From the traveling diaries of Adventure Tim:
Whether as part of the nomadic tribe, ruled by Pashas, or living in the great city of El’Idur, the people of the Sandridden Plains boast a proud history of honor and culture, contrasted against tribal traditions of conquest, raiding, and slavery. Believed to be the birthplace, of Radiance, the Sultanate of the Sandridden Plains endures within its nigh barren borders.
The Grand Sultan of El’ldur presides over his domain, dispensing law and justice in accordance to the tenets of Radiance and longstanding custom.
HOSPITALITY
The Law of Hospitality grew from out necessity for survival in a harsh desert landscape. Its tenets are:
- No one may harm their host nor their family
- No host allows their guests to be harmed
- Hospitality is invoked by the exchange of gifts
On the third point, if no gift is given, or the gift is refused, there is no invocation of the rights of hospitality. However, the gifts need not be ornate or expensive, simply given in good faith. Water and food are acceptable, so long as they are given as a gift in which the host and guest share together.
Destroying the covenant of hospitality is an egregious error.
RELIGION AND THE UNDEAD
Radiance in El’Idur is so steeped into history, one cannot divorce the faith from the city. In fact, the Shrine of the Radiant Hand is seen by a large portion of the faith as the birthplace of Radiance itself. The Shrine, located in the Fireforge mountains is a site of pilgrimage for adherents of the date. The great Paladin, Hazel Al’lvah was trained at the shrine, and he is believed to be the first Avatar of the Faith.
The undead that stalk the dunes and ruins of the plains, in service to the lich kings. These powerful creatures have brought ruin and death to many, and as such those who truck with such powers are no friends to the Sultanate of El’ldur. The City of Pyramids are their home. Travel there at your peril.
SLAVERY & GENDER
Sadly, slavery is a part of life in the Sandridden Plains. While no natural-born Radiant is permitted to be taken as a slave, converts in their servitude may still be seen as property. The Radiants of the area justify this to foreigners as slavery can often save a life. Slaves may be freed, and once done so, are normal citizens.
Unlike many other nations, gender roles are still a factor in the Sultanate. A woman’s virtue is to be protected, and women are almost always veiled. Do not attempt to remove the veil. While masks are not favorable in some countries, this is a very different matter.
There is more, though, as a Fortunate traveler, I may not be the best to speak of them. You can learn more in the libraries of Felnar*, or probably just by talking to people.
*OOG: requires a login to the Mythical Journeys site.