Araby

The land of Araby lies along the north west coast of the Southlands between the Atalan mountains and the Great Ocean. To the east is the Great Desert that separates Araby from the Lands of the Dead. Although the climate is dry and hot the western winds carry moisture-laden clouds that give up their water as they are suddenly forced upwards by tall Atalan peaks.

The Arabians are great sailors and have for many centuries fished the adjoining seas and traded south along the coast, northwards to the Old World, and westwards as far as Ulthuan. The High Elves do not permit Arabian vessels to travel further west than Ulthuan itself, their high-prowed dhows are a common sight in the outer harbours of Lothern. For their part the High Elves maintain a mercantile presence in Copher and Lashiek as they have since time immemorial. The Elves and men of Araby had dealings even during the long centuries when the Elves abandoned the Old World.

The mostly densely populated part of Araby lies to the north of the River of the Serpent; the largest waterway in the land and one of the few rivers that flows all year long. This land is home to four great cities: Lashiek, Copher, Martek, and Alhaka or (as it is sometimes rendered) Al-haikk which means City of Thieves in the Arabian tongue. Each of these cities and the surrounding lands forms an independent principality ruled over by a Sultan or Caliph. South of the River of Serpents the land is not so fertile and the terrain is much dryer. East of the Atalan mountains the great desert stretches for hundreds of miles towards the Land of the Dead.

Araby lies far from the world’s poles and therefore from the ultimate source of the magical winds that blow from the north. As a result magic that is common in the Old World is far more diffuse in Araby so it is much more difficult for wizards to work their spellcraft. Arabian magic has therefore developed quite differently than that of other men. Arabian Wizards use their powers to control elemental spirits of the desert, djinn, efreets, genies and such-like spirits. These spirits are worshipped by the superstitious people of Araby. It is commonly believed that the spirits must be appeased with prayers and small tokens of respect such as gifts of food and drink.

The rulers of Araby maintain their own armies based upon the great cities and tributary tribes that live in the surrounding lands. The leaders of these tribes are called Emirs or, amongst the desert tribes of the south and east, Sheiks. The rulers of cities and their surrounding lands are called Sultans and the Sultan of Alhaka is the acknowledged overlord of all the other cities of Araby. In consequence he is also known as the Great Sultan – the ruler of all Araby.

The Sultans are proud of their troops and especially of their cavalry. It is popularly supposed that the horses of Araby are descended from Elven horses brought over from the west many centuries ago. They are graceful and swift creatures and very highly valued. The very best of the Arabian foot soldiers are also well equipped, with steel armour, keen tulwars, gleaming helmets, and fine silk clothing. These household troops or guards accompany the Sultans when they travel beyond the grounds of their magnificent palaces. The loyalty of these troops is famous. They are amply rewarded with riches, luxuries, and prestige as a result. As well as these regular and garrison troops there are the irregular fighters from the desert tribes, including camel mounted warriors from the lands to the south and east.