Alidasht Kingdom

In the eyes of Varian and Caesonia, the empire of Alidasht is considered to be quite exotic. Located to the southwest across the sea lies a land fu

ll of desert, sand dunes, and jungle. Much warmer and quite a bit dryer in areas, Alidasht is ruled by Sultan Raif Kadir from his palace in Genasea. Unlike the other countries where the eldest is next in the line of succession, Alidasht tradition has the Sultan choose their heir based on who they believe to be the fittest. Due to this tradition, the Sultan usually has many children and it isn’t unusual for these children to compete against each other for their parents' favor. Some have even been known to kill their siblings if they viewed them as too much of a threat. They were invited to this year's court gathering within Caesonia in order for each kingdom to learn more about the exotic land of Alidasht and perhaps form some sort of concrete alliance with them.

The three main territories are Kimoon, Gazali and Sakha.

## Title Ranking and Important Figures

The Alidasht Kingdom uses different words for their status than the Caesonia and Varian. However, they are comparable and similar.\

### **Alidasht Titles**

**Sultan/Sultana** - King/Queen - Sultan Raif Kadir

The Sultan resides in the capital city and has the final say of the affairs of the entire country. He holds **biyearly meetings with the Valis.** He expects them to be able to handle themselves and those below him without interference. The Valis are very carefully chosen for this reason and undergo a series of competitive assessments.

**Shehzade/Shehzadi** - Prince/Princess - **Shehzade Munir, Shehzade Farim, Shehzade Dali, Shehzadi Layla, Shehzadi Nahir**

The Shehzade and Shehzadi are expected to go above and beyond to prove their worth as the next potential Sultan or Sultana. They must push beyond their comfort zone, their limit and each other traditionally. Sultan Raif Kadir has challenged this tradition with his gentler approach, which is heavily criticized by many elders as well as his own brother.

**The Grand Vizier** - Prime Minister - Grand Vizier Hafiz Kadir

The Grand Vizier Hafiz Kadir is the effective head of government under the Sultan. He works closely with the Sultan to handle affairs and often handles affairs for him. When the Sultan is unavailable, the Grand Vizier will speak for him and handle issues between lower rankings that are considered too petty to waste the Sultan's time with. This is a role hand-chosen by the Sultan.

**Vali** - Duke/Duchess

* Vali Malik Sami of Gazali
* Vali Jamila Asha of Sakha
* Vali Navi Amar of Kimoon

There is one Vali per territory similar to how the dukes are handled in Caesonia and Varian. Their role is of utmost importance as the Sultan expects them to handle issues and keep things perfect without his interference. They must have an extensive resume of accomplishments and be able to pass the Sultan's tests, which change every time there is a need for a new Vali. It is a life-long role, but once one retires, a new one must be selected. It is not a role that can be passed down from generation to generation as the Sultan wants each Vali to prove themselves. The Vali will hold six meetings a year with the Pashas.

**Pasha** - Count/Countess

* **Pasha Kamal Abadi**
* **Pasha Mona Mostafa**
* **Pasha Faven Zulu**
* **Pasha Sunni Olufemi**
* **Pasha Zawadi Mwangi**
* **Pasha Tanaka Haru**
* **Pasha Zhao Mei**
* **Pasha Jasmine Chen**

The Pasha are chosen by the Vali. They are established to help extend the Vali's reach and keep smaller areas in line. The amount of Pasha chosen is entirely up to the Vali. The Pashas will then hold monthly meetings with the mushirs.

**Mushir** - Baron/Baroness

The Mushirs are essentially mayors for each city. They are chosen by the Pasha and approved by the Vali. The Vali can reject the Pasha's choices. They hold brief daily meetings with other high-ranking officials and specialists within the community.

**Bey/Hanim** - Lord/Lady

These are men and women of high standing.

## Religion

### **Gazali Religion**

Within the Gazali territory, the people worshipped a diverse pantheon of deities, though there are a multitude of local and minor deities representing different aspects of nature and other traditions. Khepri, the Sacred Scarab: Khepri, the sacred scarab beetle, was the companion of Suna. Eldorians believed that Khepri pushed the sun along the horizon, allowing Suna's light to bless the world during the day. The scarab beetle symbolized regeneration, transformation, and the cycle of life, embodying the eternal nature of the cosmos.

**Suna, the Sun god, and Nuna, the Moon goddess**, are the radiant and celestial parents who illuminated the skies of Eromora.

Suna, the male deity, represented the sun, while Nuna, the female deity, governed the moon. Suna's journey across the sky was guided by a sacred scarab, pushing the sun along the horizon until it was time for night to settle.

**The Four Major Deities: Suna and Nuna had four children:**

1. **Djin:** the deity of the wind, representing change, movement, and freedom. It is believed that the winds carried messages from the gods and connected the mortal realm with the divine.
2. **Marids:** the deity associated with water, governed rivers, oceans, and the life-giving properties of water. They are seen as protectors of sailors and fishermen, ensuring safe voyages.
3. **Ifrit**: the fiery deity, symbolized both destruction and transformation. He who will bring necessary change and beginning to the world.
4. **Dao:** the deity of the earth, embodying stability and fertility. It is believed that Dao nurtures the land, allowing crops to grow and civilizations to prosper.

Anubra is known as the God of the Afterlife who presides over the realm of the dead. It is believed that Anubra guides souls through the perilous journey after death, ensuring safe passage to the eternal realm.