Zarun
Eastern Zarun was part of the Thaliban empire until 842TH [309SA]. Its western areas were part of the Empire of the Ced. The west gained its independence (which was later lost during the reign of Theosovius the Magnificent) in the Irava Rebellion. Until the advent of Nilgeranthrib, the east was composed of independent fiefs, somewhat dominated by the Duke of Zara. The west was dotted with villages and family farms with little connection to each other. With the threat of Nilgeranthrib, and the Duke of Zara's participation in the war (1083TH [550SA]), the fiefs and villages united to join in the war. In this great campaign, the Zarunese sacked Alzira. After the war, Duke Lochar Zomoza declared himself to be King and forced his will on all of Zarun. When his claim was supported by Melanius Zendar, the slayer of Nilgeranthrib, wielder of Life Sword and Zarun's greatest national hero, the other leaders complied.
The Zomozan dynasty, beginning soon after the poisoning of Melanius Zendar (1086TH [553SA]), was a despotic regime. Under Lochar and two descendants, the people were crushed with taxes and ground into the dirt. In the year 1132TH [599SA], with most of the nation on the verge of revolt, the army executed Lochar III. After the coup, the army formed a military council to rule the nation. When the hosts of Nilgeranthrib entered Zarun, this council elected Priam Zendar (the bearer of Life Sword) Dictator of Zarun. Under his leadership, the forces of the lich were destroyed. With total victory, Priam refused to step down. He proclaimed the rule of the Dictatorship. For two years he ruled the land with an iron fist until, jaded by his power, he became overconfident. He returned to his family's farm to visit relatives. There, a mob of peasants trapped him and burned his manor house to the ground with him inside it.
The death of Priam Zendar led to 20 years of anarchy. Eventually, the military regained power and unified the land by promising freedom to its citizens. To enforce this, and lay a framework to insure its permanence, they issued the Duties of Power (the basis of Zarun's legal code to this day). Over the next 100 years, this code made Zarun a nation.
In the year 1343TH [810SA], the Don Host entered Zarun. While there, they raided many villages and always met stout resistance. Eventually, the main host moved west and Zarun allowed those barbarians who chose to stay to become citizens. Since this time, Zarun has fought wars against the forces of Nilgeranthrib, defeated Iravoy in a major war (1614 - 1626TH [1081-1093SA]) (instigated by agents of Nilgeranthrib) and formed a defensive alliance with the Confederacy. Except for the perpetual war with Nilgeranthrib, Zarun is a peaceful land with a gentle people.
Population
The capital is Zara (13,000). The total population of Zarun is 98,000. Zarun's army contains 800 mercenary footmen, 400 elite cavalry and 10,000 militia. The fleet has 16 warships including 1 trireme. Five of these ships are mercenary vessels.
Economy
Zarun is an agricultural land with fine herds. Its forest produces fine wood. The land is poor in metal. Most of the fine goods that they use are imported. Due to the high prices that this causes, and the nature of the Zarunese people, most citizens strive to be as self - sufficient as possible.
Religion
Except for a compulsive loathing of all Chaos practices, the Zarunese are tolerant. They fear magic - users. Superstitious citizens have been known to kill them at the slightest provocation.
Personality
The Zarunese are proud of their freedom, understanding when dealing with foreigners and friendly. Though they have a tendency to be miserly, they will aid others when they must. When their freedom or property is threatened, they are stubborn adversaries. At other times, they are a kind and helpful people who hate anything that stinks of Chaos.
Legal System
Zarun is a true democracy. Major decisions are made by a vote of all adult male citizens and property holders. During a major war, the nation is ruled by a Dictator elected from the officers of the Horse Guard (the elite cavalry). He wields absolute power for the duration in areas where conflict is actually taking place. At all other times, and all other places, the nation is ruled by the Council of Elders at the county and national level. They are responsible for administering the law, acting as judges and seeking donations to support the government.
NOTE - There is no taxation in Zarun. The government is supported by contributions from, and service by, its citizens. No non - felon can be compelled to give either if he does not wish to.
Zarun's legal code is called the Duties of Power. It places the most severe penalties on those citizens who have the most power. Foreigners, unless they stress the fact that they are noble, are considered to have a station of ONE.
Allies
Zarun has an alliance with the Confederacy.
Enemies
Nilgeranthrib is the eternal enemy. They dislike the people of Iravoy and Clima, but have little time to fight anyone except the Great Lich.
Language
| Zarunese | ||
| Marentian | 15% | |
| Thaban | 15% | |
| Aratad | 20% | |
| Climan | 5% | |
| La'Ced | 20% | |
| Zen'dali | 25% | |
| Donaran | 10% | |
| Portan | 15% |
Basic Characteristics
| Height | 70" | |
| Weight | 170lbs |
Common Weapons
Broadsword, Swords, Spears
Ancestry
Most of these people are descended from Thaliba and the Zen'da. They are tall, well - built people with dark hair and high cheekbones. Many of their citizens have aquiline noses and exceptional strength. Citizens of Western Zarun have La'Cedi blood instead of Thaliban. Their appearance is closer than that specified for Donarans.
Special Notes: Legal Penalties In Zarun
Different social classes are subject to different penalties for the same crime. The table below lists the basic penalties under this system:
| CRIME LEVEL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| STATION | MINOR | MEDIUM | MAJOR |
| 0 - 2 | A Fine | Corporal Pun. | 1d6 yrs. Service |
| 3 | Corporal Pun. | Mutilation | Life Service |
| 4 | Mutilation | 2d6 yrs. Service | Death |
| 6 | 2d10 yrs. Service | Death | Death |
| 10 | Life Service | Death | Death |
The standard fine is 2D10cc. It is kept by the government. Corporal punishment is a whipping, 2D10 lashes with a heavy whip. In mutilation, part of the felon's body is branded. Service indicates that the person is enslaved to the state for the duration indicated. Most people who suffer this penalty are put into an active militia force that fights the war against Nilgeranthrib.
Whenever the death penalty is given, the felon is drowned.
Population Details
Zara is supported by 6 towns (average population of 1,750). Total town population is 10,500.
There are 419 villages distributed about the land (average population of 180). Total villiage population is 74,500.