Qadira (kah-DEER-ah)

The westernmost province of the Padishah Empire of Kelesh, Qadira is a kingdom with the power of the sprawling Casmaron empire at its back. Qadira is Kelesh's doorway to the Inner Sea region, and is perhaps the single most valuable piece of real estate on Golarion. Rivers of spice and gold flow through its capital of Katheer, and Xerbystes II, the satrap of Qadira, boasts that his kingdom holds the wealth of any other three on the Inner Sea.

Structure

As governor of a distant province of a vast, sprawling empire, the satrap of Qadira does not have the power he desires, but is still a political force to be reckoned with. Every year, to maintain his position, Satrap Xerbystes II has to send thirteen golden bulls and three hundred concubines to the heart of the empire, but for a man as rich as Xerbystes II this is nothing. His power is curtailed by his vizier, Hebizid Vraj, directly appointed by the Padishah Emperor himself. While Xerbystes II has complete power within the borders of Qadira, as a satrap he has little control over events outside his border; things like piracy, trade, and war are controlled by the Padishah Emperor himself. Unfortunately for Xerbystes, the Padishah Emperor does not want war and therefore the vizier restrains Xerbystes' lust for yet another war with Taldor to the north. Xerbystes II attempts to sate his desire for conquest by charging his special noble advisors, known as the Peerless, with near-impossible tasks and quests.

Military

All Qadirans are conscripted for two years of military service.

Holidays

Qadira has only two major holidays: Kaliashahrim and Batul al-Alim. The first celebrates the Padishah Emperor and Qadira's allegiance to the empire, while the second commemorates the birthday of a popular romantic poet of the same name.

Demography and Population

Qadira's human population is overwhelmingly Keleshite, although significant numbers of expatriate Taldans live there as well. Qadirans value wealth above all else and often seek to make their fortunes abroad. The wealth of Absalom, and more importantly, the trading opportunities proffered by control of the great city, has long drawn the gaze of the satrap's most powerful merchant princes. Many Qadirans are ready to leave their deserts behind for the promise of lustrous Absalom gold.

Society and culture

Qadirans value not just wealth, but luxury and the finest things life has to offer. Most Qadirans favour horse racing as the sport of kings, treating champion jockeys as other lands treat war heroes.

Qadira's peoples are known to be questioning, persuasive speakers of both Taldane and Kelish languages, and enjoy haggling over transactions. Qadirans hold familial ties and representation of utmost social importance, and rely on patronage to engender trust of strangers and foreigners between groups.

Gifts and hospitality are sacred obligations to Keleshites, and guests are expected to provide gifts to hosts.

Geniekin

Due to its millennia-long contact with the various elemental races, Qadira has the largest concentration of geniekin in all of the Inner Sea region.

Territories

Qadira is a dry land, and the sand of its many deserts hide its ancient ruins. To the east lies the vast continent of Casmaron and the sprawling Padishah Empire of Kelesh, of which Qadira is but the westernmost satrapy. Qadira lies along the trade route known as the Golden Path, which brings goods overland to and from Casmaron. This trade route is responsible for much of Qadira's wealth. Qadira's coastline along the Inner Sea and Obari Ocean forms its southern and western borders. Only the northern border of Qadira is connected directly with another nation of Avistan. It is this border that has caused them the most grief, as it connects with Qadira's ancient rival, Taldor. To the north of Qadira lies the vast, wilderness expanse of the Whistling Plains.

Religion

The church of Sarenrae is the official religion of Kelesh, and by extension Qadira. It is by far the most popular religion in Qadira, even though two factions of her followers clash behind the political scene. An aggressive sect agitates for further military expansion, primarily in Taldor. Younger and junior members have banded together opposing this path, seeing their goddess as primarily interested in tolerance and redemption, not war and conquest. The government and the public-at-large seem unaware of this schism, which could flare up into open fighting at any moment.

Other popular faiths in Qadira include those of Irori, and Rovagug.

White Feather

A new secretive cult has begun arriving in Qadira from the east. Known as the White Feather monks, they preach pacifism. This puts them at odds with the satrap, who has them closely watched. He fears that their ideology might spread to the greater public, which might put his future war plans at risk. The church of Sarenrae sees these monks are possible allies, but is still unsure of their true motives.

Foreign Relations

Since the peace treaty of 4603 AR, Qadira has maintained a tentative truce with Taldor, although the two nations are highly suspicious of one another. Qadira is on generally good terms with the undead nation of Geb and the city of Katapesh across the Obari Ocean.

While foreigners are welcome, all are expected to register with the government as soon as they enter the country. Impersonating a citizen of Kelesh is not tolerated.

Trade & Transport

Qadira's economy relies heavily on foreign trade, both to the interior of Casmaron as well as the Inner Sea region. Its major trade routes include the Golden Path, the overland route to Katheer, the North Tack, a sea trade lane that begins at Sedeq and follows the northern coast of the Inner Sea to Corentyn in Cheliax, and the Obari Crossing, a sea route the connects the Inner Sea to the distant nations of Iblydos, Kelesh, and Vudra via the Obari Ocean.

Founding Date

about -43 AR

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Capital

Katheer

Alternative Names

Gateway to the East

Demonym

Qadiran or Qadirans

Leader

Satrap Xerbystes II

Power Structure

Dependent territory

Parent Organization

Padishah Empire of Kelesh

Location

Avistan

Official Languages

• Kelish

Controlled Territories

• Katheer

Neighboring Nations

• Absalom
• Padishah Empire of Kelesh
• Taldor

Notable Members

• Satrap Xerbystes II

Religions 
Irori, Nethys, Pharasma, Rovagug, Sarenrae, elemental lords
Alignment 
Neutral

A Qadiran horselord.