![[factions_banner.webp]]
`Nov. 6, 2025` · [[Horseapple]] · #Fragment #Factions #Bannerlord
> [!quote-custom]+ [[3-module-strings-(Bannerlord)]]
> “The Aserai are the inhabitants of the Nahasa desert, a mixture of nomadic bedouin and settled oasis farmers. They are famous for their horsemanship and their knowledge of the learning of many lands, especially medicine, gained from lying on some of the continent's most lucrative trade routes. Each clan is fiercely proud of its lineage and often jealous of the others, but when united by a charismatic leader, they become a major force in the south.” **~ TaleWorlds**
![[aserai-banner.webp|left|150]]**Who are they, What do they believe, and Why?** The Aserai live in the Nahasa, also known as the “Bronze Desert” by the Imperials. The Nahasa is scrubland of goats and camels, patches of canyon filled with the dry acacia and tamarisk forests where the Aserai’s prized horses graze, and oases with palm orchards far-as-the-eye-can-see. [^16] [^20] This monotony is broken up however, by dune fields of gravel plains, volcanic outcrops, vast unforgiving steppes, plains that accompany the coast, and fertile oases — all of which directly impact a desert dweller's vibrant way of survival. [^26] Not to mention the ever-resting shimmer of heat haze fixed atop of it all.
> [!tip-custom]- Clans
| **Clan<br>Banner** | [![[hulyan-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Hulyan) | [![[qild-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Qild) | [![[sarran-banner-.webp\|50]]](Banu-Sarran) | [![[qaraz-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Qaraz) | [![[atij-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Atij) | [![[arbas-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Arbas) | [![[sarmal-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Sarmal) | [![[ruwaid-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Ruwaid) | [![[habbab-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Habbab) |
| :----------------: | :----------------------------------------: | :------------------------------------: | :-----------------------------------------: | :--------------------------------------: | :------------------------------------: | :--------------------------------------: | :----------------------------------------: | :----------------------------------------: | :----------------------------------------: |
| **Name** | [[Banu-Hulyan]] | [[Banu-Qild]] | [[Banu-Sarran]] | [[Banu-Qaraz]] | [[Banu-Atij]] | [[Banu-Arbas]] | [[Banu-Sarmal]] | [[Banu-Ruwaid]] | [[Banu-Habbab]] |
| **Tier** | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| **Leader** | [[Unqid]] | [[Tais]] | [[Adram]] | [[Suruq]] | [[Talas]] | [[Iyalas]] | [[Awdhan]] | [[Aqar]] | [[Hashan]] |
| **Wealth** | ![[denar.png\|15]]6200 | ![[denar.png\|15]]6400 | ![[denar.png\|15]]7600 | ![[denar.png\|15]]3600 | ![[denar.png\|15]]2400 | ![[denar.png\|15]]3300 | ![[denar.png\|15]]2600 | ![[denar.png\|15]]2700 | ![[denar.png\|15]]700 |
> [!tip-custom]- Settlements
| **Banner** | **Name** | **Town(s)** | **Castle(s)** | **Villages** |
| :-----------------------------------------: | :-------------: | :---------------: | :-------------------------------: | :--------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| [![[hulyan-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Hulyan) | [[Banu-Hulyan]] | Quyaz · Sanala | Tubilis-Castle | Tasheba · Tubilis · Baq · Hiblet · Mijayit · Hamoshawat · Jahasim · Fanab · Nahlan |
| [![[qild-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Qild) | [[Banu-Qild]] | Hubyar | Sahel-Castle · Shibal-Zumr-Castle | Sahel · Shibal-Zumr · Mahloul · Liwas · Waltas · Asmait · Lamesa |
| [![[sarran-banner-.webp\|50]]](Banu-Sarran) | [[Banu-Sarran]] | Husn-Fulq · Razih | Medeni-Castle | Abu-Khih · Hoqqa · Qablab Mussum · Doqa · Medeni · Qidnar |
| [![[qaraz-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Qaraz) | [[Banu-Qaraz]] | Iyakis | Jamayeh-Castle | Jamayeh · Hunab · Abba · Bir-Seif |
| [![[atij-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Atij) | [[Banu-Atij]] | Qasira | *none* | Ezbet-Nahul · Abghan |
| [![[arbas-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Arbas) | [[Banu-Arbas]] | Askar | *none* | Bait-Hatif · Mabwaz · Zalm |
| [![[sarmal-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Sarmal) | [[Banu-Sarmal]] | *none* | Ain-Baliq-Castle · Uqba Castle | Ain-Baliq · Uqba · Deir-Hawa · Bunqaz |
| [![[ruwaid-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Ruwaid) | [[Banu-Ruwaid]] | *none* | Barihal-Castle | Barihal · Wadar |
| [![[habbab-banner.webp\|50]]](Banu-Habbab) | [[Banu-Habbab]] | *none* | Tamnuh-Castle | Tamnuh · Kuqa |
This infinitely diverse landscape is ringed and straddled by mountains, hammered down on by the sun. The warm-shores of the Nahasa offer a plentiful bounty of tuna, bonito, sardines, and other fish. [^16] But the Nahasa’s shores aren’t the only place water can found! Trapped within depressions beneath wadis, where the occasional flash flood roars by, are pockets of water. [^10]
The Aserai, colloquially called the “Nahasawi” or “Asuri”, [^22] have settled in those aforementioned oases. The Aserai are a mixture of nomadic bedouin and settled oasis farmers. Famous for their horsemanship, light cavalry, [^27] historical knowledge of many lands — and last but not least — the Aserai are legendary for their knowledge of medicine. Gained from their position as vital checkpoints between some of the continents most lucrative trade routes. [^13] They fight both on the back’s of beasts and on foot. [^9] Ill-humored camels and the Aserai’s legendary horses are synonymous with the average Calradians thoughts on the Aserai Sultanate. [^24] [^12]
For the latter: Many a story are abound around the feats if the famed Aserai horse. They offer up the perfect combination of swiftness, grace, and endurance — all being pivotal in battle. And so naturally, the price of such a beast is higher than most horses in Calradia. [^12] For the former: Camels are superbly adapted to the Nahasa and have made an indelible mark in Aserai history, bolstering their trade and warfare from their domestication centuries ago, and continuing in 1084. Although they are slower and less maneuverable than horses, camels offer two primary advantages. Height and endurance. [^25]
Collectively known as the Banu Asera, the Aserai are divided into several clans, and dozens of more sub-clans after which. All with their own elaborate genealogy. Each clan is fiercely proud of its lineage, but also often jealous of others. [^13] These bloodlines all supposedly connect back to their legendary patriarch: Asera, also known as “Thalas al-Asera” or “Asur”. [^10] [^22] Recognized as chief and king of the Nahasawi by the Calradian Empire over a century ago. [^19] Three tribes in particular: Banu Hulyan, Banu Sarran, and Banu Qild, fiercely assert their descendance from Asera more than others. [^29]
Many times, the Calradian Empire tried conquering the Nahasa, and failed every time. Eventually the Imperials learned to instead project power into the desert through cultivating clients and allies of the clans who competed in an endless dance for power. Nomads were then established as a client-kingdom of the Calradian Empire and paid to guard the merchants and their caravans from raiders in the Nahasa. [^29] Any clan who secured a hold on the oases won an imperial subsidy, and in turn these clans were paid well and thus they grew wealthy. [^10] What’s more, their wealth and power were multiplied considerably from controlling the isolated water-sources that allow caravans from distant lands to cross the Nahasa. [^14]
Any clan who could not capture a hold on an oasis was pushed into the Deep Desert. Left to raise goats and camels until they could plot a comeback. And now in 1084, with the Empire fragmented and it’s power in a twilight, new opportunities and dangers emerge. The Aserai have made themselves independent from the Empire and have even pressed claims of marriage to the Imperial throne. [^29] With the Banu Asera united, they have joined together under a sultanate in what has become the Aserai Sultanate. And for this new model, a sultan had to be chosen out from the various clans.
To this end, the richest clan among the south: Banu Hulyan was elected, and it’s patriarch Unqid proclaimed Sultan of the Aserai. [^10] The Banu Hulyan control key passes between lakes and the outer desert, but are seen by other tribes as haughty, pompous, and amoral. [^29] Still, with a sultan now ruling more clans needed to join the sultanate to add to its strength. Every bloodline accepted into the Aserai Sultanate would be counted as a son and/or daughter of Asera. They’d promise to shed blood for other clans, and they you. All clans defended each others rights. In return, they could drink from the Sultanate’s wells and rest in the shade of its trees, and these clans were granted the authority, recognized by the Sultan, or Sultana, to judge disputes and collect revenues from oases and towns. [^28]
Their ruling Sultan in 1084 is Unqid, and he’s a bit of a morally complex character — much like other rulers in Calradia. Managing his lands with a mix of charisma, cajoling, threats, skullduggery, bravery, and outright shameless nepotism. [^10] [^13] Unqid wears his authority lightly, preferring to charm juxtapose to coerce. Deferring to Aserai law in his judgments, Unqid is a reputable legalist. [^19] [^15] Unqid is a cautious, generous, and pragmatic man, possessing little taste for war. More of a trader by temperament, with a strong sense for protecting his clan — but more so defensively than offensively. [^22] [^23] [^21] Which may be why the Aserai Sultanate depicts a cup and horns as its central symbols on it’s banner, mirroring it’s ruler’s general disposition. [^11]
While some would call Unqid a wise man for keeping peace between the clans and soothing tensions, some would say Unqid is actually amiss in his duties to his people, particularly in his administration of justice. [^19] Unqid allows the wealthiest of clans, like his own, to bribe and call upon ancient Aserai law to wriggle out of a fair trial and oppress others. [^15] More overall, *“parvenus”* is a term at times associated with the current Emirs of the Sultanate. *“Parvenus”* meaning social climber or upstart, someone who doesn’t deserve the powerful positions they’ve reached. [^18]
Despite this newfound alliance under a Sultanate, all recognize this to be temporary for the Aserai, as at anytime the dance for power may rekindle and thus the clan’s inner-competition may begin again. [^10]
**How does their economy and military work?** First, the policies immediately active for this faction are: *Senate* (All lords have a formal role on the council) and *Council of the Commons* (Some kingdoms, especially those that evolved from a city-state or a tribe, had popular assemblies that most of its members had the right to attend. Its powers were often limited, since it could only meet periodically, but it still gave the public the right to participate in government).
See list below counting villages, from the `Cultures > Economy` #fragment
> [!economy]- Aserai Economy
> | ![[production.png\|20]] | ![[grain.png\|20]] | ![[horses.png\|27]] | ![[dates.png\|22]] | ![[fish.png\|25]] | ![[olives.png\|22]] | ![[clay.png\|20]] | ![[flax.png\|20]] | ![[silver.png\|32]] | ![[salt.png\|23]] |
| :---------------------: | :----------------: | :-----------------: | :----------------: | :---------------: | :-----------------: | :---------------: | :---------------: | :-----------------: | :---------------: |
| (#) | **9** | **9** | **8** | **5** | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
1. `Aserai Tribesman` *(light infantry)* Life is harsh in the Nahasa, so a child of the tribe is expected to learn how to fight well. These tribal warriors are cheap but effective troops that can perform different roles with proper equipment selection and hold their own against many of the better armed enemy soldiers. [^8]
2. `Aserai Mamluke Axeman` *(shock infantry)* Aserai guards are selected from the tallest and strongest members of the tribe. Their impressive physiques are useful both for wielding their huge two handed axes and to lay fear into the hearts of their enemies. Guards are agile shocktroopers that are very good against shield wielding infantry but weak against enemy archers. [^8]
3. `Aserai Footman` *(skirmisher)* In the Aserai tribes, throwing javelins is a sport that every child enjoys. Best of these children grow to become the agile skirmishers. Aside from their large shields, they are very lightly armored. So they can move around quickly on the battlefield to flank their enemies and deal tremendous damage from their backs. [^8]
4. `Aserai Light Archer` *(light ranged)* With their considerably lighter armor, the Aserai came to rely on their ranged troops a lot. And these skilled archers are the backbone of their armies. They are so good at what they do, that it is the Aserai archers who set the standard for the other cultures' archers to follow. [^8]
5. `Aserai Master Archer` / `Aserai Veteran Infantry` *(heavy ranged)* Aserai veterans are among the oldest and most experienced of the fighters of the tribe. Raid, battle and siege have given them ample opportunity to learn both the skills to survive and to loot good weapons and armor. They both deadly archers and also dangerous melee combatants that they are now. [^8]
6. `Jawwal Bedouin` *(light cavalry)* Some tribes live even deeper in the deserts where there is no hope for survival without their loyal mounts because of the vast distances. These people of the tribes are natural riders who are literally born on the saddle. Jawwal are the fastest riders in Calradia and they are very good at hit and run tactics. [^8]
7. `Aserai Mameluke Heavy Cavalry` *(heavy cavalry)* The very term Mamluke means 'property'. These are slave-bodyguards maintained by the Aserai emirs. [^27] The Aserai nobility want professional soldiers who have no familial ties and nothing else to do but hone their fighting skills, be it riding, lance, bow or the sword. Mamluke is the ultimate ironclad soldier of the Aserai. Depending on the need, they will be steamrollers, horse archers or flankers, easily. [^8]
When it comes to the faction’s suspected army size, the Aserai Sultanate could roughly raise 2,366 soldiers in 1 month.
> [!tip-custom]- Army Size Estimate Breakdown
> - Every clan income put together would be ![[denar.png|15]]35,500 total daily income.
> - While a well-rounded army has all 4 types of troops (ie. infantry, archers, horsearchers, and cavalry) each one, noble-born or commoner, actually costs the same at tier 3.
> - Also, despite there being 5 - *sometimes 6* - tiers in a troop tree, let’s choose tier 3 as it’s closest to the middle.
> - Each tier 3 troop costs ![[denar.png|15]]100 denarii to recruit, and ![[denar.png|15]]5 more in daily wages. That’s ![[denar.png|15]]105.
> - ![[denar.png|15]]35,500 / ![[denar.png|15]]105 = 338 total army size
> - Thus, the they could amass: 338 tier 3 troops each day.
> - In Bannerlord, 7 in-game days = 1 month.
> - The Aserai Sultanate could roughly raise 2,366 soldiers in 1 month.
**When did this faction begin?** The Aserai Sultanate was founded 923 when the Calradian Empire recognized Thalas al-Asera, also known plainly as Asera, as chief and king of the southern Nahasawi tribes. These tribes being made up of farmers in the lands near the sea, the nomadic bedouin of the wastes, and oasis dwellers in the far south. Asera’s domain stretched from the Baetoric Sea (ie. Perassic Sea) and the great desert (ie. Nahasa). [^19]
**Where are they located?** The Aserai Sultanate is based within the Nahasa desert. Their domain lies between the Great Wadi and the Nahr al-Kals, meaning River of Lime or the Bitter River.
Map from `Geography > Maps > Toponyms`
![[aserai_region.webp|center|500]]
>   <br> [![[Encyclopedia_Calradica_Logo_2.png|center|400]]](Calradica.md)<br>
>“A massive **Mount & Blade** wikipedia!” <br> [— About Calradica](Calradica.md) <br>[— About Project](Project.md) <br>[— About Author](Horseapple.md) <br>  
[^8]: [[3-multiplayer_strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^9]: [[Blog_7_Imperial_Declines]]
[^10]: [[Blog_38_Aserai]]
[^11]: [[Blog_54_Faction_Banners]]
[^12]: [[Blog_100_Horse_Breeds]]
[^13]: [[3-module-strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^14]: [[3-spcultures-(Bannerlord)]]
[^15]: [[3-heroes-(Bannerlord)]]
[^16]: [[3-settlements-(Bannerlord)]]
[^17]: [[3-spkingdoms-(Bannerlord)]]
[^18]: [[3-std-wanderer-strings-xml-(Bannerlord)]]
[^19]: [[3-world_lore_strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^20]: [[3-Travels-in-Calradia-(DLC)]]
[^21]: [[3-lords-(Bannerlord)]]
[^22]: [[3-spclans-(Bannerlord)]]
[^23]: [[3-Travels-in-Calradia-(DLC)]]
[^24]: [[Blog_67_One-Year_Recap]]
[^25]: [[Blog_45_Camelry]]
[^26]: [[3-Digital-Companion-Faction-Descriptions-(DLC)]]
[^27]: [[3-std_common_strings-(Bannerlord)]]
[^28]: [[3-std_taleworlds_campaignsystem-(Bannerlord)]]
[^29]: [[3-spclans-(Bannerlord)]]