Makabak

Makabak is a region in southwestern Roshar occupied by numerous nations that share a similar ethnicity and culture. It is named for the former Silver Kingdom of Makabakam and includes most of that kingdom's territory.
== Etymology ==
The name of Makabak comes from the Silver Kingdom of Makabakam. Makabakam itself is derived from the name of Makibak, one of the major leaders of the people in the early days of humanity on Roshar.
==Geography==
The region covers the southern center of the Rosharan continent. It is framed by mountain ranges to the north, east, and west, and has a long coastline on the Southern Depths. The region includes the nations of Alm, Azir, Desh, Emul, Greater Hexi, Liafor, Marat, Steen, Tashikk, Tu Fallia, Tukar, Yezier, and about half of Triax. The Azish Empire includes many of these nations, although it does not encompass the entirety of Makabak. Makabak has a single Oathgate, in the Azish capital of Azimir.
==Culture==
There are approximately thirty Makabaki languages, most of which branched off from Azish. Many of the nations are rich in culture and have thriving trade. The area has higher population density than the nations to the east and the city of Azimir is larger than Kholinar.
Residents of several Makabaki nations are thought to avoid offending others as much as possible, and would rather dodge a request than deny it, especially if it comes from a foreigner. Azish people are considered verbose and sometimes intentionally vague in order to conceal their true intentions. The Azish Empire has many skilled clerks and scribes, and is thought of as highly lawful, bureaucratic, and organized.
While the Makabaki nations have some similarities, there is variation in the specific cultures of different nations and peoples, including their social and governmental structures. Citizens who travel to other countries within the Azish Empire can often be identified by the distinct clothing of their homeland.
Several Makabaki nations worship the Heralds and not the Almighty.
== People ==
Makabaki people generally have dark brown skin, black hair, and dark eyes. The region borders Shinovar, but the Makabaki people typically possess epicanthic folds, unlike the Shin. They appear to be descended from Makibak and his people.
They appear to be split into several different peoples, including the Askarki people, and can sometimes be further divided into tribes. The nature of any genetic and cultural links between these peoples is currently unknown.
==Politics==
Azir is the largest nation in the region, and its Prime Aqasix traditionally claims authority as emperor of Makabak; in practice, the Prime only rules Azir. Other member states of the Azish Empire recognize the monarchy and still follow certain traditions in regards to the Prime Aqasix, but they are actually governed with a high degree of autonomy. Even though Azir does not actually rule the entire region, it is still highly influential. Feuds between nations are thought to be common, although the true nature of the feuds is disputed. Emul and Tukar are currently at war. The leaders of each nation are sometimes addressed by the name of their nation rather than their proper name.
The region is thought of as politically unimportant by residents of other nations; the lack of centralized political power causes many Makabak heads of state to be indecisive. The large Vorin kingdoms see the Makabaki as pagans and sometimes refer to the nations as "tribes" and to the people as "barbarians". Conversely, the Azish harbor ill will towards the Alethi due to a genocide perpetrated by their former king, Sadees the Sunmaker.
During Dalinar Kholin's attempts to unite Roshar, Noura unexpectedly tells him that Azir and several other Makabaki nations have agreed to meet with him in Urithiru. It is likely that some of the Makabaki leaders were more receptive to Dalinar's offer because the Voidbringers invaded the area during the True Desolation, conquering portions of Emul and Marat as they positioned their armies to attack Thaylen City. Makabaki leaders are seen strategizing with Alethi leadership, which is notable because there have not been any formal alliances between the two regions in centuries. Dalinar thinks of the Azish generals as scribes and is surprised to learn that they have skill in military strategy.
== Notes ==