| Capital: | Sultribad |
| Population: | 9,000,000 (85% human, 5% gnome, 3 dwarf, 2% halfling, 5% other) |
| Exports: | Incense, sand, more sand |
| Languages: | Common, Gnomish, Draconic |
| Official Colour(s): | Tan(light brown) |
| Official Motto: | “Great is the Caliph! Woe to any who oppose his greatness!”- Translated from Caliphic |
South of Northland lies the continent of Southland, most of which is thought to be made up of vast deserts.
In the desert, the word of Caliph Akbar al’Ibn Mustaf the Brilliant (LN male human, rogue 5/assassin 8) is law. Disobedience is generally treated with death.
Industries
The Caliphate thrives on trade between the jungles to the south and the sea lanes to the north.
Life and Society
In spite of the harsh decrees, the Caliphate is a surprisingly enlightened society, and boasts some of the greatest schools of alchemy in the world. The Caliph is a known patron of the arts, and is said to be a poet as well as a statesman. The Caliphate is widely considered to be the major power of Southland. The country has dramatically different climate conditions, with lush gardens and flood plains along the rivers, and barren, desolate desert everywhere else.
Government and Politics
Any citizen of the Caliphate may appeal to the Caliph. Be sure that you win the appeal as the Caliph is a busy lord, and will not tolerate someone wasting his time.
Power Groups
In spite of their similar outlooks on the word of law, relations between the Caliph and Granditore have always been rather cool. Several years ago, Granditore’s Steel Armada won a decisive victory over the Caliph’s fleet of fire ships, but all efforts by Granditore to advance its borders into the desert lands have been rebuffed by the Caliph’s army of Mamelukes, Janissaries and Pyromancers. The elite infantry of the Caliph’s army, the Immortals, serve as the Caliph’s personal bodyguard. The elite cavalry, the Sipahi, are known to charge fearlessly through enemy ranks, spreading fire and chaos.
Religion
Two competing religions exist in the Caliphate. The Caliph himself is a high priest of Lucion (LG), an uncompromising sun god largely unknown outside of the sun scorched deserts. His followers are even more fanatical about the adherence to Law than the followers of Xenos.
The nomadic tribes of the desert worship a different god. Incendion (LG), the Tortured Deity of Fire, gives them the strength to preserver in the face of the harsh realities of the desert, and the constant persecution of the Caliph. Incendion exalts martyrs, and the nomadic raiders are known to be fearless and almost suicidal in battle.
Major Settlements / Important Sites
Sultribad: Originally founded as the place for the Caliph’s new palace, it quickly became a city overnight. The ostentatious palace took almost fifty years to complete, and moved over a hundred thousand labourers into the city. In time it became not only a centre of governance, but also of trade and magical research.
All along the borders of the Caliphate and throughout the desert are placed watch towers that provide an early warning to the Caliph’s armies of impending raids and invasions.
Adventuring In The Caliphate
Mind you, the desert is a quite large place, and many do seek refuge from other lawful persecutors in the desert. However, seeking refuge from the lord of the desert, in the desert is a very futile activity. Believe me, I’ve tried.
The desert is known to be home to a some rather unusual flora and fauna, including the famed giant sand worms or “Duneworms” as they are sometimes called.
A common desert proverb is: “Kor donor miy laodin, gano sepa di irworleni ta.” – If you walk without rhythm, you won’t attract the worm. Whether or not this actually works is known only to the locals.