Rayz

## Overview

Rayz is a continent on Callax, with a low population density and a distinct culture. Stretching quite far along the equator, Rayz is mostly desert with some tropical rainforest in its southernmost region. The continent is home to only one country, also called Rayz, which is a mix of two distinct groups of people.

Rayz is a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the unique cultures and natural beauty of the continent. The beaches are rather pristine and offer a respite from the hot desert climate. The rainforest is a beautiful and serene place, teeming with life. And the desert itself is home to many natural wonders, from massive sand dunes to towering rock formations. Despite its relative isolation, Rayz remains an important and vibrant part of the wider Callaxian community.

### The Tarnish Rayzi

The most populous group on Rayz are those who trace their ancestry back to Tarn and follow Stratism. Stratism on Rayz is less strict and more open-minded compared to Tarn. For example, while interclass marriages are banned according to scripture, they are more accepted on Rayz, with people largely turning a blind eye to them.

### Sunrunners

The less-populous group are the desert-dwelling native people of Rayz, known as the Sunrunners, who mostly follow the Animist religion which existed there before any explorers came from Tarn. The Sunrunners have a rich culture, are known for their unique music and dance traditions, and their "c'est la vie" attitude toward life.

Despite the differences between the two groups, there is a good deal of contact between them in certain parts of Rayz. Because Sunrunners don't follow the tenants of the Stratum at all, according to Stratism they are supposed to be consigned to a hell known as "The Wasteland" when they die, along with all others who don't practice Stratism, but one would be hard-pressed to find a Rayzi Stratist who actually believes Sunrunners are damned, though that belief is common on Tarn.

## Rayz Engagements

The Rayz Engagements were a series of military operations conducted by Tarn's de facto monarchy, led by Ref Calla's father, Trib Calla, in the A4510s. The primary point of contention was the Rayzi government's lenient enforcement of the Stratum social class system, which included allowing inter-class marriages without punishment and refusing to condemn the native Sunrunners for their non-Stratist beliefs. The engagements ultimately resulted in a Rayzi victory and Rayz maintaining its more lenient view of the Stratum and have since become a subject of interest in novels, films, and non-fiction books.

In Rayz, these battles are commonly referred to as the "Tarnish Troubles."

More progressive writers and activists champion the Rayzi government's refusal to oppress those who wanted to intermarry among different classes and Sunrunners alike, even when that refusal brought violence down on Rayz. It was an unexpected event in Callaxian history.

## Language

The Stratist Rayzi of Tarnish descent primarily speak their own dialect of Norvian, the language of their ancestors, while the Sunrunners have their own native language which once had many highly distinct dialects but which has become increasingly homogenized over time. Communication between the two groups is facilitated by the widespread use of a creole language that has developed over time, combining elements of both Norvian and the Sunrunner language. Also, in the modern age, many Sunrunners speak Rayzi Norvian, especially among the well-to-do and leadership.

## Oasis

The capital city of Rayz is called Oasis, and it is located in the southeast/central region of the continent, in between the great lake known as Lifegiver and the rainforest to the south. There are mountains to the west and the coast of Ocean South to the east. The city is known for its beautiful architecture, which incorporates both Stratist and native influences. The city is also home to the University of Oasis, which is considered to be one of the best universities on Callax, particularly for those interested in the study of the desert environment and its unique flora and fauna.

## Islands

There are thousands of islands in Callaxian oceans, but of note are six large islands north of Rayz, home to a number of different native groups that also have their own unique cultures and beliefs. Those islands are often considered part of the continent of Rayz.

The large island to the south of Rayz, called Tikka, is a hub of Tarnish "nightlife" activity, and is known for its gambling, other vices, and the strong grip organized crime groups have there. Sometimes Tikka is referred to as "Pleasure Island."

## Strategex in Modern Rayz

Strategex has a long and complicated history in Rayz, as its base rules seek to replicated battles between native Sunrunners and early Tarnish colonists. Despite their marginalization, Sunrunners have found success in the world of Strategex. Both Tarnian descendants and Sunrunners from Rayz have become top players in the game. However, native Sunrunner players are still barred from participating in the yearly world championships, which are always held in Tarn because non-Stratists are not allowed to enter Tarn's borders. This exclusion is a reflection of the ongoing struggles that Sunrunners face in the larger Callaxian society. However, even though Kemperian players are almost never Stratists, they are allowed to go to the championship in Tarn. This is seen by many in Rayz and Kemper as a racist, hypocritical practice.

## History of Rayz

* Before A3101 - Various indigenous groups eventually known collectively as the Sunrunners inhabited Rayz. Despite their cultural diversity, these groups shared an Animist belief system and a profound connection to the land. Interactions between Tarn and Rayz were minimal prior to A3101.
* A3101 - Tarnish settlers arrived in Rayz, seeking resources and new territories. This arrival significantly altered the Sunrunners' lives as Tarnish settlers encroached upon their lands. This pressure unfortunately spurred the consolidation of the Sunrunners' disparate cultures into a unified identity.
* A3101-A3200 - Tarnish colonization disturbed the traditional Sunrunner lifestyle, pushing them further into the desert and causing conflicts. These struggles inspired the creation of Strategex, a board game that emulates the asymmetrical warfare between the Tarnish settlers and the Sunrunners.
* A3200-A4516 - As the Tarnish influence on Rayz increased, a single country emerged, blending Stratist and native influences. Though Rayzi Stratists tend to be more accepting of interclass marriages and less strict about religious practices, the Sunrunners have become a marginalized group, their culture overshadowed by the dominant Stratist influence.
* A4516 - The Rayz Engagements commenced. This significant conflict further complicated the history of Rayz.
* A4525 - The Oasis Accords were signed, marking the official end of the Rayz Engagements and heralding a new era in Rayz history.