The Near East
General Lore
Government:
Known Races:
--% Near Eastern Hyur
--% Near Eastern Miqo'te
--% Other (High probability Roegadyn)
Terminology:
"Near Eastern" = Hailing from anywhere in the Near East: southern Ilsabard, the Bounty, or Thavnair.
"Thavnairian" = Hailing specifically from the Near Eastern island of Thavnair.
"Hannish" = Hailing specifically from Thavnair's capital, Radz-at-Han.
Industries:
Customs and Beliefs:
Food:
Climate:
Thavnairian Legend of the Zodiac Braves
History and Timeline
Eastern Trade Routes, Imports from Thavnair
Indigenous Wildlife:
Indigenous Produce:
Miscellaneous Trade with the Near East:
General Lore
Encyclopedia Eorzea Wrote:To the south of Ilsabard lies a great sea known as the Bounty. The abundance of sea life combined with its central location in relation to the Three Great Continents has historically seen civilizations on the islands of the Bounty thrive, even during the calamitous Umbral Eras.
The most prominent of those civilizations would have to be that of Radz-at-Han, located on Thavnair-the Bounty's largest landmass. An ancient city-state with a history stretching back thousands of years, Radz-at-Han is best known as the birthplace of modern alchemy. It is interested to note that, despite having a very limited outward military presence, the city-state has succeeded in forging a non-interference treaty with the Garlean Empire, ensuring their independence while mightier nations fall about them, and as thus, Radz-at-Han remains an active hub for trade between Eorzea. However, it has been noted by some that the treaty was only formed so that Garlemald could obtain items from Eorzea via Thavnair, as official trade between the regions was frozen after the Empire's failed invasion twenty years prior.
Government:
Jalzahn- Kaiser Knuckles Wrote:When cataclysm loomed over the Near East, the hero Mirza arose to defend the people from fell fiends. Once he had torn the monsters apart, he raised a mighty empire- and fashioned a pair of weapons such as these from his foes' claws!
Jalzahn- Nirvana Wrote:After long years spent spurring worldly desires, a Near Eastern hierarch rose to a higher state of being. And as he did, life itself quickened within his trusty staff, the very twin of which you now hold!
Known Races:
--% Near Eastern Hyur
--% Near Eastern Miqo'te
--% Other (High probability Roegadyn)
Terminology:
"Near Eastern" = Hailing from anywhere in the Near East: southern Ilsabard, the Bounty, or Thavnair.
"Thavnairian" = Hailing specifically from the Near Eastern island of Thavnair.
"Hannish" = Hailing specifically from Thavnair's capital, Radz-at-Han.
Industries:
Lodestone Wrote:Alchemy's establishment as a tradition in Eorzea dates only to recent history. It was born primarily of ancient techniques and knowledge brought from the Near East, but has come to contain elements of Lalafellin herbalism and Miqo'te occultism as well. The primary tool of the alchemist is the alembic.
Coultenet Wrote:The alchemists of Radz-at-Han are heirs to an ancient and storied tradition, which as seen the creation of countless medicines still in use today. The Domans have their own tradition as well, though the philosophy behind it is markedly different, from what I understand.
Jalzahn Wrote:Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Jalzahn, and I hail from the Near Eastern city-state of Radz-at-Han. I am an alchemist by trade. It has been my life’s work to study the enhancement of arms through soul infusion. Verily, Thavnairian mist is one of the fruits of my toils. Upon learning that the elixir had come to some prominence in Eorzea, I journeyed here with the intent of exploring new possibilities in my research. I want but for a subject to proceed.
Customs and Beliefs:
(10-10-2014, 01:27 PM)Sounsyy Wrote: At the start of the Zodiac Weapon questline we are tasked with collecting twelve Atma, crystalline objects from Thavnairian legend. These are taken directly from the western Zodiac.
Atma of the Ram (Aries)
Atma of the Bull (Taurus)
Atma of the Twins (Gemini)
Atma of the Crab (Cancer)
Atma of the Lion (Leo)
Atma of the Maiden (Virgo)
Atma of the Scales (Libra)
Atma of the Scorpion (Scorpio)
Atma of the Archer (Sagittarius)
Atma of the Goat (Capricorn)
Atma of the Water-bearer (Aquarius)
Atma of the Fish (Pisces)
Thavnairian Mistletoe Wrote:A variety of parasitic plant that is commonly found growing on the stout acacia trees of Thavnair. The inhabitants of Thavnair's capital city of Radz-at-Han have a strange custom that states if two people meet underneath a sprig of mistletoe, they must each give the other one of their shoes.
Gandarewa Wrote:It isn't only the dragons who have brought heretics into our midst, you know. Five hundred years ago, another heretical sect gained traction among the smallfolk of Ishgard. The heathens adopted the customs of the Near East, bathing themselves in perfumes brewed from strange flowers and forging idols from rare metals that they used in their bizarre and unholy rites. Naturally, the Temple Knights were quick to clamp down on the sect's activities. Its leader, a peasant who styled himself the great guru Gandarewa, fled to the next holiest place he knew─the sacred mountain of Dravania. There he supped on the blood of a dragon, and was forever changed...
Food:
F'lhaminn Wrote:Our impromptu excursion to the Near East afforded me the opportunity to sample authentic Thavnairian cuisine. I should like to introduce it to the Scions, but achieving the perfect balance of spices is key...
Rolanberry Lassi Wrote:A sweet and tangy drink made from cultured milk. Popular in the Near Eastern city-state of Radz-at-Han for its ability to soothe the burn of heavily spiced dishes.
Climate:
Ahldskyf Wrote:The nobles of Radz-at-Han are obsessive about their odor. I suppose it comes from living in a land that is subject to the incessant beating of the sun's harsh rays. The sweltering days and muggy nights leave nearly everyone on the island drenched in a perpetual patina of malodorous wetness. To cope, they spend absurd amounts of coin on all manner of fragrances and perfumes - and as luck would have it, one of the most prized is scented with none other than Althyk lavender! You see, my friend, the plant is very rare, with most wild varieties nigh on impossible to find in even the most fertile corners of Eorzea, let alone an isolated rock in the middle of the sea!
Mint Lassi Wrote:A cool and refreshing drink made from cultured milk. Popular in the Near Eastern city-state of Radz-at-Han for its ability to offset the blistering heat of the Thavnairian midday sun.
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Thavnairian Legend of the Zodiac Braves
The Song of the Zodiac Braves Wrote:"In an era long since ended,
When chaos reigned o'er all the land,
Did valiant souls take up the fight
To bring forth Light and cast out Dark
They numbered twelve, no more nor less."
Gerolt Wrote:In ages past, terrible demons known by the name "Zodiac" would appear in our world. But when they did, a hero wieldin' a shinin' weapon would arise to strike the fiends down. Do ye know that particular tale?
Jalzahn Wrote:Legend tells that, when the world lies upon the brink of destruction, brave souls who bear the Light shall arise to banish the Darkness. These heroes are known by myriad names, but in my native Radz-at-Han they are called the “Zodiac Braves.â€
Thavnairian tradition holds that the Zodiac Braves gathered light to their weapons by vanquishing formidable foes. ‘Tis my theory that the heroes were in fact absorbing souls. If your weapon is to realize its potential, you must have it drink deep of the souls of slain foes. Of course, not every soul is created equal, and so it follows that not all creatures will serve our purpose. Indeed, the Zodiac Braves themselves were very particular as to which foes they chose to vanquish.
In the interests of efficiency, you would do well to seek out adversaries of like nature. For this, you might refer to the “Trials of the Braves,†a collection of sacred texts that tell of the heroes’ deeds. The books are common enough in Radz-at-Han, but having recently formed my theory, I did not think to bring them with me, alas. Though, with trade flourishing between our lands, mayhap there is a local merchant dealing in imported wares who has them in stock.
Coultenet Wrote:We would have sent word sooner, but the Crystal Braves afforded us no opportunity. When they fell upon us in the market, it was all we could do to escape. Tataru found her way to you, of course, but we were forced to seek shelter aboard a Hannish vessel.
Ocher Boulder Wrote:Yet now that you are here, I sense that you have surpassed me once more... No, do not tell me─you trained with the Hannish, did you not?
Hoary Boulder Wrote:Your eyes do not deceive, brother! Aye, I have studied the Trials of the Braves, and drunk deep of the souls of mine enemies!
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History and Timeline
Encyclopedia Eorzea Wrote:Year 1150: A system of tolls is enacted, to be collected from merchants travelling through Ala Mhigo and Gyr Abania in return for safe passage between Eorzea and the Near East.
Year ca.1190: After their triumph over Sil'dih, emissaries from a thriving Ul'dah board Lominsan-built ships and set sail for the Near East to establish trade.
Year ca.1200: Piracy enters its golden age, and raids by Lominsan corsairs on merchant ships laden with Ul'dahn riches are the order of the day.
Ul'dahn merchants begin arming their vessels to protect their livelihoods on the open sea, but struggle to fend off the Lominsan pirates and their superior nautical aptitude.
Year 1221: The pirate king Mistbeard appears on the Five Seas, his face concealed by a ghastly mask as he unifies several pirate bands under his flagship, the Haar. His legend grows as he and his crew plunder the seas with impunity.
Year 1249: Mistbeard is reportedly slain at sea in battle with an armed merchant vessel from the Near Eastern city of Radz-at-Han.
Year 1251: A wealth of treasures is plundered from a Radz-at-Han argosy, giving rise to rumors that Mistbeard is alive and well. Time and again the pirate king is reported as dead only to resurface, leading many to believe the man immortal.
Year 1476: Great merchant caravans employing chocobo carriages are organized, and set off for the east. Meanwhile, Ala Mhigo is forced to dramatically reduce their highroad tolls as part of their terms of surrender in the Autumn War. As a result, overland transport regains popularity as an alternative to the piracy-plagued sea routes.
Year 1477: Flourishing commerce and cross-border trade prompt the need for standardization of currency and measurements. By consensus of the six city-states, the gil of ancient Allag is revived and adopted as a universal currency, and with it the ilm/onze system of weights and measures.
Dated Radz-at-Han Coin Wrote:Currency* once used on the Near Eastern island of Thavnair, now only sought by numismatists and historians.*The coin looks strikingly similar to gil.
Encyclopedia Eorzea Wrote:After 1190, Ul'dah gained control of Thanalan, and began to trade on the high seas. Despite the ever-present threat of pirates, Ul'dah's ships were large, and could carry far more goods than caravans. A single voyage was much more profitable than a train of men traversing the overland route. Moreover, no one charged a toll to sail over the waves. Though the change was gradual, trade with the Near East shifted to the seas.
Near Eastern Antique Wrote:A piece of Radz-at-Han's illustrious history.
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Eastern Trade Routes, Imports from Thavnair
Indigenous Wildlife:
Adamantoise Shell Wrote:The shell of a giant tortoise originally native to the island of Thavnair, but now found living throughout Eorzea.
Tiny Tortoise Wrote:Not native to Eorzea, the first adamantoise to arrive in the realm is believed to have been mixed in with a shipment of dodo eggs from the Near East. Why anyone would import dodo eggs when there are more than enough of the birds living in Eorzea already is a mystery for the ages... but the whole affair more than likely involves a hungry Qiqirn.
Adamantoise Wrote:Native to the Near Eastern island of Thavnair, adamantoises were long thought to be impossible to domesticate. However, through the efforts of Ul'dahn zoologists, a handful of the colossal scalekin have been successfully trained to accept riders.
Coeurl Wrote:Native to the jungles of the Near East, coeurls were only recently introduced to Eorzea, brought over from faraway lands such as Thavnair by Ul'dahn nobles who thought to breed them as pets. Now, but a handful of skilled tamers living in recluse on the Pearl are said to be able to train them.
Warlion Wrote:Early in the Sixth Astral Era, lions were brought over from the Near East and trained to serve as battle mounts for the Sultansworn of Ul'dah. Deemed unbreakable, those not sold to the Coliseum for venationes were released into the deserts of Thanalan where they eventually reverted back to a feral state.
Camel Hair Wrote:Thick, brown hair of a Near Eastern monstrosity known as the camel. Dubious reports from sailors claim the beast stands thrice as high as a chocobo, can speak the tongues of man, and has massive humps upon its back which may contain water, wine, or even gold.
Cornu Wrote:Of the zu much is known, for their migration between Eorzea and the Near East provides many opportunities for observation. The vilest among these birds of prey is the Cornu, who has made himself maddeningly scarce to learned eyes that would pry from it the secrets of its savage heart.
Heavensward Sightseeing Vista #023 - The Nidifice Wrote:A nest of great migratory birds that travel with the seasons from the Near East to Eorzea and back again in search of warmer climates. It is here that they lay their eggs, raise their young, and teach them to take to the skies before making the journey anew.
A'zumyn Wrote:Thavnairian mites!? We have collected eggs from cargo carried on ships hailing from Radz-at-Han before... but always in Limsa Lominsa. There are no records of ships traveling to or from the tiny island nation making stops here in Candlekeep Quay... nor would they ever need to. Unless... the mites did not come from a ship that laid anchor here, but from a different vessel... one with more heinous motives. I believe this will require further investigation.
Thavnairian Leaf Wrote:A freshwater fish originally native to the Near Eastern island of Thavnair. How they ultimately ended up in the upper Thaliak River remains an enigma. The colorful patterns which cover the Thavnairian leaf's body make it a popular addition to aquariums. Once almost impossible to acquire on mainland Eorzea, the Near Eastern native's recent introduction to the Thaliak River has seen its asking price drop from “wholly ludicrous†to “somewhat absurd.â€
Indigenous Produce:
Wild Onion Wrote:A pungent bulb vegetable native to the Near East.
Wizard Eggplant Wrote:A firm purple-skinned vegetable indigenous to the mountains of the Near East. A common wives' tale claims if you eat too many of this vegetable, you will turn into one.
Sun Lemon Wrote:A sour citrus fruit indigenous to the Near East.
Apricot Wrote:A variety of stone fruit borne over from the Near East. Its orange flesh is at once sweet and tart.
Han Lemon Wrote:A foul, bitter fruit found growing on the Near Eastern island of Thavnair. While typically avoided by the residents of Radz-at-Han, it is a favorite amongst chocobos, and is known to restore feathers to their original hue.
Thavnairian Onion Wrote:A pungent, tear-inducing vegetable that thrives in the alkali sands of Near Eastern Thavnair. While typically avoided by the five races, it is a favorite amongst chocobos.
Stalk of Ramie Wrote:A variety of swift-growing grass native to the Near East. The stalks can be dried and processed into thin threads which, when spun together, can be woven into a cloth not unlike hemp.
Gysahl Greens Wrote:A leafy vegetable indigenous to the Near East. While too bitter for most people's tastes, chocobos are known to enjoy the flavor, and thus the greens are often used as fodder for the animals.
Fufucha Wrote:Research has proven that much of the gysahl greens presently grown in Ishgard are in fact Near Eastern.
Basyle Wrote:Over a century ago, Near Eastern gysahl greens were brought over to Eorzea. Thanks to its hardiness, it thrived in our realm, becoming so ubiquitous that it displaced many indigenous species. Species such as the Coerthan gysahl, which fairly disappeared. And indeed it would've, had the Botanists' Guild not continued cultivating it as a strain suited to cooler lands.
Miscellaneous Trade with the Near East:
Ahldskyf Wrote:We're in the process of resupplying in preparation for the long journey east across the Sea of Jade to the small island nation of Thavnair, and its capital city Radz-at-Han. My intention is to fill our hold with high-quality flour, a rarity on Thavnair, and sell it to the upper-class merchants there for ten times its value here on Vylbrand. However, the Orion's owner, my employer, doubts the wisdom of my plan. He says flour is flour, and that the merchants of Thavnair would not be able to discern La Noscean flour from the less expensive Ul'dahn variety that they already import, giving them no reason to pay more for our product.
Truth be told, I expected he might have his misgivings, so I had a solution ready─I would have the ship's cook bake some bread using La Noscean flour and offer it as a gift to the ruling houses of Radz-at-Han, telling each house that the others had found its flavor to far surpass that of bread made from Ul'dahn sunset wheat. The nobles would have no choice but to agree, of course, and, not wishing to be outshone by their peers, demand that their kitchens also stock La Noscean flour.
Fresh Meat Wrote:The crew of the Orion, spoiled by long stays in Limsa Lominsa and Radz-at-Han, has grown too accustomed to the luxuries of the land-- one of those being freshly cooked meat. Now, the spoiled sailors are saying that they will not stand for any more jerked beef or salted pork, and refuse to set sail until a section of the cargo bay is corralled off and stocked with live dodos. Why not just release the sailors and find new ones? Well, it could be that I, too, wouldn't mind a fresh roasted leg every now and again while on those long sea journeys, and am ready to pay a fair sum of coin for any dodo delivered to me alive.
Either Love Them or Kill Them Wrote:A fellow merchant recently arrived on a ship from Radz-at-Han has fallen in love with the marmots which scamper about the Thanalan deserts and believes that the noble houses of his hometown will follow suit. He has expressed his interest in purchasing several of the furry beastkin and has bid our organization assist him. The Seventy-seven Caravans do not have the means to pacify and capture the rodents, but will pay decent coin to anyone who does.
The Cure Wrote:The alchemists at Radz-at-Han claim to have developed a cure-all from the leaves found growing atop the heads of mandragoras, increasing demand for the item tenfold. There is, however, one catch - the leaves must be plucked from a living specimen. The Orion will be leaving port for Thavnair in a few suns' time, and is offering a premium price for any pacified mandragoras delivered before the ship sets sail.
Zhloe Aliapoh Wrote:Zhloe has her eyes set on exotic treasures of Near Eastern make and design! A little bird told Zhloe that Near Eastern culture is all the rage among the Ishgardian nobility these days, and who is Zhloe to disappoint such potentially generous customers?
Yumah Molkot Wrote:In response to recent fluctuations in the market, the [Brugaire Consortium] is sourcing these arms from the city-state of Radz-at-Han, far across the Jade Sea. I should note at this juncture that these are no ordinary weapons—they are fashioned from a peculiar stone called Giantsgall, a material traditionally used in the making of Near Eastern arms. I caught glimpse of one such blade hanging on the hip of a Twin Adder officer returning from a drill, and humbly asked if I might examine it up close. Let it suffice to say that I was duly impressed by the craftsmanship.
The Cieldalaes to See Combat Wrote:Giantsgall
A variety of stone found only on Thavnair, possessing exceptional hardness. Its name is derived from a legend that tells of a Far Eastern hero who voyaged to the selfsame island and there vanquished a savage giant. A nearby stone drank up the slain giant's blood and gall, thus receiving of its strength.
Thavnairian Silk Wrote:This silk has been spun from thread created by a worm found only on the Near Eastern island of Thavnair.
Thavnairian Mist Wrote:A concentrated elixir blended in the Near Eastern island nation of Radz-at-Han.
Necrologos: Igneous Toil Wrote:A copy of the forbidden tome, the Necrologos, was recently discovered by wealthy Costa del Sol resident and avid collector of antiquities Gegeruju amongst a shipment of ancient logs and journals purchased from a Radz-at-Han sailing company. The Lalafell claims to know naught regarding whence the tome came or how it happened to make its way in with his shipment, but ensures Mealvaan's Gate that he unbound and disposed of the book promptly. This, however, is easier said than done, and we believe that the pages still may exist in some form, mixed in with the detritus gathered on the beaches of Bloodshore. Adventurers are sought to locate the pages and properly dispose of them after defeating the creature bound within.
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Ardashir Balyk Wrote:The son of a Near Eastern Hyuran merchant in Radz-at-Han, Ardashir traveled with his father so as to learn the family business. His life would change, however, upon his first journey to Limsa Lominsa. There, he spied arcanists at Mealvaan's Gate, and was entranced by their carbuncles. Upon returning home, Ardashir began to study arcanima, only to discover he had no talent for sorcery, and could not perform even the most basic summoning. He did not give up, however, and instead set out to create an arcane entity that did not rely on the wielder's magic. Ignoring his father's protests, the Near Eastern Hyuran became the apprentice of a famous alchemist, and has been conducting research on anima since.
Encyclopedia Eorzea - Coultenet Dailebaure Wrote:Ambitious and brimming with curiosity even after twenty-six summers, Coultenet has taken an interest in the arts of the Doman shinobi, and discovered common points between mudra and arcane geometries. When forced to flee Mor Dhona, he travelled to Radz-at-Han, and is thought to be quietly devising new arcane arts based in his encounters with Near Eastern knowledge.
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