Shariz, the capital of the Serrakhan Sultanate, stands as a testament to both the enduring resilience of its people and the tumultuous history that shaped it. Once a beacon of divine power under the self-proclaimed God of the Sun, Malekith, Shariz was founded when he forcibly united the nomadic tribes of The Sands of Serrakhan under his banner. By presenting himself as an incarnation of the legendary Serrakhan, Malekith deceived the tribes into following his vision of a theocratic empire centered around his dominion.
The Maledict of Malekith
Shariz became the crown jewel of Malekith's theocratic regime, a city built to reflect the supposed divine authority of the Holy Order of the Sun. The city's towering sandstone palaces, gilded spires, and radiant monuments honored Malekith's claim as the Sun God. However, beneath this facade of celestial splendor lay a dark truth: the rulers of Shariz, a lineage of cursed Sphynx, were no more than puppet leaders.
The Holy Order of the Sun, led by the fanatical High Priest Ishmael, held the true power in Shariz. Using necromantic rituals and religious fervor, they controlled the Sphynx rulers, ensuring that the Sultanate served Malekith's will. For centuries, the people of Shariz were kept in line by fanatical sermons, divine proclamations, and fear of the sun's wrath.
Sinking into the Sands
After the disappearance of Malekith and the Primarchs of the Sun following their entombment by Avatar Rok / Talus, Shariz began to decline. Without its divine figurehead, the Holy Order struggled to maintain control. The city's once-prosperous streets fell silent, its golden monuments tarnished by time and neglect. The Sphynx rulers, now stripped of direction, became figureheads for a Sultanate fading into the vast, desolate dune sea.
Over the centuries, Shariz became a shadow of its former glory. The sprawling bazaars emptied, the once-gilded palaces crumbled, and the people abandoned the city for more fertile lands. By the Fourth Age, Shariz was little more than a forgotten ember of the once-mighty Serrakhan Sultanate.
The Revival of Shariz
It was not until the Fifth Age that Shariz began to rise again, thanks to the combined efforts of adventurers, traders, and reformers. Key to this resurgence were:
- The Emris Adventuring Guild and The Sunsations, whose heroics in exploring the unknown world, exposing Malekith’s deceit, and dismantling the Holy Order of the Sun brought hope to the Serrakhan people.
- Trade relations with the Empire of Bastile, which brought economic prosperity and technological advancements (such as Rift Energy) to the once-isolated city.
- Talyen Dawnstrider's coup, which deposed the remnants of the Holy Order and the Sphynx rulers, ushering in a new era of governance led by the Senate of the Sun (see: Sultans Showdown & Shadow of the Sun's Eclipse).
- Under Talyen's leadership, Shariz underwent a renaissance. The city became a bustling hub of culture and commerce, its bazaars once again filled with merchants from across Osira. The Senate of the Sun worked to restore the people's faith, replacing the oppressive dogma of the Holy Order with a message of unity, renewal, and truth.
As Shariz Stands
Today, Shariz stands as a vibrant city, blending its ancient heritage with modern advancements. Its streets hum with the energy of traders, scholars, and travelers. The Sharizian Bazaar is a melting pot of cultures, offering goods from the Bastilian Empire, Serrakhan artisans, and even exotic wares from the distant Y’azi Peninsula. Additionally, the Solace Atheneum now holds a vast wealth of knowledge pertaining to the ancient history of the Serrakhan people and their once-forgotten culture.
The city's architecture reflects its storied past: ancient sandstone temples stand alongside new buildings constructed with Bastilian stonework. The Sultan's Palace, a gilded fortress in the heart of Shariz, remains a reminder of Malekith's former rule, now repurposed as a monument to the resilience of the Serrakhan people.
Legacy
Despite its revival, the scars of Shariz's dark history remain. Ruins of the Holy Order’s temples and crypts lie beneath the city, whispering tales of the necromantic horrors once hidden there. While most of the Sphynx lineage has faded into obscurity, rumors persist of cults loyal to Malekith, operating in the shadows to rekindle his influence.
Shariz, the Jewel of the Sands, now shines brighter than ever, its people united under the banner of truth and renewal. Yet, its history serves as both a warning and a testament to the strength of those who call the desert their home.