Basted (Humans)

Basted is a collection of city-state islands in the center of the Basted Sea. This sea is the calmer region before one meets either the Jasmine Sea or the Sea of Dragons and as such, is a profitable hub of travel.

The Zatheri are the dominant kingdom within the Basted, forming the largest fleet and thus possessing the most influence over their lesser neighbors. Though once merely mercantile in their endeavors, they are seen either as great protectors or merciless pirates depending on who is asked. Volantris and Basted have for centuries maintained hostile relations, though they did once join forces during the Dread Tumult.

Origins
Zatheri were once possessed of the smallest island in Basted, with little in the way of profitable wares. However, as legend holds it a beautiful princess convinced the King of the Sea to favor her small island, and with the promise of her lover she was given a ship with which she robbed his prized fleet and sailed away to raise an army. Upon her return, she brought with her the secrets of the east and effectively forced the King of the Sea to surrender much of his control to the Zatheri.

This “army” is considered likely a combination of conscripts and slaves, accounting for the very mixed heritage of the Zatheri. They are a swarthy people, considered untrustworthy by some or duty bound by others…. Depending on which side of the coin a person is.

Organization
Basted is broken into a confederation of city-states, each contained within its boundaries upon their given islands. Sea lanes are traditionally maintained by the proximate island nearest it, with disputes being resolved by the King of the Sea. However, following Princess Zahan’s action, the title “Sealord” replaced “King of the Sea” and at present, it is held within the hands of the Zatheri and has been for… centuries.

The Zatheri are broken largely into two sects: those that see piracy as a natural way of life and those that understand order leads to a greater system of profit. The latter are those that currently lead Basted, known as the il-Zather. Conversely, those that seek to live as pirates are known as the Zoth-al. This distinction is far from a fleeting one, as deaths have resulted on both sides.

Regardless, the Sealord is the head of the region. Because so many languages are spoken within the realm, a standard trade language known as “Cant,” is spoken. It holds elements of Syn, Nirvan, and various local dialects, making it exotic and artful for those wishing to add flare to their conversation.

Military
Zatheri hand down their fleets generationally, though any freeman is allowed to purchase his first ship. The larger a fleet and the more fleets aligned with the person, the greater their prestige. Isana il-Zather, Sealord, presently maintains the largest fleet though it is largely used to defend against varying corsairs and also provide reason for neither Volantris nor Nirva to believe an absence of power is present for them to fill.

Religion
All Zatheri revere Imza, the goddess of fortune and lust. Because of this, a stereotype of hopeless romantics and meaningless trysts follow the Zatheri where they go.

Zoth-al favor Nepi, God of Theft, while il-Zather favor Diam, God of Profit.

Similar to Zubians they also have a high esteem for the water pantheon.

Historical Significance
Zatheri have been the intermediaries for many parts of Terovin since they first learned to sail. Although never approaching the titanic might of their neighbors, their quick talking and clever mannerisms have seen them hold onto a very valuable post in the sea.

During the Dread Tumult, they joined forces with Volantris and sank a convoy from Dowei’i, severely crippling the available forces that the Tumult had to call upon. They were forced into retreat when the Djinn of Storms, Altaris, attacked their coalition but the Zatheri were able to guide the Volanti to safety. As a result, the have an almost teasing tendency to remind the law minded Volanti that it was they that saved them in their hour of need… and themselves, of course.