The Tribal Wars

The dark times of the Tribal Wars are always remembered and studied by the scholars of the Great Library so that the signs may be seen should they recur. It was considered that the influx of people from the Landing had triggered the terrible wars but it was not so.

As the legend goes Ghaamid al-Ghazi, the prince of the Ghazi, brings his wife Zarqaa to a Jawm celebration and Prince Masood el-Hoda falls in love with her. Ghaamid is disturbed by this and leaves the encampment, causing him and Masood to become enemies. When the two tribes are at war Masood contacts the wizard Inyll. With the help of Inyll, Masood transforms to look like Ghaamid. Masood then seduces the princess Zarqaa and she becomes pregnant. Inyll forced Masood to swear that she would take the resulting child, who has been foreseen to be a powerful King in Zami Ramal.

— Bakar, The Emerald Seer

The Conflict

Prelude

The raids started, it is written, when a jealous tribal prince desired the wife of his neighbouring prince and stole her from her encampment. It was believed that the fifteen years of drought that followed were the punishment of the gods and that retribution should be made. Thus began many decades of guerilla strikes, assassinations, murders and other atrocities which escalated almost out of control.

Battlefield

The nomadic people knew the desert best of all, knew how to hide in the dust storms and how to strike silently and disappear. The whole desert was dangerous for travellers and traders. Thieves and assassins worked in the towns, while bands of raiders patrolled the roads.

Outcome

Travel between cities became very unsafe and trade dropped sharply between the coasts.

Historical Significance

Rival nomadic tribes fought over water rights and trade routes.

Legacy

Since the Treaty of peace, the tribes have put aside all enmity and the country is at peace without fear.

In Literature

Scrolls describing the tribes and their leaders, the most devastating raids and atrocities committed by all sides are stored in the War Halls of the Great Library of Hajdib.

Technological Advancement

The only positive outcome of the decades of raids and warfare were the technological advancements made by tinkerers, smiths, mages and animal handlers. Notably, the development of steel for weapons and black powder for explosives have benefited the world in many ways since the Treaty.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

1042

Ending Date

1079

Conflict Result

Constant raiding between tribes, resulting in vengeance upon vengeance.

Location

The Deep Dunes

Belligerents

Ghazi Tribe

Hoda Tribe

Strength

Skill in mounted battle and known assassins.

Knowledge of steel weapons and black powder, poisoners and enslavers.

Casualties

Ghaamid al-Ghazi the first to be slain.
Approximately 1350 warrior men and women.

Masood el-Hoda, poisoned by a Ghazi assassin.
Approximately 2350 warrior men and women.

Objectives

Vengeance for the trickery and deceit and theft of Ghaamid al-Ghazi's wife, the princess Zarqaa and her son.

Elimination of the Ghazi tribe. Control of the cities of Zami Ramal.