The Jash Queen

The origin of The Jash Queen is shrouded in mystery. The Jash Queen can be described as either a title, being or a sorcerous possessed spirit. Some accounts suggest that the Jash Queen was a historical figure, the leader of Persian forces that invaded Eastern Kurdistan, known as Rojhelat. In this version of the tale, she is portrayed as a figure of treachery, aligning herself with foreign powers against her own people. The term “Jash” itself, meaning “traitor” in Kurdish, reinforces this narrative and underscores the character’s alleged betrayal of her homeland.

However, the most prevalent and captivating narrative surrounding the Jash Queen dates back to ancient times, during the epochal struggle between Zuhak and Kawa The Blacksmith. In this rendition, the Jash Queen emerges as a complex and tragic figure named Berivan, who hailed from Kurdish roots. Her story intertwines with that of Zuhak, a power-hungry conqueror who would stop at nothing to achieve absolute dominion.

Legend has it that Berivan fell deeply in love with Zuhak, whose insatiable thirst for power led him to exploit her affections for his own selfish gain. As he sought to extend his rule, Berivan’s loyalty wavered, and she betrayed those closest to her in pursuit of a life by Zuhak’s side. Zuhak’s unchecked ambition ultimately led to his undoing. A rare and grotesque disease afflicted him, causing two serpentine creatures to sprout from his shoulders. Desperate to rid himself of this affliction, Zuhak employed dark sorcery to bind his soul into various objects, secreted away in different corners of his empire. This malevolent plan, he believed, would render him immortality, allowing him to obliterate the serpents without fear of his own demise.

The final act of Zuhak’s plan, however, remained unfulfilled. In an epic revolt, the Kurdish people, led by the valiant Kawa The Blacksmith, rose against Zuhak’s tyranny. They vanquished the conqueror and the serpents, ending his reign of terror. Zuhak’s scattered soul fragments, preserved in his hidden objects, would resurface over time, continuing to haunt the world.

One such object was the warrior mask worn by the Jash Queen, Berivan. Over the ages, this mask became imbued with her spirit, transforming into a malevolent relic. Any unfortunate soul who donned it fell under the complete control of the Jash Queen’s vengeful and restless essence. The Jash Queen, whether a historical antagonist or a legendary cause of Kurdish resilience, remains a captivating figure in Kurdish lore. Her story serves as a timeless reminder of the complexities of human ambition, love, betrayal, and the indomitable spirit of a people striving for freedom and justice.

The Current Queen

There is not much about the soul that is currently possessed by the Mask of the Jash Queen. However, the player can find lore items in the world of Rise of Corduene which reveals the current identity of the Jash Queen and her recent actions which includes both genocide and destruction of Kurdish villages and cities. It is common knowledge that killing the Jash Queen will erupt the connection betwen the wearer of the mask, and the mask itself. The next person who puts on the mask will however become the original Jash Queen’s next victim.