Ash-Sh'b
People & Places
Capital: Rhakosis, City of Sails. Founded by Amir-al-bahr Aden bin Tarik Musa, the man who discovered the land of Nyasia, it is the oldest, and largest, city on the continent. It is also home to the largest port in the land.
Language: Arabic, Indian, Persian.
Naming Conventions: Professional Title, Given Name, ("bin" if the son of or "binte" if the daughter) Father's Name, Family Name (Trade or Place title).
Ex: Amir-al-bahr Aden bin Tarik Musa
(Commander of the sea, Aden, son of Tarik, Musa (taken from the water)
Government: Grand Vizier supported by noble houses, Council of Captains controlling middle class wealth and trade.
Current Ruler: Grand Vizier.
Politics: Political maneuvering between the Grand Vizier and the noble houses for the support of the priests to claim the title of Sultan.
Exports: Glass and ceramics, incense, fine foodstuffs and textiles, some gem and metalwork.
Imports: Grain.
Currency: Ceramic and glass coins technically backed by the coffers of the now Grand Vizier. Letters of credit, from either a noble house or a Merchant Captain, are also common.
Geography: Holdings run between the ocean and the Sea of Sand, a great desert. Area immediately around the city are more badlands, becoming desert as one travels inland. A low mountain range rises in the north and runs inland, forming the northern border of the Sea of Sand.
Climate: Hot and dry during the day, cool and dry at night. Only a very rare storm makes it past the peaks of the Pirate Isles to quench the desert's thirst.
Physical Appearance: Dark hair and eyes, middle eastern appearance.
Clothing Styles: Light and airy to keep cool, though a heavier cloak is often worn after sundown.
Personal Hygiene: Regular baths, either in home or at a public bathhouse. Clothes and homes are kept very clean.
Diet: Fish, goat and camel cheese, olives, dates, flatbreads, coffee, wines, dates, figs, grain beer, fermented milk beer.
Cultural Taboos: Mistreatment of guests, dishonoring a host. "Guests are like fish. After three days, both stink."
Proper Greeting: Es salam alekum. (May peace be upon you.)
Wa alekum es salam. (May peace be upon you also.)
Maas salama. (Go with peace.)
Saheeda. (Greetings. Hello. Also, goodbye.)
Recreational Activities: Games of chance and skill, often adopted from other cultures.
Arts/Architecture: Plaster/stucco buildings common with baked bricks and tile work, woven mats and rugs, usually of animal hair; woodwind instruments and chimes common, incense is also very common.
Family Structure: Marriages are often arranged, particularly for upper class children. Marriages can happen for love, assuming the parents of both parties agree that neither is marrying too far below their standing. For most couples, the husband is responsible for managing the family business and providing for his family while the wife manages the home and children. If the wife is particularly well off, usually as a widow or from a prominent family, then she may see to her own affairs, often keeping maids to see to the traditional family duties.
Social Structure: The Grand Vizier and nobles on top, supporting the city guard to keep order. The Merchant Captains controlling most of the trade into and out of the city forming a very wealthy middle class. Most peasants, laborers and the like are not suppressed, though their lot is unlikely to improve. The priests sit outside the social structure, and all who desire success seek their favor and the favor of the Jinn.
Marriage: Arranged marriages are not uncommon, though the fervor of a dedicated Ash-Sh’b couple is rarely denied.
Sexuality: A people of passion, who a person spends their time with is irrelevant as long as everyone is enjoying themselves. Prostitution is not frowned upon, though a person who spends too much time paying for passion is likely to be the object of some derision.
Education: Tutors are common, particularly for more well to do citizens. Given the strength of the Ash-Sh'b merchant fleets, skill in the Trade Tongue is very common, with training in other languages nearly as common.
Common Methods of Transport: Walking, usually at dawn or dusk. Camels are common for long distance trips. The Ash-Sh'b are known as the greatest sailors on the sea.
Legal System and Punishments: The city guard often met out harsh physical punishments on the spot as befits the crime. Though slaves are technically illegal, many will offer to work off a debt rather than face the justice of the guards.
Military: A very strong city guard keeps the streets relatively free of crime, though they tend to ignore Sailor's Row and the Docks. The most powerful navy on Nyasia patrols the shores North and South of the city, though they are not strong enough to stop semi-regular pirating from hidden coves along the coast or the Pirate Isles some distance out to sea.
Favored weapons tend towards curved swords, though the Ash-Sh’b are more likely than other cultures to adopt foreign weapons as a matter of taste, such as Minzokan blades or Dascean fencing weapons. Armor tends to be light to nonexistent, given the climate.
Religion: The Jinn, great beings from another realm, grew bored with all they had done. While exploring, they found their way to our as yet unformed world. Seizing the opportunity, the Jinn, in all their variety, created this world in all its splendor. When they had finished, they set about putting things to order. Through a great meeting of the Jinn lords, they created humans to explore their new creation and to give them praise for its beauty.
It is for this reason that we give the Jinn praise in all that we do. If you seek to weave a new tapestry, best give at least a moment's praise to the Jinn who created the threads. If your offerings please the Jinn, your work will be a success. If you wish to travel, best ask the Jinn to watch over you. If your need is dire, you can beseech a priest to petition the Jinn on your behalf. It is said the High Priest even knows the names of the Jinn Lords and can beseech them directly.
When you die, you will be brought before the Jinn Lords. If you have pleased the Jinn, they will speak on your behalf so their Lords may hear of your righteousness and find a place for you in their great cities. If you have displeased them, they will cast you out to wander the wastes forever. This is the rule of the Jinn, and it is just.
It is not known what force brought about the Long Dark, though there are several theories. Some believe the Caliph angered the Jinn and so they brought about the darkness as a punishment for his betrayal. Others believe he was murdered, and this assault upon the Jinn's favored representative brought about the dark, due to either anger or grief. Still others say it was some upheaval amongst the Jinn themselves that was reflected in the storms that ravaged the new world. No one knows for sure, and the Jinn have been less than forthcoming with an explanation.
Burial Rituals: People choose how their bodies are dealt with based on their connection to the world. This varies as widely as a simple burial for farmers and those of the land to burial at sea for sailors and the like. Those who believe themselves to be of a more noble station often choose to be given to the fire, though this practice is by no means limited to those who are well off.
Animals of Significance: Eagles, falcons and raptors in general, are seen as symbols of freedom. Camels are viewed as the…backbone…of overland travel and trade.
Practice of Divination: Augury is the preferred method of divination for the Ash-Sh’b, following the flight patterns of birds to determine the future. This practice is often compared to navigation practiced by sailors.
View of Magic: A gift from the Jinn! You may even have Jinn blood in your family line. It is said the Caliph's family, may the Jinn bless their passing, were very close to the Jinn, and no one dared offend them because of it.
View of other cultures:
Skenden: Northern savages. Why would you want to live somewhere so cold? Still, they are said to be fierce warriors, and they handle those narrow ships of theirs with some skill in all that ice.
Minzoku: Ah, a people with culture. A funny little culture, granted, but they do appreciate the finer things in life.
Oami: It is said they can ply the paths of the woods with nearly as much skill as we ply the waves. Such an honor to such a simple people.
Dascean: A people where every man is a king! They may be the most inhospitable kings we have ever heard of.
Ta Atoua: Now here is a people with their affairs in order. Now if only they would relax and realize that everything does not revolve around fighting.
Free Isles: Bloody Pirates! They would rather poach off of our hard work then have to put in an honest days labor themselves. I wish the Jinn would rise up and sink their little islands and put an end to all of them.
Language: Arabic, Indian, Persian.
Naming Conventions: Professional Title, Given Name, ("bin" if the son of or "binte" if the daughter) Father's Name, Family Name (Trade or Place title).
Ex: Amir-al-bahr Aden bin Tarik Musa
(Commander of the sea, Aden, son of Tarik, Musa (taken from the water)
Government: Grand Vizier supported by noble houses, Council of Captains controlling middle class wealth and trade.
Current Ruler: Grand Vizier.
Politics: Political maneuvering between the Grand Vizier and the noble houses for the support of the priests to claim the title of Sultan.
Exports: Glass and ceramics, incense, fine foodstuffs and textiles, some gem and metalwork.
Imports: Grain.
Currency: Ceramic and glass coins technically backed by the coffers of the now Grand Vizier. Letters of credit, from either a noble house or a Merchant Captain, are also common.
Geography: Holdings run between the ocean and the Sea of Sand, a great desert. Area immediately around the city are more badlands, becoming desert as one travels inland. A low mountain range rises in the north and runs inland, forming the northern border of the Sea of Sand.
Climate: Hot and dry during the day, cool and dry at night. Only a very rare storm makes it past the peaks of the Pirate Isles to quench the desert's thirst.
Physical Appearance: Dark hair and eyes, middle eastern appearance.
Clothing Styles: Light and airy to keep cool, though a heavier cloak is often worn after sundown.
Personal Hygiene: Regular baths, either in home or at a public bathhouse. Clothes and homes are kept very clean.
Diet: Fish, goat and camel cheese, olives, dates, flatbreads, coffee, wines, dates, figs, grain beer, fermented milk beer.
Cultural Taboos: Mistreatment of guests, dishonoring a host. "Guests are like fish. After three days, both stink."
Proper Greeting: Es salam alekum. (May peace be upon you.)
Wa alekum es salam. (May peace be upon you also.)
Maas salama. (Go with peace.)
Saheeda. (Greetings. Hello. Also, goodbye.)
Recreational Activities: Games of chance and skill, often adopted from other cultures.
Arts/Architecture: Plaster/stucco buildings common with baked bricks and tile work, woven mats and rugs, usually of animal hair; woodwind instruments and chimes common, incense is also very common.
Family Structure: Marriages are often arranged, particularly for upper class children. Marriages can happen for love, assuming the parents of both parties agree that neither is marrying too far below their standing. For most couples, the husband is responsible for managing the family business and providing for his family while the wife manages the home and children. If the wife is particularly well off, usually as a widow or from a prominent family, then she may see to her own affairs, often keeping maids to see to the traditional family duties.
Social Structure: The Grand Vizier and nobles on top, supporting the city guard to keep order. The Merchant Captains controlling most of the trade into and out of the city forming a very wealthy middle class. Most peasants, laborers and the like are not suppressed, though their lot is unlikely to improve. The priests sit outside the social structure, and all who desire success seek their favor and the favor of the Jinn.
Marriage: Arranged marriages are not uncommon, though the fervor of a dedicated Ash-Sh’b couple is rarely denied.
Sexuality: A people of passion, who a person spends their time with is irrelevant as long as everyone is enjoying themselves. Prostitution is not frowned upon, though a person who spends too much time paying for passion is likely to be the object of some derision.
Education: Tutors are common, particularly for more well to do citizens. Given the strength of the Ash-Sh'b merchant fleets, skill in the Trade Tongue is very common, with training in other languages nearly as common.
Common Methods of Transport: Walking, usually at dawn or dusk. Camels are common for long distance trips. The Ash-Sh'b are known as the greatest sailors on the sea.
Legal System and Punishments: The city guard often met out harsh physical punishments on the spot as befits the crime. Though slaves are technically illegal, many will offer to work off a debt rather than face the justice of the guards.
Military: A very strong city guard keeps the streets relatively free of crime, though they tend to ignore Sailor's Row and the Docks. The most powerful navy on Nyasia patrols the shores North and South of the city, though they are not strong enough to stop semi-regular pirating from hidden coves along the coast or the Pirate Isles some distance out to sea.
Favored weapons tend towards curved swords, though the Ash-Sh’b are more likely than other cultures to adopt foreign weapons as a matter of taste, such as Minzokan blades or Dascean fencing weapons. Armor tends to be light to nonexistent, given the climate.
Religion: The Jinn, great beings from another realm, grew bored with all they had done. While exploring, they found their way to our as yet unformed world. Seizing the opportunity, the Jinn, in all their variety, created this world in all its splendor. When they had finished, they set about putting things to order. Through a great meeting of the Jinn lords, they created humans to explore their new creation and to give them praise for its beauty.
It is for this reason that we give the Jinn praise in all that we do. If you seek to weave a new tapestry, best give at least a moment's praise to the Jinn who created the threads. If your offerings please the Jinn, your work will be a success. If you wish to travel, best ask the Jinn to watch over you. If your need is dire, you can beseech a priest to petition the Jinn on your behalf. It is said the High Priest even knows the names of the Jinn Lords and can beseech them directly.
When you die, you will be brought before the Jinn Lords. If you have pleased the Jinn, they will speak on your behalf so their Lords may hear of your righteousness and find a place for you in their great cities. If you have displeased them, they will cast you out to wander the wastes forever. This is the rule of the Jinn, and it is just.
It is not known what force brought about the Long Dark, though there are several theories. Some believe the Caliph angered the Jinn and so they brought about the darkness as a punishment for his betrayal. Others believe he was murdered, and this assault upon the Jinn's favored representative brought about the dark, due to either anger or grief. Still others say it was some upheaval amongst the Jinn themselves that was reflected in the storms that ravaged the new world. No one knows for sure, and the Jinn have been less than forthcoming with an explanation.
Burial Rituals: People choose how their bodies are dealt with based on their connection to the world. This varies as widely as a simple burial for farmers and those of the land to burial at sea for sailors and the like. Those who believe themselves to be of a more noble station often choose to be given to the fire, though this practice is by no means limited to those who are well off.
Animals of Significance: Eagles, falcons and raptors in general, are seen as symbols of freedom. Camels are viewed as the…backbone…of overland travel and trade.
Practice of Divination: Augury is the preferred method of divination for the Ash-Sh’b, following the flight patterns of birds to determine the future. This practice is often compared to navigation practiced by sailors.
View of Magic: A gift from the Jinn! You may even have Jinn blood in your family line. It is said the Caliph's family, may the Jinn bless their passing, were very close to the Jinn, and no one dared offend them because of it.
View of other cultures:
Skenden: Northern savages. Why would you want to live somewhere so cold? Still, they are said to be fierce warriors, and they handle those narrow ships of theirs with some skill in all that ice.
Minzoku: Ah, a people with culture. A funny little culture, granted, but they do appreciate the finer things in life.
Oami: It is said they can ply the paths of the woods with nearly as much skill as we ply the waves. Such an honor to such a simple people.
Dascean: A people where every man is a king! They may be the most inhospitable kings we have ever heard of.
Ta Atoua: Now here is a people with their affairs in order. Now if only they would relax and realize that everything does not revolve around fighting.
Free Isles: Bloody Pirates! They would rather poach off of our hard work then have to put in an honest days labor themselves. I wish the Jinn would rise up and sink their little islands and put an end to all of them.