Saharian Empire

The Saharian Empire is one of the only places in the world where Zoa have a higher status than the other mortals that they share their lands with.  In fact, most slaves in Saharia are human.  The purest bloodlines are those that carry the most animalistic traits, and thus they make up the highest caste.  Most Zoa in Saharia are one of the five types below: 

Macapakyn - These cobra-like Zoa are the merchant class, and some of them become advisors and assassins. They follow Apakyn, the goddess of luck and transactions. Saharians believe you must either work, pay, or trade for your passage to the afterlife.

Macbho - These falcon-like Zoa are scholars.  When the Shallow Passage was discovered and Saharia gained access to Jesnite, a group of Macbho scholars dedicated their research to learning how to use it.  Bho is the god of the four winds.

Macboiwi - These jackal-like Zoa are the warriors and hunters. Boiwi is the goddess of war, honor, and hunting.

Macese - The lowest caste, almost all of these aurochs-like Zoa are slaves.  They are laborers, builders, and craftsman. Ese is the great builder, whose hands shaped the world. 

Mackah - Cats are the highest ruling class of nobles. The feline deity named Kah is dual-aspected: the lion is the protector, and the lioness is the mother. 

Nafzal, the capital city of the Saharian Empire, is a sprawling metropolis nestled along the banks of the majestic Xochitlalli River. It stands as a testament to the grandeur and cultural richness of the empire. The cityscape is characterized by towering sandstone structures adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals that depict the mythologies and legends of the Zoa.

Situated at the heart of the empire, Nafzal is strategically positioned near the convergence of major trade routes and surrounded by fertile lands that support agricultural activities. Its location along the Xochitlalli River provides a vital source of water and facilitates transportation and trade with other regions. Magnificent temples and palaces rise alongside bustling marketplaces and ornate residential districts. The use of sandstone, a prevalent local material, lends the city a warm and earthy tone, contrasting with the vivid colors that adorn the facades and rooftops.

At the heart of Nafzal stands the grand Temple of Kah, an awe-inspiring structure dedicated to the feline deity who represents both protection and motherhood. The Saharian Palace, the seat of imperial power, showcases intricate courtyards, lush gardens, and opulent chambers where the rulers of the empire reside. The Great Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace where merchants from all corners of the empire gather to trade goods, spices, and exotic wares. Nafzal is a city brimming with cultural vibrancy and intellectual pursuits. The streets bustle with artisans, scholars, and performers showcasing their talents. The city's diverse population celebrates a rich tapestry of traditions, festivals, and religious ceremonies.

The capital city boasts formidable defenses, including massive sandstone walls, watchtowers, and well-trained imperial guards. These defenses protect the heart of the empire and its ruling elite from external threats.

Nafzal stands as a cultural and political beacon within the Saharian Empire, exemplifying the empire's grandeur, diversity, and the unique symbiosis between humans and Zoa.