I'm not entirely sure if this covers all the basses, but here's my idea fleshed out.<br/><br/><br/>Once a great conqueror, who at one time ruled over many vast regions, including a large desert. He had said desert named after his family. It is now known as the Sahel desert, but the land was too barren of resource and the conqueror did not find ruling the lands to be worth his efforts. The current inhabitants of the region respect his triumph and conserve the region's history, but are not devoted to his likeness by any means.<br/><br/>Not many inhabit the Sahel desert, save for the citizens of the great city of Zarakhal, a city named after a great prophet of The Evening who was consumed by the power pool itself. The citizens of the city revere The Evening for its great power and wise intentions. Zarakhal is a massive metropolis. It's an independent city-state that rivals many countries. Through the heart of the city runs a great flowing river. The city sprawls outward from the river. The population is greatest near the river and fades toward the outside. There are a considerable number of farms on the floodplains found around the river at either extremity of the town. There are also a number of suburbs found outside of the cities great walls, but the occupants consider themselves citizens of Zarakhal.<br/><br/>There is a rigid social hierarchy, not run through monarchy but a pure form of meritocracy. Those who can prove themselves most helpful to the small nation are granted living space toward the heart of the city. One is given no rights at birth but must prove themselves capable when they reach adulthood. Children are taken care of communally. They live with other children and proven mentors with most schools and youth-housing found within intermediate-ability communities.<br/><br/>Those that can harness auras, especially that of The Evening, are highly regarded in the Zarakhal community. Magical power is seen as a potent aid to improve the city and its society.<br/><br/>Due to the social structure, there is a mostly work-based culture found among the citizens. Those who work long and hard are praised for their dedication and contributions. It is believed that without the full extent of each individual's effort a great city like Zarakhal would be unable to flourish in such a harsh region.<br/><br/>The city is largely isolationist. Citizens often live their lives having only met and dealt with a handful of travelers or envoys. The potent members of Zarakhalan society believe their city to be far more developed than any other nation, and therefore prefer to keep the cities fortunes and technology secret.