Temu'jai Sultanate
The Cradle of Civilization
Theorized to be the birthplace of modern-man, the Temu'jai Sultanate and its people hold to their ideals of brutal tradition and rich culture. Having unmatched diversity in environment, the Temuj citizens are capable of adapting to any situation, as long as it doesn't violate their beliefs.Geography
Due to the extreme aridity of the southern half of the country, the majority of cities are situated along the northern coast, Narar river, or surrounding the Artemi Lake. Unique to the Temu'jai Sultanate, the country is split by The Quiet Sea, forming an isolated portion of land to the main body of land. These two halves are only periodically joined via The Vox Straight during particularly cold months. Braving this land bridge is incredibly treacherous and claims a number of Temuj pilgrims each year. However, the northern regions of Temu'jai are much more hospitable and offer picturesque landscapes. From the temperate coastlines, to the expansive forestry that gently gives way to to the harsher savannas, and eventually the barren deserts that the country is infamous for.Notable landmarks within Temuj borders include Artemi Lake, the most essential of water sources, the Crafhe Volcano, The Vox Straight, and the Narar River.
Culture
The well-documented and longstanding traditions of the Temu'jai people is a well-known point of pride for its citizens. Many still hold their ancestral values of the nomadic way of life, forgoing the northern settlements. Dozens, perhaps even hundreds, of nomadic tribes still travel the deserts, though through the efforts of Sultan Hakim Abu Sakir III, these numbers are beginning to decrease. In more recent years, there has been a radical shift in views regarding outside influence. This is believed to be caused by the modernization of trade and naval travel.However, the further one travels south, the more traditional the culture becomes. Even amongst Temu'jai citizens, there is a held belief that the country is in fact split into three pieces: the modernized north, the isolated east, and the archaic south. It is recommended that foreigners refrain from traveling through the deserts due to the inhospitable environment and inhabitants.
Economy
As with many of Goia's coast-dependent nations, the typical wealth of citizens begins to decline the farther one travels from a water source. The settlements surrounding Artemi Lake are the most prosperous due to the well-policed trade routes coming from The Quiet Sea. Due to the widely independent nature of settlements in the past, the foundation of open trade and been unknowingly laid and has served the Temu'jai astoundingly well, allowing for a meteoric boon of trade value. Each nation regards the Temu'jai luxury goods as having the highest quality, and value, currently on the world market.Government
Although officially a monarchy, the nation is hesitant to cast out its tribal values and hierarchy. After years of oppression towards the nomadic tribes, as well as failed military occupations under the rule of Sultan Sakir II, the Temuj are reticent to fully trust in a centralized power. Various tribal chiefs often seize this reluctance and periodically gain control of outlaying settlements, creating a cyclical system of ownership. However, under the relatively new rule of Sultan Hakim Abu Sakir III, nomad-owned settlements are now being incorporated rather than being besieged. With blossoming relations with the tribes in the south and escalating prosperity in the north, many believe that the Temu'jai Sultanate is on the cusp of its second Golden Age.Military
With its strong reliance on traditional values, the Temuj military clings to native past. Evidence of this can be seen in its reliance on mandatory military service for all males, the expectation of independent equipment, and no formal training grounds. While one may expect these shortcomings to create a less-than-ideal fighting force, it has instead created a highly specialized and diverse military power. Most notable being the shock cavalry of the southern regions, of which are potentially the most deadly mounted force to date. Others include the bowmen of the savannas, pike-men of the north, and naval forces along the coasts.Independently, these highly knowledgeable soldiers may be ranked among the world's best, however, their cohesion when gathered in a larger force is almost laughable. Paltry organization, lack of communication, and overall poor education in warfare has led the military at large to fight smaller battles and rely on the harsh environment of their homeland for effective defense.
"Our arrows are as numerous as the sand, our horses as fast as the winds, and my people as infallible as the mountains. Do you really believe you stand a chance?"
-Sultan Hakim Abu Sakir II
-Sultan Hakim Abu Sakir II
Information
Capital: Varvi
Languages: Temuj, Basic
Government: Monarchy (Official), Tribal Feudalism (Nomadic)
Ruler: Sultan Hakim Abu Sakir III
Population: 8.3M
Wealth: Average
Economy: Militaristic Isolationist
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