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}}
 
=== 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, which have both numbers and name designations, such as Red and Gold for the Thirteenth Battalion. A single batallion is comprised of about one 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}}
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 for many centuries prevented any major internal 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 ===
* [[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}}
 
=== 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}}
 
=== Food ===
Editors, Keepers, Synod
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