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The Six Great Nations of Zanarya

Overview
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Astronomy
Sun(s):	Samiya
Moons:	5 visible (Minu, Aysu, Hala, Qaram and Shenay)
Geography
Continents:	Reixos, Los, and Pailas (containing Keikis, Paia and Ilia)
Oceans:	7 (Deryad Sea, Denyizi Ocean, Losian Sea, Ilid Sea, Sednat Sea, Asherah and the Shiwa Sea)
Area:	120,000,000 sq mi (310,798,573 sq km)
Climate:	Various; similar to Earth's
Demographics
Population:	5,695,323 (52 per sq mi)
Races:	Zanaryans (100%)
Languages:	Zanaryan
Currency:	Masaari
Calendar:	Zanaryan Calendar (ZT)
Religion:	Elementalism

Zanaryans first appeared in the Middle East of Earth's Eurasia, and it is from them that the peoples of the region inherited much of their original culture. They moved to Zanarya just two hundred years later when, after suffering extreme prejudice, they begged Xanth for aid.

The vast majority of Zanaryans never leave their own realm, perhaps because there is only one portal there (located near the Temple of Farahij) and it is closely guarded. Zanaryans usually need travel or migration documents to pass through, but it is possible to bribe the portal guardians if one has enough cash or influence and is desperate enough for the personal and political freedoms that Elysia promises.

It should be noted that the Zanaryan portal is also closed to non-Zanaryans, making it impossible for any of the other races to visit their realm. It has been this way since Zanarya was first created, and will likely continue to be this way for decades to come. This does not stop those with the ability from teleporting into Zanarya, of course, but most dragons respect their right to privacy and will refuse to transport even their closest bonded.

The Temple of Farahij

Better known as the Naharar's Temple, the Temple of Farahij is built on a tiny island somewhere between Paia and Reixos.

It is (supposedly) completely neutral territory. Governed by the four Shrine Lords, it is the seat of office and the home of the Naharar, and as such is protected by both Zanaryan law and the collective powers of all the Zanaryans who live there.

No harm may come to any law-abiding citizen who enters the Temple, as it is maintained as a sanctuary for all Zanaryans no matter their age, gender, element, nation or skill.

The only portal leading into, or out of, Zanarya is located here.

The Six Great Nations of Zanarya

Once upon a time, Zanarya was divided by only four Great Nations, each one dedicated to a specific element and each one consequently tied irrevocably to a particular Shrine Lord.

In this respect, nothing has changed for these four nations since Zanarya's creation. The territory of each reflects the element they serve (for instance, Keikis is a nation built on highly volcanic land inhabited by Ifriit), and political borders also mark the boundaries of that nation's elemental influence.

Prior to 8,310 ZT (1398 AD), those who wished to serve another element had no recourse but to leave their home and family, but tensions between the nations made it almost impossible to emigrate.

Then came the Hundred Year War, a conflict which saw the founding of two new territories, Ilia and Reixos.

Los

Despite being one of the largest land masses on Zanarya, Los is covered in marshland in the north and frozen tundra in the south close to the southern pole. Known as the Water Nation and inhabited by Mariid, its cities are built across the waterways and feature some spectacular architecture.

Many of these marvellous structures were destroyed during the Great War so much of the population is now scattered throughout the marshes in stilted housing, foraging and hunting for their food.

Keikis

Keikis was built on highly volcanic land that spears off from the largest land mass, and has only survived due to the protection of its high-powered Ifriit. There is, in fact, an entire division of the Ifriitian military assigned to 'volcano watch' whose sole duty is to predict, prevent and divert eruptions from the major cities.

Though difficult to reach, Keikis is incredibly fertile due to the presence of the volcanoes and the careful 'harvesting' of lava (a technique that sees masterful Ifriit leaking lava in a controlled fashion to renew the nutrients in the soil). The land here produces plentiful crops that supply a dense population accustomed to the heat and humidity. Excess crops are also sold off and traded with outlying nations and have become one of Keikis' major exports.

Serres

Daos have built great cities in the valleys and on the mountain flanks of Serres, an archipelago south of Ilia and Keikis. The colder climate is perfect for growing mountain crops but the majority of Serrens are miners digging for the many ores and gemstones they ship out to other nations.

Paia

Paia is another mountain nation, this time inhabited by Djinni who live in hard-to-reach settlements built into the mountainsides at high altitude where very few creatures can survive.

Though there's little oxygen at these altitudes, the Djinni are comfortable here. Since the Great War, the Djinn have become almost paranoid about the security of their nation and homes, isolating themselves from other nations and preventing access to anyone save merchant caravans, but the many fortresses provide safety and security against potential attack.

Ilia

Ilia didn't exist until after the Hundred Year War, a turbulent period of Zanaryan history that etched two new break-away nations into the map. A tribe of dissenters migrated to the deserts south of the Paian Mountains and created a small civilization here, where they fell into small, elemental tribes. Despite their original purpose of providing sanctuary for refugees, these tribes now turn away anyone not affiliated with their element.

There are still occasional squabbles between the tribes, and bandits roam the sands with no Nahan to keep peace across the nation but, for the most part, each group keeps to themselves. Few Zanaryans bother entering Ilia and those who do are usually running away from something.

Ilia itself is dry and arid for the most part, with only a few salt lakes and an inland sea to break up the landscape. The population is very small and divided into clusters that develop around tiny oases. Tribes tend to be nomadic and forage for food and water where they can find it.

Ilia has no Nahan. Instead, each tribe has its own leader, the Raisam.

Reixos

Reixos truly is the land of the refugees. Like Ilia, it was formed during the Great War by those who wished to remain neutral or who had to flee from their burning, flooding and crumbling homes. Most of the refugees returned to their ancestral nations after the war but a few decided to remain so they could mingle with Zanaryans of other elements.

The most liberal part of Zanarya, Reixos is an inviting place for refugees and anyone who doesn't want to be tied to the political boundaries of their element. Many of the women who chafe at the restrictions placed on them by the males of their family make their way here, as well.

With a tropical climate and fertile lands, Reixos used to be covered by thick jungle but many of the trees have been replaced by farmland and cities (which must be constantly maintained else the jungle reclaim the land).

Unusually, the Nahan here is not affiliated with any one element and the politics of this nation are more complicated than ever, but the land and the freedom available have turned this into a burgeoning province.