Difference between revisions of "Azir"

'''Azir''' is a kingdom in south-westsouthwest [[Roshar]]. Its capital is [[Azimir]].{{map ref|Roshar}} The people and language of Azir are both calledreferred theto as Azish.

Azir is a land-locked state in the south-western part ofsouthwestern [[Roshar]], in the geographical region known as [[Makabak]]. The biggestlargest Makabaki state, it covers thean area of roughly 1,343,000 km², making it the seventh largest nation on the planet.{{url ref|url=https://www.17thshard.com/forum/blogs/entry/634-roshar-physical-characteristics-and-areas/|text=Roshar Physical Characteristics And Areas|site=17th Shard}} FromTo south-eastthe southeast, it's is bordered by the nation of [[Emul]] onalong a river that serves as itsAzir's only way to access the sea. ToThe thesmaller westnations of it lay [[Tashikk]], [[Yezier]] and [[Desh]] lay to the west, while in the north, it shares a long border with [[Yulay]].{{map ref|Roshar}}

Like most of Makabak, Azir is rather dry and warm compared to the rest of the continent, though it is still cooler than [[Iri]].{{book ref|sa1|i|5}}{{book ref|sa3|65}} There are broad plains there, and few, if any rivers.{{book ref|sa2|59}}{{map ref|Roshar}} A vast mountain range stretches across the country's nothernnorthern and north-easternnortheastern edge, with a wide pass leading due North leadingnorth to Yulay. The tower-city of [[Urithiru]] is not far from Azir, in the peaks almost exactlydirectly Easteast of [[Azimir]].{{map ref|Roshar}}

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]] was 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 themincluding 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 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 that the Azish were uncivilized forsince they did not usinguse [[lighteyes|eye color]] as a basis for their social hierarchy.{{book ref|sa3|65}}

Following hisSadees's passing, his kingdom was split between his sons. Without a true leader, the empire became stretched too thin,{{book ref|sa3|19}} and the Azish regained their independence.

In the centuries since Sadees's conquest, Azir rose to the position of the cultural and political center of [[Makabak]]. Many of itsthe surrounding Makabaki 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 that a group of thieves, including [[Lift]] and [[Gawx]], attempted to rob the [[Bronze Palace]]. After Gawx was seemingly killed, Lift returnedrevived him tousing lifeher withnascent [[Surgebinding]] power of [[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. Thus, he was crowned as [[Yanagawn]] the First.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}

LikeAs everywherein the rest of elseRoshar, the Azish [[Parshmen]] awoke from [[slaveform]] following the arrival of the [[Everstorm]]. Initially, they followed the example of their bureaucratic former masters and, insteadmasters—instead of going to war with the government, they sued it for back pay. The Azish began negotiations, thoughalthough they had no intention of giving in — ratherin—rather, they sought to buy enough time to fortify their cities.{{book ref|sa3|12}}

At the same time, Azimir was exchanging messages with [[Dalinar Kholin]]'s buddyingbudding coalition in [[Urithiru]].{{book ref|sa3|12}} With [[Sadees]]'s conquests still a sore memory, theythe Azish were initially unwilling to unlock their [[Oathgate]] or 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 have been causedinfluenced by the arrival of the [[Fused]], who organized them into an army and took them south, to [[Marat]], 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 batallionsbattalions of their troops there to aid in repelling the attack.{{book ref|sa3|96}} Later, when Thaylen City was pinpointed as the true battle site, 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 that it spurred, the Azish backed out, along with their ships. Their resolve to abandon the others was only strenghtenedstrengthened when they saw the Alethi attackattacking the Thaylens, —as they were not aware that the influenceAlethi offorces [[Nergaoul]]in question onwere [[Amaram]]'s forces, thoughunder the Azishinfluence didof not know that at the time[[Nergaoul]].{{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, thoughon onlythe ifcondition that Dalinar was able to prove that he could control his troops.{{book ref|sa3|122}}

The Azish Empire, despite its name, is closer in nature to a confederacy of states. It's is composed of nine member countries: [[Tashikk]], [[Yezier]], [[Emul]], [[Steen]], [[Alm]], [[Desh]], [[Marat]], [[Tukar]] and Azir itself. While all of 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 do follow certain traditional customs; for example, they cannot marry without the Prime's permission,. andIn practice, 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}}

The Azish government is a bureaucracy, composed of several levels of scribes. One may join the public servant caste by passing a written exam. Though the test is nominally open to all citizens, theit's requirementsdifficult forand passingusually requires meanexpensive thatformal education; most positionsgovernment officials are taken bytherefore people whose social status iswas already high, as they're the only ones capable of affording sufficient education.{{book ref|sa3|35}}

The highest-ranking members of the government, other than the Prime Aqasix, are the [[wikipedia: vizier|viziers]]. They serve as advisors to the Prime, with enough political pull to force their decisions on them, and are responsible for selecting a new Prime following the death of the previous onethrough an application review process. Their high status and broad knowledge meanmeans thethat nexteach Prime will often be onea offormer their numbervizier, as they can make their applications the most convincing.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}

The Azish believe that they are never without a Prime. When a Prime dies, the election of a new one is considered as a search for the person who is, and always has been, a Prime. Any person, except for thereligious leaders known as scions, can apply for the position; however, the process requires many forms and essays, which are reviewed by viziers. The Azish pride themselves on this method, as it avoids succession wars.{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}

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 colorful 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 batallionbattalion 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}}

WhileThe Azish themselvesdo don'tnot havemaintain a fleet, beingof ships, as they are a land-locked country. However, [[Tashikk]] has a number of ships, whichthat 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 onesbattalions rotate some of their unitssoldiers in and out of the navy.{{book ref|sa3|107}}

Azish generals wear robes and typical Western hats. They have a 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. Azish military leaders have a poor reputation in [[Alethkar]] and are considered little more than military historians and theorists. However, the generals are also noted to beactually highly practical people, and their advice is usually astute.{{book ref|sa3|42}}{{book ref|sa3|107}}

Azir is known to have very few [[Soulcaster]]s, the most famous of which has the ability to Soulcast bronze.{{book ref|sa3|65}} Many buildings in [[Azimir]] have bronze domes, and the Prime's palace even has decorative Soulcast bronze trees.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} The country also has several [[Shardblade]]s, known as the Imperial Shardblades. It's is unknown how many of them are there or who wields them, but they can be loaned out to the Empire's member states for various services. The city of [[Yeddaw]] in [[Tashikk]] was created byusing themImperial Shardblades.{{book ref|sa2.5|2}} Though it can be presumed that [[Azish]]the haveEmpire also possesses [[Shardplate]], it's is unknown how many sets of it are in their hands.

The Azish do not divide their population into [[lighteyes]] and [[darkeyes]]. In the [[Vorin]] countries, it's is speculated that this is because there aren't enough pale-eyed Azish to form a self-sustainable social caste.{{book ref|sa3|42}} Rather, the Azish social hierarchy is based on education and elevation through the bureaucratic governmental system. Viziers and scribes are among the highest-ranking members of society. Scribes are stratified by level and then circle, with the person's particular rank being indicated by patterns on their clothing.{{book ref|sa3|116}} Regular citizens who are not members of the government are known as '''discrete'''.{{book ref|sa2|I|9}}

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. They seem to have the authority to capture, try, and even execute criminals. However, they cannot act against the viziers, and aren'tare not allowed to requisition the Imperial [[Shardblade]]sShardblades.{{book ref|sa3|i|9}}

Azish people belong to the Makabaki ethnic group, members of which can be found across the entire [[Makabak]] region.{{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 Azir, 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 upoutright.{{book ref|sa3|28}}

The people of Azir speak Azish, the most widespread of the Makabaki languages, though it's is possible that other languages from this family are also present.{{wob ref|3977}} Azish or Azish-adjacent words can often 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 of writing, separate from the various [[Vorin]] scripts. It's is described as looking like little markings, similarthat toresemble [[cremling]] tracks to non-speakers. Additionally, the various patterns that the Azish put on their furniture, decorations, and clothing eachall have a meaning of theirdistinct ownmeanings, which can be read and understood by a trained scribe.{{book ref|sa3|65}}

The Azish religion focuses on the worship of the [[Herald]]s, known there as the '''Kadasixes'''.{{book ref|sa1|i|7}} Chief among them is [[Jezrien]] — Yaezir in local parlance — who bears the title of the Kadasix of Kings. He's is the patron of the Azish government, and the [[Prime Aqasix]] is considered his emissary to the world.{{book ref|sa3|12}} The Primes themselves have some religious significance: per the Azish doctrine, a person is born a Prime, and the election process serves merely to find who the current Prime is and give them their rightful place.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}

Unlike [[Vorin]] [[ardent]]s, scions are free men and women. In fact, becoming a high-ranking scion, or a priest-minister, is one of the highest honors for the Azish.{{book ref|sa3|12}}

Scions typically travel across the country, blessing settlements and towns. For this reason, a scion cannot become the Prime Aqasix, although they are intimately involved in the selection process. During the holy conclave that chooses a new Prime, they are called upon to ensure the spiritual purity of the selection, provide theological viewpoint on the process, and assist the viziers in picking the best candidate.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}

In contrast to [[Vorinismthe |Vorin]] countries of the East, the Azish do not seem to practice thea notable division between sexes. Women do not wearhave [[safehand]]s, and both men and women can beare seen inholding bothhigh-level military and political positions withoutwith anyno indication that suchthis is unusual.{{book ref|sa2.5|3}}{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} However, also in contrast to Vorin states, the Azish have a 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}}

The Azish are known for wearing vibrant, colorful clothing. They are usually seen in robes or wraps, and wear large hats, making them seem overencumberedover-encumbered.{{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}} Their fashion 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}} A distinctive type of mineral dye from Azir is used to color their clothing, and is known in other nations.{{book ref|sa3|i|8}}

The best-known Azish produce is [[truthberry]], which can be made into jam. According to a local legend, those who consume the berries speak only the truth until the next sunset. The fruits themselves are harmless, but the leaves and stalks of truthberry plants can be burned, which makes people intoxicated and euphoric. [[Shallan Davar]] notesimplies that there is also an aphrodisiac effect, mentioning that they shouldcould behave been called "birthberries" for this reasoninstead.{{book ref|sa1|42}}

InThe contrastversatile tograin crop [[Alethkartallew]], whereis people typically farm [[lavis]],grown in Azir.{{book theref|sa2.5|3}} mainThey cropmay isalso grow [[clema]]. It's usually baked into large rolls known as clemabread, which areis notedcommon asin being extremely unappetizing, at least fornearby [[LiftTashikk]].{{book ref|sa2.5|6}}{{book ref|sa2.5|1012}}

* The Azish view of homosexuality is based on some middle-ages Indian societysocieties, wherein the gay person would be "socially reassigned" and be expected to exist and act as the opposite gender.{{wob ref|1443}}