Thaaj

A desert city-state in the eastern reaches of Roshallan’s power, Thaaj is powerful not for its agriculture, but for its proximity to the Smoldering Canyon. Thaajan miners labor tirelessly to gather valuable and magical metal from the canyon.

Thaaj is also hellbent on defeating Roshallan. Its current general, Prince Belan, is concocting an elaborate plan to march a great offensive of elephants through the volcanic mountain range. This should lend them the element of surprise and allow them to smash down from the foothills onto Roshallan’s capital.

Academic.

Thaaj takes great pride in Smoldering Canyon Academy, an educational institution that attracts scholars and mages the world over. In addition to traditional courses, the school’s proximity to the Smoldering Canyon encourages scientists to pursue a vast number of experiments to learn more about the nature of magic.

Aristocratic and Political.

Thaaj is a monarchy. The queen personally selects her advisors from successful merchants, scholars, and military commanders in her nation. The queen’s eldest daughter becomes the heir, and her eldest son grows up to become the commanding general of Thaaj’s army. Thaajan generals tend to be very loyal to their sisters, making them dedicated protectors of the nation.

Mercantile and Trade.

Thaaj extensively mines the Smoldering Canyon, extracting tremendously valuable minerals. Precious metals and gems can be found in the Smoldering Canyon, along with rare magical metals such as avadrium, arcanium, primor, adamantine, and mithril. They also extract valuable inks that can be used in the creation of magical tattoos.

Militant.

Thaaj has a small but mighty military. Their heavy cavalry, consisting of elephants, is especially renowned. Thaajan scholars have been developing the craft of using magical tattoos to enhance a creature’s abilities and have enhanced some elephants - called arcanophants - to be devastating war animals.

Religious.

Thaajans generally worship a blend of Archfae, Celestials, and Avadri. Notable among their most prominent gods are Tamat, Judesaril, and Rakariel.

Social.

Most Thaajans are wildly anti-Roshallan. This translates to a fierce nationalism and a desire to do anything to help Thaaj improve. Thaajan civilians will often volunteer their homes for soldiers to rest and enjoy a fresh meal. Thaajans are friendly enough with other nations, but will offer no favors for Roshallani.

Underworld.

Small groups of gangs occasionally try to steal valuable minerals from the mines in the Smoldering Canyon, but otherwise there is little crime in the city-state.

Points of Interest

Smoldering Canyon. The Smoldering Canyon contains countless valuable minerals and unique vegetation that can be used to create ink for magical tattoos. The Smoldering Canyon produces magical ambient energy that Thaajan scholars are attempting to harness.

Quest Ideas

• Thaajan miners have delved into a cave riddled with foul beasts. The heroes have been called to clear out the mine and make it safe for the laborers again.

• Prince Belan approaches the heroes, having heard of their exploits, and asks them to help lead the great offensive against Roshallan.