Zarash'ak

After the fall of the Rifaagud Dynasty, House Sivis conducted countless expeditions into the dangerous Shadow Marches. During these exploratory times, Kruphix Dragonshards were first discovered on Noyatu and the great house took advantage of that. Since the Sivis gnomes had little experience in the swampland they hired various Marcher Clans to guide them and help excavate the Dragonshards. Some Marcher Clans began to develop an uncanny ability to search for the Dragonshards. Eventually, this developed further within three Marcher Clans who were the first to bear the Mark of Finding. These three clans, the Torrn, the Aashta, and the Velderan, came together to form the newest of the Great Houses, House Tharashk and built the city of Zarash'ak.

The Triumvirate

The Triumvirate is a collective of the three heads of the Tharashk clans. The Triumvirate has absolute control over House Tharashk and the City of Stilts. They are democratic in their decisions but this doesn't always mean they are above bribery and persuasion. All citizens of Zarash'ak are loyal to the Triumvirate and will follow all laws regardless of their clan leader's views. However, House Tharashk members lean toward their clan's representative. The Triumvirate allows for public interactions biweekly but private matters are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Swamp People

Zarash'ak thrives on trade, capitalizing on its strategic location along Infernal Run and within the dangerous Shadow Marches. The city acts as a vital intermediary for importing goods from the outside world and exporting rare resources found in the surrounding lands. Imports include essential supplies, luxury goods, and exotic items that are difficult to obtain in the swamp. The city's exports primarily consist of valuable herbs, rare plants, mystical artifacts, and unique swamp creatures carefully captured and tamed.
Zarash'ak's cuisine draws inspiration from the bounties of the swamp and the blending of different culinary traditions. Bogfish Stew is a hearty and aromatic stew made with succulent fish caught in the marshes, combined with a medley of swamp vegetables, herbs, and spices. It is often served with crusty bread or rice. Marshberry Tart is a delectable dessert made with juicy marshberries, known for their sweet and slightly tart flavor. The berries are baked into a buttery pastry crust, resulting in a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Swampwater Tea is a unique herbal infusion brewed from carefully selected swamp plants and flowers. This aromatic tea is said to have soothing properties and is often enjoyed both for its taste and its ability to calm the senses.
The music of Zarash'ak reflects the city's lively and mysterious atmosphere. The combination of tribal rhythms, folk melodies, and enchanting harmonies creates a captivating auditory experience. Swamp Ballads find how haunting melodies tell stories of love, loss, and adventure within the treacherous swamp. Sung by troubadours and bards, the songs often feature melancholic tunes accompanied by instruments like lutes, harps, and dulcimers. Tribal Beats are influenced by the orcish and barbaric tribes in the surrounding swamp, tribal music features energetic drumming, rhythmic chants, and primal instruments such as bone flutes and skin drums. The music is intended to invoke a sense of raw power and connection to nature.

Marsh Wardens and Attitudes

Zarash'ak maintains a specialized police force known as the Marsh Wardens. These skilled individuals are well-versed in navigating the treacherous swamp and are trained in combat and survival techniques specific to their environment. They are responsible for maintaining law and order within the city, handling criminal activities, and protecting its inhabitants from both internal and external threats.
Zarash'ak welcomes adventurers with open arms. The city recognizes their unique skills and the potential benefits they bring. Adventurers are regarded as potential allies, skilled individuals capable of tackling the dangers of the swamp and assisting the city with its needs. The Marsh Wardens often collaborate with adventurers, hiring them as guides or mercenaries to explore

Factions of the Stilts

In the city of Zarash'ak, amidst a treacherous swamp, various organizations shape its destiny. The elusive Swampstalkers defend from unseen dangers under Sylas Shadowblade. The Guild of Herbalists crafts mystical potions guided by Elara Moonbloom. High Druid Arannis Whisperleaf preserves the balance of nature in the Sylvan Circle. Valeria Blackthorn commands the loyal Bladesworn Brotherhood, protecting Zarash'ak. And Archmage Aurelius Stormrider wields water and mist magic within the Order of the Azure Scepter. Together, these organizations define the vibrant tapestry of Zarash'ak's life.

Swampstalkers

Silent and elusive, the Swampstalkers are a clandestine faction of expert hunters and scouts within Zarash'ak. Under the leadership of Sylas Shadowblade, they excel in tracking and traversing the treacherous swamplands, offering their skills in defense of the city. With an uncanny ability to vanish into the mists, the Swampstalkers provide invaluable intelligence and strike from the shadows to protect Zarash'ak from both human and otherworldly threats.

Guild of Herbalists

Deep within the heart of Zarash'ak, the Guild of Herbalists thrives as a sanctuary of botanic knowledge and alchemical expertise. Guided by the esteemed Elara Moonbloom, the guild's skilled members traverse the perilous swamp, gathering rare and exotic plants to create potent potions and remedies. Their delicate touch, honed over years of study, brings healing and restoration to the people of Zarash'ak and aids in the city's bustling trade of natural curatives. Zarash'ak's Guild of Herbalists is a certified healing guild of House Jorasco and Elara Moonbloom possesses the Mark of Healing.

Order of the Sylvan Circle

Nestled amidst the ancient trees of Zarash'ak, the Order of the Sylvan Circle stands as a bastion of druidic wisdom and reverence for nature. Led by the venerable High Druid Arannis Whisperleaf, they safeguard the balance between civilization and the wild forces of the swamp. Their deep-rooted connection to the Great Mossweaver Tree allows them to counsel the city's leaders, protect the delicate ecosystem, and ensure harmony prevails within the shadowy depths of Zarash'ak.

Bladesworn Brotherhood

Within the bustling streets and taverns of Zarash'ak, the Bladesworn Brotherhood carves its name as a renowned mercenary guild. Commanded by the skilled warrior Valeria Blackthorn, they lend their expertise to safeguarding the city, protecting caravans, and embarking on daring quests. With blades honed to lethal perfection, their loyalty to Zarash'ak and their reputation as formidable fighters make them a force to be reckoned with amidst the swamp's unforgiving embrace.

Order of the Azure Scepter

Mystical energy courses through the halls of Zarash'ak's Order of the Azure Scepter, where the gifted wielders of water and mist magic gather. Guided by the enigmatic Archmage Aurelius Stormrider, they explore the depths of arcane knowledge and harness the elemental forces. Their command over the watery realms brings enchantment to the city, aiding its progress, protecting its secrets, and ensuring the delicate balance between magic and mundane within Zarash'ak. Prismari College of Strixhaven University has a fair number of alumni that found their way to the Order of the Azure Scepter to enhance their elemental powers.

Population: 10,300 (40% half-orcs, 40% humans, 10% orcs, 5% gnomes, 5% other races)
Government: The Triumvirate: Amara Aashta, Riordan Torrn, Lucien Ibn Velderan
Defense: Marsh Wardens, various Marcher Clans, Swampstalkers, Bladesworn Brotherhood
Hallmarks: Swamp cuisine and music, Dragonshard expeditions, Marcher Clans

Persons of Interest

• Chieftess Amara Aashta (Female Half-orc)
• Chieftain Riordan Torrn (Male Half-orc)
• Chieftain Lucien Ibn Velderan (Male Human)
• Captain Adira Stormrider of the Marsh Wardens (Female Human)
• Swampstalker Sylas Shadowblade (Male Half-orc)
• Guildmaster Elara Moonbloom (Female Halfing)
• High Druid Arannis Whisperleaf (Male Orc)
• Bladesworn Valeria Blackthorn (Female Half-orc)
• Archmage Aurelius Stromrider (Male Human)

Founding Date

9831 AZI

Alternative Name(s)

The City of Stilts

Type

Capital

Owning Organization

Shadow Marches

Children of the Stars

Since a majority of the city belong to Marcher Clans, many of the Prime Deities are not widely worshiped, instead, most residents of Zarash'ak worship the stars. They believe that the Children of the Stars are ultimately the true gods of the world. These individuals are born under certain Star Signs and are believed to possess divine abilities. The minority that doesn't follow the Star Signs typically worship Avandra and Erathis. Strife between the Star Watchers and Prime Deitiy worshipers happens occasionally but typically these outbreaks happen on drunk nights in taverns and are handled quickly. 

Places of Interest

• The Great Mossweaver Tree: At the heart of the city, a massive, ancient tree grows, its branches spanning several blocks. The tree is home to the Order of the Sylvan Circle, a group of powerful druids who act as the city's advisors and guardians of its natural balance.
• Lathacham Hall: This grand building serves as the central governing body for Zarash'ak. The building acts as the meeting place for the Triumvirate and the House Tharashk headquarters.
• The Quicksilver Gardens: A serene oasis amidst the swamp's danger, the Quicksilver Gardens are a collection of lush gardens, fountains, and pavilions. It is a place of respite and beauty, providing solace to weary travelers and citizens seeking a peaceful escape.