Ruler: Sultan Herad Zuhayr
Style of Government: Dynastic, with the ruling family always adopting Zuhayr as the family name. There is a council of advisors to the Sultan, with each taking a particular area (public works, fishing, craftsmanship, health, war, etc.) but all decisions are made or ratified by the sole authority of the Sultan.
Capital: Kiresh
Major Cities: Alsadar, Zuah, Arduga
Culture: Zuhayr has a very rigid culture, dividing its people up into a variety of castes. Likewise, the role of women is strictly proscribed. The culture is loosely based off of a blend of Hindu and Islamic culture.
Economy: Zuhayr untilizes its large bay and inland lakes, and base a large portion of their economy on fishing, shellfish, pearls and the pelts of otter and seal. They are also known for their grapes and fine wine vintages. There are several mines in the country, including an emerald mine on a coastal island.
Military: Zuhayr has a large naval organization, as support and defense for the large amount of water border she has. This is filled out by fishing vessels in times of need, which are few and far between. It is also considered honorable for the men of appropriate caste to bear arms and go to war. In addition, there is an entire caste of Warriors (this is the one exception to the caste system, in that any child of a warrior is a warrior, regardless of the other parent's rank). These warriors are highly trained from birth, and form the backbone of the land army. The navy is mostly comprised of the men of higher rank.
Notes: Zuhayr means "The Shining Land" in the Erya language.
The religious beliefs of these people are somewhat heretical compared with the more mainstream of the 12 Nations. In Zuhayr, it is believed that D'haris works with Jovun to retain the sacred spirits of great warriors and leaders, so that they may be reborn intact in order to assist the country in times of desperate need. These beliefs in 'reincarnation' can transcend the boundaries of gender and caste. This is at odds with the tenent that all life energy is returned to the earth, but not so much so as to incite a holy war with the priests of distant Kenuri.
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