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Idea dump for planet, NPC faction, and possibly other items
The Emirates of Sahmina
- Thread starter The Captain
- Start date
- Joined
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Archeologists, both local and galactic, agree that there was a wide-spread civilization on Sahmina before the arrival of human colonists. This civilization is referred to as the Atharan, Old Sahminan for "Builders", constructed elaborate cities carved from stone across the planet. When colonists arrived, however, only a few ruins remained of the alien culture as it had apparently been devastated eons prior. The first human civilization on Sahmina arrived sometime around 15,000 BBY as colonists from the Inner Rim, although no definitive source world or reason for colonization has ever been found. Early Sahminan civilization consisted of a confederacy of scattered colonies run by aristocratic administrators. As their societies developed and spread across the planet conflicts began to arise between warring factions and city-states that fought for control of the planet's resources. Out of these grisly civil wars rose the first centralized government on Sahmina, the Prahwale Sultanate, which united many of the planet's factions and destroyed those that would not fall in line. The Prahwale regime was ruthless and tyrannical, instituting a policy of slavery which fueled its expansion and economic growth.
For many decades Sahmina existed in a bubble having no knowledge of the larger galaxy beyond their own solar system. That is, until Corellian hyperlane scouts stumbled across Sahmina while expanding their Trade Spine into the galactic south. Suddenly faced with the existence of a far larger galaxy than they had first believed, and the influx of ideas, technology, and culture that brought, a new conflict exploded across Sahmina. Mass slave revolts aided by sympathetic and power-hungry nobles raged across the planet against the Prahwale regime. After years of brutal conflict the rebels won out and a new regime was established, the Ramali Emirate. This new regime, largely controlled by politically savvy nobles that had rode the rebellion to power, instituted many sweeping, but arguably meaning less reforms. Slavery, class conflict, and corruption still existed, but it hid now behind a kinder face and a gentler hand.
The mask of reform and equity was ripped off the Emirate as the Hundred Years Darkness began to take shape. The current Emir, Taginshah ihl Ramali ab Seema, otherwise known as Taginshah the Crimson for officially backing the Jedi Exiles without a fight. Sahmina's slave trade exploded as the Exiles ran roughshod over the planet's population, much to the benefit of the regime. While the war itself never touched Sahmina, the Exiles presence brought just as many atrocities to the planet and its people. While a few revolts broke out in response to the Exile-backed, or Exile run, new order, none succeeded to free the people.
That is, until the Exiles lost their footing in the war and began to suffer striking losses across the galaxy. Their garrison on Sahmina soon thinned as more warriors were called to the frontlines to fight and the power of the Order was stretched to a breaking point. As the southern remains of the Exile army were finally shattered they abandoned Sahmina, leaving the regime to deal with the consequences. A vicious series of civil wars broke out almost immediately as factions held in check by the threat of the Exiles now found their oppressors gone. The Zharan Rebellions, named after the blue Sahminan tea-flower which moderate rebels took as their symbol, tore the planet apart in more ways than one. Noble families were divided between royalists and rebel sympathizers, each offering resources to their favored side. Rebels fought not just their oppressors but themselves as competing interest groups created warring factions, each with their own vision of Sahmina. The Rebellions finally came to an end when Prince Sumil ascended to the throne and, through shrewd diplomacy and promises of reform, organized moderate rebels and royalists into a united force that was finally able to quell the more radical fringes of the conflict.
Emir Sumil ihl Ramali ab Sujaar, now known as Sumil the Resolute, abolished slavery, instituted common law, and created elected councils for both the poor and aristocrats. He pardoned many of those involved in the Rebellions in exchange for military service, which he used to combat Exile remnants in the southern Outer and Mid Rims, and while the Exiles were already on the back-foot when Sahmina entered the war their efforts helped ensure a foot hold was not regained in the galactic south. As the war drew to a close, Sumil turned away from the military and toward modernizing Sahmina. His public works created irrigation systems, learning institutions, and open spaceports across the planet. Reforms in labor and law gave the lower classes better lives and led to the explosive growth of a strong middle class. Sumil encouraged aristocrats to sponsor educational and artistic pursuits across the planet which led to a cultural and intellectual renaissance on Sahmina. Despite these sweeping reforms, however, many have been quick to point out that many of Sumil's political enemies also fell in his campaigns, both on Sahmina and in the larger galaxy. True political power also still rests entirely with his family, with the people's representatives forming little more than an advisory board.
With the Hundred Years Darkness over and the galaxy returning to some semblance of stability, Sahmina stands as one of the few worlds to have grown stronger after the war. The Emir, however, has only grown weaker with age and many eyes now turn to his daughter Khamia, whose political and social affiliations remain in flux. Different interest groups, both domestic and galactic, have begun to take shape on Sahmina, which some believe is poised for either a second renaissance, or a second revolution.
The planet of Sahmina is ruled by a hereditary monarchy known as the Emirate. The leader of the Emirate, the Emir, holds absolute executive power over the planet, with a great deal of legislative and judiciary power as well. The Emir may be of any gender, but must be related in some way to the Sahminan Royal Family. The Emir also has an official Royal Court of Advisors, the monarch's trusted entourage, who may come from any background as they are handpicked by the Emir. There is a separate judiciary system of courts and judges known as the Khonun, although the Emir holds final say in all judiciary decisions should a case be appealed before them. There are two legislative bodies responsible for presenting potential laws to the Emir, the Vizier Council (elected by high-ranking Sahminan nobles) and the Fellah Council (elected by average citizens). These councils can craft and present potential legislation to the Emir and settle cases of unclear or questionable succession. In emergency circumstances, these councils can override a decision of the Emir, or even elect an entirely new Emir, through a unanimous vote in both houses.
Sahmina's culture is marked first and foremost by its artistic inclinations. Almost every aspect of Sahminan culture features some level of ornamental design, from their architecture to their calligraphic writing. It is difficult to find a building that does not sport mosaics, murals, or artistic graffiti on both its exterior and interior. Fashion, gardening, city planning, weaponry, and even combat styles all mix vibrant aesthetics with practical design. This dynamic and decorative style also extends to the auditory and verbal as well with musicians, poets, and writers all thriving on Sahmina. Multi-level bazaars act as hubs for social interaction, bringing in goods and traders from across the galaxy via the Corellian Trade Spine. Given that agriculture is one of Sahmina's largest industries their cuisine is regarded as highly exotic, particularly their teas, coffees, and cash crops. Certain forms of natural spice, such as marcan herb, are perfectly legal on Sahmina which has actually slowed the advance of the illegal spice trade through the planet. While alcohol is available on Sahmina the preferred local drinks are tea, coffee, and fruit juice, with alcohol being restricted to spaceport cantinas and wealthy households.
Sahmina also values intellectual pursuits as well, with each citizen receiving a basic, public education, with higher education such as universities and colleges available to the upper and middle classes. Literacy is remarkably high for a non-Republic planet and most population centers have access to a public school. Centers of higher learning, while often restricted to large cities, attract students, staff, and scholars from across the galaxy. Even the poorest citizens may attend certain public debates and lectures at universities, for a small fee of course. Wealthy families, Emirate officials, and university staff may sponsor gifted students of any class which has made the educational system on Sahmina remarkably equitable. These same groups often fund learning institutions and research expeditions on Sahmina both for profit and intellectual pursuits. While schools and universities may be the centers of formal education on Sahmina, the lounges are hubs of intellectual discourse. Serving coffees, teas, and a variety of smokeable substances, lounges are where artists, scholars, merchants, and politicians gather for open, and often chaotic debate. It is in the lounge where theorems are shared, manuscripts are edited, and compositions are tested before some of the most raucous and critical crowds on the planet.
Despite its beauty and intellectual prowess, Sahminan culture is still marred by class divisions and the scars of slavery. Despite the new common law system many officials and wealthy families are granted special privileges and preferences that set them apart from common people. The upper class, and parts of the middle class, also have far greater access to opportunities and luxuries than the average citizen. The poor, many former slaves, often work as laborers in mines or on plantations for a meager pay while their employers rake in profits. The middle class, mostly skilled laborers, artists, and merchants, are granted more economic opportunity but true political and social power rests with the elite. Highborn families hold wide tracts of land and pools of resources which they use to solidify their power on Sahmina. And despite recent reforms and the charity of certain families, class divisions on Sahmina remain a fact of everyday life.
Sahmina's naming conventions are of note for their complexity, a holdover perhaps from the days of warring city-states and slavery. Names begin with whatever title or rank a person may hold, then their first name, their family name, and the city of their birth. Each of these terms is separated, however, by a specific Old Sahminan term, ihl (meaning "of house/clan/family") and ab (meaning "of city/town/planet") Those unsure of their birth city use their planet's name, and those born in space use the term Binjara ("nomad"). Some self-aggrandizing nobles will add family businesses, the names of their parents, and epithets to their names, but these people are often few and far between. For an example of a standard Sahminan name: Hiras ihl Kresh ab Sushran (Hiras of family Kresh of city Sushran). Due to the complexity of these names, however, most Sahminans go by a nickname, pet name, or other title in their day-to-day lives, only using their full names in formal settings.
Sahmina also values intellectual pursuits as well, with each citizen receiving a basic, public education, with higher education such as universities and colleges available to the upper and middle classes. Literacy is remarkably high for a non-Republic planet and most population centers have access to a public school. Centers of higher learning, while often restricted to large cities, attract students, staff, and scholars from across the galaxy. Even the poorest citizens may attend certain public debates and lectures at universities, for a small fee of course. Wealthy families, Emirate officials, and university staff may sponsor gifted students of any class which has made the educational system on Sahmina remarkably equitable. These same groups often fund learning institutions and research expeditions on Sahmina both for profit and intellectual pursuits. While schools and universities may be the centers of formal education on Sahmina, the lounges are hubs of intellectual discourse. Serving coffees, teas, and a variety of smokeable substances, lounges are where artists, scholars, merchants, and politicians gather for open, and often chaotic debate. It is in the lounge where theorems are shared, manuscripts are edited, and compositions are tested before some of the most raucous and critical crowds on the planet.
Despite its beauty and intellectual prowess, Sahminan culture is still marred by class divisions and the scars of slavery. Despite the new common law system many officials and wealthy families are granted special privileges and preferences that set them apart from common people. The upper class, and parts of the middle class, also have far greater access to opportunities and luxuries than the average citizen. The poor, many former slaves, often work as laborers in mines or on plantations for a meager pay while their employers rake in profits. The middle class, mostly skilled laborers, artists, and merchants, are granted more economic opportunity but true political and social power rests with the elite. Highborn families hold wide tracts of land and pools of resources which they use to solidify their power on Sahmina. And despite recent reforms and the charity of certain families, class divisions on Sahmina remain a fact of everyday life.
Sahmina's naming conventions are of note for their complexity, a holdover perhaps from the days of warring city-states and slavery. Names begin with whatever title or rank a person may hold, then their first name, their family name, and the city of their birth. Each of these terms is separated, however, by a specific Old Sahminan term, ihl (meaning "of house/clan/family") and ab (meaning "of city/town/planet") Those unsure of their birth city use their planet's name, and those born in space use the term Binjara ("nomad"). Some self-aggrandizing nobles will add family businesses, the names of their parents, and epithets to their names, but these people are often few and far between. For an example of a standard Sahminan name: Hiras ihl Kresh ab Sushran (Hiras of family Kresh of city Sushran). Due to the complexity of these names, however, most Sahminans go by a nickname, pet name, or other title in their day-to-day lives, only using their full names in formal settings.
Sahmina operates on a system of (roughly) common law dictated by the reigning monarch. All subjects of the Emirate, both citizens and immigrants, are subject to a standardized code of law, although there are some official and unofficial exceptions. Officially the government is granted certain privileges to protect state secrets, act outside the law, and 'defend the wellbeing of the state'. Unofficially, those with deep connections or deep pockets can often find sympathetic judges and understanding officers if they look hard enough, although these are few and far between. Freedom of religion, expression, and assembly are all recognized by the Emirate, but actions taken against the crown are more heavily scrutinized and regulated than most other governments. A death penalty does exist for serious crimes such as high treason and murder, as does the concept of forced conscription. Prisoners can choose to join the military to serve their debt to society, although they are watched closely by officers, are given worse pay, and cannot be promoted or leave the service until their time is up. Oddly enough, many prisoners who chose to enter the service remain there for the rest of their lives, and more than one distinguished officer is a former felon.
After the Hundred Years Darkness the Emirate cracked down severely on Force sensitives across the ideological spectrum. Anyone found carrying a lightsaber must prove they are not a Jedi or Sith, and foreigners who display abilities in the Force are must be registered and wear a badge marking themselves as Force sensitive. Native born Sahminans must only file with the registry, although both groups are treated with extreme mistrust and often outright hostility by the populace. It is entirely legal to discriminate against Force sensitives when hiring, trading, or providing services. Anyone identified as a Jedi or Sith is considered an enemy combatant and are thus subject to Sahmina's draconian military justice system, having no rights in the eyes of the government as enemies of the state.
- Emir/Emira: The title of the raining monarch, the Emir (male) or Emira (female) has final say in all executive, legislative, and judicial actions taken by the Sahminan government. The monarch must come from the ruling family, unless certain extreme circumstances lead to a new monarch being elected, and in either case rules until dead or deposed.
- Royal Court of Advisors: Officially the Royal Court has no official power beyond acting as advisors to the monarch, in practice the court has a shocking level of political clout. Handpicked by the monarch for their expertise in various topics, Advisors can come from any background, species, or creed, but are generally chosen from Sahminan elite. Members of the court are known as Ministers of their specific subjects: Education, Warfare, Treasury, Information, and Law, along with the monarch's personal Majordomo and the Agha (Master) of the monarch's elite Royal Guards.
- Councilors: Members of either the Vizier Council or the Fellah Council, these elected officials are tasked with crafting legislation for the Emirate. Despite their official status they posses little real decision making power, and are instead considered an advisory board on the thoughts and opinions of the groups they represent. The Vizier (Advisor) Council consists of aristocrats elected by aristocrats, while the Fellah (People) Council is elected from and by the lower classes. Despite coming from different backgrounds members of both councils hold equal sway within the government and over the regions they represent.
- Upper Class: Aristocrats and nobles connected to a great or lesser house of Sahmina. These highborn individuals hold no specific political power, but instead often hold military ranks, strong diplomatic ties, or large economic assets. These people are highly educated and varyingly respected among the rest of the populace. The major houses of Sahmina are Ramali, Erat, Vedam, Dhin, Hazim, and Kashra. The minor houses are almost too numerous to count.
- Middle Class: The everyday citizens of urban Sahmina are often merchants, artists, educators, and skilled laborers. These citizens hold no political power beyond electing people to the Fellah Council, but some ambitious and cunning members of the class can possibly gain the favor of aristocrats or government officials. Due to their comfortable status the middle class are rarely found among the Sahminan military.
- Lower Class: Farmers, miners, construction workers, the common clay of Sahmina and the backbone of its economy. These groups often live outside of cities in mining towns or farming communities working for members of higher classes. While they can elect people to the Fellah Council and a few truly exceptional individuals can gain a noble's attention or sponsorship, they generally lack power in any way, shape, or form. In order to escape poverty and perhaps gain some social clout many lower class citizens join the military.
Assets:
The Sahminan government has the same assets and capabilities as any wealthy Mid-Outer Rim planet, but these are only available to the government. Sahminan citizens only have access to whatever businesses, private military forces, or resources they can hold down.
Roster:Intent:
Both Sahmina and the Emirate are designed to be an alternative to the almost unambiguously good, European-style kingdoms of the Core, Inner, and Mid Rims. It can be a subject of plots, schemes, and roleplays, as well as providing a unique background for new galactic aristocrats and NPCs.
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Thread Prefix: Historical
Category: Site
Name: The Zharan Rebellions
Beginning: 6944 BBY
End: 6937 BBY
Place: The planet Sahmina
Major Battles:
Combatants:
History:
The Zharan Rebellions began not long after Exile Order forces abandoned Sahmina, leaving the Ramali regime atrophied after relinquishing control to the order. With a severely weakened planetary military, no Exile support, and a populace fed up with the abuses of the aristocracy, Sahmina was ripe for revolution. While numerous smaller, more localized revolts had broken out both during and immediately after the occupation, the Zharan Rebellions began almost a year after Exile forces fully pulled out of the southern Outer Rim. The first battle of the Rebellions began as a series of riots across the capital city of Sujaar, which lead to widespread death and destruction as former slaves and peasants sacked the city, killing much of the royal family including the Emir, his royal consort, and the royal counsel.
As news spread of the Emir's death and the city's destruction, a similar revolt broke out in Yismara, spearheaded by radical religious and political elements in the city. The rebels that attacked Yismara were more ruthless than those that attacked Sujaar, committing atrocities against not only the city's elite and the military, but against civilians that did not join their cause. It was at this point that aristocratic families, eager to maintain power and control on Sahmina, began to create their own rebel groups and private armies to protect their power and interests. However, in hopes of legitimizing their efforts they operated under the name 'Royalists' and publicly made shows of supporting the young, orphaned Prince Sumil, a popular figure on Sahmina.
After driving rebel forces from Jhendali, the royalists commandeered numerous ships and speeders before beginning a campaign of indiscriminate terror up and down the Madrhee River. Royalists destroyed numerous rebel encampments along the river, as well as many small settlements and farms. This reign of terror was stopped, but not reversed, by the battle of Keshra, where a combination of rebel and mercenary forces drove back the royalist attack. This event ground the rebellions to a standstill for several years as both sides pushed back and forth against each other in a stalemate, with many innocent civilians stranded between both sides. It was during this time that Prince Sumil began to build up his political clout and personal forces, secretly rallying more moderate elements of both factions to support him. Eventually, royalist forces caught onto the Prince's military build-up and attempted to lay siege to his stronghold, Yensara Palace. After a month-long siege, the Prince's forces won out.
From this point onward the tide of the war turned as people rallied to Prince Sumil as he beat back both radical rebel and radical royalist forces alike. Driving both factions back down the Madrhee River, Sumil's forces were able to drive the royalists from Jhendali, reopening intergalactic trade which brought new resources into Sahmina. Flush with popular support and intergalactic resources, Sumil's forces marched on Sujaar and retook it from the fundamentalist rebel forces that had held the capital since the war began. With the capital restored, Sumil was crowned Emir of Sahmina and began the Long March campaign, driving the last major remnants of resistance into the Sea of Sand.
Outcome:
Emir Sumil ihl Ramali ab Yensara and his forces defeated both the royalist faction as well as other fringe rebel elements, allowing him to take the throne and take control of Sahmina. The leadership of the opposition was pardoned in exchange for service to the Emirate. Dissenters and escaped rebels were secretly hunted down and killed.
Legacy:
After the rebellions ended, Emir Sumil turned the Sahminan government to reconstruction and reform, leading to the modern Sahmina known today. Under his programs the poor thrived and a new base of working middle class was formed as traders began to pour in from off world again. Once Sahmina is stabilized, official Emirate forces begin to spread throughout local space hunting Exiles, their allies, and criminal factions that had moved into the sector.
Intent:
The Zharan Rebellions are a key moment in Sahmina's history so I decided it needed a proper write-up to better explain the period.
Category: Site
Name: The Zharan Rebellions
Beginning: 6944 BBY
End: 6937 BBY
Place: The planet Sahmina
Major Battles:
- The Sack of Sujaar: Rebel forces lay siege to Sujaar, sack the city, and kill Emir Taginshah ihl Ramali ab Seema.
- The Sack of Yismara: Rebel forces sack Yismara, looting the city and committing various atrocities against its inhabitants.
- The Battle of Jhendali: Royalist forces and Rebel forces clash over control of Jhendali. Royalist forces succeed.
- The Madrhee Campaigns: Royalist forces shell rebel encampments and civilian settlements up and down the Madrhee river.
- The Battle of Keshra: Royalist forces reach the Keshra outpost and are driven back by a mix of rebel and mercenary forces.
- The Siege of Yensara Palace: Royalist forces lay siege to Emir Sumil's forces in Yensara Palace. The Emir's forces win after a month-long siege.
- The Liberation of Jhendali: Emir Sumil's forces liberate Jhendali from royalist forces and recommence interstellar trade.
- The Siege of Sujaar: Emir Sumil's forces lay siege to Sujaar and retake it from radical rebel forces.
- The Long March: Emir Sumil's forces chase both rebel and royalist forces deep into the Sea of Sand. A vicious campaign of attrition and guerilla warfare ends in Sumil's victory and the destruction of both enemy forces.
Combatants:
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View attachment 5230 Largely composed of peasants and former slaves. Later disbanded and joined Emir Sumil's military forces.
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View attachment 5229 Pro-slavery, pro-Exile forces back by Sahminan aristocrats.
-
View attachment 5232 Official Sahminan military forces and Zharan Rebels lead by Emir Sumil.
-
View attachment 5228 Religious, political, and economic radicals too small to make a large impact on the war.
History:
The Zharan Rebellions began not long after Exile Order forces abandoned Sahmina, leaving the Ramali regime atrophied after relinquishing control to the order. With a severely weakened planetary military, no Exile support, and a populace fed up with the abuses of the aristocracy, Sahmina was ripe for revolution. While numerous smaller, more localized revolts had broken out both during and immediately after the occupation, the Zharan Rebellions began almost a year after Exile forces fully pulled out of the southern Outer Rim. The first battle of the Rebellions began as a series of riots across the capital city of Sujaar, which lead to widespread death and destruction as former slaves and peasants sacked the city, killing much of the royal family including the Emir, his royal consort, and the royal counsel.
As news spread of the Emir's death and the city's destruction, a similar revolt broke out in Yismara, spearheaded by radical religious and political elements in the city. The rebels that attacked Yismara were more ruthless than those that attacked Sujaar, committing atrocities against not only the city's elite and the military, but against civilians that did not join their cause. It was at this point that aristocratic families, eager to maintain power and control on Sahmina, began to create their own rebel groups and private armies to protect their power and interests. However, in hopes of legitimizing their efforts they operated under the name 'Royalists' and publicly made shows of supporting the young, orphaned Prince Sumil, a popular figure on Sahmina.
After driving rebel forces from Jhendali, the royalists commandeered numerous ships and speeders before beginning a campaign of indiscriminate terror up and down the Madrhee River. Royalists destroyed numerous rebel encampments along the river, as well as many small settlements and farms. This reign of terror was stopped, but not reversed, by the battle of Keshra, where a combination of rebel and mercenary forces drove back the royalist attack. This event ground the rebellions to a standstill for several years as both sides pushed back and forth against each other in a stalemate, with many innocent civilians stranded between both sides. It was during this time that Prince Sumil began to build up his political clout and personal forces, secretly rallying more moderate elements of both factions to support him. Eventually, royalist forces caught onto the Prince's military build-up and attempted to lay siege to his stronghold, Yensara Palace. After a month-long siege, the Prince's forces won out.
From this point onward the tide of the war turned as people rallied to Prince Sumil as he beat back both radical rebel and radical royalist forces alike. Driving both factions back down the Madrhee River, Sumil's forces were able to drive the royalists from Jhendali, reopening intergalactic trade which brought new resources into Sahmina. Flush with popular support and intergalactic resources, Sumil's forces marched on Sujaar and retook it from the fundamentalist rebel forces that had held the capital since the war began. With the capital restored, Sumil was crowned Emir of Sahmina and began the Long March campaign, driving the last major remnants of resistance into the Sea of Sand.
Outcome:
Emir Sumil ihl Ramali ab Yensara and his forces defeated both the royalist faction as well as other fringe rebel elements, allowing him to take the throne and take control of Sahmina. The leadership of the opposition was pardoned in exchange for service to the Emirate. Dissenters and escaped rebels were secretly hunted down and killed.
Legacy:
After the rebellions ended, Emir Sumil turned the Sahminan government to reconstruction and reform, leading to the modern Sahmina known today. Under his programs the poor thrived and a new base of working middle class was formed as traders began to pour in from off world again. Once Sahmina is stabilized, official Emirate forces begin to spread throughout local space hunting Exiles, their allies, and criminal factions that had moved into the sector.
Intent:
The Zharan Rebellions are a key moment in Sahmina's history so I decided it needed a proper write-up to better explain the period.
Last edited: