Shamak
In the northern Vaaskyr jungle lies Shamak, a fierce, proud, and defiantly independent city-state. Nestled into lush plains, Shamak is less a city and more a living citadel carved from stone and jungle alike. Towering banyan trees weave through crumbling terraces, smoke spirals from ceremonial braziers, and the distant beat of jungle drums rolls like thunder through the hills. Goliaths and orcs, long native to the region, call this place home and govern themselves.
Shamak’s relationship with the dragonborn rulers of Vaaskyr is complicated. Though technically under imperial rule, Shamak is left largely alone in practice, so long as they fulfill tribute and keep the jungle trade flowing south.
Shamak’s relationship with the dragonborn rulers of Vaaskyr is complicated. Though technically under imperial rule, Shamak is left largely alone in practice, so long as they fulfill tribute and keep the jungle trade flowing south.
Government
Shamak is ruled by a singular chieftain known as the Stone-Bearer, a title passed not by bloodline, but by trial. The current Stone-Bearer, Thorrak Earthbound, is a towering goliath whose strength is matched only by his wisdom. He earned his title fifteen years ago by defeating all challengers in the Trial of Flame and Bone, a grueling contest of endurance, combat, and spiritual resolve that tests a candidate’s strength of body and purity of purpose.
The Stone-Bearer governs with near-absolute authority within the city and its surrounding region, but rule is tempered by the deep-rooted traditions of orcish and goliath honor. Thorrak holds court in the Circle of Bones, where disputes are settled publicly and justice is often swift. His word carries the weight of law, though respected elders and spiritual guides may still advise or contest decisions in rare, formal challenges.
While the Vaaskyr Empire officially considers Shamak a subject city, in practice the empire maintains only loose oversight. An imperial dragonborn envoy, Nehros of the Flame-Eyes, resides in Shamak as a liaison and diplomat but holds little sway beyond watching, reporting, and negotiating tribute. Thorrak tolerates this arrangement for now, so long as imperial hands do not reach too deep into jungle soil.
The Stone-Bearer governs with near-absolute authority within the city and its surrounding region, but rule is tempered by the deep-rooted traditions of orcish and goliath honor. Thorrak holds court in the Circle of Bones, where disputes are settled publicly and justice is often swift. His word carries the weight of law, though respected elders and spiritual guides may still advise or contest decisions in rare, formal challenges.
While the Vaaskyr Empire officially considers Shamak a subject city, in practice the empire maintains only loose oversight. An imperial dragonborn envoy, Nehros of the Flame-Eyes, resides in Shamak as a liaison and diplomat but holds little sway beyond watching, reporting, and negotiating tribute. Thorrak tolerates this arrangement for now, so long as imperial hands do not reach too deep into jungle soil.
Defences
Shamak boasts some of the most fearsome jungle-trained warriors in the empire. Expert in ambush tactics, guerrilla defense, and terrain manipulation, its people have repelled everything from imperial scouting parties to jungle monstrosities. Warriors train in unarmed combat, spearwork, and beast handling.
The Red Fang Legion, an elite unit of orc and goliath warriors, unofficially defends the borders and serves as jungle peacekeepers.
The Red Fang Legion, an elite unit of orc and goliath warriors, unofficially defends the borders and serves as jungle peacekeepers.
Industry & Trade
Shamak is a vital supplier of jungle hardwoods, rare herbs and alchemical components, carved bone totems and ritual masks, and animal pelts and teeth from dangerous jungle beasts.
Traders from all over Western Vaaskyr, and even as far north as Wescovia, risk the jungle paths for Shamak’s goods. Barter is common, but imperial coin is grudgingly accepted.
Traders from all over Western Vaaskyr, and even as far north as Wescovia, risk the jungle paths for Shamak’s goods. Barter is common, but imperial coin is grudgingly accepted.
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