Homebrew Alzhari Species Details

The Children of the Burning Sands

The Azhari originated within the great deserts of Drakthar.

Their earliest ancestors survived among:

  • Vast dune seas
  • Rocky badlands
  • Salt flats
  • Scorching wastelands
  • Isolated oasis kingdoms

Life was harsh.

Resources were scarce.

Weakness carried severe consequences.

From these conditions emerged a people who prized:

  • Endurance
  • Discipline
  • Strength
  • Cunning
  • Ambition

Survival depended upon cooperation within the clan.

Compassion beyond the clan was often viewed as dangerous foolishness.

These lessons became deeply embedded within Azhari culture.

Even today, loyalty is typically offered in concentric circles:

  1. Family
  2. Clan
  3. Tribe
  4. Faith
  5. Empire

Outsiders rank far below.

Before Zahruun

Modern Azhari history divides itself into two eras:

Before Zahruun

and

After Zahruun

Before the rise of the Ashen Prophet, the Azhari existed as hundreds of competing city-states, tribal confederations, and desert kingdoms.

These early civilizations were already known for:

  • Trade
  • Scholarship
  • Astronomy
  • Architecture
  • Warfare

They built:

  • Oasis cities
  • Irrigation networks
  • Caravan roads
  • Monumental temples

Many historians regard this period as the height of independent Azhari culture.

Though war was common, diversity flourished.

Numerous faiths competed for influence.

No single ruler controlled the deserts.

No single doctrine defined civilization.

That would change forever.

The Coming of Zahruun

No figure has shaped Azhari history more profoundly than Zahruun.

To the faithful, he was:

  • Prophet
  • Conqueror
  • Reformer
  • Chosen Voice of Divine Fire

To his enemies, he was:

  • Tyrant
  • Heretic
  • Mass murderer
  • Destroyer of civilizations

Both descriptions are likely true.

Historical records agree on several facts:

Zahruun emerged during a period of political fragmentation.

He united powerful clans.

He conquered rival kingdoms.

He destroyed competing religions.

He forged the first great Azhari empire.

He preached that hierarchy was sacred.

That domination was natural.

That power reflected divine favor.

And that the strong possessed both the right and obligation to rule.

These teachings became the foundation of what would eventually become the Dominion of Xanthrin.

The Doctrine of Dominion

The most important legacy of Zahruun was not conquest.

It was ideology.

His teachings established principles that still dominate Azhari society:

Hierarchy Is Sacred

Everyone has a place.

Some are born to rule.

Others are born to serve.

Strength Creates Legitimacy

Power proves worth.

Weakness proves inferiority.

Order Justifies Cruelty

If suffering strengthens society, it is acceptable.

Conquest Is Virtue

Expansion demonstrates divine favor.

Slavery Is Natural

The conquered exist to serve the conqueror.

These beliefs became deeply rooted within Azhari civilization.

Over centuries they evolved into religious, political, and economic institutions.

The Rise of the Dominion of Xanthrin

The Dominion emerged from Zahruun's conquests.

Over generations it transformed into the most powerful Azhari state in history.

The Dominion's rulers claimed:

  • Divine mandate
  • Religious authority
  • Political supremacy

Under their leadership:

  • Empires fell.
  • Kingdoms vanished.
  • Entire peoples were enslaved.
  • Vast wealth flowed into Xanthrin's cities.

The Dominion became synonymous with Azhari power.

To many outsiders, the distinction between the two no longer exists.

The Obsidian Hegemony

Not all Azhari submitted to Xanthrin.

Several powerful clans eventually broke away.

These separatists established the Obsidian Hegemony.

Though politically independent, the Hegemony shares many of the same values:

  • Hierarchy
  • Slavery
  • Militarism
  • Expansionism

The two powers frequently compete.

They occasionally fight.

Yet outsiders often observe that their differences concern who should rule rather than whether domination itself is justified.

The Modern Azhari

Today the Azhari remain one of the most influential peoples in Aetheris.

Their civilization produces:

  • Scholars
  • Priests
  • Merchants
  • Generals
  • Architects
  • Slavers
  • Conquerors

Their cities contain incredible beauty.

Their governments enforce terrible cruelty.

Their poets compose breathtaking works.

Their armies leave devastation in their wake.

This contradiction is not accidental.

It is fundamental to understanding who the Azhari are.

They genuinely believe civilization grants the right to rule.

And because they view themselves as the pinnacle of civilization, they believe rulership belongs to them.

The Azhari View of Themselves

Most Azhari do not consider themselves evil.

They see themselves as:

  • Strong
  • Disciplined
  • Cultured
  • Enlightened
  • Superior

In their eyes, the rest of the world is chaotic.

Undisciplined.

Primitive.

Misguided.

Their mission is therefore obvious.

Bring order.

Impose hierarchy.

Expand civilization.

Whether others welcome it or not.

This worldview has created countless enemies.

It has also created one of the most formidable civilizations in Aetheris.

And as long as the teachings of Zahruun endure, few expect that to change.

"Mercy is the luxury of the secure. Dominion is the duty of the strong."

PART II — PHYSICAL APPEARANCE, PHYSIOLOGY, AND IDENTITY

"A ruler should look like a ruler. A servant should know they are not one."
— Azhari noble saying

The Azhari are immediately recognizable throughout much of Aetheris.

Their appearance reflects thousands of years of adaptation to the harsh deserts of Drakthar, as well as centuries of cultural emphasis upon status, lineage, beauty, and power.

To outsiders, the Azhari are often striking.

Elegant.

Intimidating.

Commanding.

Many possess an undeniable physical presence that mirrors the confidence instilled by their civilization.

The Azhari believe appearance communicates worth.

Status should be visible.

Power should be obvious.

Authority should never need explanation.

As a result, personal appearance occupies an important role within nearly every aspect of Azhari society.

General Appearance

The Azhari are a human-descended people adapted to desert climates.

Most possess:

  • Olive to deep bronze skin tones
  • Dark brown or black hair
  • Brown, amber, hazel, or black eyes
  • Lean, athletic physiques
  • Strong facial features
  • High endurance

Generations of desert life have produced a people capable of enduring heat that would exhaust many outsiders.

Their appearance often reflects both practicality and cultural expectations.

Even common laborers frequently maintain a degree of personal pride and grooming.

Among the nobility, appearance becomes almost an art form.

Height and Build

Azhari tend to be slightly taller than average humans.

Typical Heights

Males

  • 5'10" to 6'5"

Females

  • 5'7" to 6'2"

Builds vary considerably depending upon social class and occupation.

Common Physiques

Warriors

  • Muscular
  • Broad-shouldered
  • Athletic

Merchants

  • Lean
  • Well-groomed
  • Carefully maintained

Priests

  • Often severe and dignified in appearance

Nobility

  • Physically fit
  • Immaculately presented
  • Frequently adorned with wealth

The Azhari generally admire physical fitness and self-discipline.

Visible neglect of one's body is often viewed as a sign of weakness.

Skin Tones

Azhari skin tones span a broad spectrum.

Common shades include:

  • Golden olive
  • Bronze
  • Copper
  • Deep tan
  • Rich umber

Certain noble houses pride themselves on preserving particular bloodlines and appearances.

Such claims are often exaggerated for political purposes.

Nevertheless, lineage remains a major obsession among elite families.

Hair

Dark hair dominates among the Azhari.

Common colors include:

  • Black
  • Blue-black
  • Dark brown
  • Deep auburn

Lighter shades are uncommon but not unknown.

Hair is frequently considered a symbol of vitality and prestige.

Both men and women devote significant attention to grooming.

Common Hairstyles

Men

  • Long braided hair
  • Bound warrior tails
  • Elaborate noble styles
  • Carefully maintained beards

Women

  • Intricate braids
  • Jewel-woven hair
  • Perfumed curls
  • Elaborate ceremonial arrangements

Hair decoration often communicates:

  • Clan affiliation
  • Social status
  • Wealth
  • Marital status

Eyes

Azhari eyes are often described as intense.

Common colors include:

  • Dark brown
  • Amber
  • Gold-flecked hazel
  • Black

Certain noble bloodlines claim descent from Zahruun himself and often prize unusual golden or ember-like eyes.

Whether these claims possess any truth remains uncertain.

Beauty Standards

The Azhari possess highly developed concepts of beauty.

Unlike the Amazarae, who associate beauty with vitality and freedom, the Azhari associate beauty with status and superiority.

Beauty serves as a form of power.

A tool.

A weapon.

A symbol of success.

Male Beauty Ideals

Ideal Azhari men are expected to embody:

  • Confidence
  • Authority
  • Strength
  • Discipline
  • Command

Traits often admired include:

  • Broad shoulders
  • Strong jawlines
  • Well-maintained beards
  • Athletic physiques
  • Poised posture

A successful man should appear capable of ruling.

Female Beauty Ideals

Ideal Azhari women are expected to embody:

  • Elegance
  • Sophistication
  • Confidence
  • Grace
  • Influence

Traits often admired include:

  • Long dark hair
  • Striking eyes
  • Refined features
  • Athletic yet graceful physiques

Beauty is often viewed as a form of social capital.

A fact many noble families actively exploit.

The Cultivation of Appearance

The Azhari devote enormous resources to appearance.

Popular practices include:

  • Perfumes
  • Oils
  • Cosmetics
  • Skin treatments
  • Jewelry
  • Fine fabrics

Public presentation is viewed as a reflection of personal discipline.

A poorly dressed noble invites ridicule.

A poorly groomed ruler invites rebellion.

Clan Identity

The clan remains the most important social unit in Azhari life.

Every individual belongs to a clan.

Every clan possesses:

  • Symbols
  • Colors
  • Histories
  • Rivalries

Clan affiliation frequently determines:

  • Marriage opportunities
  • Career advancement
  • Political alliances
  • Social standing

To an Azhari, one's clan is nearly as important as one's faith.

Clan Markings

Many clans use visual identifiers.

Examples include:

  • Tattoo patterns
  • Jewelry styles
  • Facial markings
  • Clothing colors
  • Heraldic symbols

Among the aristocracy, these identifiers can become incredibly elaborate.

A knowledgeable observer can often identify an individual's clan within moments.

Gender Roles

Azhari society is hierarchical.

Power matters.

Status matters.

Competence matters.

Gender matters less than many outsiders assume.

Both men and women may:

  • Rule
  • Command armies
  • Own businesses
  • Hold slaves
  • Lead religious institutions

The determining factor is usually status rather than gender.

An elite noblewoman may possess far more authority than dozens of common-born men.

This does not make Azhari society egalitarian.

It merely means hierarchy outweighs gender in determining power.

Sensuality and Power

The Azhari possess a reputation for sensuality throughout Aetheris.

This reputation is largely deserved.

Unlike the Amazarae, however, Azhari sensuality is often intertwined with:

  • Status
  • Influence
  • Possession
  • Prestige
  • Political maneuvering

Courtship, attraction, and intimacy frequently become extensions of broader power structures.

Marriage among the elite is often political.

Relationships frequently serve strategic purposes.

Personal affection exists.

But ambition often comes first.

The Noble Ideal

Among the aristocracy, appearance serves as a public declaration of superiority.

The ideal noble should appear:

  • Wealthy
  • Educated
  • Powerful
  • Refined
  • Untouchable

Their clothing, jewelry, posture, and speech all reinforce this image.

The result is a ruling class that often appears magnificent to outsiders.

Many find themselves impressed before they realize the cruelty hidden beneath the surface.

The Face of Empire

Ultimately, Azhari appearance reflects the values of their civilization.

Beauty is admired.

Strength is respected.

Authority is celebrated.

Hierarchy is visible.

Power is displayed.

An Azhari child learns from an early age that appearances matter because perception influences obedience.

And in a civilization built upon domination, obedience is one of the most valuable commodities of all.

"Power unseen is power wasted."

PART III — SOCIETY, FAMILY, CLANS, AND SOCIAL HIERARCHY

"Every person has a place. Wisdom lies in knowing it."
— The Third Doctrine of Zahruun

To understand the Azhari, one must understand hierarchy.

Everything in Azhari civilization revolves around rank.

Power determines status.

Status determines privilege.

Privilege determines opportunity.

From birth until death, every Azhari exists within a vast web of obligations, loyalties, and social expectations that define their place in society.

To outsiders, this system often appears oppressive.

To most Azhari, it appears natural.

Many would argue that hierarchy is the very foundation of civilization itself.

Without masters, there are no servants.

Without rulers, there is no order.

Without hierarchy, there is only chaos.

Such beliefs form the bedrock upon which the Dominion of Xanthrin and the Obsidian Hegemony were built.

The Ladder of Dominion

The Azhari view society as a great ladder.

Every individual occupies a rung.

Some stand near the top.

Many remain near the bottom.

Most believe this arrangement reflects divine will.

The teachings of Zahruun explicitly state:

"The flame rises upward. So too should the worthy."

As a result, social inequality is not merely tolerated.

It is celebrated.

Success proves superiority.

Failure proves weakness.

This philosophy permeates every aspect of life.

The Great Social Orders

Though details vary between the Dominion and the Hegemony, most Azhari societies recognize six broad social classes.

The Ashen Throne

Rulers of Empires

At the very top stand:

  • Emperors
  • Sultans
  • High Sovereigns
  • Supreme Hierophants

These figures claim both political and religious legitimacy.

Many are considered chosen by Zahruun himself.

Their authority is immense.

Questioning them may be viewed as both treason and heresy.

The Great Clans

The Blood of Power

Beneath the ruling throne stand the ancient noble clans.

These families control:

  • Armies
  • Trade routes
  • Religious institutions
  • Vast estates
  • Political offices

Many possess histories stretching back thousands of years.

The Great Clans compete constantly.

Their rivalries have shaped centuries of history.

The Lesser Houses

Servants of Ambition

Below the Great Clans exist countless lesser noble families.

They serve as:

  • Governors
  • Officers
  • Judges
  • Administrators
  • Priests

Most aspire to greater influence.

Many spend generations climbing the political ladder.

Some succeed.

Most do not.

Free Citizens

The Foundation of Society

This class includes:

  • Merchants
  • Craftsmen
  • Scholars
  • Soldiers
  • Sailors
  • Farmers

While technically free, these individuals remain subject to powerful obligations.

Their freedoms depend heavily upon:

  • Wealth
  • Clan standing
  • Political connections

A poor citizen enjoys far fewer protections than a wealthy one.

Clients and Dependents

The Protected

These individuals possess limited rights.

Examples include:

  • Servants
  • Laborers
  • Debt-bound workers
  • Foreign residents

Many rely upon powerful patrons for protection.

Without such protection, survival becomes difficult.

Slaves

The Lowest Order

At the bottom stand the enslaved.

The institution of slavery remains one of the defining features of Azhari civilization.

The Azhari generally view slavery as:

  • Necessary
  • Natural
  • Profitable
  • Divinely sanctioned

This belief places them in direct opposition to civilizations such as the Amazarae.

To many outsiders, slavery is the clearest evidence of Azhari evil.

To most Azhari, it is simply part of the world's proper order.

The Clan Above All

Before empire.

Before faith.

Before nation.

Comes the clan.

Every Azhari belongs to one.

The clan serves as:

  • Family
  • Social network
  • Political faction
  • Economic support system

A person's clan often determines:

  • Marriage
  • Career
  • Allies
  • Rivals
  • Future opportunities

An individual without clan support is vulnerable.

An individual backed by a powerful clan can achieve extraordinary success.

Family Structure

The Azhari family is patriarchal in origin but not exclusively male-dominated.

Authority generally rests with the most powerful family member.

That individual may be:

  • Father
  • Mother
  • Grandparent
  • Elder sibling
  • Clan patron

Power and status matter more than gender.

Family loyalty is considered sacred.

Betraying one's family is among the gravest social crimes imaginable.

Children and Upbringing

Azhari children are raised with strong expectations.

From an early age they learn:

  • Discipline
  • Obedience
  • Ambition
  • Clan loyalty
  • Religious doctrine

Competition begins early.

Success is praised.

Failure is remembered.

Many children spend their youth striving to earn approval from parents, clan elders, and religious authorities.

Compassion is taught selectively.

Kindness toward one's own people is encouraged.

Kindness toward rivals is often viewed as weakness.

Marriage and Alliance

Marriage among the Azhari is rarely viewed solely as a romantic institution.

Particularly among the nobility, marriage serves several purposes:

  • Alliance building
  • Wealth consolidation
  • Political influence
  • Clan advancement

Love may emerge.

It is not usually the primary consideration.

Many marriages are negotiated years in advance.

Elite unions often influence entire regions.

Noble House Politics

The Great Clans rarely wage open war.

Instead they engage in constant political conflict.

Methods include:

  • Bribery
  • Blackmail
  • Assassination
  • Marriage alliances
  • Religious influence
  • Economic manipulation

Azhari nobles often describe politics as:

"War fought with silk instead of steel."

The casualties are no less real.

Patronage Networks

Success rarely occurs alone.

Powerful patrons sponsor promising individuals.

These relationships form the backbone of Azhari society.

A patron may provide:

  • Wealth
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Protection

In return, loyalty is expected.

Failure to honor obligations can destroy careers.

Slavery as Institution

The Azhari slave system extends into nearly every aspect of society.

Enslaved individuals may serve as:

  • Laborers
  • Domestic servants
  • Soldiers
  • Craftsmen
  • Entertainers
  • Concubines

The treatment of slaves varies widely.

Some experience relatively stable conditions.

Others endure extraordinary brutality.

The system itself remains fundamentally exploitative.

This institution provides much of the labor that supports both the Dominion and the Hegemony.

Entire industries depend upon it.

This dependency helps explain why meaningful reform remains so rare.

Social Mobility

Unlike rigid caste systems, Azhari society theoretically allows advancement.

An individual may rise through:

  • Military service
  • Wealth
  • Religious achievement
  • Political success

This possibility serves an important function.

It reinforces the belief that hierarchy is fair.

In reality, advancement becomes increasingly difficult near the top.

Most power remains concentrated within established clans.

The Reformists

Though rare, reformists do exist.

These individuals question aspects of the existing order.

Common criticisms include:

  • Excessive corruption
  • Inefficient governance
  • Religious extremism
  • Uncontrolled noble power

Notably, many reformists do not oppose slavery itself.

They simply believe the system should operate more effectively.

True abolitionists are almost unheard of.

Those who openly advocate such ideas often disappear quickly.

The Ashbound

Among the most feared factions within Azhari society.

The Ashbound believe:

  • Mercy weakens civilization.
  • Compassion encourages disobedience.
  • Fear creates stability.

Even other Azhari often regard them as dangerous extremists.

Yet their influence remains significant, particularly within military and religious circles.

Daily Life for Ordinary Azhari

Most citizens spend little time contemplating grand political theories.

Their concerns are practical:

  • Family
  • Business
  • Faith
  • Reputation
  • Survival

Many genuinely believe the system works.

After all:

  • Cities prosper.
  • Trade flourishes.
  • Armies protect borders.
  • Wealth accumulates.

The suffering required to maintain these achievements often remains distant from daily awareness.

Or is simply accepted as necessary.

Society as Reflection of Faith

Ultimately, Azhari society mirrors the teachings of Zahruun.

Hierarchy.

Strength.

Order.

Dominion.

Every institution reinforces these principles.

Every family teaches them.

Every clan benefits from them.

Every ruler depends upon them.

The result is one of the most stable—and oppressive—civilizations in Aetheris.

A society where greatness is possible.

Power is respected.

Weakness is exploited.

And freedom is viewed not as a right, but as a privilege earned through strength.

"The empire endures because everyone knows their place."

PART IV — CULTURE, DAILY LIFE, EDUCATION, AND VALUES

"A civilized people build what others can only admire."
— Inscription above the Grand Archives of Ashkarath

To outsiders, Azhari civilization often appears contradictory.

Their cities contain:

  • Magnificent palaces
  • Vast libraries
  • Masterpiece architecture
  • Renowned universities
  • Sophisticated legal systems
  • Extraordinary engineering

Yet these same cities may also contain:

  • Slave markets
  • Torture chambers
  • Religious tribunals
  • Political prisons
  • Public executions

The Azhari see no contradiction.

To them, civilization is not measured by kindness.

It is measured by achievement.

The purpose of society is not equality.

The purpose of society is greatness.

This belief informs every aspect of daily life.

The Azhari Concept of Civilization

The Azhari possess a word that roughly translates as:

Azharat

Meaning:

"The ordered triumph of superior people over chaos."

To an Azhari, civilization requires:

  • Law
  • Hierarchy
  • Strength
  • Discipline
  • Ambition

Freedom is not considered a foundational virtue.

Order is.

An Azhari would often argue:

"A free people can still be barbarians. A civilized people cannot."

This fundamental difference explains much of the conflict between the Azhari and many other cultures.

Daily Life

Daily life varies dramatically according to status.

A noble's life bears little resemblance to that of a laborer.

A merchant's life differs greatly from that of a priest.

Yet several common themes unite most Azhari communities.

Family

Family remains central.

Most individuals spend much of their lives supporting:

  • Parents
  • Siblings
  • Children
  • Extended relatives

Family success reflects upon every member.

Family failure becomes everyone's burden.

The clan always watches.

The clan always remembers.

Reputation

Azhari culture is intensely reputation-driven.

People care deeply about:

  • Honor
  • Status
  • Prestige
  • Public perception

A person's reputation can determine:

  • Employment
  • Marriage prospects
  • Business opportunities
  • Political advancement

Losing face publicly can have devastating consequences.

Competition

Competition exists everywhere.

Children compete in school.

Merchants compete in trade.

Priests compete for influence.

Nobles compete for power.

Competition is viewed as healthy.

Necessary.

Even virtuous.

The strong should rise.

The weak should improve.

Education

Unlike many villainous civilizations, the Azhari place enormous value upon education.

Knowledge is power.

And power is sacred.

As a result, literacy rates among free citizens are remarkably high.

Schools of the Dominion

Most children receive formal instruction.

Subjects include:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Mathematics
  • History
  • Religious doctrine
  • Law

Elite students may also study:

  • Diplomacy
  • Military strategy
  • Economics
  • Philosophy
  • Governance

Education serves a practical purpose.

It produces useful citizens.

The Grand Academies

Among the most prestigious institutions in Aetheris.

These academies train:

  • Administrators
  • Judges
  • Priests
  • Generals
  • Scholars

Admission is highly competitive.

Graduates often rise to positions of significant influence.

Many outsiders begrudgingly admit that Azhari scholarship remains exceptional.

Historical Education

History occupies a special place within Azhari society.

Unfortunately, it is rarely taught objectively.

Official histories emphasize:

  • Imperial victories
  • Heroic conquerors
  • Divine favor
  • Civilizing missions

Defeats are minimized.

Atrocities are justified.

Opponents are portrayed as obstacles to progress.

The result is a population deeply proud of its heritage.

Art and Literature

The Azhari produce some of the finest art in the world.

This is one of the great paradoxes of their civilization.

A people capable of profound cruelty are also capable of extraordinary beauty.

Poetry

Poetry is revered.

Many nobles memorize entire collections.

Popular themes include:

  • Power
  • Destiny
  • Love
  • Conquest
  • Mortality
  • Divine favor

A gifted poet may achieve tremendous social prestige.

Calligraphy

Writing itself is considered an art form.

Official documents often contain stunning decorative script.

Important texts become works of visual beauty.

Master calligraphers enjoy immense respect.

Storytelling

Azhari storytelling traditions are ancient.

Popular stories feature:

  • Clever rulers
  • Great conquerors
  • Legendary heroes
  • Divine interventions

The moral often reinforces cultural values.

Strength triumphs.

Ambition succeeds.

Weakness suffers.

Music

Music plays an important role in social life.

Common instruments include:

  • Stringed lutes
  • Reed flutes
  • Hand drums
  • Bells
  • Harps

Music accompanies:

  • Religious ceremonies
  • Festivals
  • Banquets
  • Weddings

Many compositions are surprisingly sophisticated.

Architecture

Perhaps no achievement better demonstrates Azhari civilization.

Their cities are famous for:

  • Massive domes
  • Grand palaces
  • Ornate temples
  • Towering minarets
  • Complex aqueducts
  • Elaborate gardens

Travelers often describe Azhari cities as breathtaking.

Many discover too late that beauty and benevolence are not the same thing.

Wealth and Luxury

The Azhari admire wealth openly.

Prosperity demonstrates success.

Success demonstrates worth.

Luxury therefore carries significant social importance.

Common status symbols include:

  • Fine silks
  • Gold jewelry
  • Rare perfumes
  • Exotic animals
  • Imported goods
  • Elaborate estates

The elite often compete through displays of wealth.

Hospitality

One of the more surprising aspects of Azhari culture.

Guests are often treated with exceptional generosity.

This tradition originates from ancient desert customs.

Travelers in harsh environments required assistance to survive.

The custom remains strong today.

However, hospitality has limits.

It generally applies only to recognized guests.

Enemies receive no such protections.

Festivals

The Azhari celebrate numerous public festivals.

Common themes include:

  • Military victories
  • Religious observances
  • Imperial anniversaries
  • Seasonal events

These celebrations can be spectacular.

Featuring:

  • Music
  • Dancing
  • Public feasts
  • Athletic competitions
  • Religious processions

The state frequently sponsors such events.

A distracted population is often a content population.

Foreigners

The Azhari possess deeply ingrained cultural chauvinism.

Most genuinely believe their civilization is superior.

Foreigners are often categorized into three groups:

Useful

Potential allies.

Traders.

Experts.

Inferior

Peoples considered culturally backward.

To be tolerated.

Perhaps educated.

Enemies

Those who resist Azhari influence.

These individuals often receive little sympathy.

This worldview helps justify imperial expansion.

After all, if one's civilization is superior, spreading it appears beneficial.

At least from an Azhari perspective.

Religion in Daily Life

Religion permeates everything.

Faith influences:

  • Law
  • Education
  • Marriage
  • Politics
  • Business

The teachings of Zahruun provide moral justification for much of society's structure.

Many Azhari genuinely believe their empire serves a divine purpose.

This belief makes them particularly dangerous.

Fanatics rarely see themselves as villains.

Virtues of the Azhari

The culture promotes several admired virtues:

Discipline

Control yourself.

Ambition

Seek greatness.

Loyalty

Support your clan.

Competence

Master your craft.

Strength

Never appear weak.

Authority

Lead when given the opportunity.

These virtues often produce capable individuals.

They can also produce ruthless ones.

The Great Contradiction

At the heart of Azhari civilization lies a contradiction.

They genuinely create remarkable things.

Great cities.

Great art.

Great scholarship.

Great engineering.

Yet they often achieve these accomplishments through systems built upon domination and exploitation.

Most Azhari never question this contradiction.

They simply view it as the natural order of the world.

Civilization requires sacrifice.

The strong bear responsibility.

The weak bear burdens.

Such is the doctrine of Zahruun.

Such is the foundation of empire.

The Azhari Worldview

An Azhari child grows up learning several truths:

  • Order is better than chaos.
  • Strength is better than weakness.
  • Civilization is better than barbarism.
  • Hierarchy is natural.
  • Ambition is virtuous.
  • Dominion is justified.

These lessons shape every aspect of life.

They create capable administrators.

Brilliant scholars.

Fearsome generals.

And loyal servants of empire.

The result is a civilization that many admire from afar.

And many more fear up close.

"Greatness is never free. The question is who pays the price."

PART V — MATURE THEMES, POWER, SLAVERY, AND THE CULTURE OF DOMINION

GM Note: This section explores mature themes that exist within Aetheris' villain civilizations. These elements are intended for worldbuilding, storytelling, and understanding the moral nature of the Dominion of Xanthrin and the Obsidian Hegemony. Individual tables should determine how prominently these themes appear in their campaigns.

"The weak exist to serve the strong. The strong exist to rule."
— The Seventh Doctrine of Zahruun

The Azhari are among the most feared peoples in Aetheris not because they are powerful.

Many civilizations are powerful.

Nor because they are wealthy.

Many nations are wealthy.

They are feared because they have built entire civilizations around the institutionalization of domination.

The Dominion of Xanthrin and the Obsidian Hegemony do not merely tolerate oppression.

They glorify it.

They elevate it.

They sanctify it.

Their societies are structured around the belief that some people deserve power while others deserve submission.

This belief influences every aspect of life.

The Theology of Dominion

At the heart of Azhari civilization lies a simple principle:

Power is proof of worth.

This doctrine originates from Zahruun himself.

According to Zahruunite teaching:

  • The strong rise because they deserve to rise.
  • The weak fall because they deserve to fall.
  • Victory proves righteousness.
  • Conquest demonstrates divine favor.

Under this worldview, domination becomes a moral virtue.

Mercy is often viewed as weakness.

Compassion becomes conditional.

Equality is dismissed as fantasy.

The result is a society where hierarchy is not merely accepted.

It is celebrated.

Power as a Moral Good

Most cultures view power as a tool.

The Azhari often view power as a virtue.

An ambitious ruler is admired.

A ruthless conqueror may be praised.

A successful manipulator may be respected.

The question is rarely:

"Was it moral?"

The question is usually:

"Did it succeed?"

This philosophy produces exceptionally effective leaders.

It also produces exceptionally dangerous ones.

Slavery as Institution

No aspect of Azhari civilization receives greater condemnation from outsiders than slavery.

Within the Dominion and Hegemony, slavery is not a marginal practice.

It is foundational.

Entire sectors of society depend upon enslaved labor.

The institution touches:

  • Agriculture
  • Mining
  • Construction
  • Domestic service
  • Industry
  • Military logistics

Generations of religious doctrine have normalized this system.

Most Azhari are raised believing slavery is both natural and necessary.

The few who question it are rare exceptions.

Sources of Slaves

Most enslaved individuals originate from:

  • Conquered populations
  • Criminal sentences
  • Debt bondage
  • Captured enemies
  • Pirate trafficking networks
  • Foreign slave markets

The Dominion and Hegemony maintain extensive systems designed to process and distribute enslaved labor throughout their territories.

The scale of these operations has made them enemies of numerous nations, particularly the Amazarae and other freedom-oriented peoples.

Social Attitudes Toward Slavery

Among most Azhari citizens, attitudes vary.

Some view slavery as entirely normal.

Others rarely think about it.

Many benefit from it indirectly.

Few openly oppose it.

This normalization is one of the most disturbing aspects of Azhari society.

Great cruelty often survives not because everyone supports it enthusiastically, but because most people simply accept it.

Class and Human Worth

The Azhari do not believe all people possess equal value.

This belief appears in:

  • Law
  • Religion
  • Education
  • Economics
  • Politics

A noble's life is generally considered more valuable than a laborer's.

An Azhari citizen's life is often considered more valuable than a foreigner's.

A powerful clan member may receive privileges unavailable to thousands of ordinary people.

This worldview creates a rigid hierarchy of worth.

The Ownership Mentality

One of the defining features of Azhari culture is the tendency to view relationships through the lens of possession and obligation.

This does not apply only to slavery.

It extends to:

  • Family
  • Politics
  • Patronage
  • Marriage
  • Social status

Influence is often measured by what one controls.

Power is frequently expressed through ownership.

This mentality reinforces existing hierarchies and strengthens elite authority.

Marriage, Status, and Obligation

Marriage among the elite is frequently political.

The goals often include:

  • Consolidating wealth
  • Securing alliances
  • Producing heirs
  • Advancing clan interests

Love may develop.

It is rarely the primary concern.

Many noble marriages resemble political contracts more than romantic partnerships.

This reflects the broader Azhari tendency to subordinate personal desire to social ambition.

Religious Oppression

The Dominion of Xanthrin in particular maintains a long history of suppressing rival faiths.

Throughout history, Zahruunite authorities have:

  • Destroyed temples
  • Banned religions
  • Executed heretics
  • Forced conversions
  • Seized sacred sites

These actions are justified as preserving order and truth.

Opponents view them as tyranny.

Both interpretations have shaped centuries of conflict.

Fear as a Tool of Governance

Many Azhari rulers openly embrace fear as a political instrument.

Public displays of authority may include:

  • Harsh punishments
  • Public trials
  • Military parades
  • Religious demonstrations

The objective is often deterrence.

The state wishes its enemies to fear it.

Its citizens are not always excluded from that calculation.

The Ashbound Philosophy

No group better illustrates the darkest tendencies of Azhari society than the Ashbound.

They believe:

  • Mercy creates weakness.
  • Fear creates obedience.
  • Obedience creates order.
  • Order creates civilization.

Their ideology represents the most extreme interpretation of Zahruun's teachings.

Even many loyal Azhari consider them dangerous.

Yet their influence remains significant within military, religious, and political institutions.

Why the Empire Endures

A common question asked by outsiders is:

"If the Dominion is so cruel, why does it survive?"

The answer is simple.

Because cruelty alone is not what sustains it.

The Dominion also provides:

  • Security
  • Infrastructure
  • Education
  • Trade
  • Opportunity
  • Stability

Millions of Azhari citizens live productive lives within the system.

Many genuinely prosper.

Many genuinely believe the empire improves the world.

This complexity makes the Dominion far more dangerous than a simple tyranny.

It is not maintained solely through fear.

It is maintained through belief.

The Great Moral Blindness

The tragedy of Azhari civilization is that many of its citizens can recognize cruelty in others but not in themselves.

They admire:

  • Art
  • Learning
  • Beauty
  • Family
  • Achievement

Yet often fail to recognize the suffering supporting those achievements.

This moral blindness allows oppression to flourish beneath a veneer of sophistication.

The Azhari and Evil

Most Azhari do not wake each morning intending to commit evil.

They wake believing:

  • Their civilization is superior.
  • Their hierarchy is natural.
  • Their religion is true.
  • Their empire is justified.

The horror lies precisely there.

The greatest villains are often those who sincerely believe they are right.

The Dominion of Xanthrin and the Obsidian Hegemony endure because millions of people accept the assumptions upon which they were built.

Assumptions that place power above compassion.

Dominion above freedom.

Order above justice.

And hierarchy above humanity.

The Legacy of Zahruun

Everything ultimately returns to Zahruun.

His teachings transformed a people.

His doctrines shaped empires.

His philosophy continues to justify conquest, slavery, and domination across much of Drakthar.

Whether he was prophet, tyrant, demigod, or monster matters little now.

His legacy remains alive.

In every chain.

Every throne.

Every conquest.

Every act of oppression committed in the name of order.

And as long as that legacy endures, the Azhari will remain among the most formidable—and feared—civilizations in Aetheris.

"The empire teaches that power creates order. Its enemies ask what price was paid."

PART VI — RELIGION, ZAHRUUN, THE DARK PANTHEON, AND SACRED AUTHORITY

"The flame illuminates. The flame purifies. The flame consumes."
— First Litany of Zahruun

No institution exerts greater influence upon Azhari civilization than religion.

Law may govern behavior.

Armies may enforce obedience.

Clans may shape identity.

But religion provides legitimacy.

It transforms power into destiny.

Conquest into duty.

Oppression into righteousness.

The rulers of the Dominion of Xanthrin and the Obsidian Hegemony understand this truth well.

Their authority rests not merely upon military strength or political power.

It rests upon the belief that their rule reflects divine will.

For thousands of years, that belief has shaped the destiny of entire continents.

Before Zahruun

Prior to the rise of Zahruun, the ancient Azhari worshipped a diverse collection of gods and spirits.

Different city-states favored different patrons.

Different tribes honored different powers.

Among the most common were:

  • Pyraxion, Lord of Fire
  • Valdor, Master of Civilization
  • Morriganna, Keeper of Fate
  • Enyros, Lord of Storms
  • Numerous local spirits and ancestors

Religion varied greatly.

No unified doctrine existed.

No centralized authority controlled worship.

This diversity ended with the rise of Zahruun.

Zahruun, The Ashen Prophet

No figure dominates Azhari religion more completely.

To the faithful he is:

  • Prophet
  • Conqueror
  • Lawgiver
  • Chosen of Divine Fire
  • The First Sovereign

To outsiders he is often remembered as:

  • Tyrant
  • Heretic
  • Despot
  • False Saint
  • Architect of Empire

The truth is likely some combination of all these things.

The Ascension of Zahruun

According to official doctrine, Zahruun received a divine revelation during a pilgrimage into the Burning Wastes.

For forty days he wandered alone.

When he returned, he claimed the world had revealed its true nature.

Strength.

Hierarchy.

Dominion.

Order.

These principles became the foundation of his teachings.

Over time, Zahruun ceased to be viewed merely as a prophet.

He became an object of worship in his own right.

The Place of Zahruun in the Pantheon

Unlike the gods of the Celestial Harmony, Zahruun occupies a unique position.

The official theology of Xanthrin teaches:

The Gods Rule the Cosmos

Zahruun Revealed Their True Intent

According to the faithful:

The other gods govern reality.

Zahruun explained reality.

He interpreted divine truth for mortal civilization.

Over centuries this distinction blurred.

Today many worship Zahruun with the same reverence normally reserved for gods.

The Dark Pantheon

The Azhari religious tradition recognizes a collection of powers often referred to collectively as:

The Ascendant Flame

or

The Divine Hierarchy

Unlike the Celestial Harmony, which emphasizes balance, cooperation, and stewardship, the Divine Hierarchy emphasizes:

  • Power
  • Authority
  • Obedience
  • Conquest
  • Supremacy

Zahruun

Lord of Dominion

Portfolio:

  • Tyranny
  • Authority
  • Hierarchy
  • Conquest
  • Slavery
  • Imperial Order

Symbol:

A black sun surrounded by burning chains.

Followers:

  • Rulers
  • Priests
  • Governors
  • Nobles
  • Slavers

Alignment Tendency:

Lawful Evil

Pyraxion

Lord of Fire and Purification

The Azhari interpretation of Pyraxion differs significantly from most cultures.

While others see him as:

  • Fire
  • Creation
  • Renewal

The Azhari emphasize:

  • Purification
  • Destruction
  • Judgment

Fire destroys weakness.

Fire reveals strength.

Such teachings heavily influence Azhari society.

The Ashen Saints

Over time, numerous historical figures achieved semi-divine status.

These include:

  • Great conquerors
  • Prophet-generals
  • Sainted emperors
  • Legendary priests

Official doctrine denies they are gods.

Popular devotion often says otherwise.

The Sacred Hierarchy

The structure of Azhari religion mirrors the structure of Azhari society.

Everything follows rank.

Everything follows authority.

The High Flame

Supreme religious authority.

Often closely connected to the ruling government.

In Xanthrin, the office rivals the power of emperors.

Sometimes exceeds it.

Flamelords

Regional religious governors.

Responsible for:

  • Temples
  • Doctrine
  • Inquisition
  • Public worship

Ash Priests

Local clergy.

Responsible for:

  • Ceremonies
  • Education
  • Marriage
  • Religious law

Temple Servitors

The lowest ranks of religious administration.

Many are slaves or bonded servants.

Religion and Government

There is no meaningful separation.

Religion and government operate as a unified system.

Laws often derive directly from doctrine.

Political authority often derives directly from religious legitimacy.

To challenge one frequently means challenging both.

This arrangement has allowed the Dominion to maintain stability for centuries.

Sacred Law

Religious law influences nearly every aspect of life.

Examples include:

  • Marriage
  • Inheritance
  • Trade
  • Governance
  • Slavery
  • Punishment

The faithful believe law exists to reinforce hierarchy.

Not equality.

Justice is therefore often interpreted through rank and obligation.

The Doctrine of the Burning Chain

Perhaps the most infamous teaching in Azhari theology.

The doctrine states:

"The chain binds civilization together."

According to its proponents:

  • Masters guide servants.
  • Rulers guide subjects.
  • Priests guide the faithful.
  • The strong guide the weak.

This teaching serves as one of the primary religious justifications for slavery.

The Order of the Broken Chain considers it among the most evil doctrines in the world.

Heresy

The Azhari possess little tolerance for theological dissent.

Common accusations include:

  • Challenging Zahruun's teachings
  • Opposing slavery
  • Rejecting hierarchy
  • Worshipping forbidden gods
  • Advocating equality

Punishments vary widely.

Some heretics face exile.

Others disappear entirely.

The most public examples often serve as warnings.

The Ashbound

The most extreme religious faction within Azhari civilization.

Their beliefs include:

  • Mercy weakens faith.
  • Compassion undermines order.
  • Fear produces obedience.
  • Obedience produces stability.

Even many loyal Azhari find them unsettling.

Yet rulers frequently use them when harsher measures are required.

The Reformists

A tiny minority.

Rare enough that most citizens never knowingly meet one.

The Reformists argue:

  • Zahruun's teachings have been distorted.
  • Corruption weakens the empire.
  • Excessive brutality creates instability.

Notably, most do not advocate democracy or equality.

Their goals are reform, not revolution.

Nevertheless, many authorities regard them as dangerous.

Temples of Flame

Azhari temples are among the most impressive structures in Aetheris.

Common features include:

  • Massive domes
  • Eternal braziers
  • Black marble
  • Gold ornamentation
  • Monumental statues

These structures are designed to inspire awe.

And they usually succeed.

Visitors often describe them as breathtaking.

Many leave disturbed by what occurs within them.

Religious Festivals

The faithful observe numerous holy days.

Day of Ascension

Celebrates Zahruun's revelation.

One of the most important holidays in the Dominion.

Festival of Conquest

Commemorates major imperial victories.

Often includes:

  • Military parades
  • Public ceremonies
  • Speeches
  • Oaths of loyalty

Night of Embers

A solemn observance honoring fallen rulers, saints, and conquerors.

Foreign Faiths

The Azhari generally view foreign religions through a hierarchical lens.

Some are tolerated.

Others are restricted.

A few are actively persecuted.

Faiths emphasizing:

  • Equality
  • Freedom
  • Individual rights

often face particular hostility.

This has placed Azhari states in direct conflict with numerous neighboring civilizations.

The Divine Right to Rule

Ultimately, the most important function of Azhari religion is legitimacy.

The faith teaches:

The rulers govern because they deserve to govern.

The empire expands because it deserves to expand.

The hierarchy exists because it reflects divine truth.

This belief transforms political ambition into sacred duty.

And sacred duty is among the most powerful forces in history.

The Legacy of Faith

Whether viewed as prophet or monster, Zahruun reshaped an entire civilization.

His teachings survive in:

  • Temples
  • Thrones
  • Armies
  • Laws
  • Chains

For many Azhari, he represents the highest expression of civilization.

For much of the rest of Aetheris, he represents one of the greatest sources of suffering in recorded history.

The faithful see a bringer of order.

Their enemies see the patron of tyranny.

Both agree on one thing:

His influence remains immense.

"The flame commands. The faithful obey. The empire endures."

PART VII — RELATIONS WITH OTHER PEOPLES

"The world is divided into those who rule and those who are ruled. The only question is who understands this truth."
— High Flame Rashad IX

Few peoples in Aetheris inspire stronger reactions than the Azhari.

Across the world, the sight of an Azhari merchant caravan, diplomatic delegation, military expedition, or priesthood mission can provoke emotions ranging from admiration to outright terror.

The Azhari have spent centuries expanding their influence through:

  • Trade
  • Warfare
  • Diplomacy
  • Religion
  • Colonization
  • Slavery

As a result, nearly every major civilization possesses a strong opinion regarding them.

Likewise, the Azhari possess equally strong opinions regarding everyone else.

Most of those opinions are not particularly flattering.

The average Azhari genuinely believes their civilization stands among the highest achievements of mortal society.

Other peoples are judged according to how useful, dangerous, or civilized they appear.

The Amazarae

The Defiant Enemy

"They mistake freedom for virtue."

Few peoples frustrate the Azhari more than the Amazarae.

The Amazarae embody nearly everything Zahruunite doctrine rejects:

  • Personal liberty
  • Equality
  • Self-determination
  • Anti-slavery ideals

For centuries the Sunfire Confederation has disrupted:

  • Slave routes
  • Pirate allies
  • Xanthrin expansion
  • Hegemony trade operations

The Order of the Broken Chain is particularly hated throughout Azhari territory.

Many priests openly describe Amazarae ideology as a dangerous contagion.

Likewise, the Amazarae view the Dominion and Hegemony as among the greatest evils in the world.

The hostility is mutual.

And often violent.

The Helkyrans

The Arrogant Rivals

"They possess intelligence. Unfortunately, they also possess opinions."

The Azhari and Helkyrans have maintained a rivalry for centuries.

Both cultures believe themselves highly civilized.

Both possess:

  • Great cities
  • Scholarship
  • Philosophy
  • Wealth
  • Influence

Yet their values differ profoundly.

Helkyrans emphasize:

  • Excellence
  • Merit
  • Debate

The Azhari emphasize:

  • Authority
  • Hierarchy
  • Dominion

Azhari scholars often admire Helkyran achievements while dismissing their moral philosophy as naive.

Helkyrans frequently regard Azhari civilization as proof that intelligence alone does not create wisdom.

The Mountainborn

Respect for Worthy Warriors

"Hard people from hard lands."

Among the peoples of Aetheris, the Mountainborn earn a degree of reluctant respect.

The Azhari admire:

  • Discipline
  • Endurance
  • Martial excellence
  • Loyalty

Unfortunately, that respect often manifests in troubling ways.

Mountainborn have long been prized as:

  • Mercenaries
  • Guards
  • Military auxiliaries

Many Azhari nobles consider them among the finest warriors outside Azhari society itself.

The Mountainborn generally distrust such admiration.

For good reason.

The Thalassai

The Irritating Idealists

"They seek harmony where strength would suffice."

The Azhari find the Thalassai difficult to understand.

The Thalassai emphasis upon:

  • Balance
  • Community
  • Cooperation

appears fundamentally misguided to most Azhari thinkers.

Yet they cannot easily dismiss them.

The Thalassai have built prosperous societies without embracing domination.

This creates an uncomfortable contradiction within Zahruunite doctrine.

As a result, many Azhari scholars downplay Thalassai accomplishments.

The Thalassai generally view the Azhari with sadness rather than hatred.

A reaction many Azhari find deeply insulting.

The Arden Rhyd

The Unfinished Conquest

"Refugees who should have disappeared."

The Dominion has repeatedly attempted to absorb, manipulate, or dominate Arden Rhyd communities.

With limited success.

Azhari rulers often view the Arden Rhyd as:

  • Useful labor
  • Potential settlers
  • Cultural inferiors

The Arden Rhyd tend to remember these attitudes.

Relations remain strained throughout much of Drakthar.

The Shadeborn

The Distrusted Shadows

"Nothing good comes from secrets."

The Azhari deeply distrust the Shadeborn.

Particularly their:

  • Independence
  • Secrecy
  • Loyalty to the Raven Queen

Many Azhari religious authorities regard Shadeborn traditions as dangerous.

The Shadeborn generally return the sentiment.

Both sides frequently engage in espionage and covert conflict.

The Northmen

Barbarians with Ships

"Savages who occasionally surprise us."

Most Azhari consider the Northmen uncivilized.

Yet they also recognize them as dangerous.

Northmen raids have repeatedly threatened:

  • Trade routes
  • Coastal settlements
  • Imperial outposts

The Azhari admire Northmen courage while dismissing their culture.

The Northmen usually respond with violence.

Neither side appears interested in changing this arrangement.

The Dranassar

Ancient Rivals

"Even empires become dust."

The Dranassar occupy a unique place within Azhari thought.

Their age alone commands respect.

Many Azhari rulers find Dranassar history fascinating.

Many Dranassar find Azhari ambition tiresome.

The Azhari often seek:

  • Ancient knowledge
  • Lost artifacts
  • Historical legitimacy

from Dranassar sources.

The results are mixed.

The Shirohami

Warriors of Another Path

"Discipline without ambition is wasted potential."

The Azhari admire many aspects of Shirohami culture.

Particularly:

  • Discipline
  • Martial skill
  • Loyalty
  • Social order

However, they often view Shirohami concepts of honor as unnecessarily restrictive.

Many Azhari believe the Shirohami could achieve far greater power if they embraced conquest more aggressively.

The Shirohami rarely agree.

The Faeborn Clanns

Dangerous Dreamers

"Beauty rarely survives reality."

The Azhari generally regard the Faeborn Clanns as:

  • Unpredictable
  • Emotional
  • Irrational

The Faeborn emphasis upon personal freedom and emotional authenticity clashes strongly with Azhari values.

Despite this, many Azhari nobles find Faeborn art and magic highly desirable.

This creates a complicated relationship characterized by both fascination and exploitation.

The Skyborne Dominion

Rivals of Power

"At last, a civilization that understands authority."

Of all major powers, the Skyborne Dominion earns perhaps the greatest respect.

The Azhari admire:

  • Organization
  • Technological advancement
  • Centralized governance
  • Strategic planning

While ideological differences exist, both societies appreciate order and strength.

Many observers consider conflict between the two powers inevitable.

The only question is when.

The Meridian Consortium

Useful Opportunists

"Everyone has a price. Merchants simply admit it."

Relations between the Azhari and Meridian Consortium are surprisingly cordial.

Both sides understand:

  • Wealth
  • Influence
  • Leverage

The Consortium publicly condemns many Azhari practices.

Privately, business often continues.

This relationship generates considerable criticism throughout Aetheris.

Neither side appears especially concerned.

The Sanguine Compact

Uncomfortable Allies

"Monsters are useful when pointed at someone else."

Officially, relations are limited.

Unofficially, matters become more complicated.

Certain factions within:

  • Xanthrin
  • The Hegemony
  • The Compact

have occasionally cooperated when interests aligned.

Neither side fully trusts the other.

Both understand the value of pragmatic alliances.

Many Azhari priests privately fear the Compact's influence.

Most would never admit it publicly.

The Eightfold Ledger

Merchants of Damnation

"Every chain eventually demands payment."

The Azhari respect the Ledger's efficiency.

They despise its independence.

The Ledger represents a threat because it answers to profit rather than empire.

Many Azhari rulers seek to control it.

Few succeed.

The Ledger remains one of the rare organizations capable of operating within Azhari territory while remaining largely beyond imperial authority.

The Obsidian Hegemony

Brothers and Rivals

"The greatest enemy is often family."

Despite shared origins, relations between the Dominion and Hegemony remain complicated.

They share:

  • Culture
  • Religion
  • Language
  • History

They differ primarily on who should rule.

This distinction has fueled:

  • Wars
  • Assassinations
  • Trade conflicts
  • Religious disputes

for centuries.

Yet when confronted by outside threats, cooperation often returns surprisingly quickly.

The Dominion of Xanthrin

The Heart of Azhari Civilization

"The flame from which all others draw light."

Most Azhari regard the Dominion as the pinnacle of civilization.

Its cities, armies, temples, and institutions represent the culmination of Zahruun's vision.

Even many Hegemony citizens quietly admire its accomplishments.

The Dominion sees itself not merely as a nation.

It sees itself as destiny.

How the World Sees the Azhari

Across Aetheris, the Azhari possess many reputations.

Some are deserved.

Some are exaggerated.

Most contain elements of truth.

They are known as:

  • Conquerors
  • Slavers
  • Scholars
  • Priests
  • Architects
  • Merchants
  • Tyrants
  • Empire-builders

Many admire their achievements.

Many fear their ambitions.

Few ignore them.

For better or worse, the Azhari have shaped the history of Aetheris for thousands of years.

And they fully intend to continue doing so.

"Civilization belongs to those willing to seize it."

PART VIII — SETTLEMENTS, HOMELANDS, AND THE GREAT CITIES OF DRAKTHAR

"The desert rewards those strong enough to tame it."
— Inscription upon the Gates of Xanthar

The Azhari are the dominant people of central and western Drakthar, a continent of immense deserts, volcanic highlands, fertile river valleys, oasis kingdoms, and ancient trade routes.

For thousands of years they have transformed inhospitable landscapes into centers of civilization.

Their cities rise from the sands like monuments to ambition itself.

Their roads connect continents.

Their fortresses guard trade routes stretching thousands of miles.

Their temples dominate skylines.

Their banners fly above lands conquered centuries ago.

To the Azhari, these achievements prove the superiority of their civilization.

To their enemies, they stand as monuments built atop the suffering of countless conquered peoples.

Both perspectives contain truth.

The Homeland of the Azhari

The ancestral homeland of the Azhari lies within:

Central Drakthar

A region dominated by:

  • Great deserts
  • Oasis networks
  • Rocky escarpments
  • Volcanic badlands
  • Seasonal rivers
  • Trade corridors

This region is often called:

The Burning Expanse

or

The Sea of Ash

depending upon local tradition.

Temperatures regularly reach dangerous extremes.

Only those adapted to the environment thrive.

The Azhari have spent millennia mastering these lands.

The Burning Expanse

The largest desert on Drakthar.

Stretching thousands of miles across the continent.

Features include:

  • Massive dune seas
  • Salt flats
  • Ancient ruins
  • Lost cities
  • Caravan routes
  • Hidden oasis kingdoms

Countless legends originate here.

Many expeditions never return.

The faithful often regard the desert as sacred.

After all, it was within these wastes that Zahruun received his revelation.

The River of Embers

One of Drakthar's most important waterways.

Flowing from distant mountains through the heart of Azhari civilization.

The river supports:

  • Agriculture
  • Trade
  • Transportation
  • Settlement

Many of the oldest cities stand along its banks.

Control of the river has sparked numerous wars throughout history.

The Ashen Coast

The western coastline of Drakthar.

A region of:

  • Trade ports
  • Naval bases
  • Colonial outposts
  • Slave markets

This coast serves as the primary gateway between Drakthar and the wider world.

Countless fortunes have been made here.

Countless lives have been lost here.

The Obsidian Highlands

Volcanic regions rich in:

  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Gold
  • Precious gems

The Obsidian Hegemony derives much of its wealth from these territories.

Massive fortresses dominate the landscape.

Many remain active military strongholds.

The Dominion of Xanthrin

The most powerful state in Azhari history.

The Dominion controls:

  • Major river systems
  • Fertile agricultural lands
  • Vast deserts
  • Strategic ports
  • Religious centers

Its influence extends far beyond its borders.

Many smaller states function effectively as client kingdoms.

XANTHAR

The Eternal Capital

"All roads lead toward greatness."

Capital of the Dominion of Xanthrin.

Population:

Hundreds of thousands.

Possibly over one million including surrounding districts.

Xanthar is among the largest cities in Aetheris.

Its skyline is dominated by:

  • Golden domes
  • Black marble towers
  • Massive temples
  • Imperial palaces

Visitors frequently compare it to a mirage.

Its beauty is undeniable.

So is its cruelty.

Notable Districts

The Imperial Citadel

Seat of the ruling dynasty.

Protected by:

  • Elite guards
  • Powerful magic
  • Religious authorities

The Grand Bazaar

One of the largest markets in the world.

Goods arrive from every continent.

The Temple Quarter

Heart of Zahruunite worship.

Contains dozens of major temples.

The Golden Courts

Home of the most powerful noble clans.

The Chain Markets

Infamous throughout Aetheris.

One of the largest centers of slave commerce in the world.

Even many Azhari find this district unsettling.

ASHKARATH

City of Scholars

"Knowledge is another form of power."

Second only to Xanthar in prestige.

Ashkarath contains:

  • Great universities
  • Archives
  • Academies
  • Libraries

Many of the Dominion's greatest scholars originate here.

The city houses the:

Grand Archives of Ashkarath

Perhaps the largest collection of written knowledge on Drakthar.

Its scholars often know more about foreign civilizations than those civilizations know about themselves.

KHAZARIM

Fortress of the Burning Gate

The greatest military city of the Dominion.

Purpose-built for war.

Features include:

  • Massive walls
  • Training grounds
  • Foundries
  • Barracks

Generations of generals have studied here.

The city serves as the primary military academy of Xanthrin.

Many conquered peoples regard its banners with fear.

SULARAH

Jewel of the River

A wealthy trade metropolis.

Known for:

  • Luxury goods
  • Silk markets
  • Jewelry
  • Perfume production

The city's merchants possess enormous influence.

Many noble houses owe their fortunes to Sularah's commerce.

The Holy City of ZAHRUN

Birthplace of Revelation

Built around the location where tradition claims Zahruun received divine enlightenment.

Pilgrims travel here from across Azhari lands.

Major landmarks include:

The Flame Ascendant

A colossal temple complex visible for miles.

The Ashen Steps

A sacred pilgrimage route.

The Prophet's Well

One of the holiest sites in Azhari religion.

The city possesses immense religious significance.

Its priests wield extraordinary influence.

THE OBSIDIAN HEGEMONY

Though culturally Azhari, the Obsidian Hegemony developed into a separate imperial power.

Its rulers claim that Xanthrin became decadent.

They argue that true strength belongs to them.

The resulting rivalry has shaped centuries of history.

VHAL KORATH

Throne of the Hegemony

Capital of the Obsidian Hegemony.

Unlike the elegance of Xanthar, Vhal Korath emphasizes intimidation.

Common descriptions include:

  • Grim
  • Massive
  • Severe
  • Militaristic

The city resembles a fortress more than a capital.

Many sections are carved directly into volcanic stone.

BLACKFIRE REACH

City of Chains

One of the darkest cities in Aetheris.

Its economy revolves heavily around:

  • Mining
  • Forced labor
  • Slave commerce
  • Military production

The city is despised throughout much of the world.

Its rulers consider such criticism evidence of success.

ASHEN SPIRE

Bastion of the Ashbound

The primary stronghold of the Ashbound.

A place feared even by many loyal Azhari.

Known for:

  • Religious extremism
  • Inquisitorial authority
  • Harsh discipline

Travelers rarely remain longer than necessary.

OASIS KINGDOMS

Not every Azhari settlement belongs directly to either empire.

Numerous smaller states exist throughout Drakthar.

Examples include:

Emirate of Qasim

Wealthy caravan kingdom.

Sultanate of Nurash

Known for scholars and astronomers.

The Seven Oasis Confederation

Semi-independent alliance of desert cities.

Kingdom of Zarad

Buffer state between larger powers.

Many survive only through careful diplomacy.

COLONIAL HOLDINGS

The Azhari maintain settlements throughout:

  • Sahariad
  • Coastal Drakthar
  • Island chains
  • Strategic trade routes

These colonies serve as:

  • Naval bases
  • Trade hubs
  • Resource extraction centers
  • Military outposts

Not all local populations welcome their presence.

FORTRESSES OF THE DESERT

The Azhari have mastered defensive architecture.

Important fortresses include:

Iron Dune Bastion

Protects major caravan routes.

Emberwatch

Monitors frontier territories.

Fortress Khalad

Guards mountain passes.

Black Sun Keep

Ancient stronghold associated with Zahruun himself.

Many remain unconquered after centuries.

THE ROADS OF EMPIRE

One of the greatest achievements of Azhari civilization.

Thousands of miles of roads connect:

  • Cities
  • Temples
  • Fortresses
  • Ports

These routes enable:

  • Trade
  • Military movement
  • Communication

The empire's infrastructure remains among the finest in Aetheris.

Even its enemies often rely upon roads built by Azhari engineers.

THE FACE OF DRAKTHAR

To outsiders, Drakthar is often synonymous with the Azhari.

This is understandable.

Their cities dominate the continent.

Their armies patrol its roads.

Their temples shape its politics.

Their merchants control its trade.

Yet beneath the grandeur lies something darker.

Every palace.

Every fortress.

Every triumphal arch.

Every golden dome.

Was built upon the doctrines of Zahruun.

The belief that hierarchy is sacred.

That domination is justified.

And that civilization grants the right to rule.

These beliefs transformed deserts into empires.

They also transformed empires into engines of oppression.

The cities of Drakthar remain among the wonders of the world.

Whether they are monuments to greatness or monuments to tyranny depends entirely upon whom one asks.

"The empire rises from the sands. The sands remember the cost."

PART IX — ORGANIZATIONS, ORDERS, MILITARY FORCES, AND SECRET SOCIETIES

"An empire is not maintained by rulers alone. It survives because countless institutions ensure that every command becomes reality."
— Grand Vizier Malek ibn Zarif

The Dominion of Xanthrin and the Obsidian Hegemony did not become great powers through military conquest alone.

Their strength rests upon a vast network of organizations.

Some are public.

Some are hidden.

Some command armies.

Others command information.

Together they form the machinery that sustains Azhari civilization.

These institutions protect the empire, preserve the faith, enrich the clans, and ensure the teachings of Zahruun continue to shape the world.

THE IMPERIAL LEGIONS

The Sword of Dominion

"Order follows where our banners march."

The Imperial Legions are the primary military force of the Dominion of Xanthrin.

Among the largest standing armies in Aetheris, they are feared for:

  • Discipline
  • Logistics
  • Engineering
  • Professionalism
  • Ruthlessness

The Legions have conquered kingdoms, crushed rebellions, and expanded the Dominion's borders for centuries.

To many Azhari, they represent the pinnacle of military achievement.

To their enemies, they are instruments of oppression.

Organization

Each Legion consists of:

  • Infantry cohorts
  • Cavalry detachments
  • Archery formations
  • Engineers
  • Battle mages
  • Logistics corps

A single Legion may number tens of thousands.

Several Legions can be combined into a Grand Army during major campaigns.

Recruitment

Most soldiers are:

  • Volunteers
  • Professional warriors
  • Clan retainers

Military service remains one of the few reliable paths to social advancement.

Successful officers often rise into the nobility.

THE OBSIDIAN LEGIONS

Armies of the Hegemony

"Fear is a weapon. Use it."

The military forces of the Obsidian Hegemony are smaller than those of Xanthrin but often considered more brutal.

They emphasize:

  • Shock warfare
  • Intimidation
  • Aggression
  • Punishment campaigns

Many of their commanders subscribe to Ashbound doctrine.

This reputation makes them particularly feared throughout Drakthar.

THE FLAME GUARD

Protectors of Throne and Temple

"The flame protects itself."

Elite warriors sworn directly to:

  • The Emperor
  • The High Flame
  • The Sacred Hierarchy

The Flame Guard represents the finest military force in the Dominion.

Membership is highly selective.

Requirements include:

  • Exceptional combat skill
  • Proven loyalty
  • Religious devotion

Their armor and weapons are considered symbols of imperial authority.

THE ASHBOUND

Fanatics of the Burning Chain

"Mercy is surrender disguised as virtue."

The Ashbound represent the most extreme interpretation of Zahruun's teachings.

They believe:

  • Compassion weakens civilization.
  • Fear strengthens society.
  • Domination creates order.
  • Mercy breeds rebellion.

Even many loyal Azhari regard them with caution.

Activities

The Ashbound frequently oversee:

  • Religious purges
  • Interrogations
  • Internal security
  • Political investigations

Their methods are infamous.

Their loyalty is unquestioned.

Their presence often means someone is about to suffer.

THE INQUISITION OF FLAME

Guardians of Orthodoxy

"Truth requires protection."

The Inquisition exists to identify threats to the faith.

Its targets include:

  • Heretics
  • Apostates
  • Religious reformers
  • Foreign cults
  • Political dissidents

Officially, the Inquisition preserves religious unity.

Critics argue it exists to suppress opposition.

Both statements are true.

Powers

Inquisitors possess extraordinary authority.

They may:

  • Conduct investigations
  • Seize property
  • Arrest suspects
  • Interrogate witnesses

Few citizens willingly attract their attention.

THE CHAINMASTERS

Lords of the Slave Markets

"Every empire requires labor."

Among the wealthiest organizations in Azhari society.

The Chainmasters oversee much of the Dominion's slave economy.

Their influence extends across:

  • Trade routes
  • Markets
  • Plantations
  • Mines
  • Workshops

Many noble houses depend upon their services.

Public Reputation

Outside Azhari lands they are universally despised.

Within the Dominion they remain controversial.

Even some loyal citizens find them distasteful.

Their wealth ensures their continued influence.

THE GILDED VEIL

Merchants of Influence

"Coin moves where armies cannot."

The Gilded Veil is the largest merchant consortium in Xanthrin.

Its members control:

  • Trade caravans
  • Shipping fleets
  • Banking houses
  • Luxury markets

Many rulers owe them favors.

Many generals owe them money.

This arrangement suits them perfectly.

THE VEILED EYE

Imperial Intelligence Service

"Knowledge conquers before armies arrive."

The Veiled Eye serves as the Dominion's primary intelligence agency.

Responsibilities include:

  • Espionage
  • Counterintelligence
  • Political surveillance
  • Foreign operations

Their agents operate throughout Aetheris.

Many never reveal their true identities.

Methods

The Veiled Eye favors:

  • Information gathering
  • Infiltration
  • Manipulation
  • Blackmail

Violence is used when necessary.

Information is preferred.

THE ORDER OF THE BLACK SUN

Secret Masters of Imperial Ambition

"The empire must grow or perish."

Officially, this organization does not exist.

Unofficially, many historians believe it has influenced Azhari politics for centuries.

The Order allegedly includes:

  • Nobles
  • Generals
  • Priests
  • Merchants

Its members advocate relentless expansion.

Whether the Order truly exists remains debated.

Many disappearances suggest otherwise.

THE GREAT CLANS

Dynasties of Power

Though countless clans exist, several dominate Azhari society.

House Al-Zarim

The Imperial Dynasty

Current rulers of the Dominion.

Claim direct descent from Zahruun.

Their legitimacy forms the foundation of imperial authority.

House Vhalakar

Lords of War

Produces numerous:

  • Generals
  • Admirals
  • Strategists

Their influence within the military is immense.

House Nazereth

Masters of Trade

Controls significant portions of:

  • Banking
  • Commerce
  • Caravan routes

Among the wealthiest families in Drakthar.

House Ashkar

Keepers of Knowledge

Closely tied to:

  • Universities
  • Archives
  • Scholarship

Many influential bureaucrats emerge from their ranks.

House Khorzan

Voice of the Faith

Strongly connected to:

  • Temples
  • Priesthoods
  • Religious courts

The Ashbound recruit heavily from this house.

THE SCHOLARS OF ASHKARATH

Knowledge in Service to Empire

"Understanding creates advantage."

The greatest scholarly organization in Azhari civilization.

Members study:

  • History
  • Magic
  • Engineering
  • Economics
  • Warfare

Their research often benefits imperial ambitions.

Many genuinely pursue knowledge for its own sake.

Others view learning as another weapon.

THE CRIMSON CARAVANS

Masters of the Desert Roads

A vast network of caravan companies operating across Drakthar.

Known for:

  • Reliability
  • Security
  • Efficiency

Many possess private guards stronger than small armies.

Their loyalty belongs to profit.

The Dominion tolerates this because it benefits greatly from their success.

THE CULT OF THE ASCENDANT FLAME

Mystics of Power

A controversial religious movement.

They believe Zahruun's teachings conceal deeper mysteries.

Many members seek:

  • Personal power
  • Magical enlightenment
  • Spiritual transformation

Authorities watch them carefully.

Their ideas sometimes drift toward heresy.

THE SHADOWS OF EMBERS

Assassins of the Great Clans

"A quiet death often changes more than a loud battle."

Not a single organization but a loose collection of assassins employed by noble houses.

Common assignments include:

  • Political murders
  • Sabotage
  • Covert operations

Officially, such activities are condemned.

Unofficially, they remain common.

THE INSTITUTIONS OF EMPIRE

The strength of the Azhari does not come from a single ruler.

Nor from a single army.

Nor from a single faith.

It comes from the interaction of countless institutions.

Legions enforce order.

Priests justify it.

Merchants finance it.

Scholars refine it.

Spies protect it.

Clans compete within it.

Together they create one of the most durable and dangerous civilizations in Aetheris.

Many kingdoms have defeated Azhari armies.

Few have successfully dismantled the systems behind them.

That is why the Dominion endures.

And why its enemies continue to fear it.

"Empires are built by victories. They survive through institutions."

PART X — DAILY LIFE, NAMES, LANGUAGE, AND CHARACTER CREATION

"A person's worth is measured by what they contribute to the greatness of civilization."
— Common saying throughout the Dominion of Xanthrin

While emperors, priests, conquerors, and slave-lords dominate the histories written by scholars, most Azhari live far more ordinary lives.

They raise families.

Run businesses.

Attend festivals.

Study at schools.

Serve in armies.

Pray in temples.

Compete for advancement.

Dream of prosperity.

Fear failure.

And navigate the immense social machinery of one of the most powerful civilizations in Aetheris.

Understanding daily life is essential to understanding the Azhari themselves.

For all their faults, most Azhari do not see themselves as villains.

They see themselves as participants in a civilization they believe to be the pinnacle of human achievement.

A Typical Day

Daily life varies greatly depending on social status.

A noble in Xanthar lives very differently from a caravan guard in the Burning Expanse.

Yet several common routines unite much of Azhari society.

Dawn

Most Azhari begin their day before sunrise.

Morning often includes:

  • Personal grooming
  • Family meals
  • Prayer
  • Review of business obligations

The faithful commonly recite short invocations to Zahruun or the Ascendant Flame.

Many believe beginning the day with discipline invites success.

Midday

The hottest hours are often devoted to:

  • Indoor work
  • Administration
  • Education
  • Commerce

In desert regions, activity frequently slows during peak heat.

Markets may remain active beneath shaded canopies.

Government offices rarely close.

The empire never sleeps.

Evening

Evening serves as the primary social period.

Families gather.

Merchants negotiate.

Stories are shared.

Religious services are held.

Political alliances are discussed.

Many important decisions occur after sunset.

Family Life

Family remains central to daily existence.

Most households include:

  • Parents
  • Children
  • Grandparents
  • Extended relatives

Among wealthy families, households may also include:

  • Servants
  • Tutors
  • Guards
  • Dependents
  • Slaves

Family reputation affects nearly every aspect of life.

Children quickly learn that their actions reflect upon the entire household.

Education and Ambition

Education is highly valued.

Children are taught:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Arithmetic
  • History
  • Religious doctrine

More privileged students may also study:

  • Politics
  • Economics
  • Military theory
  • Law
  • Philosophy

Success is expected.

Failure is remembered.

The pressure to excel can be intense.

Occupations

Common professions include:

Merchants

Trade remains one of the foundations of Azhari wealth.

Soldiers

Military service offers prestige and advancement.

Priests

Religious authority commands enormous respect.

Bureaucrats

The Dominion's administration requires countless officials.

Artisans

Highly skilled craftsmen enjoy significant status.

Scholars

Knowledge remains a respected path to influence.

Caravaners

The deserts create constant demand for transport specialists.

Leisure Activities

The Azhari are not humorless.

Many enjoy:

  • Poetry recitals
  • Music performances
  • Storytelling
  • Athletic competitions
  • Hunting
  • Strategic games
  • Public festivals

The elite often sponsor elaborate social gatherings.

Such events frequently serve political purposes.

Hospitality

Hospitality remains one of the oldest Azhari traditions.

A recognized guest is often treated generously.

Food, water, and shelter may be offered freely.

This custom originated from ancient desert survival practices.

However, hospitality is not universal.

Enemies receive no such protections.

Language

The primary language of the Azhari is:

Azhari

A sophisticated language known for:

  • Formality
  • Poetic structure
  • Elaborate honorifics
  • Legal precision

Many outsiders consider it beautiful.

Many diplomats consider it exhausting.

Azhari speech often communicates social rank through word choice alone.

Dialects

Several major dialects exist.

High Azhari

Used by:

  • Nobility
  • Priests
  • Government officials

Highly formal.

Often difficult for commoners.

Imperial Azhari

The most widespread dialect.

Used throughout the Dominion.

Hegemonic Azhari

Common within the Obsidian Hegemony.

More militaristic in vocabulary.

Desert Azhari

Spoken among tribal communities and caravan peoples.

Preserves many ancient expressions.

Naming Conventions

Names carry significant meaning.

Most Azhari possess:

  • Personal name
  • Family name
  • Clan affiliation

Nobles often possess numerous titles.

Male Names

Examples include:

  • Rashad
  • Malik
  • Kharim
  • Nasir
  • Zarek
  • Tahir
  • Jafar
  • Kamil
  • Farouk
  • Khalid
  • Aziz
  • Zahir
  • Omar
  • Rami
  • Darius

Female Names

Examples include:

  • Samira
  • Yasmina
  • Nadira
  • Zahira
  • Leila
  • Soraya
  • Amara
  • Azira
  • Farah
  • Seleneh
  • Karima
  • Nazeera
  • Valyra
  • Tahira
  • Zareen

Noble House Names

Examples include:

  • Al-Zarim
  • Vhalakar
  • Nazereth
  • Ashkar
  • Khorzan
  • Malzareth
  • Dhamir
  • Vashar
  • Korash
  • Zhalir

Titles

Azhari titles are important social markers.

Common examples include:

Emir

Regional ruler.

Vizier

Senior administrator.

Flamelord

High-ranking priest.

Warlord

Military commander.

Grand Merchant

Trade magnate.

Ashen Prince

Member of the imperial dynasty.

Voice of Zahruun

Senior religious authority.

Social Customs

Several customs appear throughout Azhari society.

The Greeting Flame

Guests are traditionally welcomed with a lit lamp or brazier.

The gesture symbolizes trust.

The Oath of Embers

Important promises are often sworn before sacred fire.

Breaking such oaths carries severe social consequences.

The Gift of Salt

Offering salt symbolizes respect and peaceful intent.

Violating hospitality after accepting salt is considered dishonorable.

The Sharing of Stories

Evening storytelling remains widespread.

Stories often reinforce cultural values:

  • Ambition
  • Strength
  • Discipline
  • Loyalty

Azhari Adventurers

Though uncommon, adventurers emerge from every level of society.

Common motivations include:

Ambition

Seeking power and influence.

Wealth

Acquiring fortunes unavailable at home.

Glory

Building personal reputation.

Service

Advancing clan interests.

Scholarship

Seeking lost knowledge.

Religious Duty

Spreading Zahruunite doctrine.

Exile

Fleeing political enemies.

Renegades and Outcasts

Rare individuals reject aspects of Azhari society.

Examples include:

Apostates

Those who reject Zahruun.

Reformists

Those who seek change.

Liberators

Opponents of slavery.

Exiles

Individuals cast out by their clans.

Defectors

Former servants of the Dominion.

Such individuals are extraordinarily uncommon.

Many spend their lives hiding from imperial authorities.

Playing an Azhari Character

Not every Azhari adventurer must be evil.

However, players should remember:

The culture itself is overwhelmingly aligned toward domination, hierarchy, and authority.

An Azhari character should consider:

  • How strongly they believe Zahruun's teachings.
  • Their relationship with slavery.
  • Their loyalty to clan and empire.
  • Their views on foreigners.
  • Their personal ambitions.

Even heroic Azhari often carry cultural assumptions that differ dramatically from those of other peoples.

As an Alzhari, you have these special traits.

Resourceful

You gain Heroic Inspiration whenever you finish a Long Rest.

Skillful

You gain proficiency in one skill of your choice.

Versatile

You gain an Origin feat of your choice.

Child of the Burning Expanse

Generations spent surviving the deserts of Drakthar have hardened your body.

You gain:

  • Resistance to environmental effects caused by extreme heat.
  • Advantage on Constitution saving throws made to resist dehydration, exhaustion caused by heat, and similar environmental hazards.

Additionally, you gain proficiency the following:

  • Survival
  • Nature
  • Perception
  • Animal Handling

Imperial Discipline

Azhari culture emphasizes self-control and mental conditioning.

You gain proficiency in one of the following skills:

  • History
  • Insight
  • Intimidation
  • Persuasion

Ambition Unbound

The teachings of Azhari society encourage relentless self-improvement.

Once per Long Rest, when you fail:

  • An attack roll
  • Ability check
  • Saving throw

you may reroll the result.

You must use the new roll.

Social Navigator

The Azhari are raised within complex systems of hierarchy and politics.

You gain Advantage on ability checks made to:

  • Understand social hierarchies
  • Identify influential individuals
  • Determine chains of authority
  • Recognize political relationships

Cultural Legacy

Choose one of the following cultural traditions.

Clan Warrior

"Power belongs to those willing to defend it."

You gain proficiency with:

  • Scimitars
  • Spears
  • Javelins

Additionally:

Once per turn when you hit a creature with one of these weapons, you may increase the damage by your Proficiency Bonus.

You may use this feature a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus per Long Rest.

Scholar of Ashkarath

"Knowledge creates advantage."

You gain proficiency in:

  • Arcana
  • History

If already proficient, choose another Intelligence-based skill.

Additionally:

You may add your Proficiency Bonus to one Intelligence ability check each Long Rest, even if you are not proficient.

Desert Nomad

"The sands teach patience."

You gain proficiency in:

  • Survival
  • Navigator's Tools (Land)

Additionally:

You ignore nonmagical difficult terrain caused by sand, loose earth, and rocky desert terrain.

Merchant Prince

"Every person possesses a price."

You gain proficiency in:

  • Persuasion
  • Insight

Additionally:

Whenever purchasing or negotiating nonmagical goods, you gain Advantage on one Charisma check involved in the transaction.

You may use this benefit a number of times equal to your Proficiency Bonus per Long Rest.

Flame Devotee

"Order is sacred."

You gain proficiency in Religion.

Additionally:

When making a saving throw against being Charmed or Frightened, you may add your Proficiency Bonus.

You may use this feature once per Long Rest.
TheGrimFrogger

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