Zedamir

History

One of the first towns founded in the Age of Creation by early Humans, Zedamir has long been known for its fertile soil, making it an ideal location for large farms. Though the area around the town has always had rich soil due to the minerals found in the Vespen Mell lake to the south, there was a notable sharp increase in food production beginning in the Upheaval period, a result of a Wellspring anomaly. The locals seem unaware of the anomaly, as sorcery has so long been outlawed in the empire that many anomalies in northern Arak have not yet been catalogued. The population of the town hasn't recovered as well as other areas of the empire after the Grave Rot Plague, so like every other area of the empire, the town was given Letheni slaves to put to work on their farms, a detail which the residents of Zedamir are deeply ashamed of.

Despite the townsfolk not supporting the enslavement of the Letheni, they have been almost radicalized against Art Hunahunari due to a successful surprise attack on the town twenty years ago that destroyed nearly half of the farms in the town, leading to a severe food shortage that left many starving for months. The attackers were never caught, and the event, known as the Art Eletha Tinmarugin, is still a sore topic of conversation amongst the townsfolk.

With the town being wide open to the surrounding landscape, it has faced a number of threats from dangerous creatures roaming the countryside. The number one threat the town faces on a regular basis is from the Cadonaposhi; flightless bird creatures with blue plumage and yellow plating on their stomachs, legs, and head. These birds can be difficult to kill, and their armored beaks can puncture steel armor and snap spears and swords in half. They are more a nuisance than anything, rushing in to the farms at night to eat the town's crops, attacking any who get too close.

With the ongoing war between the Rathmora Colin and Art Hunahunari, it is likely that Zedamir will be targeted again. Lately there is much anxiety among the residents of the town, with people trying to reinforce their homes against potential attack, and training wolves to attack anyone who approaches their farm. Some believe there may be allies of Art Hunahunari hiding among them, and they are beginning to distrust their neighbors.

Government

Zedamir is part of the Rathmora Colin's territory, and is overseen by a Human man named Gaspar Maladanis. He is a shrewd middle-aged man from Elysara who doesn't share the locals' opinions about slavery, and closely watches the farms to ensure the Letheni are doing their work. Despite the town's majority Human population, the farmers are put under tremendous stress to produce the food needed to feed the empire. Those who are behind schedule or do not meet their production quotas are punished harshly, facing increasingly severe punishments depending on how many times they have failed to deliver what is expected of them. These punishments are often public in nature, meant to serve as a reminder of what happens when you fail the king.

Economy

The economy of Zedamir is entirely based around farming and professions that involve livestock. There are dozens of farms around the town proper all catering to specific crops. Each farm is dedicated to one crop, with some crops having multiple farms dedicated to them. These farms are very organized, laid out in an orderly grid to maximize area. Zedamir supplies more than half of Elysara's food, and due to the supernaturally potent soil, is able to do so with ease. Food grown in Zedamir's soil grows very rapidly and in large quantities. Even pests and crop diseases seem to be no issue for the farmers here. There are two crops that stand out as the most important for the empire, wheat and olives; having nearly a dozen farms each dedicated to their production.

Notable Locations

• Pereshanis - A unique feature that stands out amongst the many farms, the Rescan il Trenoshin monastic order calls Pereshanis their home. This ancient order has long practiced a technique which involves directing one's animate Flow to halt the ability of other creatures to direct Flow, preventing the use of magic. The Sorcerer's Cabal has likened their abilities to the forbidden practice of Ruxor, or blood magic. The monks here have long been in service to the empire, using their abilities to hunt down sorcerers in opposition to the Rathmora family's rule. This monastery serves as their training ground, and can be found just north of Zedamir, along the Teppandari river.
• Marinos Phanethi - An enormous peach orchard owned by the Phanethi family, who produce a large amount of very large peaches; the favorite fruit of King Colton. They produce a wine called Tennamexoni Noshar from the juice which is famous across the empire. A disturbing rumor has been circulating of a dangerous creature that prowls the orchard, preying on only Humans, tearing them apart; however, some believe it to be an escaped slave who is seeking retribution for their people.
• Taluchaspen - Located in the mountains northwest of town, this cave is known for a pool of glowing water that can be found within which is said to grant a wish to those who toss in their most prized possession and drink from its waters. When one offers their chosen object to the water, it is utterly consumed. Many believe the tale to be a myth because virtually everyone that visits the cave reports that their wish went unfulfilled; but the legend persists because of notable contemporary accounts in which these wishes were granted. To deepen the mystery further, it seems that some who have drunk from the waters have even died shortly thereafter, leading to a belief that the result of drinking the water is possibly dependent on the "purity" of your wish, and whether the item you have offered is truly your most prized possession. Many Letheni have attempted to reach the cave in order to escape captivity, and it is said that each who has managed to do so has had their wish granted. Because the cave is clearly magical, it was sealed off years ago, and Myrmidoni patrol the area occasionally to deter those seeking it.

Culture

Being a town dedicated to a sole purpose, that of farming, the locals do not have many prospects for a future outside agriculture. Being in a region most merchants avoid, it sees very little outside trade; and the trade it does see is filtered by the Myrmidoni from Elysara. Though the farmers are important to the empire, they do not make much money beyond what they need to survive; even if amenities from the outside world were available to them, they could hardly afford them. It is perhaps because of this feeling of isolation that the Humans of Zedamir are far more empathetic to the Letheni forced to labor in their farms. The farmers here have never approved of the use of slavery, and many try to make the lives of the Letheni there less miserable, as there isn't much the farmers can do to change things. The residents of Zedamir feel a kinship to the Letheni, believing that because of their importance to the empire, and their meager lifestyles, that they are just as much slaves to the empire as the Letheni are. Those within the town who have been brave enough to speak out criticizing this practice have been swiftly silenced by the Myrmidoni from Elysara in residence.

With so many farms growing so many different varieties of crops, locals have a number of dishes unique to them. Many of these dishes are simply medleys of seasonal crops to use up surplus ingredients. One local favorite is Harisa Zubari, a pastry crust wrapped around vegetables smothered in a garlic sauce before baking it. A popular dessert food is Melentezar, which involves spreading a crushed almond paste on toasted bread, drizzling olive oil on top, and adding cooked peaches on top with a little honey; though this dessert is somewhat of an indulgence, as almonds can be expensive. Though farming has no "seasons" in Myr due to the eternal spring climate, the locals celebrate a harvest festival at the end of each month where the town center is decorated with various herbs such as thyme and sage, giving it a delightful aroma. Locals will wear crowns made from grapevines, and outfits with varying shades of green trimmed with gold. The festival typically lasts all night and the next day is for rest. During the festival, there is plenty of food to go around, but the main event is a procession of floats that is sent down the Teppandari river from north of the town. Lit by candles, they sail through the village carrying various offerings to Lekaris, hoping she will bless the next month's harvest.

The locals have few options to entertain themselves when not busy on the farms. There is one game played by those in town that has been around since the early Restoration period, called Decumar. This game, played with a small board with a 9x9 grid of holes for pegs is a popular strategy game that involves capturing the enemy's commander, and has nuanced rules that can take years to master. The game has spread to other areas of Myr in the last few centuries, but hasn't quite caught on in Arak yet. The locals have tournaments at the end of each week in the local taverns, and like to bet what little money they have, or favors if they're all out.

Defenses

With its many farms spread out over a wide area, it would be impossible to contain the town with walls. However, Zedamir's production of food is critical to feeding the empire, and as such is kept under heavy guard by the Myrmidoni from Elysara. However, the Myrmidoni's presence is as much to keep the farmers in line as it is to protect them. It is well-known that the residents do not approve of using Letheni slaves on their farms, and that their importance to the empire keeps them constrained to a singular purpose, which many residents wish to change. The Myrmidoni are quick to quell any talk of rebellion or protest.

Crime

The residents of Zedamir do not have very many personal possessions to begin with, so theft is rare; but in a land where slavery is practiced, several crimes exist relating to their rights and treatment. It is no surprise that the Letheni will frequently try to escape, especially with a settlement with no boundaries throttling movement of the escapees. The Myrmidoni focus their attention at night on patrolling the outer perimeter of the town, both to prevent escapes, and to watch for Cadonaposhi or other creatures. Letheni who attempt to escape and are captured are given a single chance, and are returned to their owner; but a second attempt is met with execution. In recent years, a group known as Vespen Mornen has begun sneaking Letheni out of Zedamir at night hoping to transport them to Art Hunahunari where they will be free to live their lives again.