Zanzibaar
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The isle of Zanzibaar is a wealthy tropical nation situated between the Lemnian Sea and the Notic Ocean.
History
In ancient times, the island kingdom of Zanzibaar was quite famous to Sapient and seafarer alike. The neighbouring city-state of Shallam maintained amicable trade relations, purchasing vast quantities of spices and other goods from the exotic land, and for this Shallam named its market district "Zanzibaar Street." Throughout the Modern Age, however, Zanzibaar's exotic wares were not enough to keep it from obscurity among the land-bound populace of Sapience.
With the introduction of the first adventuring ships, horizons began to broaden again. On Miraman 22, 461 AF, the maiden voyages of the first five production-model Thalassian seastriders set out from the port of Tasur'ke. The Queen Himalia and crew sighted land the following afternoon, coming into port and reestablishing Baarian relations with the peoples of Sapience once more.
Geography
Zanzibaar sits between Lemnian and Notic waters: east of New Hope, south of the Ulangi Isles, and southeast of Shallam. The isle is dominated by dense, low-lying jungle thickets that push right up to the main walls of the city, interspersed with the occasional spice plantation, and the shadowy growth provides a refuge for such elusive creatures as the Baarian tiger. White beaches and sand bars crop up in the narrow channels between the kingdom's islets. In the waters to the southeast, the Phocian Reaches ensure a near-constant tritonic presence.
Culture
Owing largely to its place as a nexus of commerce from nations the world over, the kingdom of Zanzibaar enjoys a comfortable level of wealth and luxury. The large mercantile population has allowed for a sizeable middle class to develop, and the spices produced in its local plantations are prized so that even the agricultural sector does not want for gold. This exposure to all manner of cultures has nurtured a fairly cosmopolitan way of life. Central to the city is the palace of Zanzibaar, wherein foreign diplomats await audiences with the king amidst the intrigues of the royal court.
Such urban niceties are eschewed by the more traditional peoples of the outer Baarian islets, a small, loosely scattered community of shamanists and dhow-makers that has maintained its spiritual roots. While they follow the advice and guidance of their witchdoctor, believed to be a usurper by King Djulsan, the islanders nonetheless swear fealty to the Baarian king.
As with any city of substantial mercantile presence - and certainly given its spot on the Lemnian Sea - Zanzibaar is not without its fair share of crime. Thieves and pickpockets are common, though the royal guard commonly enlists help in prosecuting such lesser criminals. A subtler, more organised threat manifests itself in the sizeable smuggling ring that exports large quantities of merchandise beneath the tariffs of the Baarian port authority.
Inhabitants
- Abelsa
- Aitroyo, the harbourmaster
- Akhadd, a visiting noble
- Alsimhinda, Queen of Zanzibaar
- Ardiama
- Bansilia, the henna tattooist
- Djulsan, King of Zanzibaar
- Fimsirun, a foreign prince
- Havden, a cheerful old man
- Lordan Colse
- Lyhana, a sweet little girl
- Makran, an island trader
- Oldion
- Paedri
- Prince Sindharkan
- Princess Qitala
- Rafon
- Rokhoso, chef of the Hoalanatha
- Semmor, the dhow-maker
- Silana, Siren of the Hoalanatha
- Tiamenjiara, the court conjuror
- Toqot
- Vadoor
- Yabbahar, the apothecary
- Yuskah, the witchdoctor