Shu

SANDSTRIDERS : A Lost Land

<Snipped quote by Shu>
Word! I am one of the slower posters in this community. I hope I do not slow down the rest of the team here.

@Gunther

SANDSTRIDERS: World and Lore

EQUARISH

(English) This tongue spread south along with the arrival of Sharaq and his following. It originated far to the north beyond Tawr and - as the unifying language of a growing faith - was carried across the winds to the surrounding lands and even beyond.

URKUN

WORDS

Alat - Man/Mankind (Humans)
Ard - Earth/Land
Arhanphast - (The) Great Father
Ayira - Elements
Amnhi - “Forgive me” or “pardon me”. An apology.
Armil - Sand
Bamal - Camel
Bary - Wild. In the context of the wilderness.
Da’ - Lost
Eum - Blood
Fasyr - Sword
Habah - Fire
Hir - Air
Isran - Horse
Lite/Lites - Born/been born
Maea - Yes
Manudhe - Forsaken
Muhawar - Wares/Goods
Nisek - Die
Ulate - God(s)
Umurud - Emerald
Un - No
Wanah - Water
Wazahanir - Traveller/Explorer/Journeyman
Zahn - Sand

PHRASES

“Layk aenash!” - Curse/Swear
”Hlahna!” - Hello/Greetings!
”Arhanphast eanu kum!” - Great Father curse you!
“Arhanphast behru kum.” - Great Father bless you.
“Ulate eanu kum!” - Gods curse you!
“Ulate behru kum.” - Gods bless you.
”Awhrifaraw.” - Farewell/Journey safely.
”Yabahdeid!” - Leave me/Go away!
”Mekunaha.” - Thanks/Thank you.

TAWRISH

WORDS

Bahet - Elements/The Elements
Bitshi - Man/Mankind (Humans)
Beriit - Wild/Savage(s)
Casar - Horse
Heb - Earth/Land
Honh - Whore/Prostitute
Huit - Lost/Forsaken
Isameh - Sword
Jit - No
Jerteh - God(s)
Khul - Air
Kimah - Camel
Lhat - Fire/Flame
Mehpit - Slave
Mwat - Die
Sahi - Sand
Sarin - Desert/Sand realm
Smeta - Liar (You are a liar.)
Whut - Water
Wis - Yes
Zelhesh - Blood

PHRASES

“Cha haket!” - Curse/Swear
”Hede/Hedes!” - Hello/Greetings!
“Maatrho phet uhn!” - Maatrho spit on you!
“Maatrho wenbet besu.” - Maatrho’s blessings (unto you).
“Mebrohn.” - Farewell (A pleasant goodbye.)
“Pah hret!” - Fie/Begone/Leave me now!
“Sahnat.” - Thanks/Thank you.
“Sarin tik uhn!” - Sands/Desert take you!

BANEGHORAN

WORDS

Agaa - Fire
Ahava - Wind
Ahil - No
Bhegistar - Desert
Haratee - Earth
Hoyee - Yes
Huda - Horse
Katir - Blood
Kopas - Soul/Spirit
Manar - Die
Meesathir - My Lord/Master
Panna - Emerald
Onta - Camel
Rayaa - Foreigner/Outsider/Savage (Negatively)
Tahanee - Water
Tativa - Element/The Elements
Tert - Sand
Vartaal - Sword

PHRASES

“Tanaalt hia!” - Curse/Swear
“Mastiam!” - Hello/Greetings!
“Enaapa mataa kopas!” - Curse your soul!
“Bideeu.” - Farewell (A pleasant goodbye.)
“Jaavaalet!” - Begone/Leave me now!
”Krishukya.” - Thanks/Thank you.
”Manari eela taa!” - Death to you!

BARYAKIN

WORDS

Amamor - Gods/The Gods
Et - You
Himr - Camel
Kyrm - Sword
Metsor - Elements
Neitr - Fire
Odstor - Water
Om - No
Psiha - Die
Quets - Earth/Land
Sabar - Man/Mankind (Human)
Simr - Yes
Snlei - Sand
Wizh - Air
Ysah - Horse
Zutr - Blood

PHRASES


”Amamor nkpit et!” Gods curse you!
”Bhwai!” - Hello/Greetings!
”Iyaweh.” - Farewell.
”Nkpit!” - Curse/Swear
“Tet verima!” - Go away/Leave!

UPDATE: This will be added to in time.

SANDSTRIDERS : A Lost Land

Religion and magic have been added to the lore thread. @POOHEAD189@Kassarock@Penny@Shift@Gunther@Force and Fury

I will work on finishing up languages today and then get started on our list of creatures & monsters. Expect the official thread sometime this weekend or at the latest the first of this upcoming week. This should give everyone time to work on their characters with what I have added/included.

After the creation of our thread and the completion and approval of all characters we can begin! I appreciate all of you for being patient with me - especially given my lagging as of late (real life has no mercy for the hobby writer!).

If you have any questions, curiosities, or concerns just speak up! I am looking forward to this!

PS - Just to add; when creating your character do not hesitate to do some world building of your own. I left ambiguity in many areas for a reason which was to allow for player input/efforts in expanding and adding more to our world. So do not be shy about contributing to things via your character backstories and profiles!

Ban the Person above you

Banned because that makes it cooler actually.

Ban the Person above you

Banned for your username letters all being lowercase.

SANDSTRIDERS : A Lost Land

@Force and Fury@VeyrinDay consider yourselves “on the ticket” as it were - assuming your still down. We have our 5 and with the addition of you that makes a nice 7 cap.

Also - if you do not mind - PM me your discord handles.

SANDSTRIDERS : A Lost Land

And here we are! Lore and world! (I will repost this with individual links in our official thread.)

roleplayerguild.com/topics/187868-san…

I will add more throughout today and of course on after. Magic and religion completion are my current priority and then languages of course. Despite my tardiness we are still on schedule to have things rolling later this week. If you have any questions, concerns or curiosities let me know!

@POOHEAD189@Kassarock@Penny@Shift@Gunther

SANDSTRIDERS: World and Lore

THE SIX ELEMENTS

There are six realms known to exist exterior to the mortal world; the four elemental planes of water, fire, air, and earth - and then the heavens and the abyss. Each of these six realms are recognized differently in various cultures and faiths though most all acknowledge that they exist. The differentiation is in who and what inhabits these otherworldly realms and to what significance they are to the world of mortals.

The elemental planes of course are realms of their respected elemental sources. The water plane is an endless existence of rolling oceans, mountainous glaciers, and rocky rapids upon fields of ice. The air plane is a groundless tumultuous void of lightning storms, cyclones, and howling winds. The fire plane is a hellscape of volcanoes, rivers of magma, and fields of scorching ground. The earth plane is an dry, lifeless wasteland of naught but rolling sand and pillars of rock like a desert.

These descriptions are mostly speculated as being accurate. Many mortals throughout the centuries have attempted to venture into the elemtal planes and few are ever seen again. There are endless accounts of the inhabitants and wonders of the planes - great castles of ice, statues of carved rock, and underwater cities. Many speculate these to be the monuments and palaces of the jinn - powerful spirits who are born unto and rule their respective “kingdoms” and territories within their planes. The alleged golems and wisps of fire and air and such their subjects or guardians.

Many speculate as to the relationship these four elemental planes have with the mortal realm. Did these planes spill their essence into the mortal world giving the way for life? Or did the elements first come to be in the mortal world - their “birthing ground” - and the planes crafted by the gods to house the full potential of these elements, letting their unbridled potential flow endlessly. Like many of the magical and wondrous things of the world there is no all-accepted consensus.

And then there is of course the heavens and the abyss - realms of light and dark energies respectively. These two greater realms are more diverse in their essences yet more exact in their nature and impact on the universe. Fire can light the way for one lost in the dark, but it can also burn an innocent man to death. Water gives life and vitality, but it also can drown someone that has fallen into a river by accident. But light and dark are generally accepted as the sources of good and evil.

In the heavens, the plane of light, there is understanding, serenity, the warmth of a smile and the enlightened way of the calm. Holy energies of healing and sanctity flow through the heavens as does the warding of all things unholy and the bane of evil. Wielded by the right hand such energies can be instruments of just and rightness.
The abyss is home to darkness. Negative energies, wicked secrets, seclusion, ostracism, taboos, and abominations to all normalities. Sadistic, nihilistic, and devilish religions draw their power and inspirations from the abyss.

Most faiths relate their benevolent deities, prophets, and blessed souls to the heavens while devils, demons, and the forsaken are tied to the abyss. These two realms of light and dark have varying names of course, in some instances simply being called the heavens and the void or the abyss.

MAGES

Mages - or magic users, magic touched, or plane touched - is a branch all term for those with the ability to call upon the power of the realms exterior to the mortal world. These individuals have traces of one - or in some instances two - of the six elements running in their bloodline which has manifested itself in them. Or at least this is the case regarding the elements of water, fire, wind, and earth. Light and dark are more complex in nature and usually have unique circumstances regarding each person who can tap into these two greater elements.

In most cases those with magical ability - who are not Ayiralites - either had Ayiralite ancestry, thus forever branding their lineage with magic, or were directly exposed to a connection with one of the four planes. The latter of course will likewise ensure the possibility of magic henceforth in this individual’s descendants.

Nearly all those with magic abilities can only channel a single element, even with multiple elements flowing throughout their family history. The exception to this rule is in the case of two mages of different elements having a child. Children with plane touched parents of different elemental descent can channel forth the powers inherited from both parents and often enough combine the essences of their abilities to create powerful spells. In some instances those with grandparents of different elements can also be born with this ability but the farther back one goes the less likelihood there is of this uniqueness.

Those with the ability to call upon the powers of light and dark are true enigmas even to lifelong magisters and scholars. Unlike the elemental planes - who’s magical essences are introduced into the mortal world by the seed of the jinn or exposure to the planes - the powers of light and dark are “bestowed” upon mortals. Or so it is said. Lineages that are touched by the light and dark elements have no “trail” to follow in recent history, some alleged to link back to the dawn of time. There are also tales of some who have the light and dark elemental powers granted to them by angels or devils. While many scoff at this one can find in the most remote corners of the world or deep within the underbellies of huge cities those who can summon demons and shades or open portals to the abyss with the will and enough gathered power to do so. Some throughout history claim to have entered the heavens and abyss alike. Wether this is true or not, who can say?

SPELLCRAFTING

The ability to channel the elements and call upon their power only gives the inexperienced mage a limited array of uses for their ability. Casting a ray of frost or hurling a ball of flame while impressive to many is seen as simplistic and easy to a wisened user of magic. Spellcrafting is the application of inherited magic ability being studied and relentlessly exercised so that the user can not only gain better control of their planar magic but also learn how to manipulate it to their will.

The experienced mage can coil tendrils of lightning around a comrades’ blade, create a towering wall of ice, or summon forth a tremor to bring down a cave or a building. While no institutions or schools of magic exist groups dedicated to the study and improvement of magical abilities are everywhere, be they the inner circles and covens of mages among the nobility of Tawr or the aged sorcerers of Esaad who pass along their wisdom to apprentices.

Spellacrafting is something of an umbrella term that includes things such as creation of magical scrolls, weapon enchanting, and the binding of creatures and souls. Any magically capable person who conducts experiments of any nature may be referred to as a “spellcrafter”, assuming they aren’t simply called a witch or abomination.

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SHARAQISM

Sharaqism teaches that there is one supreme all-knowing omnipresent god that resides in a grand palace atop the highest peaks in the heavens. He is known by his name in Urkun - Arhanphast, “Great Father”. Arhanphast first created the world thousands of years ago, making all that was good and right. He molded the earth and from the same clay he shaped the Alat in His image. He created Heaven, the angels, the elemental planes, and the jinn. The angels and jinn would lord over the heavens and elemental planes respectively while the Alat walked the earth in bliss and under the father Arhanphast’s watchful eye.

The teachings of the prophet Sharaq tell of an archangel and six of his charges who left the heavens and sought dominion over the Alat over their simple lowly existences in the heavens. They did not wish to serve another but instead sought the praise and adoration of those beneath them. This archangel presented himself as the new lord over the mortal realm over the unseeable Arhanphast. The Great Father - outraged by this usurping - cast these seven angels and their scores of new followers into an infinite black void to be forever forgotten.

Feeding on the souls and mortal essences of their followers trapped with them the seven fallen angels created the abyss and from their ill will and profane actions was the element of darkness born. The seven’s once beautiful angelic forms were twisted and defaced by their vile actions, making them into horned and winged devils. The leader took the name Stylaxaran - the creator and father of all things dark and vile and his six companions became his six archdevils.

Sharaqa teaches that in the end times Stylaxaran and his six archdevils - Hevedes, Folgolphat, Narvug, Threpidesh, Yaranagug, and Lahastas - will burst forth into the world with an army of shades, undead, demons, and lost souls at their back to consume the world and then march on the heavens after.

To the faithful of Sharaqa a proper life is one of wisdom, kindness, devotion to integrity, and to follow the seven virtues of Arhanphast. Those who accept the Great Father into their lives and follow his teachings and sew his will shall reap the fruits of their devotion and enjoy an eternity of bliss and serenity in his kingdom and best witness to the second and final fall of Stylaxaran and his forsaken legions.

The teachings of Sharaqism are centered on the seven virtues of life denying and combatting the influence of darkness. Sharaqa teaches that all intelligent and knowing beings can feel the warmth of Arhanphast’s grace - including the Ayiralites and Duraalat.

Sharaqism first originated far to the north beyond the lands of Tawr, the prophet Sharaqa beginning a long pilgrimage southward back into the lands of his people after journeying north years before. Guided by the stars he amassed thousands of dedicated followers as he marched south and spread the teachings bestowed unto him by the angel sent in his dreams. His joining with the young King Madhi helped spread the faith across Esaad and soon after beyond.

AAROTHISM

Originating in the mountainous region of southern Esaad this polytheistic religion was the centuries old faith of Esaad aside from the lingering tribal beliefs prior to the arrival of the teachings of Sharaq. It is a slowly fading away religion as the teachings of Sharaq are taken in far and wide. It consisted of nine gods - Faroas (God of kings and law.), Ynia (Reason and intellect.), Olinna (Motherhood and matriarchy.), Hashanna (Harvest and spring fertility, birth.), Duella (Beauty, lavishness, sex, and eroticism.), Shevora (Messengers, couriers, and mercantilism.), Vetch (Punishment and torment.), Zalatross (The sea and sailing.), Kaszho (War and bloodshed.), Meshiasa (Home, hearth, and hunting.)

Named for originating from the long forgotten kingdom of Aarot that rose up from the mountains, this pagan polytheistic religion spread across the lands and - after Aarot fell - remained. Amid the rise of Esaad and the spread of Sharaqism the gods of Aarot became less popular and soon all but forgotten. Only a few scattered sanctuaries and small temples to the gods of Aarot remain and their followings are mostly secluded villages and small scattered cults along the southern borders.

NEKHISM

The teachings of Nekhi can be traced back to the earliest days of recorded civilization in Baneghora. The legendary mute guru journeyed across the realm with his disciples who acted as his mouth, relating his teachings.

Unlike the religions of the surrounding regions Nekhists people in a cycle of life and the concept of cause and effect in actions and decisions made. Every action has a reaction - be that reaction immediate or in the next life. Nekhists believe that the powers of good always triumphs over evil and that all evildoers will be punished by the universes’ superior tendency of moral good.

Nekhists do not believe in a single or multiple gods but rather that the universe is maintained and justice ensured by what they refer to as Dhumar, a grand “tribunal” of sorts of good spirits and those who have ascended after many lifetimes to a status as those who can act as keepers of the great cycle of existence. These paragons of life have been absorbed into the greater aura of light and their influence and virtue maintains that judgements are fair and that good continues to triumph over evil.

One could supposedly say that the pantheon of Nekhism consists of thousands of “deities”, those who have ascended unto the Dhumar. While not directly worshipped these paragons of life are celebrated and the Dhumar itself honored and recognized for it’s role in maintaining universal harmony and continuation. Great festivals are often held to uplift positive energies into the heavens to encourage and give added sustenance to the Dhumar.

TAWRISH PANTHEON

In Tawr the Maatrho is recognized as being a living deity, a god king of all the land. In death his spirit ascends to join the court of Dhahit - the creator of all life and king of the heavens. After the death of a Maatrho his divine-born son ascends to the throne of Tawr and takes up the mantle as new divine ruler of Tawr. This new Maatrho’s life dedication to spread the glory of the true gods and honor the godly lineage of the Maatrho’s before him and those to come after.

It is prophesied that when the court of Dhahit is filled that the last living Maatrho will be deposed by Dhahit himself as he then merges the heavens and earth. All those in his court will be scattered across the horizon to rule as his vassals as that order and balance will be brought to the entire world at last as the gods bring their glory to the mortal world.

Aside from Dhahit and his chosen bloodline the Tawran pantheon houses eight other major gods. They are Kiya, Bhet, Teft, Anaya, Kenua, Ghab, Jhator, and Qesat. Each of these various gods each have sons and daughters of their own acting as lords over their own minor realms and virtues. Aside from the eight major gods that stand beside Dhahit there are twenty other deities the Tawrish veneer.

CULTS OF THE SIX DEVILS

Various cults of the six devils mentioned by Sharaqa exist across the lands, and while originating from Sharaqism the worship of these wicked beings isn’t restricted to the people of Esaad. The six devils are Hevedes (Pride and disregard for law.), Folgolphat (Sloth and gluttony.), Narvug (Wrath and sadism.), Threpidesh (Greed and coveting of others’ possessions.), Yaranagug (Envy and hatred.) and Lahastas (Lust and rape.)

More TBA/expanded on later.

SANDSTRIDERS: World and Lore

ESAAD

ALIGNMENT
Lawful Neutral


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CAPITAL
Amater


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RULER
Shah Omar al-Mustansir


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GOVERNMENT
Absolute Monarchy, Confederation


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LANGUAGES
Equarish, Urkun


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ADJECTIVE
Esaadi (Also demonym.)


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KEY EXPORTS
Spice, Sugar, Salt, Iron, Steel, Incense, Textiles, Wine, Lumber


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RELIGIONS
Sharaqism, Aarothism, Devilish Cults, Various pagan tribal faiths.


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Spanning the width of the northern coast Esaad is a confederation of seven kingdoms that has stood united for over four hundred years now. A center of commerce, innovation, thought, study of the arcane, and architectural wonder it stands as the dominant power of the region. Under the rule of House al-Mustansir for fourteen generations Esaad has stood unbroken and triumphant against plague, foreign invasion, and insurgency in years past.

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SHORT HISTORY



At one time the northern coast was fractured into nine different kingdoms that had warred among themselves for centuries. The rise of the great warrior king Madhi would see change in the region. After uniting his own kingdom of Haracha - which was at the time divided by civil war - he set out on a twelve year campaign to unite the region under one rule.

It was during this long period of war that the prophet Sharaqa would arrive with his followers. In exchange for land to call their own and allowing the prophet to spread his teachings across the land his faithful would join Madhi in his war which soon turned from a conquest of glory into a “holy war to end all war”. The five thousand faithful that Sharaqa had brought with him proved their worth, their valor and numbers helping Madhi to realize his goal.

In the end kingdoms of Kusavel, Tal-Vashi, Gorut, Armuja, Balakez, and Parthis surrendered one by one. Only Aryhisar and Qaiq would not relent and would be destroyed in the end, it’s peoples scattered to the west and their lands seized for Sharaqa and his people. King Madhi took the name al-Mustansir and established his great house to rule over his new realm.

The rise of Esaad changed many things in the region. For the first time the people were all unified by banner and faith alike. The teachings of Sharaqa putting aside the centuries old teachings of the past. This great new kingdom also become a pulsating core of trade, academia, and progress towards the future.



The rise of Esaad was not welcomed by all of course. The independent tribes to the west and south feared the loss of their freedom and to the east the stood Tawr. The Maatrho was most displeased with the appearance of a new power right on his front step, worse yet one that harbored thousands of heretics that had been driven from his lands. These seeds of outrage and resentment would lead to four separate wars over the centuries as the descendants of Horemheb fought to topple this affront to the glory of the Maatrhos. Despite each ear being bloodier and more damaging that the prior one Esaad had withstood these assaults remaining defiant in the face of the jinn-blooded kings in the east.

TAWR

ALIGNMENT
Lawful Evil


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CAPITAL
Tanupadet


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RULER
Maatrho Hetanmun II


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GOVERNMENT
Theocratic Monarchy


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LANGUAGES
Tawrish, Equarish


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ADJECTIVE
Tawran


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KEY EXPORTS
Cotton, Sugar, Grain, Incense, Wine, Ivory, Dye, Textiles


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RELIGIONS
Tawrish Pantheon and worship of the Maatrho as Tawr’s god king.


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Eight hundred years ago Horemheb I ascended into the heavens to take his place in the court of Dhahit, lord of the heavens and creator of all life. So it is written. With Horemheb I’s passing his son took up the mantle as Maatrho of Tawr, and his son after him, and so forth. For generations the lineage of Horemheb has ruled as the living god kings - Maatrho’s - of Tawr. If the gods will it this blessed bloodline will continue to do so, and any who defy their lordship is defying the will of the gods themselves. And those who defy the gods must be destroyed.

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SHORT HISTORY



The rise of Horemheb I of the divine ruling house of Tawr is as much mysticism and legend as truth. Stories tell of four water plane Ayiralites who approached a small town and used their power to illicit both awe and fear unto the locals bringing them to their knees. These people would become the first soldiers, advisors, and slaves of what would become the great divine kingdom of Tawr. These four jinnbloods journeyed from one town to the next, the numbers at their backs growing by the hundreds as scores of humans knelt before these powerful beings.

Soon the four had thousands at their back, calling them scions of the gods and that to rule over man was their destiny. The stories then tell of the youngest of the four killing the three elders - though how is a matter of much argument - and proclaiming himself Horemheb the First, Maatrho of Tawr and bringer of the gods’ will on the earth.

Centuries later this kingdom ruled by Ayiralites endures. Thousands pay homage to the Maatrho’s and the other gods, asking them for their blessing in life and deed alike. The Maatrho’s armies are seemingly boundless, his soldiers go into battle knowing that every enemy they fell is an obstacle they have removed in seeing the gods’ will done that the enlightenment known unto Tawr will spread across the lands. If they fall, it will be an honorable death as they served Maatrho bravely and their life ended with purpose.

This fanatic devotion is instilled at a young age as boys and girls are taught that their king is a god and that their life is to be lived in glorification and service to him. Any who defy the law or disrupt the daily lives of the people of Tawr are disrupting the balance and unity set by the Maatrho and therefore is a blasphemer. Those who shirk their societal duties and show slothfulness are also blasphemers, their souls to be judged harshly in the after life. This customary evocation of divine mandate in all things of life has proven a fine method of maintaining total control.



Over the centuries Tawr has waxed and waned somewhat in regards to power and advancement alike. Despite their many successful conquests in the early years Tawrish expansion has stagnated in the past few centuries. Multiple wars with the younger Esaad have all ended with little gain and much humiliation for the instigating Maatrho’s. To the south and southeast Dahard and Baneghora both have proven frustrating opponents as well. To the east lie vast deserts with little to be seized and to the north are the vassal tribes of Tawr, those who have sworn fealty to the Maatrho and trade with his people.

That said Tawr is far from a failing kingdom. It’s people are obedient and unwavering in their duties - even if one can say ignorant and misguided - and while not the innovative or cultural marvel of it’s neighbors Tawr does have marvelous pension for it’s mastery of the arcane. This of course ties back to the kingdoms’ ruling class of Ayiralites and their many mage retainers. With an unrivaled grandeur of magical prowess and refined elite one can say in it’s own way Tawr is gem on the desert sands.

BANEGHORA

ALIGNMENT
Chaotic Neutral


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CAPITAL
Malgasul


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RULER
Peshwa Kalap Thachil (De Facto)


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GOVERNMENT
Provisional Autocracy


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LANGUAGES
Baneghoran, Equarish


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ADJECTIVE
Baneghoran (Also demonym.)


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KEY EXPORTS
Gold, Gems, Rice, Spices, Sugar, Tobacco, Tea, Cafe, Fruits, Ink, Silk, Incense, Textiles, Lumber


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RELIGIONS
Nekhism, Devilish Cults, Various pagan tribal faiths.


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Baneghora has always been known as a land of wealth, culture, luxury, and wonder. It sits upon the gateway between the west and the east and before it lies the trade lanes of the sea. Rich in natural resources and inhabited by a hardworking people Baneghora seemed destined to be a majestic kingdom. And for many centuries it has been, a true marvel for both it’s own people to boast about and foreigners to envy. But all fortunes eventually lapse. Dark days have come upon Baneghora following the death of Queen Sakshi, the late matriarch having left no heir in her wake. Civil war has torn the country in half and amid this chaos many seek to forward themselves, pursuing their own ambitions at home or abroad.

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SHORT HISTORY

One can trace the earliest advanced civilizations back to Baneghora. Innovative and tireless the Baneghoran people have always been ahead of their peers, their advancements spanning trade, architecture, literature, the arts, and at times even militarily. During the heights of Tawr they would often find themselves pressed or even cornered but never have the Maatrho’s been able to seize the lands of Baneghora.



For two centuries this wealthy and flamboyant land was ruled by the Chanalli Dynasty. Tales of Chanallian Baneghora - a land of the finer things - carried far and with passion. Even at it’s apex the ambitious Esaad has never truly matched the wonder of Baneghora at it’s peak. That said Baneghora was not without weaknesses like any kingdom, for one they have not shared the same fascination and grip on arcane magics as the Tawrish have. Nor have they the elaborate and glorious history of conquest or the ethnic and social diversity of Esaad. But few could truly say that Esaad and Tawr were equally as lustrous as Baneghora.

But now those days of glamour and grandeur are fading it seems. In recent years Baneghora’s fortunes had slowly began an arc of descent. The expansion of the kingdom of Luang opened new trade with the east along the Umurud Sea thus ending the longtime Baneghoran monopoly on exports such as tea, rice, ink, and silk. Unwilling to start a war with a foreign power over trade - with their longtime enemy Tawr always vigilant against that - Queen Sakshi looked to expand Baneghoran influence elsewhere. Expeditions and trade ventures far to the south among the island kingdoms turned no profit and this shift in focus accosted Baneghoran trade elsewhere and furthered bolstered Luang.

To worsen matters recent droughts were lowering production of goods and ensuing famine caused starvation among the farmers and other peasants. The nobility began desperately gathering and hoarding food stores which only fanned the flames of resentment among the commoners and impoverished for the noble and middle classes. As starvation began to set in riots ensued which where violently suppressed by local officials. Armed mobs stormed wealthy estates and plantations only to face heavily armed soldiers, the blood that was spilled ran in rivers across the land. Amid the chaos the young Queen Sakshi was slain in her bed, murdered in the night. Peshwa Kalap Thachil immediately seized power and ordered merciless crackdown on the continuing chaos across the kingdom. This move was not taken lightly by many of the nobility who have banded together and formed a separatist faction that seeks to remove Thachil from power, the Peshwa being a prime suspect in the murder of the Queen Sakshi.

More TBA later.

SANDSTRIDERS: World and Lore

HUMANS

The most numerous and yet most divided people to walk the world humans have come to dominate the lands in which they dwell, building thriving cities and steadfast monuments to their success. Their origins are unknown as none can say what god created humans - or rather no agreement has been reached.

Their versatility has lead humans to spread far and wide across the deserts and into the mountains and depths of the jungles. There are few corners of the mapped world where human feet haven’t yet trodden. This has lead to a diversity of cultures, societies, and religions as the widespread human ethnicities and tribes develop their societies along different roads and at different paces. While it is unknown how far-flung their race is, it is universally - and with some grudgingly - accepted that humans are the presiding rulers of the world. This of course hardly proves as any platform of unity as - since their first recorded origins - humans have been a tumultuous and multidirectional folk. The societal differences paired with human nature to expand and assimilate has lead to blood feuds, holy wars, and even genocides.

The word “human” is a Equarish umbrella word that encompasses all the tribes and ethnicities of the “Alat” (An Urkun term that roughly equates to “mankind/men”.

AYIRALITE

Ayiralites, or “Element Born” in Urkun, are the offspring of jinn and mortal women. This pairing is absolute in nature as all jinn are male - though it is alleged they merely manifest themselves as males in mortal presences, no one truly knows.

Ayiralites are also known as jinn-bloods, jinnborn, and jinnkin in Equarish. In Baneghoran they are referred to as “matande” which means “spirit spawn”.

Scholars and magisters often argue that Ayiralites are not a race separate from humans but rather those with the heritage of planar beings - jinn. They are still human in nature, little different than the Alat as a whole. This argument of course nearly always falls upon deaf ears. As far as most are concerned they are not and will never be considered human.

Each Ayiralite is unique in nature, like grains of sand no two are exactly alike. Some bare bizarre markings resemblant to tattoos across their flesh, some do not. Some have pointed, webbed, or encrusted ears while some have simple rounded ears. These unique features are seemingly endless in range. All Ayiralites share the basic physical traits of their jinn “fathers”, such as red skin and flame-like hair for those parented by fire plane jinn or the tough hardened flesh of earth jinn.

Ayiralites have no true culture of their own. As they are born unto humans and raised in human culture they adopt the names, customs, outlooks, and faiths of those around them. Assuming of course they are not exiled or abandoned by their mother.

Nearly every society reacts to the presence of these jinnkin differently. In Baneghora they are seen as ill omens and those who birth them cursed by the gods. Many of the less superstitious nobility take Ayiralites as consorts or house servants. Some Ayiralites gain their Baneghoran masters’ trust or even affection and are given more leeway and privilege than others of their kind might have, though these jinnkin realize they will never been seen as equal by the humans around them.

In Tawr however Ayiralites are seen as divine and descended from the heavens. The ruling houses and the Maatrho’s are all of jinn descent and the countless human masses all grovel before their blue-skinned god kings’ feet seeking his blessing.
In Esaad and most other nearby realms Ayiralites are met with mixed reception. Most commoners tolerate their presence but remain quietly vigilant of them, though many nomadic and primitive tribes revile them and see them as devil spawn, killing them on site or stringing them up for public humiliation and abuse. Many Ayiralites live their lives as wanderers drifting from one land to the next to avoid such persecution.

All Ayiralites have magical ability. Some are more powerful than others and more capable of channeling their magic and using it in combat. But all of them have the ability bestowed into them by their planar blood.

Ayiralites can live for roughly one hundred and ten to one hundred and fifty years, though some can live longer.

Ayiralites are separated into four “ethnicities” or “breeds”. These subraces based upon their plane of descent which are water, air, fire, and earth. Each of these respective subraces have their own foundations of power and general nature aside from their personal idiosyncrasies.



Water Ayiralites are the offspring of jinn from the water plane. Adventurous, independent, and daring these aquatic jinnkin are also know for their somewhat fierce tempers when truly angered. On the opposite side when calm they are serene and gentle souls. Water Ayiralites have the ability to control and manipulate water, using it as a weapon of force. Stronger Ayiralites can freeze water and cast ice spells, sending sprays of cold shrapnel at foes or freezing them solid. Pairs or small groups of these water jinnkin can cause rivers and lakes to flood towns and battlefields.

Water Ayiralites have aquatic traits about them. Their skin scaly or moist and clammy while fins, tentacles, and even seaweed can grow across their faces and heads. They typically have markings resemblant to waves or spiraling whirlpools across their body. Water Ayiralites can breath underwater and unlike humans are capable of diving to great depths.



Air Ayiralites are descendants of the plane of air. Like their water plane cousins they are independent and also proud, often to the point of being arrogant. While not untempered and even violent like many fire jinnkin they are not as prone to empathy as their water cousins can be are often seem uncaring and cold hearted.

Air Ayiralites have the power to release powerful wind blasts, conjure twisters and dust devils, and cast powerful torrents of lightning.

Exhibiting skin that is usually a brilliant blue color they’re hide is elaborated with swirling markings of white, blue, and even gold at times. They are know for their various eye colors that - aside from more human-like eyes - can be solid white, gray, black, or gold. Their hair is usually black, white, gray, or sometimes multicolored.



Fire Ayiralites are the spawn of the fierce jinn of the fire plane. Turbulent, driven by emotion, and more often than not short tempered, these fire jinnkin are seen as chaotic and remorseless.

Fire Ayiralites can call upon their abilities to lay waste to battlefields, reducing their foes to ash and bone. They infuse their flame into weapons if they so wish creating searing daggers and hellish battle axes. A small group of these fiery beings can easily raze a large town to the ground.

In most societies - even among others of their kind - they are feared and hated. The stigma of being what they are paired with their often volatile temperaments leads many of these jinnkin to become embittered or even driven by constant rage which leads them down dark paths. Anarchic and sadistic cults are often refuges for these pariahs. This of course does no credit to common perception of the fire Ayiralites only furthering the belief that they are all infernal monsters.



Of all the known jinnborn the earth Ayiralites are the least numerator and incidentally the most accepted. Unlike their water, air, and fire cousins these jinnkin typically exhibit mostly human features aside from sand or stone colored skin as well as the odd rocky or spine-like protrusions - usually in place of hair. They are also the most tempered of the Ayiralites, typically maintaining composure and a calm disposition even when faced with direct scorn or hate.

Their ability to turn the earth itself against their foes makes them a dangerous enemy to be had. Earth jinnkin can send their enemies ducking for cover from a hailstorm of boulders or break open the ground and bury their opponents in sand and stone.

Avoidant of large cities most earth Ayiralites take to the wilderness as sages and nomads, though some do settle down in small villages or among nomadic tribes who make them feel welcome.

DURAALAT

Duraalat - or “large man/mankind” in Urkun - are a race of giants that originate farther south, hailing from the grasslands of Zidongo. In their own tongue they are the Edyr. At one time this giant folk had their own kingdom that spanned the far width of the valleys and plains, their human subjects erecting great palaces and monuments honoring the Duraalat and their gods.

One hundred years ago the cruel King Chikelu rose to power, wielding his authority like a club and whip. He lived a decadent lifestyle and cared naught for his human subjects or his own people for that matter. The humans eventually rose up and defeated the brutish king, slaughtering his house and advisors as well. Despite having help from among the Duraalat in toppling the tyrant Chikelu the humans drove all the giants from the land, their eyes and hearts filled with vengeance and bloodlust.

After fleeing from Zidongo the surviving Duraalat scattered across the northern lands. Many would go to Esaad and eventually become mercenaries and later soldiers and generals in the various kings’ armies. Others headed eastward into Tawr and Dahard, some taken in by the Maatrho as his personal guard and enforcers and others living in solitude in the wastes of Dahard.

Duraalat average from twenty to thirty feet tall. Like humans they typically live within a general range of seventy to one hundred years. Most Duraalat do not stop growing taller until they are in their twilight years, their usual height being just under ten feet tall by the time they are eighteen years old. Their growth slows in their late twenties and early thirties but continues at a slower pace over their life.

Duraalat are an intelligent people but prone to slipping into bouts of anger when constantly challenged or provoked which can make them dangerous in any situation, but more so indoors or in tight spaces.

As human architecture is not suited to them most Duraalat build their homes themselves and away from cities and towns to avoid disturbing their smaller peers.

Their origins are unknown - or rather lacking agreed consensus - like with the Alat. A common theory are that they are the descendants of angels or fallen angels depending on who is asked. Others believe them to be the original folk of the earth predating the Alat. The Baryakin of Dahard believe them to be the creation of their earth god and the original rulers of the world. As such the nomadic desert folk respect and even veneer the Duraalat.

While many Duraalat have taken up northern human customs and beliefs the majority still centuries later cling to their old ways and beliefs, erecting small shrines and sacred groves to their foreign gods away from human eyes.

RACIAL BONUSES AND PENALTIES

• Humans - NA
• Ayiralites - +2 Intelligence, +4 Arcana
• Duraalat - +8 Athletics, +4 Strength, -6 Agility, -6 Dexterity