Sanjaks

The Sanjaks are the six 'mage clans' that command great influence in Khanaan. Founded at the end of the Third Age, the Sanjaks trace their origins to six of Muqanna's followers, who sought out wise mortals and shared their divine knowledge with them. The Sanjaks are part mage guild, part noble house and part religious order. They promote the teachings of Muqanna and the Seven Thieves, acting as both priests and magical instructors. The Sanjaks are not, however, often related by blood. Any mage born in Khanaan is adopted into one of the Sanjaks, taking on the clan's name as well as its 'taj,' a physical mark that distinguishes the Sanjaks from each other. Members of the Sanjaks are called Arifs, meaning 'the Learned,' for they believe that they have most accurately understood Muqanna's teachings, which emphasize the divine nature of magic. Being marked by a Sanjak is said to awaken one to mystical power, even if magic was once impossible for that person. Though few in number, the Arifs are the elite of Khanite society, and the qutubs (pillars), the heads of each Sanjak, are equal to mighty lords, having the ear of the Sultan, who must often bend to the will of the Learned. 
Clan Sirad: Founded by Italzim, Clan Sirad was given stewardship of Nasibin, the Bronze City, and so are often considered first among the mage clans. Nevertheless, the Siradi insist they are impartial, devoted to neutral scholarship and mediating disputes between their Arif brethren. The taj of Clan Sirad are silver eyes, hair and silver, vein-like patterns that flow over the arms, shoulders and chest. 
Clan Rizwa: Perhaps the most personable of the Sanjaks, Clan Rizwa are the students of Saqqud the Waterboy, champion of the common people. The Rizwas oversee Ain-Khali, a temple-city built around the rim of a huge crater. The crater, the Well of the Goddess Revealed, is the place where Muqanna drew forth vast amounts of sand to shape into the Bronze City. Once a year, pure, clean water shoots from the center of the crater, and the first person to drink this water is cured of all ailments. Naturally, stampedes are common, so it is a good thing that Clan Rizwa staffs many maristans, free hospitals where any may come for treatment. Due to their charitable natures, the Rizwas are perhaps the only Sanjak with a good reputation among the common folk. The taj of Clan Rizwa are leaf-shaped flakes of gold that cover the hands, forearms, temples and hairline. These leaves fall off and 'grow' again within a day or so. Rizwas often give these gold flakes to the needy. 
Clan Zarqa: The chosen of Zenneb, the Poetess, Clan Zarqa is dedicated to searching out the hidden truths of the world. Based in Katheeb, the great savanna trading hub, the Zarqites oversee the moonspice trade, and the clan is said to make great use of this mind-expanding substance. The taj of Clan Zarqa are intense, blue eyes, including a third, slitted eye on the forehead. Thus, the clan is often called the Blue Eyes, and treated with great suspicion due to the insights they are believed to have. 
Clan Ithar: The Ithari are the Sanjak of Jeroa the Fisher, and so are charged to seek out treasure and tales from across the world. The clan's city of Zanun is almost as large as Emjedar, but it is newer, neater and boasts a very extensive, and well-taxed, vice district that attracts sailors from many a port. Due to their involvement in mercantile matters, the Ithari can be found throughout Altea, establishing enclaves in major cities and ensuring that the Sanjak exercises its influence on international commerce. This has led to all sorts of rumors about the clan's stupendous wealth, and everyone up to the Gallian emperor is claimed to be indebted to the 'fishers.' The taj of the Ithari are pearlescent scales around the eyes. 
Clan Qahr: The Qahrites are the Sanjak of Sicharq the Wrestler. Like their patron, the Qahrites are warriors, and they fulfil their martial duties by guarding the harsh frontier citadel of Tarsa. Dedicated to war and the protection of Khanaan, the Qahrites make fanatical and deadly warriors, using their mystical talents to devastating effect on the battlefield. The sign of the Qahrites is bronze skin (or fur, for their canae members), that appears metallic. They are also more robust and imposing than ordinary mortals. 
Clan Tawaif: Distinct from the other Sanjaks, the Tawaifs, followers of Khosro the Madman, have no city. Instead, they wander the land, posing as beggars and fools, living among refuse and acting like beasts. Of course, unlike ordinary beggars, Tawaifs can easily obliterate those who fail to show proper respect for the poor and destitute. Naturally, the Tawaifs are highly feared and shunned, as the 'lessons' of the madmen are often deadly. The taj of the Tawaifs are milky, blind eyes that nevertheless see.
Category:Organizations