Caliphate of Astrasan

The noble houses of the Caliphate of Astrasan:

Ruling: Scheherastra Astra-Sharyar of House Sharyar
Champions: Saladin Astra-Schazzen of House Schazzen
Economy: Baghdad Ibn-Mutawakkil of House Mutawakkil
Magic: Omar Ibn-Khayyam of House Khayyam
Military: Ismaiil Astra-Samani of House Samani
Diplomatic: Aster Astra-Hassan ll of House Hassan
Religion: Umar Astra-Aziz ll of House Aziz

General Information:

Archetype and Culture: Discount Ottomans, The people of the Caliphate value religion, education, and trade above all else. They have a deep appreciation for the arts, including calligraphy, architecture, music, and poetry, and are known for their intricate designs and patterns that adorn their buildings and textiles. The Caliphate is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world coming to study and trade in their cities. This has led to a diverse and cosmopolitan society, where different languages and customs are celebrated and respected. However, while they are tolerant towards different races, they are not as accepting of other religions, as their faith is a central part of their identity and way of life. The people of the Caliphate are highly religious, with the majority following the teachings of the stars. They believe in the power and wisdom of the stars above that of the spiteful nature of the Gods, and see them as a divine source of guidance and inspiration. The Astralites, a group within the starborn, are known for their tolerance and acceptance of other religions, seeing them as misguided and in need of proper teaching through peaceful means. However, the Jihastral, another group within the starborn, believe that the only way to rid Europa of false faiths is through war and conquest. The Ahrar, or Free People, are a third group within the Caliphate who refuse to have ties to any religion and only seek to live their lives to the fullest, or follow even stranger customs from beyond Europa. Despite their often combative nature with the rest of Europa, the Caliphate peoples maintain a strong sense of honor that they dare not tarnish regardless of their foe, and they are known for their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

History: During the Age of Apostasy, the lands that would eventually become the Caliphate were not united, but instead served as a refuge for those who did not wish to be enslaved. Tribes of people traveled through the desert in search of safety and the chance to live free from persecution. During the Devastation, there was a great exodus from these lands, and the desert became nearly desolate. However, the refugees who wandered forged new bonds and pacts with those struggling against oppression all over the world. They eventually returned once Martius' grip on their minds had faded and brought with them the skills and supplies needed to found the Caliphate of Astrasan. In the Age of Armistice, the Caliphate established itself as a major power in Europa and a hub of commerce and refuge for all who came. They clashed with other great powers of Europa on several occasions, but continued to expand and flourish. In the current setting, the Caliphate of Astrasan has become one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations in Europa, but struggles to properly govern its vast territories. Scheherastra Astra-Sharyar, the current Sultana, came to power after the previous Sultan was slain during a coup by several Caliphs who were manipulated by the cult of Martius. Scheherastra defeated the warlords and led what forces she could to fight against Martius at the battle of the Dread Harbor. After Martius' defeat, Scheherastra continued to work towards reform and placed a hold on any further Jihads. However, she has recently withdrawn herself to her observatory, spending much of her time studying the stars with her astrariums and harem. Despite this, the Caliphate continues to thrive as a center of trade and commerce, attracting people of all races and backgrounds.

Client Race: The client race in Astrasan is a diverse group of people from all walks of life and backgrounds. They come from all corners of the world, seeking refuge from persecution and hardships in their homelands. The Caliphate provides a haven for those who have faced discrimination and violence, where they can live in peace and prosperity. As a result, the vast majority of people who live in Astrasan are "Starborn," having left behind the titles and baggage of their old race to embrace their new identity. Despite their diverse origins, the people of the Caliphate share a common belief in the stars, which unites them as a single community. They reject the warring gods that have caused so much division and strife in the world, choosing instead to follow the stars as a source of guidance and inspiration. This shared belief has helped to create a unique culture in Astrasan, one that celebrates diversity and encourages mutual respect and understanding. The client race in Astrasan is known for its tolerance and inclusivity, welcoming people of all races, and cultures. They celebrate their differences and embrace them as a source of strength and richness. The people of Astrasan are proud of their multicultural heritage, which has helped to shape their unique identity as a nation. They are open-minded and accepting, always willing to learn from others and to share their own experiences and traditions.

Leader: Scheherastra Astra-Sharyar, the current Sultana of the Caliphate, has a remarkable story. She began her life as a worthless slave, sold into Astrasan and used, abused, and worked to the bone until a vizier bought her to be sacrificed to the previous Caliph's madness. However, as the stars whispered inspiration to Scheherastra, her storytelling skills saved her life and won the Caliph's heart, and they fell in love. Unfortunately, the Caliph turned sick and died, and Scheherastra discovered that he had been killed by the evil cult of Martius, who had manipulated the Caliphs to destabilize the nation. Scheherastra assisted a group of adventurers in defeating Martius and has since become a beloved leader of the Starborn people. Scheherastra is known for her beauty, with ebon skin kissed by starlight and dark blue eyes with comets streaking to the pupil. She always dresses in the finest clothing and carries herself with the elegance befitting a Caliph. She has a harem of men and women whom she keeps close as advisors rather than for pleasure. No heir has ever come forth, and rumors abound that she is infertile or that she uses strange magics to keep herself pure of child, this leads to many caliph suitors attempting to gain her attention as well as scheming behind her back to secure one of their own as next in line to rule. During her travels in Saxony, Scheherastra's elven ears were forcefully docked. She burned those who did it to ashes and vowed to never be ashamed of her race. She now wears golden ear caps that give her elven-like ears to replace the ones that were cut. Scheherastra's power and charisma are respected by the Starborn, who love her, and feared by the greedy Caliphs for her magical abilities. Mages study her magics for their own use, and she has become a vital and beloved part of the Caliphate.

Source of Power: The Caliphate of Astrasan has a unique source of power - money. Due to their lack of racism and their diverse population, they have been able to act as mediators for trade between nations, charging exorbitant prices for their services. They purchase resources and trade goods from other nations, selling them at a high profit to anyone willing to buy. They have a keen understanding of each nation's needs and use the best race for each transaction. Their position at the edge of Europa has made them a major maritime power, with fleets of merchant vessels and caravans bringing goods from all over the world. They have the monopoly on many unique products found nowhere else, giving them an even greater advantage in the world market. Their wealth has allowed them to hire vast mercenary armies from all over the world, providing them with the finest arms and armor and training them with military masterminds. Money is indeed the source of their power and they are far richer than any other nation in Europa. The Caliphate uses their wealth to fund their military might and maintain a strong presence in international affairs. They have a reputation for being shrewd negotiators and are not afraid to use their economic power to get what they want. The Caliphate's financial strength has allowed them to become a major player in world politics, and their influence is felt throughout Europa and beyond.

Religion: The Starborn of the Caliphate worship the stars as symbols protection and of the vastness and power of the universe that is beyond their comprehension. The Starborn view the stars as liberators from the influence of the gods that created Europa, providing safe haven from the machinations and hatreds of the gods. The stars are a wall that holds back the gods and their hateful ideas which have divided the people of Europa for too long. As the stars hold back the gods, so too must the Starborn hold back their own prejudices for the other races and encourage cooperation between races. They are expected to be protectors and mediators, to protect the safety the stars have provided the races and help the other races overcome their own prejudices. They believe strongly in charity and giving, the people of the Caliphate are expected to give to the poor and needy, and it is considered a fundamental part of their faith. They believe that by giving to those in need, they are showing their devotion to their religion and their compassion for others. This belief is reflected in the Caliphate's economic power, as they use their wealth to help others and maintain stability within their own borders. The Jihastral sect, which calls for militaristic action against non-believers, often partakes in what is known as a "Jihad" or "Holy War". The Jihastral sect believes that they are fighting against the forces of evil by waging war against those who worship the false Gods that caused so much pain, and that they are doing so in service to their own faith. Many in Europa compare them to the Cult of Martius as their methods are just as brutal, but unlike the cult they always give their victims a chance to repent and worship the stars before facing their blade. On the other hand, the Astralites' focus on peace and tolerance is in line with their principles of unity and compassion for all of the many different races. They believe that all people are equal before the divine, regardless of their race, nationality, or social status. This belief in unity is reflected in the Caliphate's acceptance of people of all races and backgrounds, and their willingness to act as mediators in trade and diplomacy between nations.

Capital: Arshadon is the capital city of Astrasan and is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, the largest in Europa, with influences from various other cities around the world. The city is known for its breathtaking architecture, blending various styles from across the world. The skyline is dominated by towering minarets, adorned with intricate designs and colors. The city's streets are lined with colorful bazaars, where merchants sell goods from all over the world, from luxurious textiles to exotic spices and precious gems. One of the most iconic features of Arshadon is the Grand Mosque, which sits at the heart of the city. The mosque is a massive structure, with a domed roof that is enchanted to shine with the majesty of the stars above as if there were no dome at all. It is a place of great importance for the people of Astrasan, who come to pray and worship regularly. The mosque is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to marvel at its beauty and soak in the spiritual atmosphere. In addition to the Grand Mosque, Arshadon is home to numerous other religious and cultural landmarks. There are ancient palaces, sprawling gardens, and stunning monuments scattered throughout the city. The people of Astrasan take great pride in their rich history and heritage, and this is reflected in the numerous museums and art galleries that can be found in Arshadon. Despite its traditional and cultural roots, Arshadon is also a modern and thriving city. It is home to cutting-edge technology and innovation, with a bustling business district and a lively nightlife scene. The city is a hub for trade and commerce, with people from all over the world coming to do business and enjoy the unique cultural experience that Arshadon has to offer.

History of Astrasan:

The Age of Apostasy: The little information that has been gathered about this time suggests that the lands that would eventually become the Caliphate were not united as a nation yet, and instead became a refuge for those who did not wish to be enslaved. Tribes of people traveled through the desert in search of safety and the chance to live free from the persecution of the dominant races. Although much of the history of this age has been lost, some priests and priestesses claim that the stars have recorded all history, including that which was destroyed during the devastation. However, the truth of this claim remains unknown. The Age of Apostasy left a profound impact on the people, who learned the hard way that the hatred and prejudice of the gods had caused much of their suffering. Despite the hardships of the Age of Apostasy, the people who would one day found Astrasan persevered and emerged stronger. They realized the folly of the gods and began to worship the stars instead, seeking guidance and inspiration from the heavens above.

The Devastation: During the Devastation, there was a great exodus from the lands that would eventually become the Caliphate of Astrasan. Many people left to rejoin their own tribes or to leave Europa altogether in order to avoid the conflicts that were tearing the continent apart. As a result, the desert became nearly desolate during this time. However, this period also saw the establishment of many trade routes for outside Europa, which would ultimately shape the culture of the Caliphate into something unique from the rest of the continent. As these refugees wandered, they forged new bonds and pacts with those struggling against oppression all over the world. They shared their knowledge and skills, and learned from the people they encountered along the way. While their lands remained empty for most of the Devastation as they left to fight or flee, the humans eventually returned once Martius' grip on their minds had faded and the other races joined them once the genocide stopped. They brought with them the skills and supplies needed to found the Caliphate of Astrasan, naming the first Sultan and began to build up their nation in earnest to catch up, and even surpass the other nations of Europa that were busy rebuilding. The people of Astrasan were determined to create a nation that would be a beacon of hope and tolerance in a world torn apart by war and strife.

The Age of Armistice: It was during the Age of Armistice that the Caliphate of Astrasan truly cemented itself as a major power in Europa. The Caliphs became wealthy merchant lords who controlled much of the trade within the Caliphate, and the nation became a hub of commerce and refuge for all who came. Goods from every nation could be found in Astrasan, and the Caliphate's reputation as a tolerant and welcoming nation spread far and wide. accomplicesOne of the most notable conquests during the Age of Armistice was the Caliphate's takeover of most of the continent of Cafka. This largely poor and desolate land was built up using the Caliphate's vast wealth, and became an important part of their territory. The Caliphate continued to flourish during this age, and their influence was felt far beyond their borders.

The Year 539AD: In the current setting, the Caliphate of Astrasan has become one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations in Europa. The people continue to worship the stars and seek guidance from the heavens above. However, the Caliphate had also become somewhat bloated and struggled to properly govern its vast territories. With the rise of Scheherastra Astra-Sharyar, the current Sultana, the Caliphate has undergone significant changes to amend these errors. Scheherastra came to power after the previous Sultan was slain during a coup by several Caliphs who were manipulated by the cult of Martius. The Caliphate was thrown into infighting and chaos, but Scheherastra defeated the warlords and brought them to heel, leading what forces she could to fight against Martius at the battle of the Dread Harbor. The Caliphate was unable to bring many soldiers due to the distance they had to travel to arrive at the battle, and for this, they are often scorned by other Europa nations that do not consider them a part of Europa or appreciate the aid they did offer in the final battle. Despite this, even the most biased historian must admit that Scheherastra played a vital role in defeating Martius. After Martius' defeat, Scheherastra continued to work towards reform and placed a hold on any further Jihads. However, she has recently withdrawn herself to her observatory, spending much of her time studying the stars with her astrariums and harem. This has caused some concern among her people, who wonder what her intentions may be as her nation slowly but surely fractures along its many cultural lines. Nonetheless, the Caliphate continues to thrive as a center of trade and commerce, attracting people of all races and backgrounds.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire