The largest geographical feature of Sahjare's landscape is the
Drifting Desert (or
Dhahbi as known by the local tribes), the expanse of shifting sands which consume a majority of Sahjare's land. Dry, arid, and prone to the occasional violent sandstorm, few things grow in the desert. However, dotted randomly across the sands are a few oases which offers relief from the soaring desert temperatures. Based around natural springs of water, these oases draw animals, plant life, and people alike to them. The tribes which live around the desert's edge have mapped there spots of green. Stardust sometimes falls on parts of the desert, making it sparkle at night.
Immediately north of the desert sits the
Kabir mountain range; a small collection of mountains which protect the north from the encroaching sands. Few live in their arid heights. Rocky, craggy, and occasionally suffering severe landslides, they aren't the safest place to call home. However, among their peaks live Sahjare's giant eagles and a fearless tribe of men and women capable of taming some of these beasts. From the Kabir originates the Nahjare river flowing east, and the Al'jare river flowing west.
The
Nahjare river runs from the Kabir to the east coast. Natural and man-made aqueducts keep the farmlands either side of the river fertile, though during particularly hot summers draughts have been known to cause strife there. These lands are locally known as the 'green lands' for the stark contract At the mouth of the Nahjare sits
Al'Nah island, a lush island where centuries of past Libran rulers have been buried.
Along the edges of the coast are thin strips of liveable land and pristine beaches. Along these lands are small pockets of humid forests. Few live in these coastal areas given the likelihood of draught and small pasture area. The tribes which call these areas home tend to be partially nomadic - capable of moving at short notice to better pastures.
Ptai - Sahjare's capital sits on the east coast between where the two forks of Nahjare (the Nahbir and N'el) meet the sea. Ptai is known for its beautiful Libran architecture and the exquisite gardens featuring desert flowers and foreign blooms. Geographical size and population wise, Ptai is the largest city in the kingdom, with sprawling habitation between both river forks. Some poverty exists in the city, with ramshackle shanty towns on the edge of the city. This is in comparison to the shining temples dedicated to the gods and the mansions of the wealthy. A healthy trade and port is present in Ptai.
Farzinn – Largest city on the west coast and a prime trading port. Farzinn sits at the mouth of the Al'jare river, with the smaller city of
Ramal sitting further in land on the Al'jare river. River travel between the cities is common, with Farzinn attracting those after entertainment, and Ramal's famous university drawing the academic types and any young people seeking to improve their mind. Naturally, with the two cities so close, more than a few stories have appeared of drunk students falling into the Al'jare on trips back to Ramal.
Al'Nah island - Across from Ptai, Al'Nah island is a dedication to the gods and past rulers of Sahjare. Although there are temples to Sahjare's gods in every city, Al'Nah is where the most awe inducing temples stand and where many of those formally committed to the deities live. The high priestess of Eszter, the Libran goddess of justice and balance, and her chosen priestesses live on the island and protect it from potential invasion. Eszter holds the scales of life, which are mirrored by Yerxes, the god of death and farewells, and his scales which measure a person’s worth. Yerxes' dedicated priests tend to the tombs of past rulers.
Nomad villages - Though the tribes living around the desert move as needed, certain villages that expand as conditions change exist along the south-eastern coast. They're where the usually separated tribes may gather to trade news, goods, and stories. At certain times of the year, large markets appear with goods from Libra and even foreign kingdoms, and these villages may expand to the size of a small city with non-tribesmen Librans sailing down to join in.
Ru'men Ruins - at the foot of the Kabir mountains on the desert side sit beautiful ruins partially hidden by creeping sand. Intricate engravings can be seen on the stone with wind-worn statues of Eszter and Yerxes present within. These ruins are thought to be the first temples made to the Libran gods, and every two years holy rites are held at their site.
The Awael and Thavan people are the two main groups in Libra, with Awael being those tribes living in the southern reaches, and the Thavan historically having lived in the more fertile north.
There was once a river which flowed from the Kabir mountains to the southern coast, helping growth of plants on its banks throughout what is now the Drifting Desert. However, 500 years ago a powerful earthquake rocked the Kabir mountains and caused a landslide to block the mouth of the river. The river dried up and was overtaken by sand. Previously, the Awael people had farmed that land for generations. They were forced to leave their land, taking up the semi-nomadic lifestyle they have today. Many migrated up north where the Thavan people lived at this time.
Tensions brewed between the two groups, before fighting broke out, with the population of the Thavan giving them the advantage. The Thavan won, and the Thavan king officially became the ruler of all Libra. For decades following this the Awael culture was purposefully silenced. They were given second-class status, and even when a later king revoked the prejudiced laws against them, many views would exist until present day. In the south where some Awael tribes had remained, they escaped this erasure of traditions and were able to preserve their languages and customs.
In the present era, Sahjare is a diplomatic nation with strong trading ties. It attempts to maintain neutrality, but finds itself drawn into conflict more than it would like. A string of unfortunate events in the past decade have propelled the current Mirza, Kaveh Mehrzan, to the throne. His father's death marked the beginning, with one son killed in Aries, another lost at sea, a daughter dedicated to the goddess, and the last son sitting on the throne for only a small time before losing his mind. Kaveh Mehrzan is also the first Awael to rule Sahjare, being Awael on his mother's side and Thavan on his father's.
Giant Eagles, Kab'esel - these eagles are large enough to carry a full grown man and live in the Kabir mountain range. They don't take easily to people, however, and only a select few of the local tribe have ever been able to ride them. Otherwise, watch out for their sharp claws and killer beaks.
Giant hummingbirds, Yir'al - found only in a small section of a southern jungle, these hummingbirds are much larger than the normal birds you see flitting about flowers. The Awael use them to power sandships across the desert dunes, flying at fast paces across. Some Awael breed these beautiful birds, though they will never sell them to anyone othr than a trusted tribe-member.
Star Lions, Naji - with solid bodies of constellations, these rare felines are both beautiful and dangerous. Legend says they were born from the stars that fell to the desert. They grow to be slightly smaller than a normal lion, and take longer to reach their maximum size.
Sun birds - known also as Ezster's holy birds, these golden birds take flight at dawn every morning. Their feathers catch the first rays of the day and reflect beautiful golden light as they dance in the sky. As dawn is Ezster's holy time - representing renewal and beginnings - these birds are also often signals for the devout to begin their prayers.