Zothamba

Zothamba (meaning "The City of Song-Wind" in the ancient language of the Yuan Ti). is an oasis of culture, knowledge, and peace, stands as a remarkable contrast to the chaotic power struggles between the Ranas of Bayjan and the Temple City States of the Yuan-Ti. It thrives on a foundation of knowledge, open-mindedness, and harmony that has endured through centuries, making it one of the few places in Bayjan where peace is not just a fragile hope but a living reality.

Government

Zothamba is ruled not by kings or warlords, but by a Council of Scholars and Priestesses, a collective of the most learned and enlightened figures from across Bayjan, including influential Yuan-Ti, Rakshasa, and a mix of other sentient species who call Zothamba home. The Council is not a strict, authoritarian rule, but a collaborative effort—decisions are made by consensus, and leadership is given to the individual best suited for a particular role, whether that be as a magical scholar, a diplomat, or a high priestess of one of the many deities worshipped within the city.
The city thrives on open intellectual exchange, spiritual growth, and mutual respect. It serves as a neutral ground where factions from across Bayjan come to discuss matters of diplomacy, trade, and war without the pressures of their political intrigues or blood feuds. Those who seek peace can find refuge here, and even rivals of the Rakshasa Ranas and the Yuan-Ti are sometimes seen walking the same streets, sharing knowledge and listening to the winds that blow across the canals.

Defences

Despite its peaceful nature, Zothamba is no stranger to conflict. Though the city-state is largely free of military presence, it is protected by powerful magic and ancient wards.

Industry & Trade

Zothamba's economy is driven by the exchange of magical artifacts, spices, rare herbs, and enchanted goods that are unique to Bayjan’s rich and diverse ecosystem. The city thrives on trade, with merchants from the Rakshasa Ranas and the Yuan-Ti Temple States frequently traveling to Zothamba to engage in peaceful commerce and diplomacy. Despite its relatively small size, the city has become an economic powerhouse, as its magic-infused goods and peaceful atmosphere attract traders and collectors from all over the world.
Zothamba’s markets are filled with spices from the jungles, exotic fruits and vegetables, rare magical components, and artifacts from the distant corners of Bayjan. Visitors and merchants alike are drawn to the city’s hospitality, and the city-state is known for its welcoming attitude towards peaceful travelers, no matter their race, creed, or origin.

Tourism

Zothamba is a city of music, poetry, and celebration. The Song-Wind refers not only to the physical winds that blow through the city but also to the melodies and rhythms that permeate daily life. It is said that the winds themselves sing through the city’s canals, carrying the songs of its people. Music plays an important role in Zothamba's festivals and daily rituals, with drummers, bards, and wind instrument players filling the streets with their melodies.
The city is also home to the Great Library of Zothamba, a vast collection of scrolls, tomes, and magical texts. Here, scholars study the history and magic of Bayjan, and adventurers from all over the world come to learn secrets of the jungles, the creatures of Bayjan, and the powerful artifacts hidden within.

Geography

Located on the banks of the Kanji River, Zothamba sprawls across a series of interconnected islands and bridges, its foundations rising from the swampy marshlands that dominate the region. The city's heart is defined by the sprawling canals and rivers that wind through its districts, much like a labyrinth of life-giving water. The islands are linked by elegant, arched bridges, crafted from magical wood and stone that seem to shift and change color as the wind blows through them, lending the city a sense of ethereal beauty.
The vibrant streets are lined with colorful mosaics, intricate carvings, and tall, twisting spires that rise above the jungle canopy. These structures are adorned with bright, shimmering glass that catches the sun's rays, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that reflect the culture of Zothamba—open, diverse, and filled with the joy of discovery.

Location under

Bayjan