In the beginning, there was nothing but darkness. The swirling torrent of primordial magics and celestial bodies waxed and waned at random. The world was lifeless and barren, and creation was not yet conjured. That is, until Hayashim, God of the Sun, known as Allah, or the Light and Life Bringer, poured forth his holy essence and warmed the world with his touch. With his left hand he created the moon Goddess, Sarika, the guider of night and bringer of water, and he married her. With his right hand, he created the heavens and earth, and all of the beasts, who's favored sons and daughters were human.
But there were other entities of the magics at the dawn of creation. Pagan Gods and powerful Djinni, the fallen servants of Hayashim, made humans their playthings. Monsters that lurked in the darkness, hunting the favored sons and daughters of Hayashim. Untapped magic of the most chaotic sort flowing rampantly. Thousands of years passed as humans scratched a living off rocks and went to bed at night afraid, until Hayashim cursed the rebellious powers.
Humanity grew stronger, though the world was still rife with danger. Empires rose, and the three that grew the strongest was the Praelian Empire (Greco-Romans), the Alsahra Sultunate (Arabia), and the Kingdom of Rasha Fodum (India). Eventually, the Praelian Empire, having conquered the lands of the northern barbarians, set its sights on the other two, lesser Empires. The Praelian Legion was known for its discipline and skill, and set about conquering the two, which it nearly succeeded in doing.
Until the one known as the prophet was born. A man of humble origins that nevertheless commanded great respect with his philosophy and kindness. It was his teachings that brought the Sultunate and the Rasha Kingdom together, to create the Abi-Babur Caliphate. Though the prophet was captured and put to death, his execution set off the fall of the Praelian Empire, as a great plague sweat across the land and decimated its people, leaving the Praelior a shadow of its former self.
This is three hundred years after the death of the prophet. The Caliphate has become decadent and rich. Vice and murder is rampant. Slavery is widespread, and 90% of the population live in relative poverty, while the Caliph, Sultans, Pashas, and Merchant Princes lounge in vast riches and sprawling palaces. Corsairs sail the seas, attacking as they will. Cities disappear and ancient monsters have reawakened now that Hayashim's people have become fat and greedy. The shattered remnants of the Pagan Gods lie dormant across the Alsahra' Desert. Tombs that should never be reopened are being plundered for their riches. Harems are abound and Princesses are sold off. Magical items have been rediscovered. Ifrits stalk the land, and Ghuls haunt the graveyards, while unknown creatures of the eastern jungles prey on the unwary. Necromancers awake the dead, and alchemists seek to unlock the secret's of Hayashim's very form. And word has it, the Praelian Legion has regained its strength, and seeks to reconquer what they think is theirs.
The merchant city of vices, Raghba Shahar, is where we begin our story. A story that begins on a dark night...Mythological Beastiary:
- Genies: Greater Djinnis who are trapped in lamps or bottles, cursed to perform three wishes for whosoever releases them.
- Ifrits: Lesser Djinnis. Many are trapped in magic rings and perform one wish, though some Ifrits are unchained and live in the desert. They enjoy capturing men and women, making them their playthings, mentally, physically, and at times sexually. The Ifrits often love shrinking men and/or women and trapping them in small items, as their kin often are.
- Ghuls: Undead creatures who feast upon human flesh. Very ferocious beasts.
- Rocs: Birds of untold size and strength, can blot out the sky with their wingspan.
- Demons: Fallen entities of hatred, and betrayers of Hayashim. Cousins to Djinni's but more brutal with less magic.
- Giant Snakes: Exactly what it says on the tin. 60 feet long and can devour men whole.
- Bahamuts: Great serpents of the seas and rivers.
- Dandan: Great fish that can swallow boats whole
- Golems: Constructs of rock or claw made to protect.
- Shivu: 8 feet tall, 8 limbed swordsmen creatures.
- Rasha Drakes: Wingless, flying serpents that breathe fire. Have limited magical abilities, and are quite large.
- Death Worms: Sand creatures that prey upon caravans. Can spit acid when need be, and travel in packs.
- Etc...
Government/Terms:
Caliph (Emperor)
Sultans (Regional Kings)
Pashas (Rulers of City States)
Guild Pasharahs (Merchant Princes)
Mamluks (Knightly Cast of the Caliphate)
Alchemists/Sorcerers (Given high status if apart of a court. Disgraced ones or pagan ones are given a wide berth)
Artisans/Merchants (small middle class)
Laborers (40% of pop)
Slaves (40% of pop)
Foreigners (treated with respect if they follow the laws of the land)
