Sirdabi Caliphate - Revision history

Aleph: /* Slavery */

2024-08-03T13:41:54Z

Slavery

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:41, 3 August 2024
Line 226:		Line 226:
	The practice of [[slavery]] is prevalent throughout the caliphate, and the labor of enslaved people is a vital part of the economy and of daily life. Slaves may be employed as domestic servants, agricultural laborers, soldiers, entertainers, or even civil servants. They may be lowly and abused, or they may ascend to great power and influence in the service of the caliphate or even in a private houseland. An enslaved person may even rise to the post of vizier in the provincial government, or may serve as a trusted bodyguard in the exalted Manes units of the [[Lion Guard]]. Wealthy families often have quite a few slaves serving their needs and wants, but even households of moderate means typically have at least one or two.		The practice of [[slavery]] is prevalent throughout the caliphate, and the labor of enslaved people is a vital part of the economy and of daily life. Slaves may be employed as domestic servants, agricultural laborers, soldiers, entertainers, or even civil servants. They may be lowly and abused, or they may ascend to great power and influence in the service of the caliphate or even in a private houseland. An enslaved person may even rise to the post of vizier in the provincial government, or may serve as a trusted bodyguard in the exalted Manes units of the [[Lion Guard]]. Wealthy families often have quite a few slaves serving their needs and wants, but even households of moderate means typically have at least one or two.

	Slaves in the caliphate are taken chiefly from [[Ruleska]], the [[Gilded Plain]], and the islands of the [[Sea of Sala'ah]], though they may be brought from further afield by Kalentoi and Jalanit traders. It is forbidden to keep fellow Azadi as slaves, or it is generally accepted that the other people of the Song (Kalentoi and Yehani) should not be enslaved either -- though in some cases this happens anyway. But the vast majority of slaves are pagans, many obtained through local conflicts on the caliphate's borders, others through slave raids carried out by trading partners.		Slaves in the caliphate are taken chiefly from [[Ruleska]], the [[Gilded Plain]], and the islands of the [[Sea of Sala'ah]], though they may be brought from further afield by Kalentoi and Jalanit traders. It is forbidden to keep fellow Azadi as slaves, and it is generally accepted that the other people of the Song (Kalentoi and Yehani) should not be enslaved either -- though in some cases this happens anyway. But the vast majority of slaves are pagans, many obtained through local conflicts on the caliphate's borders, others through slave raids carried out by trading partners.

	[[Category:Lore]]		[[Category:Lore]]
	[[Category:Geography]]		[[Category:Geography]]

Aleph at 13:38, 3 August 2024

2024-08-03T13:38:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:38, 3 August 2024
Line 180:		Line 180:
	While Tessouare men and women also have social roles strongly defined by their gender, these roles are more often perceived as equal and complementary, rather than as the manifestation of one gender's superiority over the other. But as the Sirdabi Caliphate was founded as a Sirdabi institution, and Sirdabi culture tends to dominate in the government and other formal social structures of the realm, it is these gender roles that prevail. That said, many of these gender ideals did not originate in native Sirdabi society either, but have been slowly adopted by the caliphate as it has grown more stratified and hierarchical, and followed the prevailing social practices of its age-old cultural rivals, the Kalentoi and Irzali Empires.		While Tessouare men and women also have social roles strongly defined by their gender, these roles are more often perceived as equal and complementary, rather than as the manifestation of one gender's superiority over the other. But as the Sirdabi Caliphate was founded as a Sirdabi institution, and Sirdabi culture tends to dominate in the government and other formal social structures of the realm, it is these gender roles that prevail. That said, many of these gender ideals did not originate in native Sirdabi society either, but have been slowly adopted by the caliphate as it has grown more stratified and hierarchical, and followed the prevailing social practices of its age-old cultural rivals, the Kalentoi and Irzali Empires.

	For all its emphasis on different roles for men and women -- or perhaps because of it -- there are subtle outlets for the expression of alternate gender identities, particularly in the slightly subversive world of the largest cities. Here it is sometimes possible for women and men to pursue alternate identities through cross-dressing and disguise, with the hours of deep night being considered a liminal time in which boundaries may be discreetly crossed and traditions flouted -- until day breaks once again. The caliphate has no real notion of a third gender beyond simply male or female, but some individuals make a practice of floating between ~~one~~ and ~~the other~~ as circumstance allows. While this is certainly not an opportunity for everybody, it does allow, for a few, a potential release valve from the pressures of traditional male and female stereotypes.		For all its emphasis on different roles for men and women -- or perhaps because of it -- there are subtle outlets for the expression of alternate gender identities, particularly in the slightly subversive world of the largest cities. Here it is sometimes possible for women and men to pursue alternate identities through cross-dressing and disguise, with the hours of deep night being considered a liminal time in which boundaries may be discreetly crossed and traditions flouted -- until day breaks once again. The caliphate has no real notion of a third gender beyond simply male or female, but in the concept of the [[mukhannath]] there is the idea of a type of person who significantly fails to conform to expected gender roles, while some other individuals simply make a practice of floating between male and female identities as circumstance allows. While this is certainly not an opportunity for everybody, it does allow, for a few, a potential release valve from the pressures of traditional male and female stereotypes.

	Sexuality in the caliphate is heavily influenced by its strict ideas of gender, and men are typically expected to take the more active role in pursuing relations with women, while women are expected to defend their virtue strenuously and not give into demands of sex outside of marriage. This is of course the ideal to which there are exceptions, and as in the case of many other cultural traditions, mores tend to be more strictly observed in rural and village communities compared to cities. Even so, diversions from the norms generally occur very discreetly, so even where pre-marital sex occurs it is not something one would want to admit to or have become generally known.		Sexuality in the caliphate is heavily influenced by its strict ideas of gender, and men are typically expected to take the more active role in pursuing relations with women, while women are expected to defend their virtue strenuously and not give into demands of sex outside of marriage. This is of course the ideal to which there are exceptions, and as in the case of many other cultural traditions, mores tend to be more strictly observed in rural and village communities compared to cities. Even so, diversions from the norms generally occur very discreetly, so even where pre-marital sex occurs it is not something one would want to admit to or have become generally known.

Aleph: /* Major Cities */

2024-08-03T13:28:02Z

Major Cities

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 3 August 2024
Line 74:		Line 74:
	\| 80,000		\| 80,000
	\| Marble		\| Marble
			\|
			\|-
			\| '''[[Koumbasat]]'''
			\| [[Koumbasi]]
			\| 100,000
			\| Gold, books
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-

Aleph at 01:56, 7 June 2024

2024-06-07T01:56:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:56, 7 June 2024
Line 170:		Line 170:
	===Gender & Sexuality===		===Gender & Sexuality===

	In many ways life in the Sirdabi Caliphate is strongly gendered, with males and females taking on strictly defined roles and even occupying different social and domestic spaces. Men tend to dominate the sphere of government and politics, while women exercise strong authority inside the home or in local enclaves. It is ~~generally~~ accepted for women to be artisans and crafters, to prepare food at home and in bakeries, to work as healers, and even to act as administrators of charitable estates and enterprises. However, Sirdabi women in particular are supposed to maintain certain standards of modesty and decorum, and their independence can often be restricted by their families in various ways, particularly among the well to do.		In many ways life in the Sirdabi Caliphate is strongly gendered, with males and females taking on strictly defined roles and even occupying different social and domestic spaces. Men tend to dominate the sphere of government and politics, while women exercise strong authority inside the home or in local enclaves. It is especially accepted for women to be artisans and crafters, to prepare food at home and in bakeries, to work as healers, and even to act as administrators of charitable estates and enterprises. Around the caliphate, many women do run their own business and it is not uncommon for them to travel widely in the course of their business dealings. However, Sirdabi women in particular are supposed to maintain certain standards of modesty and decorum, and their independence can often be restricted by their families in various ways, particularly among the well to do.

	While Tessouare men and women also have social roles strongly defined by their gender, these roles are more often perceived as equal and complementary, rather than as the manifestation of one gender's superiority over the other. But as the Sirdabi Caliphate was founded as a Sirdabi institution, and Sirdabi culture tends to dominate in the government and other formal social structures of the realm, it is these gender roles that prevail. That said, many of these gender ideals did not originate in native Sirdabi society either, but have been slowly adopted by the caliphate as it has grown more stratified and hierarchical, and followed the prevailing social practices of its age-old cultural rivals, the Kalentoi and Irzali Empires.		While Tessouare men and women also have social roles strongly defined by their gender, these roles are more often perceived as equal and complementary, rather than as the manifestation of one gender's superiority over the other. But as the Sirdabi Caliphate was founded as a Sirdabi institution, and Sirdabi culture tends to dominate in the government and other formal social structures of the realm, it is these gender roles that prevail. That said, many of these gender ideals did not originate in native Sirdabi society either, but have been slowly adopted by the caliphate as it has grown more stratified and hierarchical, and followed the prevailing social practices of its age-old cultural rivals, the Kalentoi and Irzali Empires.
Line 180:		Line 180:
	Adultery is condemned for men and women alike, but due to the idea that women are the chief repository of an entire family's honor and virtue, the condemnation tends to fall most strongly on women. Even so, men are not exempt from these standards, and in particular a man who knowingly has an affair with a married woman will tend to find himself heavily ostracized if this is found out. Despite the limitations imposed by gender roles, most people of the caliphate are not prudish, and sexuality is accepted by many with an earthy relish even if extramarital intercourse is a source of moral discomfort.		Adultery is condemned for men and women alike, but due to the idea that women are the chief repository of an entire family's honor and virtue, the condemnation tends to fall most strongly on women. Even so, men are not exempt from these standards, and in particular a man who knowingly has an affair with a married woman will tend to find himself heavily ostracized if this is found out. Despite the limitations imposed by gender roles, most people of the caliphate are not prudish, and sexuality is accepted by many with an earthy relish even if extramarital intercourse is a source of moral discomfort.

	Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are complex within the caliphate, and vary from place to place and among different heritage groups. There is nothing in Azadi that explicitly forbids these relationships, so attitudes are largely based on local or regional culture and tradition. For most people anything that exists at the margins of "normal" experience is a little suspect, and relationships between men and women are what is considered "normal". So homosexuality may be the subject of jokes and a source of discomfort, but in the caliphate this does not tend to go so far as any kind of ~~systematic~~ persecution.		Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are complex within the caliphate, and vary from place to place and among different heritage groups. There is nothing in Azadi that explicitly forbids these relationships, so attitudes are largely based on local or regional culture and tradition. For most people anything that exists at the margins of "normal" experience is a little suspect, and relationships between men and women are what is considered "normal". So homosexuality may be the subject of jokes and a source of discomfort, but in the caliphate this does not tend to go so far as any kind of real persecution.

	Marriages are strictly between men and women, and one would not tend to speak openly of having a relationship with someone of the same sex -- though the strong friendships that women and men are typically expected to have with others of their own sex can provide a convenient screen. If such relationships are pursued discreetly, and do not cause neglect to one's spouse or family, they may be tacitly accepted. In the cities deviation from "normal" is also more accepted, while smaller towns and villages have more conservative attitudes. Young male crossdressing dancers called kuchaks are also popular in cities, and sometimes (though not always) provide sexual services as well. Among some nomadic tribes, where male-only bands often travel long distances for raiding or trade, homoerotic relations between men (and between the women left behind with the tents) are accepted but again seldom actually spoken of. In short, same-sex relationships can be acceptable as long as little attention is drawn to them, but broader society is not entirely comfortable with them even while being well aware they exist.		Marriages are strictly between men and women, and one would not tend to speak openly of having a relationship with someone of the same sex -- though the strong friendships that women and men are typically expected to have with others of their own sex can provide a convenient screen. If such relationships are pursued discreetly, and do not cause neglect to one's spouse or family, they may be tacitly accepted. In the cities deviation from "normal" is also more accepted, while smaller towns and villages have more conservative attitudes. Young male crossdressing dancers called kuchaks are also popular in cities, and sometimes (though not always) provide sexual services as well. Among some nomadic tribes, where male-only bands often travel long distances for raiding or trade, homoerotic relations between men (and between the women left behind with the tents) are accepted but again seldom actually spoken of. In short, same-sex relationships can be acceptable as long as little attention is drawn to them, but broader society is not entirely comfortable with them even while being well aware they exist.

Aleph at 17:46, 6 June 2024

2024-06-06T17:46:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:46, 6 June 2024
Line 172:		Line 172:
	In many ways life in the Sirdabi Caliphate is strongly gendered, with males and females taking on strictly defined roles and even occupying different social and domestic spaces. Men tend to dominate the sphere of government and politics, while women exercise strong authority inside the home or in local enclaves. It is generally accepted for women to be artisans and crafters, to prepare food at home and in bakeries, to work as healers, and even to act as administrators of charitable estates and enterprises. However, Sirdabi women in particular are supposed to maintain certain standards of modesty and decorum, and their independence can often be restricted by their families in various ways, particularly among the well to do.		In many ways life in the Sirdabi Caliphate is strongly gendered, with males and females taking on strictly defined roles and even occupying different social and domestic spaces. Men tend to dominate the sphere of government and politics, while women exercise strong authority inside the home or in local enclaves. It is generally accepted for women to be artisans and crafters, to prepare food at home and in bakeries, to work as healers, and even to act as administrators of charitable estates and enterprises. However, Sirdabi women in particular are supposed to maintain certain standards of modesty and decorum, and their independence can often be restricted by their families in various ways, particularly among the well to do.

	While Tessouare men and women also have social roles strongly defined by their gender, these roles are more often perceived as equal and ~~complimentary~~, rather than as the manifestation of one gender's superiority over the other. But as the Sirdabi Caliphate was founded as a Sirdabi institution, and Sirdabi culture tends to dominate in the government and other formal social structures of the realm, it is these gender roles that prevail. That said, many of these gender ideals did not originate in native Sirdabi society either, but have been slowly adopted by the caliphate as it has grown more stratified and hierarchical, and followed the prevailing social practices of its age-old cultural rivals, the Kalentoi and Irzali Empires.		While Tessouare men and women also have social roles strongly defined by their gender, these roles are more often perceived as equal and complementary, rather than as the manifestation of one gender's superiority over the other. But as the Sirdabi Caliphate was founded as a Sirdabi institution, and Sirdabi culture tends to dominate in the government and other formal social structures of the realm, it is these gender roles that prevail. That said, many of these gender ideals did not originate in native Sirdabi society either, but have been slowly adopted by the caliphate as it has grown more stratified and hierarchical, and followed the prevailing social practices of its age-old cultural rivals, the Kalentoi and Irzali Empires.

	For all its emphasis on different roles for men and women -- or perhaps because of it -- there are subtle outlets for the expression of alternate gender identities, particularly in the slightly subversive world of the largest cities. Here it is sometimes possible for women and men to pursue alternate identities through cross-dressing and disguise, with the hours of deep night being considered a liminal time in which boundaries may be discreetly crossed and traditions flouted -- until day breaks once again. The caliphate has no real notion of a third gender beyond simply male or female, but some individuals make a practice of floating between one and the other as circumstance allows. While this is certainly not an opportunity for everybody, it does allow, for a few, a potential release valve from the pressures of traditional male and female stereotypes.		For all its emphasis on different roles for men and women -- or perhaps because of it -- there are subtle outlets for the expression of alternate gender identities, particularly in the slightly subversive world of the largest cities. Here it is sometimes possible for women and men to pursue alternate identities through cross-dressing and disguise, with the hours of deep night being considered a liminal time in which boundaries may be discreetly crossed and traditions flouted -- until day breaks once again. The caliphate has no real notion of a third gender beyond simply male or female, but some individuals make a practice of floating between one and the other as circumstance allows. While this is certainly not an opportunity for everybody, it does allow, for a few, a potential release valve from the pressures of traditional male and female stereotypes.

	Sexuality in the caliphate is heavily influenced by its strict ideas of gender, and men are typically expected to take the more active role in pursuing relations with women, while women are expected to defend their virtue strenuously and not give into demands of sex outside of marriage. Adultery is condemned for men and women alike, but due to the idea that women are the chief repository of an entire family's honor and virtue, the condemnation tends to fall ~~more~~ strongly on women. Despite the limitations imposed by gender roles, most people of the caliphate are not prudish, and sexuality is accepted by many with an earthy relish even if extramarital intercourse is a source of moral discomfort.		Sexuality in the caliphate is heavily influenced by its strict ideas of gender, and men are typically expected to take the more active role in pursuing relations with women, while women are expected to defend their virtue strenuously and not give into demands of sex outside of marriage. This is of course the ideal to which there are exceptions, and as in the case of many other cultural traditions, mores tend to be more strictly observed in rural and village communities compared to cities. Even so, diversions from the norms generally occur very discreetly, so even where pre-marital sex occurs it is not something one would want to admit to or have become generally known.

			Adultery is condemned for men and women alike, but due to the idea that women are the chief repository of an entire family's honor and virtue, the condemnation tends to fall most strongly on women. Even so, men are not exempt from these standards, and in particular a man who knowingly has an affair with a married woman will tend to find himself heavily ostracized if this is found out. Despite the limitations imposed by gender roles, most people of the caliphate are not prudish, and sexuality is accepted by many with an earthy relish even if extramarital intercourse is a source of moral discomfort.

	Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are complex within the caliphate, and vary from place to place and among different heritage groups. There is nothing in Azadi that explicitly forbids these relationships, so attitudes are largely based on local or regional culture and tradition. For most people anything that exists at the margins of "normal" experience is a little suspect, and relationships between men and women are what is considered "normal". So homosexuality may be the subject of jokes and a source of discomfort, but in the caliphate this does not tend to go so far as any kind of systematic persecution.		Attitudes towards same-sex relationships are complex within the caliphate, and vary from place to place and among different heritage groups. There is nothing in Azadi that explicitly forbids these relationships, so attitudes are largely based on local or regional culture and tradition. For most people anything that exists at the margins of "normal" experience is a little suspect, and relationships between men and women are what is considered "normal". So homosexuality may be the subject of jokes and a source of discomfort, but in the caliphate this does not tend to go so far as any kind of systematic persecution.

Aleph: /* Major Cities */

2024-06-06T15:44:18Z

Major Cities

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:44, 6 June 2024
Line 61:		Line 61:
	\| [[Irzal]]		\| [[Irzal]]
	\| 190,000		\| 190,000
	\| Carpets, dishware		\| Carpets, silverwork, dishware
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-

Aleph: /* Major Cities */

2024-06-06T14:41:00Z

Major Cities

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:41, 6 June 2024
Line 49:		Line 49:
	\| [[Tessere]]		\| [[Tessere]]
	\| 210,000		\| 210,000
	\| ~~Jewelry~~, clockwork		\| Gold, jewelry, clockwork
	\|		\| The Ark, Shrine of the Well
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''[[Alheri]]'''		\| '''[[Alheri]]'''
Line 61:		Line 61:
	\| [[Irzal]]		\| [[Irzal]]
	\| 190,000		\| 190,000
	\|		\| Carpets, dishware
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
Line 67:		Line 67:
	\| [[Amunat]]		\| [[Amunat]]
	\| 230,000		\| 230,000
	\| Papyrus		\| Papyrus, grain
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
Line 73:		Line 73:
	\| [[Ifru]]		\| [[Ifru]]
	\| 80,000		\| 80,000
	\|		\| Marble
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
Line 79:		Line 79:
	\| [[Zalawi]]		\| [[Zalawi]]
	\| 170,000		\| 170,000
	\|		\| Spices
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
Line 86:		Line 86:
	\| 120,000		\| 120,000
	\| Books, black pearls		\| Books, black pearls
	\| Elucidarium, Magisterium, Temple of Storms		\| Elucidarium, Magisterium, Temple of Storms, Plaza of the People
	\|-		\|-
	\| '''[[Qaysum]]'''		\| '''[[Qaysum]]'''
	\| [[Marzum]]		\| [[Marzum]]
	\| 110,000		\| 110,000
	\|		\| Incense, perfume, marzite
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
Line 97:		Line 97:
	\| [[Saramat]]		\| [[Saramat]]
	\| 45,000		\| 45,000
	\|		\| Timber, furs
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
Line 109:		Line 109:
	\| [[Zalawi]]		\| [[Zalawi]]
	\| 100,000		\| 100,000
	\|		\| Pottery, textiles
	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-

Aleph: /* Major Cities */

2024-06-06T14:16:14Z

Major Cities

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:16, 6 June 2024
Line 54:		Line 54:
	\| '''[[Alheri]]'''		\| '''[[Alheri]]'''
	\| [[Raziya]]		\| [[Raziya]]
	\| 35,000		\| 25,000
	\|		\|
	\|		\|
Line 78:		Line 78:
	\| '''[[Laascana]]'''		\| '''[[Laascana]]'''
	\| [[Zalawi]]		\| [[Zalawi]]
	\| ~~200~~,000		\| 170,000
	\|		\|
	\|		\|
Line 90:		Line 90:
	\| '''[[Qaysum]]'''		\| '''[[Qaysum]]'''
	\| [[Marzum]]		\| [[Marzum]]
	\| ~~150~~,000		\| 110,000
	\|		\|
	\|		\|
Line 96:		Line 96:
	\| '''[[Sibela]]'''		\| '''[[Sibela]]'''
	\| [[Saramat]]		\| [[Saramat]]
	\| 50,000		\| 45,000
	\|		\|
	\|		\|
Line 108:		Line 108:
	\| '''[[Zaloudri]]'''		\| '''[[Zaloudri]]'''
	\| [[Zalawi]]		\| [[Zalawi]]
	\| ~~145~~,000		\| 100,000
	\|		\|
	\|		\|

Aleph at 14:05, 6 June 2024

2024-06-06T14:05:38Z

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 * The '''[[Eladje|Emirate of Eladje]]''', a withdrawn and somewhat mysterious land centered upon the large freshwater lake called Mir Eladje.
 * The '''[[Koumbasi|Emirate of Koumbasi]]''', a wealthy nation of northwestern Idiri, as rich in the learning of its universities as it is in gold from the trade routes it controls.
 ==Government==

Aleph: /* Birthdays & Coming of Age */

2024-04-13T13:51:00Z

Birthdays & Coming of Age

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:51, 13 April 2024
Line 52:		Line 52:
	Although the caliphate is home to diverse peoples and cultures, a number of customs are common throughout the realm. Many of these are associated with the practice of Azadi, but others are simply traditional practices common to many parts of Ruleska and north Idiri.		Although the caliphate is home to diverse peoples and cultures, a number of customs are common throughout the realm. Many of these are associated with the practice of Azadi, but others are simply traditional practices common to many parts of Ruleska and north Idiri.

	==Birthdays & Coming of Age==		===Birthdays & Coming of Age===

	Birthdays are certainly celebrated throughout the caliphate, though traditions vary extremely widely. The most typical ages for birthday celebrations are at three or four years (when a child has survived many of the greatest perils of early childhood), seven or eight years (typically when a child starts to take on more responsibilities, including the proper observance of [[Solitary]]), and sixteen years (when a youth is considered close to an adult). Celebrations are usually a combination of festive good cheer with a more solemn acknowledgement that the child is now moving into a different and steadily more adult phase of life. There is usually some kind of special food involved, the singing of songs, and often small gifts as well.		Birthdays are certainly celebrated throughout the caliphate, though traditions vary extremely widely. The most typical ages for birthday celebrations are at three or four years (when a child has survived many of the greatest perils of early childhood), seven or eight years (typically when a child starts to take on more responsibilities, including the proper observance of [[Solitary]]), and sixteen years (when a youth is considered close to an adult). Celebrations are usually a combination of festive good cheer with a more solemn acknowledgement that the child is now moving into a different and steadily more adult phase of life. There is usually some kind of special food involved, the singing of songs, and often small gifts as well.