Zemya

Zemya is a region located between Vladkimir and the Trading Coalition. Far from a unified region, the land is broken into scattered petty realms and isolated settlements. In recent years, new interest has come to the region from foreign interests seeking strategic or material benefit.

Geography

The region is divided into two major river valleys. The Muglivo River carves the largest valley and lies in the north. A series of salt marshes divide the river valley from Vladkimir. To the south, the Piatra River winds through a smaller valley.
Olvirstad is the largest town and the closest thing to a proper trade port in the region. The port town was originally founded by King Olvir, the legendary Skjoldr conqueror. Despite the Skjoldr heritage, the inhabitants are now primarily Lurian, the descendants of the latest colony in the waning days of the Lurian Empire. Today, it is dilapidated - the centuries have not been kind as disaster and conflict have shaken the region. Olvirstad is an independent city-state ruled by an elected town council. Many of the nearby villages, including Chorafia and Poleta, are within it’s sphere of influence, but this control rapidly evaporates the farther you get from the town walls. Lately, a number of foreign merchants, primarily Atathians and Vladkimirans, have taken an interest in the town.
The Citadel is a once mighty fortress located inland on a hill along the Muglivo Founded by the Order of the Griffon, it was once a symbol of civilization and order. However, the War of the Eagles forced the recall of the Order of the Griffon centuries ago. Since then, the Citadel has fallen into disrepair, becoming the hideout and lair for a revolving door of bandits and monsters. Today, it is ruled by the Ettin warlord Yugruth, who commands a warband of ogres and humans. He demands tribute from the nearby farms and settlements in a brutal and direct fashion. A small settlement has formed around the Citadel of servants and camp followers. Some in Olvirstad worry that Yugruth will eventually threaten their city.
The Kobold Kingdom is built within the ruins of Dun Kuldir. The Dwarves of Dun Kuldir have been driven from their clanhold twice - first by an ancient dragon lord, and second by the kobolds. The Kobolds here are considered heretics by many other Kobolds as they shun the Dragon God, favoring worship of the long dead Zyrephon. The surviving dwarves of Dun Kuldir now mostly reside in Acqua Draconis, although some speak of a distant goal of reclaiming their homeland.
The Witchwood lies in the Muglivo river valley. It is said to be home to a powerful coven of witches descended from the Dragon Witch of old. The witches are said to shapechange, often taking the form of animals. Hunting near the Witchwood is strictly taboo as the animals may be witches in disguise. Travelers avoid the area - at the best of times, the witches are said to be mischievous tricksters, and at the worst, actively malicious and treacherous.
The Barony of Monte Bianco lies in the south of Zemya. The Barony is independent, but it has close ties to the Grand Duchy of Tezzano-Citta. The Barony is led by the charismatic Baron Santoro. Castello Santoro and the town of Caprano are the main holdings of the Barony.
Castello Raffaella is a newly built fortress of the Grand Duchy of Tezzano-Citta. Named after the Gran Duca herself, it is built to guard the pass into Zemya from the Northern Steppes and to regulate trade in the region. It maintains a permanent military force.
The Lair of the Dragon Zyrephon lies on the highest peak, requiring a perilous journey to reach. It is said that all treasure has long ago been looted, but rumors say that there is still hidden treasure deep within.

History

During the Mythic Era, the region was first colonized by Dwarves, as part of the southern reaches of the Hjalgrim Kingdom, seeking the rich veins of precious metals in the mountains. These clanholds would eventually fall to Zyrephon and his forces.
Zyrephon was a rival against the Dragon Emperor, forced from the Empire during a rebellion. He commanded a mixed force of humans, kobolds, centaurs, and dragonborn, rejecting the caste system of the Imperial Hierarchy. Zyrephon ruled an independent kingdom in the region for centuries, fighting against the attempts of the Xin Empire to defeat him. He amassed a vast hoard of treasure and magical artifacts.
However, like many Dragons, Zyrephon’s greatest weakness was his pride. He was not defeated in battle, but by betrayal. He was slain by his lover, Ai the Dragon Witch, and her allies. Before he died, he is said to have cursed the Dragon Witch and her allies, that they and any of their descendants would be betrayed in the same manner as he should they rule in his place. After the defeat of Zyrephon, the Dragon Witch and her allies fell into infighting over the Zyrephon’s vast hoard and wealth, splintering his kingdom.
Without strong leadership or unity, the realm fell to an invasion by King Olvir. King Olvir ruled for decades, with many Skjoldr colonists following him to the region. He founded the town of Olvirstad. His reign was ultimately ended by a rebellion from the native Xin peoples of the region.
Lurian colonists attempted to settle in the area, particularly given the proximity to successful colonies in Vladkimir and Citta. However, each of these colonial efforts failed for one reason or another - plague, war, or economic collapse. Eventually, the Order of the Griffon attempted to pacify the region, establishing the Citadel. However, the War of the Eagles forced the recall and withdrawal of the Order of the Griffon.
In the centuries since, the region has remained divided into petty kingdoms, with influence from their larger neighbors. Tales of gold, silver, and gems hidden in the mountains, as well as the lost treasures of the Zyrephon and the fallen kings of the past, continue to attract the desperate and the adventurous.

Type

Region

Included Locations

• Olvirstad