The People
The Andashi people are a divided sort. Divided between nomadic wilderness and wealthy city, between past and future, between rugged survivalism and gaudy opulence. While at greater extremes this dichotomy causes friction, the most traditional refuse to enter Obregon as it should be left as a monument to the past, whereas the most radical believe that all should give up the nomadic lives and support the city.
But for the vast majority, their lives are a harmony of both existences, rather than competition. As a tribal people, the Andashi have extensive family ties that connect them in vast webs of marriage and history. As such they tend towards open hospitableness and trust. Their cultural focus on the tithe also produces a strong tendency towards charity and empathy towards their countrymen.
The Andashi are also quite learned. Between schools of history and knowledge forming the foundation of their attempts to reclaim their past, a growing presence of the Church given their newfound ability to set down roots, and the political power of the Andash School Of Gifts, many if not all Andashi are well taught and capable scholars in their own right.
However the Andashi are also ambitious and somewhat harsh. Their tithes make for individuals who work twice as hard for wealth and power, knowing it will be somewhat taken away from them. Their culture of plundering the past leads to less reverence for the lost than other realms and a history of tribal nomadic life can make them seem cold when it comes to matters of survival.
In all, the average Andashi will open their doors to a stranger, feed them fine food and coffee before doing their level best to extract every single piece of information about a forgotten tomb nearby. All with a smile.
Names
Andashi names, much like their entire existence, come in two forms.
Andashi tribal names are commonly used by those who spend more of their time leading the nomadic life of their tribal past. These people tend to be rough-and-tumble types, deeply connected to survival and understanding of their harsh world. Andashi tribal names are Arabic in style but often simplified and urbanised due to the influence of the changing culture.
Examples: Ali, Dafir, Sabeeha, Yaha, Nazmi, Shakir, Radiya, Karim, Awat and Nafur
Andashi city names are used by those who spend more time walking the powerful circles of Andash’s growing urban powers. City names are often seen as more official and proper, seeing the common use in bureaucracy and in times of great respect. Andashi city names are drawn from the names of old Grand Andash and are hispanic in style.
Examples: Luca, Hector, Saba, Javier, Carmelo, Martin, Frida, Marcela, Alma, Brisa, Emilia and Zoe.
Most Andashi will select one to be their primary name and the other for when circumstance is befitting of it, particularly if they are travelling out of Andash. It would not be uncommon to never learn the alternative name of an Andashi.
Andashi surnames are linked to their wider social circumstance. Which varies from person to person. Some will use the prefix ‘al’ meaning ‘with’ followed by a clan name to mark which larger tribal social group they belong to, such as Al-Haq or Al-Romero. Others may use ‘el’ meaning ‘of’ followed by a geographic location to denote where they live, such as El-Obregon or El-Andash. Finally, particularly devout individuals, mainly priests, may use the prefix ‘del’ meaning devoted, followed by the sphere of their faith, such as Del-Lumos or Del-Anarch.
Example full names: Ali Al-Romero, Hector Al-Rassi, Nawwa El-Andash, Juan El-Obregon, Teresa Del-Arcadian or Mundir Del-Stallia.
Place in the World
The new Andashi capital of Obregon is north west of Lerona Mera and South West of the Greenweald, on the far side of the long western mountain range. The land beyond the mountains is dominated by soft sand deserts which give way to rockier badlands to the north. Along the western coast there are grassy plains with dense underbrush and palms. Travel far enough to the north west and the dunes become hills which protect the outer edges of the Greenweald from the desert winds. Throughout this territory the ruins of Grand Andash can be found. Bare foundations of backwoods homesteads, to massive buried libraries and palaces. Along the coast these settlements are often in better conditions, inhabited by bandit warlords and pirate princes. To the north they become overgrown, living trophies of the violent nature worshiped by the Zekartaal.
As it stands, the Andashi claim a large area around Obregon that stretches south west to the coast and north east to the eaves of the Greenweald Baronies. This land is dotted with new villages, ruins and the travelling Andashi who seek the wealth and knowledge of the world.
For more information, see Almanac: Mukarrem and Almanac: The Tribelands
Economic Concerns
A vast amount of the Andashi economy is still linked to their nomadic ways, with herds and seasonal orchards being common sources of wealth. The plundering of ancient sites is a common route towards fast prosperity, if you are lucky and skilled in your explorations. But as the realm grows into its new traditions new sources of wealth are appearing.
Coffee and dates harvested near Obregon or the western coast trade extremely well throughout the Concord, as do the arcane treatises and enchantments crafted at the Andashi School of Gifts.
To achieve their true goals, Andash will require a diverse economic system with a strong agricultural base, the treasures of the past will only last so long, so learning from their successes and failures will paint the path to the Andashi future of prosperity.
Andashi School of Gifts - School of Magic
The Andashi School of gifts rises high above the other buildings of Obregon, the Andashi capital. Finely painted spires worn smooth by the passage of time. Within its towers and halls arcanists work side by side with artisans and priests to craft new arcane items, discover new rituals and learn more about the magical world.
The Andash School of Gifts is a School of Magic held by Andash.
See also: Commissions
Military Concerns
Andash has yet to field a full army, instead relying on tribal forces and a growing mercenary tradition. This may need to change as growing wealth and power attracts foes like travellers to an oasis. It is part of Andashi hopes with the Concord that they will be assisted and will in turn assist the other realms with defence and expansion.
Notably, the Andashi have taken the brunt of recent attacks and expansion on behalf of the Zekartaal wartribes. The Andashi acts of putting down roots and reclaiming settlements lost to the desert is an affront to the Zekartaal beliefs and their cult spreads across the Andashi frontier, threatening to destroy the new realm before it has even begun.
To the west and north lies the territory of the Twinblade Confederacy, a coalition of pirates, bandit warlords and worse that squat in the ruined cities of Grand Andash. While limited to isolated raids and marauding pirate crews, it is only a matter of time before Andashi interest in their history and a prickly disposition lead the two nations into conflict.
Cultures and Customs
Tithing
The custom of tithing ensures that the overall whole of a people remains strong and that individuals have some barriers to becoming too powerful or arrogant. While not a perfect solution for either of those goals, it does ensure that the Andashi state remains well supported and has the means to fund its growth.
While an inexact system, in general a tithe is often equal to one fifth of either your time or wealth. This increases with relative wealth and power but as a rule, one fifth is commonly accepted. For the very poor this might never occur, but for those with a stable amount of wealth and power, giving up either a fifth of your time (without remuneration) in support of the state or a fifth of the wealth you gain is seen as the right thing to do.
For the more wealthy and powerful it may reach as high as half of your time and wealth. It is a strange balance, for it is those who are more powerful or wealthy who define what tithe is appropriate, but all tithes must be public, if not in presentation, at least on record. This ensures that even the rich and powerful are accountable by the vast social web of tribal allegiances, doing their best to keep them in line with the custom.
Janissaries
The craft of being a mercenary is something regarded as honourable and good within Andash. The nature of the tithe means a successful mercenary group will bring wealth to the nation, while also providing it will well armed and skilled citizens should the need arise. Known as Janissaries within Andash, mercenaries are essential to the economy and regional defense. Treated with respect, being a Janissary commander brings an inordinate amount of clout in the realm.
Hospitality
Somewhat contrary to its climate, Andash places a large amount of cultural significance in warm beverages, be that tea, coco, coffee or something else. The requirement to prepare and its flexibility in taste, time and intent has created a culture where it is traditional to begin and end each momentous endeavour with a warm cup. Serving someone a warm drink is not only a kind gift, but also serves as a demonstration of care, the custom of tithing brought small, if you will. By serving you this drink, I am acknowledging that I care for you and your happiness. To enter an Andashi dwelling and be offered no drink is a sign you are unwelcome, to be refused is a sign of hostility.
Tribes and Clans
See also Player Groups in Andash
A Tribe is generally a person's family group, joined either by birth, marriage or allegiance. Members of a tribe are considered family and it is a great dishonour to betray such a bond. When a marriage occurs the individual who comes from the tribe that is considered less prominent or powerful will generally join the greater Tribe, regardless of gender or circumstance, and in doing so will further increase that Tribes power. Tribes rarely have formal leadership, generally relying on the wisdom of the eldest. Many city Andashi will still recognise their tribe, but over time such relations are becoming smaller and more analogous to blood-family than anything larger. Tribes will generally use a proper-noun as a name, not dissimilar to a surname.
A Clan is an alliance of tribes lead by a Clan Master, Headman or Headwoman. Clans operate together for security, prosperity and social relationships. Clans are powerful groups of nomads that can come to dominate whole regions or markets. Joining a clan is a serious decision that a Tribe cannot make lightly as Tradition demands that a joining a clan be for at least a generation. Clans act as an extended family, a business network and a martial force, all in one. Clans may have a proper-noun name (like a Surname) but may also have more literal names.
Both tribes and clans use the ‘Al’ prefix in naming to denote being a part of a social group. So a character whose tribe was ‘Cruz’ and their Clan was the ‘Whitesail Fleet’ might be called Hector Al-Whitesail Al-Cruz. The clan is more important, so it goes first.
The Andashi Welcome
With many Andashi constantly moving from plain to city to sea, Andashi folk are used to welcoming both new and old friends to their tents, houses, and establishments. A guest is always respected for they carry news from far off places, interesting deals and tidbits and are an endless source of new ideas to continue the patter that Andashi are known for.
When entering a space, any Andashi would be familiar with the welcoming basin offered by the host. Any guest to an Andashi establishment would know from childhood the ritual of dipping and wiping one's hands before entry, while greeting the host at the same time. Both the guest and host observe this tradition to show mutual respect: it is a way to wipe off the dust of travel and cleanse themselves before entering a beloved space as each greet each other with smiles.
Religious Beliefs
The Andashi draw from an ancient history of religion that combines the decadency of empire, the knowledge of the Spheres, generations of nomadic life and their new beginnings. This length of history and change is unseen elsewhere within The Concord and produces priests of a different style. Like all priests, those of the Church in Andash are great advisors, regularly sought out for guidance, but beyond this they have become the arbiters of this new dual existence.
The Church is prominent throughout Andash and it is not uncommon to find priests in a variety of rules outside of purely religious ones. The Andashi value a dynamic soul and to be what you believe and preach more than to simply prosthelytize is seen as a more complete devotion to the spheres.
Two Churches, One Faith
In their role as arbiter of the changing culture of the Andashi, it is the duty of priests to ensure that neither the nomadic traditions or the urban possibilities of the Realm are forgotten. This task has gradually drifted such that an informal agreement has been reached. The spheres are separated into Churches of Sand and Churches of Stone, with three spheres in each. Priests of the Church of Sand will spend the year living with the nomadic people, wandering the sands and exploring the frontier, while the priests of the Church of Stone stay within the cities, advising the urban Andashi and growing holdings there. At the end of each year, during the first summit, a ceremony is held. During this ceremony two of the three spheres of each church swap with a counterpart, leaving one behind to help ensure the longevity of projects.
This ensures that each tradition is maintained, but also that the people are exposed to both traditions through their priests. This helps to keep the disparate parts of the Andashi culture united, but also acknowledges their different paths.
Holy Waters
As is befitting a desert people, water holds a special place in Andashi religion. Having inherited this belief from their nomadic past. Almost all Andashi ceremonies will use water in some way, this infuses it with meaning but also ensures that a ceremony will not be completed flippantly.
Different waters have different meanings, although this may vary from sect to sect. Commonly, clean water is used for healing and bonding, natural water from a stream or pond is used for enchanting and new life, while dirty water is used for scrying and obscuring. Sand often fills an opposite role, being used for curses.
Suns Anger and Moons Peace
The harsh sun and cooling moon has a wide variety of effects on desert realms, from the prevalence of night markets to the clothing they wear. This continues into their religion with the concept of Suns Anger and Moons Peace.
Put simply, positive ceremonies, celebrations of life and rituals of openness are cast during the night. This ensures that those involved have an environment to celebrate the results and share it with others. Ceremonies of war, scrying and curses are often cast under the sun's harsh clare, befitting their ill intentions.
Arcane Traditions of Andash
For many, the Arcane traditions of Andash are dominated by the influence of the Andashi School of Gifts, but this is only a new synthesis of Andashi Magic. The history of Andashi spellcasting goes back to the Nomadic tribes and beyond.
Nomadic Andashi Spellcasters are held in high regard, having a skilled mage gives a travelling clan a powerful weapon, skilled healer and useful leader all in one skillset. Any powerful clan will count a number of mages in their employ. Due to the wide range of their life, most nomad mages are self taught or directly apprenticed to another arcanist. They also tend to favour a wide breadth of magic rather than being more powerful as their circumstances could change day to day. Nomad mages will often draw their power from the land, from their bonds with others and the sun or moon.
Comparatively, Learned Arcanists of the Andashi School of Gifts are often heavily specialised. They are trained on the cutting edge of arcane study and use that power for ambitious purposes. They are skilled enough to travel far, using their abilities directly or teaching others across The Concord. City Mades tend to be focused in their study and draw their power from their own being or the knowledge of the world.
A very few Andashi are attempting to unpick the old magics of the empire of Grand Andash. Information is sparse on the nature of their arcane history, but what is known is that Grand Andash saw all magic (Divine, Arcane and Artificery) as one pursuit, resulting in truly unique traditions.
Common Andashi arcane implements include crystals that focus or diffuse light, images of the sun or moon, pieces of fine brass or copper and bells.
Magical items in Andash are as varied as their arcane traditions. Nomadic artificery is functional but elegant, using as little magic and material as required to get the job done, often focusing on protective enchantments to survive a difficult life. Whereas settled Andashi Artisans pride themselves on items of beauty and skill. Items crafted in Obregon, Civisello and other Andashi settlements will use gold, gems, fine carvings and interlocking enchantments to be items of true beauty.