For information about the Zanaryan species, please visit the wiki. This page is now purely geographical information.
The Zanaryan Nations
(an inaccurate representation of Zanaryan nations)
Zanarya is a dimension almost as large as Earth and is split into six nations, five of which have their own palace and capital and are ruled by a Nahan. Most of the Zanaryan nations are allied to a single element, Ilia and Reixos being the only exceptions. National boundaries are in constant flux, however, as each nation strives to dominate the rest on behalf of their element, and borders are redrawn almost constantly.
- Naharar's Temple
- The Naharar's Temple, sometimes referred to as the Zanaryan Temple, is located in Central Zanarya and is (supposedly) completely neutral territory. Governed by the four Shrine Lords, it is also home to the Naharar and is protected by both Zanaryan law and the collective powers of all the Zanaryans who live there. No harm may come to anyone who enters the Temple, as it is maintained as a sanctuary for all Zanaryans no matter their age, gender, element, nation or skill. Full of colour and gorgeous architecture, the temple is reminiscent of Persian and Indian palaces.
- Ilia
- Ilia didn't exist until after the Great 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 and created a small civilization here, where - despite their intention to found a nation free of the old allegiances - they fell into small tribes based around a single element and which now usually turn away anyone not affiliated with that 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 an arid desert with hot days and chilly nights. The population is very small and divided into clusters that develop around oases. Tribes tend to be nomadic and forage for food and water where they can find it.
- Reixos
- Reixos is the land of the refugees. It, too, was formed during the Great War by those who wished to remain neutral or 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 in the province of Reixos to 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 temperate climate and fertile lands, Reixos used to be covered by thick forests but most of the trees have been replaced by farmland and cities. 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 empire.
- Los
- Los is the water nation, a series of islands and archipelagos covered in swampy forests. That hasn't stopped the Zanaryans from building cities across the waterways, however, though some of these marvellous structures were destroyed during the Great War. The Los Marid are scattered throughout the swamps in stilted housing, foraging and hunting for their food.
- Keikis
- Keikis was built on highly volcanic land and has only survived due to the protection of its high-powered Ifrit. There is, in fact, an entire division of the military assigned to 'volcano watch' whose sole duty is to predict, prevent and divert eruptions from the major cities. Incredibly fertile due to the presence of the volcanoes and the careful 'harvesting' of lava (a technique that sees masterful Ifrit leaking lava in a controlled fashion to renew the nutrients in the soil), the lands of Keikis produce vast 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
- Dao have built great cities in the valleys and on the mountain flanks of Serres, a wonderful place for them to get in touch with their element. The temperate climate is perfect for growing crops and many of the residents are farmers or the merchants who carry their goods to market in other, less temperate, nations. This mountainous terrain also provides many ores for mining which are also shipped and make Serres one of the richest nations in Zanarya.
- Paia
- Paia is the Djinn nation of Zanarya with small towns, villages and fortresses built into the mountainsides at high altitude where very few creatures can survive. Though there's little oxygen at these altitudes, the Djinn are comfortable here and the many fortresses provide safety and security against potential attack. 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.