Akuba

The parched desert is littered with yellow grasses barely surviving by means of occasional rains driven from the ocean that nearly surrounds this long, westward-jutting peninsula at the end of the great continent of Mandragoria. Ruled for centuries by powerful Sorcerer Houses, Akuba is laden with a treacherous legal code, called the Zakiya, that enables the indifference of the privileged and elite at the expense of the poor masses and foreigners.

Ancient desert nomads gave way to powerful cultists who rose in power by means of their agreements with diabolic entities, in time amassing followers and great houses. These Sorcerous Houses fought among themselves but equally became self-interested allies, gradually conquering the surrounding tribes and nomads until Akuba became united under a single ruling power.

Akuban Language

The most widely spoken language is the native Akuban, the tongue of the indigenous humans.

Terub

Main article: Terub (City)

Terub is the great capital city of Akuba and of the Terubian Empire. Its dizzying heights are dominated by skycraper towers.

Zersha Dwarves

Main article: Zersha Dwarves

In the great battle of an ancient war between Akuba and the kingdom of the Zersha Dwarves of Daushra, victory for the Terubian Sorcerers was swift and merciless. As part of the unconditional terms of surrender, the dwarves were granted the choice between execution or slavery. The king and the nobles chose death, but many of the commoners chose servitude. Since that time, the zersha dwarves have been slaves to Terubian Empire, working their craft to make weapons and armaments for its terrible war machine. Male dwarves were obliged to have their beards removed and cauterized as part of their humiliation. The same treatment for female dwarves’ hair was required, thus female dwarves are bald and male dwarves are beardless with head hair. Many revolts have been attempted, but most are discovered and extinguished before they can burn bright by Terubia's extensive intelligence network. Those who escape create and wear prosthetic golden beards and hair to cover their shame and as a badge of their newly won freedom.

A handful of families during the ancient war cooperated with the Terubian Ruler and were spared. They are now hated by the enslaved Zersha dwarves. Some of the free Zersha quietly wish to help liberate their enslaved Zersha brothers.

Harati

Main article: Harati

A nomadic sect of desert mystics who visit Terub betimes from the desert. They are regarded with mistrust and suspicion by the rulers of Terub, but some of their number have become wealthy merchants and powerful sorcerers.

Gamsabia is not part of Akuba but lies east of Akuba.

See Also

• Joturnia
• Terub (City)