Zeif, Sultanate of

The Sultanate of Zeif is the largest and most prosperous Baklunish state, ruled by Sultan Naxas Murad, with a rich history tracing back to the fall of the Baklunish Empire. Its wealth stems from trade, an unrivaled navy, and prized gemstones, while its powerful cavalry and mercenaries maintain its borders against rival states and nomadic raiders.

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History

An ancient realm founded in the wake of the fall of the Baklunish Empire, Zeif once ruled over all the eastern Baklunish nations, including Ekbir, Ket, and Tusmit. Over the centuries, this power waned due to the ongoing threat of the Paynim raiders to the south and continuous pressure from rival states on the Dramidj Ocean to the west. Despite these challenges, Zeif has remained a dominant force in the region.

Politics and Society

Though partially within the Flanaess, Zeif remains largely unknown outside the Baklunish Basin. The warm currents of the Dramidj Ocean provide an excellent climate, and the sultanate is famed for its exquisite chrysoberyl and peridot gemstones, highly sought after in the western Flanaess and beyond.

Zeif is ruled by Sultan Naxas Murad, who holds a disputed claim to succession over the ancient Baklunish Empire, particularly contested by Ekbir. The nation owes much of its prosperity to its unparalleled navy and trade dominance, facilitated by the powerful Mouqollad Consortium. Merchant vessels and caravans from Zeif travel throughout the Western Flanaess and as far east as Greyhawk.

The cities of Zeif feature a significant population of halflings, as well as a notable number of orcs, descendants of mercenaries employed by the Baklunish Empire before the Invoked Devastation. The Ulakandar nomads, who roam the southern plains, are often hired by the sultanate to protect caravans or serve as mercenary cavalry in border skirmishes.

Religion

The Baklunish faith is the only religion permitted within the sultanate, except for visitors, who must not openly worship their deities or display holy symbols in public. Pilgrims often travel to Zeif as part of the broader religious customs of the Baklunish people, with many making their way through Ekbir.

Military

The Sultan’s army is composed primarily of elite mailed cavalry supported by infantry wielding two-handed swords. These forces are supplemented by mercenary Paynim horsemen, who are known to sell their services to multiple factions. The army is formidable, capable of both defending the realm and projecting power into neighboring territories.

Zeif's navy is one of the strongest in the region, allowing it to control trade routes and project influence over the Dramidj Ocean and beyond.

Resources and Trade

The land of Zeif is fertile, though it lacks significant mineral wealth beyond its prized chrysoberyls and peridots, which are exported as far east as Keoland, Furyondy, and beyond. The nation's strength lies in its naval trade, agricultural output, and mercenary economy.

Territorial Ambitions

Zeif is rumored to have territorial ambitions regarding both Ekbir and Tusmit, though the extent of these desires remains uncertain. Border skirmishes and political tensions with its neighbors continue to shape the geopolitics of the region.

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Proper Name: Sultanate of Zeif

Ruler: Sultan Naxas Murad (human)

Government: Hereditary feudal monarchy with advisers including a grand vizier

Major Settlements: Zeif; Antalotol, Ceshra

Resources: Foodstuffs, gems (III), horses, livestock

Population: Human, Orc, Halfling

Law: LN

Allies: Tusmit (sometimes), Ulakandar (sometimes)

Enemies: Ekbir (sometimes), Ulakandar (sometimes), Ket (sometimes), Tusmit (sometimes), Knights of the Watch

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