Greater Zeshem Region

The Greater Zeshem region is a broad area in Southwestern Larazel claimed as a holy land by the Zesheko religion. It extends from the Five Mothers, a group of five major rivers known as the cradle of Zeshem religion and culture, down the Coast of Masks and into the Southern Larazek Fireplains.    While the Zesheko may claim the region for their faith, not everyone here agrees. A number of Pratasa kingdoms in the Stolen Coast, for example, fiercely contest Zeshem claims over their homes. Both sides see the other as invaders and occupiers. Unsurprisingly, religious violence in this region is fairly common.     The Five Mothers region, the riverlands, is the most densely populated and agriculturally productive part of the Greater Zeshem region. This region includes:

• Susilima, the region around the river Susilo, is one of the largest and most verdant regions of Greater Zeshem. It is controlled by Holy Zeshema 
• Vumega, also known as the Bloody Hills, is a hilly region extended from Susilma into the fireplains. Known for its political and cultural autonomy. Controlled by seven small kingdoms and a semi-nomadic holy warrior order.
• Sumijem, the region around the river Sumijo, is another one of Zeshem's two great rivers. Intensely moderated by state infrastructure. Controlled by Holy Zeshema.
• Sulmega, the hills East of Sumijem. Ruled by the Zeshem prism-lords and often known as the Holy Hills where ghosts are sent to live. Controlled by three prism-lords sworn to Holy Zeshema.
• Tivima, the region around the Tivija river. Controlled by fifteen states, which include very mixed-religious populations. Part of the Stolen Coast.
• Hamano, the region around the Hamaja river. Controlled by the Kingdom of Hamano, a mixed-religious kingdom. Part of the Stolen Coast.
• Vikima, the region around the Vikaja river. Controlled by the wealthy Kingdom of Vikama, which is devoutly Pratasa. Part of the Stolen Coast.
• Eraziki, the arable region North of Vikima. Known as a land of mercenaries and hunters with ties to Vikima. Part of the Stolen Coast.

The Zeshem Fireplains, meanwhile, are the grasslands looped into Zesheko culture, religion, and markets. These grasslands are thoroughly infested with Fire Termites, which are harvested for flammable oil. This includes:

• Zelkez, a relatively cosmopolitan region of mixed-religious tribes quietly resented for their disloyalty to Holy Zeshema. Known for its mercenaries and frequent Eastward raids, which bring loot for sale in Zeshem markets.
• Purukez, a region known for its incredible zeal. Known as the homeland of the Dotinek, the first grasslands people to convert to Zesheko. Extremely hostile to foreigners. Known for mass cultivation of Divine Contact Incense.
• Zormega, a hilly and arid region known for its sparse population that converted to Zeshem religion long ago. Known for their historic alliance with the Zeshem empire, supposedly dating back to their providing refuge for escaped Zeshem slaves many centuries ago.
• Dimakes, a grassland that was thoroughly converted and politically subdued by previous Zeshem empires. Now autonomous, but still quite Zeshem religiously.

The Coast of Masks, meanwhile, is the forested coastline that adopted Zeshem religion and culture over many centuries thanks to Zeshem imperial expansion. Less closed off than Holy Zeshema, but now considered part of the holy land:

• Demza, a land of forests and flatlands. Known for its mixed nomad-riverlands cultural traditions. Divided between three vassal kingdoms.
• Almzez, also called Tuneba, known for its unusual inlets and geological formations. Many Zeshem sailors hail from here, as this is a realm of skilled fishermen and boatmakers. Divided between three vassal kingdoms.
• Eomata, largest and most politically independent of the Coast of Masks states. Known trading kingdom, most cosmopolitan and diverse of the coastal kingdoms.