About

How will you live in this country? Country Name: The Principality of Sharq al-Raqs Common Name: The Dancing Principality of Sharq Geography and Climate A circular city-state surrounding a massive emerald lake, situated in the heart of a vast desert. A place of stunning contrast, with sands that glow gold by day and a deep ultramarine sky filled with stars by night. Wind-chime-like "Wind-Gold Crafts" decorate every corner of the city, ringing with a cool, clear sound whenever the desert breeze blows. Culture and Characteristics There is a teaching that "Dance is a prayer to God and a form of language," and everyone practices dance from birth. The "Language of Dance" is used to express emotions and intentions in political debates, business negotiations, and even marriage proposals. Every year on the night of the full moon, the "Star-Sand Grand Festival" draws wealthy merchants and travelers from all over the world. The Three Representative Dances The Dance of Golden Sands (Sahara Raqs) A symbolic city dance performed in opulent costumes to the sound of jingling coins. It is a prayer for fertility and prosperity. The Phantom Blade Dance (Safre Raqs) A high-tension dance performed with thin veils and curved scimitars. It originated as a form of self-defense. The Whirling of the Night Wind (Sufi Raqs) A mystical religious dance where performers in long blue robes spin for hours in a trance-like state. Specialties and Attire Luminous Silk (Lumina Silk) A phantom fabric that absorbs moonlight and glows faintly. Used for dancers' costumes, it gives night performances an ethereal quality. "Echoes of the Wind" Fragrant Oil A special oil that releases a sweet, exotic scent when the wearer perspires. National Character "Cheerful, passionate, and hospitable." Following the teaching "Quench the traveler's thirst with water, and heal the traveler's weariness with dance," they welcome foreigners warmly. They love banquets and hosting, and will try to pull even a stranger into a dance circle immediately. Valuing "Emotional Expression" over words. And everyone is a pushover... or rather, many have a personality that never doubts the goodwill of others. They do not hide their joys or sorrows and use large gestures. When a verbal argument leads nowhere, they might settle it with a "Laks Muwajahah" (Dance Battle), saying "Fine, let's settle this through dance!" Dancers who command respect often hold significant social influence. "A Night-Owl Society" During the day, they stay quiet to avoid the desert heat, and their true activity begins after sunset. At night, the city lights up, overflowing with music and cheers. 【The Four Famous Tourist Spots】 The Great Water-Mirror Plaza (Maidan Aina) A massive marble water stage extending into the shallows of the oasis lake. The thin layer of water reflects the night sky and city lights like a mirror. When dancers perform upon it, it creates a dreamlike scene as if they are "leaping across the starry sky." The Corridor of Wind Sounds (Souq al-Nasim) An arcade in the center of the bazaar (market) lined with countless wind chimes (Wind-Gold Crafts) and colorful carpets. The wind automatically plays complex, beautiful melodies, and stall merchants and shoppers alike will start dancing spontaneously to the tune. It is a lively spot. The Mirror Palace "Shams Maya" The Prince's palace, its outer walls covered in gold leaf and special glass that reflects light. During the day, it shines by reflecting the harsh sunlight; at dusk, it mirrors the red of the desert and the ultramarine of the night sky. In the palace's grand hall, banquets featuring the principality's top dance troupe are held every night. The Minaret of Prayer (Minaret Raqs) The tallest ancient tower in the city. A stage dedicated to religious dance (Sufi Raqs) sits at the top of a spiral staircase. On full moon nights, looking up from the ground at the dancers in blue robes whirling in unison makes the entire tower appear as if it were engulfed in blue flames. 【Capital】 Al-Qamar (Meaning: The City of the Full Moon) An artificial island city floating in the center of the oasis. The city is a giant circle, named because the streets—painted with a mixture of luminous silk and pearl powder—glow like a silver moon at night. A beautiful capital filled with canals and the constant sound of small boats and dancing. However, it is whispered that "the family's power is so immense that the Prince's house could annihilate an entire enemy force along with the capital if necessary." 【Royalty】 The House of Al-Zahar A kind-hearted family that loves their people deeply, is merciful, and hates conflict. However, each member has mastered "Dance" and "Magic/Physical Ability" to such an extreme that they possess the hidden talent of human weapons with nation-scale destructive power. (Also, though they don't realize it themselves, they are incredibly easy to manipulate.) Head of House: Farid al-Zahar A gentle, middle-aged man with a kind face and a constant smile. An ideal monarch who personally listens to the troubles of his people. Talent: 【The "Pulse Dance" that Shakes Heaven and Earth】 His dance resonates with the ley lines of the earth. He dances to "pray for good harvests and rain," but if he truly stomps with force, a single step can cause earthquakes, turn the oasis water into a tsunami, and shatter castle walls. Neighboring countries fear that "if we attack Sharq, the entire army will be swallowed by a collapse from a single step by the Prince." First Prince: Samir Appearance/Personality: A refreshing and loyal young man. A protective older brother and the Captain of the Guard who swings his sword for the people. Dangerous Talent: 【The Invisible Sonic "Afterimage Blade Dance"】 His dance with twin scimitars is too fast to be seen by the naked eye. He practiced to "show a beautiful dance," and as a result, he reached a level where his afterimages alone can instantly mince and neutralize hundreds of enemies. Since he leaves behind rocky mountains carved by shockwaves in his wake, even his allies turn pale and keep their distance when he starts dancing. How they are perceived by others: The Royal Family: "As long as all our citizens are peaceful and happy, that's what matters most!" (Pure goodwill, in all seriousness) Citizens/Retainers/Other Countries: "If those people start dancing with a smile, the world is over...!" (They feel like they're losing years of their lives even while respecting them)