ASIMANS

The Asiman lineage is formed by the four elemental desert tribes. The four tribes are undisputed masters of the deserts, rulers, alchemists, traders and guardians of oases and dunes alike.

## General Roles

### Sarki – Ruler

Regal and powerful, they can be recognised by their peculiar turban that covers their chin as well. If the community has enough members of all 4
Tribes then the clothes will have patterns from all four elements.

### Takuba Master – Warrior

These warriors are masters of the Takuba, the Asiman long-sword. They often wear straw hats of different size or colors related to battle deeds they have accomplished in their lives.

### Malam – Priest

Asiman priests can be recognised by the cowrie decorations and flowy robes. They are often very proactive in spreading the Elemental faith even out of their community.

### Maigu – Magician

Magicians are often alchemists as well in Asiman society. The easiest way to recognise them is by their scrolls and books they often carry around. Many have arcane symbols painted on their face.

### Hunters

Asiman hunters tend to live in the wilderness and are less urban than Takuba masters, this does not make them lesser fighters. They tend to wear a lot of amulets and charms to protect themselves and can cast some minor spirit magic. Just like witch doctors, they connect to spirits more often than other Asimans.

### Griot – Bard

Griot are the respected musicians and living memories of the Asiman. They often wear high hats with amulets and charms and always travel with their instruments.

### Witch-Doctor

Which doctors usually don’t advertise their trade by specific clothing but they can be recognized by the many gourds and pouches they carry with herbs and ingredients for incantations.

## Tribes

Unlike other lineages, when an Asiman is born, most of them manifest no lineage. At 7 years old a seer finds their element and marks them in an elaborate ritual called “The Awakening”. Each Asiman expresses one of the four basic elements:

### Yiite

#### Appearance

Fire Asimans have usually fiery, red or purple eyes, hair, reddish or pitch black skin and red tribal marks — typical pattern being triangles. Yiite like clothing and items that convey their power such as weapons, jewellry, magical auras. Understated is usually not an option.

#### Roles

Typically Yiite tend to wield political power. Often the Sarki (ruler) of an Oasis or the high priest of a temple will be a Fire Asiman.
People usually think about the Fire Asimans when they recall the days of Asiman empires and conquest. Though often exaggerated, there is a grain of truth in such depictions. Fire Asimans have almost always been the most militaristic and proud Asiman in Asiman society.
Yiite are thought since childhood to be ambitious and to aim higher. This is one reason why they tend to cluster in cities and are rarely seen in rural areas, as farming is considered an unambitious task (the occasional wealthy Yiite farmer might disagree with this, but they are a minority).
Politics and magic are seen as the highest occupation one can have, especially gods-send magic, which leads this tribe to be very present across elementalist clergies. Yiite malams (elementalist priests) are known not just for their magical power but for their outsized political influence as well.
Political debate among Yiite often revolves around the merits of two political structures: a sovereign with a council versus a pure theocracy. The embrace of the Sihiri over Lammu philosophy has reduced but not completely quelled such disputes.
Several Asiman realms in Wagadu have either of these two governments thanks to Yiite decision making.

#### Stance towards other tribes

Most Fire Asiman respect all other tribes and perceive their roles as important within society but a minority considers themselves inherently superior to the other three. There is this perception among Fire Asiman thinkers that just as fire burn things and it’s both vital and dangerous, so politics require tradeoffs and balances that a Fire Asiman is better suited to handle. Nonetheless all Yiite agree that it’s not a
good idea to completely exclude other tribes from power.

#### Traits

* Ability score increase: +2 Charisma
* Fire Mastery: You gain resistance to fire damage and if you are not wearing any armor or armor-charm you gain natural armor of 12 + your Dexterity modifier—thanks to glowing flames that appear to protect you in battle.

### Ndyam

#### Appearance

Water Asimans have often watery eyes, blue/green hair, blue skin, blue or green eyes. They can wear blue tribal marks—typical patterns being spirals.
Ndyams love to carry scrolls, books, pens, ink, magnifying glasses and items to study. For this reason their clothing often has several pockets and hanging pouces.

#### Roles

Water Asimans are adaptable and are often able to cover different roles in a community. Ndyam Sarkis (chiefs) have a reputation of being very wise though slow to act, Ndyam merchants of knowing agreat deal about their product but not money driven enough, and Ndyam farmers of coming up with great irrigation systems but spending too little time on growing their fields. Taken with a pinch of salt, these descriptions do
not stray too much from reality.

The Ndyam are often the Scholars of the Asiman. Ndyam value knowledge in all of its forms and are great engineers and planners too. As soon as the “Awakening” happens, Water Asimans are immersed in learning. They get books and scrolls as “toys” and are encouraged to read and ask questions. It is a common joke that every Ndyam gift comes with some form of lesson embedded. Water Asimans are excited about big cities because they get to meet so many people, find so many items and learn about other lands. They are very likely to travel, though whereas Wind Asimans enjoy vast expanses and the wilderness, Water Asimans tend to go from city to city, collecting new and interesting relics and stories.

Nydam are known for being some of the best magicians. Just like Fire Asimans, Ndyam love magic, but whereas the former tend to focus on the power that derives from its use, the latter relish in the process of discovering more of it and in the secrets its use unlocks.
For such reasons, Ndyam tend to prefer the magician profession over priesthood and even when choosing the latter, they tend to focus on theoretical concepts and religious lore.

Ndyams have a unique way of describing themselves and their leanings. This is by no means a strict separation, one can describe themselves with all of these adjectives throughout a day, but Ndyams tend to identify more with one or the other.

* River Minds are those who are adaptable and open to new ideas
* Steam Minds are the Water Asiman who get lost in travels and their curiosity
* Rain Minds are the Ndyam who are very ambitious and power-driven. Rain Mind Ndyams are typically perceived with a mixture of suspicion for their intents and respect for the vital role they have in counterbalancing Fire Asimans. Somewhat paradoxically, Rain Minds, thanks to their focus on power, have been able to drive and enforce the Sihiri over Laamu philosophy that tends to dominate today among the Asiman.

#### Traits

Ability Score increase +2 Wisdom
Water Mastery
You gain 30ft swim speed, you are amphibious and
can speak two additional languages.

#### Heading text

Air Asimans have white or gray eyes, and hair, gray or sandy skin. They can have white/silvery tribal marks — typical patterns being waves. Henndu clothing tends to favour comfort over showiness. Even very wealthy Wind Asimans usually don’t overdo it. Belts and light clothing are
typical. Henndus are known for carrying many talismans and charms, typically made of silver.

#### Roles

Air Asimans are great travellers and merchants, leading caravans and exploring new territories. Their continuous wandering and openness to outsiders has made the Wind Asimans great merchants, especially on land routes. Sometimes Henndu are perceived as ambitious and
money driven.

A saying goes “A Henndu in a city is a bird in a cage” and although there are many who live in cities, typically Wind Asimans are at their happiest in the vast expanses of a desert. Henndu grow up being taught the value of freedom, for them roaming deserts does not equate only to physical freedom but also to mental one. Wind Asimans quickly learn about the different cities and people they meet in their constant travelling and typically view them as “constricted” into their sedentary lifestyles and preconceived ideas. This said, they are relatively open to other folk, especially if the goal is travelling together.

For these reasons Henndu are the least ritualistic of all Asimans, their temples often not even having a mallam (priest). Henndu like to keep things simple. This tribe’s members are also the most open to worshiping spirits. The religious fervor that swept Asiman communities in ancient times and led to quick discarding of spirit worship in favour of the elemental gods seemed never to have fully taken root within the Henndu.
Of course they worship the Twelve Gods, like all Asiman, but it’s not uncommon to find a “caravan temple” which transports effigies of the Gods together with those of local spirits, and, shockingly for other Asimans, the travellers might spend thesame amount of time worshipping both types.
For this reason witch-doctors are more common among the Henndu than other Asiman.

#### Traits

* Ability Score increase: +2 Dexterity
* Air Mastery: Your speed increases to 40ft speed and you gain advantage on Charisma checks done dealing with air spirits.

### Laka

#### Appearance

Earth Asimans have usually bronze skin, red hair, brown eyes and can have yellow tribal marks — typical patterns being straight lines. Laka like to dress very simply. They are known for “stone jewellry” the ancient art of creating bracelets and necklaces from rock. Lakas are more often than other Asimans found to be bare-chest and tattoo themselves more than average.

#### Roles

The typical Laka is perceived as peaceful and agreeable. Their patience and endurance makes them more flexible than many think. Lakas are sedentary and like to focus on one place and make the best out of it. Their culture emphasises stability and safety. This is one of the reasons martial skills and physical strength and held in high regard by this tribe. Wrestling is a big thing for Laka communities and at markets and even after religious ceremonies, it’s not uncommon to witness wrestling fights. Lakas appear to cherish physical prowess more than other tribes.

An old Laka tradition dictates that after the Awakening, an Earth Asiman child should be given a seed and then make sure it sprouts before the next moon. If the child fails, the community comes together to support until the little feat is achieved. This tradition summarizes many aspects of Laka culture: patience, the relevance of building things, the support of the community.
Typically Lakas live in small oases and provide food for larger cities. The Laka are known for their ability to grow food in the desert.
Earth Asimans hone their connection to the soil to provide Asiman communities with food, ingredients for their rituals and materials for their crafts.

Tradition is seen as something that grounds Asimans and allows their survival so Laka Mallam (priest) are known for holding some of the most
elaborate and ancient rituals. Laka culture is known for a special strand of Mallams, the “Sand Heremits”. These priests leave their communities and look for quiet places to meditate and commune with the environment. Sometimes several sand hermits come together to form monasteries. These are typically in very isolated locations and are protected by a deal with a local spirit (which they are usually in good terms with but don’t worship). Occasionally Asiman communities form around such monasteries.

Laka are typically the least open to outsiders and struggle with fast change, leaving the other tribes to deal with such things. A travelling Laka is called “a rolling rock” and like one, after much bouncing and falling, sooner or later it will hit the ground and join the soil. So do
Earth Asimans eventually return to their communities.

#### Traits

* Ability Score increase: +2 Strength
* Earth Mastery: As a Laka you gain an advantage in all Constitution and Strength saving throws. Armors and armor charms do not decrease your speed.

## ASIMAN GENERAL TRAITS

* Ability Score Increase +1 Intelligence
* Alignment N/LN
* Size Average
* Speed Your base walking speed is 30ft

### Alchemical Knowledge

Asimans have expertise on everything Alchemy related and proficiency with artisan’s tools (alchemist’s tools).

### Quick Alchemy

If equipped with Alchemist Supplies, you can spend an hour concocting any one of these items, an alchemist tools check is required with DC as stated next to it.
• Acid (vial) – DC 10
• Alchemist’s Fire (flask) – DC 15
• Antitoxin – DC 15
• Ink (1 ounce bottle) – DC 5
• Perfume (vial) – DC 5
Your DM might allow additional options.
The cost for the ingredients is 5 cowries and these rushed creations quickly lose potency, becoming worthless liquids within 12 hours from creation.

### Temple Training

Thanks to formal theological training or ancestral dreams, all Asimans have proficiency in religion.

### Elemental Mastery

You can pick a target within 30feet from you and unleash elemental energy on them.
They can halve the damage with a dexterity saving throw.The DC for this saving throw equals 8 + your Intelligence modifier + your Proficiency Bonus.
A creature takes 2d10 damage on a failed save, and half as much damage on a successful one. The damage increases to 3d10 at 6th level, 3d10 at
11th level, and 3d10 at 16th level.
After you use your Elemental Mastery, you can’t use it again until you complete a short or Long Rest.

### Languages

You can speak, read, and write Common and Elemental, the ancestral language of the Asimans.
YIITE: FIRE ASIMANS

Traditionally the four tribes, even when living together in larger communities, have kept different roles within Asiman society. An Asiman song says:
Cities are steam because of fire and water embrace.
Deserts are wind because that is where caravans trek.
Oases are mud because that is where earth gives life.

Any of these traits can combine with standard black human skin and black hair.
Asimans dress for the desert typically covering themselves much more than other lineages. Often they wear turbans, straw hats, scarves, long robes and heavy jewelry.

## DESERT EMPIRES & OASES: ASIMAN HISTORY

In the Upper Realms, the Four Asiman tribes used to be scattered through Oases and survived by worshipping demanding spirits and local gods.
The Twins Alseny & Hassanatu (The Sorcerer and the Warrior) united all tribes and built The Empire of Sands.
Sankara the Genderless expanded the Empire to several deserts & savannas, till they subdued many Swala tribes. Most Asimans consider Sankara a
founding hero but their expansion came at a price.
Eventually those swalas societies managed to summon Emere kingdoms for help.
After the Long War, Kander, the Asiman Imperial capital in the Upper Realms, was conquered and destroyed by spirits unleashed from their Swala and Emere foes.
The remaining cities never united again and mostly embraced the Sihiri over Lammu philosophy giving birth to more peaceful civilisations.
Echoes of the Upper Realms’ history were reflected in Wagadu as several Asiman Fallen tried to recreate the glory they had left behind by building their version of the Empire of the Sands.
It is said that at different times, Wagadu has seen at least eleven vast Asiman Empires, the most widely known being the “Empire of Red Sands” which was ruled by a symbolic Emperor that answered to Elementalist clergies (especially of the Fire Gods).
Eventually the fall of the Empire in the Upper Lands affected the Fallen too, and Asimans stopped building large kingdoms in Wagadu.
An unintended side effect of their newfound pacifism is that Asiman trade was boosted and many Desert Folk communities are nowadays extremely
wealthy.

## PIETY & ALCHEMY

### ASIMAN SOCIETY & CULTURE

Asiman cultures often speak about the “Sihiri over Laamu” as a fundamental element of their society. Sihiri (spirituality & magic) over Laamu (material power) is a deep-rooted philosophy that means that scholarly and theological pursuits should come over political ambitions. This is a clear rebuke of the imperial era and its legacy of war. It is the backbone of the now powerful “New Harmony” culture.
Imperialism however is not dead and some communities still long for the days of Sankara.

### THE SIX GUIDING PRINCIPLES

In addition to the Sihiri over Laamu, six other principlesare typically considered guiding lights for Asiman people:

* Reserve and modesty (semteende)
* Patience and fortitude (munyal)
* Care and forethought (hakkilo)
* Loyalty & honor (amana)
* Beauty and charm (woodude)
* Knowledge and understanding (andal)

Each Asiman god typically represents two of these ideals.

### ELEMENTALISM VS SHAMANISM: ASIMAN SPIRITUALITY

In the last centuries Asimans have increasingly turned to worshiping their gods. The theology and religion that has developed in Asiman society is called “Elementalism”.
Elementalism sees the world through the lenses of the Four Elements and the Twelve Gods. In addition to Sihiri, Elementalism emphasises the importance of meditation and of spreading the Six Guiding Principles.
Historically, while Alseny was a strong Spirit worshipper and Hassanatu a devout temple goer, it is said that her view of the role of religion in the Asiman state eventually took over.
Though Sankara never openly condemned spirit worship, they were known to prefer listening to temple scholars than to Spirit guided witch-doctors.
Binta the Ruthless, the last ruler of the Empire of the Sands, became famous for destroying several shrines and banishing their spirits. Some shamans still blame such actions for the fall of the Empire of the Sands.

### Asiman Gods

Asiman Gods are always related to two principles (the order in which they come is very important) and one of the four natural elements.

#### Fire Gods

Typically worshiped in large temples in cities with “undying flames”.

* Fire Queen: Goddess of war and beauty: Amana & Woodude.
* Lava King: God of volcanoes: Woodude & Amana.
* Amber Children: The messengers of death, dying flames. Munyal & Semteende.

### Water Gods

Typically worshiped in city temples next to bodies of water.

* River Maigu: Goddess of Magic and Rivers. Andal & Munyal.
* Rainbow Lady: Goddess of Still Waters Amana & Woodude.
* Sea Trickster: God of death, trickery, intelligence. Andal & Hakkilo.

#### Wind Gods

Typically worshiped in isolated shrines and “caravan temples”.

* Pale Fox (Yurugu): God of Destiny. Munyal & Andal.
* Desert Wind: God of Travel Semteende & Munyal.
* Thunder Lord: God of Music. Woodude & Hakkilo.

#### Earth Gods

Typically worshiped in monasteries and caves.

* Silt Sage: God of Fertility, food Hakkilo & Semteende
* Rock Guardian: God of protection and strength. Hakkilo & Amana.
* Sand Savant: God of Heremits and Secrets. Semteende & Andal.

### Ancestor Worship

The Asimans Ancestor worship used to be much stronger during the time of the Empire of the Sands since important Ancestor emperors got near divine status.
Sihiri over Laamu means as well that great political power accumulation is not to be celebrated as it used to during the Empire’s time. A peculiar effect of this philosophy is that within this diminished cult, great priests and magician Ancestors are venerated as much as queens and kings. Imperialist Asimans are still enthusiastic Ancestor worshippers.

#### Spirit Worship

Asiman Spirit worshippers are in the fringes of society, their rituals are ancient and focus on drumming and dancing (Elementalism allows this only before and after meditative prayer, not during) . Appeasing whichever spirits are in the area, with a strong focus on elemental spirits, is a primary concern for these Asimans.

## ASIMAN NAMES

Asiman names usually contain patro/matro-nimic such as Gidado (son) of Iya, or Dadda of Yero. Name searching tip: search online for “Fulani” or “Hausa” names.