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--- atlas:turan [2013/02/06 03:02]
jundara
+++ atlas:turan [2021/12/03 23:36] (current)
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 ====== Turan ======
-<div class="floatright">
-<img src="./images/m_nationmap_Turan.gif" alt="Map of Turanian Empire" border="0">
-</div>
+Turan is the only nation in the Realms that also controls territory outside of the continent. The Turanian shipping fleet makes even the [[atlas:Xian]] navy appear small. However, unlike the Xian, the Turanian fleet is comprised of eighty percent trade and slave ships. There is no direct threat to their empire from the sea, so most of the warships are designed to stop pirates and smugglers.
-<div class="story">
-<p>Fluffy story</p>
-</DIV>
+===== History =====
+The Turanians are the choses people of the god Uhl. In ancient times, Uhl denied them their paradise for their arrogance in questioning his will. They saw themselves as equals and sought to elevate themselves to divinity. Uhl was angered by their arrogance and planned to strike them down. Before killing them, he spoke to those that remained faithful — he bade them to build large ships and sail towards the evening sun. As their paradise was bathed in fiery water, the ships sped past the horizon.
-<P>The only
+Uhl had promised his humble followers a second homeland, where they could live off the bounty of his sea. It was written that Uhl had placed the secret of everything within the sea and stars. When his people people could solve the secrets, gates to a new paradise would open before them.
-nation in the Realms that also controls territory outside of the continent, the
-Turanian shipping fleet makes even the Xian navy appear small. However, unlike
-the Xian the Turanian fleet is comprised of eighty percent trade and slave
-ships. There is no direct threat to their empire from the sea so most of the
-warships are designed to stop pirate and smugglers.</p>
-<h3>History</h3>
+As Uhl’s breath guided their ships and his hands steadied the sea, the people of Turan continued their journey west. Thier travels ended at the birth of the seventh generation since the exile from paradice. As the small boy was born the lookout announced land sighted on the horizon. It was upon this land that the people built their temples and gave thanks to Uhl.
-<P>For as
+Uhl's people prospered and claimed all of the surrounding land as well. The native people living there were converted to the true faith or killed. Within seven generations, Turan had grown from a band of refugees to a thriving empire. It was then that the astrologers said that it was time to again take to the sea and begin to unlock Uhl’s secret.
-long back as the Turanian history extends they have been without a homeland.
-The earliest writings told of their ancestors living aboard huge ships for
-several generations. Several times these ships were driven towards a shoreline
-as the Turanians searched for a homeland. Each time they were driven off the
-land and back into the sea by the hand of Uhl.</p>
-<P>Uhl had
+The best explorers and shippers set out on a voyage of discovery. For seven months, they studied the stars and waters, looking for the sign of Uhl everywhere. When the lookout announced the sighting of land, they were sure that they had unlocked a piece of the secret. The image of the land matched the exact shape of one of the holy lands of Uhl.
-denied them their paradise for the arrogance of their ancestors in questioning
-his will. They saw themselves as equals and sought to elevate themselves to
-divinity. Uhl was angered by their arrogance and planned to strike them down.
-Before killing them he spoke to those that remained faithful — he bade them to
-build large ships and sail towards the evening sun. As their paradise was
-bathed in fiery water, the ships were past the horizon.</p>
-<P>Uhl
+The natives of the land seemed friendly, but were ignorant of upon whose land they were trespassing. The Turanians tried to speak to them of Uhl, but they would not listen — they only wanted to trinkets the Turanians brought with them.
-promised them a second homeland, where they could live off the bounty of his
-sea. For Uhl had put the secret of everything within the sea and stars and when
-the people solved the secret the gates to a new paradise would open before
-them.</p>
-<P>As
+The Turanians began to teach the children of the true righteous path, but their savage parents attacked. Through the unerring hand of Uhl, the Turanians defeated the savages and pursued them over the [[atlas:Anor Mountains]]. They would have slaughtered all of them, but Uhl is compassionate in victory.
-Uhl’s breath guided their ships and his hands steadied the sea, the people of
-Turan continued their journey west. It was the birth of the seventh generation
-since fleeing their paradise that marked the end of their travels. As the small
-boy was born the lookout announced land sighted on the horizon. It was upon
-this land that the people built their temples and gave thanks to Uhl.</p>
-<P>The
+It was then that the Turanians discovered that many lived in Uhl’s land, some of them non-human races found only on the small islands the Turanians conquered. The Turanians didn’t have the strength to defeat them all, but Uhl was patient and would show his true path in time.
-people prospered and claimed all of the surrounding land as well. The native
-people living there were converted to the true faith or killed. Within seven
-generations Turan had grown from a band of refugees to a thriving empire. It
-was then that the astrologers said that it was time to again take to the sea
-and unlock Uhl’s secret.</p>
-<P>Their
-best explorers and shippers set out on a voyage of discovery. For seven months
-they studies the stars and waters, looking for the sign of Uhl everywhere. When
-the lookout announced the sighting of land they knew they unlocked a piece of
-the secret. The image of the land matched the exact shape of one of the holy
-lands of Uhl.</p>
-<P>The
+===== Land =====
-natives of the land seemed friendly, but were ignorant of upon whose land they
-were trespassing. The Turanians tried to speak to them of Uhl, but they would
-not listen — they only wanted to trinkets the Turanians brought with them.</p>
-<P>The Turanians began to teach the
+The land of Turan in the Realms stretches from the Anor Mountains on the north and west, to the salt marshes on the south. Their eastern border is the sea,although most of the Turanian Empire is actually found well beyond the horizon of the sea to the east.
-children of the true righteous path, but their savage parents attacked. Through
-the unerring hand of Uhl, the Turanians defeated the savages and pursued them
-over the Abjurer Mountains. They would have slaughtered all of them, but Uhl is
-compassionate in victory.</p>
-<P>It was then that the Turanians
+The land itself is a lush oasis surrounded by large dunes of sand and loose dirt. The sandy earth makes it difficult for large forests to survive for long. Instead, the south is mostly large palm trees, known for their shade and oil, while the north is mostly scrubby pines and rocky steppes.
-discovered that many lived in Uhl’s land, some of them non-human races found
-only on the small islands the Turanians conquered. The Turanians didn’t have
-the strength to defeat them all, but Uhl was patient and would show his true
-path in time.</p>
-<h3>Land</h3>
+Although Turan gets plenty of rain, the high salt content and loose soil means there is very little freshwater available on the surface. Most of the fresh water flows from a few underground springs into middling pools scattered about the land. It is here where most of the fruits and nuts are grown to compliment their diet of fish, goat, and reptile.
-<P>The
-land of Turan in the Realms stretches from the Abjurer Mountains on the north
-and west, to the salt marshes on the south. Their eastern border is the sea,
-although most of the Turanian Empire is actually found well beyond the horizon
-of the sea to the east.</p>
-<P>The
+==== Major Cities ====
-land itself is a lush oasis surrounded by large dunes of sand and loose dirt.
-The sandy earth makes it difficult for large forests to survive for long as the
-area is regularly hit by warm tropical storms. Instead, the south is mostly
-large palm trees, known for their shade and oil, while the north is mostly
-scrubby pines and rocky steppes. </p>
-<P>Although
-Turan gets plenty of rain, but the high salt content and loose soil means there
-is very little freshwater available on the surface. Most of the freshwater
-flows from a few underground springs into middling pools scattered about the
-land. It is here where most of the fruits and nuts are grown to compliment
-their diet of fish, goat, and reptile.</p>
-<h3>Major Cities</h3>
+=== Darribar ===
-<h4>Darribar</h4>
+Capitol of Turan and all their western holdings, the city of Darribar literally means “Jewel of the West”. Its large white towers are topped with the golden minarets commonly found in Turan; however, instead of being simple guilt they are made from solid gold. The large central bazaar, a huge deep water port, and the FirstTemple of Uhl are just a few of the reasons many Turanians visit this city.
-<P>Capitol
-of Turan and all their western holdings, the city of Darribar literally means
-&quot;Jewel of the West.&quot; Its large white towers are topped with the golden minarets
-commonly found in Turan; however, instead of being simple guilt they are made
-from solid gold. The large central bazaar, huge deep water port, and First
-Temple of Uhl are just a few of the reasons many Turanians visit this city.</p>
-<h4>Uhlan</h4>
+=== Uhlan ==
-<P>This
+This city is called the “Face of Uhl” and is where the original settlers landed. Carved into a bluff just south of this town is the symbol of Uhl that predates the settlers’ first arrival. When they saw this sign they knew they had reached the place of Uhl. Most Turanians visit Uhlan at least once in their lives to reaffirm their commitment to Uhl. Many of the travelers through this city are religious teachers from other Turanian commonwealths across the sea.
-city is called the “Face of Uhl” and is where the original settlers landed.
-Carved into a bluff just south of this town is the symbol of Uhl that predates
-the settlers’ first arrival. When they saw this sign they knew they had reached
-the place of Uhl. Most Turanians visit Uhlan at least once in their lives to
-reaffirm their commitment to Uhl. Many of the travelers through this city are
-religious teachers from other Turanian commonwealths across the sea.</p>
-<h4>Rashaman</h4>
-<P>This
+=== Rashaman ===
-small city is the most southern Turanian City, Rashaman is located next to a
-large freshwater pool just north of the salt marshes. How it stays fresh this
-close to the marshes is a secret that has remained closed. This city is where
-the central library of the stars is located and where all astrologers are
-trained. Called the &quot;City of Stars,&quot; Rashaman’s main interest lies in piercing
-the veil around the salt marshes and uncovering the city at its center.</p>
-<h3>Landmarks</h3>
+This small city is the most southern Turanian City, Rashaman is located next to a large freshwater pool just north of the salt marshes. How it stays fresh this close to the marshes is a secret that has remained closed. This city is where the central library of the stars is located and where all astrologers are trained. Called the “City of Stars”, Rashaman’s main interest lies in piercing the veil around the salt marshes and uncovering the city at its center.
-<h3>Neighbors</h3>
-<h4>Kresh</h4>
+==== Neighbors ====
-<P>People
-believe the Kreshites range from simple religious monks to evil heretics. The
-religious leaders see the Kreshites as heretics that have turned their backs on
-Uhl, just as their ancestors did before their paradise was destroyed; however,
-most people view them as simple monks that are exploring a different view of
-Uhl.</p>
-<P>Several times the Followers of Uhl
+=== Kresh ===
-have tried to storm their mountain dojos and put them to the torch, but each
+//Main Article: [[atlas:Kresh]]//
-time the fickle hand of fate twisted against them. The clam between them does
-not signal the end of the temple’s activities — instead they are trying to
-gather what few mountain warriors still live and send them to root out the
-traitors.</p>
-<h4>Red Wolves</h4>
+People believe the Kreshites range from simple religious monks to evil heretics. The religious leaders see the Kreshites as heretics that have turned their backs on Uhl, just as their ancestors did before their paradise was destroyed. However,most people view them as simple monks that are exploring a different view of Uhl.
-<P>The
+Several times the Followers of Uhl have tried to storm their mountain dojos and put them to the torch, but each time the fickle hand of fate twisted against them. The calm between raids does not signal the end of the temple’s activities — instead they are trying to gather what few mountain warriors still live and send them to root out the traitors.
-Turanians and Red Wolves have fought several fierce battles, with neither side
-able to finally achieve victory. The Turanians rule the deserts and gentle
-hills of their homeland, while the Red Wolves command the Abjurer Mountains. It
-is only through the faith of Uhl that the Turanians have not lost the gap for
-the southern trade route.</p>
-<h4>Sithara</h4>
-<P>The
+=== Red Wolves ===
-Turanians know the shoag are hiding one of the secrets of Uhl, but they have
-not been able to find it. The shoag are very territorial and resist all
-attempts to take their land by force. Instead, they kill those that are foolish
-enough to enter their lands. The last explorers to enter their lands never
-returned, but are presumed dead.</p>
-<h4>Tarak</h4>
+The Turanians and [[atlas:Red Wolves]] have fought several fierce battles, with neither side able to finally achieve victory. The Turanians rule the deserts and gentle hills of their homeland, while the Red Wolves command the Anor Mountains. It is only through the will of Uhl that the Turanians have not lost the gap for the southern trade route.
-<P>Since
-most of their purchases and sales travel by sea, the Tarakian pirates are a
-particular concern. While most of the Turanians traders carry a single
-ballista, this is not always adequate to fend off a particular nasty pirate. To
-keep the pirates from attacking every ship, the Turanians have outfitted some of
-their warships to appear as merchant vessels, while other merchants travel in
-small groups watched over by a single warship.</p>
-<h2>Culture</h2>
+=== Sithara ===
+//Main Article: [[atlas:Sithara]]//
-<P>Everything
+The Turanians know the [[creatures::shoag]] are hiding one of the secrets of Uhl; but they have not been able to find it. The shoag are very territorial and resist all attempts to take their land by force. Instead, they kill those that are foolish enough to enter their lands. The last explorers to enter their lands never returned, but are presumed dead.
-about Turan centers on the secrets of Uhl and the keys into paradise. This requires
-a strong educational system, with everyone required to study both numbers and
-letters. The Turanians have built extensive libraries, academies, and schools
-to teach those Turanians with a desire to learn.</p>
-<P>In reality, most of the population
-is still kept poor and stupid, considered not worthy entering paradise.
-Instead, all of these buildings are only open to those with money, political,
-or religious connections.There is a
-very large gap between the poor and rich Turanian with the strong central religion
-and clear afterlife in paradise to keep the poor under control.</p>
-<h3>Populace</h3>
+=== Tarakian Islands ===
+//Main Article: [[atlas:Tarakian Islands]]//
-<P>Like the Xianese, the Turanians are
+Since most of their purchases and sales travel by sea, the [[atlas:Tarakian Islands]] pirates are of particular concern to the Turanians. [[atlas:Talarak]] is well known to prey on merchants, so while most of the Turanians traders carry a single ballista; this is not always adequate to fend off a particular nasty pirate. To keep the pirates from attacking every ship, the Turanians have outfitted some of their warships to appear as merchant vessels; while other merchants travel in small flotillas watched over by a single warship.
-quite different physically from the other human nationalities in the Realms.
-They are shorter, averaging 5’5", with a skin tone that appears as sun
-weathered leather complimented by very dark eyes. In contrast they favor
-brilliantly colored clothes, typically in several thinner layers as opposed to
-the heavy leather and fur in other nations.</p>
-<P>Turan is a male dominated society built around the power of the
-extended family. The honor and wealth of the family determines is place in
-society.Wealth and long-standing
-family traditions is more important within the cities, where the true power of
-the nation is held.The centers of
-trade and religion are all found in the largest cities where the wealthiest
-Satraps overlook their lands.</p>
-<P>Among the poorer Turanians living
+==== Culture ====
-in the northwestern Abjurer Mountains a man’s word and the adherence to Uhl are
-more powerful than wealth. A man must be humble before Uhl, compassionate to
-his enemies, and respectful to strangers. A woman must be subservient to her
-man, supplicate to Uhl, and bountiful of children. These ideas form the pillars
-of society outside of the cities.</p>
-<h4>Honor</h4>
+Everything about Turan centers on the secrets of Uhl and the keys into paradise. This requires a strong educational system, with everyone required to study both numbers and letters. The Turanians have built extensive libraries, academies, and schools to teach those Turanians with a desire to learn.
-<P>Honor is one the strongest aspects of
+In reality, most of the population is still kept poor and stupid, considered not worthy entering paradise. Instead, all of these buildings are only open to those with money, political,or religious connections. There is a very large gap between the poor and rich Turanians with the strong central religion and clear message of afterlife in paradise to keep the poor under control.
-society and is reflected in a man’s word. Uhl defines this honor as adherence
-to his words, strength in battle, and compassion for those below you. Blood
-feuds that last several generations over matters of honor are not uncommon.
-There is even honor in thievery, since using
-just your wits and skill to outwit an opponent is considered very honorable;
-however, an assassin has no honor.</p>
-<h4>Wealth</h4>
-<P>As
+==== Populace ====
-honor is important among the lower class, wealth is important to the upper
-class. This wealth is often reflected in how little a man’s wives has to work.
-A wealthy man will have bodyguards to protect their honor while they shop in
-the market. A man with even more wealth will have servants fetch those things
-she wants from the market, care for the house, and prepare the meals.</p>
-<P>The very wealthy have extensive
+Like the Xianese; the Turanians are quite different physically from the other human nationalities in the Realms. They are shorter, averaging 5’5", with a skin tone that appears as sun weathered leather complimented by very dark eyes. In contrast they favor brilliantly colored clothes, typically in several thinner layers as opposed to the heavy leather and fur in other nations.
-harems of women so that the wife’s only responsibility is to give birth to a
+Turan is a male dominated society built around the power of the extended family. The honor and wealth of the family determines is place in society. Wealth and long-standing family traditions is more important within the cities, where the true power of the nation is held. The centers of trade and religion are all found in the largest cities where the wealthiest Satraps overlook their lands.
-male heir. Those that are wealthy must have the multiple blessings of Uhl upon
+Among the poorer Turanians living in the northwestern Anor Mountains, a man’s word and the adherence to Uhl are more powerful than wealth. A man must be humble before Uhl, compassionate to his enemies, and respectful to strangers. A woman must be subservient to her man, supplicate to Uhl, and bountiful of children. These ideas form the pillars of society outside of the cities.
-their household; therefore, wealth is more important than honor within the
-political structure.</p>
-<h3>Rulers</h3>
-<P>Those
+=== Honor ===
-who rule Turan, from each household to the palace are men. Women are always
-subservient to men; although their men, or those responsible for their safety,
-are expected to defend their honor when necessary. </p>
-<h4>Sultan</h4>
+Honor is one the strongest aspects of society and is reflected in a man’s word. Uhl defines this honor as adherence to his words, strength in battle, and compassion for those below you. Blood feuds that last several generations over matters of honor are not uncommon. There is even honor in thievery, since using just your wits and skill to outwit an opponent is considered very honorable;however, an assassin has no honor.
-<P>This man rules all of Turan from
-the capital city of Darribar. Like his western counterparts he must balance the
-power and position of the Satrap under him. However, unlike the west Turan has
-never seen any open rebellion — which is believed to be from their strong
-central religion. However, this is a two-edged sword since this makes the
-church a powerful political entity.</p>
-<P>The Sultan maintains the largest
+=== Wealth ===
-army in Turan, but it still can’t compare to many of the armies of the western
-nations. Instead, it is designed to be a balance against the rebellion of one
-or more Satraps. Each Satrap has their own personal army and while no single
-Satrap has a larger army than the Sultan, several of them combined do. During
-times of war the Sultan will call upon the each Satrap to give him command of
-their personal army, which gives him the largest army in the Realms.</p>
-<h4>Satrap</h4>
+As honor is important among the lower class, wealth is important to the upper class. This wealth is often reflected in how little a man’s wives has to work. A wealthy man will have bodyguards to protect their honor while they shop in the market. A man with even more wealth will have servants fetch those things she wants from the market, care for the house, and prepare the meals.
-<P>The
+The very wealthy have extensive harems of women so that the wife’s only responsibility is to give birth to a male heir. Those that are wealthy must have the multiple blessings of Uhl upon their household; therefore, wealth is more important than honor within the political structure.
-Satrap holds the real power of Turan through a combination of wealth, marriage,
-and political machinations. Each Satrap is expected to rule their territory to
-bring the greatest honor and glory to the Sultan. In reality, they rule to
-bring themselves closer to the peak of power. Since all Satraps have a
-bloodline to the Sultan, any of them could become the next Sultan if the
-current Sultan dies without a male heir.</p>
-<P>Few
-Sultans discourage the political in fighting that takes place between the
-Satraps, preferring them fighting each other rather than in open rebellion to
-his rule. However, there have been times when the Sultan has been forced to
-send some of his personal troops to quell the matter.</p>
-<h4>Hetman</h4>
+=== Rulers ===
-<P>This is the ruler of the extended
+Those who rule Turan, from each household to the palace are men. Women are always subservient to men; although their men, or those responsible for their safety,are expected to defend their honor when necessary.
-families found in the northwestern Abjurer Mountains. The Turanians in the
-mountain accept no Satrap as their ruler, instead only following the will of Uhl.
-The Hetmen is the oldest male or the oldest male of the most powerful faction
-of the family. He is responsible for the group and any setback could be viewed
-as a slap at his honor.</p>
-<h4>Women</h4>
+== Sultan ==
-<P>Unlike
+This man rules all of Turan from the capital city of Darribar. Like his western counterparts, he must balance the power and position of the Satrap under him. However, unlike the west Turan has never seen any open rebellion — which is believed to be from their strong central religion. This is a two-edged sword since this makes the church a powerful political entity.
-many of the cultures from the Realms, women within Turanian society have no
-real place of existence. They are not slaves or servants; instead they can
-travel freely through Turan if accompanied by a male relative or household
-servant. These laws tend to be more strongly enforced among the poorer areas of
-Turan.</p>
-<P>Women
+The Sultan maintains the largest army in Turan, but it still can’t compare to many of the armies of the western nations. Instead, it is designed to be a balance against the rebellion of one or more Satraps. Each Satrap has their own personal army and while no single Satrap has a larger army than the Sultan, several of them combined do. During times of war, the Sultan will call upon the each Satrap to give him command of their personal army, which then gives him the largest army in the Realms.
-in the lower classes must do more work as they also cook, clean, and maintain
-the household. Since most of the males are out working or tending the fields,
-several households share the younger males to escort them to the market for
-their goods. The women of richer households seem completely different, often
-seen in public in sheer silks and oiled eunuchs for bodyguards.</p>
-<P>Although
+== Satrap ==
-religion is the most important aspect of life for a Turanian, women are not
-allowed to worship Uhl with the men. Instead, a smaller religious ceremony is
-held within the house of a married woman by one of the priests. A woman’s place
-in paradise is determined by her husband’s place &mdash; if he will be rich in
-paradises then so will she, if he is denied paradise then so is she.</p>
-<h3>Economy</h3>
+The Satrap holds the real power of Turan through a combination of wealth, marriage,and political machinations. Each Satrap is expected to rule their territory to bring the greatest honor and glory to the Sultan. In reality, they rule tobring themselves closer to the peak of power. Since all Satraps have a bloodline to the Sultan, any of them could become the next Sultan if the current Sultan dies without a male heir.
-<P>The
+Few Sultans discourage the political in fighting that takes place between the Satraps, preferring them fighting each other rather than in open rebellion to his rule. However, there have been times when the Sultan has been forced to send some of his personal troops to quell the matter.
-Turanian economy is built on trade and an expansive empire. While the small
-part of the empire located in the Realms has not managed to expand since its
-founding, the rest of the empire has nearly doubled in size. It is not
-inconceivable that the sun never sets on the Turanian Empire.</p>
-<P>Given
+== Hetman ==
-the size of the empire there is a great deal of trade that passes between
-various lands of the empire. The realms are most interested in purchasing
-dwarven metals, elven carvings, and various items of magic. While Uhl forbids
-the use of magical items, his writings do not forbid the trade of these items.</p>
-<h4>Goods</h4>
+This is the ruler of the extended families found in the northwestern Anor Mountains. The Turanians in the mountain accept no Satrap as their ruler, instead only following the will of Uhl. The Hetmen is the oldest male or the oldest male of the most powerful faction of the family. He is responsible for the group and any setback could be viewed as a slap at his honor.
-<P>The
-Turanians trade a great deal of goods that have never been seen before in the
-realms. The most profitable items have been ivory, strange animals, slaves from
-foreign lands, teas, coffees, and cocoas. Unlike the rest of the realms that
-spends most of their manpower on the creation of goods, the Turanians gain
-wealth by trading.</p>
-<P>Given that Irill is the most
+=== Women ===
-eastern of the nations and has an extensive road network, the Turanians have
-signed exclusive trading deals with their merchants. It’s Irillian merchants
-that must make the trek through the bronze sea and trade for goods in Turanian
-markets. Then the merchants must travel back to sell the goods, which has given
-Irill the enviable position as the trading center of the realms.</p>
-<P>This was a compromise between the
+Unlike many of the cultures from the Realms, women within Turanian society have no real place of existence. They are not slaves or servants; instead they can travel freely through Turan if accompanied by a male relative or household servant. These laws tend to be more strongly enforced among the poorer areas of Turan.
-needs of the nation and the wealth of trading with other nations — and the
-desires of the church, which considers other religions to be more akin to devil
-worship. The Turanian markets are only to Turanians of faith; however, the
-Irillian merchants can buy and sell on the docks or just outside the city.</p>
-<h3>Military</h3>
+Women in the lower classes must do more work as they also cook, clean, and maintain the household. Since most of the males are out working or tending the fields,several households share the younger males to escort them to the market for their goods. The women of richer households seem completely different, often seen in public in sheer silks and oiled eunuchs for bodyguards.
-<P>Given
+Although religion is the most important aspect of life for a Turanian, women are not allowed to worship Uhl with the men. Instead, a smaller religious ceremony is held within the house of a married woman by one of the priests. A woman’s place in paradise is determined by her husband’s place. If he will be rich in paradises then so will she, if he is denied paradise then so is she.
-the combined military might of the Sultan and each Satrap the Turanian military
-is the strongest in the Realms. However, no Satrap would ever give the Sultan
-their entire army during a war, as this would leave them vulnerable to attack
-from their neighboring Satraps. Instead, it is typical that the Satrap would
-commit less than half of their forces.</p>
-<P>The
+=== Economy ===
-second thing that keeps the Turanians from sweeping the other nations aside is
-the great distance they must travel to reach the other realms. This stretches
-their supply line a long distance through hostile territory. The Turanians have
-learned the futility of expanding their empire to cover the western realms.</p>
-<h4>Empire</h4>
+The Turanian economy is built on trade and an expansive empire. While the small part of the empire located in the Realms has not managed to expand since its founding, the rest of the empire has nearly doubled in size. It is not inconceivable that the sun never sets on the Turanian Empire.
+Given the size of the empire there is a great deal of trade that passes between various lands of the empire. The realms are most interested in purchasing dwarven metals, elven carvings, and various items of magic. While Uhl forbids the use of magical items, his writings do not forbid the trade of these items.
-<P>The
+== Goods ==
-combined military might of the Turanian Empire is unsurpassed in the world.
-However, it’s spread across the entire world and could never be brought to bear
-against a single point. Instead, the Sultan of each area is responsible for
-maintaining their internal peace. If they are having difficulty additional
-troops may be sent from the homeland; however, this is politically risky for
-the Sultan.</p>
-<h3>Religion</h3>
+The Turanians trade a great deal of goods that have never been seen before in the realms. The most profitable items have been ivory, strange animals, slaves from foreign lands, teas, coffees, and cocoas. Unlike the rest of the realms that spends most of their manpower on the creation of goods, the Turanians gain wealth by trading.
+Given that Irill is the most eastern of the nations and has an extensive road network, the Turanians have signed exclusive trading deals with their merchants. It is Irillian merchants that must make the trek through the bronze sea and trade for goods in Turanian markets. Then the merchants must travel back to sell the goods, which has given Irill the enviable position as the trading center of the Realms.
-<P>The worship of Uhl dominates every
+This was a compromise between the needs of the nation and the wealth of trading with other nations — and the desires of the church, which considers other religions to be more akin to devil worship. The Turanian markets are only to Turanians of faith; however, the Irillian merchants can buy and sell on the docks or just outside the city.
-aspect of life in Turan. While it’s true that people also visit astrologers and
-Sultans have Viziers that conjure forth genies, these all exist with the
-sufferance of the temple. </p>
-<h4>Temples</h4>
-<P>Huge temples of white stone and
+=== Military ===
-gold, called mosques, are built to worship Uhl &mdash; who is symbolized by two
-circles bent in upon them.Upon the
-rising of the sun large numbers of worshippers will gather inside and on the
-western side of the temple to greet the coming dawn. They will pray that the
-hand of Uhl will descend and guide their daily steps, strengthen their honor,
-and smite their enemies.</p>
-<P>A proper worshipper should pray at
+Given the combined military might of the Sultan and each Satrap, the Turanian military is the strongest in the Realms. However, no Satrap would ever give the Sultan their entire army during a war, as this would leave them vulnerable to attack from their neighboring Satraps. Instead, it is typical that the Satrap would commit less than half of his forces.
-least three times a day, once at first light, at high noon, and again just
-before dusk. A worshipper should always face true north and look to the
-brightest star. In the temple, the prayer tower is always located true north
-from the worship floor. In the tower will be the clerics of the temple, singing
-together to unite the voices for Uhl.</p>
-<h4>Uhl</h4>
+The second thing that keeps the Turanians from sweeping the other nations aside is the great distance they must travel to reach the other realms. This stretches their supply line a long distance through hostile territory. The Turanians have learned the futility of expanding their empire to cover the western realms.
-<P>Unlike
+== Empire ==
-the gods of the rest of the world, the god of the Turanians is all-powerful,
-all seeing, and all knowing. There are not other gods in the entire universe
-other than Uhl. This is obviously very different from the pantheon so common
-throughout the realms.</p>
-<h3>Magic</h3>
+The combined military might of the Turanian Empire is unsurpassed in the world. However, it is spread across the entire world and could never be brought to bear against a single point. Instead, the Sultan of each area is responsible for maintaining their internal peace. If they are having difficulty additional troops may be sent from the homeland. This is politically risky for the Sultan.
-<P>The magic the Turanians brought to
-the realms was unlike anything seen before. It didn’t draw power from the
-world, other realms, or the mind; instead it drew its power from the stars. The
-proper alignment of the stars, their constellations, and other heavenly bodies
-yielded the power used by Turanian sorcerers.</p>
-<P>While this may be slow, sometime
+=== Religion ===
-requiring several years to cast the proper spell — it can be incredibly
-powerful in the same way a small storm can become a hurricane. Unlike the other
-western magic, the study of astrology lies in perfection. The slightest mistake
-can to disastrous results.</p>
-<P>The Turanian astrologers keep tight
+The worship of Uhl dominates every aspect of life in Turan. While it’s true that people also visit astrologers, and Sultans have Viziers that conjure forth genies, these all exist with the sufferance of the temple.
-control over the secret of their magic and the knowledge it contains. They believe
-that astrology was given to them by the hand of Uhl as a way to unlock the
-secret of the world and gain the key to paradise. They have already plotted the
-tides of the sea in conjunction with the movement of heavenly bodies.</p>
+== Temples ==
-{{tag>nation eastern_jewels miran jackie}}
+Huge temples of white stone and gold, called mosques, are built to worship Uhl, who is symbolized by two circles bent in upon themselves. Upon the rising of the sun large numbers of worshipers will gather inside and on the western side of the temple to greet the coming dawn. They will pray that the hand of Uhl will descend and guide their daily steps, strengthen their honor,and smite their enemies.
+A proper worshiper should pray at least three times a day, once at first light, at high noon, and again just before dusk. A worshiper should always face true north and look to the brightest star. In the temple, the prayer tower is always located true north from the worship floor. In the tower will be the clerics of the temple, singing together to unite the voices for Uhl.
+== Uhl ==
+Unlike the gods of the rest of the world, the god of the Turanians is all-powerful,all seeing, and all knowing. There are not other gods in the entire universe other than Uhl. This is obviously very different from the pantheon so common throughout the realms.
+=== Magic ===
+The magic the Turanians brought to the realms was unlike anything seen before. It didn’t draw power from the world, other realms, or the mind; instead it drew its power from the stars. The proper alignment of the stars, their constellations, and other heavenly bodies yielded the power used by Turanian sorcerers.
+While this may be slow, sometime requiring several years to cast the proper spell — it can be incredibly powerful in the same way a small storm can become a hurricane. Unlike the other western magic, the study of astrology lies in perfection. The slightest mistake can lead to disastrous results.
+The Turanian astrologers keep tight control over the secret of their magic and the knowledge it contains. They believe that astrology was given to them by the hand of Uhl as a way to unlock the secret of the world and gain the key to paradise. They have already plotted the tides of the sea in conjunction with the movement of heavenly bodies.
+{{tag>nation eastern_jewels miran}}