Ylaruam is a desert region bounded to the north, west, and south by mountains and to the east by the sea. To the north across a mountain range is the nation called the Soderfjord Jarldoms. To the north and west, across a mountain range, is Rockhome. To the west, through passes in the mountains, is the Republic of Darokin. To the south and west across the snow-capped Altan Tepes mountains, is the Grand Duchy of Karameikos. Due south, across the Altan Tepes mountains, is the Empire of Thyatis. Due west, across the sea, is the Isle of Dawn.
Ylaruam is a land of deserts. These deserts range from sand seas in the central region (where it is rumored that fire spirits are responsible for maintaining the desert lands), to rocky deserts near the mountains, and even a dry savanna to the west. Blue dragons are occaisionally sighted throughout the land, but (fortunately) not at very close range.
The central region is a vast sand sea with rock outcroppings, sand dunes, salt flats, and barren hard-packed plains. There are widely separated oases, water holes, and dry wadis (that flood once a year when it rains). Cities have developed near permanent oases. These regions might receive one rainstorm each year (often several years will pass without a storm). These storms are awesome with heavy rain, hail, high winds and lightning. There are frequent sandstorms that can bury the unwary. Severe sandstorms are rare, and are often accompanied by lightning and tornadoes. Dunes vipers and black cobras are deadly inhabitants of the desert. Scorpions and desert spiders can also be found hunting their prey. Rumors abound of the huge sandworms that inhabit the deepest desert regions.
The coastal plains receive significant rains due to onshore moisture flow. These lands are semi-arid with grasses, shrubs, pasture land, copses of coniferous trees, and good agriculture. Here the rainy season is winter and spring. There are many beautiful songbirds in this region. Ostriches inhabit the southern area of this region.
To the west is the Ust-Urt Valley that also receives good rainfall from mountain storms.
Nithia and Dythestenia have significant plateau-lands that are semi-arid with sparse populations clustered around trade routes and mining camps. Violent rainstorms often produce flash flooding. There are copses of scrub-junipers and wild olives in these lands. Wild antelope and gazelle form the game animals of these regions. There are cheetah, jackal, lion, and wolves in these lands. The giant roc makes its home in the mountains to the south of Dythestenia. Large lizards are common and are a delicacy. Immense lizards have been reported in the southwestern regions.
Nithians are short, light humans with little body hair and red wavy facial and head hair. They tend to keep to themselves, those that are not bandits that is.
The Makistani are descended from the fierce nomadic horse warriors of Ethengar Khanates. They too are short with eye-folds and dark hair. They have a deserved reputation as expert horsemen.
The Alasiyans are predominant in the region. They are tall, thin, and dark-haired. They are followers of the Eternal Faith as told by Al-Khalim in the Nahmeh, a holy book..
The largest Emirate is located in the depths of the central desert region. Alasiya is centered on the national capitol Ylaruam with its population of 20,000 and its palaces, religious sanctuaries and zawiyas (religious hostels), fine craftsmen, numerous shops, and the University of Ylaruam. Ylari steel swords have a reputation as the finest in the Known World. There are also the tribal seats of Kuznetz (with a population of 1,050), Deraan (with a population of 1,100), Sulba (with a population of 1,000), Tel al Kebir (with a population of 1,900), and Hedjazi (with a population of 1,200).
The Emirate of Abbashan is centered on the town of Abbashan with its population of 4,300 and is said to be a good place to acquire cheap weapons and armor. This Emirate seems to be quite hostile towards outsiders. Jaboor is a trading port with a population of 2,000. Fabia is another trading port with a population of 2,500. This is the home of the sect called Thugs.
The Emirate of Nithia is based mostly on the coastal town of Surra-Man-Raa with its population of 2,000. The other town is in the highlands, Cinsa-Men-Noo with its population of 1,100. Despite the efforts of the Emir murderous bandits, brigands, and pirates still roam freely through the Emirate. The emirate is also plagued by illegal trade in archaeological artifacts. It is rumored that Magian Fire Worshippers can still be found in remote regions.
The Emirate of Makistan is based around the town of Parsa with its population of 2,000. There are also the three towns of Warqa, Uruk, and Anram, each with a population of 1,500. Unlike most urban areas there are no walls around these towns. Their blankets, rugs, tents and composite bows and armor are sought after the world around. The region is also known for dwarven and gnome craftsmen and their sorcerors. Sorcerors often ride great eagles and giant hawks.
The Emirate of Nicostenia is centered on the port of Tameronikas, a city of 4,000 inhabitants. There is also the port of Cubis with its population of 1,000. Bandits can be encountered along the coastal regions.
The Emirate of Dythestenia has its capitol in Ctesiphon with a population of 1,000. The Emirate is know for its mines and its fortresses to fight off the humanoid tribes and giants from the Atlan Tepes mountains. Humanoid tribes of Bugbears, Goblins, Hobgoblins, Kobolds, Orcs, and Trolls. There are also groups of hill and stone giants. Griffons also hunt the region.
The land is quite magical and djinn can be found just about anywhere, as they frequently visit. Blue and gold dragons can be found in remote wilderness areas, most often they are found in Makistan. There are a few cities in the clouds with Faeries, Cloud Giants, Hippogriffs, Pegasus. Gargoyles are often found in ruins.
There is a dragon kingdom called Almaruddya, with its king Marudi—a huge blue dragon.
The First Emperor of Thyatis is crowned. Alasiyans settle along the coastal plain and in desert oases.
The Makistani settle in the Ust-Urt valley.
Thyatians drive the Alasiyans out of the southern coastal region and the northern foothills of the Altan Tepes mountains.
The Thyatian colonies thrive. The Alasiyans are driven out of the northern and coastal regions by the Alphatians.
Nearly constant warfare begins between Thyatian and Alphatian colonies. Alasiyan tribes also constantly fight among themselves. The colonies begin to decline.
Al-Kalim is born.
Al-Kalim captures Ylaruam from the Alphatians.
The Aphatians lose Cinsa-Man-Noo, Parsa, Ctesiphon as the tribes of the Alisiyan and Makistani unite.
The Alphatians are defeated at the siege of Jaboor.
The war for liberation from the Thyatians is begun.
Thyatians are defeated at the siege of Tameronikas.
Confederated Tribes of the Emirates of Ylaruam is established.
Al-Kalim makes his pilgrimage to the Immortals and begins his path to immortality.
The Nahmeh is composed.
The Eternal University and the Council of Preceptors is established.
Al-Kalim retires from public life.
Al-Kalim dies.
The great hero Gruzz and his companions including Illsensine and Marudi wipe out the main concentration of Magian Fire Worshippers.
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