Najer

The Emirate of Najer is a nation-state located in the Wandering Desert in the north-eastern portion of Nieden. It was founded on the 7th of April, 2021, as a successor state to the now-dissolved Sterling Crownlands. It is currently led by Emir Asdrubal Hanno-faj niv Bacri.

Pre-Emirate (10/16/2020-4/06/2021)
Najer's origins can be traced back to the year 1 AB (October 16th, 2020), to the foundation of the great city of Najera'jad. The Najer people had existed as a loose collection of nomadic tribes for thousands of years, with early settlements as old as 20,000 years ago present in core Najer territory. However, in modern times, a greater need for group security had pushed the nomads closer together.

This need was solidified during the bank crash of Gold Wednesday. A massive economic downturn led to worldwide chaos, with people all over losing their entire savings. As a result, many turned to banditry, and a wave of crime exploded from population centers, eventually reaching the northernmost parts of Nieden. Bandits swept through the nation, pillaging and killing the peaceful nomads, causing panic and fear throughout the wandering desert.

Several of the most prominent tribes organized the others, and they took refuge in their desert temples, which were more defensible than the average Najer settlement at the time. Using their new position, they mounted a defense, using hit-and-run tactics to counter the raiders superior technology, successfully driving them out of the desert.

There was another effect to the shelters the Najer had taken; within the temples, they discovered and decoded ancient Najer writings, full of records of their culture. Once the pillagers had been expelled, this ignited a cultural renaissance among the Najer people, who united over their shared heritage and history. This eventually led to a decision to found a city, one that would house the greater part of the Najer and act as their stronghold and pride. They began building this city on a mountain, and named it "Najera'jad" or people's mountain.

This city-state would effectively comprise the entire nation, going on to be a founding member of the Silver Coalition and later part of the Sterling Crownlands. The ruler of Najera'jad, Avreham Basha, became the first High King of the Sterling Crownlands. Following his murder, the passing of the crown, and the First Coalition War, Najera'jad grew out of focus internationally.

Internally, however, they prospered. Several new cities were founded, including Kijaro in the south-east (3 AB) and Wobambi-on-Sea in the far east. (15 AB) The Najer continued to study and learn about their culture, and grow their population. Najer was recognized as a hub of culture within the Crownlands, along with Noxnorr. People commonly held their honeymoons in Najera'jad, due to the city's idyllic beauty and friendly people. Najera'jad housed the regional headquarters of several organizations, including the Rovers of Rathnir, and did a booming business in flowers.

When the Crownlands were dissolved by the son of Avreham, Baram Basha, Najera'jad reformed into the Emirate of Najer.

Early Emirate (04/07/2021-05/10/2021)
Without the support of the other nations in the Crownlands, and with the death of their first king, the Najer were uncertain, but hopeful for the future. The leaders of Najer took inspiration from the Crownlands governmental structure, preserving the positions and procedures as best they could, only on a smaller scale. They abandoned the old system of the Seyohs and decided to crown a monarch, who would act as the new sole leader of the nation, in 25 AB. (April 7, 2021)

Dmitrio von Sturgeon was the first monarch, the Emir. A veteran of the Sterling Crownlands, he had helped engineer much of the road system that stretched across the north, and had helped to quell the Steel Compact rebellion. A good friend of Baram, the last king of the Sterling Crownlands, he quickly gained respect as a quintessential Najer, who made friends easily and loved peace. He moved the capital of Najer from Najera'jad to his home city of Wobambi-on-Sea.

Early in his reign, the Vulpur people, who had been driven from home to home for much of their early existence, came to settle down in the far western peninsula of Najer in the year 29 AB. (May 6th, 2021) They established two cities, Neavulpur and Captainia, and planned several more. Later, (May 11th, 2021) Emir Sturgeon would lead a party that would make contact with the Vuls. He invited them to Wobambi, where they discussed the future of Vulpinia, and eventually agreed to make them an autonomous vassal. Thus, the Vulpinia province was established.

Shortly before this, the Emir established contact with the Sicarian people, who had lived on an island off of the coast of Najer for many years. They had had relations with the mainland, but generally had remained separate. Their massacre of the already-small Lizardfolk population had not endeared them to the Najer. Despite this, they had prospered, building a fortress within which they lived.

The leader of the Sicarians, DragonTypes, met Emir von Sturgeon and the Vulpinian Frogycraft at the gates of Sicaria and offered to buy the island officially. Although he declined, in 30 AB (May 15th) negotiations were underwent, and Sicaria officially joined Najer.

Middle Age (05/11/2021-06/07/2021)
Shortly after, troubles from the south began to reach upwards. The Order Müvielle was highly expansionist at the time, and had sought many land deals from its neighbors all around, but to little success. In 32 AB, (May 22) they officially announced that they had laid claim to a sizeable portion of Najer's southeastern territory, going almost all the way up to the capital, and including Kijaro, which had fallen into disrepair since the Sterling Era. This was done quickly and covertly, so that by the time of the announcement, the cities within the claimed territory had already been taken and Muvielle troops had already moved in to the region. They named the area "Aruwbar." Despite Muvielle's sometimes tense relations with their neighbor Floramia, they both participated in and supported the land grab.

While Najer forces mobilized for war, word soon came in from Najers allies in foreign lands. The Second Empire of Uldarash, the Third Bardonian Empire, the Magisterium, and even the Imperial Archonate of Viodoxa, with whom Najer had no formal alliance, all denounced Muvielle and threatened war should they retain their claims over the lands.

Reluctantly, knowing that going up against every world superpower at the time would be suicide, Muvielle abandoned the territory. Shortly afterward, (May 25) the Treaty of Kijaro was signed and published, ending the war. The two nations entered into a non-aggression pact and vowed to mutually forgive each other for their actions.

The same year, Najer would undergo further reforms as the Emir began an election to determine who would fill the offices of the provincial Governors. Dragontypes of Sicaria won the election for Najera'jad province. He changed the namesake capital to his own city, both becoming Sicaria. IronJaw of Ahjejeko Thesehi became the governor of Jakeh'adh. (Known at the time as central Najer)

The other two governor positions were not chosen by an election. The people of Vulpinia chose their representative via their council, and Hitomi Numachi was personally chosen to be the governess of Andamooka by the Emir.



In 33 AB, (early June) the Vul would migrate back to their ancestral homeland of Serrona, in Eldham. They returned the land to Najer, and the Vulpinia province was dissolved and merged with Sicaria province. The governors official inauguration was held shortly afterward in 34 AB. (June 7th)

Formative Era (06/08/2021-07/29/2021)
Since their conflict with Najer, Muvielle and Floramia had ironically bonded over their shared defeat and merged their nations to become the Simulami Empire. They had expelled an interdimensional traveling group known as the Order of the Red Quarterstaff from their lands in 37 AB. (June 26th) In need of a new home, the governor of Jakeh'adh province, Ironjaw, invited them to settle in his province. Certain individuals from the nearby city of Pomjad, who coincidentally were also refugees from Simulami, were alarmed at the Order settling near their city, and attacked. Shortly after, the Order was fully integrated into the nation so as to not cause confusion. Using the precedent the Vuls had set, they became a semi-autonomous group within Najer.

Around this period, an anti-Simulami sentiment began brewing among the nation. Many groups had come to Najer to escape the wrath of their southern neighbors, and this common experience led to hostile feelings towards Simulami, not helped by demeaning comments and discriminatory policies implemented in the earlier Floramian era.

Emir Sturgeon saw this, and felt it was incorrect and unhealthy for this hate to brew between neighbors, so he and ZenoHUN of Simulami began talks, discovering that each of their nations were not so different. In 40 AB, (July 22nd) they signed the Pisces Fellowship, a full mutual defense pact. This treaty brought the two nations even closer together, and although old grudges remained, they were put aside.

During the events of the Third Coalition war and The Battle of New Dorasterrock, (41 AB) Najer entered a state of readiness, anticipating a call from Bardonia for aid. Although such a call never came, what little military Najer has was rallied, with the Najer Coast Guard forming into a navy and many Najer towns enacting defenses against potential raids. After the Coalition victory at New Dorasterrock, Najer forces returned to a wary state of peacetime.

Golden Age (07/30/2021-9/27/2021)
In 42 AB, (July 30th) Najer was invaded by a group known as the "Kingdom of Salem." They seized control of the abandoned fortress-city of Neavulpur on the Vulpinian Peninsula, and began aggressive negotiations, bombing the nearby city of Najera'jad and attacking Najer citizens. They arrogantly tried to buy their sovereignty after refusing to integrate into the nation.

A scouting party was sent, led by two Najer citizens, Shivareh Basha (Just_Shooter) and Hirudo Talvos. (Hirudo6) They went to survey the land and scout out the invaders. After being shut out, they rallied the Najer military, calling on their ally Irabella, and launched a raid on the fortress. They easily overwhelmed the ill-trained and arrogant Salem forces. The leader of Salem, Splycerz, attempted to taunt the attacking forces, until he was shot and fell off the wall. The strike team quickly breached the fort, chasing down the would-be king and executed him. The rest of his lackeys fled shortly after, thus ending the Salem invasion.

The following year (August 10th) during a national meeting, Governor Ironjaw retired. As the first of the original three governors to step down, this was surprising to many. He passed the governorship of his province, Jakeh'adh, to Hirudo, a seyoh of a large town there.

In the year 48 AB (September 15th), Najer's neighbor nation of Solitudinem was abruptly invaded by a barbarian group known as "Dixie." Najer answered their call for help and began organizing a military campaign against the invaders. Though rarely ones to go to war, the Najer army was restless from a lack of any conflict for years. They took to this task with gusto, obtaining the supporting of a half-dozen other nations in a Najer coalition.

Negotiations with the invaders were short, and plans for an invasion were drawn up. This marked the start of the War of Solitudinem.



While uncertain of the situation at first, the Najer coalition began planning. Although Dixie claimed to have the support of Tortuga, the Frosterium, and the Second Empire of Plagatéa, diplomatic visits with each country confirmed that this was not the case. Their lies discovered, they went on the defensive and hired the Sweet Berry Bandits.

However, due to Dixie's disreputable behavior, the Berry Bandits switched sides, and began working with coalition leaders. Provided with intel on Dixie war plans and troop strength, a battle finally occurred the following year, in 49 AB. (September 19th)

Coalition forces gathered at the Solitudinem town of Purgatio, massing outside the settlement and preparing for battle, before marching to a Dixie base known as the Hills of Bhaldor. They quickly set up entrenchments, camps, and siege engines surrounding the Dixie forces. Led by the Berry Bandits, the Dixie army was hesitant at first, but soon led an assault on the coalition lines. The Berry Bandits obscured their intentions and let Dixie get routed. They quickly fell back, retreating into their fort.

Soon thereafter, scouts reported that the main Dixie army had fled Bhaldor using secret tunnels and fled to a more defensible fort to the north. The coalition began moving to meet them, and launched a second assault at the fortress. The Bandits fully turned on the Dixies, turning the battle into a bloodbath. They and the coalition army massacred the fighters while not suffering even a single casualty. The remainder surrendered or leapt off their fortress walls in defiance, and the fort was taken, ending the war.

Shortly after this war, Governor Dragontypes would be killed under mysterious circumstances. Leonardo "Leo" Grey would take his place as governor of his province.

Sapphire Era (9/27/2021-04/13/2022)
The Sapphire Commonwealth was founded the following year, in 50 AB. (September 28th) The Emirate was one of its three core members. A mere two years later (October 16th) Emir Dmitrio von Sturgeon passed away, and the crown passed to Hirudo Talvos.

Throughout the time in the Commonwealth, the people of Najer attempted to promote peace and a greater knowledge of Sterling Crownland history, although often with little success. The Commonwealth would become embroiled in wars, often involving the Second Empire of Plagatéa or The Kingdom of Mithra. Najer would play a minimal role in conflicts due to their pacifistic nature, involving its military only when the future of the Commonwealth was at stake.

Internally, Najer thrived. New towns were founded or revived. The people broadened their connections with their neighbors and became friends with their fellow northerners.

Eventually, however, in 64 AB (January 10th), Emir Hirudo and the other monarchs of the Sapphire Commonwealth decided to dissolve the Commonwealth. A series of unwanted wars had tired them, especially aggravating to the Najer. Thus, they decided to go their separate ways once more. Later that same year, Hitomi Numachi, governess of Andamooka, stepped down, passing the title to Shivareh Basha. This event would mark the departure of the last of the original three governors.

Following this, Emir Hirudo would pursue both further internal reforms and greater diplomatic ties. A number of alliances and pacts were formally signed, building projects for the nation's big cities were undertaken, and the national religion was more heavily promoted. Pride in Najer culture experienced a resurgence in popularity during this time.

A breakthrough by Najer scholars in 68 AB also led to the discovery of several new lost gods, which in turn boosted the practice of the religion. A number of new temples were constructed across Najer, the first in many years, notably in Kigea'jad and Nahrayn.

In 75 AB, Najer's western shores were once again beset by invaders. A friend of a disaffected former Seyoh, who together ran the nation of Belmore in Eldham, began squatting on Dualfin Isle, and began assembling an army of mercenaries and foreign nations to enforce his claim. High officials in both Bardonia and the Soleannan Imperium, upset by Najer's alliances with Ryzan and Uldarash, traditional enemies of theirs, both offered aid. The Najer government took immediate action, entering into talks with a variety of parties. Through sheer force of diplomacy, the squatter's allies fell away one by one.

Although the invasion was successfully quelled, the event made the Emir realize that he was becoming too old. Wishing to avoid falling into the steps of his predecessor and becoming withdrawn from daily affairs due to old age, Hirudo decided to step down from politics, and began making preparations. He appointed Hitomi Numachi as the Calipha, or successor, to manage affairs during this period.

Two years later, in 77 AB, Hirudo issued a declaration of his abdication and handed the crown of Najer to Hitomi, and departed Rathnir.

The Dark Ages (4/13/2022-07/01/2022)
The first actions Hitomi took were, firstly, to rearrange the Wobambi Forum, and to sign several treaties with other nations. Azzar was stripped of his post as governor of Jakeh'adh for negligence and a conflict of interest, and the position was given to Alsham Talvos, son of the former Emir. Melthir Vikhrov and Asdrubal Hanno-faj niv Bacri were appointed as the federal quartermaster and Minister of Commerce, respectively.

Hitomi was quick to sign alliances with The Imperium and the Huitca Federation as well. Later, Orshav Basha stepped down as Governor of Najera'jad, and Ameri Susanda was appointed in his place. However, soon after this, Hitomi vanished from the public sphere completely, only communicating through letters to the members of the Najer government.

In 81 AB, the Church of The Lost Gods held a meeting in Najera'jad to decide the future of the religion, the first meeting of its kind.

Discontent began growing with Hitomi's absence. The people demanded someone who would be able to manage the affairs of the office of Emir, and so Hitomi chose Asdrubal to become the Caliph. Around this time, Hadarai Basha retired as the Commandant of The Najer Armed Services, and Minalwa'juz took his place.

In 84 AB, Hitomi abruptly sent out a letter internationally declaring that Najer would be declaring war on Tortuga as part of a regional dispute over a small island. This prompted immediate outrage from Tortuga's leaders and allies, and only the swift thinking of the Wobambi forum and the retraction of Hitomi's declaration prevented the situation from spiraling out of control.

In 87 AB, Asdrubal held a national meeting and announced an economic census of Najer. While both of these helped to calm people, the nation suffered under the neglect of Hitomi. Diplomatic letters were turned away, the capital was left to rot, and many blunders in foreign affairs, namely the Tortuga crisis 3 years earlier, nearly led to catastrophe.

This led to a breaking point when, evidently overwhelmed by letters and the pressure of shirking her duties, Hitomi abdicated the throne to Asdrubal and vanished without a trace. The abruptness of her departure left many wondering about the specifics, and some even speculated that her abdication was merely a cover for her suicide.

Regardless, the people were happy to finally be free of Hitomi and hopeful for the future under Emir Asdrubal. The newly minted ruler was quick to assert control, and announced plans to reverse the missteps Hitomi made and fix persistent unresolved problems.

The Shifting Era (07/01/2022-9/21/2022)
Asdrubal's first actions were to immediately restart the diplomatic relations that had stagnated over time. Indeed, most of his rule was focused on improving not only Najer's relationships with its neighbors, but the state of the whole north. This began with the Pact of Elysium, an agreement made between Najer, Lennox, and the latter's colony, Elysium, in 92 AB (July 18th). Elysium, an underwater city, was given permission to exist off the coast of Najer, and was a joint vassalship between the two nations. This pact also gave rise to a non-aggression pact between Najer and Lennox, the first interaction had with a Yularan nation since the dissolution of the Sterling Crownlands nearly 80 years earlier.

A number of newspapers were also founded around this time, including the Nomadic times and The Silver Moon.

In 94 AB (July 30th), a national meeting was held to determine the state of affairs and plans going forward. A number of new ideas were brought forth to fix problems within the nation, including such topics as the government, infrastructure, recruitment, events, and foreign affairs.

The following year (August 8th), Minalwa'juz went missing. The position of NAS commandant was passed to Soonsandbash of Sibkea. In 96 AB, the spice guild officially opened their headquarters in Kafas niv Jaseda, Najer's market town, which had been under construction for several years. This was marked by an influx of people hoping to buy and sell, as well as an increased focus on the spice-based commerce.

Around this time, a wandering monk petitioned the government to allow a shrine for his religion to be built in Najer. Willing to be conciliatory, the government offered several locations that would be suitable, and one near Kigea'jad was eventually chosen, on the stipulation that all the laws and customs of Najer would be upheld. However, upon arriving in the areas, a dispute between the monk and the nearby town of Silkovia erupted into violence, with the town's militia sending out a raiding party to halt construction of the shrine. Both parties were given a punishment by the government for escalating the conflict, although this only served to make them even more upset.

Shortly after this, Emir Asdrubal grew sick for several months. The Caliph, Alsham Talvos, took up rule for this period. Asdrubal did not spend this time idly, however, as in 98 AB (August 29th), he announced that he had been working with other northern nation leaders to form the city state of the Silver Citadel, which had been a heavily contested and sought-after territory for many decades. This marked a distinct transition of the north to a more peaceful and harmonious place.

In 100 AB, spy reports came in that the wandering monk who had caused a commotion several years prior was requesting that foreign powers come invade Najer. This took place in the midst of negotiations that were ongoing but repeatedly ignored by the same monk. Najer reacted accordingly, declaring their intent to remove the monk by force. Ironically, the monks pleas for invasion went unanswered, meaning that it caused the very thing it was meant to prevent. The shrine was removed easily.

In the following years, Najer, through Emir Asdrubal, became very diplomatically active. He orchestrated three major treaties- mutual defense pacts with Daelyria and the Republic of Alamayn, as well as the Silver Peace Pact, a multinational NAP between Daelyria, Najer, Alamayn, Lennox, and Vallia.

Around this time, PrinceOfPain, a strife seyoh within the Najer military, was fired for misconduct and overstepping his duties. Upset by this, he started a movement within the military that campaigned to restore his status, sometimes through unusual means.

Despite this, in the later years of his reign, there began to be a growing discontent in certain groups in Najer. The Silkovians, unhappy with their treatment years earlier during the Shrine Incident, were a heavy driver of talks of government reforms. Other players, such as other malcontented Seyohs and the disaffected former military officer, supported these and other movements for change.

Although not initially receptive to sweeping changes, Emir Asdrubal was eventually convinced through repeated petitions, general discourse, and ideas for reforms that were passed along to him. He began to officially host discussions on the direction that Najer should take, reviewing a number of bureaucratic and legal changes.

However, even before any of these reforms could take effect, the Emir was assassinated by an unknown assailant. He was found dead in Wobambi, having bled out from stab wounds. Alsham Talvos, the Caliph at the time, became the next Emir.

Government
The Emirate functions with a similar structure to the Sterling Crownlands federal government, with an absolute monarch, the Emir, at the head, and an advisory council, the Wobambi forum, to aid in managing affairs across Najer and beyond. In order to most efficiently manage the land, the Emirate is divided into three provinces: Andamooka, Jakeh'adh, and Najera'jad. Each province has a governor who oversees it, essentially governing however they choose.

Officials
Emir


 * Alsham Hirudo-faj niv Talvos

Governors

Relationships and alliances
Najer is a heavily isolationist nation, rarely engaging in affairs outside their borders. If they do engage in war, it is to defend themselves or their allies. Najer has a strict "take no land, give no land" policy, refusing to either conquer or sell land. Despite this, the Emirate often engages diplomatically with other nations. They have several alliances, detailed below:


 * Simulami Empire
 * Vulperium
 * Kingdom of Alda
 * Alamayn
 * Second High Kingdom of Daelyria


 * Riebe
 * Autokratoria Sirradra
 * Seidora
 * Solnostan
 * Kingdom of Theros
 * Lennox
 * Kingdom of Vallia
 * Silver Citadel City-state
 * United Provinces of Carvinia

Culture

 * Main Article: Najer Culture

Najer culture is deeply rooted in its rich history, stemming from their role as a land of nomads and traders, to the people's heavy involvement with and support of the Silver Coalition and the Sterling Crownlands. This fusion has led to a mosaic of shared ideas and a diverse population, who commonly accept those who are different and exchange ideas between each other.

The national animal and symbol of the Emirate is the Zond, a mythical creature from ancient Najer folklore. The creature appears as a horse with an abnormally long neck, a spotted hide, and horns not unlike a dragon. Zond are elusive, like a mirage in the desert. Those who gaze upon its majesty are rewarded greatly with safe travels, clean water, and good trade deals. The earliest known accounts of the creature are depictions in the Qwarakan Archaeological Site, the location of potentially the earliest permanent Najer settlement.

The tribal Poma clan system is the traditional and time-honored system of Najer organization. However, its practice has declined over the years, as increasing numbers of Najers have flocked to cities as opportunities outside their walls grow scarcer. Today, it is seen primarily in Central Najer and the desolate outskirts of cities.

The "stereotypical" blue wandering trader tunic of the Najer people has also adapted with the times, still often worn by Najer and non-Najer born citizens alike, but now using dyes and textile tradition brought from abroad.

Najer culture is proud and protective of its history and ancestral lands. Many Najer travel to protect cultural sites and discover new ones buried in the desert sands, while others roam Rathnir collecting rare goods.

The Najer value sincerity, and have great disdain for deceit. While they do keep secrets, they prefer open discussion in all matters of life. Additionally, the Najer are well known for being gracious and generous hosts that never let anybody go hungry if they can help it.

Geography and Provinces
The Najer homelands have long been colloquially known as the Wandering Desert, a specific subregion of the Nieden continent. While primarily a mix of deserts and arid savannahs, it contains many pockets of more arable land, and is criss-crossed with rivers and mountains. Although traditionally sparsely populated, the population has been trending upwards for the past several decades, leading to the foundation of many new cities and the revival of old ones as well.

Teju'aja Province
Teju'aja is an anciently inhabited region, dating back to the Lizardfolk Seyohdoms, the Sidel and Sicarian tribes of the north, and of course the home of Najera'jad, our founding former capital city. It also contains Kafas niv Jaseda, the national market town and the Spice Guild Headquarters.


 * Najera'jad
 * Kafas niv Jaseda
 * Sibkea
 * Shahbah

Silkov'jira
Silkov'jira is the westernmost reaches of the Emirate. It has a variety of cultures within it's borders, most prominently the Silkov tribe and the Seraphism faith. It contains many unique and historical places, such as our vassal state of Yukkon and the ancient city of Kigea'jad.


 * Silkovia
 * Sicaria
 * Delphinia
 * Kigea'jad
 * Yukkon

Sadahef Province
Sadahef Province is the province home to the Order of the Red Quarterstaff, an organization dedicated to fostering peace and stability and dealing with great dangers. It has many examples of stunning medieval architecture, unique lore, and an established community.


 * Campus Ordo
 * Pomjad

Ajek Province
Ajek Province is lush coastal province containing some of the oldest cities in Najer. It's capital and namesake city, Ajek Point, is a beautiful seaside port town. Kozuke'jad and Phinos are another two old and pretty settlements in need of settlers.


 * Ajek Point
 * Kozuke'jad
 * Phinos

Nal'hreh Province
Nal'hreh Province is the core of Emirate lands. It revolves around the city of Nahrayn, a massive metropolis, and one of the largest and most stunning cities in all of Najer. Outside Nahrayn, there are a number of other towns, estates, and farms scattered across the idyllic countryside.


 * Nahrayn
 * Mirwa
 * Hakh

Mahait Province
Mahait Province is the southeasternmost part of Najer. It is home to a variety of cultures and ancient cities. From the fishing village-turned-fortress, Wobambi-on-sea, to the land of the Glade Elves, Elmwood, and of course the Mahait people that once ruled the land long ago.


 * Wobambi-on-Sea
 * Sigtuna
 * Ohjan
 * Kijaro
 * Elmwood
 * Spideria