Editing Araby

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'''Araby''' was an area in the [[Warhammer Fantasy Battle|Warhammer World]] based roughly on the medieval Middle East, or at least how the average brit imagines it. The Arabyans had scimitars and jezzail muskets and used them to fight back those [[Tomb Kings|Tomb King]] guys when they came about uninvited stirring shit up. Much like [[Kislev]], they had an army all the way back in [[Warmaster]], which included flying carpets and magicians who could summon [[Genie|djinni]]. Oh and they had [[Awesome|Elephant Cavalry]]. Despite having a lot of potential when it came to introducing a new and unique faction with a slightly different tone to the usual semi-european setting, GeeDubs did, their favourite past time; nothing.

Araby’s most prominent appearance is little lore than a sidestory in [[Bretonnia]]n history, serving as the impetus of their great crusade. Long story short, the evil vizier got tricked by the [[Skaven]] into believing that Estalia was going to invade. He launches a “pre-emptive” attack, crushing and enslaving Estalia as its virtually powerless to stop the invaders. Bretonnia, meanwhile, is deeply concerned by the horrific injustice happening right next door, and proceeds to beat the shit out of Araby all the way back to the desert until the Vizier is Killed and the once-proud nation is a shadow of its former self. Those who left home brought with them booty, others decided to vassalize some of the remaining city-states. And Araby has been the punching bag of both Bretonnia and the Tomb Kings ever since. Essentially an easy way for Bretonnia fans to enjoy their Deus Vult without having to worry about arguably being the baddies. If this was a good idea is debatable, though it would have made a pretty cool starter set for a new edition, introducing Araby in the process. Alas it would not come to pass, for such a deed would have required a bit of imagination, never one of GeeDubs strong suits. 

This very original, never before seen storyline may or may not be because GeeDubs, being Brits, are still salty at having lost the crusades. Particularly the eighth and ninth, where an English king actually participated.

=== Religion and culture ===
For reasons that have to do with a certain day in September and two large towers, the religious elements of Araby are played down (which is honestly for the better). This opens up the interesting idea of having a faction based on pre-muslim arab civilizations, but in a recurring trend, such a potential was wasted. 
Much like in real life, Arabians are quite consumate tradesmen, having a monopoly on trade with Ind and most of the Southlands. This would in theory bring them into conflict with Sudenburg (hey, even more wasted potential). One of their main products being slaves, most people do not exactly like them.  At home they are ruled by a feudal cast of Emirs, Sheiks, Sultans and Caliphs (though how there can be a caliph without Islam remains a mystery), each governing their own little city state. Quite the warlike little bunch (like everyone in the Warhammer World), they are at each others throat constantly, as well as fighting all of their neighbours. The most ferocious of these are the desert tribes which haunt the dunes, often being recruited wholesay as mercenaries. 

=== Collecting Araby ===
While interest in Araby as a faction is sadly middeling, there are some fan-made codexes out there, most of them centered around the expected middle eastern/north african fare. Historical miniatures like Victrix African War Elephant and Numidian Cavalry aswell as GBPs Arab cavalry sets should prove treasure troves for the aspiring collector of Araby. In the future there may be some hope for GeeDubs to revive Araby in their upcoming Warhammer: The Old World game, though such a thing remains doubtful as [[ChapterHouse Studios|they're not exactly easy to trademark]]. 

{{Regions and areas of the Old World}}