![[aserai 1.png]] ## The Culture The [[Aserai-Sultanate]] are the principal inhabitants of the Nahasa, the Bronze Desert, in the south of [[Calradia-Conti.]]. To the outsider it would appear a desolate place, fields of dunes broken by gravel plains and volcanic outcrops. But there is water underground, trapped in depressions or beneath the wadis where the occasional flash flood rumbles by, and in these oases people have settled. They are divided into dozens of clans and sub-clans, each with its elaborate genealogy, but are collectively known as the [[Banu-Asera]], the sons of [[Asera]]. Their sense of nationhood, such as it is, comes from tracing their lineage to this legendary patriarch. Their wealth and power, which is considerable, comes from controlling the isolated water-sources that allow caravans from distant lands to cross the desert. [— spcultures.XML] Sultan, [[Unqid]] on clan [[Banu-Hulyan]] > "The [[Banu-Hulyan]] have never sought glory or domination. Where some see an enemy, we see only a trading partner who has gone astray. For that reason, we have tried to treat all others with fairness and respect." > > "For that reason, the clans have always brought their quarrels to us, to adjudicate. And it was natural that, when it came time for the [[Banu-Asera]] to choose a sultan, that we were the ones chosen." > > "But it is wearisome to be a Sultan. The clans cling to their grievances as though they were their children. It is not in men's nature to appreciate the fruits of peace and order. Rather, they brood over small injustices and perceived slights, and dream of shedding blood."