Alagria

Alagria is a loose nation comprised of a number of settlements and nomadic tribes. Its capital is Barada. The climate of Alagria is largely arid and desertified, the Bahalrama Desert, though the area near the northern coast and the border with Milagon is semi-arid or steppe climate.

Structure

Far to the West, the Sierra Arenisca Mountain range marks the border between Alagria and its neighbour Milagon . In its foothills, lie hidden dwarven settlements. Through the foothills, running from Paragan to Barada is the Rose Road, a well-travelled road way and overland trade route. Along the North coast of Alagria are two cities: to the west Madkhal Albahr (Entrance to the Sea) is the country’s primary port for transport to and trade with the northern states of Ebrion, Kalvak and Belegond; to the east Lilasmak (to the fish) where the locals fish in the undisputed waters to the north of Alagria. Between them on it’s own rocky perch amidst the sea is the Manarat Alyaqaza (Lighthouse of Vigilance) which serves as an early warning system for the Alagrian navy against potential invasion from the north. To the far, far East lies O’otcubmit, a largely isolationist settlement with a high population of nomadic tribesfolk and Ahkret traditionalists. While they are officially part of the Alagrian, state they enjoy the distance that the desert and mountains provide from the capital in Barada. Because of its position at the far end of Ara, being "sent to O’otcubmit" is a common phrase or threat in other nations for sending someone or something far away (or disappearing them altogether). To the southwest of Alagria lies its farming heartlands, centred on the city of Mahsul, which lies where the Gulf of Alagria meets the River Qukuq (from the Coatl word for Generous), which acts as Barada’s primary trade way with the nation of Coatl. The river fills and empties on a seasonal basis alternating between months of drought and months of bountiful harvest. Much of the country is claimed by the harsh environs of the Bahalrama Desert, which is said to be at least a thousand miles wide. The west of the desert is formed of cracked orangey earth, defined by its prominent buttes and large canyons. Beyond his area, the desert gives way to a vast ocean of sand dunes that few dare to travel. To the south of the Bahalrama lies a bountiful oasis set within a great crater, at the centre of which lies a dormant volcano. It’s sometimes called the "Jewel of the Desert", although its Alagrian name is Mawtin Burkan (Habitat Volcano). Protruding from the sands of the eastern Bahalrama are the Wahid Aljibal (Lonely Mountains), tall, dark mountains that can be seen for miles amongst the rolling dunes. To the southeast of the desert, a petrified forest of dead, sun-bleached trees called the Ghabat Aleizam (Forest of Bones) marks the start of the transition between the deserts and the deep jungles of Coatl.

Culture

The north of Alagria, and its borders with Milagon, are largely scrubland. These areas are dominated by pastoral and arable farmers who provide much of the food for the desert regions of the country. These regions are largely self-governing, though they ensure a consistent supply of food and passage of trade, knowing if they did not, they would attract attention from Barada. Modern Alagrian desert culture can be broadly split into two related groups, the settled and nomadic peoples. The settled peoples of Alagria are clustered in a number of widely spaced settlements across the great sand-seas. On the surface, these settlements are built with varying levels of fortifications surrounding them. Beyond that, there is usually little surface architecture of note. The surface holds markets and the homes of the poor or somewhat nomadic. The real life of Alagrian settlements lurks beneath the surface. Great halls and towns have been carved from the forgiving stone. Depending on the wealth of the settlement, these sub-surface communities are often highly decorated with the rich mineral treasures to be found in the area. The wealthier tend to live lower down the levels, enjoying the cool that this allows. The nomadic peoples of Alagria tend to roam the sand-seas of the nation, scavenging, hunting, locating valuable materials, acting as merchants or tradesmen, transporting cargo and even some managing some farming. Over centuries they have learned to live in harmony with the harsh environment. They are often generous to those they come across, knowing that, but for the grace of Oloch, it could be they that toil without resources in the desert. Alagrians worship all the gods of Aran Polytheism, but Oloch has a very powerful influence here. Unlike in other areas, he is viewed as a more benevolent deity, providing protection, particularly from the blistering heat. It is Common to sea the eye of Oloch painting in kohl around the eyes of Alagrians, to help reduce glare.

Eye of Oloch in Kohl on Human eye

The Knights of Hw. Zerath are a significant organisation in Alagria. This nomadic crusading troop ride the sands in their black robes, ensuring the will of Oloch is done.

Cuisine

Alagrians enjoy spices and flavours in their food. Some plants (Alagria is oddly famed for roses) and spices are successfully cultivated underground, along with bees to create honey. Others are imported. These are often added to various pastes for dipping with bread. Meat includes camel, insects, desert sheep and goats and lizard. Olives also feature heavily. Alagrians enjoy coffee brewed in metal pots dipped in burning sand. These are traditionally served either as they come ("al-Oloq") or sweetened ("al-Elreyna"). After dinner treats include crisp pastry and nuts drenched in honey or rose flavoured Alagrian Delights.

Assets

Alagria is rich in precious stones and metals. It is also the only known trade route with Coatl. On the boarders with Milagon, where the climate is less harsh, oranges, lemons, olives, dates and more are grown, which are usually transported into Alagria, though some are traded for profit.

History

Ancient Alagria - Akhret

Before there was Alagria, there was Akhret. A land in which two kingdoms were locked in an endless feud. The "Upper Kingdom", led by the Belnias-worshipping Fey-Roh (a dynasty of Eladrin royalty) had dominion over the surface. Below ground, the "Lower Kingdom" of Oloch's faithful existed in the darkness, ruled by the Shovrhanate, a family of Half Dragons. Following the Catastrophe, Alagria found itself drying and desertified. This lead to the fall of the Upper Kingdom, with many of it's noble class of Sun Elves fleeing to found a new home in Tal'Anar. In place of the Upper Kingdom, nomadic clans began to travel the seas of sand. Safe below the surface, the Lower Kingdom survived and in time formed the nation of Alagria as it is recognised today. However, the past still weighs heavily on Alagria. Strewn throughout its oft uncharted deserts are remnants of ancient monoliths, statuary and tombs. Perhaps some of the most imposing are the tombs of ancient rulers, the Star Pyramids, aka Asteramids or Merseba in the original language. These hexagrammic, or star-based pyramid structures are sometimes to be found alone or in small groups (reflecting constellations) in the desert. Designed to reflect the night sky of the revered death-god, Oloch and minimise the rays of the sun of Belnias, these ancient tombs hold the bodies and treasures of ancient rulers. It is said, however, that they are heavily protected by powerful curses to dissuade looters. Studies of Ancient Alagrian art demonstrates they worshipped all the known gods of the Aran pantheon, maybe under different names. However, as most surviving art is funerary in nature, there is a heavy presence of Oloch iconography, particularly the presence of the Eye of Oloch, or the Ochi Olochi. Painted both in make-up on eyes of characters, and on its own, it was clearly viewed as a powerful protective talisman. The wide presence of this and other Oloch iconography may have contributed to their considerable presence in modern Alagria. The secrets of the fallen kingdoms of Akhret have been lost to time, as the hieroglyphic language of Akhret is impervious to the spell, "Comprehend Languages". However, the brilliant Halfling scholar Professor (Loquacious) Rosetta "Rosie" Stone has after a lifetime of study cracked the secrets of this lost language and is compiling her findings ready to present them to the academic world.

Demography and Population

Alagria is home to many of Ara's dragonborn. It also houses humans, halflings, orcs, half-orcs, gnomes. Dwarves are rarely seen on the surface, though there are rumours of fair numbers - though they are not fans of heat or sand. Dwarven mercenaries from Kalvak have often been involved with wars for resources in the area, and the local stones are liked by dwarves.