Ecqerat

Caliphate of Ecqerat

Ecqerat is a country located in the high mountains of the mesas. It is headed by Ecqer Sivre, also known as Siemaq. The largest town is Sarama, run by Emir Na'tral. It is devout to Ecqerism, but prior to this the main faith was centered around the holy pufferfish of Sarama. Ecqerat directly translates to Heavenly Realm.

## History

Ecqerat was founded when Sivre, a desert nomad of Nijena origins led his tribe into the town of Sarama and killed the holy pufferfish. Following this the local Sulami peoples deified him as a prophet for the creator, as such he brought his own animism and polytheism to the people of Sarama. This became known as Ecqerism, the Heavenly Way.

## Culture

### Weddings, Marriage, and Harems

Upon the joining of two houses, the old name could be scrapped and a new one entirely made; this can lead to related families with separate names entirely.

Common wedding gifts are swords, rings, armor, gems, and expensive foods.

The culture highly values honor to a great extent, honor is something that affects the house to an extent along with the individual.  Death is often preferable to dishonor. In addition to this, monarchs are permitted to hold harems. In the case the primary spouse is a male, a harem is expected of the monarch.

### Lucky Numbers

The number nine is a lucky number in the culture. In addition to this, two is a good number. Two is shown as a good number in the legend of an honorable warrior named Ferras who takes only one wife, and there are only two people in said relationship, of which two kids are born. This story is shown to be an ideal family as nobody gets too overwhelmed and the relationship flourishes.

### Music

Music among the Nijena often has various instruments and vocals. The upper echelons of society often focus on strings and piano music. Folk music often uses a lot of wind instruments, pipes, and drums.

### Values

The Nijena traditionally hold many values dear to them, such as a belief in community or the intense emphasis on honor. Honor is prevalent due to its role in religion and the community as a whole.

### Constellations

The Nijena traditionally connect constellations with the patrons, the patrons an individual has depend on the month that they are born in and their house.

### Carving

The carving of wood and bones was something prevalent. Often it would be lanterns and ornaments that would be made representing people or things in nature. The practice was often done by shamans in the tribal days, but now is a fun thing for many to do around holidays such as the Seltanzrii (New Year) or to ward off spirits.

### Clothing

The clothing of the Nijena has been forged by the environment that the Nijena are native to.

### Pets

Pets are often given to a child once they hit the age of 9, usually as a dog or horse. The child will grow up with the animal and have an attachment to it. This animal will be a best friend for life, and when the Nijena dies, they will be buried alongside their pets.

### Owning of Items

Items owned by someone for a while are often seen to be either an extension of their soul, or more commonly possessed by an independent spirit. An example of an extension is the sword, an exchange of swords is one common cultural practice among friends.

## Religion

The religion of the Nijena is polytheistic, and is identical to the beliefs of their forefathers back in the Herèi. The people revere their ancestors in addition to servants of the gods and the gods themselves. They believe in the realm called the Amarum. Amarum is a realm which is serene in nature, it is the realm of the honorable dead. In addition to this there is a belief in many spirits and fairies.