Marshland Figures

{For a more updated and comprehensive version of this post - see "Ibesh Sultanate Background" in pins.}

For each Hiqba and every Mahj there have always been those that guide the events of the Sultanate. Their actions resonate consistently to determine the fate of the realm and all those that reside within it. Between the four regions of swampland, numerous personages continue to mould the future of these seemingly exotic peoples.

The Sultan

Sultan Nasir II
Following the passing of his father Farrukh III in the War of Avengement by Vestrian arrows, Nasir ascended to the Seat of Reeds in Ruya and took up Sayf Altun to be known as the second of his name. The young monarch had distinguished himself during the southern crusade while commanding the I.S Alnuwras and in recent times in the quelling of unrest throughout the eastern marshes. Known to be brooding and typically slow to act among his peers, Nasir lacks the headstrong character of his late father and instead carries himself with what has come to be considered a measured cunning that infuriates his more practical advisors. Centuries have passed with the assurance of a member of the Yallac dynasty ruling from the Sultan's palace within Ruya. Their standard eternally remains that of the verdant crocodile.

Sarir "Yadis" Sultana
Having come of age in the years following the strife that saw her regal father's death, Sarir has swiftly asserted herself as a prudent steward of the domains surrounding Sulhufaa. Her efforts treated with gracious hospitality given royal station and accompanied by rising popularity from the commons while continuing to provide an abundance of bilum for all that live within the southern emirate. Tutored in many matters by her grandfather, the deteriorating Emir Rashid - their bond has seen the development of rather ornery traits that the Sultana employs in her ruthlessly efficient administration of the Burj bilum lodges. Much to the chagrin of the Court of Nobility, she remains firmly situated as Nasir's only heir.

Hyadina

The unspeakable atrocities visited upon the most divine figures of the Ibesh is a grievance that cannot be understated for as far as memory may hold. The necessity of the rites to be conducted in their choosing once more however became essential as the years passed by and their blessing became crucial to restore stability to the Sultanate. Consecrated by the warmth of Mount Haraq, three new souls thought to be former Qadi of Alsharqarya have surrendered their previous lives to assume this divine charge. As tradition dictates, their names are unknown.

Emirs

Emir Imadh, lord of the western reeds

Having fostered a reputation as a staunch and deliberate leader over the course of a decade, Imadh was charged with commanding the Sapphire Fleet during the Avengement and earned the few victories won by the vindicators in the conflict. As master of the formidable Miqyas Castle and the surrounding lands rich in lumber, there is little dispute as to the power wielded by Imadh and the influence he might muster within the Court of Nobility. Wealth has done little to spoil the manner of the Emir, often deemed as the more reasonable of the Ibeshi lords and always advocating for peace with the southern realms. His few rivals consider him unwilling to mete out retribution for the crimes of Rokkarstan, though hesitate to question his combat prowess. The emirate of Miqyas boasts the ivory sea eagle for their standard. Its domains include Zhurad Village and the bogwoods of the west.

Emir Zarqawi, lord of the southern reeds

Considered a remarkably pernicious personality, Zarqawi has always relished in the freedom afforded him by the deaths of his siblings in numerous skirmishes and mysterious incidents throughout the years. The control that his father Emir Rashid possessed over both the commons and Court of Nobility had always allowed the fledgling Sayed to pursue controversial endeavours to his liking, something that now as lord of Sulhufaa he might continue his already growing legacy as one of the more actively responsible figures in the acts of piracy that now plague the many seas. Though his motives are surely opportunistic, Zarqawi leaps at any opportunity to stoke tensions with the infidels of the south. The emirate of Sulhufaa raises the teal swamp turtle as their standard. Its domains include Eamiqa, Burj, Alsharqarya and Bakram.

Emir Jabir, lord of the eastern reeds and Royal Steward

Though the master of Jalmud castle has historically been seen as a warden of the Sultanate's often remote and most treacherous regions, Jabir has either failed or proved unwilling to establish law in each of these distant and impoverished holdings. Subjected to numerous slights and humiliations from Emir Rashid while at court, many have come to see Jabir as incompetent or simply too timid to rule. Recent efforts by the Sultan himself have mercifully quashed these perceptions in the joining of their houses by marrying the Emir's sister - Sayeda Halima. Though others claim it is the unruly nature of many veterans that live within Jabir's lands that truly determined the granting of this great honour. The emirate of Jalmud sustains the golden toad as their standard. Its domains include Nufaya Village, Fort Meshta and the regions beneath Mount Haraq.

Viziers

Chosen from those few Qadi that have shown interest and aptitude in greater learning, as much so as inability to achieve Sheikhdom throughout their years - the Viziers are seen as the sole scholars of the Sultanate and custodians of the sacred Neazima Temple. Though looked upon with suspicion by common men, their station demands reverence above even that of the Sheikhs they could never become. Ibeshi mothers warn their children that misdeeds will summon the frightening mysticism of the Viziers to great effect.

The current Neazima custodians are Vizier Jarmen, Vizier Mullah, Vizier Juhziz, Vizier Faymed and Vizier Kassad who is singularly seen often in the Sultan's company, transcribing several written materials for his liking.

Sheikhs

Moctar, Sheikh of Burj Heights and Eamiqa Town, first and most beloved of all Qadi and renowned diplomat of the Sultanate. A portly and jovial fellow that rarely expresses anything but cheer in his many storytellings. Famous among not only those of the marshlands but even various southerners to whom he grants gifts of bilum and Ibeshi trinkets during his visits. Servant of Sulhufaa.

Farhan, Sheikh of Bakram, consulate to St Yuellasburg. A quiet and thoughtful Qadi that despite his reserved nature has devoted years to learning both Vestrian and Braskian, making him an indispensable resource in regards to affairs with the dual monarchy. Possesses a beard that reaches his toes. Servant of Sulhufaa.

Ehysaad, Sheikh of Alsharqarya, known for extravagant tall talking. To call Ehysaad pleasant would be a generous consideration, his penchant for incomprehensibly long rants to visitors of his village has often discouraged wanderers. Maintains a claim that he personally killed King Kloinicus with his bare hands. Servant of Sulhufaa.

Akeem "Cobbler", Sheikh of Zhurad. An eccentric soul that spent his time as Qadi crafting marvellous footwear as much so as proselytizing for the faith. Upon reaching Sheikhdom, Akeem has developed a distinct bond with the denizens of the village and often peddles shoes at the Gregarious Gecko tavern. Servant of Miqyas.

Blasio, Sheikh of Nufaya. The mystery surrounding his achievement of Sheikhdom is commonly written off as an appeasement of the Advarian refugees that reside within the mining settlement. Himself a former wiseman of their culture. Servant of Jalmud.

Sharaw, Sheikh of the homesteads within sight of Fort Meshta. Little is known of the man beyond tales of his outlandish red beard and obscene amputations. Servant of Jalmud.