Zabar-Ubilla
Government
Elective Monarchy. Grand Duchy. As per the terms of their induction into the Empire, the High King of Zabar-Ubilla may sit upon the Emperor’s council.
For Azer and Dwarf alike, every hold is a kingdom. Thus the Grand Duke of Zabar-Ubilla is a “High King”, though they answer to the Emperor in the East. The High King is elected by the Electors who rule the various fortresses and strongholds in the province. The High King must surrender their lands upon coronation and move to Ferrus to rule. They are awarded Deikthavn as a fief, while their old land passes to their heir.
Capital
Ferrus is the hub of The Smoking Mirror valley. It is a place where the sound of hammers and machines never stops and the air is always thick with smoke. The Azer, Warforged, and Genasi who live there don’t mind the core regions, but travelers usually stay near Clear Lake where at least the water gives some refreshment. Ferrus has some of the tallest steel buildings on the Marches which tower over its fortifications.
Demographics
The majority of Zabar-Ubilla’s population is Azer; with many Dwarves, Humans, Lizardfolk; and a few Gnolls, Warforged, and Genasi. Most Azer and Genasi live in The Smoking Mirror Valley or in the nearby volcanic mountains. Gnolls live only in the south, while humans and lizardfolk live in the north. Dwarves tend to live in the west of Zabar-Ubilla.
Culture
The clan structure of the Azer and Dwarves has bled over into most other races of Zabar-Ubilla. Clans are groups of loosely related people and adoptees who live in a particular region. Most small settlements will be made of a single clan with some outliers, and most holds are dominated by a single clan that makes up 20-60% of the population. Members of a clan are expected to strictly obey the clan leader making sacrifices for the clan as needed and placing the clan above outsiders. Many Azer clans break from this mold (hah) by considering the entire country to be their clan.
The people of Zabar-Ubilla value family, honor, truthfulness, and hard work above all else. Paying proper respect to authorities, and elders (even venerable outsiders) is paramount.
Citizens of Zabar-Ubila, especially the Dwarves and Azer, detest liars, cheaters, slavers, and thieves above all else. They are open about their tastes and not afraid to offend those who they disagree with. Tact is not the strong suit of most any folk of Zabar-Ubila, but their bluntness comes with dependability when they make a promise.
Religion
The northern regions of Zabar-Ubila generally worship the Ilkaden pantheon, especially Ayer, Kroytl, Memera, and Nelos although some are Nahuatl. The Azer tend to worship Kossuth with many small shrines devoted to cults of various beings from the Elemental Plane of Fire. The Dwarves of course hold Moradin in the highest honor. Gond is considered by some to be a usurper and his worship heresy against Moradin.
Locations of Interest
Tvenvili is a city in the valley of South West Zabar-Ubilla which guards the crossroads to Deepgate and Iruguard. It is heavily fortified but also grows a number of flowers highly prized in Deepwood for their alchemical properties.
Deikthavn, the Royal City, is a beautiful stronghold on the mountain peak in the middle of the Smoking Mirror Valley. It is full of wonderful vistas and waterfalls above and huge caverns full of magma below.
Halde Legar-Lan is an ancient Dwarf hold which for years was menaced by the monsters from the Deepwood. It is threatened to this day, nearly losing its inner citadel to a raid in 5512.
Shigsthavn is the richest hold in Zabar-Ubilla. Its Azer are manufactured from the rich adamantite ore found there and their inner flame is blue with their extreme heat. The strongest of materials are manufactured in Shigsthavn to be distributed among the surrounding Grand Duchies.