Welcome to Norvrandt: Amh Araeng and the Nabaath Empire
Welcome to Norvrandt is a series of posts that covers the lore of Shadowbringers. These posts will contain story spoilers for 5.0 and beyond.
025 Vista Record - The Pristine Palace of Amh Malik: “In the common tongue, ‘amh malik’ translates to ‘majestic king,’ and it was within this royal residence that was housed the core of Nabaath Areng’s political and military might. When the Flood came, however, it was halted moments too late - half the palace toppled before a titanic wave of Light like a sand castle caught by the tide.”
Zhun Zun: “The Flood rent the stone and crushed the mines surrounding Nabaath Areng. Only steep cliffs and collapsed tunnels remain.”
Jamial: “A heraldic shield. The five coins above a castle represent each of the great houses of Nabaath Areng.”
Ghun Gun: “Coins? Is that because they were rich?”
Jamial: “Precisely. The capital attracted trade from across Norvrandt, and much of the wealth found its way into their coffers. Such a booming economy was not built overnight, however. Although Nabaath Areng was largely established by Humes, the harsh desert environment meant that they had to rely on the aid of neighboring peoples. It was the Mord who taught them how to safely traverse the barren plains, methods for finding sustenance, and much besides. They were also respected partners in matters of commerce. The Nabaath owed a great deal to your ancestors, Ghun Gun.”
Ghun Gun: “I know what this is! A decorative Mord’s head sculpture! Making these is one of our many traditions! But what is it doing here?”
Jamial: “We may surmise that it was once kept in the Pristine Palace of Amh Malik. It once housed tokens of friendship from allied peoples. That the malik brought such gifts so far from Nabaath Areng is proof of their cultural significance. However, when the Nabaath and the Mord first came into contact, there were many disagreements.”
Ghun Gun: “Hmm? I do not understand. We Mord hate arguing! The art of negotiation is another one of our many traditions!”
Jamial: “Yes, I daresay that was a decisive factor in these disparate peoples finding common ground. And yet the Mord live on while the Nabaath are no more.”
Jeryk: “Mining has always been the primary vocation of folks in the Hills of Amber, you see. But after a certain point, they had dug up everything that could easily be reached and carried back by manpower alone. It was then that the Nabaath Empire struck upon the idea of the Talos, which they had seen at work abroad. At great expense, the Nabaath brought the Mystel engineers who specialized in Talos here, to the Hills. And wouldn’t you know it, the mining industry picked right up again.”
Jamial: “I base this claim on my knowledge of the route chosen by the malik when he led his people’s exodus from the Flood of Light. Although many tried to take their most prized possessions with them, it soon became apparent that such burdens would only hinder their escape. Each household discarded their personal treasures, one piece at a time.
By following the exact path traveled from Nabaath Areng, we would be able to unearth many more priceless treasures. The first items to be discarded were those of little value or simply too cumbersome to be carried over long distances. However, we can assume that many were buried so that they could be recovered later.”
Jamial: “Jamial IX, the last malik, was my grandfather. I was named after him, which makes me Jamial X.”
Malikah’s Well: “Mourning the loss of her beloved, the queen of Nabaath Areng commanded a great well be built in his memory, its waters offering respite from the sweltering heat.”
Journey’s Head Lookout: “We’re surrounded by remnants of the old Nabaath Empire. Some even say the ghilman are the wandering souls of their dead. You know, I’ve always felt this is no place for the living…”
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More lore on Amh Araeng, Nabaath Araeng, those touched by a Sin Eater’s Light, as well as Daedalus Stoneworks and the Talos can be found below the Read More!
You can find more of my lore posts by visiting the Lore Index!
For more Vrandtic Lore, you can get a sneak peak at future posts in my First Lore Doc!
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