Zothay is a small walled city on the coasts of Damkina Bay, part of the vast Winedark Sea.
The lands about are varied: to the north and northeast lie desolate wastelands with a few
small rivers winding their ways through deep canyons. Only hardy weeds and stunted trees grow
here, although a few Altanian herdsmen also try to make a living. To the
immediate northwest lie the Arthiop Mud Flats, serving as a natural barrier from would be
conquerors. Alas, this is a mixed blessing: the man-eating lizardmen pose a threat to
travellers venturing beyond the town gates. Muddy hills hide unknown peril… demons and
perhaps other things. Five hundred years ago, it is said that an eldritch glow was seen in
the skies, and a gleaming tower appeared on the slopes of a muddy hill. Whether this was mere
hallucination is possible, for the tower was never seen again in its entirety – although some
still claim its silvery spire is visible from afar.
Zothay’s agricultural produce comes from the peninsula to the southeast. In stark contrast to
the untamed wilderlands, this hilly area is dotted with small manor houses (inhabited by
extended farmer families – these are all fortified, since orc or lizardman raids are never an
impossibility). The soldiers of Zothay and the clerics living in the Temple of the Lady of
Wisdom (a monastery dedicated to
Athena) do well to protect this pastoral land. Olives, heavy
grains, fruit trees and grapes are all found in abundance.
Finally, to the south lay the endless seas. Zothay’s fishing boats provide food and lamp oil
for the town’s inhabitants, while its single galley, Zothay’s Sword, watches for pirates and
raiders (mostly independent Skandiks).