AQL | Malikdom of Aatesh
Aatesh is a southern land that borders Valamyr, and is separated from the Ashmedean Empire by the narrow Osotho Strait. Over the centuries, it has waged frequent wars against the Empire.
Although Aatesh is vast, most of its territory consists of the Wraithsands, an enormous desert too hot and dry to be populated by anyone but a few hardy nomads. On the cooler coastal edges of the Wraithsands, and at a few lush oases, the grand, populous and colourful cities of Aatesh endure, each ruled by its own Emir.
Aatesh as a whole is ruled by a Malik, the animal-loving Urzim XI, who dwells within the fabulous Palace-Menagerie. Although deep in the desert, the Palace-Menagerie is fed by complex irrigation systems, meaning it is surrounded by vast and resplendent gardens, and dotted with sparkling fountains. Animals of all kinds imported from across the known world wander the Palace-Menagerie and are specially trained not to prey upon each other (though accidents do happen, usually to some unlucky servant).
The Malik is served by a legion of spies, bureaucrats and emissaries, known collectively as the pearl-bearers. They are so-called because one of their eyes has been replaced by a gleaming pearl, which is rumoured to give them magic insights.
The capital city of Aatesh is Bezekhem, one of the largest and oldest cities in the world. Bezekhem was once cursed by a dragon, whose breath turned half of its citizens to stone. Hundreds of ancient statues still dot the city streets to this day, weathered and dust-blown, and often dressed in amusing costumes by the locals or used as convenient places to hang shop-signs.
Some other tidbits:
Aatesh is home to many creatures, including Scorpion-cats, Blemmyes, Cani and Sand Giants. Many Bronze Giants have been enslaved by the humans of Aatesh and are used to perform menial tasks that require brute strength, or as engines of war.
Aatesh and Ashmede have fought numerous wars, with one triggering the invasion of the March that brought it into the Kingdom 's arms
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- AQL | Ashmedean Empire
- AQL | City-State of Danea
- AQL | Hegemony of Valamyr
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- AQL | Kingdom of Tavallin
- AQL | Principality of Berick
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- AQL | Principality of Squerb
- AQL | Principality of Wrannith
- AQL | Principality of Zher
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