The Janasib Islands
This group of five islands off the western coast of Zeif provides shelter for outlaws and pirates from the Baklunish lands. A large, dormant volcano rises in the center of the main island, Janasib. The island is heavily forested, providing a home to many unfriendly sylvan creatures. Humans are numerous on the surrounding four islands and raid ships crossing the mouth of the narrow Gulf of Ghayar, while sea hags prey upon them in turn. The Janasibs enjoy a balmy climate.
The islands are notorious for housing many pirates and other bandits from Zeif and the Gulf, preying on merchant coasters heading to and from the Gulf. Other monsters are said to inhabit them as well. The city of Zirat lies in these isles.
3207 BH (548 CY): The Siege of Zirat
When he came to power in 3189 BH (530 CY), it was entirely possible that Sultan Selim intended to rule Zeif benevolently. Indeed, the young Sultan began his reign loved by the people, and by all appearances was a devout man. When exactly this changed is not clear. What is clear is that Selim became seduced by the hedonistic possibilities of his station. He began to indulge every pleasurable whim, and gathered around himself a court that supported this indulgence. Still craving the love of his people, however, Selim took pains to hide his lifestyle from those outside Peh'reen. While the viziers were well aware of Selim’s slide into decadence, the people of Zeif remained blissfully unaware.
However, such a state could not last. As Selim continued to give in to decadence and vice, he became more reckless. He began making contact with pirates and smugglers, looking for any novel or forbidden pleasure. Thrilled with the exotic sensations provided by his new acquaintances, Selim began consorting with these criminals even inviting them to attend his court on occasion. It became a poorly kept secret around the palace, even earning his network of seaborn criminals the nickname “Selim’s Navy”.
Blinded by his own vanity and lusts, Selim was caught completely unaware when his new found allies turned upon him. Using their newfound influence with the Sultan, one of the pirate crews carried out a bold theft from the Palace of Peh’reen. Using papers bearing Selim’s seal, the disguised pirates gained entrance to the Inner Palace, and successfully made off with a valuable treasure. When Selim learned of this treachery, he was furious.
Selim ordered the Royal Navy to lay siege to Zirat, the stronghold for many of the pirates with which he once did business. The Royal Navy besieged Zirat for more than a week, before finally overrunning the pirate settlement. On orders from Selim all captured pirates were publicly executed.
Despite his actions, however, the damage had been done, and Selim’s reputation would never recover. As word of his behaviour spread, so did the disdain of his people. Although no one had the temerity to say it to his face, people all across Zeif began openly referring to Selim as “the Scoundrel”. Knowing he could never regain his people’s respect, he sought the comfort of oblivion, slipping further and further into decadent decay. Selim achieved nothing of note during the remainder of his reign, and in 3213 BH (554 CY), after another drunken night in the seraglio, the Scoundrel failed to wake up.
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