Cities of Sinai
Sinai is a vast and sprawling desert nation, with a landscape characterized by arid dunes, jagged canyons, and rocky plateaus. Despite the harshness of its terrain, the nation is home to a rich and diverse culture shaped by the intermingling of different ethnicities, religions, and languages over the centuries.
At the heart of Sinai lay the five great city-states: Avallar, Medisha, Zakrit, Dhazan, and Raktho, each governed by a powerful Merchant Prince and surrounded by smaller villages and towns. These cities are marvels of human ingenuity and resilience, built around shimmering oases of purple water and the rare and precious crystal flowers that grow near them. The cities are centres of trade and commerce, attracting merchants, artisans, and adventurers from all corners of the nation, and beyond in all of Argon.
In addition to the cities, Sinai has several other landmarks and wonders. The Desert of Mirages, for instance, is a treacherous expanse of shifting dunes that has claimed the lives of many a traveller, while the Sea of Glass is a vast salt flat that glitters like diamonds in the sunlight. The Cave of Wonders, where the city of Raktho lies, is said to hold unlimited resources and secrets, and is guarded by powerful magic that has protected it for centuries.
The Sinaites are fiercely independent and self-reliant, priding themselves on their resilience and resourcefulness in the harsh desert environment. They are a diverse and vibrant mix of cultures and traditions, with different dialects, cuisines, and customs throughout the nation. While conflicts and rivalries exist between the city-states, the Sinaites are bound together by a shared sense of identity and a deep respect for the land and its resources.
But for all its beauty and wonder, Sinai is not without its dangers and challenges. Sandstorms, bandits, and other threats are a constant presence in the desert, and survival can be a daily struggle for those living on the fringes of the cities. Yet despite these hardships, the people of Sinai remain resilient and determined, drawing strength from the land and each other to thrive in one of the harshest environments on the continent.
Presentation
Although no state religion exists in the Cities of Sinai, most Sinaites practise the Old Ways. The religion is said to have been passed down through generations and has its roots in the making of deals with powerful beings locally known as Djinns.
The people of Sinai believe that by making offerings and entering into agreements with the Djinns, they can gain power, wealth, and protection.
There are very few big celebrations, as it is often a private and individualized practice. However, there are certain times of the year when the people of Sinai come together to honour their ancestors and the Djinns with whom they have made alliances. During these times, they may offer the Djinns food, drink, and other gifts in exchange for their continued protection and blessings.
Despite their individualized nature, the Old Ways are a fundamental aspect of Sinai's culture and identity. Many consider them a source of great power and wisdom, and those who practise them are respected and revered in their communities.
There is one communal celebration: the Festival of the Djinns. It is held every year with each city-state hosting it in turn. People from all over the nation come to participate in the festivities. The festival lasts three days and three nights, and is marked by music, dancing, feasting, and other revelries.
During the festival, the people of Sinai make offerings of precious stones, rare herbs, and other valuable items, which they place on special shrines set up in nearby oases. They also light candles and incense, and recite prayers and invocations to the Djinns.
In their daily lives, the Sinaites honour the Djinns with simple rituals. Generally, people create small altars in their homes, using stones, sand, and any other materials they have on hand. They light incense and place offerings of food and other meaningful items on the altar as a sign of respect and gratitude to the Djinns.
When making deals with the Djinns, Sinaites traditionally chose the tributum, as it represents, according to them, an honourable bargain. They generally distrust people adorning a fatum since it is often a sign of reneging on a deal with the Djinns.
Rites and Beliefs
Sinaites wear clothing that reflects the arid desert climate of their homeland, with loose, flowing garments that offer both protection from the sun and freedom of movement, such as tunics and pants made of lightweight cotton or linen, with long sleeves and loose, billowy cuts that allow for easy movement. They appreciate intricate embroidery, beading, and other embellishments adorning their garments. They usually cover their heads to protect them from the sun.
More affluent citizens wear elaborate fine silk or satin clothing, with jewel-toned hues and luxurious textures. These garments often feature intricate patterns and embroidery in gold or silver thread, highlighting the wearer's wealth and status.
Warriors don sturdy leather armour in battle, often adorned with decorative metal plates and studs.
Aesthetics
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Michel Hudon
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
Photo: Yves Bériault
The 5 city-states of Sinai are governed by powerful, wealthy individuals known as Merchant Princes. The title of Merchant Prince is passed down to the eldest child regardless of their gender. They are well respected and influential figures within the region, known for their exceptional negotiation skills, involvement in high-stakes trade deals, and political intrigues.
Their cunning and competitive nature have enabled them to amass significant wealth and influence, making them essential players in Sinai's economic and political landscapes. The Merchant Princes are not to be underestimated, as their decisions can have far-reaching consequences, from shaping the fortunes of individual businesses to influencing the fate of their respective cities.
Overall, the Merchant Princes of Sinai are powerful forces. Their combination of wealth, power, and influence make them highly influential figures in the region. Their competitive nature ensures that they will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of Sinai for years to come.
Organization
Black Sea Company: Masters of the seas and skilled negotiators. We will do well to maintain good relations.
City of Septis: When you play with fire, you get burned… They got what they deserved.
Dai Shikai Teikoku: Their refugees are already trying to impose their vision in Avallar... We need to keep an eye on them.
Forest Folks: They are formidable allies in the desert but it’s difficult to know if they can be trusted.
Inheritors Empire: Despite what they want people to believe, their Church’s coffers are always full.
Kingdom of Albion: Our commercial exchanges remain beneficial, no doubt thanks to our common beliefs.
Kingdom of Thessaly: They know how to recognize the value of an individual and the beauty of works of art. They are effective partners.
Kouznets Union: They lost their homes and lands, and must beg for crumbs to survive. What a pity...
Relations with other nations
The Damascene Bank is the most powerful and influential institution in Sinai. The bank is known for its expertise in finance, investment, and trade, and its merchants are highly respected throughout the nation.
The bank is headquartered in the city of Avallar, but has branches in each of the other four city-states. It serves as a central hub for economic activity in Sinai, overseeing and facilitating the flow of goods, services, and wealth across the nation.
Despite its power and influence, the Damascene Bank is shrouded in mystery and secrecy, with many rumours and legends surrounding its origins and activities. Some say that it was founded by powerful mages, while others believe it is controlled by a secret cabal. Regardless of the truth, the bank is an essential partner in the prosperity of the region.
The Damascene Bank finances the 5 main merchants’ guilds in the nation:
THE ARTISANS’ CONSORTIUM
This guild of crafters and artisans is responsible for creating the exquisite works of art and fine craftsmanship that are synonymous with Sinai. Members of the Artisan's Consortium are skilled in a wide range of trades, from pottery and glassblowing to metalworking and woodworking. They are highly respected for their ability to create beautiful and functional objects that are prized throughout the nation.
THE BLADES OF SINAI
This guild of mercenaries is feared and respected throughout the nation. Members of the Blades of Sinai are known for their combat skills and their fierce loyalty to their employer. They are often hired by the Merchant Princes to protect their interests. They are a formidable force on the battlefield.
THE CARAVAN GUILD
This guild of merchants is responsible for the bulk of the trade that takes place in Sinai. Members of the Caravan Guild are skilled negotiators and traders, and they are known for their ability to navigate the treacherous desert landscape and bring valuable goods and resources to the cities.
THE CRYSTAL SOCIETY
This guild of gemcutters is responsible for cutting and polishing the precious stones extracted from the mines of Medisha. The members of the Crystal Society are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and artistic talent, and they are highly valued for their ability to transform rough stones into works of art.
THE ORDER OF THE CELESTIAL ELIXIR
This guild of alchemists is one of the most respected and influential in Sinai and in all of Argon. Members of the guild are known to possess great knowledge of the mystical properties of the crystal flowers found in the oases, and they use this knowledge to create powerful elixirs that are highly sought after by merchants, nobles, and even the ruling princes themselves.
Guilds
AVALLAR
Located on the coast of the Valaary Sea, Avallar is the largest city in Sinai and a centre of maritime trade. Its bustling port is filled with ships from all over the world, and its markets abound with exotic goods from distant lands. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, with people of many cultures and languages living side by side. The streets resound with the sounds of merchants haggling over prices and sailors telling tales of their adventures at sea.
Merchant Prince: Rabi Jabbar
DHAZAN
Dhazan's wealth comes from its indentured labour trade, most of which is used to maintain the alchemical laboratories and different toxic vats. Towering chimneys dominate the city's skyline, and the air is thick with smoke and fumes. The poor work in the factories, while the wealthy live in walled estates on the city's outskirts. The sounds of machinery and the shouts of overseers fill the streets.
Merchant Prince: Amru Al-Zakaria
MEDISHA
Medisha is a city built on wealth, with precious stones extracted from its mines. The palace, located on a high plateau overlooking the city, is said to be built around the largest diamond in the world. The city's wealthy elite live in grand mansions, while the poorer residents work in the mines or as servants in luxurious homes. Despite the wealth, there is a sense of unease in the air, as if the glittering jewels are a cover for something darker.
Merchant Prince: Yusef Tahi
RAKTHO
Raktho is a city built inside a magical cave in a forest that regenerates to its original state once a year. The city is designed to take advantage of the raw materials that are available in abundance, and it is home to many skilled artisans and craftsmen who work with stone, metal, and wood. The streets are narrow and winding, with buildings carved into the rock, and the air vibrates with the sounds of hammers and chisels. Once a year, the leaders evacuate the city as the forest regenerates, and, during this time, all the citizens celebrate a great festival outside the cave.
Merchant Prince: Aly Ghazali
ZAKRIT
A city oasis located in the north of the desert, Zakrit is a place where large amounts of drugs and magic plants can be found, grown, and sold. The drug trade is busy here, with merchants selling all sorts of potions, powders, and elixirs that promise to heal, harm, or alter reality. The streets are filled with colourful stalls and people with glazed eyes, lost in their world.
Merchant Prince: Reshma Hanadi