Makabak
Makabak | |
---|---|
Ethnicity | Makabaki |
World | Roshar |
Universe | Cosmere |
Featured In | The Stormlight Archive |
Makabak is a region in southwestern Roshar occupied by numerous nations that share a common ethnicity and culture.[1] It is named for the former Silver Kingdom of Makabakam and includes most of that kingdom's territory.[2][3]
Geography[edit]
The region covers the southern center of the Rosharan continent. It is framed by mountain ranges to the north, east, and west, and has a long coastline on the Southern Depths.[3] The region includes the nations of Alm, Azir, Desh, Emul, Greater Hexi, Liafor, Marat, Steen, Tashikk, Tu Fallia, Tukar, Yezier, and about half of Triax.[3] The Azish Empire includes many of these nations, although it does not encompass the entirety of Makabak.[4] Makabak has a single Oathgate, in the Azish capital of Azimir.[4]
Culture[edit]
Makabaki people generally have dark brown skin, black hair, and dark eyes.[5][6][7] The region borders Shinovar, but the Makabaki do not have the round eyes of the Shin.[8] There are approximately thirty Makabaki languages, most of which branched off from Azish.[9] Many of the nations are rich in culture[10] and have thriving trade.[11] The area has higher population density than the nations to the east[12] and Azimir is larger than Kholinar.[13]
Residents of several Makabaki nations are thought to avoid offending others as much as possible, and would rather dodge a request than deny it, especially if it comes from a foreigner.[1] Azish people are considered verbose and sometimes intentionally vague in order to conceal their true intentions.[1] The Azish Empire has many skilled clerks and scribes, and is thought of as highly lawful, bureaucratic, and organized.[14]
The Makabaki worship the Heralds not the Almighty.[15]
Politics[edit]
Azir is the largest nation in the region, and its Prime Aqasix traditionally claims authority as emperor of Makabak; in practice, the Prime only rules Azir.[1] Other member states of the Azish Empire recognize the monarchy and still follow certain traditions in regards to the Prime Aqasix,[16] but they are actually governed with a high degree of autonomy.[4] Even though Azir does not actually rule the entire region, it is still highly influential.[1][16] Feuds between nations are thought to be common, although the true nature of the feuds is disputed.[11] Emul and Tukar are currently at war.[17][4] The leaders of each nation are sometimes addressed by the name of their nation rather than their proper name.[14]
The region is thought of as politically unimportant by residents of other nations;[10] the lack of centralized political power causes many Makabak heads of state to be indecisive.[16] The large Vorin kingdoms see the Makabaki as pagans and sometimes refer to the nations as "tribes" and to the people as "barbarians".[11][16] Conversely, the Azish harbor ill will towards the Alethi due to a genocide perpetrated by their former king, Sadees the Sunmaker.[18]
During Dalinar Kholin's attempts to unite Roshar, Noura unexpectedly tells him that Azir and several other Makabaki nations have agreed to meet with him in Urithiru.[4] It is likely that some of the Makabaki leaders were more receptive to Dalinar's offer because the Voidbringers invaded the area during the True Desolation, conquering portions of Emul and Marat as they positioned their armies to attack Thaylen City.[19] Makabaki leaders are seen strategizing with Alethi leadership, which is notable because there have not been any formal alliances between the two regions in centuries.[20] Dalinar thinks of the Azish generals as scribes and is surprised to learn that they have skill in military strategy.[19]
Notes[edit]
- ↑ a b c d e Oathbringer chapter 12#
- ↑ Map of Silver Kingdoms
- ↑ a b c Map of Roshar
- ↑ a b c d e Oathbringer chapter 65#
- ↑ The Way of Kings chapter 14#
- ↑ Words of Radiance chapter 20#
- ↑ Edgedancer chapter 2#
- ↑ The Way of Kings interlude I-7#
- ↑ /r/Stormlight_Archive
— Arcanum - 2016-11-29# - ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 106#
- ↑ a b c The Way of Kings chapter 54#
- ↑ Stormlight Three Update #4
— Arcanum - 2016-10-20# - ↑ Stormlight Three Update #4
— Arcanum - 2016-10-20# - ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 96#
- ↑ Rhythm of War chapter 101#
- ↑ a b c d Oathbringer chapter 24#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 8#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 42#
- ↑ a b Oathbringer chapter 107#
- ↑ Oathbringer chapter 111#