lifeless corpse bleeding into the sand. The boy had been alone, lightly armored and young. Foreign. He had been capable with a blade, and his presence meant that his company was close enough for Jabir to have to wake Fatima. Jabir took his shaking hand away from his side, and looked down at the cut that the other had left. He spat in the corpse's direction. At least this time the blade hadn’t been poisoned. Second scout in as many weeks. Dogged, greedy bastards. He dug the hilt of his sword into the ground near his feet, and allowed himself a very soft groan of tiredness and pain.
The sun was only just setting. Its golden light faded upward into a deep red that stained the clouds. Its rays painted the sands with warm pink and orange hues, even as they slowly began to cool with the coming of the evening. Jabir took a step back, moving to the largest of the tents. He took a breath to gather himself and rasped the knuckles of his free hand against the wood of the support beam. He was rewarded almost immediately with tired and soft hum. He entered at the noise, averting his eyes to the left on instinct.
The lanterns and rugs that greeted him would have been shocking to his senses, had he not grown accustomed to the colors of the setting sun. Yellows, greens, blues, and reds were vibrant enough to catch at his downcast gaze, and despite his pain, he had to fight against the small but upward quirk to his lips. Fatima had always favored bolder decorations and colorations, just as she favored making more striking and brash decisions.
“Fatima,” His call of her name was gruff enough to rouse her. Fatima blinked, her gaze sharpening as the remnants of sleep left her and the blankets pooling around her waist. There was a moment where she just looked at him, taking in the blood and his wounded side. Her metallic scales glinted in the dim and flickering candlelight of the lamps. Shadows shifted as Fatima reached over to a nearby bag. After rummaging for a moment, she immediately offered a dusty but intact glass bottle, filled with glinting red liquid. Jabir stared down at her.
“We have very few potions left.” He said, though the tone of his voice was weak. He felt his gaze sticking to the bottle, and his side pulsed in pain, in time with his heartbeat.
Fatima leveled him with a look. “We have enough, dearie, and we will be able to get more at the next town over. We need you to be in tip-top shape, especially now-a-days, no?” Her gaze was kind, even as she wiggled the vial in front of him, taunting.
With what funds? The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he knew better than to try to argue against her. If Fatima said that they had the gold, then it was not his place to disagree. He uncorked the potion, and downed it in a rush. He winced as he felt the flesh of his abdomen knit together and scab over. Fatima allowed him a steadying breath before she cleared her throat.
“I will assume, from your demeanor, that you killed them, Darling?” There was an uncharacteristic edge to her voice, and a tiredness to her eyes. A smile played at her lips, but it was a shadow without emotion tied to it.
“There was only one. A boy.”
Fatima started to dress, wrapping herself in her outer clothes and scarves. A spectral hand began to pack her bags with an airy wave of her fingers, even as she turned her attention back to him. “Did he have colors?”
“None that I could find. A scout, most likely.”
Fatima hummed, “In daytime? They have to be camped close by, then. ‘Lest he die of thirst before finding us. The Grand Caliph of Brass is getting desperate, it seems. Did he have any distinguishing characteristics?”
“Fair-skinned, well-muscled. His arms were of good quality. He spoke Imperial Common.”
There was another hum, soft and considering. “One of the Whelp’s then?” She shook her head. “No matter, we will head to the east the moment the sun sets. Hadil’s group is already planning to meet us at Nevra’s Respite. I’ll send word to Omar’s tribe as well.”
Jabir blinked. “You plan to fight?” He had to force his gaze to remain forward. Their tribe only numbered close to thirty. Less than twenty of those were trained in combat. Only four of those were even remotely trained in magic, with two being still children. Jabir gritted his teeth. The Lich’s corruption had run strong in recent years, and last he had heard, the Gold Company alone had two divisions stationed in the City of Brass.
“Not unless our hand is forced.” Fatima sighed, picking up her bag. “Alert the rest of the encampment, we will move within the hour. I refuse to give the Golden Whelp or his men the satisfaction of finding our encampment.”
“And the corpse?”
“Leave it. We are far enough out from the rivers that there is a chance for it to rise. Blessed be the Prophet’s wanderings. Let the Whelp cut down the husks of his own men, if he and his employer are so intent on having a conflict.” Fatima’s gaze was dark, echoing the finality of the words, even as she exited the tent. As always, Jabir followed after her.
Structure
Aljahim is not a unified land. Instead, the country is more akin to a loosely connected confederation of city states that are ruled over by Sultans of varying rank and power. The Grand Caliph, who rules the City of Brass, the capital of Aljahim, also nominally lords over the vast array of Sultans. The Grand Caliph is aided and advised by a group of mages called the Dayira, who are responsible for communicating with a being by the name of the Prophet. This Prophet is considered the mouthpiece of Hubal, the ancient God of Aljahim. Those who previously were granted the title of Prophet were often encouraged to cover their features with gilded masks, to help them separate their current self from their more mortal pasts.
A Representation of One of the Previous Prophets.
The Prophet also heads and and communicates with a extra-judicial guild called the Painted Ones, who act as an insurance of Hubal's will.Culture
There are two main cultural groups in Aljahim. The first is most typically found in its city states. Devout and hearty, these mercantile folk are typically welcoming of newcomers and are most often constrained to the sea-side cities. There are few areas of sustained growth in Alhajim, and even fewer farmlands. What farms that exist remain nestled within the few remaining green oases banked along the once famous river deltas, and are considered areas of mysticism and vitality. Regardless, a large portion of Aljahim's food is outsourced from other regions of Orbem. Mercantilism and trade, thus, are considered precious to the law-abiding folks of Aljahim.
The City of Brass, Alhajim's Capital City, Ruled over by the Grand Caliph
The same cannot be said of some of the tribesmen. The other main cultural group of Aljahim comes in the form of nomadic tribal communities that are often found travelling from one oasis to another. Some of these tribes are mercantile and nomadic by choice. These select few are valued for bringing grain, salt, and luxury goods from one city state to another. However, others are forced onto the wanderer's path. These tribes are those led by the few last remaining individuals granted magic by the Lady of Brass. Known by their scales, they hide in the oases and attack merchant caravans and guards alike. They fight against any and all that consider themselves devotees to Hubal. They are known as bandits and barbarians, and are considered incredibly dangerous for their magical capabilities.Public Agenda
Aljahim is a land that is heavily focused around magics, and the advancement or attaining of magic. Almost all of the Sultans who rule the vast array of cities are capable mages, with capable martial partners. The few Sultans that are not magically inclined are often the qana, or non-magical combative partners of mages. They often have to rely on the power of these partnered mages to compete with neighboring city-states.
Children who exhibit magical talent are provided with state-sponsored schooling from their respective city state. During these formative years, they are often paired with other, non-magically inclined children, in the hopes that they will bond and form a traditional qana bond. These bonds are thought to allow the children to have access to more powerful magics, should they learn how to channel the will and vitality of their respective partner into their spells. Those that do not pair off with another but are still shown to excel are typically taken to the City of Brass for further training, and often become diplomats. These diplomats often travel to other regions of Orbem, gathering magical knowledge and arcane secrets. These capable mages return to Aljahim and report their findings to the Dayira, who then supposedly report back to the Prophet. The most promising of the paired mages are kept within the City of Brass, and are often taken as apprentices of the Dayira.
Sultan Fikriyah Abdi, with her husband and Qana Partner, Qadir Abdi
The only mages that are looked upon with terror and fear are the few remains of the Brass Lady's enlightened chosen. These last few remnants are believed to have been corrupted by their Architect's death. They channel the purple fires that had been first created at the remains of their Lady's altar, and often found leading bands of nomadic wanderers. These tribes are considered to be barbaric by the civilized folk of Aljahim, and often take to raiding trade caravans of merchants heading to the City of Brass.Assets
Aljahim's assets are split, with each of the city states spawning and containing a portion of the trade wealth. However even within these contraints, the City of Brass is one of the richest regions in all of Orbem, matching places with Edelstein and Gravenwall. The wealth of the city brings Aljahim international attention, and allows for it to cater to wealthy travelers and mercenary groups.
Outside of the city limits, there are countless ruins which are reported to contain near priceless draconic and Jotnar artifacts. These ruins are often areas of interest of diggers, with specific groups often taking months, if not years, to explore and plunder each ruin.
History
If the legends are to be believed, the land of Aljahim was once a fertile crescent, centered around a collection of river deltas that crawled their way down from the fecund waters of the Golden Strait, toward the center of the land mass. According to tales, the land was once ruled over by the Lady of Brass and her favored consort, Xandolin the Bronze. These dragons, Architects of Man, were worshipped as gods throughout the Mystic Age. Led by the Lady of Brass, they defended the land once the Jotnar came to the world of Orbem. Aljahim, reportedly, was one of the few that did not fall to the might of the Jotnar. However, legends say that the Lady of Brass was weakened during her repeated defenses of the land.
With this weakness, came apathy or, perhaps, resentment. Corruption seeped into the land. In the centuries following the departure of the Jotnar from Orbem, the rivers of Aljahim dried. Droughts plagued the lands, as the yearly floods abated. Crops that had flourished for millennia failed. Peasants and lords alike began to suffer as the land itself began to shrivel and strain to support itself. Mortals pleaded for salvation, for absolution and respite from these trials. Yet the Lady of Brass turned from them, deaf and uncaring for the lives of unblessed mortals. Despite their cries, she remained in her hold within the city, unmoved and uncaring.
From the death and decay, a savior arose. A mage without scales, or family, or name, rose to fight against the uncaring Architect that allowed for their land to crumble and fade. In one hand, he wielded the golden staff of his starved village's elder, an instrument of grace and unity. On his hip, he carried his dead father's sword, an instrument designed not for vengeance, but for justice. The boy from nothing rallied those that survived, and marched on the City of Brass, where the Lady awaited with her chosen. For three days and two nights, he fought against her, with magic and righteous fury. Those who traveled with him clashed against those that the Lady of Brass had 'enlightened'. Even the spirits of the dead that the Lady had refused to aid came bolster the youth in his sleepless conflict. The dead channeled the memories of their vitality into the boy, and fought to drain the Lady of what little remained of her power.
An Artist's Rendition of the Conflict Between the Boy that was Fated to Become Hubal and the Lady of Brass
At the end of the third day, the boy struck the Lady down with both staff and sword. He removed her blackened heart from her remains. With his final breath and a great heave, he cast the heart into the fires of the alter that the Lady of Brass's worshipers kept burning for her. With this act, and the Lady's death, the boy ascended. He became more than his mortal shell could keep contained. Something more majestic that even mortals could comprehend. So it was that Hubal, the Created One, the Just and Divine, was born from the ashes of his former mortal shell.
Hubal ruled the remains of the land that the Lady had allowed to rot and decay. He fought and killed Xandolin the Bronze when the other heard of what had happened to his Matriarch. Hubal kept the Brass's and Bronze's bones in the grand structures that had once been their temples, and watched as the fires of the Lady's alters faded from her vibrant bronze to a decrepit purple. He ascended the stairs of the Lady's Hold, and accepted the weight that would come from ruling a scarred land that would never be able to forget. Habal made it his mission to guide the lands of Aljahim, no matter the costs. Despite the scars, the death, and the now lifeless sand, Hubal vowed that Aljahim would last eternal.
Thus Aljahim has remained, unbroken yet unhealed. Thus Aljahim has continued, with none but the land's very god contesting the rule of Death.Demography and Population
The vast majority of Aljahim's population is human, though a few of the city states are more diverse than others. Port cities like those of Lupe, Jun, and Laiq-Lail are known to have a higher dwarven and gnomish population, as well as a relatively high population of half-elves.
Tieflings or Devil-Kins are also known to have a larger presence in Aljahim, especially when compared to the populations of the more Church-focused nation. Tieflings are seen as creatures of commodity, and are often kidnapped or sold as slaves in the markets of Aljahim. However, those that remain free are allowed to travel in relative peace and comfort, especially when compared to the nations of Cador or Florin.
Aljahim is also one of two main governments in Orbem that allow and trade in slaves. Unlike the Zau'ber Empire, which limits its trade to those not of the Tree, Aljahim has no such reservations. Of the Aljahimian population, close to 30 percent are slaves. Seventy percent of these individuals were born into slavery, and many serve as either household servants, or dock-hands. Most are human, however, there are also higher percentiles of halflings, gnomes, and even rare races, such as Devil-Kin.
Territories
Most of Aljahim is an inhabitable desert wasteland, with the majority of its cities and habitable regions being clustered near to either the surrounding seas or the once fertile river deltas. These regions are often heavily sought after and fought for by the ruling Sultans. However, there are also ruins and forgotten temples in the interior of Alhajim, signifying that the land might once have been more hospitable than it currently is. Sultans often take to hiring brave Diggers and mercenary groups to scout these regions and plunder what riches they can find. However, very few take to actually laying claim over these buildings, instead letting the sand of time retake the once historical landmarks.
An Sketch of a Palace, Taken by the Sands, drawn by a Digger of the Aden Expedition.
Within the deserts of Aljahim, there are also small pockets of oases and fertile lands, that a few of the Sultans have claims over. However, these parcels of habitable land are often very loosely guarded, if at all. Many of the Sultans have learned that having the lands guarded tend to lead to said regions quickly fall to attacks from the hostile Tribesmen.Military
The vast majority of of Aljhahimian soldiers are trained as pikemen and archers. However, Aljahim is also known for its mounted combative practices and its unique mages. In history and legends, tales have been recorded of bonded mages and charioteers. The armored charioteers would weave in and out of combatant lines, allowing for their mage partners to cast powerful spells at the undefended back ranks of their enemies. Legends reported that the charioteers were able to transfer portions of their life force to their mage partners, in order to help them power spells. Though chariots fell out of favor as the years progressed, in accordance to tradition, Aljahimian mages still tend to be paired off with a protective and capable martial adept, who are bequeathed the title of qana. These partnerships are considered vital and almost sacred, especially to the elite within Aljahim. They are not easily broken, and to attack one of a pair is tantamount to attacking the other. Such offenses often draw whole families into decades' long blood feuds.
On a broader scale, each of the Sultans tend to have a small standing army that they utilize to threaten and fight their neighboring city states. The City of Brass has one of the largest standing armies, and has the largest number of mages under the Grand Caliph's control. However, most of these men are kept to the main trading routes, and interiors of the city states.
Following the Long War, the Grand Caliph took to recruiting Imperial mercenary companies in order to fight against the tribesmen and barbarians. These companies tend to ascribe to three to ten year contracts, and are often hosted within their respective city states, when not on campaign.
Religion
Aljahim's main form of worship comes as the people's devotion to Hubal. The religion came to prominence following the Fall of the Lady of Brass, and has kept a firm hold on the majority of the population through the Summer Age, into the Age of Man.
The religion is helmed by the Prophet, the mortal mouth that Hubal utilizes to communicate with the people. Every generation or so, a new Prophet is chosen by the Hubal, and undergoes a mystical process by which they accept a portion of Hubal's essence into their consciousness. After this communion with the god, the Prophet is mandated to break all of their earthly ties. It is thought that these former connections and relationships might otherwise tether the newly-made Prophet to more earthly desires or might otherwise bias them. Oftentimes, the Prophet is chosen from the most promising of the Dayira, however, occasionally the Hubal reaches out to the general populous to find his next chosen. Regardless of their previous station in life, the new Prophet is brought to the City of Brass. After three days and two nights of ceremony, the Prophet is then allowed to wander between the city states of Aljahim, communing with both the land and their people.
While the Devoted of Hubal make up a vast majority of the population, there is also a sizable part of the population that also provides worship to the Lords of Good. This trend of combined worship is especially in the areas near enough to the Golden Strait, or in major trading cities.
A much smaller portion of the population on the outskirts of Aljahimian society refuses to worship Hubal. Instead, the tribesmen and nomadic clans remaining devout to the gods of old and the Architects of Man. These scattered and secretive groups still pray to the spirits of the Lady of Brass and Xandolin the Bronze, and look to their respective enlightened few as leaders of both their communities and religions.
Throughout the years, word has spread through these communities that the tale of Hubal is but a legend. These angry few point to the corrupted fires that now run through their veins, and shout that the change of colors and powers only manifested after the boy that would become Hubal desecrated and burned their Lady's heart in the remains of her own altar. They point to the corruption of the land, unnatural and twisted, and draw upon legends of forgotten necromantic practices capable of such destruction. A few brave few spit that the wandering Prophet might still be capable of such unholy and dangerous magics, and might be keeping the land in its decrepit state. They argue that the such is the reason why the Prophet never travels to the few remaining Oases, for both he and his master are fearful of what may occur if the ramifications of their powers are truly seen by the populous. It is for these heretical and disquieting beliefs that those enlightened by the Lady of Brass are still hunted by agents of Hubal.
Foreign Relations
Aljahim has close relations with the country of Florin, however the majority of its trading ties are based within the merchant houses of Zau'ber Empire. The majority of the wheat, cattle, and barley that the Aljahimian city states need to survive are imported from the Empire. In return, Imperial traders often return to the Jeweled City with Aljahimian coffee, diamonds, salt, and gold.
Since the end of the Long War, the increase in slave trade within the Empire has had numerous merchants and professionals looking toward the older Aljahimian practices as standards in the trade. However, tension does arise from the Empire at Aljahim's practice of enslaving the Races of the Tree. Even so, the Empire is willing to turn a blind eye to the majority of Aljahim's supposed indiscretions, and numerous Imperial-based mercenary companies travelled down to Aljahim in the wake of the Long War.
Florin and Aljahim have a more turbulent relationship when compared to that of the Empire and Aljahim. As neighbors, the two countries share the waterway of the Golden Strait, and numerous small skirmishes have been reported over the centuries centered around trading rights and fishing areas. Aljahim's slaving practices are also abhorrent to the far less tolerant Florin, whose has the closest ties to the Church in Orbem. Despite these issues, the two nations have been known to support one another, in times of great peril or strain. During the time period of the Great Drought, the small kingdoms and tribes that would one day make up the Republic of Florin were recorded to have sent numerous trading and and relief vessels to aid the Lady of Brass's people. During the first floundering years of Florin's foundations as an independent Republic, Aljahim acted as their main trading partner and source of financial support.
Finally, among almost all the nations of Orbem, Aljahim is known as a center of great knowledge and mysticism. Every year, numerous diplomats and scholars are sent out from Aljahim, to be hosted at many of Orbem's Courts and great cities. These scholars are known for their tact and cunning; they attempt to gather as much information and knowledge as they can regarding arcane and magical innovations. It is reported that they then bring these learned bits information and magical knowledge back to the City of Brass and the awaiting Prophet.
May the Just Rule Eternal
Founding Date
80 SR
Type
Geopolitical, Magocracy
Capital
Alternative Names
The Desert of Brass, The Blighted Lands
Demonym
Aljahimian
Head of Government
Government System
Theocracy
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Currency
Aljahim has a nationally minted currency, comprised of differing sized gold-based coins. Their most expensive coin is called 'the Lady', and is a large gold coin rimmed in brass plating.
Most of the city-states, especially those along the sea-front take foreign coins at a relatively equal rate.
Legislative Body
While each of the Sultans control the laws and foundations of each of their city states, they all bow to the authority of the Prophet. Any law or ruling that the Prophet provides is then made into a mandate for each of the city-states. Following the steps of the Prophet, the Dayira travel freely to each of the city states on a near yearly basis, seemingly at random. While on these Journeys, the Dayira provide the Prophet's updates to the codes and mandates to the Sultans. If a city is found to not be following the previously provided mandates, the Sultans in question are at risk for trial, expulsion, or execution. The Sultans know that Hubal's Painted Ones watch their actions, and will respond accordingly to perceived betrayal.
Judicial Body
The Dayira carry the laws spoken by the Prophet to the Sultan, and the Sultans are officially placed in charge of making certain that the populous of their city follow the provided rules. While the Sultans and their courts have all official authority, a shadow looms behind their glinting courts, ever watching.
The Painted Ones are an elite force loyal only to the Prophet, who met out any justice that the Prophet would deem needed. These judges and assassins work by night and shadow, and it is rare for them to ever be accurately identified. They were given the moniker of 'Painted Ones' due to the arcane-wrought tattoos that lace along their whole bodies. It is thought that these elite few are carefully selected from each new group of mages and their qana that arrive at the City of Brass for future training. These individuals are taken before the Prophet, and are crafted into weapons fit to met out needed justice. The trials and tribulations that the pairs have to undergo in order to become Painted Ones is not known, but the name of the group alone is only spoken as a reverent whisper.
One of the Painted Ones, Channeling Arcane Power Through their Tattoos
It is assumed that while the Dayira have access to the word of the Prophet, the Painted Ones have a connection to the other being, just as the Prophet is connected to Hubal. Thus, it is assumed that their bringing of justice and retribution trumps that of even the will of the Dayira.
Deities
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities
Peaceful
The Empire and Aljahim have a mutually beneficial trade relationship, with much of Aljahim's food being imported from Imperial lands. In return, the merchants of the Empire return to their homeland with priceless artifacts, coffee, incense, gold, and gems. Quite a few prominent mercenary bands have traveled from the Empire to Aljahim in search of well-paying work.
Tense, but Non-aggressive
The Florin Republic and Aljahim have a tense relationship that goes back many centuries. Numerous squabbles have taken place over the waters of the Golden Strait and Aljahim's slaving practices. However, Alhajim is too profitable a trading partner for the Florins to discredit completely. The two still trade heavily with one another, with the Florins taking coffee, incense, arcane innovations, and gems in exchange for food, anti-mage technologies, and alcohols.
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