Zamora

Starting Languages

When a player selects a culture, they automatically gain ability in the primary language associated with that culture. This language represents the common tongue or dominant language spoken in that cultural region. Each culture provides a pool of additional languages that players can choose from. This pool should include languages associated with neighboring regions, historical influences, or significant trade partners of that culture. The number of additional languages in the pool can vary based on the diversity and historical context of the culture. For example, a culture with extensive trade routes or a history of conquest might have a larger pool. You may select an additional language from this pool for each point of edge you have in Intellect, and another for each additional point you gain as you level up in your adventures.

Starting Arms & Armor

Players are afforded their starting weapons, clothing, & tool proficiencies by the age associated with their homeland. So Stone Age cultures and Dark Age cultures might both grant ability with a mace for example, but only the Dark Age culture would grant ability with guns, for example. Over the course of your adventures you may choose to use your progression to gain proficiency in a different age's tools.

Playing a Zamorian Adventurer

The Zamorians have evolved into a complex society that excels in the art of mercenary work. Renowned for their skills in various endeavors, including thievery, Zamorians have cultivated a reputation for maintaining loyalty to their employers when undertaking tasks, a pragmatic approach aimed at fostering long-term relationships.

Culture

According to Yag-kosha in The Tower of the Elephant, the Zamorians are survivors of an ancient pre-Cataclysmic civilization (probably Zarfhaana) and were one of the first civilizations to develop after the Great Cataclysm. The Zamorians’ 3,000-year-old civilization has long since sunk into decadence and Zamorians have a reputation as criminals. Cities such as the ‘City of Thieves’ and ‘Shadizar the Wicked’ only serve to enhance this notoriety. In theory, Zamora is a despotic state, though, in fact, strong priests and other courtiers have been known to hold the king in thrall.

Names

Zamora is another melting pot of humankind, being on the crossroads of all land-based trade. Names from all over the world are probably appropriate. Of the two examples we have, one seems Spanish, the other Ukrainian; Ukrainian names are probably a better fit, given Zamora’s geographical location. Examples: (male) Shevatas, Yara. Suggestions: (male) Bohdan, Buryan, Danyo, Petruso, Vanko, Yare; (female) Anichka, Ionna, Luba, Olena, Orynko, Oxana.

Religion

Zamora has a large and varied pantheon of many deities which interrelate in a complex manner quite impenetrable to outsiders. It is most famous for the Spider Cult centered on the city Yezud, where dancing girls cavort before a black stone spider that is their god. The Hyborians regard this god as abominable and its temples are forbidden outside Zamora. In addition, Bel, God of Thieves, is unsurprisingly popular, being one of the few non-Zamorian gods whose worship is permitted in Zamora.

Homeland Traits

Starting Arms & Armor: Dark Ages
Automatic Languages: Zamorian
Favoured Tropes: Thief or Temptress
Bonus Languages: Hyrkanian, Brythunian, Corinthian, Kothic, Shemite
Homeland Talent
Shadow's Grace - Growing up in the shadowy streets of Zamoria, you've honed your agility and subtlety. Gain an asset to Stealth tasks when moving silently or hiding in shadows.