Qandaq
It takes a special kind of stubbornness to build a civilization in the harsh desert. Most can barely even survive among the sands, and yet the the Qandaqi built not only a civilization, but a kingdom of great wealth and power.
Structure
The kingdom of Qandaq is a monarchy, but the succession is based more on wealth than bloodline. The wealthiest citizen is given the title of sultan and rules. Lesser titles such as "sheik" or "pasha" are sold to wealthy individuals to allow for greater privileges. Such titles are taxed to ensure that families who remain worthy of them get to keep them, and those who cannot pay lose their title.
The society of Qandaq maintains the illusion of perfect lawfulness very well, as the nobles value their quiet and security. In truth, the Qandaqi value wealth so highly that theft and other criminal activity is common, even as many pretend it doesn't exist. The guards punish violent crime harshly, but care little for the sanctity of private property unless very heavily motivated.
History
Considering the age of nearby nations like Mandia, it would be easy to assume that Qandaqi civilization was nearly as ancient. This is, however, not the case. During the earliest days of human expansion, the first settlers saw this land from their ships and they kept sailing.
Eventually, humankind did settle in the Aljanni Desert, and what they found there made them regret their decision. The first beings they discovered were the lamias. They used their abilities to bewitch the minds of those early people and used them as slaves.
Under the rule of the lamias, they created a mighty civilization to feed the creatures' decadent ways. The jewel of this empire was the city that would become Qandaq. Some of these people escaped into the desert. Those fortunate few were taken in by the jann, these people would join their society and become Janni.
This all changed with the Third Rising. The mind flayers emerged all across the Twin Worlds, bent on the domination of all. The bewitched slaves were especially susceptible to mind flayer control, destroying the lamia empire. When Larrison and Avela Darkwood defeated the Overbrain, the invaders retreated back beneath the earth.
After this retreat, the free humans vastly outnumbered the thralls of the remaining lamias. The maneating creatures were quickly driven out into the desert. There the once-formidable power of the lamias faded until they were no more than a shadow of their former selves.
Meanwhile, those left behind mostly fought over the decadence of the lamias. Those who claimed the most had the power. From there, all trace of their former rulers was removed. This was when Qandaq was truly born.
Demography and Population
The population of Qandaq is primarily human, with a minority of goblins. The goblins most often have communities of their own, but it's not uncommon to find them traveling to other places to seek wealth. These goblins are not typically shunned or abused by their human counterparts.
The Qandaqi's obsession for wealth has led to a very uneven distribution of prosperity. Many are too poor to afford so much as a pair of shoes, while others are unimaginably wealthy. The sultan is easily the richest person in all the Twin Worlds and many of the nobles aren't far behind.
Military
Qandaq is primarily known for its strong navy. In particular, they use a weapon known as Qandaq Fire, a burning oil that can burn even underwater. It cannot be put out by mundane means, and its nonmagical nature makes magic mostly ineffective as well. The creation of Qandaq Fire is a closely guarded secret known only to the Qandaqi, themselves.
The Qandaqi ground troops are not nearly so impressive. They are both poorly trained and few in number. Their role is primarily ceremonial, as the power of the navy, their geographic separation, and the harsh Aljanni Desert make a land war highly unlikely.
Foreign Relations
The Qandaqi are, first and foremost, traders. Sailors of all kinds come into Qandaq City with holds full of goods looking for just a portion of the fabulous wealth of the nobles of Qandaq. To their credit, a great many do leave far wealthier than they come.
This wealth might tempt attack, but their nearest neighbors, Tamasia and the Kingdom of Mandia, are cut off geographically from them. This would make attack by sea the only option and neither have a strong navy. The northern nation of Nuveaux, is a much different story. They are skilled sailors, and are frequent rivals of the Qandaqi.
Agriculture & Industry
Due to the lack of water and poor soil, the growing of crops is very rare, and highly valued. These crops are typically robust grains used primarily for bread. The herding of animals is much more prevalent, with camels being the most common, although luxury horses are bred as well.
The primary trade that brings wealth to these lands are jewelers. Qandaqi style jewelry is in high demand from the wealthy of the Twin Worlds. This demand also leads many to learn the smithing of precious metals, particularly gold.
Trade & Transport
Qandaq's famous wealth is the result of trade, primaily the trade of gems. They usually get these gems from bartering with the Janni, taking the gems in exchange for necessities the nomads can't produce themselves.
Trade flows primarily through the port city of Qandaq to a great many places across Amaun. The desert does not allow for the production of roads, so trade caravans have to find their own routes. The use of expert guides, such as rangers is common.
Founding Date
Early 2nd Age
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Demonym
Qandaqi
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Economic System
Traditional
Location
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
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