Alik'r - The Creeping Wastes (Al-ick-ir)
The Creeping Wastes are a desert in the northern reaches of Alik'r. The black sand desert leeches life from all who touch it save for the Tieflings who call it home, nomadic tribes called the Maasai. Few outsiders are tolerated, the Zenyl usually killed on sight, so most of their secrets are kept.
Structure
People don't know much about the Maasai structure. There are 12 clans that wander the wastes, each of which has a clan chief. Warriors within each of the clans identify with one of 12 sects, each having their own rules and customs:
Far Dareis Mai (Maidens of the Spear)
Shae'en M'taal (Stone Dogs)
Aethan Dor (Red Shields)
Seia Doon (Black Eyes)
Far Aldazar Din (Brothers of the Eagle)
Rahien Sorei (Dawn Runners)
Sha'mad Conde (Thunder Walkers)
Hama N'dore (Mountain Dancers)
Sovin Nai (Knife Hands)
Cor Darei (Night Spears)
Tain Shari (True Bloods)
Duadhe Mahdi'in (Water Seekers)
Mera'din (the Brotherless)
Culture
The Maasai culture is one of survival. The clans wander from place to place in the wastes, searching for water wells that can provide them with life giving water for months at a time. They train as warriors to protect themselves, their families and their clans.
Public Agenda
The Maasai agenda is simple: prepare to be warriors for the End. This is a prophesied apocalypse where in the warriors of the light will face off with the Shadow. The Maasai are religious zealots who want to be on the front lines when that War comes about. In fact the word Maasai is the old tongue for "Spear of God" (literal translation is actually "the point of the spear held by God", but colloquially they simplify it).
Assets
The Maasai don't have much, only three clans have cities and those are more ruins their respective Clans moved into, they didn't build them.
History
The Maasai today are those that survived the Breaking, a horrendous event that nearly ended all creation. As the black sands spread, so did the tieflings. Absent of magic, they relied on their knowledge of the desert and the strength of their resolve. This made them stronger, forced to evolve and grow in order to survive. As years stretched on, so did their skills. Now, the Maasai are some of the greatest warriors in the world and their very lands strike fear into the hearts of lesser men.
Demography and Population
Tieflings are the dominant species of the Maasai.
Territories
The Maasai wander and protect the black sands of the Creeping Wastes, which encompass the northern half of the continent of Alik'r.
Military
Ostensibly, all Maasai are warriors and each Clan represents a separate army. Within each Clan are up to 12 sects, that identifying a warrior to a different specialty, focus, skill and traditions. For example, the Spear Maidens "marry" their spears, not allowed to take a husband.
Religion
The Maasai are zealous worshipers of the Light. Worship of the Creator is barely even tolerated among the Maasai. Anything other ideals are met with death.
Foreign Relations
The Maasai are in a constant state of war with Sindor. Sindor blames them for the Creeping Wastes encroachment on their kingdom, which the Maasai see as an insult.
Agriculture & Industry
The Maasai don't grow much, though small farms for grain are left in one "Walk" to grow and then harvested when they come back around. These are done in the Mud fields, places where the black sand give way to life giving soil that absorbs water rather than let it drain away.
The Maasai have no sense of industry at all.
Trade & Transport
Travel done through the Creeping Wastes is done on foot or by caravan. Horses do not last long in the Wastes, usually drained of life within a year. Instead, the Maasai use beasts born of the desert, like aurochs, to haul carts. These hearty beasts can withstand whatever effect leeches life from mounts.
As for trade, the 12 Clans do trade back and forth based on the goods they have and those they need, but they very rarely make trips to specifically trade. When they do, its because they are in dire need of the item and they usually send a band of warriors and 1 or 2 diplomats to negotiate prices and make sure they return with the needed items.
Education
Maasai teach other Maasai. They are schooled in their language, some of the Old Tongue and a silent sign language used while hunting.
We are born, live as warriors, then die
Founding Date
-1200
Type
Geopolitical, Theocracy
Alternative Names
The Black Sands
Demonym
Maasai
Currency
The Maasai currency is rarely gold or silver. Precious metals are of no use. Water is the most valuable resource, so prices are often paid in jugs of water. Furthermore, steel is a valuable resource, so paying in bars of steel to make weapons is also a common tactic. Services can also be traded, as can food.
Legislative Body
The Clan Chiefs make the laws for their Clan. Any laws seen as unjust are contested by the Clan elders, a process where the other leaders speak to the Chief in private and express their concerns.
Judicial Body
The Clans carry out the laws of their Chiefs. All members of the Clan are expected to follow their Chief's laws and leadership. Any who don't are likely to be killed by the Chief, their blood spilled and emptied upon the sand as a symbol of their authority.
Executive Body
The warriors of the Clans enforce the laws, often savagely.
Neighboring Nations
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