THE DESERT
A vast, dry desert distinguished by two opposing forces: The Jewel of The Desert, and The Dragon Kingdoms. The West, too, possesses their own ethereal power, dominated by the long march of camel Caravans and their vaunted exotic trade.
One cannot discuss the history of The Desert without first understanding the formation of its constituent parts: The Jewel of The Desert, and The Dragon Kingdoms.
c. ▇▇▇ PR (Pre-Rebellion), the eight eponymous dragons that would create what in modern times are referred to as "Dominances" arrive in The Desert and insert themselves as the ultimate authority over local inhabitants (believed to have been members of the now-extinct Khaaranite people).
c. ▇ PR, the Six Saints conduct coordinated revolution within their respective Dominances, sparking the fires of The Great Rebellion. Whilst none of the dragons suffered casualties, the revolutionary Saints succeeded in besieging the Central Dominance and absconding with the titular Jewel which would become the symbolic and functional icon of The Jewel of The Desert.
c. ▇▇ PSR (Post-Rebellion), The Jewel of The Desert as recognized in modern times begins to emerge; core infrastructure emerges, satellite settlements begin to form, and The Book of Hope has been penned and reproduced. The Jewel of The Desert sees a rapid rise in literacy, however the economy struggles in the absense of trading partners.
– From The Complete History of The Desert as revised and edited by Proper Diction.
The Jewel of The Desert
The Ecclesiarchal Faith
Although The Jewel gives the outward appearance of being a monarchy, it is actually a theocracy, with most executive power given to the current highest ranking member of the Ecclesiarchy. Usually, this is a "living saint".
The Ecclesiarchal Faith is built upon worship of the Six Saints who founded The Jewel of The Desert, with the occasional lesser saint gaining recognition for noble deeds.
Extolling the virtues of the Six Saints is The Book of Hope. The Book of Hope is the official penned codex of the Ecclesiarchal Faith, and contains details on the lives of The Six Saints, as well as their sage guidance.
The Jewel
The cultural icon of The Jewel of The Desert, and the stolen artifact that keeps its denizens safe from the dragon menace.
Crystal ponies
Although intended to share the same liberties as other Jewelers, crystal ponies possess the dubious position of second-class citizens. In the worst of cases- and the most common of them- their freedoms are stripped away entirely.
Silasu is the native tongue of the crystal ponies, whom refer to themselves as simalai. Unfortunately, the language is seldom learned for crystal slaves, and just as rarely spoken. They Who Knows, crystal pony lorekeepers, of sorts, maintain their traditions.