Dhuma (Doo-mah)

Nestled within the cradle of the Zandari Mountains and caressed by the enigmatic Lustra Marr sea lies the Desert Kingdom of Dhuma. While its name might conjure images of an arid and lifeless expanse, Dhuma is a land of surprising diversity and untold wonders. Its tapestry of culture, terrain, and peoples is as intricate as the carvings on an ancient temple wall.

The Varied Landscape:

Dhuma defies expectations at every turn. Near the meandering rivers and along the generous coast, the land bursts forth with fertility. Lush, vibrant farmlands extend as far as the eye can see, nurtured by the life-giving waters. To the east, the rugged Zandari Mountains and their karsts yield precious ores and gemstones, coveted treasures that fuel the kingdom's wealth.
The coastal regions, locked in an eternal embrace with either desert or mountain, are home to bustling port cities, their spires reaching toward the heavens. These cities are the lifeblood of trade, their docks teeming with merchants from distant lands, exchanging goods and tales under the watchful gaze of Dhuma's leaders.

Major Cities

Karnak: The largest port city, known for its towering spires and bustling markets. Karnak is a melting pot of cultures, with merchants from across Tanaria exchanging goods and tales under the watchful gaze of Dhuma's leaders.
Ankhora: Situated at the delta of one of Dhuma's major rivers, Ankhora is the nation's capital. It is renowned for its fertile lands and serves as the administrative and cultural heart of Dhuma.
Kha'Zadun: Home to the Arelian Keep and the Order of Arelian. This city is a center of learning and magic, where new recruits come to train and the Order's headquarters are situated.

The Mirage of the Western Desert:

Stretching like an endless sea of golden grains to the west, the desert is both a barrier and a realm of fascination. While it is vast and arid, seemingly inhospitable, settlements cluster around oases like jewels in the sand. These vital water sources make trade and travel possible, their presence a testament to the resilience of Dhuma's inhabitants.

A Mosaic of Inhabitants:

The people of Dhuma, like the land itself, defy stereotypes. Orcs, humans, Leonin and numerous reptilian races call this kingdom their home. Yet, it is the Orcs and Leonin who stand at the helm, their clans dividing the land into territories. Leadership in Dhuma is earned through combat, and it's a position that knows no bounds of gender or race. This ever-shifting leadership complicates alliances with other kingdoms, as no one can predict how long a ruler will maintain their throne.

Leadership and Governance

Election Games: Dhuma's leaders are chosen through rigorous Election games, where individuals from any race can prove their strength, intelligence, and leadership abilities. This system ensures that the kingdom's ruler is the most capable, regardless of their background.
Council of Elders: A council consisting of representatives from various races and factions advises the leader, ensuring that all voices are heard in the governance of Dhuma.

The Rhythm of Change:

Dhuma thrives on its dichotomies. Nomadic Orcish traditions, merge seamlessly with the more sedentary Leonin warrior culture. These alternating powers result from trials of strength and intelligence, each leader bringing their unique vision to the throne. This shifting dynamic keeps the kingdom in a perpetual state of transformation, as the values, traditions, and priorities of the realm pivot with each new reign.

A Land of Mysteries and Conundrums:

As the scorching sun sets over the dunes and the enigmatic Lustra Marr Sea caresses its shores, Dhuma remains a kingdom where secrets whisper through the desert winds. Its diversity, ever-changing leadership, and the enigmatic meeting of desert and sea continue to make it a land of intrigue, where the next oasis may hold treasure or trial, and the shifting sands guard secrets known only to the dunes.
In Dhuma, life is a dance between light and shadow, just as the kingdom itself is a harmonious blend of contrasts, a realm where tradition meets innovation, and the echoes of history reverberate through the corridors of time.

Key Historical Events

The Unification of Dhuma: The historic alliance that formed the foundation of the kingdom, merging orcish and Leonin societies.
The Great Drought: A period that tested Dhuma's resilience, leading to innovations in irrigation and water management.
The Trade Wars: Conflicts over control of key trade routes and resources.

Demography and Population

Orcs: 30%, Goblins: 20%, Humans: 15%, Ailouron (Tabaxi): 12%, Leonin: 10%, Gnolls: 8%, Avenarii: 4%, Other Races: 1%

22 births per 1,000 individuals annually, 14 deaths per 1,000 individuals annually

"In Unity, Strength; In Shadows, Wisdom."

Maps

• 

  Karnak

  Karnak, the largest and most vibrant port city in the Kingdom of Dhuma, stands as a testament to the realm's rich tapestry of peoples and cultures. Nestled along the shores of the Lustra Marr Sea, Karnak is a bustling hub of trade and commerce, serving as a gateway to distant lands and the heart of the kingdom's economic activity.
• 

  Dhuma

  While its name might conjure images of an arid and lifeless expanse, Dhuma is a land of surprising diversity and untold wonders.

General Information

Name
Dhuma
Alternative Name(s)
N/A
Terrain
Arid, Desert, Low Mountains, River Islands, Wetlands, Kharst

Location

Tanatia, Material Plane
Points of Interest
Ankhora
Karnak
Arelian

Founding Date

Approximately 1,200 years ago

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom

Alternative Names

The Desert Jewel, The Sunlit Sands

Demonym

Dhumans

Leader

Rahek

Head of Government

Rahek

Government System

Monarchy, Elective

Economic System

Mixed economy

Major Exports

• Gold
• Silk
• Spices
• Artwork
• Medicinal herbs

Major Imports

• Spices
• Precious gems
• Exotic fruits
• Fine textiles

Official Languages

• Avarkesh

Related Traditions

• Dhuman Election Games
• The Great Caravan

Controlled Territories

• Ankhora
• Ashara Desert
• Zar'rak Mesas

Neighboring Nations

• Eouma
• Kamulos
• Necai
• Skölna

Related Species

• Avenarii
• Gnoll
• Human
• Leonin
• Orc

Related Historical Events

• 500 HE
  The Great Schism
• 493 HE
  The Peace Accord with the Desert Tribes
• 482 HE
  The Border Wars
• 468 HE
  The Western Invasion
• 458 HE
  The Diplomatic Treaties
• 447 HE
  The Coalition War
• 444 HE
  The Peaceful Annexation

Key Locations

Arelian Keep: Located in Kha'Zadun, this fortress is the headquarters of the Order of Arelian. It is a place of training, strategy, and magical research.
The Grand Bazaar of Karnak: The heart of commerce in Dhuma, where traders from across the kingdom and beyond come to buy and sell goods.
The Royal Palace in Ankhora: The seat of power for the ruling leader, a magnificent structure that symbolizes the unity and strength of Dhuma.

Allies

Order of Arelian

100

Dhuma

100

Friendly

Dhuma

85

Kamulos

75

Friendly, Peace Treaty

Eouma

70

Dhuma

70

Conditional Recognition

Crusader's Alliance

45

Dhuma

33

Because rulers change frequently through combat or challenge, formal agreements often lapse or require renegotiation.
Alliance agents assigned to Dhuma are trained in cultural adaptability and often work solo or in pairs to avoid being seen as a foreign force.

Story Hooks and Adventures

The Missing Caravan: A vital trade caravan has disappeared in the Zandari Mountains, and the players are hired to find it and recover its valuable cargo.
The Throne in Turmoil: With the recent death of the ruler, the Election games are underway. The players must navigate the political intrigue and perhaps influence the outcome.
The Ancient Relic: An ancient artifact believed to be hidden in the Crystal Caves could shift the balance of power in Dhuma. The players must find it before rival factions do.
The Curse of the Oasis: Strange occurrences at the Oasis of Shimmering Sands have locals believing it is cursed. The players must uncover the truth and put the spirits to rest.
The Rise of a New Leader: The players can participate in or support a candidate in the Election games, facing challenges that test their strength, intelligence, and leadership skills.