Zamoran

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.

Zamora: The Mysterious Buffer Zone

Zamora is a land shrouded in mystery, serving as a buffer zone between the Hyborian nations of the West and the Hyrkanians of Turan. Its culture is a unique blend, incorporating elements from both neighboring regions while maintaining its distinct identity. The kingdom itself is named after the accursed city, so infamous are its colorful residents. Zamora is an ancient city, once a shining example of civilization and piety for the kingdom. But that was ages ago, and now many of the massive temples that once were the hallmark of the city have been torn down or repurposed. All the gilt has long since been scraped off the tall, fluted columns by thieves’ knives, and all the precious stones pried out of their settings around the high-domed roofs by eager and desperate hands. Anything that can be bought or sold is done so in Zamora’s streets, markets, and back-alleys, and its cosmopolitan veneer overlays a deep depravity of which the entire country suffers.

Geography and Livelihood

Zamora is characterized by its arid and infertile landscape. The locals rely on herding sheep and cattle, which thrive amidst the thistly scrub of the region. Additionally, mining for tin, copper, and other metals is a common occupation, although no gold or silver deposits have been found in Zamora.

The Zamoran People

The Zamorans are a unique ethnic group, characterized by their short stature, dark skin, dark eyes, jet-black hair, narrow features, and stunted limbs.

Societal Reputation and Attitudes

Zamorans have earned a reputation for cruelty, disloyalty, and greed, though this perception is only partially accurate. Their attitudes prioritize self-interest over the lofty ideals often associated with the Hyborian cultures. Despite their insularity, increased trade along the Road of Kings has led to greater interaction between Zamorans and neighboring civilizations.

Legal System and Governance

In Zamora, the nobles wield significant authority and serve as the primary enforcers of law. Punishments for crimes often involve maiming or death, with confiscated property becoming the noble's possession. While appeals to the king are permitted, sentences are typically executed swiftly, rendering appeals ineffective.

Religion and Beliefs

Zamorans adhere to a diverse array of religious beliefs, worshipping numerous divinities. Some deities are local, representing natural forces or specific locations within Zamora, while others are imported, such as Bel, the Shemitish God of Thieves, revered in the city of Arenjun.

Related Organizations

• Bastard’s Army
• Her Unpure Children

Homeland Traits

Starting Arms & Armor: Dark Ages
Automatic Languages: Zamorian, Trade Tongue
Favoured Tropes: Thief or Temptress
Bonus Languages: Hyrkanian, Brythunian, Corinthian, Kothic, Shemite