Darbiya is a land of bright deserts, north of Malazhi.
Darbiya is dominated by a great desert in its interior. Fertile
lands along the coast are prized, and the source of most of the
foodstuffs within the country. A few rivers snake through the arid
interior, but most travel within the nation is done on camels or other
beasts of burden. Oases dot the arid landscape, a testament to the
fertile land that Darbiya once was.
Along the coast are a number of cities and towns, each competing for
status and respect among its peers. Most of the coastal cities engage
in sea trade (and piracy) to bring wealth to the land. Each city is
ruled by an emir, and each town by a caliph. The territory of the
various cities and towns also include the nearby farmlands, and
Other towns include Allidesh, Shebnil, and Tanlesh.
Kathaz is a small town in the center of a small cluster of islands,
just north of Kha'Marin. Its sailors are among the most skillful,
though they prefer small sailing ships.
Among the arid inland desert, there are few cities. The lack of
vegetation keeps the population small. The most notable exception is
Alidesh. Alidesh is nestled in the deep desert, and somewhat remote.
However, it is built among a group of natural springs, and thus has a
fair amount of fertile land. Furthermore, Allidesh has been augmented
by magic, so it has a thriving culture.
Ninzuran is a town along the northern edge of Darbiya, nestled in
the Siyal hills. It would be an unremarkable trading post except for
the presence of a clan of dwarves who live nearby. The dwarves also
consider themselves Ninzurans, and are noted for crafting fine items,
including weapons which are apparently made from glass. Ninzuran glass
blades are highly prized.
The government of Darbiya is something of a confederacy. The cities
and towns are largely independent, though all answer to the sultan in
times of need. The nomads of the interior are tribal, following a
chieftain who speaks for the tribe when the need arises. The chieftain
of a tribe is afforded status below that of a caliph.
Darbiyans worship many gods, and do so fervently.