A/N: As with all Nomad's Log updates, you'll be getting a chapter update within the next few hours, please sit tight, I'll have it up soon.

Nomad's Log:
(Aswad)

While it is true the people of Aswad have no home in which to claim anymore, they are still the proud race of old traditions, and even older history.

Originally, the Black Valley belonged to the Aswad, however due to events, they have been run out...exiled, by my family. The Kruger's overtook the land as a wedding present, and I've been sure to document those events in the book that details all of Black Valley. I shall not discuss them further. However, it is with regret that I pen further truths onto this page.

The Aswad used to be a group of nomads that traveled their native home. Though, that was several years ago, during a time, when war seemed sparse, and the land was new. They traveled in large family groups, known as caravans. They lived rather peacefully as hunters, and occasionally, as traders. Gathering food and water only as they needed, they lived a very simplistic life. For sport, they practiced fighting, but, it was in a jovial nature at best. They found it to be great fun, and would often hold bets to see who was the strongest amongst them.

Ironically, it was how they handled disputes as well.

Men and women are considered equal in everything that they do, and furthermore, they are free from most of the prejudices that cloak this world. Same sex couples find sanctuary here, and it is one of the few places that welcome them blindly. Holding true to the nomads of old, the people of Aswad live in caverns that dot desert landscapes. Occasionally, they'll wander back to the west, into the territory of the Black Valley, however, with the illness so rampant, they rarely attempt it.

Just because they are a nomadic people, it does not mean they are as few and far between as the old days, and now, they occupy a small territory with a deadly ferocity unmatched by most. Considering the Aswad have roots seeded in combat for play, for sport, and to end strife amongst its people, you can be sure they are dangerous.

Just beyond the oasis, where the tradesmen set up shops, there's an entry off the beaten path. There, you will find the passage into the Aswad's domain. Snakes and other desert fauna hide within the shallow cracks in the rocks. A person would make for an easy meal, if they were to attract unwanted attention. When a person enters the looming passage, they should take notice of the archers that stand guard, always on watch. There is never a time this walkway goes unprotected, so make due with the fact that eyes will be upon you.

A word of caution; greet these guards as friends, and they shall let you pass. Sneer at them as an enemy, and you will be killed on sight.

No light spills in from above, and because of that, shadows linger around every corner. The deeper into the crag you go, the darker the passage gets, until you come to a tunnel. There, you will have to dismount any beast you ride, and go on foot, leading your animals to follow you. The reason is because caves are beautiful, but, they are hard to navigate, and the ceilings are quite low in some parts. Once you make it through to the other side, a thriving pool of water awaits, and it is healthy to drink. A little further beyond that, is open area protected by canyon walls

This is their true lair.

The people of Aswad are not unhappy, yet, they are not filled with the merriment one would expect.

Covered in meager cloth, they rely on the surrounding kingdoms for their food and drink. Without it, they would be doomed a slow, lingering starvation. They are a quiet people, who prefer to sit and watch the world pass them by. Many here consider themselves scholars, and others are nomads who look for a place to stay in return for food. Money is no good here, payment comes by the items you have on hand. Food is worth the most here. Water, milks, juices, and wines come at close second. Everything else, is a distant third. I should also mention, livestock is a treasure not often found within their walls. The Aswad will gladly partake of any they can get.

They are not a shy people, in fact, they are far from it.

They eat, sleep, and bathe communally. All of the adults raise the young children together. If that were not enough to convince a person of their strong ties, the fact that they lack modesty would be a clear giveaway. It is not uncommon, for example, to see openly feeding babies on the breast. Nor is it an oddity to see prepubescent children running free from cloth. The men are often without constraints here, especially if he is a sire to many children.

Polygamy is something, that I regret to say, isn't completely unfounded. The women are slightly more reserved. Though, on occasion, even they will go without cloth. A common ritual here, is that if a woman seeks the attentions of a partner, she will put herself openly on display. If multiple suitors want her attention, it is quite common to have a sparring match. Sexuality is just as much of an honor here, as it is a privilege. To prove one's own power is among the most important trait.

In light of this, both women and men are taught to fight, and, both make worthy adversaries with a blade.

They are a sexual people, and just as polygamy is common, so too is the lack of any true partnership. Babies are often born out of wedlock, and there are often occasions when no one will know who the father is. As questionable as it may seem, it is a fundamental part of the way they think, and live. Nobody really knows how deeply their blood ties go. Anyone could be related, and within that, a profound respect, and deeper need to treat each other kindly has resulted from such means.

They do not judge easily, and welcome with open arms the simplicity of life.

With honor, they live peacefully...such equality, something of ultimate freedom...they do not question each other...thinking it forbidden to do so. As long as no harm is truly done to anyone, the people of Aswad will turn a blind eye to nearly anything of a questionable nature. If a person has done something wrong...something truly deplorable, they must fight in a battle to the death, against the leader of their people.

Currently, their leader, is a woman who's naturally charismatic, and has lived far longer than the history books tell of. She does not age normally, she is unable to do so. Inwardly, her body slowly deteriorates, just like anyone else with the illness. However, unlike everyone else, they age so slowly, that although she looks as young, she is actually decades older than I. Because they can not age normally, their lifespan has undoubtedly increased.

Unfortunately, because of this, those of Aswad suffer longer. When the madness finally takes hold, they do not escape it's clutches so easily...outside of Aswad, two years is the longest any normal person can live...

Inside of these walls however, they have to endure the horrific grasp even longer. Some people must wait many grueling years for their death to greet them. Their illness is hereditary, and passes on from parent to child. It is due to those facts, that everyone here in Aswad needs the cure...their very race depends on it. They trade information, and medicines freely to help one another. All they beg for in return, is a peaceful surrender to their laws while in their territory.

It is the least they may ask for...

Because of their long lives, and peaceful nature, they've become a central hub for information gatherers. While it's true the Aswad don't use money, they will sell services for items that they need. The Aswad are well known, and well respected. However, do not let their kindness fool you, they are inherently very dangerous people. They've become embittered, due to losing their homeland. Now, with so few of them left, all of them suffering greatly, it comes to no surprise that they do not tolerate a slip of the tongue from any outsider.

The Aswad are powerful friends, but, fearsome enemies; never forget that, should you traverse through these caves.