On The Land of Cuhanna

[Jehannum]

a report delivered into the Emperor's hands, dated year 589


On the Lands of Cuhanna

Geography:

The fabled lands of Cuhanna lie to the south and west of Old Varana beyond a small but formidable strait that it known for its wild and nefarious storms. From the shores of the strait, the High Desert of Cuhanna stretches as far as the eye can see. At first it was dismissed as a barren flat wasteland of sand, only of interest to camels and nomads. However, after obtaining permission from our gracious Emperor to explore deeper, we found a place of great beauty and of great danger. We assumed the area to be a flat barren plane to discover that the surface has an irregular texture. Powerful winds constantly sculpt the sand into a startling variety of dunes. Some of these dunes tower far above to block the sun, others resemble deep troughs. In the areas where the winds aren’t blocked by surrounding mountains, the sand has been blown clean to reveal plains of polished stone.

The majority of human settlements is on the north coast of Cuhanna, where there at least crops can be grown on the large flat plains. There we found small villages of tents and mud-brick houses dotted along the coast and the main city of Cuhanna, Maslam. Maslam is a huge melting pot of barbaric culture and trade, with trade routes opened to the far-south. The city itself ebbs and flows with the seasons, with people coming and going with their wares. The main hub of Maslam is made up of mainly Civic buildings including the Grand Palace of current King Samu-Demus, a large amphitheatre, the temples to the many heathen gods that the people worship, and barracks to house the local military. Around the main hub, the city is forever changing with hundreds of large brightly colored tents surrounding the Hub. These tents house the hundreds of merchants and entertainers that come and go from Maslam on a daily basis.



On the Ruler of Maslam

The city of Maslam has seen much turmoil over the years, from political infighting to massive wars fought between the many different warlords of the region. The current king, Samu-Demus brought together all the local warlords and in a bid to secure his throne, he married one of each of their daughters into his harem. He now seeks secure trade links with Varana. Rumor has it he promised each warlord a share of the trade. Now that the city has moved into a more peaceful time, it has flourished into a bustling merchant city. The people of Maslam are seeking a great increase of income with the trade routes now opened to Varana. Their fine silks and hot spices will be in great demand by the noble ladies of Varana, however it is the slave trade that is of more interest. Slave trade is an ancient institution in Cuhanna, some people are born as slaves, and others are in debt and must work as slaves to pay that debt. Arrangements have been made for a heavily leaden slave ship to leave the docks and make the month long journey to Cear where the slaves will be delivered to Thrall's Gate.

One of the most popular buildings in Maslam is the huge amphitheatre. The building is their master feat of engineering although primitive by our standards, taking almost ten years to build. It is the center point for all entertainment in the city. Each month bloody gladiatorial fights echo inside its great walls, with warlords from all around the kingdom bringing their finest warriors to compete in bloody fights till the death. Not only man against man, but also against the kings own collection of Magical beasts that live in the many cages below the arena floor.


On the Tribes of Cuhanna

Cuhanna is a harsh environment and the people that inhabit the lands are quite hardy and fierce in nature. The majority of the populace are nomadic with only the people of the western plains building any kind of settlements. The desert itself has many warring tribes, which move from oasis to oasis. Below are four of the main tribes.

The Tuigan
There is very little known about this tribe. Presumed to be Elven, it is said that they have lived in Cuhanna longer than anyone else can remember. It was reported that they once were a powerful tribe with control over the whole of Cuhanna and they built fantastic buildings across the Desert. Legend has it that the Tuigan challenged these people's barbaric Fire god S’arrapu and in punishment he burned their city’s and temples to the ground. Some of these buildings can be found across the desert poking from the sand twisted and scorched. The barbarian believe these areas to be cursed and avoid them.

The Shikar
The Shikar are a tribe of hunters. They do not graze their own cattle or sheep, nor farm. Their females usually spend the day cleaning and cutting the animals the men bring back. Power within the tribe comes from hunting prowess and physical strength. The highest honor in this tribe is to bring down a Sand Cat, using only your bare hands. Most of the men spend long days and even weeks out on the plains hunting the wild herds.

The Khassidi
The Khassidi are thieves and traders, different from all other tribes. As many of the other nomadic tribes follow the animal herds, the Khassidi spend their time following other smaller tribes instead. They are often looked at as pirates of the dunes but are more like scavengers of human misery. Following those weaker than themselves and waiting for an opportunity. Striking fast, they grab what they can, and disappear just as fast as they came. Their members are often made up from outcasts and misfits from other tribes.

The Gur
The Gur are a warrior tribe, for them glory is sought through combat and trials. They are feared throughout Cuhanna. They raid the smaller settlements and take what they need, and burn the rest as a sacrifice to their heathen bloody God. They value strength and prowess in combat. Such is the strength of these Barbarians, that if a Gur is wounded or captured he will be sold and sent to Maslam were his wounds will be healed and he will fight as a gladiator.

Potential of these lands
It must be said that the true religions are not worshiped in these barbaric lands. The Silks and spices that can be had will make nice imports, but the slave trade will be of most use to the Empire. Their current ruler practices polygamy, and his many wives have born him more than a few sons that he is grooming to take his throne. If these sons are eliminated, he has many daughters that can be used to his advantage. He even had the audacity to offer one of these young virgins as a wife to our Emperor's son in exchange for a treaty. The land itself is worthless, but the fierceness of some of the tribes may make them good cannon fodder for the Empire's armies.

Emmisary Articus Helouian

[Wired]

On the Pantheon as Viewed by Cuhannan Expatriates in Dasaria*

S'arrapu - The Burning Lord, The Lord who tests our limits through life’s hardest trials
Greater Deity
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Holy Symbol: Sun (made of gold)
Favorite Colors: Red and black
Favorite Weapon: Axe and Simitar
Animal: Great Sand Cat (Only found in the rocky parts of Cuhanna)
Son of Hadad. God of fire and sun though his full story is only known to those who survive his utmost ritual undoubtedly proving their faith and loyalty. The city folk of Maslam know that S'arrapu is the one who put their King Samu-Demus his throne.

Habla - The Skyfather, Lord of balance and order
Greater Deity
Alignment: Lawful Neutral
Holy symbol: Feather
Favorite Colors: Blue and White
Favorite Weapon: Halbred
Animal: Hawk
One of the first Lords husband of Nintur. His followers come from all different backgrounds and are mainly found atop the eastern mountains of Cuhanna as this brings his worshipers closer to their Lords domain.

Nintur - Goddess of traveling, Earth Mother of waters, sea and Beasts.
Intermetiade Deity
Alignment: True Neutral
Holy Symbol: Jug of pouring water
Favorite Colors: Brown and Sand Yellow
Favorite Weapon: Bow
Animal: Leopard
All that is nature is Nintur, sister of Habla. She is the goddess of nomadic rangers, druids, those loving nature and animals. It is said when she is annoyed the Cuhanna dunes shift. During the argument with Habla over the Qu'ranic incident she bit off the genitals of Habla and spat out three new gods; Hadad, Innana and Eabzu.

Mommu - The god of Trade, Crafts, Magical Fortune and Luck
Greater Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Holy Symbol: Diamond
Favorite Colors: Bright Gold and silver
Favorite Weapon:
Animal: Camel
One of Habla's divine twins, brother of Irkalla. Mommu is a excellent planner and strategist also known as the trickster. Worshiped by traders, gamblers and anyone looking for magical favors and fortune. It is rumored by traders that Mommu was originally a mortal that was an expert at haggling that didn't use a weapon because he could talk himself out of any troublesome situations, this is how Mommu haggled his way to becoming a god.

Irkalla - Guardian of the Great Ash wastes.
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: True Neutral
Holy Symbol: Snake
Favorite Colors: Purple
Favorite Weapon: Mace
Animal: Snake
One of Habla's devine twins, sister to Mommu. Irkalla is the guardian of the great Ash wastes and subservient to S'arrapu who rules over her land.

Qu'ranic - The Seducer, The Desolate One
Lesser Deity
Alignment: Neutral Evil
Holy Symbol: Black Rose
Favorite Colors: Black
Favorite Weapon: Sythe
Animal: Hyena
Often worshiped by rogues and assassins he is son of S'arrapu and husband of Baalat his followers are normally loners or small sects that are secretive and are active in the night or shadows where found. He and Habla have been at odds since he seduced Nintur, it is unsure if him also seducing Eabzu and Inanna made things worse between him and Habla.

Inanna - Mistress of Love and hareems, Ladylove of Music, Magical Song and Wine
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Holy Symbol: A flute
Favorite Colors: Rose red
Favorite Weapon: Dagger
Animal: Gazelle
She is loved and worshiped by artists, bards, and those seeking love.

Eabzu - Lord and Lady of magic and wisdom
Intermediate Deity
Alignment: Neutral Good
Holy Symbol: A Star
Favorite Colors: White
Favorite Weapon: Staff
Animal: Elephant
A beautiful and magical god or goddess, Eabzu has been depicted on ancient tablets by followers as both Male and Female. Worshiped by magi and anyone looking to further their knowledge.

Hadad - Lord of Storms
Lesser Deity
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Holy Symbol: Warmace
Favorite Colors: Blue and Black
Favorite Weapon: Warmace
Animal: Crocodile
Father of S'arrapu. Often worshiped by warriors and barbarians. His preference for making sandstorms is most troubling to the nomadic tribes.

Baalat - The Temptress, goddess of prostitution
Minor Diety
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Holy symbol: One half of a broken heart
Favorite Colors: Pink and Purple
Favorite Weapon: Whip
Animal: Spider
This playful Succubus was the former mistress of S'arrapu but now wife to Qu'ranic after his impressive talents of Seducing Nintur, Eabzu and Innana she would only let him have her with marriage, not being a true god the marriage would elevate her status. Her tiny following consists of Succubi and few small covens of warlocks, there are no temples or churches to her and very rarely a shrine.

Player-submitted lore by The-Explorer

DM's notes:

* Note that these are not official Gods of Varana or Dasaria, are not selectable on your character sheet, and convey no mechanical game benefits such as favored weapons, etc. This information is provided for roleplay purposes only.

In the game, Cuhannans have been provided special dispensation to practice their religion by the Emperor of Varana as part of the Empire's trade agreement with that nation. Other heretical religious practices however remain illegal according to the laws of the Empire.