The Suzak-Mar
Wisdom, Adaptability, Community
The people now known as the Suzak-Mar are the last survivors of the continent of LaShar, far to the east. Their grand civilizations boasted bustling metropolises, great feats of engineering and magic, and tranquil villages. Plague, unprecedented natural disasters, evolving monsters, and an abundance of other curses forced them to seek refuge in the last bastion, Tengo. The Council of Viziers led the survivors, following the brightest star Suzak, across a newly formed land-bridge. As they arrived in the new land, a great storm called The Weeping washed the bridge away, and any hope of returning home.
Now, in The March, surrounded by unfamiliar landscapes and challenges, the Suzak-Mar draw on their collective strength and memories. They seek to rebuild and rise anew, their spirit undeterred by the sorrows of the past.
If you are interested in becoming a Suzak-Mar, please refer to their style guide below.
Religious Beliefs
Central to the Suzak Mar's belief system are the four World Singers who sang the world into being and represent the raw elements in nature and aspects of life. There is also the Unseen, representing the cycle of life, death, and what lies between. These revered deities are responsible for the creation and maintenance of the world; including the place of life and death within it. While regional variations and other beliefs certainly existed in LaShar, the World Singers' narrative is predominant.
Social Structure and 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.
Relationship with the March
Having been in The March since the year 1019, the Suzak-Mar's reputation is multifaceted. Initially, their skills made them valuable mercenaries, messengers, and merchants, but their knowledge and trading acumen have transformed the desolate regions of the Eastern Marches. While maintaining a general neutrality, they came into power and forged bonds through cooperation with the locals of Eastlyn, Blackfield, and Sodmire. Suzak-Mar leadership now controls these former Rivlan territories, recent events and internal Rivlan strife prevent widespread acceptance of the Suzak-Mar’s power outside of the Eastern Marches.
Goals
Having endured the catastrophes of LaShar, the Suzak-Mar's primary goal in The 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, tradesmen, and warriors.
Should the misfortunes of LaShar ever shadow this land, the Suzak-Mar are resolved to shield the March, ensuring the miseries of their homeland don't consume their newfound sanctuary.
