Zaviorth's Domain

Zaviorth's Domain is a mostly uninhabited territory littered with abandoned villages and ruined towns once rich with life. The land was once the land of four kingdoms that made up the Golden Alliance, those being Jokulska, Volgurnehm, Rosana, and Tarotala, as well as the capital city of Altan Khot, known as the Golden City. After each of the capitals of these kingdoms were destroyed, the area fell to the armies of Zaviorth, the red dragon that destroyed Altan Khot, ending the old alliance. Though the dragon's expansion has been halted, he lives on - as do his armies. Those who did not escape the land are now forced labor to make weapons, tend livestock, or mine ore all for the purpose of keeping Zaviorth's Domain firmly in his control.

History

Before the formation of the Golden Alliance, the kingdoms of the area were like any other - fighting, trading, and governing their own people. Around the year 1847 P.C. things changed when a golden dragon saved a village from attacking bandits. The dragon then stayed in the surrounding mountains, watching over this lone village in the wilderness which would one day grow into a bustling city known as Altan Khot, the Golden City. Those who tried to attack the city were quickly stopped by the dragon, who revealed his name to be Anthos. However, Anthos had no desire to conquer or subjugate, simply to watch over the city in peace. More began to desire the watchful protection of a dragon, and so an alliance was discussed and agreed upon. The surrounding kingdoms allied to each other in 2052 P.C., creating the Golden Alliance. Since then, the area grew prosperous and was very stable despite being on the edge of civilization. Most threats were handled by guards who watched both the east and the west for raiders, while Anthos would at times take on bigger threats, such as the occasional giant or monster that could not be taken down easily by men. Neighboring nations were so frightened of the dragon that none dared declare any kind of war on the Alliance. Therefore peace was known throughout the land for an unprecedented amount of time.

The turning of the age came with the fall of the alliance, as the red dragon Zaviorth infiltrated the city of Altan Khot, slew Anthos, and recruited an army of kobolds to overwhelm the kingdoms. Zaviorth had also managed to disguise himself in the human form of Anthos, who would present himself to the people of Altan Khot as an elderly Aasimar. During a meeting with the leaders of the other four northern kingdoms, Zaviorth turned back into a dragon and murdered all the other kings of the alliance, except for the Queen of Remodine who could not make it, and the King of Prasatoria, who had been left uninvited. After the Fall of Altan Khot, the other kingdoms were attacked by Zaviorth while they were weak and leaderless, and none were able to resist. However, when the dragon attacked the ancient fortress city of Nincetra in Remodine, he was repelled, marking the extent of Zaviorth's territory. Since then, the boundaries of Zaviorth's Domain have mostly remain constant.

Social

While the area was once flourishing with life and commerce, it is now a no man's land, an arctic wasteland crawling with the followers of Zaviorth. The few who have managed to escape the land say that most of the people have been rounded up in the old carcasses of the conquered cities, and are fed only enough to work effectively. Those who live in the countryside are only allowed to do so because their jobs as farmers and herders demand it. Those who try to flee are killed, and the families of those who escape are tortured to discourage anyone from leaving. Uprisings sometimes appear, but are always fruitless, typically ending by dragon fire. Among the survivors are sometimes those who wish to join Zaviorth's forces, most of whom are watched with suspicion.

Political

There is no political system in Zaviorth's Domain. Zaviorth rules as a tyrannical despot, whose lieutenants report back to him and keep a watchful eye on cities and towns. Zaviorth has total control over the area, and even the eastern nomads of the Uncharted Territories do not seem to tread into his territory.

Economic

According to survivors who have fled, everyone who is not a pawn of Zaviorth are put to work making weapons and armor or farm to supply his army. The one exception are those who mine up metals to supply iron for raw materials, or gold, silver, and jewels which seem to go straight to Zaviorth. Others work as cobblers and tailors for the army. Any goods that are needed for citizens to survive are distributed in small quantities by the few lieutenants in charge of each city.

Religious

The area was primarily followers of the Wizgaran Pantheon during the age of the Golden Alliance, but also had some followers of the Dragon Cult, including Anthos, who seemed to be a devout worshiper of Bahamut. Now, the area is mostly devoid of any temples or shrines, most of which were robbed for their gold. Zaviorth has since hijacked those who worshiped the dragons, asking them to worship him instead. Zaviorth himself is said to have claimed to be the champion of Tiamat, and a few survivors have described some infernal rituals being carried out, including the sacrifice of living people.

Military

Zaviorth has control of thousands of kobolds. While most kobolds are poorly organized and equipped, reports indicate that those that make up Zaviorth's army are better equipped, seem to be trained in small and large unit tactics, and generally more confident. The military has also made use of guard drakes for mounts, as well as wyverns for patrolling and attacking from the air. The army also has some dragonborn who seem to not have originated from the United Clans of Midiiz, better trained and deadlier than the kobolds, and often leading them into battle. Finally, there are the half-Dragons, humanoids who have been granted draconic blood, making them far deadlier and more loyal to Zaviorth. The half-dragons seem to make up most of Zaviorth's lieutenants, and are known for their brutality and loyalty.

Impact

While the Fall of Altan Khot and the Golden Alliance was the most dramatic event in Galledall for over a century, few south of the Almaridian Empire paid attention to it for long. Shortly after the defeat of Zaviorth's army at Nincetra, more conflict to the south began, distracting many who had initially thought to support an attack to reclaim Altan Khot. Since then, conflicts such as the War of Warlocks kept others from supporting such an effort. The apparent inactivity of Zaviorth has also made many question whether or not he is still active, or even a threat anymore. While those who neighbor Zaviorth's Domain are always watchful, those who are not seem to believe the threat posed is either non-existent or simply too small to be concerned over.

Magic

It is unknown how Zaviorth or those who live in the area are affected by the return of magic. Some of the kobolds as well as several of the dragonborn and half-dragons are reported to be capable casters. The city of Altan Khot once housed the only academy for magic in all of Galledall before the return of magic, which now lies in the control of Zaviorth.

Type

Government, Leadership