Zardunel is the easternmost continent on Eler and also the smallest. Most of it is covered
in deserts, with oases surrounding the great river Masmavir. The western
coast has a less arid climate and features the greatest mercantile
capital in the world, Sarna. It is home to the Auriels, the first clan of Bantaks, as well as the fabled Nirnaelites.
VALAKIS
Country : Valakis
Capital : Sarna
Leader : Imperator Algernon Baudouin
Inhabitants : Valakian
The
province of Valakis has a unique fauna and flora as well as a wonderful
climate all year long. The principal part of the region, called Mainar,
is isolated within the Ordos mountains and only accessible via one road
or the sea, making it the most advantageous place to inhabit from a
military and economic standpoint.
Its capital, Sarna, founded
millennia ago, has humble origins, being nothing more than a simple
fishing village early on. Today, it's the most prosperous city of Ler.
Although not the largest city in terms of space, it is by far the most
populous. All races converge there for commerce and many settle there.
Unlike
Auriels, Bantaks, Danakis, and Margraces, the Valakians are not a
distinct race, but a group of people. Regardless of their origins, if
someone lives in Valakis permanently, they're considered a Valakian. The
region has its own culture and practices and some people living there
have blood of all four races in their ancestry. This highly mixed
heritage gives very peculiar physical traits and individuals of great
beauty. Some notable Valakian families, inhabiting the territory since
its foundation, are impossible to pinpoint to one particular race,
looking like none of them.
Valakis means 'valour'. The name was
chosen by the Imperator when the region became prosperous at the dawn of
the first millennium. However, the name of the capital, Sarna, as well
as the surrounding territory, Mainar, have no origins found in any known
language.
JEDDAH
Country : Jeddah
Capital : Piriltine
Leader : Caliph Ophélia Aldenir & Saint Andrew Aldenir
Inhabitants : Jeddite
The
country of Jeddah's beauty is matched only by that of its denizens.
Piriltine was the first Auriel capital built and is one of Eler's most
ancient cities along with Dan and Sarna.
In ancient times, the
region counted numerous Bantaks since the Auriels used them for slave
labour. By the sweat of the backs and lashes of the whips, they built
Piriltine. However, nowadays, slavery has long being outlawed and there
are no Bantaks remaining in Jeddah.
Auriels are very secretive
and xenophobic. Travelers are only welcome in a select few places, as
long as they don't spend much time there. Comings and goings are heavily
monitored all over the province and especially in the capital. Auriels
are also disinclined to leave their homeland, therefore it's quite rare
to see them in other territories.
Jeddah comes from the
Silvertongue word Jadah, which means 'grandmother'. This name was given
to the region in honour of Enpusa, goddess of death, long the religion
for Auriels, considered to be the one who created them. While the cult
of Enpusa was denounced and her colossal statue in Piriltine defaced,
the region has not changed name.
ALIZARNON
Country : Alizarnon
Capital : Ras Harmah
Leader : Raja Guillaume Altyna
Inhabitants : Alizarin
Two
deserts, Beryüzgar and Laenatan, comprise Alizarnon, separated by the
Masmavir. The Oasis of Ras Harmah is the last hospitable city of the
East. Officially, Alizarnon is part of the Valakian empire, the Raja
swearing fealty to the Imperator.
Being near water, the people of
Alizarnon are good sailors. Many have sought to pass through Mezarlig,
the graveyard of ships, to discover the mystery beyond the Yüksek sand
dunes. None of these daring adventurers have ever returned. It is said
if the Alizarins can't make it through Mezarlig, no one can.
The
name Alizarnon, as well as its inhabitants, Alizarin, comes from the
colour alizarine, a red pigment obtained from common madder, a local
plant highly cultivated in the Oasis. It is so ubiquitous that most of
the capital, the houses, the furniture, the clothes, are dyed red. Oddly
enough, Auriels born there often exhibit red crystallization on their
body, a colour that's quite rare anywhere else.
ZÜRKHALAKH
Country : Zürkhalakh
Capital : Narnuur
Leader : Mukhtar Samir Daichin
Inhabitants : Zürkhal Clan
Bantaks
from the Zürkhal clan are descendants of the first Bantaks of Eler and
still prowl their ancestral territory. They have no love for their
nordic brothers. They are also quite different looking. Smaller, fairer,
and less hirsute. Unlike the Ghaurian Bantaks, the Zardunelian ones are
not afflicted by the dragon blood malediction of Helena. They are also
nomadic due to the arid climate of the desert that they inhabit.
Zürkhal
Bantaks have a blind hatred of the Auriels who reduced most of their
ancestors into slavery. However, they tend to remain in their homeland,
preying only upon foolish travelers who would venture too close to their
borders. Still, there are daring raiders that take pleasure in
kidnapping entire families of Auriels to enslave them.
Zürkhalakh means 'courage' in Banetongue, although the Zürkhal Bantaks still call their language by its original name, Elskhel.
MORE ZARDUNELIAN LOCATIONS
Major Cities
- Marnek
- Bedense
- Mangpur
- Rajadesh
- Yalvem
- Sura
Notable Landmarks
- Denizkaya Reef
- Halzun Gölce
- Yüksek Dunes
- Düztuz Salt Flat
Anomalies
- Eye of Odalis
- Great Weaver's Needle
- Bekçi's Beholder
Defilements
- Merzarlig, the Ship Cemetery
- Ruins of Iben