Nubindi

Rania moved through the bustling market of Zahir, her eyes keenly observing the stalls overflowing with spices, silks, and handcrafted goods. The air was filled with the rich scents of cumin and incense, blending with the murmurs of the crowd. Adjusting her headscarf, she made her way to the spice merchant’s stand, her thoughts drifting to the tales of Rashida her grandmother once told.
As she reached the stall, a tapestry caught her eye, its intricate patterns depicting the story of Rashida guiding a soul through the underworld. The merchant, noticing her interest, leaned in with a soft smile. "A beautiful piece, isn't it? They say Rashida still walks among us, watching over her faithful."
A raven's caw rang out, drawing Rania's gaze upwards. She felt a chill despite the heat, remembering the stories of gods and spirits. Paying for her spices, she offered a nod of thanks and turned to leave. "Be careful," the merchant whispered. "Dark things stir in the shadows." Rania nodded, her heart quickening as she disappeared back into the throng, mindful of the unseen dangers lurking in the city.

A People of Desert and Sea

The Nubindi hail from the vibrant city-states that fringe the edges of the Rashira Desert, where the arid sands meet the lush coastal regions. Known for their indomitable spirit, the Nubindi are a people of striking appearance and deep-rooted traditions, shaped by the harsh environment of their homeland and the bustling trade routes that traverse it.
Life among the Nubindi is a dance of contrasts, where the scorching desert sands collide with the verdant shores of their coastal cities. The city-states are lively hubs of trade and culture, where the wealthy Merchant Princes live in opulence while most Nubindi work tirelessly to make ends meet. Despite these challenges, the Nubindi are renowned for their warmth and generosity. To them, friendship is sacred; a bond that, once formed, is cherished and defended with unwavering loyalty.

Desert-Born Features

The Nubindi are known for their deep skin tones, ranging from rich bronze to dark ebony, with dark, expressive eyes that reflect the intensity of the desert sun. Their hair is typically curly or wavy, styled in ways that are both practical for the heat and indicative of their cultural heritage. Nubindi clothing is designed for the hot climate, featuring loose, flowing garments in vibrant colors, often adorned with intricate embroidery and jewelry that signify both social status and tradition.

Masters of Wealth and Power

In the bustling city-states of Rashira, power is not inherited through noble bloodlines but through the accumulation of vast wealth. The Merchant Princes, rulers of these cities, are not royalty by birth but by coin. Families that have amassed incredible fortunes over generations hold the reins of power, with their descendants inheriting both their riches and their status.
These Princes—whether men or women—live in opulence, their palatial homes filled with the finest silks, gold-trimmed furnishings, and rare artifacts from distant lands. Rising to the position of a Merchant Prince demands ruthless business acumen, shrewd alliances, and, at times, underhanded dealings. While rare, a newcomer can unseat an established family, creating a volatile political landscape where the pursuit of wealth is paramount.

Culture and Traditions

The Nubindi have a rich cultural heritage, where music, dance, and storytelling play a central role. Their festivals are vibrant, filled with the sounds of rhythmic drumming and melodic strings. Each celebration, whether joyous or solemn, is seen as a part of life's grand tapestry.
Music flows through the streets of Rashira like water through an oasis. Nubindi musicians are famed for their skill with traditional instruments such as the oud, a pear-shaped lute; the darbuka, a goblet drum; and flutes carved from desert reeds. These instruments accompany tales of love, loss, and heroism, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the Nubindi people.
Craftsmanship is highly valued among the Nubindi. Their artisans are renowned for creating exquisite tapestries, pottery, and jewelry, often embellished with symbols of their gods and tales from their folklore. These crafts are not merely decorative but serve as mediums for storytelling and cultural expression.

The Sacred Heart of Zahir

At the heart of Zahir stands the Grand Temple of Rashida, a towering structure carved from alabaster stone that glows in the desert sun. Its high domes and minarets rise like sentinels over the city, a constant reminder of Rashida’s watchful presence. Inside, the temple is a labyrinth of cool, shadowed halls and chambers, filled with the scent of incense and the soft murmur of prayers.
Here, priests and priestesses tend to sacred raven iconography, offering solace and guidance to those who seek Rashida’s protection. The temple is not just a place of worship but a sanctuary for the city’s weary souls, a bastion against the darkness lurking beyond its walls.

Society and Struggles

The bustling streets of Nubindi city-states are crowded and vibrant, but life is not without its hardships. The divide between the rich and poor is stark, and street gangs and urchins are a common sight. Conflicts between the city guard and the private forces of the Merchant Princes are frequent, as each faction vies for control over the city. In this environment, survival often depends on one's wit and resilience.
Despite these challenges, the Nubindi are tenacious and hardworking. From a young age, children learn the value of diligence and responsibility, helping with family businesses and chores. This work ethic is a source of pride, and many Nubindi take great satisfaction in their ability to provide for their families.

Magic and Mystery

Magic in Nubindi society is a subtle and often feared force. Those who possess magical abilities are viewed with a mix of awe and suspicion. Tales of necromancers and dark sorcerers are woven into Nubindi folklore, casting a long shadow over the practice of magic.
Beneath the sunlit streets and bustling markets of Nubindi cities lie shadowy corners where dark cults and secret societies whisper of forbidden magic and ancient powers. These groups, often led by rogue sorcerers or disillusioned clerics, operate in secret, conducting rituals that defy Rashida’s teachings and summon spirits from the abyss. The priests of Rashida wage a quiet war against these cults, rooting them out to maintain order and protect the people from malevolent forces.

The Spice of Life

Spice is the lifeblood of Nubindi commerce, a vibrant thread that weaves through every aspect of their culture and economy. Caravans laden with saffron, cinnamon, and cumin cross the desert sands, making their way to bustling markets and grand bazaars where merchants haggle over prices and strike deals over cups of sweet tea. Spice is not just a commodity but a symbol of wealth and prosperity, a key ingredient in the flavorful cuisine that defines Nubindi hospitality.
Trade routes extend far beyond Rashira, connecting the Nubindi to distant lands and bringing exotic goods and ideas back to their vibrant cities.

Faith in Rashida

While not the center of everyday life, religion holds a significant place in Nubindi culture, particularly in times of danger or uncertainty. Rashida, the Raven Queen, is revered as a protector against the undead and other dark forces. Her temples are places of refuge and solace, where the faithful gather to seek protection and guidance.
The raven is a sacred symbol in Nubindi culture, believed to be a messenger of Rashida. It is taboo to harm a raven, and many Nubindi carry raven feathers as protective charms, believing they ward off evil spirits and misfortune. The teachings of Rashida emphasize the inevitability of death and the importance of living wisely to ensure a peaceful afterlife.

Language and Names

The Nubindi speak Rashi, a melodic and rhythmic language that reflects their rich history and culture. While Rashi shares some similarities with the Rashanni language of the desert tribes, it has its own distinct dialect and pronunciation, filled with poetic expressions and metaphors often used to convey deeper meanings in everyday conversation.
Male Names: Faris, Aziz, Jamal, Karim, Malik, Omar, Rafiq, Salah, Tariq, Zaki.
Female Names: Aisha, Fatima, Hana, Laila, Nadia, Rania, Salma, Yasmin, Zara, Zoya.
Family Names: Al-Farid, Haddad, Khalil, Hasan, Ali, Salah, Jamil, Rizk, Abdullah, Ibrahim.

Playing a Nubindi

To play a Nubindi is to embody a people shaped by the sun-scorched deserts, bustling city-states, and the deep traditions of a culture steeped in storytelling and faith. Whether you are a resourceful merchant, a cunning street rogue, or a devoted cleric of Rashida, your character carries the resilience and vibrancy of the Nubindi way of life.

Personality

Nubindi characters are pragmatic yet warm, deeply valuing friendship and loyalty. They are adaptable and quick-witted, traits born from thriving in a land of contrasts. They see beauty in life’s tapestry, blending practicality with an appreciation for art, music, and storytelling. Superstitions run strong, and many Nubindi hold fast to their beliefs in omens and the unseen.

Roleplaying a Nubindi

When roleplaying a Nubindi, consider how their cultural traits and traditions influence your actions:
Friendship is Sacred: A Nubindi’s word is a bond, and they defend their friends and allies fiercely. Trust is earned and highly valued.
Adaptability in Adversity: Whether in the sands or the city, you learn to adapt to changing circumstances, using cunning and resourcefulness to survive.
Weary Eye on Magic: While not inherently hostile to magic, Nubindi are cautious about its use, respecting its power but wary of its potential dangers.

Why Venture Out?

Nubindi adventurers have a myriad of reasons for leaving the familiar streets and sands of their homeland. Consider these motivations:
Trade and Prosperity: As merchants or envoys, you seek wealth and influence for your family or guild.
Seeking Legends: Driven by tales of the past, you pursue forgotten stories, artifacts, or truths hidden in ancient ruins.
Faith and Duty: As a follower of Rashida, you may seek to combat dark forces, necromancers, or cults that threaten the balance of life and death.
Escaping the Shadows: Fleeing from a dangerous rival or a betrayal in the city-states, you seek a fresh start and perhaps redemption.

Nubindi in a Party

As a Nubindi, you bring charisma, adaptability, and a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. You might excel as a negotiator, leveraging charm and wit to navigate tense situations, or as a storyteller, weaving morale-boosting tales of hope and courage. Your cultural focus on loyalty makes you a steadfast ally, but your pragmatism may sometimes clash with more idealistic party members.
You may also bring a superstitious streak to your group, consulting omens and signs before making decisions, which could either intrigue or frustrate your companions. However, your resourcefulness and resilience ensure you are rarely caught unprepared.

Example Heroes

The following are some example character ideas for player heroes.
Rania Zahir, the Raven’s Disciple
Rania is a devoted cleric of Rashida, trained to walk the line between life and death. Her sacred duties involve hunting necromancers and bringing peace to the restless dead. With her raven feather charm and quiet faith, she serves as both a healer and a destroyer of dark forces.
Faris al-Farid, the Silver-Tongued Smuggler
Faris is a former street urchin who rose to prominence as a daring smuggler in the city-states. His charm and cunning earned him wealth and influence, but a botched deal forced him to flee. Now he seeks new horizons, using his guile and agility to protect his companions and turn a profit.
Yasmin Khalil, the Wandering Bard
Yasmin’s songs are said to weave magic into the air, her tales lifting spirits and inspiring courage. As a wandering bard, she seeks to chronicle the greatest stories of the age, blending her Nubindi roots with the melodies and myths of the lands she visits.