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The '''Valley of Aaqa''' is the isolated home of the remaining [[Vaati]], or [[Wind Dukes of Aaqa|Wind Dukes]]. The exact location of this last stronghold on the Prime Material Plane is their well-kept secret. This is a lush, beautiful, and bountiful land, closer to a well-maintained garden than a wild, natural place.
The '''Valley of Aaqa''' is the home of the remaining [[vaati]], or [[Wind Dukes of Aaqa|Wind Dukes]]. The exact location of this last stronghold is a well-kept secret by the Vaati. Although this is where most of the remaining Vaati live, most of the residences stand empty, and a population easily 10 times more than current levels could be sustained.{{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}}


==History==
==History==
The Valley of Aaqa is the only known remaining portion of the formerly vast, multiplanar empire of Aaqa. {{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}}


==Geography==
==Geography==
===Terrain and climate===
===Terrain and climate===
The Valley of Aaqa is a virtual paradise of manicured fields and gardens, and is extremely fertile. Surrounded by a protective barrier of mountains, the valley is maintained at a constant temperature of 72ºF.  
The Valley of Aaqa is a virtual paradise of manicured fields and gardens, and is extremely fertile. Surrounded by a protective barrier of mountains, the valley is maintained at a constant temperature of 72ºF. {{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}}
 
===Borders===
Aaqa is bordered on all sides by a ring of protective mountains. The only possible means of transiting them is by flight.


==People==
==People==
===Population and demographics===
===Population and demographics===
The population of the Vaati (Wind Dukes) has, since the end of war between Law and Chaos, been severely depleted, such that their remaining populations exists mainly in the Valley of Aaqa. Vaati can be considered to be Very Rare. Birth rates for Vaati are extremely low, such that only one to two children will be born each century; there is no information on gestation times, or length of adolescence. Little is known about the genders (if any) of the Vaati. Although this is where the vast majority of the remaining Vaati live, most of the residences in the valley stand empty, and easily 10 times more the current population could be sustained.{{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}}
The Vaati (Wind Dukes) appear as statuesque androgynous humans, tall (up to 7') and muscular. They have brilliant white eyes, ebony skin, and thick black hair (usually preferred shaved). The Vaati prefer going unclothed, except for harnesses and the like to carry needed tools, weapons, and equipment.{{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}} Since the end of war between Law and Chaos, their numbers have been severely depleted, such that their remaining populations exists mainly in the Valley of Aaqa. Vaati can be considered to be Very Rare. Birth rates for Vaati are extremely low, such that only one to two children will be born each century; there is no information on gestation times, or length of adolescence.
 
===Religion===
Not much is know about the religious beliefs of the Vaati, outside of a complete and total dedication to Law.


===Languages===
===Languages===
Vaati speak a rhythmic and melodic language containing many whistling sounds, to the effect that in groups, their speech more closely resembles the sound of wind moving through trees, than an actual conversations.  Some Vaati also speak Common.
Vaati speak a rhythmic and melodic language containing many whistling sounds, to the effect that in groups, their speech more closely resembles the sound of wind moving through trees, than an actual conversations.{{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}} Some Vaati also speak Common.


===Notable individuals===
===Notable individuals===


See the [[Wind Dukes of Aaqa]]
==Society and culture==
==Society and culture==
===Culture===
The society of the Vale is divided into seven castes (''weregadeam, houdeam, haikjadeam, trygrideam, kheirdeam, vindeam,'' and ''bledrudeam''); while all Vaati are born into the worker, or ''weregadeam'' caste, when reaching adolescence, they may choose to join another of the castes, or remain as they are. An unofficial caste, the ''wendeam'', are wanderers who remain almost entirely outside the Vale, and are viewed as outcasts. Except for the ''weregadeam'', the other castes can be sent out of the Vale on matters vital to the whole race. There are no badges or other insignia that would identify any of the Vaati as belonging to one caste or the other; to other Vaati, one's caste is clearly obvious.
The ''houdeam'' form the civil and military. They perform the duties of defense and guards for the Vaati in the Valley of Aaqa, and comprised the Captains of Law during the war against Chaos.
The ''haikjadeam'' serve as record-keepers and teachers, but also perform duties as police, keeping general security and as a kind of counter-intelligence force, keeping watch for spies or infiltrators.
The ''trygrideam'' manage and guide the ''weregadeam'' and are responsible for tending to all flora and fauna found in the Vale. Under their leadership, the biosphere of the Vale is maintained with complete control, so that not even a blade of grass is found out of place.
The ''kheirdeam'' act as the physicians and spiritual counselors of the Vaati. They "tend" to the needs of the Vaati much like the ''trygrideam'' tend to the needs of the Valley.


The ''vindeam'' and the ''bledrudeam'' are the wizards of the Vaati. They are the castes which are called upon to act as ambassadors and troubleshooters in dealing with peoples and issues outside the Vale.
The society of the Vale is divided into seven castes (''weregadeam, houdeam, haikjadeam, trygrideam, kheirdeam, vindeam,'' and ''bledrudeam''); while all Vaati are born into the worker, or ''weregadeam'' caste, when reaching adolescence, they may choose to join another of the castes, or remain as they are. An unofficial caste, the ''wendeam'', are wanderers who remain almost entirely outside the Vale, and are viewed as outcasts. Except for the ''weregadeam'', the other castes can be sent out of the Vale on matters vital to the whole race. There are no badges or other insignia that would identify any of the Vaati as belonging to one caste or the other; to other Vaati, one's caste is clearly obvious.{{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}}
 
===Law===
The Vaati are, to outsiders and visitors, strict observers of formal rules overseeing every aspect of life and personal conduct. Etiquette is extremely important to the Vaati, and lapses are severely criticized.
 
===Education===
 
==Government==
 
It is not known what form of government exists in Aaqa, the caste system supplies the managers, record-keepers, defense, and those who conduct business with other races and planes. There does not seem to be a nobility or other hereditary ruling class.


==Economy==
==Economy==
===Resources===
===Resources===
The Valley (or Vale) of Aaqa is extremely fertile for all manner of fruits, vegetables, vines, and other crops. While there is no definitive description of mineral resources, as the last known remaining stronghold of the Vaati, it is assumed that the materials needed for tools and weapons of war are abundant.
The Valley (or Vale) of Aaqa is extremely fertile for all manner of fruits, vegetables, vines, and other crops. {{cite dragon|224|69,70|A History of the Rod of Seven Parts}} While there is no definitive description of mineral resources, as the last known remaining stronghold of the Vaati, it is assumed that the materials needed for tools and weapons of war are abundant.


===Trade===
===Trade===
There is no known trade carried out between the Vale and any other regions, planes, etc.
There are no reports of any known trade carried out between the Vale and any other regions, planes, etc.


===Currency===
===Currency===
While the Vaati may use the currencies of whatever outside culture they are in, they themselves use no coinage or currency among themselves.
While the Vaati may use the currencies of whatever outside culture they are in, there is no report of any sort of coinage that the Vaati might use.


==Travel==
==Travel==


==Military==
Travel within the valley by ordinary means is possible; however, teleportation spells and the like will not work.
===Land forces===
 
===Knightly orders===
 
===Naval forces===
 
==Relationships==
===Enemies===
 
===Allies===
 
===Other===
 
==In ''Living Greyhawk''==
 
==Creative origins==


==Publication history==
==Publication history==
 
An article by [[Skip Williams]] published in ''[[dragmag|Dragon]]'' #224 (1995), "A History of the [[Rod of Seven Parts]]", included a very brief overview of the Vale of Aaqa.
==See also==
 
==External links==


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 18:34, 13 March 2025

Greyhawk Realm
Aaqa
General information
Alt. Spelling:Aqaa
Region:Unknown
Government
Alignments:Lawful
Demographics
Races:Vaati

The Valley of Aaqa is the home of the remaining vaati, or Wind Dukes. The exact location of this last stronghold is a well-kept secret by the Vaati. Although this is where most of the remaining Vaati live, most of the residences stand empty, and a population easily 10 times more than current levels could be sustained.[1]

History

The Valley of Aaqa is the only known remaining portion of the formerly vast, multiplanar empire of Aaqa. [1]

Geography

Terrain and climate

The Valley of Aaqa is a virtual paradise of manicured fields and gardens, and is extremely fertile. Surrounded by a protective barrier of mountains, the valley is maintained at a constant temperature of 72ºF. [1]

People

Population and demographics

The Vaati (Wind Dukes) appear as statuesque androgynous humans, tall (up to 7') and muscular. They have brilliant white eyes, ebony skin, and thick black hair (usually preferred shaved). The Vaati prefer going unclothed, except for harnesses and the like to carry needed tools, weapons, and equipment.[1] Since the end of war between Law and Chaos, their numbers have been severely depleted, such that their remaining populations exists mainly in the Valley of Aaqa. Vaati can be considered to be Very Rare. Birth rates for Vaati are extremely low, such that only one to two children will be born each century; there is no information on gestation times, or length of adolescence.

Languages

Vaati speak a rhythmic and melodic language containing many whistling sounds, to the effect that in groups, their speech more closely resembles the sound of wind moving through trees, than an actual conversations.[1] Some Vaati also speak Common.

Notable individuals

See the Wind Dukes of Aaqa

Society and culture

The society of the Vale is divided into seven castes (weregadeam, houdeam, haikjadeam, trygrideam, kheirdeam, vindeam, and bledrudeam); while all Vaati are born into the worker, or weregadeam caste, when reaching adolescence, they may choose to join another of the castes, or remain as they are. An unofficial caste, the wendeam, are wanderers who remain almost entirely outside the Vale, and are viewed as outcasts. Except for the weregadeam, the other castes can be sent out of the Vale on matters vital to the whole race. There are no badges or other insignia that would identify any of the Vaati as belonging to one caste or the other; to other Vaati, one's caste is clearly obvious.[1]

Economy

Resources

The Valley (or Vale) of Aaqa is extremely fertile for all manner of fruits, vegetables, vines, and other crops. [1] While there is no definitive description of mineral resources, as the last known remaining stronghold of the Vaati, it is assumed that the materials needed for tools and weapons of war are abundant.

Trade

There are no reports of any known trade carried out between the Vale and any other regions, planes, etc.

Currency

While the Vaati may use the currencies of whatever outside culture they are in, there is no report of any sort of coinage that the Vaati might use.

Travel

Travel within the valley by ordinary means is possible; however, teleportation spells and the like will not work.

Publication history

An article by Skip Williams published in Dragon #224 (1995), "A History of the Rod of Seven Parts", included a very brief overview of the Vale of Aaqa.

References

Citations

  1. ↑ a b c d e f g "A History of the Rod of Seven Parts".  Dragon #224 (Dec 1995), p.69,70.

Bibliography

Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index

The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index (EGI) is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, continued by numerous other fans. The EGI article has a list of sources, product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.

Topic Type Description Product Page/Card/Image

Aaqa {Aqaa} Place Dungeon Masters Guide 1st Edition 160
Aaqa {Aqaa} Place Dungeon Masters Guide (Revised), AD&D 2e (Premium Edition) 126
Aaqa {Aqaa} Place Dragon magazine #224 68
Aaqa {Aqaa} Place Dragon magazine #299 103
Aaqa {Aqaa} Place Dragon magazine #347 29
Aaqa {Aqaa} Place Ivid the Undying 86
Aaqa {Aqaa} Place Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 13
Aaqa {Aqaa} Place WGR5 Iuz the Evil 60
Aaqa, Valley of Place Reference SEE Valley of Aaqa
Aaqa, Wind Dukes of People Group Reference SEE Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati}
Vaati {Wind Dukes of Aaqa} People Group Reference SEE Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati}
Valley of Aaqa Place Dragon magazine #224 69, 70
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Arms and Equipment Guide, D&D 3.0 154
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Book of Artifacts, AD&D 2e 91
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Dungeon Masters Guide 1st Edition 160
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Dungeon Masters Guide (Revised), AD&D 2e (Premium Edition) 126
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Dragon magazine #224 68-70
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Dragon magazine #224 68
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Dragon magazine #299 101, 103
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Dragon magazine #347 29
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Dragon magazine #347 29, 36
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Ivid the Undying 86, 137
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 13
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, Oerth Journal #32 41
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, The Rod of Seven Parts: Initiation to Power 3
Wind Dukes of Aaqa {Vaati} People Group Organization, WGR5 Iuz the Evil 60
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