Prestalia

SOCIETY “So powerful is the light of unity that we know it can light the whole world.” This saying signifies a hierarchy of loyalties based on the proximity of some people to oneself, beginning with the self, and proceeding through the adopted family as defined by kinship. Disputes are settled, interests are pursued, and justice and order are dispensed and maintained by means of this framework, organized according to an ethic of self-help and collective responsibility. The people of the Frozen Sands share an ethos comprised courage, hospitality, loyalty to family or friends and pride in one’s identity.
When resources are plentiful, it is common to see several families or groups of friends band travel together and help one-another as much as is feasible. While these groups were sometimes linked by a specific lineage, others were just as likely linked by alliances or guilds. The people of the Frozen Sands traditionally have strong honor codes, and traditional systems of justice dispensation in their society typically revolved around such codes. Neutrality in all things is highly encouraged and practiced in many aspects of life in the Frozen Sands.

Government

Sultanate / Monarchy (Al'shizar Empire)

Industry & Trade

IMPORTS Livestock, linen, grains, freshwater, and silk
EXPORTS Weapons, armor, precious metals, and alchemy/potions
TRADE AND COMMERCE The Al’shizar Empire is efficiently run and has always welcomed trade from outside its borders. Its merchants can be found throughout the lands of Dayne and many of its exports are highly sought after. Numerous measures have been undertaken by the empire to increase agricultural production. Canals were dug to facilitate the irrigation of agricultural lands throughout the island. Cultivation of sugarcane was officially encouraged to meet the great demand of it by both the local inhabitants and foreign nations. Thanks to this acceptance of foreign trade, several new plants were introduced to the Frozen Sands, including sesame, carob, millet, rice, lemons, melons, apricots, and shallots.
The main factor which boosted industry and trade under the Al’shizar was the new interests Pallidon nations developed when they came into contact with the desert people. Commodities included incense, scents, fragrant oils, and aromatic plants from all over, as well as ginger, alum, and aloes. Likewise, Valo developed new tastes in the matter of fashions, clothing, and home furnishing. Rugs, carpets, and tapestries manufactured in the Frozen Sands were introduced to the East through Pallidonian-Al’shizar interaction. Adventurers visiting Prestalia have returned with old reliquaries for the keeping of relics.
The demand for agricultural products and industrial commodities stimulated maritime activity and international trade to an unprecedented extent. The Al’shizar have played a leading role in this as they controlled sea-trade routes which passed through the ports of Earia and Tradetown via Kings Bay and the Oli Ocean. The trade policy of the Al’shizar Sultanate placed them in a position of great advantage; although they cooperated with the Dabu Greenlans and Valo in the Kings Bay, they limited them from having access to the Arin Sea. Thus, they kept the trade of the area exclusively in their hands.

Guilds and Factions

The Unbound - Are appointed members of the Al’shizar military with near limitless authority to act in the Sultans name in terms of law enforcement and espionage. These fully masked individuals never give their name and rarely identified publicly. They are found everywhere in Earia and the major settlements of the Frozen Sands, to include acting as the Sultan Amir’s personal bodyguard. While normally viewed as magistrates or constables, they are also considered the elite warriors within the army. Their name comes from the policy of unrestricted access to records and approaches to investigative manners.

History

Prestalia began as a small village set up around a small oasis. Through generations of adaptations to its desert surroundings, it has a unique architecture geared toward combating the harsh sandstorms of the area. It is nicknamed the "City of Windcatchers" from its many examples. It is also very well known for its large forges, cisterns, underground channels, and unique coolers, handwoven cloth, and silk weaving. Being the largest settlement in the northwest portion of the Frozen Sands, the people here have become some of the hardiest and resourceful people on the island. The town has also produced some of the best swordsmen in the Empire, if not Dayne itself!

Points of interest

al-Afjiqi's Arsenal - The workshop of a male human weaponsmith named Abu Sha'khiy Jihy al-Afjiqi, known for his concealed weapons.

Geography

Prestalia is located in the northwest portion of the Frozen Sands. The desert area around the town has multiple large hills and plateaus.

Climate

Prestalia, as with most of the Frozen Sands, has a unique climate system. Summers are prolonged, dry and exceedingly hot with less humidity. Winters are brutally cold and somewhat rainy; snowfall is frequent. Autumn is very brief and mild, but has the most drastic temperature change, unlike spring where the transition to summer is more gradual and steady. Annual rainfall is around 130 mm (5 in), occurring from October to May. Sandstorms in the area of the town are some of the worst ever observed on island, often enveloping the people in course desert sand.

Type

Town

Population

380

Inhabitant Demonym

Majority Human, Biata, and Stone Elf

Location under

Frozen Sands

Owner/Ruler

Bu'iem Ad'kha al-Mee

Owning Organization

Al'shizar Empire

Characters in Location

• Bu'iem Ad'kha al-Mee