Head of State: Caliph in Zhenir, Emir in Mazarid, Sultan elsewhere.
Form of Government: strong monarchies.
State of the Nation in 1393 AUC: The Tashim kingdoms are wealthy and populous desert kingdoms. Zhenir is currently at war with the Crusade, which has occupied its eastern territories and blocked off access to the merchant trade. Although the Caliph of Zhenir has religious authority throughout the Tashim world and nominal political authority over the Emir of Mazarid, there has been little evidence of a united response to the Crusade.
Races: mostly Humans, many Kattar in Mazarid, Opalar and Sinigar.
Religion: Tashim True Faith.
Description and History: The desert counties of the north are united by the Caliph of Demkhor, the sacred city of Akabah the Illuminate, founder of the Tashim True Faith. The Caliph directly rules the kingdom of Zhenir and has spiritual authority over all followers of the True Faith. The Sultans rule politically independent kingdoms, whereas the Emir of Mazarid is technically the Caliph's lieutenant. In practice, the Emir is the most influential ruler in Tashim: Mazarid is a major trading power, dominating the shipping lanes of the Deeps of Rasakna, and the Emirs rarely intervene in the war against the Crusade. Opalar was also an Emirate until the Kadikai Khanates invaded in the middle of last century, establishing the first Sultanate.