The People and Politics

Itorac is the oldest island in the Zei Lu nation. It was the first that was colonized by the ancients and is still inhabited by people who claim to be descended from the great ancestors. There are five outward islands off Itorac Island. Each of these islands is run by a head tribesman who is in charge of all things on his island. Their history is kept very secretive and private, most of their inner affairs kept by the elders who reveal nothing to outsiders.

 Each of these tribesmen obeys the main Chieftain who lives outside of Itore Bay. This Chieftain is descended from the very first king of the Zeiluians and his rule is absolute. Unlike the rest of the nation, which has been considered ‘united’ since before the third age, Itorac is sort of its own nation. Their Chieftain is given a seat in the Capitals palace and given the upmost respect by the Royal family, even though most of the nation regards Itorac as a ‘savage’ and ‘untamed’ land.

Most of the other islands look down their noses at Itorac because of their hostile nature and dislike for outsiders. This is all due to the fact that none of the other islands have a very steady supply of fresh water but Itorac does. Itorians are infamously known for their stiff trade deals and stubbornness when it comes to bargaining. 

In addition to this Itorians are amazing craftsman and artists. Their techniques and styles are unmatched by anyone and are closely guarded secrets. Others in the nation think that they charge too much for their art so on top of being seen as greedy they are also falsely accused of being con artists.

Beliefs and Religion

Itorians primarily worship the 'Old gods' from myth and legend and disregard most of the children of their nations deities.
Tlaltec is whom they celebrate and worship the most is considered the life bringer to the people since he is the land they live on. His wife, Chalchi is equally as important since their plentiful water source is seen as a direct blessing from her. Both these deities are common household gods who often have small shrines in honor of them around villages and 'holy grounds'.

Ironically enough, the Itorians do NOT worship Bakuzal, the god considered the creator of Dracs. They simply believe the great dragons are sons and daughters of Tlaltec and, as such, should he strictly protected.

Current affairs

The mining operations conducted on Atakutac are seen as a travesty and unacceptable. Desecrating Tlaltec in such a manner is seen as horrific and a challenge to the great earth gods power. The clashing of these old and new belief systems have led to serious tensions between the two islands. So much so that Itore have flat out refuses to trade with Atakutac.

Tensions between Itore and the Royal Family have also been flaring now that contact as been made with another world through The Rift. Itorians have warned that these strangers should not be allowed through and all trading with them should stop at once. However the most of the other islands argue that this is just a ploy to keep the value of Itorian water high. The Other World has plenty of water that they are willing to trade and the surplus has lead to a rapid mining expansion.

These Other Worlders are also interested in their Dracs concerns the Itorians greatly. Their great dragons were a gift by the gods and to send them away to strangers is a crime almost as worse as mining the earth.

In fact, Itorians often give sacrifices to the wild Drac herds that roam around their islands. they keep the beasts fed and away from their domesticated stock which is a plus since harming them is against their laws. The beasts are seen as sacred and rarely tamed. The Tribesman and Chieftains are the only people who consistently own Dracs and citizens are only allowed to do so with special permission.  

The People and Politics

Kerakintec is the second oldest island chain in the Zei Lu nation. The first of its islands to be inhabited was Yax Kahlay which is the eastern most island in the chain. Roughly translated from the ancient language it means First Memory. Not surprisingly, it was inhabited by the brave explorers whom had left Itorac several millennia ago. Despite their best efforst, this small island was not suitable for long term living. With few trees and barely any soil the first Kerakians soon moved on through the chain before landing on the ‘main island’.

Very lush and blessed with plentiful water most of the early Kerakians remained here and grew. A capital city was soon established, named Kerkin, on the western point of the island. It later served as a launching point for further exploration to all the remaining Zei Lu islands. This port would grow drastically over the centuries and would soon be home to the Royal Family.

Early Kerakians stayed true to their Itroac beliefs and did little alteration to their new island. However several generations after their separation from Itorac the structure of their political system changed. Too far away from the wisdom and rule of their Chieftain, the early Kerakians decided to have a single ruler to watch and govern over them. Their first king was elected but have since turned to following blood descendents from this very first ruler.

It became custom for only the male heirs to rule over the new isles (Which harkened back to the male tribesman in Itore) but this soon changed. The last king of the second age passed away unexpectedly from illness and left only an infant son behind to carry on his name. Obviously a child could not rule and so his Queen was permitted to take his place until his son came of age. The Queen and her eldest daughter ruled for a peaceful 18 years and when his son came of age he turned the monarchy on its head by running away. He was never seen again but the old stories say that he landed on one of the Korayo Islands and started a life of his own.

Without a male heir to the take the throne, Kerakintec fell in chaos. The empire was almost lost as civil wars broke out amongst the islands over who should be given a chance to rule. Finally, the fighting stopped when the eldest daughter took the throne for herself. Her rule would not have been accepted had it not been for one thing; the taming of a wild Drac.

Up until this point Dracs were untamable and seen as monsters just like lions or wolves were in the early days of man. So when the new Queen made her first public appearance riding a top a Drac her subjects felt it was a sign from the gods that she was meant to rule.

The crowning of Queen Itzel marked the beginning of the third age of Zeilian history and since that time only Queens have held the crown.  It also sparked the beginning of Drac taming across the entire nation.

Beliefs and Religion

Kerakians still hold to their Itorian roots that but are not as ‘archaic’ as their ancestors. They see nothing wrong with using the gifts that Tlaltec provides given you do not abuse his offerings. Anything that is used is replenished immediately and if an individual can not do so on their own, their neighbors will do it for them. Unlike their Itorian neighbors however, most Kerakians worship the entire pantheon of gods and goddesses. Particular focus is placed on Xiuhtec, the fire and summer god, and his sister Chalchi. Additionally, festivals are often held several times a year for each god or goddess and particularity the daughters of Xiutec.

Mezltilona is also held in a very high regard, especially by the Royal Family. Since the beginning of female rulers in the beginning of the 3rd age most of the female deities grew in popularity. Mezltilona was no exception! Considered the mother of all the gods she is the primary deity worshiped the ruling Royal line.

Finally, Bakuzal is also seen as a very important god. The creator of Drac's, his forgiveness is continuously desired by the people who hope to one day erase the massive bloodshed left behind by their ancestors. 

Kerakians have a strong sense of family and community which earns them the label of being some the friendliest Zeiluians. They don’t hesitate to open their doors to help a stranger in need and are very generous people. They have a very upbeat attitude about everything which most attribute to the beauty in which they live in constantly. They are peace lovers and detest violence of any kind. 

Kerakintec society however is one of the most unique among the islands. Women are held much higher in respect than men which many attribute to the last 400 years of female leadership over the island. Polyandry is a very common practice on the islands and is even practiced by the Queen. This is something that highly offends their Itorian neighbors but is tolerated for the sake of peace.

Current affairs

Kerakintec today is a prosperous nation of beauty and peace. Many of its people in the west have become ambitious and intellectual as Atakutac spews out new technological advances. The people here love to learn, study, and research new things so they can become more knowledgeable about their world. This thirst for knowledge is only the second focus of the Kerakians. Their main business, that keeps the citizens fairly wealthy, is tourism. The shimmering, golden beaches to the east and west are HUGE attractions to everyone in the nation. The shores are dotted with tons of family run resorts and get-away’s. None of these establishments are particularly large since the islanders don’t want to industrialize to the level that Atakutac has reached.

When it comes to the ‘Other Worlders’ the Kerakians don’t see them as a threat. If anything they want to share the beauty of their world with these strangers and learn about the lands they hail from. However this opinion has became tainted thanks to a group of Earth explorers. They were given one rule: to stay away from the Forbidden Zone. This order was given to them directly by the Queen herself but disobeyed. These explorers were caught quickly and sent back through the rift with just the clothes on their backs. Since then the Royal family has banned earth visitors from passing through the Rift.

However when new, strange Drac's arrived on Kerakin shores with no possible origin other than the FZ, Queen Nani had little choice. With growing rumors of monsters and other anomolies growing strong in the FZ, she has allowed Earth Explorers once more through the Rift. Visitors must register with the Royal Family and are put through a strict screening process but so far, this new wave of exploration has proven successful. 

The People and Politics

The Korayo Chain are the second youngest island chain in the Zei Lu nation. These islands are very small and scattered about the sea between Atakutac and Kerakintec. Sometimes called the Orange Islands, these specks of rock are home to small families who primarily fish and specialize in crafting. Though most of the islands are uninhabited due to their small size and limited water, they are not devoid of life! Very family oriented Drac herds are a common sight on these deserted islands and are a popular sight seeing stop. The largest populations of Yoans live on the northern most islands and around Korayo Sound. It's here where the largest of the chains mines are located. However being that they are family owned most of the metals and wealth pulled from these mines are used in art and sculpture which is bought up by the Royal Family.

The artists who live in on these islands rival those found in Itore and are considered better by some due to their mastery over metal and jewel work. All jewelry worn and owned by the Royals is bought from these local artists who, while wealthy, still live very humble, simple lives.

The people who live on these islands have strong relationships with their tamed Dracs which are few in number and smaller in size. Native born Orange Island Dracs are rare and most of the stock owned by the people is actually imported over from either Atakutac or Kerakintec. Because of the limited land and resources Dracs are never imported unless they will have a job. Many even work in the kilns with their metal masters to create beautiful works of art.

Most Yoans are descended from the first explorers to leave Kerakintec. Some even claim to be descended from the last male heir from the second age, who legend says ran away to one of the southern most islands. However, unlike their ancestors these people relate more closely to those in Itore than any other chain. They are very close to nature and don’t like the excessive progress being made in Atakutac. However, ironically, Yoans strongly dislike the Itorians. They despise how closed off and hostile they are towards the rest of the nation and think they need to ‘get with the times’ when it comes to some of their more archaic beliefs.

Because the Orange Islands are so spread out and small, they are not considered an independent nation but rather just a providence of Kerakintec. They obey the law of the Queen but most islands do have someone who runs the day to day show. When large problems do erupt (which is seldom) they differ to the Queens judgment. 

Beliefs and Religion

Yoans, the natives of the Orange Islands, are quiet and slightly reclusive people. While they are still hospitable like the Kerakians their small communities are pretty tightly knit and are cautious of outsiders. Because they live on such a small island chain, it's no surprise that their main deities of worship consist of Chalchi, Tawchaloc and Tlaltec. Because so many of the people there fish to help supplement their income (and food) Tawchaloc is particularly important to them. Bringer of the maelstrom and thunder, her wrath is NOT something you ever want upon you.

 Shrines to her are often placed on outcroppings of rock out at sea in hopes of pleasing her.

Current affairs

While initially on great terms with Atakutac, attitudes have started to sour towards the large island community. With the market growing and companies expanding, many have started to try and buy up the smaller, family run mines. When large sums of gold and the promise of prestige don't sway these small families, these companies have been known to send assailants to try and scare Yoans into selling their mines. 

Furthermore, pollution from the large mining operations in Ataku has started to flow over to the Orange Islands which has lead to outrage and illness. The issue has been brought before the Royal Family who are working on this problem but it has left a bad taste in the mouths of the Yoans who feel progress isn't being made fast enough.

When the ‘Off worlders’ first arrived, they actually landed on one of the uninhabited Orange Islands. Yoans were the first to contact them so, naturally, they find these strange pale people to be interesting. Once they determined that they posed no threat, they took them before the Queen who welcomed them. But like the rest of the nation, they were disappointed by the explorers who broke their beloved Queens rule about the Forbidden Zone. Unliked Queen Nani, they are less quick to forgive and fear that now that she has allowed these strangers to come full force, the gods will seek revenge.

The People, Politics and History

Atakutac the youngest island chain in the Zei Lu nation but is the most modern when you consider its people, technologies and social practices. There are two islands that make up this chain: the largest is heavily populated while the northern most is completely untouched and considered a ‘wildlife’ reserve. The last of the Zei lu nation to be inhabited, it was discovered 50 years after the beginning of the 3rd age. Explorers came from Keraknitec during its expansion phase in the hopes of finding something worth settling.

This odd land was very fertile yet lacked any significant tree growth. While the island was, and still is, densely covered in ferns and grasses other types of natural vegetation continues to be rare. Palms are scarce and other trees are even harder to find which makes lumber built structures rare and even luxurious. 

It didn't take long for the colonists on Atakutac to discover how rich the land was with gold, silver, bronze, platinum and many more metals. Precious gems were equally as abundant on the island and found practically pouring out of dead volcanic tubes. Stunned by the overwhelming wealth that the earth was providing colonists set to work mining these riches from the soil. 

Mining was very minimal at first since the technology of the age was limited. However as more and more wealth was pulled from the earth the richer the citizens of Atakutac grew as did their greed. The people began to think that the wealth of their new island was limitless and so began inventing greater technologies to mine more and more from the earth.

Atakutans are the most ‘modern’ of the Zeiluian people when it comes to literally everything. Always looking for the next newest thing the capital, Ataku has become almost like a metropolis. While buildings are no taller than 4 stories the city itself is completely paved with polished volcanic stone. There are early morning markets, bustling residential sections and even a growing business district. The technology used by the people on this island most closely resembles that seen in the early days of the industrial revolution. Mechanical devices are rampant but easily broken and prone to error. Many of their works and inventions resemble a steam punk type of appearance.

Island geography

As one can see from the above map Atakutac plays host to three large volcanoes. Each of these are still active though the northern two are the biggest trouble makers. Between them lays a dark, dense ashen plain devoid of mostly anything else but volcanic soil. Ferns grown rampant here but there are not trees and no other vegetation to speak of. It's in this plain that many of Atakutac's mining operations call home. To the west they use the deep bays to export their uncovered riches. This bay is tends to suffer from heavy pollution which isn't surprising when you consider its used as a disposal by the company's. Since its so remote most outsiders don't know about this practice and it's easily one of the islands biggest secrets. 

The rest of the island alternates between grassland and the occasional palm forest though it's never anything to brag about.  Everything is downhill from the volcanoes which leave steep grades and exposed cliff spotted here and there around the island. While the first settlers struggled with the terrain, it provides marvelous perches for more modern builders to build homes on stilts.

Beliefs and Religion

Most Atakutans have forgone their ancestors old ways and see many of the myths and stories as metaphors. While they still hold many aspects of nature in a sacred light they see nothing wrong with mining the earth bare, for obvious reasons. They believe that the ancient gods made the earth for them to use and so long as they worship the gods themselves, there is nothing wrong with mining the earth clean. 

Atakutans worship Xiuhtec and Cizinchti the most out the pantheon and each for their own reasons.

Xiuhtec, Lord of the Volcano's must always be appeased else he could easily destroy them all. It's logical and pretty straight forward. Statues of him are commonplace around the island, often made of gold and decorated in rare gems. When gold can not be used Obsidian is used to try and earn his favor and praise.

Worship of Cizinchti on the other hand is a newer fade that has been gaining speed. For some reason, most Atakutans are obsessed with the idea of death. They worry about it almost as much as they do their fiances. Festivals in this death gods honor are often put on when someone dies or falls deathly ill.

Current affairs

While the Atakutans like to think of themselves as an independent nation most know they lack the influence and support to become one. While most citizens regard the Queen fondly not everyone believes she is fit to rule over them. Many are beginning to question her choice  to open to the off worlders. Others hold resentment in their hearts for her 'unjust tax' she has begun to levee against not only the mining companies but the average citizen as well. Many of the "old timers" still believe she has the ability to speak to the gods and continue to be her most outspoken supporters. 

The general opinion on the ‘Other Worlders’ can be a bit of a mixed subject. While some Atakutans find them interesting others find them to be ‘devils’ who shouldn't be allowed to even gaze upon their city. This more negative light comes purely from the breaking of The Queens law about the Forbidden Zone and rumor that these strangers hunger for Atakutan gold. Before this, all Atakutans saw these new people as potential customers and a great business venture. Since the breaking of law the general population has been divided on their opinions though they are unanimous in the ban that forbids them from stepping foot on their island.