"From Desire, Prosperity. From Prosperity, Power."
Sahira
Absolute Sultanate advised by the Court of Silk
Royal Amethyst (#6B3FA0)
Desert Gold (#D4AF37)
Ivory Silk (#F8F1E3)
Long before the rise of Vhal'Tor, the lands south of the Worldspine Mountains were considered uninhabitable.
Vast deserts stretched across the horizon while only a few scattered tribes survived around isolated oases.
Everything changed when the legendary explorer Zahir the Wayfinder discovered the Twin Rivers.
Fed by snowmelt from the Worldspine Mountains, the rivers transformed the desert into a fertile paradise.
Settlements flourished along their banks.
Trade expanded.
Cities emerged.
Generations later these city-states united beneath a single ruler and formed what would become the Velvet Sultanate.
For centuries the river cities prospered independently.
Each city specialized in different crafts:
Silk weaving
Gem cutting
Perfumery
Agriculture
Scholarship
Trade
Competition created immense wealth but also constant conflict.
The cities often fought over irrigation rights, trade routes, and river access.
Nearly one thousand years ago, the merchant-princes of House al-Zahra united the river cities through diplomacy, marriage, and strategic alliances.
Unlike conquerors who relied upon armies, the al-Zahra rulers understood wealth.
They purchased loyalty where possible and only resorted to force when necessary.
Their reign established:
Unified trade laws
Irrigation networks
Public works
Great universities
Continental trade routes
The modern Sultanate traces its origins to this era.
Five hundred years ago the Velvet Sultanate entered its greatest age of prosperity.
Its merchants dominated southern trade.
Its scholars became renowned throughout Mythea.
Its artisans produced luxury goods sought by kings and queens across the continent.
This period saw the construction of:
The Palace of a Thousand Veils
The Grand Bazaar of Sahira
The Sapphire Gardens
The House of Silk and Stars
The University of Eternal Wisdom
Even today, many regard this era as the height of civilization.
Unlike many nations that pursued military conquest, the Sultanate mastered softer forms of power.
Through:
Trade
Diplomacy
Hospitality
Luxury
Culture
the Sultanate became indispensable to nearly every major kingdom.
Many foreign nobles discovered that influence gained within the courts of Sahira often proved more valuable than victories won on battlefields.
Today the Velvet Sultanate is one of the wealthiest realms in Mythea.
Its influence extends far beyond its borders.
While outsiders often focus on its luxury and decadence, its true strength lies in commerce, education, diplomacy, and information.
The Sultanate is a place where fortunes are made overnight and political careers can rise or fall at a single banquet.
The supreme ruler of the realm.
Current ruler:
A charismatic and intelligent ruler known for balancing tradition with ambition.
Beloved by many and underestimated by even more.
The Sultan's advisory council.
Comprised of:
Viziers
Merchant Princes
Scholars
Diplomats
Provincial Governors
Politics within the Court can be every bit as dangerous as warfare.
The Sultanate occupies the fertile southern basin between the Twin Rivers.
The lifeblood of the nation.
Every major city depends upon them.
Vast cultivated lands producing fruits, spices, flowers, and perfumes.
Expansive deserts beyond the river valleys.
Home to nomadic tribes and ancient ruins.
A shimmering inland salt basin famous for reflecting the sky.
Many religious ceremonies occur here.
The people of the Sultanate value:
Hospitality
Beauty
Education
Refinement
Ambition
Personal freedom
Guests are considered sacred.
To insult a guest is considered deeply dishonorable.
To betray one is unforgivable.
Velvet Sultanate architecture is renowned throughout Mythea.
Common features include:
Domed palaces
Marble courtyards
Flowing fountains
Silk canopies
Mosaic walls
Open-air gardens
Cities are designed to be both practical and beautiful.
The Sultanate possesses some of the finest schools in Mythea.
Major fields of study include:
Astronomy
Mathematics
Medicine
Philosophy
Diplomacy
Commerce
Many foreign nobles send their children to study here.
Though often viewed as a peaceful realm, the Sultanate maintains formidable defenses.
Elite protectors of the Sultan.
Professional infantry.
Fast-moving cavalry drawn from nomadic tribes.
Protects river commerce.
The Sultanate prefers diplomacy first and war only when necessary.
The wealthiest economy in southern Mythea.
Major exports include:
Silk
Perfume
Spices
Gemstones
Wine
Fine textiles
Glasswork
Luxury goods
Nearly every noble court on the continent purchases goods from the Sultanate.
The Sultanate reveres the Celestial Court but places special emphasis on:
Patron of commerce and prosperity.
Patron of beauty, love, and artistry.
Patron of knowledge and destiny.
Temples often serve as both religious centers and schools.
Major trade partner and trusted ally.
Strong cultural and academic ties.
Important supplier of metals and engineering.
Close diplomatic relationship.
Officially condemned, unofficially tolerated in some ports.
The Velvet Sultanate embraces a philosophy that pleasure, beauty, and companionship are natural parts of civilized life.
Elegant salons, pleasure gardens, private clubs, and houses of companionship operate openly throughout the realm.
Unlike many nations, such institutions are often regulated, respected, and connected to broader networks of hospitality, culture, and diplomacy.
Many influential relationships begin not in council chambers but over wine, poetry, music, and conversation.
The Sultanate stands at the height of its power.
Yet challenges grow:
Ancient desert ruins are awakening.
Rival merchant dynasties compete for influence.
Starfire relics have begun resurfacing.
Nomadic tribes push for greater representation.
Foreign kingdoms increasingly depend on Sultanate trade.
Many believe the next century will determine whether the Velvet Sultanate becomes the greatest civilization in Mythea—or its most envied target.
"A sword may win a kingdom, but only prosperity can keep it."
This belief has guided the Velvet Sultanate for nearly a thousand years, transforming a harsh desert frontier into one of the richest and most influential realms in all of Mythea.