The Domains of Zlatzem

Zlatzem - an Introduction

The Domains of Zlatzem, typically called just Zlatzem, is a land of many different cultures and species's. The people here are divided in most ways, with the exception being their common faith. Worship of The Divine Sovereigns are nearly universal in this land, and those who reject will branded as heretics throughout the land. However, beyond their common faith Zlatzem is only united by it's history, or more specifically, its founder. Zlatzem. Zlatzem is said to have been the wisest of mortals, and to have fled with his people from the tyrants in the east, finding and settling a more safe land, a land that till this day remembers, and heeds, his name.  

The different parts of Zlatzem

Zlatzem is not one unified realm, or even region. Zlatzem is divided into three regions, which are known as Domains. These domains originate from the death of Zlatzem himself. The story goes that Zlatzem had three children, and he divided the land into three for them. Creating the three Domains that make up the region at large. These regions have all grown to become very different from one another, and its not easy to remember that once all these Domains were part of one larger realm.   Southern Zlatzem - Chrysos
The most southern part of Zlatzem is typically called Chrysos by the locals, or just Southern Zlatzem by foreigners. This part of the region is known for it's rich urban culture, having sprung from the wealth garnered by centuries of lucrative trade routes. The people of Chrysos have upheld routes from The Coast of Dunes, all of Zlatzem, and even with the eastern lands of far away.   Here, many cities operate independently, free from a king or larger realm. Many of these cities, inspired by the trade leagues of The Coast of Dunes, are unified by leagues. The people here primarily worship Waukeen, The Coin Mistress, and Corellon, The Arch Heart.   There is however, in the northern part of Chrysos, a subculture of the larger Chrysos culture, known as the Aletheian people. These Alethians live a militaristic lifestyle, and are ruled by one king, the King of Alethia. Alethia has a long past, and has during some periods almost conquered all of Chrysos.   Most of Chrysos sees Alethia as a threat, and one which seems to be unkillable. However, there are some city-states that have come to embrace Alethia as their protector, paying them tribute in return for protection.   Chrysos is geographically made for trade, but little else. The soil is far from ideal in most of the land, except for in Alethian land. Mountains make much of Chrysos difficult to populate, and the lack of forests doesnt help the people either. However, there a great spots along waterways for cities of commerce, and it's position between the rich Voinya to the north, and the rest of the world through The Neck to the south has given the land a purpose as traders.   Central Zlatzem - Voinya 
Central Zlatzem is a region best described by the word chaotic. The land is ruled by a variation of Holy orders, Magocracies, Mercenaries, and Kings. With the people being torn between the warring realms of the land. Simultaneously Voinya is an incredibly rich land. The soil is as fertile as can be, the mountains carry rare ores, and all around shimering lakes light up the land. Was it not for the fractured state of the land, one might have come to describe Voinya as a land of dreams.   The people of Voinya are typically stubborn, introverted, and bellicose. However, there are many great cities in Voinya, and they are home to some of the greatest schools in the whole of Zlotkar, which brings out a more studious side of the people of Voinya. These people primarily worship Lathander, The Morninglord, Mystra, The Myth Weaver, and Erathris, The Lawbearer.   Voinya is geographically a heaven. Though it does get cold in the winters, the land is temperate and healthy most of the year. The land is fertile, and beautiful leaf forests dot the land. The mountains that exist are rich, and while difficult to traverse, they are still not completely hostile to life.   Northern Zlatzem - Sjavarfall 
Nortern Zlatzem is by far the most unique of the three. Whereas Voinya and Chrysos have driven their people forward, building great cities, establishing empires, and learning of the new, Sjavarfall has remained in the past in many ways. Sjavarfall is known for its tribalistic ways, focus on druidic magics, and berserkers. They are considered barbarians by the rest of Zlatzem, and that is not without cause. They conduct raids against the port towns all around Zlotkar, having even traveled as far as to the Bay of Elysium, and the Coast of Chains. Many of the Sjavarfall people are adventurerous, and glory seeking, yet still they pride themselves on their traditions.   As far as realm go, Sjavarfall is divided by tribal kingdoms, who war against one another, at times seemingly for no other purpose than the glory. Throughout history, a few larger realms have risen from the area, and threatened Zlatzem at large, but these realms have yet to stand the test of time.   The people of Sjavarfall worship nearly exclusively Kord, The Stormlord. They are however known to also worship the land, or at least they hold a far stronger connection to it then their southern kin.   Sjavarfall is geographically inhospitable. The northern parts of the land is cold beyond reason, and it's a wonder how the tribes of the north make it through winter every year. Though the northern part of Sjavarfall is coldest, the rest of the region is nothing to sneeze at. Pine forests cover much of the land, and great mountains covered in thick layers of snow rise in great ranges. The lakes, and seas, are frozen over most of the year, and it's to cold to grow anything around the region.