Zeryskaia

Languages: Talahaean, Zerasi, Zeranzeri
Cities: Zeras, Kaiapolis

Geography

The only province of the Sacred Republic to lie entirely in the Crownshadow, Zeryskaia is cool and dark, receiving little midday sun throughout the year. It lies on the northern coast of the Great Delta, guarding the Gates. Perhaps due to some lingering influence of the Archlich, it is constantly wreathed in cold mists and Gothic atmosphere. It’s main cities are the old capital, Zeras, and the new – Drow-built – city of Kaiapolis.

History

Zeryskaia is a new province, formed when Argean forces reconquered the western tip of the south coast, between seventy and sixty years ago. It incorporates former Belissaran territories, as well as the former southernmost territories of Argea, once belonging to the seventh city state, Zeras. The territory was seized from the Archlich by the Drow during the War of Hubris, then retaken by forces under the command of Kaia Shadekiller. There was very little actual fighting; the Drow withdrew east, offering a rich settlement in exchange for the rest of the coast, which Shadekiller accepted on behalf of the Republic entire.

Social/Political

General Shadekiller – more a logistician than a tactician – used the settlement to establish her own place in the Republic, and also created a ruthlessly efficient civil service which is now the Province’s main export. The Province is governed by a system of elected magistrates, headed by the Basileus (currently Annis Shadekiller, granddaughter of the General.)
As the former territory of the Archlich, Zeryskaia still has a serious undead infestation. Some suspect that the Drow willingly withdrew, considering it too much trouble to hold while also putting down the undead, who now make work for the Cults of Death and the Order of Ghosthunters.

Type

Geopolitical, Province