Shajar

Streets of Shajar.

**Shajar**, meaning "**oasis**" in Clawtongue is a small village located in the desert region of the Ammarid Empire. It is situated near an oasis, which provides water for the inhabitants and their livestock. The village is surrounded by sand dunes and rocky outcroppings, and is only accessible by a winding dirt road that leads to the oasis.

## Description

The people of Shajar are mostly Sand Elves, who are known for their ability to withstand the harsh desert environment. They are a nomadic people, but Shajar is one of the few settlements they have established in the region. The village is led by a council of elders, who make decisions based on the needs of the community.

The economy of Shajar is based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The Sand Elves grow crops such as date palms, figs, and pomegranates in small plots of land around the oasis. They also raise camels, goats, and sheep, which are used for milk, meat, and transportation.

The people of Shajar are skilled at weaving and embroidery, and produce beautiful tapestries and textiles from the wool of their livestock. They also carve intricate designs into wooden bowls and utensils, which are sold at markets in larger towns and cities.

The villagers of Shajar are deeply spiritual and practice a form of animism, where they believe that all things in nature have a spirit. They hold regular ceremonies to honor the spirits and offer gifts to appease them.

Despite its remote location and harsh environment, Shajar is a close-knit community where people look out for one another. They welcome travelers who pass through their village, offering them food, water, and a place to rest.

### Background

Given that Shajar is a small village, it's likely that the original group of lionels and Sand Elves who settled there were quite small as well, perhaps only a few dozen individuals at most. The village may have grown over time as more settlers joined them, or it could have remained small and isolated.

The surrounding area is rocky and mountainous, with little in the way of fertile land for farming. However, the village is located near a natural spring that provides fresh water, which is a valuable resource in this arid region. The lionels and Sand Elves who settled in Shajar likely recognized the value of this resource and chose to build their village here to take advantage of it.

## History

### Chronology

**1192 AH**: Founding of Shajar - A group of lionels and sand elves discover the location of Shajar and establish a settlement in the area.

**1201 AH**: First harvest festival - The villagers of Shajar celebrate their first harvest festival, which becomes an annual tradition in the village.

**1234 AH**: Construction of the first marketplace - The first marketplace is constructed in Shajar to allow for trade with other nearby settlements.

**1287 AH**: The Great Drought - Shajar experiences a severe drought, causing crop failures and widespread famine. Many villagers migrate to other nearby settlements in search of food and water.

**1312 AH**: Construction of the first well - A well is dug in Shajar to provide a more reliable source of water during times of drought.

**1335 AH**: First visit from the Ammarid Empire - A delegation from the Ammarid Empire visits Shajar to establish trade relations and negotiate tribute payments.

**1357 AH**: First Shajarian warrior - A young lionel named Ali becomes the first Shajarian to join the Ammarid Empire's army as a warrior.

**1382 AH**: Village council established - A village council is established in Shajar to manage the affairs of the community and address disputes between villagers.

**1401 AH**: The Plague - A deadly plague sweeps through Shajar, killing a significant portion of the village's population.

**1421 AH**: Completion of the new irrigation system - A new irrigation system is completed in Shajar, allowing for more efficient and reliable irrigation of crops.

## Symbol

The coat of arms for Shajar features a circular shield with a central depiction of an oasis surrounded by thorny bushes. Above the oasis, there is a rising sun, symbolizing the hope and prosperity brought by the village's fertile land. Below the oasis, there is a banner with the village's name written in Clawtongue. On either side of the shield, there are two rampant horses, representing Shajar's prized horses that are traded throughout the region. The shield is topped with a lion's head, symbolizing the village's proud lionel heritage and its position as a tributary to the Ammarid Empire.

## Legendary Heroes

**Malik al-Aswad**: A legendary warrior who was said to have single-handedly defended the village against a raiding party of bandits. He was known for his incredible strength and unwavering courage in battle.

**Saida the Wise**: A respected elder who was renowned for her wisdom and counsel. Saida was known to be able to settle disputes and provide guidance that would lead to favorable outcomes for all parties involved.

**Zaid the Swift**: A skilled horseman and courier who was known for his incredible speed and endurance on horseback. He was often called upon to deliver important messages or to carry out missions that required great speed and agility.

## Notable Noble Households

**House al-Bishr**: This house is known for their expertise in horsemanship, and they have a reputation for breeding some of the finest steeds in the Ammarid Empire. They are a respected and wealthy family that has been in Shajar for several generations.

**House al-Hakim**: This house is known for their skill in engineering and construction, and they have built many of the buildings and infrastructure in Shajar, including the oasis irrigation system. They are a relatively new family to Shajar, having arrived only a few decades ago, but they have quickly become an important part of the village's development.

**House al-Mansur**: This house is known for their strong military tradition, and many of its members have served in the Ammarid army with distinction. They are a relatively small family, but they are highly respected in Shajar for their bravery and leadership, and many of the village's young people aspire to join their ranks.