Zalian Empire

While not as long-lived as Suncalia (or Kinbarag, or Elesa), Zalia still is the most ancient empire on the western side of Vespria, and even claim a continuity with a mythical (and omonimous) predecessor empire. The Everflame Empress Purandokht II the Wise in Ektaban rules all the land between the rich western shores and the rich eastern trade routes, but on the north the Zordian Horde threathen her dominion and her relationship with the Kharian orcs, while on the south she must tolerate the presence of the Ultramoesian Trade Company, who rented the southern coast from Khodad II the Careless and, as long as they pay tribute and fight bandits and pirates, cannot be removed, especially considering the weakness of the Imperial navy and the many threats the Imperial army must face.
Zalian people are unique in their faith: while the acknowledge the entirety of the Cevasian pantheon, they claim that no god is greater than Sarenrae, goddess of Redemption and Mercy, also known as the Everlight or the Healing Flame. The Zalian dynasty is specially devout to Sarenrae, to the point that they call themselves Everflame Monarchs. The reliance on the Goddess of Mercy made so that Judges have a great autonomy in their office in order to be closer to the divine will. Judges are therefore both civil and religious figures, and their rulings have the weight of a Church edict as well. Although any religion is allowed and free to practice, only pious followers of Sarenrae can hold public offices. The Ordeal makes sure that all the public officials are indeed so.

Foreign Relations

The ancient city of Ektaban holds one of the sacred fire of Sarenrae, but also a rare Brass Embassy, an official diplomatic seat of the Nine Hells, and a show of open dialogue between Sarenrae and Asmodeus, both in gratitude of the unlikely allience against Tharizdun and in hope of converting the unrepenting Supreme Master of Nine Hells or, at least, some of his underlings. Very little is known about the actual nature of the diplomatic relation between Sarenrae and Asmodeus, and the same holds true between Zalia and the Nine Hells, assuming any kind of dialogue is actually done between the Great Gate and the Brass Embassy. Nonetheless, it is clear that the devils benifit from a legal and sanctioned headquarter in the magnificent Ektaban.