Qalasheen

Introduction

Man is known for their amazing adaptability and the Qalasheen are no exception. Made up of many desert tribes sharing a similar dialect and faith, the Qalasheen is a new collective term given to these people for there has been no recorded history of previous unification. There have been tales of grand cities of long ago in far distant lands, but this is simply folktale. The Qalasheen, despite being alike, are naturally recluse. Their knowledge of the outside world is limited and only those such as merchants typically had knowledge of outsiders until recently.

As a divided culture, those of Qalasheen descent have been known to escape the tribal warfare that plagued their lands and assimilate with other people. Such was the great unifier, Faiz Kharadeen the first Caliph. With the help of comrades from the outside, Faiz Kharadeen was able to bring peace and unification to the Qalasheen tribes through his talk of love, acceptance, potential, and Allah.

With a new following, Faiz Kharadeen got to work on the beginnings of what would become the Caliphate. Well seasoned in the knowledge of past realms’ failures, Faiz set out to ensure these same flaws did not take root in the Caliphate. Only time will tell if his teachings reach avid ears and are put to use with active hands.

Traits of the Qalasheen

The Qalasheen are a desert dwelling people and do not differ much among the other humans they share the sands with. They are dark complected usually but range all the way from an olive skin tone to darker tones found among certain Southerners which goes to show the diversity of looks. Although not impossible, it’s rare to find a Qalasheen of “brutish” stature such as one may find among Highlanders.

The Qalasheen are typically more lean. An interesting trait that they share among other desert dwellers is their comfortability running across sand for long periods of time at an exceptional fast pace when compared to most other peoples. Sand is obviously unstable and those who are not used to running across it experience muscle fatigue and sometimes injury.

Although the strong among the Qalasheen are exceptionally fast with lots of stamina, they are not without their flaws. The Qalasheen have had little experiences with magic in their isolation. It’s therefore presumed the Qalasheen cannot harness magic.

Qalashi, The Language

(Qalashi is based off real life Arabic phrases - as best gathered as possible. The following is a sample of commonly used Qalashi phrases. Rule of thumb when using something not on the list is to explain what you are saying within your action or messaging the person in PM what you are saying. Try refraining from heavily using Arabic unless you’re actually fluent in it. Else you’re a google translate try hard.)

Hello/hi! ----- Salam!

Peace be upon you!------As-salamu alaykum!

[Return gesture] Peace be upon you too. ----- Wa-alaikum salam

Good morning!---------- Sabah el kheer

Good evening!-------------- Masaa el kheer

Welcome! (to greet someone) -----------Marhaban

Good night!-------- Tosbeho/ tosbeheena (female) ‘ala khair

Good bye! ---------------Ma’a salama

Thank you (very much)!--------------- Shokran (jazeelan)

You’re welcome ---- Afwan

Friend--------Rafiqi

Before the Caliphate

The Qalasheen people, as stated previously, are historically a divided people that fought among themselves and outsiders in their homeland - typically for limited resources. Tribes differed however with some more warlike and controlling with others more suited towards trade. Those who traded were more inclined to leave the desert lands periodically which lead to intermingling with outsiders.

After the movement of peoples to Athera, the fighting among tribes intensified. Deus Proditor, the lands they settled in, was a lifeless landscape and it was not uncommon to see many die from either war or famine.

Despite this fighting, many Qalasheen attempted to cultivate the land still. They brought over camels and seeds suited to grow in such an arid climate. It was only until recently did they manage to find stability. The inter fighting amongst the people would end however with the coming of the Caliph.

About Deus Proditor

The lands inhabited by the Qalasheen in Athera, little was known about it. What had been discovered had given rise to even more questions. Ruins of old hint at a past civilization once inhabiting the lands. However, these ruins were just crumbling away - there was a thick ash that enveloped them. A dark power appeared to have been at work there once and it could always come about again. The undead from Athera, what was left of this past civilization, was all that was left. Caliph Faiz Kharadeen had tasked his military, the Mubarizun, to purging these lands of the great evil that lurked the desert sands for both his peoples’ safety, and to put the reanimated to rest.

Little life naturally resided in these lands other than small lizards, insects, shrubs, and cacti.

After the Caliphate

In the year 1444, the bannermen force of House Kharadeen, The Alwahdat Alwaqi, marched forth to the castle of Ard Ghorrock where the Caliph, Arlen Kharadeen, swore fealty to another Qalasheen by the name of Nafis Yar of Al- Dirahk. By his words, Arlen had abolished the Caliphate’s government and reformed into a Sultanate.

How did these events come to pass?

Decades of events and decisions by Khalestine’s leaders and peers brought forth change. The most notable, being the Caliphate’s involvement in a bloody war between two other nations. Internal strife soon sparked within the lands of Khalestine, igniting the deadly Qali Spring, a rebellion began by a group of Qalasheen and other humans who demanded for an end to the war.

Caliph Faiz Kharadeen had relinquished his title, passing it down to his eldest son, Arlen Kharadeen who rallied his forces and allies to fight against the rebel faction. Homes were pillaged, farms were razed, and for several years there had been a constant unrest within the divided lands of Vandoria as allies of the former Vanderguan had begun to secede from the war. The Caliphate of Khalestine was one of the last nations to secede.

The Caliph, who was both the ruler over the nation and religion, had the government reformed where now the Qalasheen people live in the newly formed Sultanate of Khalestine.

Culture

Despite being historically reclusive, the Qalasheen had grown an interest in outsiders relatively fast with the creation of the Caliphate during Athera and have enjoyed the wares outsiders bring to the city to sell. Some Qalasheen wondered what others might’ve thought of them and in turn wished to know more about outsiders. Though those not accustomed to trade may have felt more shy and hesitant to start conversation with outsiders (especially the youth), they were very social once pushed on.

Among themselves, the Qalasheen have a strong work ethic but may be viewed by some as more relaxed. It is not uncommon to see someone napping on the job. This is to rebuild energy in order to keep working at the highest efficiency as possible. Putting one’s all into a trade is highly regarded and it’s believed one cannot produce quality work when tired.

Outside of work, the Qalasheen are known to invite friends and family over to socialize and eat. Those without proper housing may choose to socialize at a hookah lounge and smoke among others. Cactus green was enjoyed almost universally in the Caliphate and many from other lands where cactus green is illegal come to the Caliphate to indulge in it.

Although cactus green is socially acceptable, alcohol is not. Qalasheen have long regarded alcohol as a poison to the body and something the Creator forbids them to drink else they are more prone to sickness and barbaric traits. Pork is also not consumed in the caliphate and pigs are not even raised in the city because they are considered diseased and plague riddened. To this day Qalasheen have been a very religious people but unlike those with similar beliefs, they are more accepting of those with different beliefs. They are prideful however, and do not like their faith being insulted.

Surprisingly enough, the Qalasheen people have long supported an egalitarian society where men and women typically take part in the same roles together. It’s not uncommon to see women fight alongside men in the military or for even the most capable of women to lead men. Qalasheen society, for whatever role, holds certain standards that must be met typically on personality and strength. Should either man or woman meet these standards, each would have a fair shot at getting the role they desire.

Holidays

The Day of Fasting: Once a year (OOC week, Friday), the Qalasheen people fast. It is said that God wishes for people to experience how the poor feel at least for one day of the year and to give charity to those in need. The Day of Fasting is only expected from those who are well to do. Those who are homeless, malnourished or sick are not obligated to participate. The next day (Saturday), a feast is held in the Sultan’s palace and anyone from the poor to the rich are welcomed to come and indulge in a feast with the Sultan and his family.

Menaphos: Once every four years (First Wednesday of every OOC month), The Qalasheen take a day off from work and stay home with family and friends. Those without family might go to the hookah lounge instead. On this day, gifts are exchanged showing the appreciation one has for the other being in their life. Gifts might be given out ahead of time if one will be away on the day of Menaphos but giving gifts late is a sign of insult.

Cuisine

The Qalasheen, despite having lived in a land where most life cannot be cultivated, have developed an interesting diet that has given them longevity. Crops wise, the Qalasheen grow grapes, chickpea, olives, wheat and an assortment of spices and herbs such as turmeric and mint.

A favorite among the Qalasheen is hummus and falafel, which are both based upon chickpea. With the introduction of other vegetables from outside lands, the diet of the Qalasheen has expanded. As for meat, coastal Qalasheen peoples typically eat shellfish and small fish. Lamb is also used often in Qalasheen cuisine as well as chicken and beef should one have access to it.. Swine and alcohol are both forbidden in the culture but the latter has a growing black market within the Sultanate.

A lot of food in Qalasheen cuisine can be eaten with one's hands such as kebabs and pita. To use a fork or knife for certain foods would appear odd among other Qalasheen. Of course, for those meals in obvious need of utensils, they are used.