Arad Doman

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Author: Leora Oldessroth

VAradDoman.jpg
Arad Doman
Sigil A silver hand grasping a silver sword by the blade, point down. Known as “the Sword and Hand.
Banner The Sword and Hand on a field of four green and three blue horizontal stripes.
Capital Bandar Eban
Ruler None
Throne
Crown
Palace

AH-rahd do-MAHN

General

Arad Doman and Tarabon have a history of small wars between them (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 14). For the past 300 years this conflict has often involved manoeuvring for control of Almoth Plain, which lies just south of Arad Doman (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

The Domani believe that they are descendants of those who made Avendesora, the Tree of Life (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Domani razors are a rare breed of horse that are not, generally speaking, sold to outlanders. Razors are marked with black meeting white in straight lines that could have been sliced by a razor (KoD, Ch. 6). Razors are favored by Domani bloodborn (KoD, Ch. 8).

Arad Doman is noted for some of the grandest celebrations of holidays. Festivals celebrated in Arad Doman that are not celebrated by all nations include Chansein, The Feist of Freia, Bailene and the Festival of Lanterns. Arad Doman is one of only two nations that celebrates The Feast of Fools during Tammaz instead of Saven (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 31).

Arad Doman is in chaos. The King had vanished, taken out of the country by Aes Sedai (This passage needs a reference) and Graendal taken other members of his family and the Merchant's Council. There is no leadership, except in a small number of cities and the capital, Bandar Eban has been flooded with refugees, looking for the food brought there by the Sea Folk under the orders of the Dragon Reborn. They face starvation however, as the food all spoiled (TGS, Ch. 32). The nation is also under threat from the Seanchan who are sending a large army after Rodel Ituralde who had defeated an earlier, smaller invasion. It was being defended by Rand al'Thor and the Aiel until he failed to come to an agreement with the Seanchan (This passage needs a reference) and abandoned the country (This passage needs a reference). Alsalam has since been found, but as much of Rodel's army was killed in Saldaea, it is not clear if the Domani will be able to continue to defend their country (This passage needs a reference)

Geography

Arad Doman is bordered to the east by the Mountains of Mist, by the Almoth Plain to the South and by the Aryth Ocean to the north and west (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 2).

Geographical Features

Bodies of Water
Hills and Mountains

Cities, Towns and Villages

Cities, Towns and Villages in Arad Doman

Government and Nobility

The Throne

Arad Doman has a king who is elected by the Council of Merchants. The king of Arad Doman is Alsalam Saeed Almadar (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30). He is currently with Rand al'Thor in the Stone of Tear

Council of Merchants

Main article: Council of Merchants

The Council of Merchants is the body in Arad Doman that appoints the king. Once appointed, he may be removed by a three quarters majority vote (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 26).

Noble Houses
  • Almadar (Alsalam, Ramsid)
  • Ituralde (Rodel)

Military

Arad Doman has very little in the way of military because a body of soldiers would shift the balance of power unacceptably from the Council of Merchants to the King (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 26). Rodel Itulralde did manage to raise a large army to defend against the Seanchan, but much of this was destroyed in Saldaea, defending Maradon.

Relations and Trade

Domani merchants carry on major trade with the Sea Folk, dispersing their goods to inland consumers (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Arad Doman also trades heavily with Tarabon and Saldaea (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Most Domani merchants are women and the nation owes its wealth to their success; very few men will come off the victor in trade with a Domani woman but they often consider losing worth the experience. (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

People and Customs

People from Arad Doman are referred to as Domani (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Domanis are known for their temper (KoD, Prologue).

Domani women are legendary for their grace and ability to get men to do what they want. Only Sea Folk women move with more sensual grace and no other women can compare to Domani women when it comes to the art of seduction. Mothers start teaching their daughters this art in girlhood (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30). Very few Domani Aes Sedai choose the Red Ajah, and those who do are usually mean (TFoH, Ch. 32).

Domani men are known for their temper as much as Domani women are known for their beauty. Some say this comes from having to deal with Domani women, others say it is from eating with sursa (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Many Domani claim to believe that the Dark One is dead but still will not risk naming him (TGH, Ch. 8).

Feasts and Festivals

Appearance, Clothing and Dress

Domani have coppery skin (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

The clothing worn by Domani women is considered scandalous by most others. Their dresses cover their bodies from neck to toe but are barely opaque and cling to every curve. They reveal nothing while hinting at everything (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30). However, even Domani women dress circumspectly when visiting the White Tower (TFoH, Ch. 15).

Domani men are recognizable by their long, thin mustaches and earrings (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30). Domani men wear black velvet beauty spots on their faces in different shapes (CoT, Prologue)

Men and women of nobility wear jewelry engraved or embossed with the symbols of their House (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30). No Domani would ever wear the symbols of a house other than their own (TGH, Prologue)

Food

Domani food is famous; it is usually spiced meat slivers and vegetables in a variety of sauces. Instead of using forks or knives, Domani eat with two thin sticks, used as a pair, called sursa. These sticks are held in one hand and maneuvered to pick up slices of food (TWoRJTWoT, Ch. 30).

Expressions

Characters from Arad Doman

Main article: Domani Character List