Zonrazeh

The Zonrazeh Seyohdom is an ethnoprovince situated in the Lingering Desert, in the Southeast portion of Sahriya. They are the descendants of the old world Najer, most from the Habbei Pom, they arrived into the new world thanks to Zond, in Jensor of 728 BAH. It merged into Jarazeh in AH and finally joined Sahriya by 15 AAH.In this new world they settled in tents reminiscent of the old tents from the Wandering desert, soon enough however they'd be united following the blip with the guidance of Armino'so ve-Zond'Labbeh as they'd begin construction of settlements. In modern times their society is mostly led by Kafoosali ve-Zond'Labbeh and Enea'so ve-Zond'Labbeh. The current Capital of the province is Zond'Damah, also acting as holy city.
== History ==
=== Prehistory #1 - The First Years [700 BAH to 500 BAH] ===
Follow the blip, the first Human Najer populations descended upon the Ajookan Deserts in around 650 BAH, becoming nomads, living in tents & traditionally raising sheep and camels. These Najer people, who came from another reality, were mostly made up of the Habbei demographic, being primarily from Ajek'Hreh and Mahait. In the surrounding lands also lived the remains of the Ajookasan Civilisation.
Little evidence of both these early civilizations remains apart from a few archeological sites in Zond'Damah and surrounding areas. According to the digs & oral tellings, the first years were times of uncertainty, with no knowledge of these new lands every clan was trying to live with what they had access to, though being nomadic, they would slowly regain their strenghts, starting to control trade routes, caravans and becoming household names in the desert, being their sole thrivers at some point, as this time marks the bedrock of Zonrazeh culture.
A century later, the Zond guided Armino, a patriarch of a southern peninsular clan known as Zondlabbeh, an immortal from the Old Najer. Zond showed him the path to salvation for all living beings. Zunwari became the primary religion his people worshipped. The Prophet & Leader of the Zond'Labbeh Sesho, would begin the long process of converting all the Seshos and peoples.
=== Prehistory #2 - Rise of Vermehyān & Fall of the Old Faith [500 BAH to ~100 BAH] ===
After some time Armino, would turn the other tribes to his side, gaining power over the course of a decade, the Zonrazeh, at the time usually referred to as the Ahbishaha meaning blue-yellow, referring to the colour of their robes, would be reunited by Armino'so, now known as the Yemrase (Grandest Sesho).
This new Empire would come to be known as the Naz'rehal Seyohadh, also known as the Zonrazeh Empire, and it'd come to become a beacon of learning in the coming centuries, the religion at the time was still Duhmar.
The Seshos of the now widely-known Lingering Desert, united by their Prophet Armino, would begin uniting government-wise, with the first codex of law, known as the Zonrazeh Codex, introduced as part of the religion. This led to further expand the religion's influence as the Temple of Zond would be constructed in this Jahan, to mark the golden age of Zunwari . Over this time period, the peoples of the Zonrazeh Empire would develop a unique and bountiful culture, leading to amazing architectural feats and designs unmatched by anything in the current world. These people would make poems, songs, instruments, holidays, festivals, celebrations, inventions, and much much more.
As part of this golden age, the Zonrazeh would begin sending missionaries across the Mesas & Deserts, in order to further cement the faith into the region. Over time the Najer and Ajookan peoples intermingled, and over 8 generations would disappear, birthing the Jaramah and Zonrazeh cultural people. These people continued the Zunwari Golden Age up until The Great Silence occurred. Due to this Jahan being poorly documented and the evils that took place, not much is known about this century, Armino himself doesn't know all that transpired. Following this period would be the century that leads up to the formation of Jarazeh.
== Flag ==
The Zonrazeh flag was designed and manufactured by the bright minds of Jirro ve-Zondlabbeh and Armino. The Blue represents the Sarmooj River, upon they settled and built their modern society on. The Orange is the desert. The warm prosperous desert who is the primary habitat of the Zonrazeh peoples. The Red mesas which enrich the lands with gold, and further diversify the beautiful deserts. The Red also shows the connection the Zonrazeh share with the Jaramah people and Jarazeh. The Zond-Sun in the center represents the primary part of Zonrazeh culture, the Zond. We live on these lands under the sun, which blesses us with warmth and daylight. Furthermore the sun connects them to their Najer-Ancestors who roamed the wandering deserts under the sun.
== Culture ==
===== Dancing and Music =====
Zonrazeh Dancing and Music are a large part of Zonrazeh Culture. Especially during prayers, weddings, festivals, and flirting. Zonrazeh folk will use their dancing to soot potential lovers, and will sing to bring attention to themselves. It is also said that the Gods enjoy dancing when doing your prayers, as it is a way of showing your dedication to the Zond. Weddings and festivals have lots of music and dancing, as they usually involve some sort of prayer or thanks to the Zond. Furthermore the dancing and music lightens moods, and brings joy to all. The greatest dancer in the society is given the name: Nadeejar. Meaning "The Dancer". Often praised for their skill, and usually the center of most if not all dancing related ceremonies and celebrations.
Among these genres are mainly Jameko, Umaba and Rasa.
Jameko; is marked by a long introduction of a singular udeg (kind of stringed instrument, resembling a flamenco guitar), percusive beats either by drum or by hand, and a sort of conversation between two groups (usually those on either side of the field), they'd been long used by young adults in festivals hwere they'd attempt to court their lover, it is the oldest form of music in Zonrazeh, with unclear origins, it is believed to have been adopted from other nomads who the first Ahbishaha would've encountered during their travels.
In dance it's marked by the drumming of legs, shoulders and moving of feet, it is considered the most festive of the celebrations.
Umaba; is a more intimate way of music, typically marked by one or two isolated string instruments and a drum, it is used during storytelling mainly, to set a tone of peace, remarks have also happened of this kind of music taming the beyakasena in a way, they're weakened by it, supposedly set to sleep, though it has no dance this music is usually performed by elders or street performers, it originated in Lajaka during the fall of Duhmar as artists seeked to create a new, distinct sound that "hit the soul".
It is known stereotypically as Zonrazeh music outside of the province as it comes hand-by-hand with Zonrazeh Storytelling.
Rasa; is the newest musical form iconified by rasavoh, taking shape around the formation of Holy Sahriya as a way for the youth to express themselves in the new cosmopolitan-turning world, it is marked by the use of percussive background claps, ohnpata (a type of local brass instrument), strumming of stringed instruments and rasavoh. Rasavoh is a type of singing without instrumental accompaniment that requires the singer to give a chunk of their soul every time they sing it, if not sung with the proper investment, the listener will notice the music is not true by an inate sense.
In dance it's marked by the performers wearing long robes which at the end have sorts of tiny maracas, making sound as they dance and adding further ambience.
Gefamdo; otherwise known as Kuja'bosi (roughly meaning Camel's Song) is a counter-culture movement made by Duhmar youth (thus Camel's Song, camels being a blessed animal in Duhmar), it utilises mainly Garakas (Maracas), Kola'pokas (Belled drums), Imdos (Lute instruments, resembling Sitars) and at times ohnpats, all these serving as support to a main voice, though originally dominated by Duhmar artists, it has started becoming mainstream, with neighbourhoods such as Sahbi'Gafa becoming cultural hubs of music, it is remarked as very much upbeat & groovy and believed to be part of why it's popular.
There is no distinct kind of dance to Gefamdo, and those who try to give it one are often ridiculed as they'd be "trying to alter the river's natural course".
Kinds of Instruments;
In Zonrazeh, there are eight main instruments;
-Kolos (Drums), Garakas (Maracas) and Kolo'pakas (Belled Drums), are usually used as beat-markers.
-Kum'belis (Woodwind), Imdos (Lute Instrument)) & Ohnpats (Brass) are usually used as catch-all instruments, playing in a manner of music.
-Udegs (Chordophone) are used in ballads or emotionally investing music.
===== Fashion =====
Zonrazeh typically wear blue robes, reminiscent of the wandering traders, as a way of distinguishing themselves, these robes are passed down across families & taros, with a one or two generational gap between reciepients.
the Naz'rehal wear a variation of clothing underneath the robes, though usually a simple pair of shirt, trouser & sandals is enough, the younger generations usually choose flashy or bizarre clothes as a way to distinguish themselves from other cliques. Note wearing robes inside is very taboo, and usually seen as overly formal.
Robe-making practices vary from region to region, with the biggest differences being the southern & northern styles, one typically using more texture while the other uses more colour.
Poms around Zonrazeh will typically have differing, distinct iconography usually knitted into the cloak or threaded in its ends, adopted children are known to mix their biological clan's & adopted clan's emblems togheter making a new one, while banished and escaped progeny will typically paint or cutoff their tribal emblems off their robes, this giving the metaphor for when quitting "to cut one's thread".
Across Sahriya, the robes of the Zonrazeh are admired as unique and one of the defining pillars of the region.
===== Spirituality =====
Most Zonrazeh residents follow Vermehyān, a religion who sees Armino as one of its' prophets, compelling the Zonrazeh to follow in the pathway of their Patriarch. Vermehyān speaks about how the Zond, alongside Shabaaz are appendages of the God Verjah.
A pagan minority of the Zonrazeh believe in the idea of Good Spirits and Bad Spirits, called Duhmari. They believe the Good Spirits follow the Zond in his quest to rid the world of Mediocrity, the Good Spirits (Moohat) are always in fight the Bad ones (Teejim).
===== Societal System =====
====== 1. Taros Systemthanks to o_alentejano, the taros system has been written by him with minor modifications ======
The Taros consists of a single “family” group and is the smallest unit of Zonrazeh social, economic,and political organisation, the leader of a Taros is called a Sehyo, the plural of which is Sehya.
A Taros is typically composed of direct relatives (blood and adopted) and close family (blood and adopted lateral-family members such as brothers/sisters, uncles/aunts, cousins that have not broken away to form their own Taros). Kinship is considered more important than blood, adoption being commonplace in Zonrazeh culture and adopted members of a family are seen in equal manner as biological ones in all matters of life, they usually live in a single or multiple tent/dwelling depending on its size.
They may also have willing associates. Associates are people that although not belonging to the Taros (thus, unlike adopted members they retain their original Taros’ membership), live and work for it in exchange for protection. The existence of Associates is a form of decentralised social protection and safety net enforced by social norms and religious belief for those that have suffered from a great misfortune and require aid. Typically, one looks for Associate status among Tarosa of their kin, those related by marriage, or those of friends or with whom some sort of agreement has been made.
Associates include cases such as orphans (those who have all lost all adult members of their Taros and are not yet adults, according to Nazer costume) and protectees (those who are the last member of their Taros or have been expelled by their Taros or abandoned it, as well as members or whole Tarosa that have been stroke by some misfortune and can no longer protect themselves and/or are no longer subsistent), the most common case of Associate status is however not related to any misfortune, but to marriage. When a member of a Taros finds a prospective partner, both are expected to spend one year among each of their Tarosa (during which they are considered an Associate in their partner’s Taros). After which they are to choose which Taros they wish to be part of or if they wish to form a new Taros together.
Associates are expected to be treated fairly and have their status be taken up in a free and voluntary manner and should not be under any circumstance be coerced into it by the hosting Taros. Should a Taros be found to violate the status of their Associates, they are shunned away by the other Taros and pressured to put an end to it and potentially be forced to fall back in line by the use of force by their peers as their actions are seen as an affront to social norms and the divine, they tend to live in their own separate tents/dwellings. Associates tend to be a temporary status before they either return to or restore their original Taros, form a new Taros, or end up being adopted into their new host Taros.
====== 2. Seshos ======
The Sesho (traditionally pom, plural: poma) system originates  from the Zonrazeh’s nomadic desert beginnings where a family hierarch would lead the family through the desert, now it has evolved into a clan-like system.
The Sesho is an amalgamation of differing Taros.
Nearly all citizens are apart of a Sesho, Their Leaders, called Sewos, Seyohs or Saheos, are supposed to represent their clans’ interests and present them to higher authorities for them to do something about it. Seshos hold no power outside of their communities apart from the occasional council votings, though they command respect nonetheless, due to this system, Zonrazeh is largely viewed as the most collectivist province in Sahriya.
While there is no real idea of royalty, the Zond'Labbeh Sesho is often cherished and observed the same way as royalty. 
===== Animals =====
The Zonrazeh usually adopt a camel from childbirth, a special breed originating in Zondamah. This breed is a gift from the Zond, in which the camel will link with the soul of the child (through the spirits' help) and lives as long as the human which often reaches around 180 years. The child is expected to take care of it like its his best friend, they grow a huge link that is expected to last a literal life time, the Camel and Human are laid to rest together when they die. In the event that one dies before the other, they're not bound to death but rather life, so the other continues to live. Once both die they will be reunited and put to rest together. 
Camels are also big status symbol. Camels who are well in health and more visually appealing often are this way due to an extreme amount of attention given by their Human. Many people also partake in camel decorating, primarily for festivals and events. However, the practice of decorating when it is not an appropriate time is frowned upon due to the modesty of the Zonrazeh.
Camels are viewed as significant members of society, with the linked ones even forming part of Poms as official members, this has lead to fun trivia in various occasions, such as long extinct poms still being alive through camels, an example of these being the Bacri, with a camel line known as the Getaden-faj (Sons of Getaden, the Bacri Camel transported into the New World)
===== Traits =====
The Zonrazeh are a Mekhur Khanasri people have a strong-spiritual connection to the Zond, who most believe is apart of Verjah. Due to their close relationship with the creator the Zonrazeh are blessed with many miracles:
* Golden eyes symbolizing their value
* Enhanced life span. Easily surpassing 100 years of age and some are often seen reaching 180 years of age or even more; Gifted due to their loyalty to the Zond and Verjah's teachings
* Mental fortitude, being immune to attacks upon the mind
* Excellent vitality, being resistant to many poisons and ailments
===== Liberties =====
The Zonrazeh believe in Equality and Freedom of Religion. Their community is made up of one representative, often seen as the Patriarch/Matriarch, and a council, who works beneath the leader and makes decisions. They are however a very zealot society, believing that one should be compassionate, acknowledging and resilient, gender equality is a must. Those who do not follow these ideas of equality are usually to be shunned. Due to their resilience and knowledgeable nature, they are typically appointed good roles within architectural work, and are especially sought out for Temples and Storytelling.
===== Sports =====
Zonrazeh culture is all about mercy, and thus, instead of duels and wars, they have grown to settle political disputes that would otherwise end in uncontrollable violence with a baked potato fight between two champions of each faction (Famous Zonrazeh Art; Known as Potato-Fighting [Originating in Kijaro]), this is done due to the belief that life created by Zond deserves to live unless having inflicted upon another creature of Zond, and taking it from Zond's hands is cruel, unnecessary and evil, thus they have begun boxing to settle these types of disputes, saying that "the Sword will kill someone, Potatoes wont unless you're really trying."
The Zonrazeh are repulsed at the sight of violence without mercy , but while drawing blood is frowned upon and taken as the last resort, "a sword's blade kills, the hilt halts spills". The fists, equivalent to the pommel at the end of the hilt, will stun you at best, but save a life all the same.
Potato Fights have achieved an international public, with multiple organisations such as the FPF (Fedakheen's Potato Fighters) hosting potato-related events, this practice is also native to the Beru & Asrennu in Abexilas.
Another well known sport is that of Bowblocking, it originated in the Underground Hot Spring Caves spread across the Pom Man's Peninsula as a way to pass time when the surface was too dangerous to live on (due to bandits, invaders or other things of the sort).
Differentiating in specifics pom-to-pom, it consists at it's core of aiming an arrow and having it be obstructed while your vision & arrow's path is obstructed by things such as fog, fire, etc. It's believed to be one of the longest-lasting traditions in all of Zonrazeh.
===== Zond =====
see main article
Zond is arguably the most important animal in all of Zonrazeh belief and a symbol of the culture.
===== Storytelling =====
Stories form a large component of the Zonrazeh culture, it is believed the Hissam-al-Hassi tale originated from them, aswell as oral tradition keeping many stories alive, many stories take place in exploring ancient ruins and gathering friendship around it, they are marked as very emotional and often take place in Ancient Najer, recounting tales from such times.
Zonrazeh Culture is well known for encouraging the creation and watching of theatre, with prominent writes such as Jirro Zondlabbeh's Beyakasena or Foczo Djaraz's Teejim'l Delej from the Zondamah School being regarded with admiration by writers all around Sahriya, though most of it does not speak of this, instead, the large majority of Zonrazeh stories are oral, being of ancestor's deeds and things of such, the sedentary must not forget their past wanderer lifestyle.
===== Cuisine Customs =====
The Zonrazeh foods are typically informal, apart from dinner there being no true moment for everyone to gather. It primarily consists of multiple snacks across the day, seperated by 1-2 hours each, they are called "Sbadaj". Food tend to rely heavily on fruits, vegetables, and other savory plants. Fish are considered a delicacy though most land meats are considered exotic due to the difficulty of raising them in the desert.
Dishes are eaten with hands or with kelp leaves, you would grab the dish, slide it into the leaf, tuck it in sorts of like a burrito then devour your meal.
Some dishes include the Sanrab Rabbit Stew, a popular Zonrazeh dish composed of clay-baked rabbit a side of bamboo and palm leaves aswell as coconut water to drink with. Other dishes are the Zondamah Brajeem, signature dish served in Zondamah pubs, they are made up of peaches, fried Shrimp and a small dose of lemon or the Wajarjaram originating in Osoopro (Oh-soo-proo), being composed of bamboo and chicken broth and often eaten at dinner. Another common food is Habburgers, despite meat being difficult to cultivate within the desert, Beyakasena Habburgers are seen as a staple food within Zonrazeh culture, consistent of a burger with grilled blood worms in them.
===== Hospitality =====
The Zonrazeh are internationally famous for their hospitality, as there's a set of unwritten laws and taboo on it in the culture, typically food and gifts are given every time there's a visitor as a common sentence heard is "One will never go hungry with a Zonrazeh Host". Well known for sincerity and graciousness, there have even been times where visitors would be offered whole ruins as gifts.
===== Mannerisms =====
The Zonrazehfolk are well known for their complex mannerisms, firstly starting with presents, it is believed that one must always receive the food and gifts that is given to them with two hands, otherwise it may be deemed as rude, and as you not appreciating the gift, after all, you only offer one palm and not everything to tend to the gift, if one wants to be dismissive of someone, or make them feel unappreciated but without the rest noticing, they would grab the meal with their two hands, but move their thumb inside the palm, as for it to not be noticeable, this is because promises are usually made by intertwining thumbs in Zonrazeh culture.
Furthermore, one should not instantly accept the gift, but rather have a nice-off when receiving the gift.
As for sounds, Zonrazeh are well known for a distinct dental click they make when dissapointed or disagreeing of something, at the same time this is usually paired with a headwobble when excited, the more excited one is, the more one's headwobbles, though this is usually discrete enough to not be noticed, it has become a symbol of the Zonrazeh in other cultures.
For Fashion, having skinny or tucked in clothing is usually a sign of timidness, inconfidence and being afraid, as it is associated with keeping things close to you, and thus not sharing, which is looked down upon as an issue, aka being unhappy in your skin. In contrast, baggier clothes are usually viewed as healthy, allowing for proper heat distribution in the desert aswell as seen as being comfortable in your own skin.
It is very common to go out during the night and take various naps during the peak heat times of the day, this practice is so common there is a word for it, Sarjkak.
===== Calendar System =====
The Zonrazeh calendar is based upon the Human Gestation periods lasting 290 days, with months and seasons not having much distinction, each month lasts 2 IRL days, with the exception of Burseh, our equivalent to winter, lasting one, due to the short desert winter.
Months of the Year and their IRL days
Winter	Autumn 	Spring 	Summer
Burseh	Bakasyar 	Sarrosarj 	Jensor
Monday	Tuesday, Wednesday	Thursday, Friday	Saturday, Monday
It is noted in multiple tellings that the best time to prepare your caravan is early Burseh, for you to be ready by Bakasyar, depart and arrive safely just before Jensor in late Sarrosarj, that way the heat will be endurable.
This calendar system has however been long out of practice, and now the standard is AH.
===== Relations with other Peoples =====
The Zonrazeh haven't been shy to intermingling, often having encountering Berus to which the two have become strong friends due to their shared nomadic heritage and/or lifestyle., the Zonrazeh even inviting the Beru on multiple occasions to settle in their ruins, inadvertently turning them into Inerus.
Meanwhile, there's other peoples like the Ajookans and Karanseo who view the Zonrazeh mostly as philosophers, nomads and army scouts due to their knowledge in the desert.
== Geography ==
The Zonrazeh homeland, commonly called the Lingering desert, is the largest desert in Cathramis. It is almost entirely composed of Sands and Mesas, with mountains around the corners and a river, known as the Sarmooj going through it. Although it has traditionally been rural and nomadic, the urban population has been growing as of the last few decades, with many towns rising over and then falling under in it's sands.
The Lingering Desert sports many underground water reserves, though these are too deep into the ground to affect the surface.
==== Lingering Desert; Three Regions ====
Pom's Peninsula; Is the oldest region in Zonrazeh, though long having thrived, it is the center of Zonrazeh Culture, with many writers, architects and explorers coming out of this region filled with historical relics, it is home to the city of Zondamah, one of the largest cities in Sahriya, known for it's grandeur and history.
Ifaralaji Badlands; Marks the Southern Region in Zonrazeh, it is marked by natural reserves and a long history of Spirits, with the second Samujaha happening there, paralleling Ifaralaji's Osooproo with Najer's Mirwa, a once desolate region reborn by revival projects, it's home to the cities of Lajaka aswell as Pawn'Urjeh.
Kejukilajat; the Kejukilajat (meaning Outland) is the second largest region in Zonrazeh aswell as it's most diverse filled with cosmopolitan settlers from around Sahriya, with a shroomer minority living there, it is composed of the towns of Ariakhash, Zafrahbesh & Shroomsville.
===== Animalia =====
Zonrazeh is extravagantly abundant in life for what it accounts for, filled mainly with small mammals and insects, examples of this would be the Bea'so Rabbit, measuring around three palms of a hand & having a long tail to store water in, other creatures storing water are the Triple-Hooved Damah Camel, a staple of nomadic life which became a symbol of the long caravans the Zonrazeh merchants formed during the Old Period.
However, all is not friendly in the desert, with the most common threat being the Beyakasena, blood eating, blind worms that hunt all those who lay on the ground for too long, they are a fungus that seeks to spread into worm-blooded animal's skins with their receptors and eat them from the inside, they are truly the terror of Zonrazeh and the main reason why foreigners are not left alone and instead invited inside houses, they do not know the region and do not know how to detect Beyakasena.
Furthermore, Beyakasena slowly push their way into the sandstone of people's homes, as it takes just one week for the worm to dig through a meter of stone.
Another cultural icon of the Zonrazeh are the Chromodraco venenifer, colloquially known as Ranjoh, roughly meaning "Colour Spits" due to both their known colour range, offten being compared to rainbows though also due to their acid spit, which is usually used to meld solid materials like iron togheter in Zonrazeh culture instead of fire, this being due to domesticated Ranjoh being widely more available than trees that could be used for logging.
An anecdote on these animals is where they get their venom from, for they do not generate it themselves, instead they search for scorpions or other venemous creatures, biting them, extractign their venom and using it for future use, however lately these creatures have dwindled in the wild, as many slowly become domesticated and even turned into proper pets at times.
== Trivia ==
Most of the Zonrazeh participating in lore are former Najer, thus explaining their ties as so called in-lore "Descendants" of the Najer.
Left-handedness is way more common in Najer than the rest of the world & 52 as well as 19 are considered a lucky numbers
Due to Zonrazeh belief of Camels belonging to poms & the knowledge of a family tree of all animals in Zonrazeh dating back to Najer, it is often said the Bacri Pom is still alive through Camels.
There is a Zonrazeh-Beru Patois known commonly as Zonrazehru or Llama.
Category:Cultures
Category:Najer