Difference between revisions of "Azir"

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}} 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.''{{book, ref|sa3|116}}with The pattern onthe oneperson's clothing indicatesparticular rank withinbeing theindicated bureaucracyby 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}}

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 cultureAzir, 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}}

The Azish have their own system orof 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, andwhich can be read likeand writingunderstood 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 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 out who the current Prime is and give them their rightful place.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}}

The Azish priests, called '''scions''', are government officials. Both men and women can become one.{{book ref|sa3|12}} Their main duty appears to be taking care of the spiritual side of the bureaucracy's day-to-day workings -— they are seen blessing formal meetings and interpreting omens and events to discern the will of the Kadasixes.{{book ref|sa2|i|9}} They also serve as clerks and scribes. Scions can be found in all ranks of the bureaucracy, with the most influential ones serving as the members of the Prime's circle of advisors along with the [[vizier]]s.{{book ref|sa3|53}}{{book ref|sa3|116}}

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 somewhata 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 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}} Their fashion is heavily influenced by civil servant outfits.{{file ref|Azish Public Servant Designs.jpeg|Azish Public Servant Designs Folio page}}

The best-known Azish haveproduce a legend aboutis [[truthberry]] jam, awhich preservecan be made frominto anjam. AzishAccording fruit.to Supposedlya local legend, those who consume the berries speak only the truth until the next sunset. The berriesfruits themselves are harmless, but the leaves and stalks of truthberry plants can be burned, which makes people intoxicated and euphoric. [[Shallan Davar]] remarks to [[Kabsal]]notes that they should be called birthberries duefor to the fact ofthis intoxicationreason.{{book ref|sa1|42}}