Zarthax Province
Located on the edge of The Fangwood at the northern end of the Aurean Empire, Zarthax province consists of a narrow, fertile valley stretching through The Hollow Hills. The open valley, covered in farms and villages that stretch out onto some of the hills, marks a spot of relative safety, while the surrounding woods can be highly dangerous, especially at night when packs of lycanthropes are not uncommon. The province draws its name from the ancient kingdom of Zarthax, an early rival of the empire that persisted far longer in this region after the empire had mostly destroyed it.
The area's most notable feature is The Hollow Hills, the set of prominant but gently sloping hills that dominate the area. They are known for the exceptional number of caves within them, a combination of natural limestone caverns and abandoned emerald mines.The caves are commonly used by bandits, cults, and monsters—especially lycanthropes—and some near towns and villages are used as storerooms and even for housing.
The area is unusually rich in emeralds, attracting many prospectors. Large desposits are rare, and so therefore are large mines, but shorter shafts and small pits are increadibly numerous. Many emeralds are found individually and by chance, and the larger towns are home to consortiums who buy emeralds off whoever bring them and export them to other areas. These consortiums employ large numbers of guards, as they make for tempting targets for thieves.
The region has long had a problem with infernal cults, who worship devils. These cults operate out of the caves, offering potential members power in exchange for service. Many prominant residents of the area, including leaders of some settlements, are members of these cults, and in more remote villages devils are sometimes worshipped openly.
Type
Geopolitical, Province
Demonym
Zarthaxan
Parent Organization
Location
