May 10, 2019 2:49 pm
The Satrapy of Liba Zaka:
Liba Zaka is largely populated by halflings and is ruled over by Algevere: Satrap of Control. Liba Zaka is the major port town which controls import of goods from regions further up the Ionic Coast, especially exotic spices, foods, and certain types of wood. A unique resource that allows the Zakarim economy to flourish is the special orcs they have bred, called 'Deadeyes', which follow orders unconditionally and seem to have no will of their own. One of the reasons that much of the Ionic Ocean has not been thoroughly explored is that the halflings here are very averse to leaving the safety of their city, except the few that control trading vessels that go up the coast or up-river to trade with the other Satrapies. As a result, Liba Zaka controls very little area outside of the city itself, leaving things to either grow wild or to the will of the other Satraps.
The Satrapy of Din Shalem
Din Shalem, the seat of the Holy Judges, is ruled over by Mishael, Satrap of Death. Although each of the other Satraps claims to be the absolute ruler of his or her city, it is a law older than history that any criminal death sentence must be overseen by a Holy Judge from Din Shalem. Notably, the high temple of Din Napisti is here, and the city lacks any other form of citadel. Additionally, the Satrap of Death is the only elected Satrap, a decision made by the holy judges after the death of the previous Satrap of Death.
The economy here is largely a fishing community, taking advantage of the numerous reefs between Din Shalem and Serak Bethra, but Din Shalem also serves as the entry port for goods coming from Serak Bethra. Several farming villages are proud to be part of this Satrapy as well, which protects and guides them. The army of Din Shalem consists of the order of Holy Paladins, devoted to Din Napisti. While they are mighty warriors, their dedication to law and order limits any expansionist tendencies that might emanate from the Satrapy.
The Indendent City of Serak Bethra
Serak Bethra, called the City of Myrrh, is ruled over by the Guild of Incense. As might be inferred from the name, Serak Bethra is the solitary source of incense in the region, in the form of myrrh. This monopoly is maintained by the unique climate of their island as well as closely guarded trade secrets. As many arcane and religious rituals rely on this substance, Serak Bethra has grown mightily rich indeed. Interestingly, the guild has forbade the use of any magic on the island by anyone without a guild license. The island city's wealth has allowed them to negotiate a rental of Deadeye orcs from Liba Zaka to facilitate the farming of commiphora, the myrrh plant used to make incense. The few miles of farmland on the island have very little protection other than the sheer cliff walls that plunge hundreds of feet to the sea. Some claim that the unnatural seeming earth formation of the island was produced long ago by the magic of high elves, who are more common in this city than in the Satrapies.
Liba Zaka is largely populated by halflings and is ruled over by Algevere: Satrap of Control. Liba Zaka is the major port town which controls import of goods from regions further up the Ionic Coast, especially exotic spices, foods, and certain types of wood. A unique resource that allows the Zakarim economy to flourish is the special orcs they have bred, called 'Deadeyes', which follow orders unconditionally and seem to have no will of their own. One of the reasons that much of the Ionic Ocean has not been thoroughly explored is that the halflings here are very averse to leaving the safety of their city, except the few that control trading vessels that go up the coast or up-river to trade with the other Satrapies. As a result, Liba Zaka controls very little area outside of the city itself, leaving things to either grow wild or to the will of the other Satraps.
The Satrapy of Din Shalem
Din Shalem, the seat of the Holy Judges, is ruled over by Mishael, Satrap of Death. Although each of the other Satraps claims to be the absolute ruler of his or her city, it is a law older than history that any criminal death sentence must be overseen by a Holy Judge from Din Shalem. Notably, the high temple of Din Napisti is here, and the city lacks any other form of citadel. Additionally, the Satrap of Death is the only elected Satrap, a decision made by the holy judges after the death of the previous Satrap of Death.
The economy here is largely a fishing community, taking advantage of the numerous reefs between Din Shalem and Serak Bethra, but Din Shalem also serves as the entry port for goods coming from Serak Bethra. Several farming villages are proud to be part of this Satrapy as well, which protects and guides them. The army of Din Shalem consists of the order of Holy Paladins, devoted to Din Napisti. While they are mighty warriors, their dedication to law and order limits any expansionist tendencies that might emanate from the Satrapy.
The Indendent City of Serak Bethra
Serak Bethra, called the City of Myrrh, is ruled over by the Guild of Incense. As might be inferred from the name, Serak Bethra is the solitary source of incense in the region, in the form of myrrh. This monopoly is maintained by the unique climate of their island as well as closely guarded trade secrets. As many arcane and religious rituals rely on this substance, Serak Bethra has grown mightily rich indeed. Interestingly, the guild has forbade the use of any magic on the island by anyone without a guild license. The island city's wealth has allowed them to negotiate a rental of Deadeye orcs from Liba Zaka to facilitate the farming of commiphora, the myrrh plant used to make incense. The few miles of farmland on the island have very little protection other than the sheer cliff walls that plunge hundreds of feet to the sea. Some claim that the unnatural seeming earth formation of the island was produced long ago by the magic of high elves, who are more common in this city than in the Satrapies.