Zelaak (Zehl Ahk)

A city of proud gold halls and strong sandstone bulwarks.

Demographics

Lower class regions of Zelaak are usually more inclusive to races and people, but theres always going to be predjudice against some races such as the Thri-Kreen, who have been slaves since the city was born, also, Dragonborn are looked down upon often, such as most places in the world, which makes it rare to see them here unless they are being sold into slavery.
Most of the royal family and the guards that are hired are black humans or elves, which is seen as a gift and a sign of importance in Zellian culture.

Defences

Zelaak is known for its massive one hundred and fifty foot stone walls. These walls have proved impenetrable ever since they were built thousands of years ago by the Thri-Kreen slaves under the vision of the Emperor Dubaku.
Upon these colossal sandstone walls lie large amounts of artillery and armed guards. They have around 200 active soldiers on the walls at all times, prepared to fire at anyone or anything that attempts to attack the walls.

Industry & Trade

Due to the small amount of work to do because of the sheer amount of Thri-Kreen slaves, the main jobs avaliable to the people of Zelaak is caravan driving, mining, and construction. The caravan drivers are the ones that usually transport the most important goods across the Bazvaal desert. The most important goods themselves are usually valuable jewels, gold, spices, and rare desert foods that are seen as exotic in further reaches of the world.

Districts

The lower sections of Zelaak are open to everyone, this is usually where you find your general stores, taverns, inns, bazaars, slave pens, etc. To some travelers, such as traders, mercenaries, adventurers, and peasants, this is the only part of Zelaak they will ever see, to others, such as diplomats, the high class, messengers, and sometimes adventurers who have made a name for themselves, they will see the high class sections of Zelaak, where magic item stores, higher grade taverns, stores, inns, and even rich biddings for stronger slaves.

Assets

Outside of general stores, inns, taverns, and the occasional armory, there are several unusual stores. Some of these are bazaars, where people sell all sorts of strange items and unfamiliair foods. More are slaver pens, where Zellians sell Thri-Kreen, gnolls, and the occasional orc or even rarer, dragonborn to people with the right amount of money.

Points of interest

Summerswind Keep is a massive castle high upon the mountain Zelaak is built on. Its ivory walls adorned with gold are a sight to see. No commoner is allowed in, and travelers even less. Only high ranking officials, soldiers, guards, and those with specific clearance are allowed to enter.
The courtyard of Summerswind keep is a large pavilion with a massive square fountain and ivory and gold steps adorning the beautifully crafted section of the keep. Large golden gates prevent entry, along with several armed guards in front of the gate, and at least 150 guards on patrol around the castle at all times.
The pavilion is only ever opened for speeches and announcement, and even rarer, celebrations and holidays.

Architecture

Lower class citizens usually have smaller sandstone huts connected to large cobbled stone roads. High class citizens have nicer clay houses usally adorned with gold, jewels, and silver.

Geography

Zelaak sits upon a large mountain that has been formed for living standards, with large sections of land devoted to farming desert crops and some grazing animals such as goats, pigs, and cows.
Under the mountain lies a large lake of fresh water, which is what the Zellians use for daily life such as irrigating crops, drinking, bathing ,etc.
Zelaak's great walls face northeast and the mountain is part of the larger Gyriiok mountain range, which run from the bottom parts of Bazvaal to the upper sections of Preaua. The Preauan Crabclaw mountain is also part of this mountain range.
The Gyriiok mountain range sits upon the coast with high rocky shorelines. Zelaak sits upon the east side of this range, while the coast runs to the west. Due to the rocky shoreline, its essentialy impossible to implement a port.

Climate

The climate is very predictable, with it being scorching hot year round, and occasinal sandstorms. Rain however, is extremely rare, and seen as a major religious moment whenever it happens.

Natural Resources

Deep in the mountains of the Gyriiok range, theres a large amount of jewels, gold, and valuable metals. Desert crops are also common and are exported often along with spices curated from specific desert plants.

Zelaak is in Bazvaal.

Founders

• Emperor Dubaku

Alternative Name(s)

The Heart of Bazvaal

Type

Capital

Population

~Six Hundred Thousand

Inhabitant Demonym

Zellians

Location under

Gyriiok Mountain Range

Owner/Ruler

Prince Adegoke

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