Askia Tribes

* Sudas
* Desert Temple

**The Askia Tribes** is a country on central Trex. It is bordered by the Nosk Raiders to the West, the Yas Union to the North, Gaen to the North East, the Stal Empire to the East, and Fisc to the South.

The Askia Tribes is a large desert country, with Sudas being it's only major city. It is otherwise inhabited by nomadic tribes of varying sizes. Such tribes have very strict internal hierarchies and cultural roles that they adhere to.

History books indicate that there was no real body of governance in the Askia Tribes before 1745. Before then, tribes only met with each other when necessary. The tribes had many disputes with Gaen, consisting of back-and-forth raids. While many tribes came to hate Gaen during these encounters, some came to see it as a tradition that could be appreciated for the competitive spirit of the affairs.

It is known that undead are a cause of many problems that have historically occurred in the Askia Tribes, but accounts of these issues, overt or implied, appear to have ceased entirely in the past 30 years after Warlord Bayviper began a crusade against them.

In the past, the Askia Desert used to be a much different area geographically. However, through use of a 10th-level spell called *Desolation*, the country was reduced to the desert state in which it currently exists.

## Residents

* A-689Q
* Aamir Al-Yasin
* Ag'zil
* Arrak
* Arrak Krak
* Bayviper
* Beryl Aseo
* Creya
* Datoulu
* Fikri
* Izza
* Kessler
* Madeev
* Metallic Dragon
* Naazil

## Hierarchy

The Askia Tribes adhere to a very strict caste system, which dictates one's rights within society. The ranks are, from most to least influential:

* Blades
* Arrows
* Hammers
* Rings
* Outsiders
* Tools
* Slaves

## Tribes

The following are known, noteworthy tribes that inhabit the Askia desert:

### Running Sands Tribe

The warlord of the Running Sands Tribe is Aamir Al-Yasin. Running Sands is a smaller tribe that only rose to a noteworthy status more recently. Aamir is aided by his advisor, Naazil. The main party-consisting of Lusine Vavrad, Saber, Sobek, and Tholgar Ironfoe-were made Ring status with the tribe after aiding Aamir in obtaining an artifact to cure his unique strain of mummy rot.

### Trailing Sands Tribe

The warlord of the Trailing Sands Tribe is a determined woman who fought her way to her position like any aspiring warlord. Unlike many other warlords, however, her ability to keep her position is based less in her strength and more in her intellect and willingness to sacrifice anything. A very loyal person, she dislikes causing undue pain and suffering; however, nothing is out of the question if it is for the good of her tribe.

### Flowing Sands Tribe

The warlord of the Flowing Sands Tribe is known to be a misogynistic man who believes in the rule of law above all else, for better or for worse. His strong principles led him to arrest, and attempt to put to death, the Main Party in suspicion of coordinating an undead attack on Sudas.

### Clear Sands Tribe

The warlord of the Clear Sands Tribe was previously a craftsman, who rose to the challenge when undead attacked the tribe and killed the previous warlord. The tribe is well-known and influential for the high quality of their many goods, and the support they give to fledgling artisans. However, their prices can be steep.

### Feathered Sands Tribe

The Feathered Sands Tribe has a policy to integrate Strix further into the Askia Tribes, and reduce xenophobia towards them. The warlord is a bit of an idealist, but Warlord Bayviper sees something in them that has given them a large boost towards coming into their own.

## Locations

### Sudas

**Sudas** is a large city in the Askia Tribes, and the only major city in the country. It is built on several tiers of plateaus, with a system that permits entry to and travel between its inner rings with special tags.

The fourth ring is in poor condition, composed of tents and dilapidated buildings made with scraps, inhabited by many slaves. The third ring has many individuals who cover their faces, including many Strix. Deeper inside, everyone covers their faces in the Second ring, which has many forges, smiths, and jewelers; lavish shops and fine gear are easily found, as well as good lodging. Within the innermost ring lies the palace, where the council of Warlords resides. To the northeast of the city is the religious ring, while the merchants' ring is to the west, and the Adventurers' ring-with the city's branch of the Adventurer's Guild-is to the southeast.

### Desert Temple

**The Desert Temple** or **Temple of Beginnings** is an ancient, abandoned temple located just east of the center of the country, in the middle of the desert. The temple contained a fountain, as well as a statue with three symbols at its base. Among these, the only legible symbol was that of the Mad God. This location was where the original Main Party met, having been sent here through their respective portals.

### Tomb of Sand

**The Tomb of Sand** is a dungeon in the Askia Tribes. It served as the home of a young Metallic Dragon, the guardian of a unique healing scroll capable of healing Aamir Al-Yasin's mummy rot. The main party received this scroll as a reward from the dragon, as well as a *Proof of Good Conduct for the Metallic Court*, in exchange for aiding it in clearing out the dungeon of undead.

## Notable Events

* The Main Party is first assembled here in the Desert Temple on March 21st, 1765.