Difference between revisions of "Azir"

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=== Origins and Sadees' occupation ===
Not much is known about the ancient history of Azir. During the [[Silver Kingdoms]] era, it was part of [[Makabakam]], the largest of the Silver Kingdoms, with [[Azimir]] likely being Makabakam's capital, as it contains an Oathgate.{{map ref|Silver Kingdoms}}{{book ref|sa3|65}} At some point, that country splintered into dozens of states that comprise modern [[Makabak]], among them Azir.{{map ref|Roshar}}
 
[[Sadees]] the Sunmaker, the infamous [[Alethkar|Alethi]] warrior, conquered Azir as part of his bid to take over the entire continent during the reign of [[Prime Aqasix]] [[Snoxil]]. The occupation was extremely violent: up to ten percent of the country's population died, many of them due to Sadees seemingly seeking to actively eradicate the Azish. In some areas, Sadees ordered a certain number of executions a day. In others, he declared all men with hair at a certain length to be killed.{{book ref|sa3|42}} Sadees rationalized this by claiming the Azish were uncivilized for not using eye color as a basis for their social hierarchy.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
 
=== Era of Solitude ===
In the centuries since Sadees' conquest, Azir rose to the position of the cultural and political centrecenter of [[Makabak]]. Many of its surrounding nations became client states to it, leading to the formation of the Azish Empire - a semi-formal name for the group of states led by the [[Prime Aqasix]] in all international matters.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
 
The peace of the empire was broken in the final year of the [[Era of Solitude]], as the [[Assassin in White]] killed two Primes in a row, leaving the country in a succession crisis as all prospective candidates attempted to avoid the position. This ended the night a group of thieves, including [[Lift]] and [[Gawx]], attempted to rob the [[Bronze Palace]]. After Gawx was seemingly killed, Lift returned him to life with [[Regrowth]]. To the assembled courtiers (unaware of Lift's involvement), this was a miracle that proved that Gawx was the Prime they were looking for, and he was crowned as [[Yanagawn]] the First.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
Like everywhere else, the Azish [[Parshmen]] awoke following the arrival of the [[Everstorm]]. Initially, they followed the example of their former masters and, rather than make war on them, sued the government for back pay. The Azish began negotiations, though they had no intention of giving in - rather, they sought to buy enough time to fortify their cities.{{book ref|sa3|12}}
 
At the same time, they were in talks with [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s buddying coalition in [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa3|12}} With [[Sadees]]' conquests still a sore memory, they were initially unwilling to allow the Alethi armies into their city, or unlock their [[Oathgate]].{{book ref|sa3|28}} However, after the talks with the [[singer]]s fell through, they finally agreed, and ended up joining the coalition.{{book ref|sa3|64}} The failure with the singers might've been caused by the arrival of the [[Fused]], who organized them into an army and took them south, to [[Marat]], perhaps in preparation for the attack on [[Thaylen City]].{{book ref|sa3|107}}
 
When the coalition leaders assumed that the [[Voidbringer]]s would attack [[Jah Keved]], the Azish agreed to send five batallions of their troops there to aid in repelling the attack.{{book ref|sa3|96}} Later, when Thaylen City was pinpointed as the site of the attack, they moved their fleet to the nearby shores to intercept the Voidbringer forces.{{book ref|sa3|111}} However, following the translation of the [[Eila Stele]] and the revelations it spurred, they backed off along with their ships. Their resolve to abandon the others was only strenghtened when they saw the Alethi forces attack the Thaylens - the influence of [[Nergaoul]] on [[Amaram]]'s forces, though the Azish did not know that at the time.{{book ref|sa3|116}}
 
After the [[Battle of Thaylen Field]], Dalinar explained to them via [[spanreed]] what truly happened. The Azish were willing to renegotiate their participation in the alliance, though only if Dalinar was able to prove that he could control his troops.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
 
==Politics==
{{quote
| Traditionally, the Azish Prime claimed to be emperor of all Makabak—a region that included over a half-dozen kingdoms and princedoms. In reality, he was king over only Azir, but Azir did cast a long, long shadow.
| [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s thoughts on Azir{{book ref|sa3|12}}
}}
 
=== Member states ===
The Azish Empire, despite its name, is closer in nature to a confederacy of states. It's composed of nine member countries: [[Tashikk]], [[Yezier]], [[Emul]], [[Steen]], [[Alm]], [[Desh]], [[Marat]], [[Tukar]] and Azir itself. While all those nations consider the Prime Aqasix to be their emperor, other than Azir, they are subject in name only. However, leaders of nations within the Empire cannot marry without the Prime's permission, and the states themselves typically follow Azir's lead when dealing with international politics. Historically, Tashikk and Yezier are the closest to the Azish throne.{{book ref|sa3|122}}
 
=== Military ===
The Azish Empire has access to foot soldiers, cavalry and fleet. Their army, though smaller than that of [[Alethkar]] or [[Jah Keved]], is still fairly impressive, and their fortifications are noted as difficult to breach.{{book ref|sa3|107}} Azish soldiers are equipped with bows, spears or poleaxes, and greatshields.{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa3|65}} They are armored with plated mail and colourfulcolorful caps.{{book ref|sa3|65}} Their army is divided into battalions.{{book, ref|sa3|96}}which Theirhave effectivenessboth innumbers battleand againstname designations, such as Red and Gold for the [[Voidbringer]]sThirteenth Battalion. A single batallion is yetcomprised toof beabout seenone thousand soldiers.{{book ref|sa3|96}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}
 
Little is known about their cavalry. Units of it are led by officers called cavalrylords, who wear uniforms with vivid red trousers.{{book ref|sa3|i|8}}
 
While Azish themselves don't have a fleet, being as they are a land-locked country, [[Tashikk]] has a number of ships, which are staffed partially by Azish troops and thus serve the Empire as a whole. There seem to be no battalions dedicated wholly to ship-side service; rather, select ones rotate some of their units in and out of the navy.{{book ref|sa3|107}}
 
In times of peace, the fleet's duty is to patrol "the grand waterway" - an unspecified body of water that may correspond to the river between Azir and [[Emul]] - but they are capable of further excursions, all the way to [[Thaylenah]].{{book ref|sa3|107}} The fleet possesses both smaller outriders, called scouts, and bigger warships, among them troop carriers.{{book ref|sa3|111}} The [[Prime Aqasix]] has his own dedicated vessel, smaller than the navy units.{{book ref|sa3|116}}
 
Azish generals wear robes and typical Western hats. They have poor reputation in [[Alethkar]], being usually considered little more than military historians and theorists. The position requires passing a number of tests, and [[Dalinar]] theorizes that the officers with practical expertise tend to fail them on purpose so that they may retain field command. However, the generals are also noted to be highly practical people, and their advice is usually astute.{{book ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}
 
The effectiveness of the Azish military in battle against the [[Voidbringer]]s is yet to be seen.
 
=== Fabrials and Shards ===
 
== Culture ==
[[File: Azish Public Servant Designs.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|A folio page of Azish male public servant fashion from [[Liafor]] by [[Dan dos Santos]]]]
 
=== Social Order ===
The Azish do not divide their population into [[lighteyes]] and [[darkeyes]]. In the [[Vorin]] countries, it's speculated that this is because there aren't enough pale-eyed Azish to form a self-sustainable social caste.{{book ref|sa3|42}}
 
Order in the country is kept by travelling lawkeepers called '''constables'''. Constables typically wear black uniforms, with a double row of silver buttons in the front, and thick gloves with long collars. THeyThey seem to have the authority to capture, try and even execute criminals. However, they cannot act against the viziers, and aren't allowed to requisition the Imperial [[Shardblade]]s.{{book ref|sa3|i|9}}
 
=== People ===
[[File: Azish Public Servant Designs.jpeg|thumb|right|200px|A folio page of Azish male public servant fashion from [[Liafor]] by [[Dan dos Santos]]]]
{{quote
| Alethi liked to joke about them—insult one of their soldiers, it was said, and he'd submit a form requesting an opportunity to swear at you.
| [[Dalinar]] on the Alethi stereotypes of the Azish{{book ref|sa3|65}}
}}
 
Azish people belong to the Makabaki ethnic group, members of which can be found across the entire [[Makabak]].{{book ref|sa1|53}} They are described as being short and having dark skin - deep brown, but not true black like some [[parshmen]].{{book ref|sa1|46}}{{book ref|sa1|53}}{{book ref|sa1|40}} They have a smooth accent, like the [[Emuli]].{{book ref|sa1|14}} Very few are light-eyed.{{book ref|sa3|42}}
 
The stereotype of the Azish is that they are peaceful, prefer education to war and adore their bureaucracy and paperwork.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Azish themselves consider the latter a point of pride, as the structure of their government has keptfor theirmany kingdomcenturies peacefulprevented forany manymajor centuriesinternal crisis.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} They are, however, focused on being respectful and polite. In Azish culture, one should not raise their voice when talking, and should always remain calm, even when angry.{{book ref|sa3|107}} Particular care is taken never to offend a guest, though this does not mean the Azish can be pushed around.{{book ref|sa3|65}} As a result, they are known for talking around the matter a lot when disagreeing with something, and never saying "no" straight up.{{book ref|sa3|28}}
 
=== Language and Writing ===
The people of Azir speak Azish, the most widespread of the Makabaki languages, though it's possible that other languages from this family are also present.{{wob ref|3977}} Azish or Azish-adjacent words can be recognized by the letters "x" (Kadasix, [[Snoxil]]) and "q" ([[Prime Aqasix]], [[Unoqua]]), which are far rarer outside of [[Makabak]].
 
The Azish have their own system or writing, separate from the various [[Vorin]] scripts. It's described as looking like little markings, similar to [[cremling]] tracks. Additionally, the various patterns the Azish put on their furniture, decorations and clothing each have a meaning of their own, and can be read like writing by a trained scribe.{{book ref|sa3|65}}
 
=== Religion ===
* [[Ethid]] - a [[Veristitalian]] and friend of [[Jasnah Kholin]], who studies the lives of powerful men and, later, the [[Knights Radiant]].{{book ref|sa3|53}} She participates in the Prime selection process, and gives the opening blessings to the meeting that results in [[Yanagawn]]'s crowning.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}
* [[Unoqua]] - the religious leader of Yanagawn's court. Along with other scions and viziers, he advises against continued alliance with [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa3|116}}
 
=== Morality ===
In contrast to [[Vorinism |Vorin]] countries of the East, the Azish do not seem to practice the division between sexes. Women do not wear [[safehand]]s, and men and women can be seen in both military and political positions without any indication that such is unusual.{{book ref|sa2.5|3}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} However, also in contrast to Vorin states, the Azish have somewhat stricter views on relationships. In a homosexual couple, one member is expected to apply for "social reassignment", and should thereafter behave - and be treated as - a member of the opposite gender.{{wob ref|1443}}{{book ref|sa3|35}}
 
=== Clothing ===
The Azish are known for wearing vibrant, colorful clothing. They are usually seen in robes or wraps and wear large hats, making them seem overencumbered.{{book ref|sa3|98}} Each article of clothing has traditional, large patterns on it. Every pattern has a meaning of its own, and a trained scribe can read a person's clothes like a language.{{book ref|sa3|65}} TheTheir fashion styles is heavily influenced by civil servant outfits.{{file ref|Azish Public Servant Designs.jpeg|Azish Public Servant Designs Folio page}}
 
Despite their garish appearance, Azish fabrics seem to be quite popular even in the East. Among others, [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s childhood home was decorated with Azish rugs, and [[Alethkar|Alethi]] fashion folios feature Azish designs.{{book ref|sa2|89}}{{book ref|sa2|49}}
 
=== Food ===
 
In contrast to [[Alethkar]], where people typically farm [[lavis]], in Azir the main crop is [[clema]]. It's usually baked into large rolls known as clemabread, which are noted as being extremely unappetizing, at least for [[Lift]].{{book ref|sa2.5|6}}{{book ref|sa2.5|10}}
 
=== Morality ===
In contrast to [[Vorinism |Vorin]] countries of the East, the Azish do not seem to practice the division between sexes. Women do not wear [[safehand]]s, and men and women can be seen in both military and political positions without any indication that such is unusual.{{book ref|sa2.5|3}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} However, also in contrast to Vorin states, the Azish have somewhat stricter views on relationships. In a homosexual couple, one member is expected to apply for "social reassignment", and should thereafter behave - and be treated as - a member of the opposite gender.{{wob ref|1443}}{{book ref|sa3|35}}
 
== Notable Azish ==
* [[Falksi]] - handmaiden to [[Alethkar|Alethi]] brightlady [[Janala Lustow]].{{book ref|sa1|18}}
* [[Warren]] - master [[Skybreaker]] under [[Nale]].{{book ref|sa3|92}}
 
The [[Herald]]s [[Nale]] and [[Shalash]] are both noted as looking distinctly Azish, although they far predate the country's founding.{{book ref|sa1|prologue}}{{book ref|sa3|121}}
 
== Trivia ==
* The Azish view of homosexuality is based on middle-ages Indian society, wherein the gay person would be "socially reassigned" and be expected to exist and act as the opposite gender.{{wob ref|1443}}
* The Azish government is partially based on the Chinese Confucian system.{{wob ref|1752}}
* The Azish script might be similar in appearance to [[wikipedia:cuneiform|cuneiform]].{{url ref|url=https://www.tor.com/2019/02/14/oathbringer-reread-chapter-sixty-five/ |text=Oathbringer Reread: Chapter Sixty-Five | site=Tor.com}}
* Compared to Earth countries, Azir is only slightly larger than Peru, and a bit smaller than Mongolia.
* Compared to Earth countries, Azir is only slightly larger than Peru, and a bit smaller than Mongolia. The Azish Empire as a whole, on the other hand, covers about 4.455 million square kilometres of land, which would make it [[Roshar]]'s third largest state after [[Alethkar]] and [[Jah Keved]], and about a million square kilometres bigger than India.
 
== Notes ==
Editors, Keepers, Synod
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