Zephathel
The city of Zephathel is in central Baalthaaz on the Zanosh River about halfway between the seacoast and the Scythirian Mountains. Its region is the most productive of the entire country, with fields full of several types of grain and vineyards bursting with luscious grapes, source of some of the best wines in a thousand miles. Many bottles of wine are exported, most through the port of Perazim. However, some wine and foodstuffs are shipped upriver to Laishah, where they are traded with merchants coming down the Zanosh from the other side of the Scythirian Mountains who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality goods.
Zephathel has a prominent temple to Baal, a large temple to fish-tailed Dagon in his aspect of provider of grain, and of course chapels and shrines to many of the Seventy. The greatest feature of the temple quarter, though, is the beautiful high temple of Athera, consort of Illion and goddess of fertility. Her participation in the ongoing fruitfulness of the land is incredibly important to Baalthaaz, and accordingly all citizens are expected to actively engage in her worship. Garlands of flowers and ribbons wrap the tall freestanding pillars at the top of the exterior stairs and services are held each afternoon and evening involving entrancing singing in parts and exotic dancing by trained priestesses.
Outside the cities, worship of Athera throughout Baalthaaz (joined with that of Baal as Lord of the Earth) generally takes place in the countryside near such fields as the gods are asked to bless. A tall pole is erected on a hilltop or in a grove, and votaries kiss it, bedeck it with flowers, and leave fruits (such as apples, oranges, or pears) at its base. Couples — even married ones — frequently engage in personal offerings at these locations.
Reshiem, king of Zephathel, is somewhat taller than most men but broad and very strong; his highly muscled torso, arms, and legs are emphasized by his usual mode of dress in a golden pectoral piece, crimson cloak, and heavily-embroidered kilt. Such a man is obviously expected to be a warrior, which he is, but Reshiem is also a strategist and a diplomat; when his deep voice speaks softly, people listen to what he has to say.
Settlement
Zephathel, City of
Type
City
Owning Organization
Comments