The Suzak-Mar
Wisdom, Adaptability, Community
The people now known as the Suzak-Mar are survivors of many nations that faced incredible tragedy and rose as one united people. While a very small number of Suzak-Mar are native to the March, the vast majority are from a continent called LaShar that existed to the east. For millennia, LaShar’s grand civilizations boasted bustling metropolises, great feats of engineering and magic, and tranquil countrysides. Plague, unprecedented natural disasters, evolving monsters, and an abundance of other Curses swept over the continent, felling one civilization after another. It wasn’t long until all of LaShar’s survivors were forced to seek refuge and make their last stand in the northwestern bastion of Tengo.
Then hope came. Years of drought revealed a once-hidden land bridge across the Western Sea. Knowing not where it would lead their people, and not having any alternative, the Council of Viziers decreed an exodus from LaShar. As they arrived in the new land, a great storm called The Weeping sunk the bridge back into the sea, and buried any hope of returning home.
But all was not lost. The people of LaShar found kinship with the locals of the Eastern Marches where they now found themselves. This new land, having suffered at least the same drought that affected Tengo, had been largely abandoned and would require years of cultivation and ingenuity to revive. In a solemn vow, the survivors of LaShar and this small number of March-born would rename themselves the Suzak-Mar, after the great firebird of myth who rose again from its own ashes.
Through the combined ingenuity and rugged tenacity of all Suzak-Mar, the new nation of Tise Lisanum has begun to thrive within the Eastern March. Surrounded by unfamiliar landscapes and challenges, the Suzak-Mar draw on their collective skills and resilience. They seek to rebuild and rise anew, their spirit unbroken by the sorrows of the past, and invigorated by the unshakable bonds between their once disparate peoples.
Leadership
The tragedy of LaShar brought together its diverse populace, making the Suzak-Mar stronger as tribes, families, and classes, all unified under the collective idea of "We, not me". This emphasis on the collective over the individual has been a survival mechanism for the Suzak-Mar diaspora, ensuring their persistence amidst adversity. The governance of the Suzak-Mar rests with the Council of Viziers, who are elected representatives from the various regions of LaShar. The Council stands as a collective embodiment of the wisdom, foresight, and authority that guides the Suzak-Mar towards prosperity and stability.
The Grand Vizier is a prestigious title (currently held by Mathias Rahim), often viewed as the first among equals. While every Vizier has a voice, the Grand Vizier is akin to the Speaker of the House. Their role extends beyond mere administration. They ensure that discussions remain orderly, that every Vizier is heard, and that the values and principles of the Suzak-Mar are upheld in every decision. In instances where the Council finds itself in a deadlock, the Grand Vizier's word carries the weight to tip the scales. The Grand Vizier is appointed by the council through an electoral process.
Relationship with the March
Having only been in the March since the year 1019, the Suzak-Mar's relationship with the March is multifaceted. The Rivlan Earldom of the East had been devastated by drought and much of its population had gone West to fight in the Ten Years' War, leaving much of it abandoned and devoid of human life. Their skills were welcomed by those nobles and commonfolk who had remained, and many would go on to become mercenaries, messengers, and merchants as they restored the land long desolate to life. Their deeds would lead to ties with the peoples of Eastlyn, Blackfield, and Sodmire as a result. Eventually the Suzak-Mar would declare sovereignty over the East, taking the Earldom of the East from the Rivlan Baronies and creating a new realm in which their people could thrive under their own terms.
Goals
Having endured the catastrophes of LaShar, the Suzak-Mar's primary goal in he March has been to seek stability. Now with that goal in sight, some Suzak-Mar wish to once again have land to call their own; a place where they can transition from mere survival to a society of thriving artists, politicians, tradesfolk, and warriors.
On the 16th day of November of 1023, the Suzak-Mar declared sovereignty over the Eastern March. Once ruled over by the Rivlan Earldom of the East, drought and desolation had ravaged the once thriving land. The Suzak-Mar inherited it as they entered the March, restoring it to life with hard work, wise stewardship, and no small amount of ingenuity.
Now with a land of their own, the Suzak-Mar have resolved themselves to stand as a mighty shield; should the miseries of their homeland come to reave the March, they will not hesitate to take up arms and defend their new sanctuary.
The world singers
When the sands and stones of LaShar had no names and there was only silence, the Unseen sang time into existence. From that song came four powerful notes that resonate across time and space. They took forms on this physical realm and began to name the world and prepare it for life.
Doro shaped into a wide-bodied form and began to sing a loud and grumbling rhythm and named the stones and sands. Kaen burst into a spritely form and began to throw sparks into the skies behind Doro. Singing a jovial tune, Kaen named them stars and gave light to the world. Mizo wandered into the world and wore a form of flowing grace. Following the other two singers, Mizo began to hum a melody along with their song and brought water to the open plains. Rushing to their side came Seishin who sang an echoing chant that carried across the land and became the first wind. Together, the four World Singers brought life to LaShar.
Many stories about the World Singers are still floating through the world. From the first fields planted by Doro and Mizo to the accidental creation of the sun. They come and go from the spiritual realm to visit the world and carry those who live in the physical realm who died back to the Unseen.
The World Singers travel back and forth from the spiritual and physical realms, transforming into men, women, and interesting objects to observe and interact with the mortals of the world.
The Unseen
Some believe that the Unseen is the spiritual realm. Others think it is the guardian of memory or universal truth. It’s common for most in LaShar to believe that those who return to the Unseen will be reborn into the world if they are found worthy. Songs and music hold a special place in Suzak-Mar culture. Their religion ties song to the essence of life itself. It is the duty of each living being to live a song worth bringing back to the Unseen.
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Seishin
Domains - Air, wind, the sky
Spirit of knowledge and secrets. Those who want to learn and discover new or forgotten things pray to Seishin.
Kaen
Domains - Stars, flame, and light
Spirit of passion and truths. Those looking for guidance or love will often pray to Kaen for aid.
Mizo
Domains - Water, rain, and wine
Spirit of change, flexibility, and liquids. Those who are about to make big decisions often pray to Mizo.
Doro
Domains - Sand, stones, plants, and food
Spirit of sturdiness and solid objects. Those who wish for strength or persistence will pray to Doro.
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The Followers of the World Singers live by a code of principles that guide their actions and beliefs, helping shape the fabric of their society and spiritual life. These ten core tenets, derived from the teachings of the World Singers, are more than just rules; they are a reflection of the values held dear by every member. Each tenet is a pillar that supports the structure of our culture, ensuring that we live in harmony with one another and the world around us.
Harmony of Elements: Every element, from the sands to the stars, plays a crucial role in the balance of LaShar. Respect and cherish each element, understanding its place in the grand tapestry.
Seek the Unseen: While the physical world offers much, always seek to understand and connect with the spiritual realm, the Unseen. It holds the truths of the past, present, and future.
Value of Life: Every life, whether big or small, carries a unique melody in the song of existence. Honor and protect life in all its forms.
Wisdom in Listening: Just as the World Singers sang the world into existence, so too does every whisper, chant, and song hold wisdom. Listen keenly, and one may find answers in the echoes of the world.
Embrace Change: As Mizo brought water that shaped the land, understand that change is natural. Embrace it, adapt to it, and find growth within it.
Guidance Through Light: In moments of darkness or doubt, look to the stars and flames, the gifts of Kaen, for guidance, clarity, and inspiration.
Strength in Solidarity: Just as Doro gave foundation to the world, find strength in unity, community, and standing firm in one's beliefs.
Seek Knowledge, Cherish Secrets: Pursue knowledge with the fervor of Seishin's wind, but also understand the value of mysteries and secrets. Not everything is meant to be unveiled.
Respect the Cycle: Life, death, and rebirth are all part of an eternal cycle. Celebrate each phase, knowing that every end is a new beginning in the Unseen.
Duty Above Self: Serve the greater good, understanding that personal sacrifices might be necessary for the well-being of the community and the preservation of the teachings of the World Singers.