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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin-left: 10px;"
|+The Emirate of Al-Khadir
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| colspan="2" |[[File:AlKhadir-CoatOfArms.png|center|frameless]]
| colspan="2" |[[File:Nation EmpireAnjyarr.png|center|frameless]]
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|'''Capital'''
|[[Al-Khadir]]
|+The Sultanate of Anjyarr
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|'''Location'''
|'''Location'''
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|-
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|'''Primary Religions'''
|'''Primary Religions'''
|Pantheon of the Phoenix
|[[Cult of Fineall]]
The Path
[[Tarik il Iʂik]]
|-
|-
|'''Political System'''
|'''Political System'''
|Semi Constitutional Monarchy
|Elective Aristocracy
|-
|-
|'''Current Leader'''
|'''Current Leader'''
|[[Sultan Sig'vyl Al-Buthara]]
|[[Nahida Umaira Nobara]]
|-
|-
|'''The High Council'''
|'''The High Council'''
|[[Arndil Al-Mansour]]
|[[Lapis Cupiditatem]]
[[Gyrath Kot-Thothzesh]]
 
[[Amon El-Rhûnakh]]
 
[[Kassim Farhad]]  
 
[[Aziz Zaki Nobara]]


[[Emi Al-Khra'yama|Emi Al'Khra'yama]]
[[Aegnern Piuldrash]]
|-
|-
|'''Preceded by:'''
|'''Preceded by:'''
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* [[File:AlKhadir-CoatOfArms.png|20x20px]][[The Emirate of Al-Khadir]]
* [[File:AlKhadir-CoatOfArms.png|20x20px]][[The Emirate of Al-Khadir]]
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''This section is currently under construction. Please be patient!''
==Introduction==
==Introduction==
==Culture and Society==
At the mouth of the great Ifriq delta lies the emirate of Al-Khadir, capital of the great Empire of Anjyarr. It is a paradise of great wealth and prosperity in the midst of an unruly wasteland. Founded by a tribe of nomadic traders, whom settled due to the pleasant climate and geographic location near the Ifriq, Al-Khadir quickly became a trading hub for races all around the world. The city is a gateway to anyone wishing to enter the Southern world. It offers a large market for all kinds of goods, from elven trinkets to dwarven drinks, but also an extensive range of local wares such as tobacco, carpets, coffee, spices, and garments!
===<big><u>Apparel</u></big>===
__TOC__
Despite the many differences between the two races, both the Khadan and the Dark elves have managed to develop a common trend in apparel.


The harsh climate of Anjyarr has made both races favor loose, layered robes and dresses made out of many different materials such as cotton, linen, silk or satin. The wealthy will often be seen wearing clothes accessorized with many different jewels usually made of precious metals such as gold or silver.
== Geography ==
The Empire of Anjyarr encompasses the entirety of the Anjyarr desert and the volcanic Jabridian island. In the south, the nation's border is signified by an extensive mountain range, the southern Spine of Eden, which functions as a natural line of defense. On the other side of the Spine lies the neighboring plains and Jungle of Spiders. The Anjyarri desert has little to no mountainous terrain and thus offers no defense from invaders from the east. Only the far eastern canyons that cover the biome's border and the realm housing the Valley of Kings provide natural security due to its narrow pathways. The Empire's capital Al-Khadir lies at the estuary of the great Ifriq delta, functioning as a trading port and a gateway to the Alban Ocean.


The robes and dresses of the Akhadi are usually very colourful and often have accents of gold weaved within the fabric. The only difference between the two races, when it comes to their apparel, is that the elves prefer elegant dark-coloured robes decorated with mostly purple gems and inlaid with silver instead of gold. It is also usual for Akhadis to wear piercings.
The nation's second-largest city, Al-Jabrid, is located on the Jabridian island, not far from the coast of the Heartlands. Due to volcanic activity under the sea level thousands of years ago, an island was formed, rich in Black Iron minerals. The island's steep elevation from the seafloor makes it near impossible to access, and the citizens of the island city have used this to great advantage. The island was eventually connected to the mainland via bridges connecting to the watch fortress of [[Ceril's Keep]].


While traveling through the desert of Anjyarr the Akhadi are often seen wearing hoods over their heads as protection as well as to hide their identity. On top of that the women are often seen wearing veils covering their face in order to keep the sand out of their face and prevent it from reaching their eyes.
== Culture and Society ==
===<big><u>Festivals and Celebrations</u></big>===
===Apparel===
[[File:AlKhadirSS.png|thumb|Al-Khadir city ~1521 A.F.S]]''Wahid''  - A two-day festival in which the Akhadi celebrate the alliance formed between the Khadan and the Azari’ Lunn. The first day is spent with A fishing contest and boat race, The second day is spent with music, dancing and ending the night in a feast prepared by the entire Emirate, including the Sultan
Despite the many differences between the two races, the [[The Khadan Humans | Khadan Humans]] and the [[Dark Elves]] have developed a common trend in apparel.
The harsh climate of Anjyarr has made both races favor loose, layered robes and dresses made out of many different materials, such as cotton, linen, silk, or satin. The wealthy often wear clothes accessorized with various jewels, usually made of precious metals such as gold or silver. The robes and dresses of the [[The Khadan Humans| Khadan]] are generally very colorful and often have accents of gold woven within the fabric. The only difference between the two races regarding their apparel is that the elves prefer elegant dark-colored robes decorated with mostly purple gems and inlaid with silver instead of gold. It is also usual for Khadans to wear piercings or cover their bodies in decorative body paint, a custom originating from their nomadic past.
While traveling through the desert of Anjyarr, the Khadan are often seen wearing hoods over their heads as protection as well as to hide their identity. On top of that, the women are often noticed wearing veils covering their faces in order to keep the sand out of their faces and prevent it from reaching their eyes.


''Samudara'' - A celebration that indicates the start of a new fishing season, during which new   sails are raised and the fishermen of the nation are honored.
[[File:Hierarchy.png|thumb|Anjyarrs social hierarchy]]
=== Social hierarchy ===
The foundation of Anjyarr's society is an apparent social hierarchy bound by profession. The Sultan stands at the top of this hierarchy, followed by government officials such as the high council, the Emirs, and the various Nabils. These groups make up the upper class of Anjyarr's society.  


''Feast of the Sultan'' - Marking the end of a year, this feat is considered as one of the most important events in Al-Khadir. Following the traditions, the emir would welcome all their citizens into the palace for a feast and games. Accordingly, it is customary for the people to wear their best attire in attending this event.
The middle class consists of soldiers, scholars, merchants, and artists. These people form the core of Anjyarr's society. They are the intellectuals, the cultural backbone, and ultimately the ones that can be chosen for a position in the high council should the need for inevitable successors arise.  
====<u>The Khadan</u>====
*'''Sangh''' - A three-day festival that takes place annually. Starting on the believed date of the reunion between the two Clans, the Khadans spend their time hosting duels (in a friendly and sportive manner), feasting and dancing. Traditionally the two strongest warriors would also put on a performance duel that would continue throughout the festival, but due to such performance being too exhausting, it has been replaced by shorter duels between anyone who would like to be challenged.


*'''Kura'''- A festival that emphasizes the significance of love of life in the Khadan’s life philosophy. A significant trait of this festival is that different events would take place during the day and the evening. During the day, the younger people would celebrate by hosting a series of competitive sports events such as horse racing or archery, while the elders would spend time visiting their friends or relatives. On the contrary, the evening is a time when the lovers would spend time with each other and when the singles would seek for a potential partner.
The lower class consists of workers, farmers, and fishermen. They are the driving force behind Anjyarrs economy and are made aware of this from a young age. Discrimination against those of lower class is therefore next to unknown in Anjyarr. Each citizen of the Empire knows that without the participation of other classes, they cannot exist and thrive. It is from this class the notorious art of weaving and its artisans come from.  
====<u>The Azari’ lunn</u>====
*'''''Mereth''''' -A feast that celebrates generations that lived and those that are to come. During this feast the entire village will often sit and prepare special dishes. Each household is required to prepare at least two dishes of their specialty, food will be shared and a massive gathering will take place.


*'''''Linnas''''' -A massive parade that celebrates the Azari’lunn’s enthusiasm for music and accumulation of wealth. Being quite an important event on the Azari’lunn’s calendar, it is customary for one to  dress up in their finest clothing and parade around while listening and dancing to the music being played. The music is often produced by lutes or drums, their music is very upbeat and the dances are a lot more lively. The music, often produced by lutes or drums, is usually very upbeat with the accompanying dances a lot more livelier than the regular dances performed by the Azari’lunn.
There is, however, an exception: this being the lowest class in Anjyarr, the slaves. Slavery is still practiced in Anjyarr due to the regional climate and history of the realm. Many people struggle with working in the intense heat, which is why slaves are used for hard labor in the burning sun. This class mainly consists of foreign prisoners and criminals that have been sold to the Empire for punishment.  


*'''''Gwinnig''''' -This is a festival that will celebrate new life and elven fertility. Much like the High Elves, reproduction is important to the Dark elves. This is why Gwinnig takes place three times per elven year to celebrate the birth of younger elves and the fertility of an elfess.
In the past, enslaved people were also obtained through prisoners of war or as loot from raids by the many desert tribes or on neighboring realms. Yet, since the reliability began slowly changing, and slaves no longer became a vital currency, they reverted to criminals and prisoners instead.
===<big><u>Commerce and Work</u></big>===
However, even slaves are able to climb up the social hierarchy. When an enslaved person shows he can be trusted and behaves well, over time, said slave can buy his freedom and become a member of Anjyarrs lower class.
====<u>Export:</u>====
The Emirate of Al-Khadir has a long history of producing precious metals such as gold or silver. Long before the Azari’lunn and the Khadans’ alliance, the earliest Khada traders began trading with Hadrian traveling merchants using golden nuggets. The formation of the human-elven alliance has drastically increased the fining technology of precious metals and gemstones, therefore increasing the value of the already-rich reservation of precious metals gemstones in the territory of Al-Khadir.


It is also because of the arrival of the Azari’lunn that fine jewelry and hand-crafted artifacts began to constitute a heavier share in the exporting goods of Al-Khadir. The natural resources, combined with the Azari’lunn’s inherited skills, have made Al-Khadir-made jewelry and glassware one of the most delicate in Eden.
The use of slaves by the Empire has been criticized by many for being inhumane, as Anjyarr remains one of the last nations on Eden to use them. The peoples of Anjyarr care little for this matter, however. They highly value trust, loyalty, and unity above all. These values and ideals form the backbone of their society, and since most slaves are criminals, they are viewed as traitors to these ideals.


In addition to the aforementioned goods, dyed products such as clothes, silk, carpets or tapestries also account for an essential portion in Al-Khadir’s export goods. This is largely attributed to the Akhadis’ preference for colorfulness in their daily decorations or clothes, where such preference has incidentally led to the gradual advancing of their dying technologies.
===Political structure===
[[File:Sultan Sig'Vyl Al-Buthara.jpg|thumb|A portrait of [[Sultan Sig'vyl Al-Buthara|Sultan Al-Buthara]] from his palace balcony overlooking Anjyarrs desert, 1523 AFS]]
Anjyarr has an elective aristocracy, which means that those with power or riches, or those who are best suited to govern, are placed in charge. These people are known as the high council, a court of representatives. Each member is responsible for representing specific social interests that are vital to Anjyarri society, such as agriculture, architecture, infrastructure, economy, and security. Although the court members serve merely as advisors to its head, the Sultan or Sultana, they have reasonable autonomy regarding their respective fields. Each of them has its own office, scribes, and personnel.
Once chosen, council members can stay in office for as long as possible. Council members can also be relieved of their duties when they are no longer deemed fit by the Sultan or other council members.
When a council member can no longer perform in their job or role in the council, a replacement can be elected to take his place. These successors hail from society's "Middle" class, mainly scholars. These people will present themselves in front of the people they may have to represent and, with their support, will be brought before the High Council, which will then choose the successor.


Some of the other less staple export goods of Al-Khadir includes fish or the according derivatives and ship-building technologies. These products share the common origin of being the long-possessed livelihood skills of the earliest Khadan inhabitants.
If the bloodline of the Sultan ends without an heir, the council members of the High Council are the only ones with the right to vote for a new head of state. Throughout history, it has become common for the next to take over the realm to come from their ranks. Once a Sultan is determined, the family will be the next to become the ruling figures of the Anjyarri desert and the expanding realm. A Sultan and his family can be removed from power either through death or when he is no longer deemed suited for the job by a 3/4th majority of the high council.
====<u>Import:</u>====
The Empire is divided into various emirates, decentralized provinces that can thus govern themselves as long as they follow the law and stay loyal to the Sultan, with whom lies the supreme authority. An example of one of these emirates would be the island Emirate of Al-Jabrid. The central government resides in Al-Khadir, the capital of the Empire. They primarily concern themselves with wars, criminal proceedings, taxes, and large-scale infrastructure projects. They also govern the emirate of Al-Khadir.
Despite the many valuable natural resources that spawn in the desert, Al-Khadir’s territory also lacks some essential, life-sustaining resources. A good example of which is freshwater, a variety of crops and meat-producing livestocks. Because of this, Al-Khadir depends heavily on the import of raw material and food. The Kingdom of Hadriana, being Al-Khadir’s biggest trading partner, usually takes the role of being Al-Khadir’s most essential importer of aforementioned goods.


Admittedly, Al-Khadir’s heavy reliance on Hadriana and this unbalanced scheme of exports and imports have created potential political problems between the two nations. One famous incident in the history of Al-Khadir is the embargo during the rotting plague, where Hadriana cut off all trades and left Al-Khadir isolated, indirectly wiping out 80% of Al-Khadir’s human population.
The desert of Anjyarr is a primarily unclaimed or unchartered territory, often ruled over by certain Emirs in secluded castles or settlements near important and well-known roads and trade routes. However, the desert is inhabited by a large community of nomadic tribes and warbands, who follow a different political system thanks to their culture. Emirs regularly clash with these tribes as they emerge to plunder unprotected merchants of their wealth. Henceforth, the uncharted territories of the desert are often deemed "lawless," and only those in command rule; the nomads.
===<big><u>Political beliefs</u></big>===
The pursuit of loyalty and unity have taken such significance in the Emirate of Al-Khadir that the political beliefs of many Akhadis are shaped surrounding these concepts. The political system in Al-Khadir is generally considered one of the most free and open-minded in Eden. However, it should be noted that despite its diversity-embracing natural, the political system and beliefs in Al-Khadir still possess several distinctive traits, as follows:


The concept of “unity” manifests in the democracy of Al-Khadir. The Akhadis value different voices, and each perspective is equally treasured and respected despite one's gender, race, occupation or wealth. This gives birth to the unique representative counsel system in Al-Khadir’s political sphere, as one representative from each dominating occupation or specialization is selected every five years to gather as a counsel in assisting the ruling Emir/Emira.
===Commerce and Work===
Anjyarr is home to artisans famous throughout Eden: musicians, sculptors, painters, and many other crafts. Due to this, the capital of Anjyarr, Al-Khadir, has become a continent-wide trading hub where all cultures and backgrounds come together to trade and share their wealth. This allows many artisans to grow in skill and extend their knowledge, sharing and learning from one another. Over the centuries, Anjyarr has grown in popularity for its extensive use of art and song in many of its products, making them stand out from the rest of Eden. Painting, sculpting, and drawing have become extensively familiar in the Anjyarr lands; its roots are still up for debate as the many tombs and ruins spread across the desert leave more questions than answers. People tend to let their bodies tattooed or painted with what they call: [[Ahahn]], which is a [[Kha'mal]] nomadic tradition often tied to romance. The body paint and tattoos reflect stories, personality, art, and culture glimpsed throughout the Anjyarri lands. Weaving is a common practice many Khadan perform on the market due to a history of expressing stories and music in fabrics and colors, and thus many styles were developed.  


Imaginably, the Akhadis are proud of their democracy and inclusiveness. Their sense of pride and loyalty are seen through the authoritarian nature of Al-Khadir. The ruling house of Al Masari Torsec has been well-liked by the citizens of Al-Khadir, not in the manner of subordinates to the sovereign, but more intimate, similar to a family patriarch/matriarch. This is primarily due to the initial election of Nevaso Al Masari Torsec, but it is also evident that the house has indeed fulfilled its responsibility in it’s many years serving as the guardian of the Emirate.
Weaving is an essential part of Anjyarri culture and art, primarily the weaving of carpets. The Anjyarri carpet stands out from its myriad of design variety and elaborateness, and it can be encountered throughout Eden in offices, castles, and palaces.
==<small>''Religious Beliefs''</small>==
Anjyarri carpets and rugs of various types are woven in parallel by nomadic tribes, village and town workshops, and royal court manufactories alike. As such, they represent miscellaneous, simultaneous lines of tradition and reflect the history of Anjyarr and its various peoples. The art of weaving itself dates back to the time of the Pharaohs and ancient kings and queens and has changed many times throughout the centuries, giving birth to the carpets that we know today.
The Emirate of Al-Khadir is widely renowned for bringing forth excellent merchants, hardened warriors, daring adventurers and ever-inspiring artists.


The Akhadis take great pride in their work and will often be seen working tirelessly on their respective professions until the sun paints the sky in a beautiful mixture of golds and purples while setting over the vast sand dunes of the surrounding desert.
The materials used for weaving vary. Most Anjyarri carpets are made out of sheep's wool, and fibers from camels and goats are also used. Camel wool is occasionally used in Anjyarri nomadic rugs and is often dyed in black or used in its natural color. More often, thread said to be camel's wool turns out to be dyed sheep wool.


Nevertheless, exploring the well-illuminated and colorful streets of Al-Khadir, one couldn’t help noticing an absence of places of worship. This absence, unlike how some would suspect, is not due to the constant commercial hustle and bustle that dominates the streets in Al-Khadir; it isn’t just that, one would regularly find priests preaching in any other regions in Eden, whereas in Al-Khadir the sounds of the bustling streets would suppress any such religious attempts.
However, Anjyarri weavers will sometimes use silk in their carpets. Silk is an expensive material and has been used for representative carpets. Its tensile strength has been used in silk wraps, but silk also appears in the carpet pile. A silk pile can be used to highlight unique elements of the design. The Khadan Santhier tribe produce high-quality carpets from all kinds of silk piles. Silk pile carpets are often exceptionally fine, with a short pile and an elaborate design. Silk pile is less stress-resistant, so all-silk piles are often used as wall hangings or pillows.


Instead, to many’s surprises, the absence of religious activities in Al-Khadir is mostly attributed to the fact that the Akhadis are arguably not as religiously enthusiastic as other inhabitants in Eden.
Anjyarri musicians would commonly roam the many markets, performing shows to merchants and tourists from all over Eden. Often coming in pairs, the musicians would play the flute and harp the most. Khadan music is one of the elegant tones, perfectly suiting their homes' tropical paradises. Often the songs would tell stories of ancient deities, the history of their people, adventures, or local folktales. Due to the use of music in many events, instrument crafting has been taken a liking by many artisans on the island city of Al-Jabrid, with Khadan-styled flutes and harps sold to the farthest corners of Eden.


The primary reasoning behind this is that despite being open-minded people, the Akhadis highly encourage thinking for oneself and pursuing self-love as well as inner peace instead of pleasing others. Within everyday life there are many priorities which the Akhadis value, and simply put: religion isn't one of them.
[[File:AlKhadirSS.png|thumb|Al-Khadir city, 1521 AFS]]


This is however not to say that being devoted to a religion is prohibited and not a single Akhadi is religious. On the contrary, one is however simply free to forge their own path and believe in whichever deity he/she wishes as long as this doesn't go against the principles of Al-Khadir society.
=== Architecture ===
Anjyarri architecture stands out from any other style found within Eden. They are best known for their unique take on domes. Based on the model of pre-existing Azari domes, Anjyarri architecture developed a specific form of monumental, representative building: vast central domes with huge diameters erected on top of a center-plan building. Despite their enormous weight, the domes appear virtually weightless. Balconies are also a common feature of Anjyarri's domestic architecture due to the warm climates of their realm. Buildings are made from sand- and limestone, sometimes painted in bright colors as decoration and expression of art in their structures. This would date back to the times of the ancient Anjyarri Empire when temple-like designs were merged into the housing style of many cities. The influence of [[Dark Elves | Dark Elven]] architects has drastically changed the [[The Khadan Humans | Khadan]] way of living to focus more on comfort rather than religion.


Freedom of mind has long been a very important standard within Al-Khadir society, and this has resulted in a slight aversion towards individuals who wish to force something onto others, especially outsiders, with religion being a great example of that.
==Religious Beliefs==


Besides that, it is quite well known that Al-Khadir's population consists mostly of Azari'lunn and the Khadan who both have their own separate religious beliefs. Yet both races believe that religious beliefs should be passed on from the elderly onto the next generation, teaching them about the past and allowing them to explore the world for themselves with the wisdom of their ancestors to guide them along their path.
=== Religion ===
Anjyarr is, at its core, a religious state home to various religions that somehow coexist, be it with incidents in the past. The most dominant are [[Tarik il Iʂik]]: the Path to Light and the [[Cult of Fineall]]. Over the course of centuries, many religions have begun to coexist in the desert thanks to a shared goal: survival. The harsh climates of the desert left many to focus on this aspect rather than fighting amongst each other's opinions and beliefs. Trade became common among the various people and their backgrounds, causing the religious spread to become frequent within the region, and many branches of the same religion formed in a rapid hundred years. Thanks to this, religious acceptance quickly developed in the grander cities and trading hubs of the Anjyarr realm, and this has remained so to this day.
However, due to the secluded and isolated lives of many nomadic tribes that still roam the desert, refusing to integrate into the modern world, older, more ancient beliefs are still practiced there. This causes clashes between both worlds and cultures, which has resulted in superstition and mystery, believing the nomads to practice some cult. In truth, the nomads thrive on their ancient beliefs of the Tarik il Iʂik, which they have dubbed the [[The Old Path | Tarik Ejelkhi]]. In the common tongue, it is referred to as the [[The Old Path | Ancient Path]] or the [[The Old Path | Golden Path]] and has become one of the most popular branches of the Tarik religion in the desert regions.
The [[Cult of Fineall]] is the primary religion expressed in private by the [[Dark Elves | Dark Elven]] population of Anjyarr. A cult with at its roots the Azari Pantheon from the 'Lunn perspective, the branch of theology grew over time and integrated much of the [[Tarik il Iʂik]] in its practices. Now a primarily private and underground cult, the [[Dark Elves]] are trying to keep the belief alive among their kin, as it is an ever-dwindling faith.


These two religions of the Azari’lunn and the Khadans are, respectively, as follows:
==== Other religious groups ====
===<u>The Path,</u>===
Anjyarr is also home to a small minority of [[Makerism | Makerists]] and [[Alderism | Alderists]], which has spread into the realm thanks to past wars in the north-eastern desert domain or through [[The Attian Humans | Attian]] and [[Hinterlanders | Hinterlander]] immigrants and merchants. The nomadic tribes of the dune sea would also house an unaccounted number of different religions and practices, some more questionable than others.
a philosophy exclusive to the Khadan way of living that focuses on finding inner-peace.


A Khadan's view of the world is heavily influenced by the unwritten rules of this sacred philosophy. It should be noted that The Path is not entirely a religion, as it is more of a life philosophy instead of worship.
==Military ==
The Anjyarri military operates on land and the seas, and its maritime forces revolve around protecting essential trade routes, primarily within the Al-Hadar deep. The people of Anjyarr have developed a past with the sea and have become skilled sailors, which in turn granted them the essential needs to form a powerful navy rivaling that of the [[High Elves]].  


In addition to all aforementioned reasons, the lack of places of worship can be explained through the fact that in specific the Azari'lunn firmly believe that their god will heed his children's call no matter their whereabouts.
The Empire's mainland forces are made up of infantry, skirmishers, and cavalry. Whenever a recruit joins the army, he is first given basic combat training, after which he can specialize in melee, horseback, or skirmish combat. Sailors are immediately indoctrinated in the navy, where they develop the skill to work on warships and oceanic warfare, added to the essential combat skills in hand-to-hand combat.
This, however, differs for the units that are under the Sultan's command, which are of nomadic origin.  


It should also be mentioned that the Akhadis believe that worshiping and praying to their beloved god may be done on any occasion and is not limited to being done only within the confined walls of a place of worship.
==== Jundi ====
===<u>Pantheon of Fineall</u>,===
The Jundi form the backbone of Anjyarrs armies. A hybrid unit armed with swords, shields, and crossbows acting as guards and law enforcers within the Empire, making up most of the city garrisons. They are the dominant force of Anjyarr, spotted in every inhabited region, and adapt well to every environment they are placed in, thanks to their gear.
a religion that is based around worshipping the god Fineall who is a part of the Pantheon of the Phoenix. This specific religion puts a heavy emphasis on loyalty, freedom and unity. The majority of this religion’s followers are Azari’lunn, but occasionally, Khadans who share an extremely close relationship with certain Azari’lunn could be influenced and persuaded to devote themselves to Fineall. However, generally speaking, one would rarely find anyone besides the Azari'lunn devoted to Fineall.
[[File:AnjyarrArmy.png|thumb|right|230px|A Kataphract Warrior in ancient armor]]
==<big>Military and Law</big>==
The strengths and virtues of the Akhadi swordsman and bowman are etched deeply into their identities as discipline, devotion, wisdom and sacrifice are generally considered as the lifeblood of an Akhadi soldier. Such ideology truly enlivens the army of Al-Khadir.


Also known as the Royal Guards, the Akhadi army may have had some dark pasts and struggled through difficult times. However, under the recent command of admiral Munace Vikhari and his son, the now-admiral Khelthraid Vikhari, the Royal Guards has gone through multiple reformations and is now considered  – if not surpassing –as powerful as any other armed forces in Eden.
==== Tahara ====
The Tahara are the skirmisher units of the Anjyarri armies. Known for their ferocity and determination in battle, the skirmishers use harassment tactics to slowly dwindle the enemies' numbers and morale. Attired in short helmets wrapped in cloth, lamellar, and chainmail armor with yellow tunics, the light-armored units primarily use short swords, throwing spears, and short bows. They are often combined with infantry to be agile in the desert environment but are also used as soldiers on warships.


Like the nation of Al-Khadir, the Royal Guard consists of a mixture of dark elves and humans. The different fighting styles, weapons and techniques from both races are equally encouraged in the military, with an example being the Water Dancing fighting style originally practiced by the Zenthir clan of the ancient Khadan humans.
==== The Sultans Kataphracts====
Nomadic soldiers originating from the [[Kha'mal | Kha'mal tribes]], the [[Kataphracts]], as they are known, are highly religious, armored cavalry units that form the private guard of the leader of Anjyarr. These soldiers view the Sultan, who is of [[Dark Elves | Dark Elven]] descent, as a blessed body of their ancient gods of the [[Tarik Ejelkhi]]. Hence, these soldiers, attired in age-old golden-trimmed lamellar armor and crimson robes, only obey the Sultan himself, and only they perform his or her wishes. They often operate outside of the army as guards or private messengers. Their past is as ancient as their weaponry; the Khopesh, spears, axes, and bows are weapons dominantly used in tactics that favor them in any desert or plain terrain.


The preferred weapons of choice of the Royal Guards include spears, short bows or curved swords. This preference of quick and elegant weapons is common among both dark elves and humans, as the Khadan humans have been long accustomed to spears and bows, and the dark elves significantly favor swiftness due to their relatively slender physique in comparison to other elven races.
==Laws & Punishments==
The Sultanate of Anjyarr has simple but strict laws, which can be read in the Book of Law. These books can be found in any library within the Empire and are widespread throughout Eden. The text reads as follows:


It is worth noting that the use of non-aggressive strategies or subtle means of attack is highly encouraged and even accoladed in the army. Examples of such strategies or means include poisoning, stealth or espionage. The army has witnessed a growing trend in the use of such means under the command of admiral Khelthraid Vikhari who, upon noticing some of the typical shortcoming of dark elves, decided to develop and promote a fighting style that “truly belongs to the Azari’lunn”. As such, it is very common for the Akhadi army to praise a soldier not only for their ability to surpass others physically, but also for their intellectual superiority. The act of only using one’s strengths or brute-forcing one’s way out is therefore often considered a simply-minded approach rather than bravery.
The law bestowed upon us by the blessed stars.


The admiral, being the highest ranking individual in the army, will first assess a candidate’s eagerness; upon being approved to be truly whole-hearted and possessing the necessary sense of honor, the candidate is then sworn in by reading the Royal Guard Oath to the ruling Emir. One is then officially considered to be a Jundi, and from there one can start exploring their skills and preferences under the guidance of higher-ranking officers.
===Section 1 Regarding the Rule of the Land ===
====Military Apparel:====
*1.1 The Sultan's power has been given to him by the forces of good. His or her judgment is final in all matters. None may oppose. Those who do shall be punished by death lest our delicate balance is corrupted.
The Royal Guards of Al-Khadir tend to wear lighter armour that are cloth-based with chainmail covering the fatal weak spots. Brass plates heavily enamelled and inlined with shining silver or gold are also used to prevent one from being struck with a sword. In addition to armour, it is also common for soldiers to wear masks. This is because of several reasons: first, one can remain unrecognisable and is able to keep their work life separate from personal life; second, one can protect themselves from the frequent sandstorms and the burning heat of the desert.
*1.2 The three most direct advisors of the Sultan are his representatives and replacement in times when he may not be in place to fulfill his duty. With a signed declaration, they may make decisions in his name for a period not surpassing two weeks. When needed, they may disobey the Sultan.
====<u>Ranks''':'''</u>====
*1.3 Would the Sultan pass before their heir is fit to rule? A council consisting of his three closest advisors will oversee the essential functions of society until the heir comes of age.
Ranking in the Al-khadir goes in order of:
*Amir
*Ghazi
*Jundi
Each rank is important to the army; it is just seen as the different roles having different responsibilities and roles:


<u>The Amir:</u> the highest in command being in charge of everyone in the Royal Guard. They will often be seen accompanying the emir of Al-Khadir protecting them. But could also be protecting the other high nobles of the nation.
===Section 2 - Rights of Citizens===
*2.1 A citizen of Anjyarr must honor its traditions regardless of background. Participation in national holidays is mandatory, with the exemption of those who are on an assignment that can be proven. Or in realms not of our world.
*2.2 A citizen must protect the lands of Anjyarr. When called upon, they must oppose for the safety of the people regardless of age, gender, or physical condition. Those too weak to fight shall help in other ways.
*2.3 A citizen has the duty, to be honest. A lie that worsens the Empire is punishable by death. However, the final verdict is up to the sitting judge.
*2.4 An Anjyarr citizen must respect his fellow citizen, regardless of ethnicity. Discrimination will be heavily fined.


<u>The Ghazi</u>: under the admiral and are in charge of smaller squads, they take charge of the Jundi and make sure everything runs smoothly for the admiral. They always accompany the Jundi on their quests and orders.
===Section 2.B - Rights of Citizens===
*2.5 In times of peace, Anjyarr citizens are allowed to voice their concerns directly to the royal court. Disobeying an order is not the same as expressing a concern.
*2.6 Any Anjyarr citizen has the right to ample nutrition.
*2.7 Anjyarr citizens have the right of protection by the royal court. Should the court fail in this task without ample reason, the citizen has the right to an audience with the Sultan or one of his advisors to discuss potential reparations.


<u>The Jundi:</u> the normal soldiers but this does not make them any less important than any other role. They focus on doing what they are told, they can be asked to do patrols or protection of important people on their travels.
===Section 3 - Marriage and Divorce===
==<small>Crime and Punishment</small>==
*3.1 Anjyarr citizens are allowed marriage with anyone that has passed the adult age. Elves must be at least 90, and humans must be 18 to marry.
In the Emirate of Al-Khadir, crime is something you do not want to get caught up in. Although humans and dark elves have different beliefs as to how criminals should be punished, both races are known for holding honor and loyalty with high regards. Since the humans were supportive of  “giving second chances” whereas the dark elves tend to be more vindictives, the two races came up with a compromise to bring both beliefs together: criminals are to be punished by serving their time in forced labour camps. Generally, unless one has committed a felony, they are to be working in the city or the gold mines. Although some humans view such punishments as justified slavery, most dark elves would consider such punishments as labour duty,
*3.2 Divorce is strictly forbidden except by royal decree.
*3.3 Couples should only appropriately present their love in public. Acts of unnecessary affection are fineable. This shall be judged by local officials.


Depending on the severity of one’s crime, possible labour duties range from cleaning the stables to gardening in the palance. However, despite what one might end up doing, these jobs are often looked down upon unlike any other professions in Al-Khadir. This is because the law enforcement in Al-Khadir wish to preserve the punitive nature of these labour duties, therefore deterring one from potentially commiting a crime.
===Section 4 - Criminal Law===
*4.1 Theft and thievery are punishable by cutting the hand of those who are guilty of the crime.
*4.2 Violence and their Acts;
*4.2.A Domestic violence shall be punished by a temporary exile.
*4.2.B Public violence shall be punished twice as much.
*4.2.C The only exemption from punishment is when a citizen can show they acted only in self-defense.
*4.3 Murder shall be punished by hanging.


Like aforementioned, depending on the crime that was committed, the jury will decide one’s work for the rest of their sentence. The less severe crimes such as stealing or disrespecting the higher-ups of Al-Khadir are usually associated with less demanding jobs and would only result in a sentence of at most two years long. The more severe crimes, however, could lead one into doing jobs such as rat-catching, which are often extremely hideous for the deterring purposes mentioned before.
===Section 5 - Laws Regarding Foreign Lands===
*5.1 Visitors from foreign countries shall be treated the same as Anjyarr citizens, with the exception of laws 2.1 and 2.2.
*5.2 The Anjyarr Empire will not protect citizens committing crimes in foreign nations and could be stripped of their citizenship by the Sultan's or his advisors' judgment, should these measures be taken to avoid conflict between the two nations.
*5.3 Negatively impacting foreign relations without a seat in the royal court is a capital offense. The Sultan will decide upon punishment, ranging from a hefty fine to death by gruesome torture until one's name is cleared of the offense.


However, one would be very wrong to think that most crimes are punished only with forced labour. In fact, many crimes are taken very seriously and the Al-Khadir law actually contains one of the most numerous statues of potential felonies. This is primarily because of the trading-hub nature of the Emirate. Afterall, it is natural for the nation having hosted visitors from all around the continent – to implement a stricter law to keep most in check. In addition, Al-Khadir also wishes to preserve its status as the trading center of Eden, whereas a city filled with crime would certainly hinder the city from getting a good reputation.
==Locations of Interest==
To the outsider's eye, Anjyarr and its desert might seem like a desolate wasteland. Yet, even wastelands may hold treasures and secrets. While few, Anjyarr is home to various ancient locations full of wonder and mystery, with some still questioning the stories behind them. Beneath the dune sea, many tombs and ruins remain hidden, while others seem too magnificent not to catch a glimpse of.


<u>'''Examples of crimes:'''</u>
===Valley of Kings===
*<u>Trespassing</u> into people’s private homes, the palace or any restricted places would result in little to no punishment if the act was unintentional. Otherwise, the offender is usually fined. In such cases, one should pay their fine at the tax office in the royal palace.
The Valley of Kings is located in the northeastern mountain and canyon regions of the Anjyarri desert. Commonly known as [[Akhmat's Tomb]], the region was once the location of the most sacred and significant temple city humanity had ever known, Sepharat. Ruled by the greatest Pharo and Sorcerer-king, Akhmat, "The Great Uniter", it has since fallen from grace and eventually left to the powers of time. The city was ultimately abandoned throughout history, and its ruins are now for all to wonder and see. The Tomb of Akhmat, the largest tomb ever constructed for any king, is located in the mountainside on the far eastern end of the city. Its black-colored stone doors remain sealed and have yet to be breached. People tended to find nomads of the dune sea travel there regularly to pay homage to the great Pharo or the ancient gods once worshipped there. However, since 1530 A.F.S. of the 16th century, a Demonic monolith known as the Black Obelisk, was constructed by Voidal powers and has caused the undead to rise. It now sits there as a stain on a once beautiful and ancient holy location, and the damages to the tomb are yet to be analyzed.


*<u>Stealing</u> is a serious crime as it is considered as trust-breaking. Stealing is punishable through labour duty but for a limited amount of time. The judge would usually ask the offender how long they think they should be punished for before making the final call. The severity of this crime is usually associated with the value of the goods that have been stolen.
[[File:PyramidOfKhadir.png|thumb|right|300px|Pyramid of Khadir]]


*The act of <u>murde</u>r is unacceptable and is one of the most severe felonies. In judging a suspect of murder, a public court meeting is held and the community would decide their fate. Unless with understandable motives or specific factors, murders are usually displayed publicly before starting to serve an indefinite time in forced labour.
===The Pyramid of Khadir===
The giant Pyramid, known as the Pyramid of Khadir or the Tomb of Khadir, is an ancient world wonder built by the Khadan ancestors during the times of Pharos in the ancient Anjyarr Empire. Resting in the proximity of the capital of Anjyarr, Al-Khadir, it is the resting place of an unknown Pharo, housing an undisclosed amount of secret tunnels and sealed tombs. Many have dared to traverse the Pyramid through its dark tunnels and have yet to decipher the hieroglyphs on the walls, which may tell secrets that have been hidden for centuries. However, the black-colored stone top is what makes the pyramid stand out. The top has been recognized as the same stone material that makes the tomb doors of the Tomb of Akhmat.


*<u>Treason</u> is the most severe of all. Any plotting or scheming against the emir will be considered treason. The Royal Guard will constantly be on high alert if there are rumors of a potential plot. The punishment for treason would be a public execution with the offender’s body left exposed and displayed. It is also considered every citizen’s social duty to report any suspicious activities, and failure to comply so, upon being discovered, could also result in criminal punishment.
===The Lotus Oasis===
<nowiki>*</nowiki>It should also be noted that no weapons or substances may enter the Royal Palace. The only people permitted to have weapons are those trusted by the admiral and the Emir/Emira. Taking a weapon inside the palace without permission will be considered as attempt at murder.
In the center of the dune sea, in between the river deltas, lies an oasis. This oasis, dubbed the Lotus Oasis by the local nomads, is a large patch of vegetation surrounded by desert. Communities of tribes and nomads have traditionally planted strong trees, such as palms, around the perimeter of oases to keep the desert sands from their delicate crops and water. This has created a fertile piece of soil which has become the growing place of a unique flower known as [[Sun Lotuses]]. These lotuses are often harvested for their leaves, which hold healing and calming capabilities and have often been turned into special teas. To the east of the oasis, one can find an animal graveyard. However, these bones have not matched with any known land animal that has traversed the desert of Anjyarr, adding a particular layer of mystery.
==History==
Although the separate histories of the Khadans and the Azari’lunn stretched far beyond that of the Emirate itself, most Akhadis would agree that it is the first contact between the two races that truly symbolizes the birth of their beloved nation.


It is believed that the Azari’lunn stumbled upon the Khadans and the city of Al-Khadir – still a trading town back then – purely by accident. The Azari’lunn, having barely survived the civil war, were living as the gipsies of Eden for almost two centuries. Roaming the lands of Eden, this group of refugees had been seeking a place that would greet them if not with welcoming arms, at least not with scorns and detestation.
===Abandoned Gold Mines===
The southern canyon regions of Anjyarr were once filled with rich minerals and gold. Long ago, many traversed the desert to set up mining settlements and camps in these canyons in hopes of finding the ores within. The speculation of riches was mainly based on old tales of an ancient city named Al'Tojik that was once built in these canyons and lived off its rich resources. The mining settlements were abandoned since the mines had run dry or their tunnels collapsed. People would often revisit these places, hoping to find any traces of gold in the canyons.


Yet their search had been fruitless. Although the Azari’lunn had proven themselves to be quick learners of various skills with their elven wisdom and inherent perseverance, few of the towns or villages were willing to take in this group of exiles.
==History==
 
It is believed that the Azari’lunn had never stayed at a place for over a month. It was also during this period of unresting travel that the group size of the Azari’lunn hits its lowest. The Azari’lunn, already barely able to sustain themselves, were also subjected to the menace of bounty hunters, mercenaries or even elven assassins. Thugs would constantly pick on the group of exiles, and the local authorities were often fleecing the Azari’lunn of the few coins in their pockets. The kidnapping of women and children was also frequent, as the former were often sold with a high prices for their elven figures in brothels and the later exploited for slavery. This period of time, now known as the Difficult Days, is recognized undoubtedly as one of the most glooming during the entire history of the Azari’lunn.
 
Yet it was almost as if the children of Fineall had not received enough challenges in their already dismal journey. With the death of their leader Zebrac Torsec, the Azari’lunn were ill with grief and also directionless. Under the guidance of a few elders, the Azari’lunn ventured into the wasteland of Anjyarr, only to find themselves in the middle of a lifeless desert. With the burning sun vamperiozing most of their water reserve during the day, and the chilling strong wind freezing what’s left, it did not take long before the group of exiles had to face the harsh desert climate under devastating hunger, thirst and extreme exhaustion.
 
.
 
In the most desperate of their times, the elders in the group gathered to discuss the fate of the Azari’lunn. As most agreed to leave the desert following their footprints, the destiny of the exiles was still uncertain as the way out would be equally as harsh. But just as the Azari’lunn were about to turn around, amidst the brewing sandstorm, a glimpse of something colorful and artful could be seen in the distance.
 
In their last hope, the refugees sent out three brave ‘lunns to scout the structures. When they finally arrived at the gates of the town, they were greeted by the Khadan guards who, despite noticing their shabby appearance and storm-torned clothing, welcomed them respectfully. The three elves were treated with food, water and a warm bed to rest on while a team of Khadan soldiers were sent to help the rest of the group. For the first time in two centuries, the Azari’lunn were invited into a town filled with people who not only treated them with kindness and respect, but also willing to host them for long.
 
And as such the Azari’lunn’s hundred years of search ended at the trading town of Al-Khadir. Most Khadans were first curious about their dark-skinned new friends, but their curiosity soon turned into astonishment as the ‘lunns started displaying all the skills they picked up along their journey. Indeed, among the Azari’lunn were skilled seamstresses, jewellers, carpenters and smith; their knowledge in herbalism, Eden’s history and politics were also found useful as the Khadans were able to treat their sick more efficiently and to the barge for a better price when trading with the travelling merchants.
 
It should be noted that it would be inaccurate to state that none had ever questioned the Khadans for their warm welcomes. After all, for centuries the Azari’lunn had been hunted for, deceived, exploited and sneered at. In fact, a considerable portion of the exiled were reluctant to put their guard down. They remained distant and set up a separate camp outside of the town, cutting all connection to the humans except for when living necessities were traded for.
 
But the Khadans were not judgemental. Also having an ancestry of war refugees, they relate by heart to their dark-skinned friends. The vigilant and kind nature of the Khadans also made them loathe the bounty hunters that were after the Azari’lunn’s trails, and many Khadan soldiers even took pride in hunting down the thugs reversely to an extent that not a single ill-minded person would even dare to enter the desert.
 
And as such the two races of Al-Khadir lived their separate lives in harmony for the first century or so. This distant harmony, although perhaps not the most ideal in the eyes of the Akhadi today, would have lasted longer. Yet the true unity between the two races would not have happened if it wasn't for the impact of the deadly rotting plague.
 
.
 
It only took one sick Atian merchant to infect a whole market. At first, Khadans returning from the market started to fall ill, throwing up every last drop of liquid they consumed until there was nothing but blood. The Khadan doctors who actively treated the first wave of patients were then infected, followed by their families and neighbours. Given that the plague also spread through water, once the sewage system in the city was infected, the plague went almost uncontrollable. Soon, it was documented that 80% of the Khadan’s population were wiped out by the rotting plague. With people dying every day and the remaining of humans falling sick, bodies were left unburied, lying on the streets to rot and for animals to devour.
 
The once-flourishing trading centre of the desert was made a ghost town, but the worse had yet to come. With the other cities of Eden also plague-bonded, all ties to the desert were cut and travelling merchants soon stopped appearing at the gates of Al-Khadir. In addition, the majority of the surviving Khadans were either too sick to even walk or too young. Supplies in the city started to run short, and as if the plague was not worse enough, the surviving Khadans soon found themselves having to decide if it would be better for the dead bodies to be buried or eaten so the living could struggle for another day.
 
.
 
And in the most desperate of the human’s time, their decision to take in the Azari’lunn had finally proven itself to be a correct one. The rotting plague wiped out 80% of the humans but left the elves unharmed. The Azari’lunn resolutely abandoned their settlement and went into the disease-ridden town, knocking on every door in search for survivors and cared for them just like how the Khadans used to care for the ‘lunns.
 
And as such the Azari’lunn treated the sick, cared for the orphans and buried the dead properly. The town of Al-Khadir, although drastically damaged, was able to return to its old-day glory much faster than other settlements around Eden. With the population of the Khadans greatly impacted, the Azari’lunn now surpasses the humans in numbers. And when the aftermath of the rotting plague finally ended, the Khadans and the Azari’lunn were treating each other like brothers with either race reluctant to live without the other. In an almost consensual vote, the leader of the Azari’lunn, Nevaso Torsec – descendant of the heroic Zebrac Torsec – was voted as the ruler of Al-Khadir by both Khadans and ‘lunns. To honor the lost lives of the Khadans and the former chief Al Masri,  Nevaso Torsec added the last name to his bloodline, and the house of Torsec Al Masri continued to rule Al-Khadir until today.
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Latest revision as of 20:55, 16 April 2024

Nation EmpireAnjyarr.png
Capital Al-Khadir
The Sultanate of Anjyarr
Location Anjyarr
Races Dark Elves

Khadan

Primary Religions Cult of Fineall

Tarik il Iʂik

Political System Elective Aristocracy
Current Leader Nahida Umaira Nobara
The High Council Lapis Cupiditatem

Amon El-Rhûnakh

Kassim Farhad

Aziz Zaki Nobara

Aegnern Piuldrash

Preceded by:

Introduction

At the mouth of the great Ifriq delta lies the emirate of Al-Khadir, capital of the great Empire of Anjyarr. It is a paradise of great wealth and prosperity in the midst of an unruly wasteland. Founded by a tribe of nomadic traders, whom settled due to the pleasant climate and geographic location near the Ifriq, Al-Khadir quickly became a trading hub for races all around the world. The city is a gateway to anyone wishing to enter the Southern world. It offers a large market for all kinds of goods, from elven trinkets to dwarven drinks, but also an extensive range of local wares such as tobacco, carpets, coffee, spices, and garments!

Geography

The Empire of Anjyarr encompasses the entirety of the Anjyarr desert and the volcanic Jabridian island. In the south, the nation's border is signified by an extensive mountain range, the southern Spine of Eden, which functions as a natural line of defense. On the other side of the Spine lies the neighboring plains and Jungle of Spiders. The Anjyarri desert has little to no mountainous terrain and thus offers no defense from invaders from the east. Only the far eastern canyons that cover the biome's border and the realm housing the Valley of Kings provide natural security due to its narrow pathways. The Empire's capital Al-Khadir lies at the estuary of the great Ifriq delta, functioning as a trading port and a gateway to the Alban Ocean.

The nation's second-largest city, Al-Jabrid, is located on the Jabridian island, not far from the coast of the Heartlands. Due to volcanic activity under the sea level thousands of years ago, an island was formed, rich in Black Iron minerals. The island's steep elevation from the seafloor makes it near impossible to access, and the citizens of the island city have used this to great advantage. The island was eventually connected to the mainland via bridges connecting to the watch fortress of Ceril's Keep.

Culture and Society

Apparel

Despite the many differences between the two races, the Khadan Humans and the Dark Elves have developed a common trend in apparel. The harsh climate of Anjyarr has made both races favor loose, layered robes and dresses made out of many different materials, such as cotton, linen, silk, or satin. The wealthy often wear clothes accessorized with various jewels, usually made of precious metals such as gold or silver. The robes and dresses of the Khadan are generally very colorful and often have accents of gold woven within the fabric. The only difference between the two races regarding their apparel is that the elves prefer elegant dark-colored robes decorated with mostly purple gems and inlaid with silver instead of gold. It is also usual for Khadans to wear piercings or cover their bodies in decorative body paint, a custom originating from their nomadic past. While traveling through the desert of Anjyarr, the Khadan are often seen wearing hoods over their heads as protection as well as to hide their identity. On top of that, the women are often noticed wearing veils covering their faces in order to keep the sand out of their faces and prevent it from reaching their eyes.

Anjyarrs social hierarchy

Social hierarchy

The foundation of Anjyarr's society is an apparent social hierarchy bound by profession. The Sultan stands at the top of this hierarchy, followed by government officials such as the high council, the Emirs, and the various Nabils. These groups make up the upper class of Anjyarr's society.

The middle class consists of soldiers, scholars, merchants, and artists. These people form the core of Anjyarr's society. They are the intellectuals, the cultural backbone, and ultimately the ones that can be chosen for a position in the high council should the need for inevitable successors arise.

The lower class consists of workers, farmers, and fishermen. They are the driving force behind Anjyarrs economy and are made aware of this from a young age. Discrimination against those of lower class is therefore next to unknown in Anjyarr. Each citizen of the Empire knows that without the participation of other classes, they cannot exist and thrive. It is from this class the notorious art of weaving and its artisans come from.

There is, however, an exception: this being the lowest class in Anjyarr, the slaves. Slavery is still practiced in Anjyarr due to the regional climate and history of the realm. Many people struggle with working in the intense heat, which is why slaves are used for hard labor in the burning sun. This class mainly consists of foreign prisoners and criminals that have been sold to the Empire for punishment.

In the past, enslaved people were also obtained through prisoners of war or as loot from raids by the many desert tribes or on neighboring realms. Yet, since the reliability began slowly changing, and slaves no longer became a vital currency, they reverted to criminals and prisoners instead. However, even slaves are able to climb up the social hierarchy. When an enslaved person shows he can be trusted and behaves well, over time, said slave can buy his freedom and become a member of Anjyarrs lower class.

The use of slaves by the Empire has been criticized by many for being inhumane, as Anjyarr remains one of the last nations on Eden to use them. The peoples of Anjyarr care little for this matter, however. They highly value trust, loyalty, and unity above all. These values and ideals form the backbone of their society, and since most slaves are criminals, they are viewed as traitors to these ideals.

Political structure

A portrait of Sultan Al-Buthara from his palace balcony overlooking Anjyarrs desert, 1523 AFS

Anjyarr has an elective aristocracy, which means that those with power or riches, or those who are best suited to govern, are placed in charge. These people are known as the high council, a court of representatives. Each member is responsible for representing specific social interests that are vital to Anjyarri society, such as agriculture, architecture, infrastructure, economy, and security. Although the court members serve merely as advisors to its head, the Sultan or Sultana, they have reasonable autonomy regarding their respective fields. Each of them has its own office, scribes, and personnel. Once chosen, council members can stay in office for as long as possible. Council members can also be relieved of their duties when they are no longer deemed fit by the Sultan or other council members. When a council member can no longer perform in their job or role in the council, a replacement can be elected to take his place. These successors hail from society's "Middle" class, mainly scholars. These people will present themselves in front of the people they may have to represent and, with their support, will be brought before the High Council, which will then choose the successor.

If the bloodline of the Sultan ends without an heir, the council members of the High Council are the only ones with the right to vote for a new head of state. Throughout history, it has become common for the next to take over the realm to come from their ranks. Once a Sultan is determined, the family will be the next to become the ruling figures of the Anjyarri desert and the expanding realm. A Sultan and his family can be removed from power either through death or when he is no longer deemed suited for the job by a 3/4th majority of the high council. The Empire is divided into various emirates, decentralized provinces that can thus govern themselves as long as they follow the law and stay loyal to the Sultan, with whom lies the supreme authority. An example of one of these emirates would be the island Emirate of Al-Jabrid. The central government resides in Al-Khadir, the capital of the Empire. They primarily concern themselves with wars, criminal proceedings, taxes, and large-scale infrastructure projects. They also govern the emirate of Al-Khadir.

The desert of Anjyarr is a primarily unclaimed or unchartered territory, often ruled over by certain Emirs in secluded castles or settlements near important and well-known roads and trade routes. However, the desert is inhabited by a large community of nomadic tribes and warbands, who follow a different political system thanks to their culture. Emirs regularly clash with these tribes as they emerge to plunder unprotected merchants of their wealth. Henceforth, the uncharted territories of the desert are often deemed "lawless," and only those in command rule; the nomads.

Commerce and Work

Anjyarr is home to artisans famous throughout Eden: musicians, sculptors, painters, and many other crafts. Due to this, the capital of Anjyarr, Al-Khadir, has become a continent-wide trading hub where all cultures and backgrounds come together to trade and share their wealth. This allows many artisans to grow in skill and extend their knowledge, sharing and learning from one another. Over the centuries, Anjyarr has grown in popularity for its extensive use of art and song in many of its products, making them stand out from the rest of Eden. Painting, sculpting, and drawing have become extensively familiar in the Anjyarr lands; its roots are still up for debate as the many tombs and ruins spread across the desert leave more questions than answers. People tend to let their bodies tattooed or painted with what they call: Ahahn, which is a Kha'mal nomadic tradition often tied to romance. The body paint and tattoos reflect stories, personality, art, and culture glimpsed throughout the Anjyarri lands. Weaving is a common practice many Khadan perform on the market due to a history of expressing stories and music in fabrics and colors, and thus many styles were developed.

Weaving is an essential part of Anjyarri culture and art, primarily the weaving of carpets. The Anjyarri carpet stands out from its myriad of design variety and elaborateness, and it can be encountered throughout Eden in offices, castles, and palaces. Anjyarri carpets and rugs of various types are woven in parallel by nomadic tribes, village and town workshops, and royal court manufactories alike. As such, they represent miscellaneous, simultaneous lines of tradition and reflect the history of Anjyarr and its various peoples. The art of weaving itself dates back to the time of the Pharaohs and ancient kings and queens and has changed many times throughout the centuries, giving birth to the carpets that we know today.

The materials used for weaving vary. Most Anjyarri carpets are made out of sheep's wool, and fibers from camels and goats are also used. Camel wool is occasionally used in Anjyarri nomadic rugs and is often dyed in black or used in its natural color. More often, thread said to be camel's wool turns out to be dyed sheep wool.

However, Anjyarri weavers will sometimes use silk in their carpets. Silk is an expensive material and has been used for representative carpets. Its tensile strength has been used in silk wraps, but silk also appears in the carpet pile. A silk pile can be used to highlight unique elements of the design. The Khadan Santhier tribe produce high-quality carpets from all kinds of silk piles. Silk pile carpets are often exceptionally fine, with a short pile and an elaborate design. Silk pile is less stress-resistant, so all-silk piles are often used as wall hangings or pillows.

Anjyarri musicians would commonly roam the many markets, performing shows to merchants and tourists from all over Eden. Often coming in pairs, the musicians would play the flute and harp the most. Khadan music is one of the elegant tones, perfectly suiting their homes' tropical paradises. Often the songs would tell stories of ancient deities, the history of their people, adventures, or local folktales. Due to the use of music in many events, instrument crafting has been taken a liking by many artisans on the island city of Al-Jabrid, with Khadan-styled flutes and harps sold to the farthest corners of Eden.

Al-Khadir city, 1521 AFS

Architecture

Anjyarri architecture stands out from any other style found within Eden. They are best known for their unique take on domes. Based on the model of pre-existing Azari domes, Anjyarri architecture developed a specific form of monumental, representative building: vast central domes with huge diameters erected on top of a center-plan building. Despite their enormous weight, the domes appear virtually weightless. Balconies are also a common feature of Anjyarri's domestic architecture due to the warm climates of their realm. Buildings are made from sand- and limestone, sometimes painted in bright colors as decoration and expression of art in their structures. This would date back to the times of the ancient Anjyarri Empire when temple-like designs were merged into the housing style of many cities. The influence of Dark Elven architects has drastically changed the Khadan way of living to focus more on comfort rather than religion.

Religious Beliefs

Religion

Anjyarr is, at its core, a religious state home to various religions that somehow coexist, be it with incidents in the past. The most dominant are Tarik il Iʂik: the Path to Light and the Cult of Fineall. Over the course of centuries, many religions have begun to coexist in the desert thanks to a shared goal: survival. The harsh climates of the desert left many to focus on this aspect rather than fighting amongst each other's opinions and beliefs. Trade became common among the various people and their backgrounds, causing the religious spread to become frequent within the region, and many branches of the same religion formed in a rapid hundred years. Thanks to this, religious acceptance quickly developed in the grander cities and trading hubs of the Anjyarr realm, and this has remained so to this day. However, due to the secluded and isolated lives of many nomadic tribes that still roam the desert, refusing to integrate into the modern world, older, more ancient beliefs are still practiced there. This causes clashes between both worlds and cultures, which has resulted in superstition and mystery, believing the nomads to practice some cult. In truth, the nomads thrive on their ancient beliefs of the Tarik il Iʂik, which they have dubbed the Tarik Ejelkhi. In the common tongue, it is referred to as the Ancient Path or the Golden Path and has become one of the most popular branches of the Tarik religion in the desert regions. The Cult of Fineall is the primary religion expressed in private by the Dark Elven population of Anjyarr. A cult with at its roots the Azari Pantheon from the 'Lunn perspective, the branch of theology grew over time and integrated much of the Tarik il Iʂik in its practices. Now a primarily private and underground cult, the Dark Elves are trying to keep the belief alive among their kin, as it is an ever-dwindling faith.

Other religious groups

Anjyarr is also home to a small minority of Makerists and Alderists, which has spread into the realm thanks to past wars in the north-eastern desert domain or through Attian and Hinterlander immigrants and merchants. The nomadic tribes of the dune sea would also house an unaccounted number of different religions and practices, some more questionable than others.

Military

The Anjyarri military operates on land and the seas, and its maritime forces revolve around protecting essential trade routes, primarily within the Al-Hadar deep. The people of Anjyarr have developed a past with the sea and have become skilled sailors, which in turn granted them the essential needs to form a powerful navy rivaling that of the High Elves.

The Empire's mainland forces are made up of infantry, skirmishers, and cavalry. Whenever a recruit joins the army, he is first given basic combat training, after which he can specialize in melee, horseback, or skirmish combat. Sailors are immediately indoctrinated in the navy, where they develop the skill to work on warships and oceanic warfare, added to the essential combat skills in hand-to-hand combat. This, however, differs for the units that are under the Sultan's command, which are of nomadic origin.

Jundi

The Jundi form the backbone of Anjyarrs armies. A hybrid unit armed with swords, shields, and crossbows acting as guards and law enforcers within the Empire, making up most of the city garrisons. They are the dominant force of Anjyarr, spotted in every inhabited region, and adapt well to every environment they are placed in, thanks to their gear.

A Kataphract Warrior in ancient armor

Tahara

The Tahara are the skirmisher units of the Anjyarri armies. Known for their ferocity and determination in battle, the skirmishers use harassment tactics to slowly dwindle the enemies' numbers and morale. Attired in short helmets wrapped in cloth, lamellar, and chainmail armor with yellow tunics, the light-armored units primarily use short swords, throwing spears, and short bows. They are often combined with infantry to be agile in the desert environment but are also used as soldiers on warships.

The Sultans Kataphracts

Nomadic soldiers originating from the Kha'mal tribes, the Kataphracts, as they are known, are highly religious, armored cavalry units that form the private guard of the leader of Anjyarr. These soldiers view the Sultan, who is of Dark Elven descent, as a blessed body of their ancient gods of the Tarik Ejelkhi. Hence, these soldiers, attired in age-old golden-trimmed lamellar armor and crimson robes, only obey the Sultan himself, and only they perform his or her wishes. They often operate outside of the army as guards or private messengers. Their past is as ancient as their weaponry; the Khopesh, spears, axes, and bows are weapons dominantly used in tactics that favor them in any desert or plain terrain.

Laws & Punishments

The Sultanate of Anjyarr has simple but strict laws, which can be read in the Book of Law. These books can be found in any library within the Empire and are widespread throughout Eden. The text reads as follows:

The law bestowed upon us by the blessed stars.

Section 1 Regarding the Rule of the Land

  • 1.1 The Sultan's power has been given to him by the forces of good. His or her judgment is final in all matters. None may oppose. Those who do shall be punished by death lest our delicate balance is corrupted.
  • 1.2 The three most direct advisors of the Sultan are his representatives and replacement in times when he may not be in place to fulfill his duty. With a signed declaration, they may make decisions in his name for a period not surpassing two weeks. When needed, they may disobey the Sultan.
  • 1.3 Would the Sultan pass before their heir is fit to rule? A council consisting of his three closest advisors will oversee the essential functions of society until the heir comes of age.

Section 2 - Rights of Citizens

  • 2.1 A citizen of Anjyarr must honor its traditions regardless of background. Participation in national holidays is mandatory, with the exemption of those who are on an assignment that can be proven. Or in realms not of our world.
  • 2.2 A citizen must protect the lands of Anjyarr. When called upon, they must oppose for the safety of the people regardless of age, gender, or physical condition. Those too weak to fight shall help in other ways.
  • 2.3 A citizen has the duty, to be honest. A lie that worsens the Empire is punishable by death. However, the final verdict is up to the sitting judge.
  • 2.4 An Anjyarr citizen must respect his fellow citizen, regardless of ethnicity. Discrimination will be heavily fined.

Section 2.B - Rights of Citizens

  • 2.5 In times of peace, Anjyarr citizens are allowed to voice their concerns directly to the royal court. Disobeying an order is not the same as expressing a concern.
  • 2.6 Any Anjyarr citizen has the right to ample nutrition.
  • 2.7 Anjyarr citizens have the right of protection by the royal court. Should the court fail in this task without ample reason, the citizen has the right to an audience with the Sultan or one of his advisors to discuss potential reparations.

Section 3 - Marriage and Divorce

  • 3.1 Anjyarr citizens are allowed marriage with anyone that has passed the adult age. Elves must be at least 90, and humans must be 18 to marry.
  • 3.2 Divorce is strictly forbidden except by royal decree.
  • 3.3 Couples should only appropriately present their love in public. Acts of unnecessary affection are fineable. This shall be judged by local officials.

Section 4 - Criminal Law

  • 4.1 Theft and thievery are punishable by cutting the hand of those who are guilty of the crime.
  • 4.2 Violence and their Acts;
  • 4.2.A Domestic violence shall be punished by a temporary exile.
  • 4.2.B Public violence shall be punished twice as much.
  • 4.2.C The only exemption from punishment is when a citizen can show they acted only in self-defense.
  • 4.3 Murder shall be punished by hanging.

Section 5 - Laws Regarding Foreign Lands

  • 5.1 Visitors from foreign countries shall be treated the same as Anjyarr citizens, with the exception of laws 2.1 and 2.2.
  • 5.2 The Anjyarr Empire will not protect citizens committing crimes in foreign nations and could be stripped of their citizenship by the Sultan's or his advisors' judgment, should these measures be taken to avoid conflict between the two nations.
  • 5.3 Negatively impacting foreign relations without a seat in the royal court is a capital offense. The Sultan will decide upon punishment, ranging from a hefty fine to death by gruesome torture until one's name is cleared of the offense.

Locations of Interest

To the outsider's eye, Anjyarr and its desert might seem like a desolate wasteland. Yet, even wastelands may hold treasures and secrets. While few, Anjyarr is home to various ancient locations full of wonder and mystery, with some still questioning the stories behind them. Beneath the dune sea, many tombs and ruins remain hidden, while others seem too magnificent not to catch a glimpse of.

Valley of Kings

The Valley of Kings is located in the northeastern mountain and canyon regions of the Anjyarri desert. Commonly known as Akhmat's Tomb, the region was once the location of the most sacred and significant temple city humanity had ever known, Sepharat. Ruled by the greatest Pharo and Sorcerer-king, Akhmat, "The Great Uniter", it has since fallen from grace and eventually left to the powers of time. The city was ultimately abandoned throughout history, and its ruins are now for all to wonder and see. The Tomb of Akhmat, the largest tomb ever constructed for any king, is located in the mountainside on the far eastern end of the city. Its black-colored stone doors remain sealed and have yet to be breached. People tended to find nomads of the dune sea travel there regularly to pay homage to the great Pharo or the ancient gods once worshipped there. However, since 1530 A.F.S. of the 16th century, a Demonic monolith known as the Black Obelisk, was constructed by Voidal powers and has caused the undead to rise. It now sits there as a stain on a once beautiful and ancient holy location, and the damages to the tomb are yet to be analyzed.

Pyramid of Khadir

The Pyramid of Khadir

The giant Pyramid, known as the Pyramid of Khadir or the Tomb of Khadir, is an ancient world wonder built by the Khadan ancestors during the times of Pharos in the ancient Anjyarr Empire. Resting in the proximity of the capital of Anjyarr, Al-Khadir, it is the resting place of an unknown Pharo, housing an undisclosed amount of secret tunnels and sealed tombs. Many have dared to traverse the Pyramid through its dark tunnels and have yet to decipher the hieroglyphs on the walls, which may tell secrets that have been hidden for centuries. However, the black-colored stone top is what makes the pyramid stand out. The top has been recognized as the same stone material that makes the tomb doors of the Tomb of Akhmat.

The Lotus Oasis

In the center of the dune sea, in between the river deltas, lies an oasis. This oasis, dubbed the Lotus Oasis by the local nomads, is a large patch of vegetation surrounded by desert. Communities of tribes and nomads have traditionally planted strong trees, such as palms, around the perimeter of oases to keep the desert sands from their delicate crops and water. This has created a fertile piece of soil which has become the growing place of a unique flower known as Sun Lotuses. These lotuses are often harvested for their leaves, which hold healing and calming capabilities and have often been turned into special teas. To the east of the oasis, one can find an animal graveyard. However, these bones have not matched with any known land animal that has traversed the desert of Anjyarr, adding a particular layer of mystery.

Abandoned Gold Mines

The southern canyon regions of Anjyarr were once filled with rich minerals and gold. Long ago, many traversed the desert to set up mining settlements and camps in these canyons in hopes of finding the ores within. The speculation of riches was mainly based on old tales of an ancient city named Al'Tojik that was once built in these canyons and lived off its rich resources. The mining settlements were abandoned since the mines had run dry or their tunnels collapsed. People would often revisit these places, hoping to find any traces of gold in the canyons.

History

Nations
Human Nations The Hadrian Empire
Elvish Nations Luminion · Mitrona · Anjyarr
Dwarvish Nations The High Kingdom of Arduan
Orcish Nations Zadh Nadrozz
Other Nations