THE
ZARATHIAN
MEN |
The Zarathians are a human tribe who inhabit the second largest port city of Aeruillin, Shan’Zarathan. They have a reputation as hard but fair traders, who live for their work. The Zarathians have helped establish good trading relations with many of the other continents. They are ruled by a leader who possesses the title of Arkh, as all four trading ports are.
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Appearance.
The Zarathians tend to possess a very aquiline appearance, which suits well
their hard-sell natures. Often they have long, oval faces, beset by thin,
shapely noses. Eyes are commonly hazel in colour, although it is not the only
shade found, simply the most prevalent. Hair is often straight and black,
although there are a fair few that possess flame red hair. Blondes and browns
are rarely seen. Another trait amongst this tribe are long, slim necks. Their
skin is a dusky brown in colour. Through these people you can see not only the
Hjoria, but also traits of the
Azhorhria, two tribes which have ultimately stemmed from these people.
Members of this tribe are rarely overweight. They do not allow themselves time
to sit down and partake of gourmet meals, which would undoubtedly expand their
waistline. They are more likely to eat the most basic of foods – often this is
fish.
The Zarathians will stand for no nonsense, and are not impressed by those who
waste their time. They tend to be quick witted and sharp thinkers. They are
fair however, and know that a satisfied customer, who does not feel that they
have been cheated, often returns. They are truly devoted to what they do. These
behavioural traits have caused sayings such as -
Coat of Arms/Sign.
The coat of arms for this tribe of traders is circular in shape, this is
supposed to represent a coin. A little way in from the outer circle is another
that runs parallel to the original, creating a border. This is coloured yellow.
Centrally within is one of the famous Zarathian daggers, blade down, the hilt
at the top. It has intricate carvings within the blade, and whenever the coat
of arms is recreated these are never the same. It is left to the artist’s
personal impression. The background is light blue in colour. The Zarathian coat
of arms is stamped on all boxes leaving the city.
Territory.
The Zarathians inhabit the second largest port city of Aeruillin,
Shan’Zarathan. It is located on the far north-west of the desert continent.
People.
Their Zarathians' devotion to trading means that they are admired and respected
throughout Aeruillin which has earned them the reputation of being the fairest
and safest port to trade in. This is because no Zarathian would deal with goods
of a dubious nature, or attempt to sell at extortionate prices. The Zarathians
are honest, and know that engaging in fair trades will leave the customer
happy, and likely to return. Traders caught cheating customers will be
indentured into slavery. Matters as such are dealt with very seriously.
Members of this tribe have an uncanny natural ability to almost “sense” whether
goods they have been offered have come to them by illegal means, or if stock is
bad. They have learned to trust this sense, meaning that it is almost
impossible to cheat a Zarathian trader. Experts say it is some sort of sixth
sense, almost bordering on mind reading. However, this finely tuned ability
adds to the trust there is between customer and trader throughout
Shan’Zarathan.
The Zarathians are of the
Aeoliran religion, although they could almost be described as lazy in their
practices. Being as devoted as they are to their occupations, this tribe has
little or no time for worship. It is almost as if they follow their religion
out of necessity and because they should be seen to do so, and not because they
fervently believe in the principles of it. They seem to hold great repsect only
for Léarin, who they see as Goddess of
the Fair Trade.
Slavery is acceptable in Zarathian society, although only those who have
committed the gravest of crimes (such as cheating a customer) will be
indentured. There are no gladitorial arenas as in Shan'Thai and
Shan'Chahalynth.
Housing.
The Zarathians live in houses made from stone. The majority of people live in
two storey buildings. The bottom of the house is used as a trading area. This
is where most of a Zarathian's day is spent. Deals are confirmed, goods
received, orders bartered and trades are undertaken within this area. The upper
storey is the living area, it is fairly plain and sparse and it is also clean.
The Zarathians see the need for this, and although little time is spent
cleaning, they realise that a dirty and unkept area could result in illness,
meaning that they would not be able to work.
Dotted around the city are large storage warehouses made from stone, where
everyone is entitled safe space in which to store their goods. This idea was
brought in by a great leader, whose title was Arkh (meaning "greatest") Parva.
She was the very first to possess this position, following the progression of
the original city of Zarathan to Shan'Zarathan, a trading port. The warehouses
are constantly patrolled by members of the Arkh’s special guard, and to steal
from them and be caught means indenture into slavery. However, this comes at a
price. The storage tax is the most moaned about and protested within the city.
The money goes straight to the Arkh, and in theory is used to upkeep the
warehouses. However, many believe he simply uses the extortionate amount he
charges to further his wealth.
Clothing.
The Zarathians wear clothes that suit their busy and bustling lifestyle and
also the hot climate in which they live. As with most tribes who live on the
desert continent, a robe or tunic is worn, long and often in light colours.
This protects them from the beating sun
overhead, covering their skin to keep it from burning. A trait amongst this
tribe is that there is little or no decoration upon their clothing – the
Zarathians have no time to spend on elaborate embroidery. They are able to add
and remove layers depending on the sun’s
ferocity. In the summer months mud from the bottom of the sea is applied to the
skin, and certain places upon the face, as this tribe has found that it helps
cool the skin. Also, the mud has been found to have properties that keeps the
skin smooth, healthy and younger looking. This has made it popular amongst
women, especially those who are older, during all seasons of the year. It was
this mud that allowed Shan'Zarathan to become a trading port in the first
place.
There is little jewellery worn, except by the Arkh and those who serve him or
her. Women do tend to pierce their ears. This means that during fiercely hot
days, when clothing is worn that fully covers the person from the beating
sun, the ears are left free so that
easy distinction can be made between the sexes.
Zarathians will keep their clothing clean however – they recognise that dirty
attire will often put the customer off, especially if food is being traded.
Diet.
The staple diet, like all the port towns, is fish. Easy to obtain from the
nearby ocean waters, Zarathians have
found many ways to prepare and serve the meat. If a traveller ever stays in a
Zarathian inn, he or she will be sure of a fine fish dish for their supper, and
hot fishy soup for breakfast.
Also, a crop of polent, the special desert “rice” is grown by the
waters, often the poorer people of the
city live on the starchy grains that are eventually harvested.
Inja goats are also kept, although
only a few people have herds, as most Zarathians do not possess the patience to
deal with goats.
The Zarathians drink little other than
water. They purify the water from
the sea by boiling it, everyone possesses the equipment needed to make the
water drinkable. It is a skill that
they are fiercely proud of – their ability to make the
water clean from the murky depths of
the ocean. Alcohol is rare, every Zarathian is aware that such a drink could
cloud judgement and consequently they may make a bad trade.
Weapons.
The Zarathians are all deadly with the dagger. Any other sort of
weapon would simply get in the way in
their society, so the small blade is perfect, not only in a practical sense,
but also for self defence.
At the age of eight, a child’s first dagger is given, and training starts in
its use. At the age of fourteen, which in Zarathian society is considered as
the time of adulthood, a dagger is crafted specifically for the person, a
process which can take up to two weeks to complete. Great care is taken over
this process, and elaborate engravings are often carved onto the blade, to the
wielder's whims. Such devotion to something other than trading is uncommon for
Zarathians, however, daggers are essential for each and every person, and all
realise that the producing of this exceptional
weapon is something that cannot be
rushed.
Each and every dagger is unique, and kept clean. It is used for many tasks –
gutting fish, cutting bundles tied with twine and slicing portions of meat are
but a few examples. This dedicated dagger often is a Zarathian's lifetime
companion and you may get to hear many stories about it if you ask. A good
insider tip if you have business with a Zarathian: Show honest appreciation for
the weapon of your trading partner and
he will treat you as a friend.
Occupations.
As can be surmised, the majority of the Zarathians are traders and merchants or
sorts. They live for their work, becoming so engrossed that sometimes sleep is
forgotten. Their brains are sharp, and well suited for such a profession. It is
this devotion that has made Shan’Zarathan the second largest trading port in
Aeruillin – only Shan’Thai eclipses it in greatness and wealth, and this is
only due to its age (Shan’Thai is the oldest established port, whilst
Shan’Zarathan is the youngest) and actual location of the ports. However, it is
likely that Shan’Zarathan will finally become the greatest as years pass by.
However, there is also need for many people to do other jobs, such as cleaning.
Slaves often do this work, these people have been indentured due to crimes of a
serious nature. However, there are Zarathians who do not feel the strong pull
towards trading, and so consequently learn the vital trades that keep the city
going, such as carpentry and bakery, some become teachers, innkeepers or
priests.
There is a specialist trade in the port city however, of which it is an honour
to be part of. To become a bladesmith is a hard and gruelling task, and only
the very best will succeed. The patience and artistry needed to produce the
knives and daggers are not found in everyone, very few make it to the top.
Traditionally men have undertaken this profession. However, through many
struggles and personal sacrifices, the blades of the female bladesmith Neia
Chiél have become highly sought after as of late, and fetch high prices, her
exquisite designs have given her status amongst this male-dominated area.
There are also the Windseers - people who are present in many tribes within
Aeruillin, whether they are called Windseer or a different title, their job is
the same. They have the ability to sense if destructive sandstorms, as can
happen when living within a sand filled continent, are likely to come upon the
tribe. They then warn the Zarathians of the impending disaster. Those who are
also experienced enough often gain other abilities, such as power to divert
sandstorms, or counteracting them somehow. One Windseer trains the next,
picking an apprentice from any family - it could be the son of an Arkh, or the
daughter of a beggar. In all there tend to be six to eight of these special
people, they are trusted implicitly and above all bar the Arkh. Unfortunately
this often means that the Windseers are arrogant and power hungry.
Government.
Each of the port cities of Aeruillin are ruled by an Arkh. The title is the
same for men and women, no distinction is made, as a recognition that females
can be as ruthless in trade as members of the male sex. The position of Arkh is
not hereditary, it is determined by a vote in which all traders may
participate. No persons are specifically nominated, so the outcome cannot be
predetermined by bribes and so forth. Traders are supposed to vote for the
person they believe is the best at their job, so by becoming Arkh it shows that
the person is valued highly by all, and is honoured and respected. It is a
lifetime position, held until death. Absolute power is given to the person
chosen, he or she answers to no-one. Wealth is passed on upon the passing of
one Arkh to the newly elected ruler.
It is not often that these votes are rigged in favour of a particular person,
as all traders know that whoever is elected will be giving orders for however
many years they have left in them. The longest reigning Arkh was Arkh Shaéra,
who was a prolific trader, and was elected when she was only five and twenty
years old, and only passed on in her ninetieth year. It is written that she was
a fair woman, and is credited by many for making Shan’Zarathan the place it is
today. She was also the Arkh to have converted the people to the
Aeoliran religion.
Of course, power can turn good and kind people to evil ways. Arkh Gláréd the
Second was a loyal family man when he was elected. However, the wealth and
status went to his head, and his extortionate taxes almost brought the city to
its knees. He took women as he wished, and exiled a large group of people to
the desert to die, who we now know survived, and became the
Hjoria. He was eventually assassinated after twelve
years of tyranny. His assassin was caught, and under the strict laws he should
have been killed. However, he mysteriously vanished from his cell, and no
attempt was made to catch him.
Production/Trade.
Shan'Zarathan first started to trade following the discovery that mud from the
bottom of the ocean had positive effects upon skin. It is still in great demand
today, bringing in much revenue.
Shan’Zarathan is famous for its trade in the delicacy jakécha. This fish is
well known throughout the continent, above all others that can be caught within
the waters of Aeruillin. Jakécha is
not only known for its divine taste, but it is also famous due to the fact that
it hightens the senses for a short while. Not only that, but a small amount
will fill the person as if they had eaten a whole meal. It is truly a
remarkable and consequently expensive dish. The Cholians, who reside in
Jhomcholas, actually catch the fish in the north-east area of the Bright Sea,
the only place it is found, and transport stocks twice a year to the port. It
often arrives in a salted “packet form”, this way it can last for even up to
two years before finally deteriorating.
There is also a thriving trade in small
weapons – the Zarathians excel in the forging of daggers and knives, their
careful and exquisite designs are sought after by many. Often many somewhat
dubious characters – thieves and assassins to name a few, purchase the blades
for their work. Attracting this sort of crowd does not mean that crime is high
in the city – the Zarathians are respected, and there is honour among the
thieves – that is to say, the sinister characters go elsewhere to engage in
their dirty work in general. It does not profit them to cheat the source of the
weapons of their trade!
Also, there is an annual horsefair, where delegates of the
Azhorhrian tribe bring ten of their steeds for
trade. This attracts a lot of attention, as the
horses of the tribe are legendary in
their speed and resilience to extremes. They fetch high prices, and are the
highlight of the fair. Often rich merchants from as far as
Nybelmar will come to attempt to
purchase one of these magnificent beasts, engaging in an intense bidding war
with many others who wish to obtain one also.
Also, Shan'Zarathan trades with Strata
and Thalambath for their
burning stones. These magical rocks
provide them with the fuel they need to make
fire, the lack of wood upon Aeruillin
has meant that this alternative is somewhat heavily relied upon. A special
effort is made so relations between the Zarathians and these cities are kept
good and stable.
Aside from these main items, there is of course general trading of everyday
items – food, clothing (although Zarathian clothing is far from pretty – only
attire from overseas is worth looking at and often such items will go to
Shan’Furrionis or Shan’Chahalynth), livestock (again, little is traded here),
building materials and so forth.
Natural Resources.
There is little to find in Sha'Zarathan in the way of resources, save for what
can be found in the sea. What is found however, is essential for living.
Firstly, it provides the Zarathians with essential
water, which they have learnt to
purify so that it is safe to drink. Secondly, the large stones that line the
ocean floor provide the materials for housing. There is little wood in western
Aeruillin, most comes from overseas and generally goes to Shan’Thai, few
shipments end up in Shan’Zarathan. Wood that is brought to the port is for
essential items that cannot be made from other materials, and is far too
valuable to be wasted on housing. Also stone houses tend to last far longer
than their wooden counterparts.
There is, obviously, plenty of sand around, which does have its uses. Bags of
sand are used as weights, and filled buckets are kept in order to put out
fires.
Holidays,
Festivals and Observances.
The Zarathians observe the Festivals devoted to each God within the
Aeoliran religion. However,
they see them as a hindrance, and a good waste of time that could be used
organising and overseeing trades. They are not particularly strict in their
beliefs. They do however, revere Léarin,
as the wisdom she grants is essential when undertaking trades. Her Festival of
Reflection is special to the Zarathians, and definitely not considered a waste
of time. She has an alternative title for the people of Shan'Zarathan, as
Goddess of the Fair Trade.
The annual horsefair is a holiday for all, in a sense. It attracts many people
from different cities and continents, due to the rare Azhorhrian
horses on offer. It is a time where all
congregate at the docks, and watch the sale. Much income is generated for the
tribe during this time, mainly through the inns.
Important
Achievements.
The Zarathians invented the water
purification system which is in place throughout all Aeruillin. Before this
method was discovered, many people died each year from illnesses attributed
from drinking unclean water.
The Zarathians have also helped improve the reputation of Aeruillin ports in
general, and stabilised relations with their trading partners of other
continents such as Sarvonia and
Nybelmar.
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Information provided by
Artemis
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