[hider=KINGDOM SHEET] [b]Name of the Kingdom:[/b] The Affadyqid Sultanate [b]Current Ruler:[/b] Mehran bin-Laysham al Affadyqid [b]Dynasty:[/b] Affadyqid [b]Flag: [/b] [img=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Seljuqs_Eagle.svg/200px-Seljuqs_Eagle.svg.png] [b]History:[/b] The Affadyqid Sultanate was established some 500 years ago by Beneran "The Lame Mare". Originally the third daughter of Orghan, the chief of a tribe of Kara nomads, she managed to take over by manipulating her older brothers into killing themselves in a duel. Once in charge of the tribe, the ambitious chieftess wasted no time in subjugating the neighboring tribes into her growing domain. And after five years of war, during which she asserted herself as one of the most powerful leaders of the region, Beneran set her eyes on the true prize: The Sestani plain, possibly the most fertile patch of land of the entire northern reach of the continent and the "Promised Land" for the Kara and other desert-dwellers. During that time, the Sestani plain was under the control of the Zurvanid Empire. An ancient realm already in its twilight years, suffering from stagnation, corruption and a intense civil war between the Emperor and a league of rebel city-states. And it was during this time of weakness that Benenan and her army of desert-dwellers barged into the region. Proving once again to be a masterful commander, Benenan easily slaughtered the divided armies of her opponents, burning all cities and villages who dared to resist. It was during this time that she gained the nickname of "Lame Mare", for during a battle she took a wound that soon got infected and forced the doctors to cut off her left leg below the knee. Though that didn't stop her from continuing the campaign, and as soon as a wooden replacement could be arranged Beneraz was back on the saddle. After more four years of intense combat, the old Zurvanid Empire was conquered, save for a few remnants roaming the countryside, and so the victorious chieftess declared herself Sultana and choose the city of Iskenderyah to be the capital of the "Affadyqid Sultanate" (Meaning Blue Eagle in the Kara language). Surprisingly, the Lame Mare proved to be a merciful ruler, restoring the many temples and monuments destroyed by her army and protecting the freedom of religion and respecting the different cultures of her subjects. She died after other 20 years in power. Her son, Muffahar, would rule like his mother, merciful and generous to his allies but ruthlessly cruel to his enemies. As it would soon be discovered by the many rebels who rose up during the early year of his reign. Other than that, his reign would be mostly quiet. Muffahar's son, Zedanyin would take the throne and spend most of his reign warring with the neighboring states and expanding the Sultanate. After him the Affadyqid realm would be wracked by a 9-year long civil war that would end with the nobility ruling the realm and the Sultan reduced to a mere figurehead. This situation would remain for some hundred years. Until the start of the 30-years War. This conflict started rather far away from the borders of the Sultanate, but thanks to a complex web of alliances the Affadyqids found themselves in one of the sides of the war. The conflict, like many others, was bloody and senseless, ending with little more than a white peace and ruining several rulers across Astieb and Chernogavia. Including many of the most powerful lords of the realm, which allowed the reigning Sultan to wrest the control of the nation back into his hands. The next big event would happen some 50 years later with the birth of the Ularid Faith. A militant religion by nature, its followers surged from the deserts and into the settled lands, sparking yet another long and bloody conflict that lasted for some more decades. Fortunately for the Affadyqids, when the Holy Warriors of Ular reached their borders they were already overstretched after years of brutal fighting. This allowed the Affadyqid armies to triumph and beat the fanatics back. Though to this victory did not stop the spread of Ularism through the population of the western regions of the Sultanate. And so we reach the current era. Some 230 years after the first Ularid Wars, and 10 years into the reign of Sultan Mehren. [/hider] [hider= Traits and Flaws] Not a Flawless Family 2: Mehran's grandfather was rather fond of the young children of his court. This inappropriate infatuation led to his poisoning by his younger brother, who then took the throne. Only to die of a heart attack decades later while engaging in certain [i] activities[/i] with his daughter. The throne then passed to Mehran's father, who was rumored to take part in ceremonies to consort with demons. Needless to say, the prestige and standing of the Affadyqids was seriously damaged by these events. Terrible boats: Beneran conquered and ruled her realm from atop of a horse and while her sons may have built palaces for themselves, no Affayqid ruler ever paid much attention to building himself a fleet. Agriculture: The Affadyqids rule over fertile the Sestani plain provides them with vast amounts of foodstuff for the realm. Rich with Ores: The Lamani mountains located along the northeastern coast of the nation and the Alberrin on the southern edge of the Sultanate are among the richest of the continent. Industry: The Affadyqids rulers always placed great emphasis on ensuring the productivity and quality of local craftsmen Big Armies: The continent of Astieb is no stranger to conflicts, and the Sultans never forgot how their illustrious ancestor simply took the lands of those unable to resist. And as such maintaining large armies was always a must for the Affadyqid rulers. After all, isn't it the task of every men and women to defend it's liege? Messengers with wings: Communication was and always will be a vital cornerstone of warfare. Trained Troops: Despite it's large size bringing a quality of its own, the Affadyqid Sultans have always maintained a smaller force of very well trained troops under direct control of the crown. Foraging: The sheer size of the Affadyqid armies have forced them to be efficient at foraging when in campaign. Developed Infrastructure: When Beneran took over the old Zurvanid Empire, she ensured that the old roads and monuments survived, and her sons and successors prided themselves in expanding the general infrastructure of the realm Fair Law: In theory, the mandate of the Affadyqids is due to their ability to maintain peace and order. For this reason the Sultans have always worked hard to maintain a strong judicial system Clean streets: The cities are dutifully patrolled by guards day and night. [/hider] [hider=Claim on the map:] [img=http://i1039.photobucket.com/albums/a474/Patukov/Affadyqids_zps0042bbba.png] [/hider] [hider=Additional things to fill in: (Culture, Traditions, Customs, Et Cetera.)] WIP [/hider]