Darbiya is a land of bright deserts, north of Malazhi.


Geography

Darbiya is dominated by a great desert in its interior. Fertile lands along the coast are prized, and the source of most of the foodstuffs within the country. A few rivers snake through the arid interior, but most travel within the nation is done on camels or other beasts of burden. Oases dot the arid landscape, a testament to the fertile land that Darbiya once was.

History


Regions

Along the coast are a number of cities and towns, each competing for status and respect among its peers. Most of the coastal cities engage in sea trade (and piracy) to bring wealth to the land. Each city is ruled by an emir, and each town by a caliph. The territory of the various cities and towns also include the nearby farmlands, and

Kha' Marin is the largest city of Darbiya. The ruler of Kha' Marin is technically the sultan of the entire country, although in practice the various provinces are largely independent. Kha'Marin benefits from its proximity to Malazhi, and offers considerable magical resources. Viziers teach magics and

Assab is another major city, in the northernmost section of the Darbiyan coast. It is a center of commerce for ships travelling to Melarna or around the northern tip of Fe'ansia. Assab also is a haven for pirates, though not nearly as notorious as Yeshnil.

Yeshnil is a town just a short distance south of Assab, and home to notorious groups of pirates and privateers. The distinction is mostly meaningless, since the caliph indirectly benefits from all of the pirate gangs which operate in Yeshnil. Yeshnil is a rough town, and pirates and sailors are quick to take action. But the ships of Yeshnil have also thwarted a few naval incursions.

Other towns include Allidesh, Shebnil, and Tanlesh.

Kathaz is a small town in the center of a small cluster of islands, just north of Kha'Marin. Its sailors are among the most skillful, though they prefer small sailing ships.

Among the arid inland desert, there are few cities. The lack of vegetation keeps the population small. The most notable exception is Alidesh. Alidesh is nestled in the deep desert, and somewhat remote. However, it is built among a group of natural springs, and thus has a fair amount of fertile land. Furthermore, Allidesh has been augmented by magic, so it has a thriving culture.

Ninzuran is a town along the northern edge of Darbiya, nestled in the Siyal hills. It would be an unremarkable trading post except for the presence of a clan of dwarves who live nearby. The dwarves also consider themselves Ninzurans, and are noted for crafting fine items, including weapons which are apparently made from glass. Ninzuran glass blades are highly prized.

Culture

Darbiyans cherish freedom. Whether sailing the high seas or roaming the glittering desert, a Darbiyan cherishes his liberties. A Darbiyan is also proud, and is quick to boast of his abilities or accomplishments. They have developed a colorful, dynamic culture.

The government of Darbiya is something of a confederacy. The cities and towns are largely independent, though all answer to the sultan in times of need. The nomads of the interior are tribal, following a chieftain who speaks for the tribe when the need arises. The chieftain of a tribe is afforded status below that of a caliph.

Darbiyans worship many gods, and do so fervently.

Ganae Gazetteer

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