Zai
The Kingdom of Zai is a large kingdom controlling the northwest half of the continent Zai Il’Rah. It’s citizens are a fervently religious and fatalistic people, seeing themselves as the caretakers and inevitable sacrifices to the Great Beast of Zai, their god. While not openly hostile towards the outside world, many secrets of the kingdom’s interior are kept hidden from the prying eyes of foreigners.
ulture
Information is not reliable yet. Scholars are currently studying and will flesh this out when we uncover the truth.
eography
High Plains Southeast, Steppe, High Mountains Northwest, Tundra/Grasslands Northeast
Major Cities
Information is not reliable yet. Scholars are currently studying and will flesh this out when we uncover the truth.
nemies & Allies
In the modern era Zai has kept rather quiet militaristically-speaking and could be described as a quaint or pious kingdom, keeping to their own continental machinations rather than outward expansion. Their contempt only casts it’s shadow upon the People of Rah, whom they share the landmass.
As it stands at present the two nations are in a state of perpetual war, and yet neither have committed to full blown invasion of the other’s territory. One can say there is almost an unnerving equilibrium of respect between the foes, one that may, to the more optimistic minded, be considered a model for antagonistic nations to follow in the present day. This of course assumes a lasting peace, one which I as a scholar predict will run it’s course in due time. There may yet be some unknown element that, presenting itself at the opportune time, will light the fuse which escalates the continent into full scale war.
orld relations
Currently Zai’s societal and governmental eccentricities may rival even that of the xenophobic Skahlia in wild Ferro, and this reflects directly on relations with the Known World.
Zai’s culture is complex and varied, displaying many nuances and mysterious rites of passage. Nevertheless while strange, they present a fresh outlook on many a scholar’s perception of the world, and so it is almost considered a pilgrimage in that any self-respecting scholar make at least one trip to Zai in their lifetimes. Due to their patronage and respect to their hosts, the Guild of Antiquities has been given a “Mark of Venture” allowing access to all but the continent’s deep interior for the purpose of survey and exploration.
As for trade, Zai exports many rare luxuries from their western shores these being not limited to: Spices, Gems, Silver and Gold, Exquisite Hardwood Decor, and much sought after materials from the local fauna, such as the vibrant Rainbow Plumes of native birds.
oteworthy details
History
Reports from the Guild of Antiquities describe ruins of a great civilization scattered across the landscape, similar to the Republic of Rah’s territory to the Southwest. Legends abound regarding these structures, the majority of which speak of a highly advanced empire that spanned the continent and conquered the surrounding seas in long ago.
The most prominent Legends tell of a massive city covered in gold and jewels at the center of the continent, where the Sea of Jewels now resides. Apparently the city in question was never given a name, or possibly has long since been willingly forgotten by the local population due to the myth surrounding it. Because of this, the Guild of Antiquities has labeled it simply “The City of Jewels,” after the Sea of Jewels which rests at it’s rumored location.
According to archeological observations carried out by the guild, the people of Zai seem to be descended directly from the Ancient Empire. Many ruins also display evidence of a thriving slave trade which brings about theories and questions of whom were the poor thralls that served such a massive civilization. One theory in question, which I elaborate further when discussing the People of Rah, may provide a more solid explanation for the resentment between the two nations.
Whatever the case, the great catastrophe all but split the continent in two, and findings point to a mass migration of those once great rulers to the north and west of Zai Il’Rah.
Myth of Zai
(partially translated) Angered the Gods, so Gods created Great Beast of Zai. Great Beast swallowed the city creating the bay of jewels, but rebelled against gods and tried to escape to the sea. Gods came down and stopped the beast at the sea, wounded it, but it slew them all. Great Beast of Zai, wounded, retreated into the depths of the maw to slumber until it regains it’s strength, at which point it will rise to the surface and finish consuming Zai Il’Rah and then the world.
Winds of Fortune Race
Zai holds the stunning traditional ceremonies revolving around the Winds of Fortune Race.
umors
Treasure and Great Amounts of Resources hidden inland.