The Qalasheen

[Imam Faiz Kharadeen 3167]

The Qalasheen

[Kwa-la-sheen]

 

 

 

“Though we may bend, we do not break.”

 

Introduction:

(Concept Art from Runescape)

 Man is known for their amazing adaptability and the Qalasheen are no exception. Made up of many desert tribes sharing a similar dialect and faith, the Qalasheen is a new collective term given to these people for there has been no recorded history of previous unification. There have been tales of grand cities of long ago in far distant lands, but this is simply folktale. The Qalasheen, despite being alike, are naturally recluse. Their knowledge of the outside world is limited and only those such as merchants typically had knowledge of outsiders until recently.

 

As a divided culture, those of Qalasheen descent have been known to escape the tribal warfare that plagued their lands and assimilate with other people. Such was the great unifier, Faiz Kharadeen the first Caliph. With the help of comrades from the outside, Faiz Kharadeen was able to bring peace and unification to the Qalasheen tribes through his talk of love, acceptance, potential, and Allah.

 

With a new following, Faiz Kharadeen got to work on the beginnings of what would become the Caliphate. Well seasoned in the knowledge of past realms’ failures, Faiz set out to ensure these same flaws did not take root in the Caliphate. Only time will tell if his teachings reach avid ears and are put to use with active hands.

 

Traits of the Qalasheen:

 

(Concept Art from Runescape)

 

The Qalasheen are a desert dwelling people and do not differ much among the other humans they share the sands with. They are dark complected usually but range all the way from an olive skin tone to darker tones found among certain Southerners which goes to show the diversity of looks. Although not impossible, it’s rare to find a Qalasheen of “brutish” stature such as one may find among Highlanders. The Qalasheen are typically more lean. An interesting trait that they share among other desert dwellers is their comfortability running across sand for long periods of time at an exceptional fast pace when compared to most other peoples. Sand is obviously unstable and those who are not used to running across it experience muscle fatigue and sometimes injury. Although the strong among the Qalasheen are exceptionally fast with lots of stamina and endurance, they are not without their flaws. The Qalasheen have had little experiences with magic in their isolation, and those that have attempted to connect with the void can not seem to find such a connection.. There was only one Qalash that managed to get a flicker of hope of connecting to the void, but that flicker of hope only turned into a tragic demise of his own life. It’s therefore presumed the Qalasheen cannot harness magic.  

 

Qalashi, The Language:

 

(Qalashi is based off real life Arabic phrases - as best gathered as possible. The following is a sample of commonly used Qalashi phrases. Rule of thumb when using something not on the list is to explain what you are saying within your action or messaging the person in PM what you are saying. Try refraining from heavily using Arabic unless you’re actually fluent in it. Else you’re a google translate try hard. A way to speak Qalashi in Roleplay is to speak proper, and think of yourself with an accent. The Qalash never speak a phrase that contains apostrophes, such as - I'm, Don't, Can't, you're etc.. They would say instead of such - I am, Do not, Can not, You are, etc.)

 

Hello/hi! ----- Salam!

Peace be upon you!------As-salamu alaykum!

[Return gesture] Peace be upon you too. ----- Wa-alaikum salam

Good morning!---------- Sabah el kheer     

Good evening!-------------- Masaa el kheer

Welcome! (to greet someone) -----------Marhaban  

Good night!-------- Tosbeho/tosbeheena (female) ‘ala khair

Good bye! ---------------Ma’a salama    

Thank you (very much)!--------------- Shokran (jazeelan)

You’re welcome ---- Afwan

Friend--------Rafiqi

Hoo-kah ---- Arghila

Weed ----- Hasheesh

Tobacco ------ Mu'assel/Shisha

Coffee ---- Kahwah

Tea --------- Chai [shay]

God/Creator ---------- Allah

Devil/Iblees ----------- Shai'tan

Mosque/Church --------- Masjid

God is Great ----------- Subhanallah

 

Before the Caliphate:

 

The Qalasheen people, as stated previously, are historically a divided people that fought among themselves and outsiders in their homeland - typically for limited resources. Tribes differed however with some more warlike and controlling with others more suited towards trade. Those who traded were more inclined to leave the desert lands periodically which lead to intermingling with outsiders. After the movement of peoples to Athera, the fighting among tribes intensified. Deus Proditor, the lands they settled in, was a lifeless landscape and it was not uncommon to see many die from either war or famine.

 

Despite this fighting, many Qalasheen attempted to cultivate the land still. They brought over camels and seeds suited to grow in such an arid climate. It was only until recently did they manage to find stability. The inter fighting amongst the people would end however with the coming of the Caliph.

 

About Deus Proditor:

 

The current lands inhabited by the Qalasheen, little is known about it. What has been discovered has given rise to even more questions. Ruins of old hint at a past civilization once inhabiting the lands. However, these ruins are now just crumbling away - there’s a thick ash that envelops them. A dark power appears to have been at work here once. And it could always come about again. The undead, what is left of this past civilization, is all that is left. The Caliph has tasked his military to purging these lands of the great evil that lurks the desert sands still for both his peoples’ safety, and to put the reanimated to rest in hopes of them finding peace within paradise.

 

Little life naturally resides in these lands other than small lizards, insects, shrubs, desert climate birds, few mammals, and cacti.

 

Culture:

Despite being historically reclusive, the Qalasheen have grown an interest in outsiders as of recent with the creation of the Caliphate and have enjoyed the wares outsiders bring to the city to sell. Some Qalasheen wonder what others may think of them and in turn wish to know more about outsiders. Though those not accustomed to trade may feel more shy and hesitant to start conversation with outsiders (especially the youth), they are very social once pushed on.

 

Among themselves, the Qalasheen have a strong work ethic but may be viewed by some as more relaxed. It is not uncommon to see someone napping on the job. This is to rebuild energy in order to keep working at the highest efficiency as possible. Putting one’s all into a trade is highly regarded and it’s believed one cannot produce quality work when tired.

 

Outside of work, the Qalasheen are known to invite friends and family over to socialize and eat. Those without proper housing may choose to socialize at a Hoo-kah lounge and smoke among others. Cactus green is enjoyed almost universally in the Caliphate and many from other lands where cactus green is illegal come to the Caliphate to indulge in it.

 

Although cactus green is socially acceptable, alcohol is not. Qalasheen have long regarded alcohol as a poison to the body and something God forbids them to drink else they are more prone to sickness and barbaric traits. Pork is also not consumed in the caliphate and pigs are not even raised in the city because they are considered diseased and plague ridden. The Qalasheen are a very religious people but unlike those with similar beliefs, they are more accepting of those with different beliefs. They are prideful however, and do not like their faith being insulted.

 

Surprisingly enough, the Qalasheen people have long supported an egalitarian society where men and women typically take part in the same roles together. It’s not uncommon to see women fight alongside men in the military or for even the most capable of women to lead men. Qalasheen society, for whatever role, holds certain standards that must be met typically on personality and strength. Should either man or woman meet these standards, each would have a fair shot at getting the role they desire.

Greetings and signs of respect:

 

The Qalasheen have many forms of greetings. When it comes to family and/or dear friends, they will shake each others hand or embrace in a hug, kissing the person's cheek once on each side. A kiss is a sign of love, and a qalasheen is not embarrassed to show their love and affection to their family and friends. The same thing will happen when taking one's leave from a family or friend, they will shake or embrace in a hug and include the kisses upon the cheek.

 

When a Qalash meets a stranger or is speaking to someone of high ranking and power (such as the caliph), they bow towards that individual by bending their back forwards, their body in a 60 degree angle. Bowing is a great sign of respect, and is done very commonly within those of the Qalasheen culture. When it comes to showing disrespect, the greatest insult is spitting upon ones feet, it shows that you no longer care for them and think of them as lowly as dirt. It is very rare for a Qalash to spit upon someone's feet, because they know how much of an insult that is.

 

Holidays:

 

The Day of Fasting: Once a year (OOC week, Friday), the Qalasheen people fast. It is said that God wishes for people to experience how the poor feel at least for one day of the year and to give charity to those in need. The Day of Fasting is only expected from those who are well to do. Those who are homeless, malnourished or sick are not obligated to participate. The next day (Saturday), a feast is held in the Caliph’s palace and anyone from the poor to the rich are welcomed to come and indulge in a feast with the Caliph and his family.

 

Menaphos: Once every four years (First Wednesday of every OOC month), The Qalasheen take a day off from work and stay home with family and friends. Those without family might go to the hoo-kah Lounge instead. On this day, gifts are exchanged showing the appreciation one has for the other being in their life. Gifts might be given out ahead of time if one will be away on the day of Menaphos but giving gifts late is a sign of insult.

 

Cuisine:

 

The Qalasheen, despite living in a land where most life cannot be cultivated, have developed an interesting diet that has given them longevity. Crops wise, the Qalasheen grow grapes, chickpea, olives, wheat and an assortment of spices and herbs such as turmeric and mint.

 

A favorite among the Qalasheen is hummus and falafel, which are both based upon chickpea. With the introduction of other vegetables from outside lands, the diet of the Qalasheen has expanded, making dishes such as this:

 

Falafel and Hummus Pita

 

As for meat, coastal Qalasheen peoples typically eat shellfish and small fish. Lamb is also used often in Qalasheen cuisine as well as chicken and beef should one have access to it.. Swine and alcohol are both forbidden in the culture but the latter has a growing black market within the Caliphate.

 

A lot of food in Qalasheen cuisine can be eaten with ones hands such as kebabs and pita. To use a fork or knife for certain foods would appear odd among other Qalasheen. Of course, for those meals in obvious need of utensils, they are used.

 

When it comes to beverages, Qalasheen tend to drink mostly water, for staying hydrated is very important. When it comes to drinking beverages for pleasure, they either indulge themselves with tea (chai), coffee, or juice beverages fresh from the many exotic fruits. 

 

[lawnmowerman 3040]

Very nice lore, can't wait to feast on that falafel pita!

[James 425]

Great and well written post, a lot of work went into making this culture and I give props, I've been having blast roleplaying my Qalasheen character! 

[Draeris 3124]

Faiz really made something great out of this, the community is very enjoyable!

[Reckless Banzai Screamer 15456]

I liked writing this baked.

[Sultan 3953]

AHAHAHAHAH Falafel and Hummus and Kebab.

 

I think the use of the word Allah is not good though, I suggest using almighty or use terms of description such as the Great the powerful the all seeing etc instead of using a word 

[Galendar 631]

((This is actually a really cool idea. I hope it isn't turned into a bunch of fuckery and what not just because you're playing 'arabs'.))

 

Ostromir raises a brow,

"I need to pay these peoples a visit."

[Goldrim 1422]

Very nice lore, can't wait to feast on that falafel pita!

 

Falafel is Greek lol.

[lawnmowerman 3040]

Falafel is Greek lol.

 

it was just lighthearted banter, i wasn't trying to mock faiz' lore, if you took it that way, in fact, I quite enjoyed reading :)

[ARCHITECUS 4788]

http://wiki.lordofthecraft.net/Rassids

[craotor 617]

((ALAH AKHBAR I HAVE CONVERTED!!))

[Goldrim 1422]

it was just lighthearted banter, i wasn't trying to mock faiz' lore, if you took it that way, in fact, I quite enjoyed reading :)

 

Just pointing it out, nothing more. :)

 

On topic though, looks really nice, props.

[MrJoshy 130]

This looks rather close to Arabic and general Eastern cultures. It looks as if it has a lot of work put into it, though, trying to be original. Just clear up a few items of such close relatedness, and aside from that I support it widely.

[KarmaDelta 969]

[ Mmm, very nice. May make a Dwarf that lives there with his sweaty and hairy man nips hangin' out, along with his gut along with a wicked tan. ]

[Arctic_Guard 1068]

Woo!