[INFO] The Compendium

[The Al-Siq]

 

[The Al-Siq]

Big Map Here

In terms of territory, the Al-Siq possess what is arguably a ridiculous amount of land. This is due to the rather isolated region that they come from and the peculiar location of their home.

Situated in the very north-east, bordering on the middle-east (approximate location around Jordan), they have had this land almost exclusively to themselves for generations and as such, they've expanded considerably.

Note, that as with a fair few aspects of SoA Lore, several liberties have been taken with the geographical features in this region!

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Black Territory

Justicar: Deimos & Phobos
Collective: Undetermined
Scourge Status: Active (Warzone)

Geographical Location:

The Black Justicar's territory is situated in the far North West of the Al-Siq Sayir lands. It shares borders with the Purple and Blue Justicar's designated land.

Geographical Features:

Despite it's war ravaged state, the Black Province is a sight to behold. Home to extensive mountain ranges and canyons, this region once boasted some of the best views in the pride. This is something that would continue to this day if it were possible to visit.

Alas, as it stands, only the military and the scourge currently inhabit this land and such beauty is lost upon them.

It does possess ample resources, with fertile land at the lower altitudes, but these are no longer in use.

Known Disciplines:

The Black Justicar province isn't well known for any specific disciplines; if anything, due to the nature of its history, the province is well known for breeding the most powerful warriors. Unfortunately due to the sudden resurgence of the Scourge, this territory has been ravaged by war and its citizens have been forced to flee in to other provinces. For a number of generations, the citizens of the Black Province have had to settle in other regions to raise their families and to live normal lives.

It is more common for those who are descendants of the Black Provinces denizens to take up military professions. So, in a round about way, the Black Province would be most well known for its military prowess...even if historically, this was not the case.

Historical Notes:

There are conflicting accounts of the history of this region and no one has considered it a priority to fully investigate these. As archaeological research is not currently possible, the embellished stories continue to circulating with many claiming that the Black Province is the site of the Heavenly Dragon's last battle.

Many of the most religious attribute the canyons to 'scars' in the earth where these dragons tore it asunder...

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Blue Territory

Justicar: Destati
Collective: Comprised of six members, their identities are a closely guarded secret.
Scourge Status: Moderate Activity

Geographical Location:

The Blue Justicar's territory is situated in the far North East of the Al-Siq Sayir lands. It shares borders with the Black and Green Justicar's designated land.

Geographical Features:

The Blue Province is well known for its flat and extremely fertile lands. This is due to considerably more rivers flowing in to this particular area, with many of these making their way towards the ocean that lies to one side of the province.

With gently rolling hills and plenty of greenery, this region is not a stranger to the migrating herds.

Known Disciplines:

Due to the impressive amount of water in this region it should come at no surprise that the Blue Province is well known for it's aquatic disciplines. Ranging from crudely built, floating structures that some would argue are rafts; to the capacity to fish en mass. They are relied upon to provide a large portion of the prides nourishment through fishing and other forms of water based farming.

Oddly enough, in times of peace they are also known for being a little bit of a holiday destination. However, due to their close proximity to the Black Province, this can change very quickly.

Historical Notes:

The Blue Province has been reliably peaceful throughout the generations, with this disrupted only during the resurgence of the Scourge. Rumour has it that the Blue Province has one of the most active Collectives in the entire pride, though the Justicar would be quick to correct this on behalf of his fellow Justicars and their own efforts.

The Blue Province have a long history of good relations with the Provinces that lie directly on its borders, resulting in it, more often than not, responding much more rapidly to Scourge resurgence than the farthest most territories.

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Green Territory

Justicar: Oberon
Collective: Undetermined
Scourge Status: Low Activity

Geographical Location:

The Green Justicar's territory is situated in the South East of the Al-Siq Sayir lands. It shares borders with the Red and Blue Justicar's designated land.

Geographical Features:

Benefiting from the same terrain, and to a slightly less degree,
the river networks; the green territory is well known for its beautiful, seemingly endless expanse of green land. Ever one to be filled with colour,
at certain points in the year this region is positively covered in flowers and is truly a spectacle to behold.

Regarded as one of the most romantic places in the Al-Siq, the flowers are often pressed as a consequence, and can be seen throughout other provinces as a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world.

Known Disciplines:

While the lions of the Blue Province do not make use of the migrating herds, the lions of the Green Province do. Well known for its agriculture, it is not uncommon to see several shepherds trailing after specific herds of prey beast to protect them, or to guide them away from hazards.

It's an unusual relationship to have, one which is often a source of philosophical discussions in other regions.

Nevertheless, this is a discipline that is taken very seriously by this particular region and its treated with the greatest respect. As one of the most abundant provinces, it provides a large proportion of the nourishment the pride requires.

Historical Notes:

The Green Province benefits from no dramatic historical tale.
For the most part, it's only claim to fame is that it was the birth place of farming and agriculture. Some have theorised that the Heavenly Emerald Dragon himself gave them the knowledge of this discipline and guided him with his own claw until they were ready to branch out on their own.

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Red Territory

Justicar: To Be Confirmed
Collective: Undetermined
Scourge Status: Low Activity

Geographical Location:

The Red Justicar's territory is situated in the South of the Al-Siq Sayir lands. It shares borders with the Green and Brown Justicar's designated land.

Geographical Features:

Pressed up against the Canyon walls and benefiting in a small way from the agricultural lands to the north, and, its own mineral resources;
the Red Province is a strange place that may at first look barren, but holds many secrets.

It is known for its mineral caves where clever 'miners' have developed means to get these rocks out of these regions to purify. It's considered a rather pretty region, with certain crevices used as walk ways to admire the little glimmers of precious gem embedded in the rock faces.

Generally speaking, it's not the most fertile in terms of landscape, but it's rich in other resources.

Known Disciplines:

The Red Province is renowned for it's technological enthusiasts with many curious 'inventors' heralding from this region. The lions of this region are well known for their unusual methodology and there occasionally off the wall ideas. Surprisingly, a large portion of their ideas seem to work (for reasons beyond many other Provinces' understanding, but sometimes it's easier to just go with it, rather than to question it.

The Red Province is also recognised as being one of the key trading partners with the Purple Province, a region where many artisans also choose to take up residence.

Historical Notes:

It is assumed that the very first 'weapons' employed in the first scourge wars were developed here. This included the development of poisons and other such toxins that would go on to play a key part in these wars. Beyond this, the Red Province has benefited from quiet neighbours to the north, and highly militarised (but disciplined) neighbours to the west.

It has always been a reliable trading partner, even from when the pride was young...

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Brown Territory

Justicar: To be Confirmed
Collective: Undetermined
Scourge Status: Low Activity

Geographical Location:

The Brown Justicar's territory is situated in the South East of the Al-Siq Sayir lands. It shares borders with the Red and Yellow Justicar's designated land.

Geographical Features:

The Brown Territory is a combination of rocky landscapes and outcroppings (courtesy of its canyon walls) and dense forest land. It's an ideal location for various training sites, as well as providing ample materials for other provinces. While it's not the recipient of many migratory species,
it is known for its smaller forest dwelling denizens; some of which go on to be companions of the lions that live in this region.

Known Disciplines:

Following the collapse of the Black Province, the Brown province stepped up to the plate to provide the resources necessary to build an army. With plenty of regions to construct numerous training courses, as well as a variety of different terrains, it was the perfect place to expose potential recruits to the type of obstacles they might encounter. Not only that, but they could also simulate certain conditions to place their recruits under extreme pressure.

This region has experienced considerable success since the Brown Justicar adopted this responsibility; and given that is one of two Provinces that guards the only entrance to the Al-Siq, this has provided an ample resource of border guards to ensure their home remains secure.

Historical Notes:

The Brown Province has been a driving force behind the war effort for generations. While the elite troops are born specifically from the Black Province, the denizens of this territory are credited with some of the most decisive battles, and periods in which they were required to hold the line.

This is something they have done for generations and it's unlikely to change in the near future...

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Yellow Territory

Justicar: To be Confirmed
Collective: Undetermined
Scourge Status: Low Activity

Geographical Location:

The Yellow Justicar's territory is situated in the South East of the Al-Siq Sayir lands. It shares borders with the Brown and Purple Justicar's designated land.

Geographical Features:

Possessing a mix of geographical features from both the Brown and Red Provinces, the Yellow Province is regarded as a quaint and otherwise peaceful land to live in. It's sloping hills and scattered trees, as well as cave lined canyons, make for pleasant living locations and a good place to set up shop.

Known Disciplines:

Due to bordering the only entrance to the Al-Siq and the Brown Province, the Yellow Province has made a name for itself as a Diplomatic and Trading center. It's considered a meeting point for merchants from all Provinces, as well as a center for Foreign Affairs. Consequently, a foreign visitor should not be surprised if they find themselves escorted to this particular province for processing.

While this region is not know for making anything, it's considered the place to be when exchanging goods or services, particularly long term 'contracts'.

Historical Notes:

The Yellow Province is a region that does not benefit from any significant history. While its Justicar continues to play an active role in the defence of the land, the Yellow Province itself has been lucky to live in relative peace.

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Purple Territory

Justicar: To be Confirmed
Collective: Undetermined
Scourge Status: Moderate Activity

Geographical Location:

The Purple Justicar's territory is situated in the South East of the Al-Siq Sayir lands. It shares borders with the Black and Yellow Justicar's designated land.

Geographical Features:

The Purple Province is another region that is heavily forested,
though in comparison to the Brown Province, it has decidedly less overhangs and crags. This is in large part due to the dissipation of canyon landscape, and shift into the more mountainous regions that lie beyond their northern most border in the Black Province.

Consequently, the Purple Province is rather well known for being another pleasant region to live in. However, rather than living in caves, this region has elected to live in specifically constructed burrows. While not a natural formation, these burrows have become a little bit of a tourist attraction as a result of how they're decorated by their denizens.

Known Disciplines:

It's not difficult for an Al-Siq lion to immediately identify an individual who heralds from the Purple Province. As lovers of art and culture,
they're known for their love of beautiful trinkets and their natural skill in creating them. The majority of the Al-Siq jewels worn by society are therefore from this region, which is heavily supplied by the citizens of the Red Province.

While education is important in every region, there seems to be a particular focus in the Purple Province.

Historical Notes:

Historically the females of the purple province were more likely to be selected as the consorts of the former Emperors. However, with the death of the emperor during the last Scourge resurgence, this is a tradition that has all but died out. The dedication towards the crown and the loyalty of this province (and its Justicar) towards their duty however, is not something that can ever be questioned.

As with the Blue Province, this Justicar line is one of the first to jump in to battle when the Black Province calls for war. Unsurprisingly, this has led to some confusion from other Provinces who sometimes struggle to understand how such a peaceful and cultured province, could be so quick to go to war as well...

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Inner Sanctum

Ruling Party: The Emperor
Defensive Force: The Military
Scourge Status: Low Activity (Assumed, None)

Geographical Location:

The Inner Sanctum is surrounded by each Justicar's territory.
It is the seat of power that connects each of the Justicar provinces together.

Geographical Features:

The Inner Sanctum is situated in at the base of the Canyon where all Provinces converge. As such, it's completely surrounded by water with large, impressive timber bridges leading into the island at the center of a huge lake.

While these timber structures are crude by human design, they are a work of art in the eyes of Al-Siq felines. Carefully maintained by its most gifted artisans, the weaker and older tree trunks are removed when necessary and replaced.

Unsurprisingly, the Inner Sanctum is known for its tight, clustered cave networks, similar to that of a bustling city rather than the more rural feel of the Provinces.

Known Disciplines:

The Inner Sanctum is meant to be a region without any specific disciplines, this is to ensure it remains neutral ground in which individuals of all professions can safely conduct their discussions. This is something that,
surprisingly, has been strictly enforced by the Justicars.

Justicars have predominantly intervened to prevent coups and revolutions; more often than not warning the overly political to remember their place.

Historical Notes:

The Inner Sanctum has been the seat of power in the Pride for as long as any can remember. Since the beginning when the first Emperors ruled, to modern times when the Politico decided the fate of their Provinces.

In Mythos, it is believed to be the region where the first Emperor stumbled upon the Heavenly Dragons and received their guidance. Some even argue that the caverns that are reserved exclusively for royalty, are the very halls that these divine beings wandered through in their disguised forms.

Since the death of the emperor and the rise of the Politico, the Inner Sanctum has been known for its political intrigue and a world in which nobles vi for power at the cost of the lower castes...

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Swirling Mists

The Ruling Party: Unknown
Defensive Force: Unknown
Scourge Status: None (Confirmed)

Geographical Location:

Not much is known about this particular region of the Al-Siq. Carefully positioned on the highest peak in the Al-Siq territory, and surrounded by the Black and Blue Justicars' provinces; this region is hidden by mist and to most ordinary Al-Siq citizens, it's a place of myth and legend.

No one has ever seen anyone enter or leave this area, and the Justicars aren't inclined to discuss what exists in this region. Curiously, even the Scourge seem to avoid this region, and no one is entirely sure as to why that is.

Geographical Features:

Situated at the very top of the peaks, it's known for it's spectacular views. As one of the major water sources in the Al-Siq, it is also home to beautiful waterfalls and possesses and almost magical feel.

It has a reasonable amount of fertile soil, though this appears to have been specifically cultivated by its elusive denizens as such things should not be possible at that altitude. For those who are lucky enough to get through the mists and see what lies beyond, it is supposed to be a place of wonder.

...Unfortunately the Justicars continue to remain tight lipped about the other qualities this region possesses and this is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future.

Known Disciplines:

Unknown, the citizens of the Al-Siq have crafted several fairy tales as a result of this. Most believe that powerful, magical beings (perhaps even the divine dragons themselves), live in this region. After all, why else would even the Scourge avoid it?

Historical Notes:

None available.

 

[The Al-Siq]

The Warrens

The Ruling Party: The Prime
Defensive Force: The Phantoms
Scourge Status: Extremely High (Warzone)

Geographical Location:

Situated in the Black Justicar's province, this region is extremely volatile and no ordinary Al-Siq citizen is allowed to enter it.

Geographical Features:

The Warrens are a dense, highly intricate series of cave networks. Completely surrounded by the mountain ranges and canyons of the Black Justicar's province, it's notoriously difficult for any who are not Phantoms to navigate.

Note that this is a world of shadows with sharp overhangs and darkness at every corner. It's difficult to find a glimpse of the sun in this area, and impossible once you enter the depths of the Warrens themselves.

Not much is known about the inner regions of the warrens as little intelligence can be gathered. Some theorise that a giant city exists in the depths similar to the Inner Sanctum, while others believe the Scourge live like beasts in small caves with little to their name.

Unfortunately, none other than the Scourge themselves know the truth.

Known Disciplines:

To the outside world, the only trait this region is known for is the chaos and destruction it brings to the world. To the schooled military personnel, it echos the natural disciplines of the Black Province... In short, their strongest abilities are born in war.

Historical Notes:

The Justicars are scant on the details regarding this region and only permit the citizens of the Al-Siq to know one fact. This is where the first Phantoms were born, it was where they found a means to survive, and it was where they grew in to what they are now.

...How they survived to adulthood, and how they became what they are today, remains a mystery.