Zangvebar

## Societal information

### Official Language

Sauti ( Zangvebarian Common Tongue ) but there are, just like in Ofir, many languages and dialects

### Demonym

Zangvebarian
Zangwebari
Zanguebarian

**Zangvebar**, also spelled **Zangwebar** or **Zanguebar**, is a country found beyond the seas, right next to Ofir and south of the Nilfgaardian Empire.

## History

### Zangvebarian Support to the Apumayu in Socialist Revolutions Against Oppressive Rule ( 12th century )

In the 12th century, the Apumayu city states were in the midst of socialist revolutions against the tyranny of the antherion-worshipping priests and puppet rulers. While these revolutions were empowering for the society, they were not without unnecessary bloodshed and cruelties. As a result, the Ofieri and Hannuan fleets initially blockaded the Apumayu delta, seeking to punish the Apumayu for the problems in trade. However, the Zangvebari sided with the Apumayu, seeing the similarities with their own fate during the Aen Nílfe occupation. Despite this, they disapproved of the new "dwarf-like" socialist economics of the Basin.

## Geography

Zangvebar is located off the southern edge of the Continent, although some Nordling scholars, such as Markus Hohlenberg, believe it may be part of the same landmass connected by an isthmus of deserts and savannas. The landscape of Zangvebar varies from wastelands to dense forests with mimosa trees. The wastelands, are typically found in the frontier regions adjacent to Ofir, while the thick forests are more prevalent in the central and southern parts of the country.

### Climate

Zangvebar's tropical weather is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall, which creates a humid and often oppressive environment. The rainy season typically lasts from May to October, with occasional storms and heavy downpours that can cause flooding in some areas. During the dry season from November to April, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with little to no rain. However, this time of year can also bring intense heat waves that make outdoor activities difficult.

Despite the challenges presented by Zangvebar's weather, it also has some benefits. The tropical climate allows for a diverse range of plant and animal life to thrive, and the regular rainfall helps sustain agriculture and farming. The abundance of water sources, such as rivers and streams, also provides opportunities for fishing and other aquatic activities. Overall, while the weather in Zangvebar can be intense, it also plays an important role in shaping the region's ecosystems and way of life.

### Flora, fauna and ecology

The tropical weather of Zangvebar supports a diverse range of wildlife, with some of the most iconic animals being the striped horses known as zebras and carrion-eating hyenas. The thick forests of Zangvebar are home to several large felines, including lions that are a much larger variant than the extinct lions of Cintra. In addition to lions, other felines such as tigers, jaguars, and leopards can also be found in Zangvebar. The southern border of Zangvebar and the Apumayu Basin is particularly known for its jaguar population. The blue tiger, which is a rare type of tiger with highly coveted skin, is also found in Zangvebar. The skin of the blue tiger is often sold at high prices to nobles from different parts of the world as a symbol of their wealth and power. Lastly, the forested wastelands of Zangvebar are known to be inhabited by the cynocephali, adding to the already diverse and exotic wildlife of this tropical land.

Horses are also present, both in the wild and domesticated, although they are found more commonly in the north of the country, on its border with Ofir. Zorses are also common, originally a rarity due to the infertility of hybrids. This was remedied by local mages, and they are now used for transporting goods due to their strength and endurance, despite their smaller size. There are wild zorses, but they are rare. Most zorses are domestic, although they are very difficult to handle. According to Zangvebarian legends, it is said that a zorse needs a special connection with its owner to be ridden.

## Language

The Zangvebar language, known as Sauti ya watu (the voice of the people) or Sauti/Zangvebri for short, is a topic of some debate among wise ones. Like the language of bureaucracy in the North and Nilfgaard, the one used by the Ancient Empire of Magne, its origin is lost to time, and the version the Zangvebari speak is a evolved version of what it originally was. Some words have been shortened, some have fused, some words have been eliminated from use altogether and certain words of other languages (like Paladin) have been adapted without alteration.\*

In addition to the Sauti language, there are also various dialects spoken throughout the Zangvebar region. These dialects and languages differ in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar, and can sometimes be difficult for speakers of other dialects or languages to understand. There are also several minor languages spoken by specific ethnic groups within the region, although these groups are often small and not officially recognized or counted. Additionally, pidgins and creole languages have emerged as a result of trade interactions with other nations. One of the most widely used of this creole languages is the one that has developed between Sauti and Nilfgaardian.

The most widely spoken dialects include those spoken in the coastal areas, the highlands, and the border regions. These dialects have developed their own unique characteristics and may incorporate words from foreign languages like the aforementioned Nilfgaardian and also Nordling, and even Okamese. The use of foreign words and phrases is particularly prevalent in coastal dialects due to the region's history of trade.

Despite these differences, most Zangvebari are able to understand and communicate with each other, as the Sauti serves as a common language used in government, education, and national commerce.

## Demographics

The Zangvebari are primarily a trade nation. They are often seen in Nordling ports engaged in commerce. They sell various products including mimosa bark or even the enslaved cynocephali. The cynocephali are also often engraved on Zangvebarian clocks and compasses.

Some Nilfgaardians tend to see Zangvebarians as barbarians, no different than Zerrikanians or Nordlings. For example, Ardal aep Dahy mockingly suggested that if the Emperor couldn't find Ciri, he may as well present an empress of Zerrikanian or Zangvebarian origin.

### Ethnic groups

The people of Zangvebar speak of themselves as the **Watu**, which literally translates as people. The two primary groups are the Mzururaji (the wanderers) and the Wenyeji (the dwellers) with the Mabaharia a smaller third part of their society, being seafarers and corsairs living around the Isles of Aldabara. Those who are not from Zangvebar are named **Mgeni**, outsiders. Those that broke the law, act against the Watu, help the Mgeni against the Watu or otherwise do an unspeakable act are known as Kufukuzwa, the banished. Their names are removed from history, forbidden to be mentioned ever again. Some more notable criminals are known by a title instead, such as 'the pockmarked mockerer' or 'the mizzan kinslayer'.\*

#### Wenyeji

The dwellers are the Zangvebar most travelers interact with most, they run the cities and towns at the coasts and strategic positions like river deltas. Made up of smaller tribes, the dwellers do not necessarily share a strong bond like the Mzuruaji do. They see themselves as Watu first, then as those that do not wander second.\*

#### Mzuruaji

The wanderers were originally a tribe called the Amevaa'Nyekundu, who were nomadic ever since they can remember. They arrived from elsewhere after the Wenyeji had already settled their costal towns, trading in mimosa bark and wares gained from the sea. For reasons only known to the Nyekundu themselves they abandoned their former home and fled to Zangvebar, where they were begrudingly accepted. They move through the interior of the land and are the primary source of animals exports, such as the cynocephali. While they never truly abandoned their own tribal name in time other people mixed with them and joined them their nomadic ways, which is why they are labeled as the wanderers instead.\*

#### Mabaharia

The Mabaharia (the seapeople) are the most gifted when it comes to seafaring, building boats and being traders. Most Zangvebari have little interest in leaving, the Mzuruaji and Wenyeji holding deep love for their home, the Mabaharia holding a love for the world beyond as well. While not one singular tribe they all share a deep love for the sea and teach swimming to their young, which is not a tradition elsewhere. They are the least numerous, but the most met by travelers.\*

The rulers of Zangvebar, the Aksum dynasty, as members of the seapeople, recognize the strategic value of these skills and the potential benefits that come with them. As such, while they themselves may not frequently leave the country, they have no hesitation in sending their family members, including cousins, second cousins, illegitimate children, and other extended relatives, to engage in important events, such as business deals, marriages, and diplomatic negotiations. However, the dynasty is cautious in its selection of who to send, as they are aware of the potential risks involved in such ventures, such as hostage situations or political leverage. As a result, they take great care in ensuring the safety of those they send on these missions, thereby protecting their reputation and maintaining their diplomatic relationships.

Notable examples include Danek, a third cousin of the Zangvebarian Royal Family, who was naturalized as a Cintran and served as a knight during Calanthe's reign, leading to Cintra gaining a monopoly on lion skins for a time. Another example is Hagos Girma Zewedu, a second cousin, who was naturalized as a Kaedweni and was better known to the Nordlings as Reidrich due to the difficulty of pronouncing his original name. He became a mage and ended up joining the School of the Wolf.

#### Other people

Descendants of Zangvebarian emigrants are usually called Wazao, which literally means descendant. Descendants born in the north from mixed families in coastal kingdoms, such as Cidaris, are called Wazao wa Kaskazini meaning that, "descendants of the north". Third generation descendants from this families are called Wana wa baridi or "sons of the cold". In the case of mixed descendants with Nilfgaardians, even that of third generation onwards, are called Watoto wa Dola or "children of the empire".

In the case of mixed descendants with Apumayu Basin people these are called Wana wa misitu or "sons of the forests". For mixed families between Southern Ofieris and Zangvebarians and their descendants, these are called by a translation of the name of the ethnic group to which they belong in Ofir, Wanaume wa baharini or "the sea men" which refers to how their descendants are known in Ofir, the Sea Ofieris, who make up 20% of the total population of their neighboring country, especially in the southern frontier areas. A notorious example, is Hamal ogn Dangbahli, whose father was a zangvebarian merchant belonging to the Mabaharia. In rare cases, there are mixed Hannuan - Zangvebarian families, but if there are any, they are called Wale wa mchanga or roughly translated as "the sandy ones".

### Non - humans

Tolerance to elves or half-elves is nil in Zangvebar. All this due to the colonial slavery past with the Aen Nílfe. Although there are no elves in the country, they are known and always referred to in a bad way. Especially by those sectors more akin to the Paladins of the Zang and other similar groups. As in other places, such as the Okami Islands, witchers are more tolerated than in other parts of the world. Not to the point of idolatry, but to the point of respect and equal treatment.

The closest thing there is to gnomes and goblins are the elokos, a distant relative of both types of non-humans. They are rumored to be a mixture of both races. A possible distant relative of the doppler of the Northern Kingdoms also exists in the country, they are known as popobawa. On the border with Apumayu Basin, several colonies of dwarves exists, this are believed to be descended from the first dwarves that arrived in the world. These dwarves are known as the Hili, they speak a Creole language of Sauti and Dwarvish and have a different approach to mining than their northern relatives. They prefer to work in open-pit mines, which, once fully exploited, are transformed into artificial lakes. This unique method plus the enviroment and climate of Zangvebar gives them a more swarthy appearance compared to their Mahakam counterparts.

## Currency

The currency of Zangvebar is the zangvebi shilling (also written as *shilingi).\**

## Political structure

Zangvebar's political structure centers around the negus, who holds the highest position of power in the kingdom. The negus is responsible for making crucial decisions that affect the entire kingdom, such as matters of diplomacy, taxation, and military affairs. Below the negus are several barnegus, who serve as provincial rulers and are responsible for managing their respective regions.

In the event that the negus is not present for any reason, the barnegus would answer to one of three individuals: the leul (equivalent to the title of prince), the lelt (equivalent to the title of princess), or the oneba (equivalent to a valido in kingdoms such as Rivia & Lyria). These individuals serve as secondary authorities and are responsible for overseeing the kingdom in the absence of the negus.

The barnegus act as delegates of the negus and have a degree of autonomy in their governance. They are tasked with ensuring the welfare of their province and reporting to the negus on any significant developments or issues that may arise. However, they must also abide by the laws and regulations set forth by the negus.

The councils of advisers and court officials play a crucial role in Zangvebar's political structure. They are responsible for providing counsel to the negus on matters of governance, law, and culture. These councils are made up of aristocrats and various high-ranking officials, including ministers, generals, judges, and scholars, who are appointed by the negus. The council members are chosen based on their expertise, experience, and loyalty to the kingdom. One of the most important councils in Zangvebar is the Baraza la Mawaziri. This council advises the negus on matters of policy and governance and it is composed of one representative from each province of the country.

The court officials are responsible for overseeing the administration of justice in Zangvebar. They include judges, lawyers, and court clerks who preside over trials and hearings. The court officials ensure that justice is served fairly and impartially, and that the laws of the kingdom are upheld. They also play a crucial role in resolving disputes between individuals, businesses, and local governments.

In addition to the councils of advisers and court officials, there are various administrative officials who carry out the day-to-day operations of the government. These officials include tax collectors, local magistrates, and census takers, who are responsible for collecting taxes, enforcing the law, and conducting censuses to determine the population of the kingdom. They ensure that the kingdom runs smoothly and efficiently, and that the needs of the people are met.

## Notable locations

* Corsair´s crest
* Isles of Aldabara
* Strandhaven
* Gulf of Megora
* Broken Mast isle
* Platé's production areas

## Notable cities

* Zagwe ( capital )
* Narabi
* Mizzan
* Tambara

## Notable people

* Danek ( naturalized Cintran )
* Desta
* Feleke of Zangvebar
* Ther Lukokian
* Tinsae
* Makeda
* Surafel Sugo
* School of the Lion Witchers
* Paladins of the Zang
* Xirdnedh
* Xirdnedh Jr
* Zuri
* *TBA*

## Known monsters

#### Draconids

* Karoo
* Muhuru
* N'yamala
* Obsidian Dragon
* Pumina
* Zangvebarian Arabhar ( in the frontier near Ofir )
* Zangvebarian Dragon

#### Insectoids

* J'ba Fofi
* Ottoia

#### Relics

* Nguma-monene
* Too
* Kasai Rex
* Kongamato
* Kilopilopitsofy

#### Unknown classification

* Nunda
* Orobon
* Okapi
* Zantegeba

#### Vampires

* Fangalobolo
* Obayifo

## Exports

One of their main exports are Platé, a wine made from bananas, and coffee. Both products are very popular around the world. Although not available to all, due to transportation costs, being especially luxury products in the Northern Kingdoms. Available mainly in cities such as Cidaris, Kerack and Novigrad. *TBA*

## Trivia

* Some locations of Zangvebar are based in this Fan - made Expanded Map of The Continent while other are from the NeverWitcher Project, especially passages marked with \*.
* Surafel Sugo is basically the kid from the beggining of Nightmare of the Wolf but better adapted.
	+ Desta, Tinsae and Zuri are basically the unnamed Sugo´s sisters.

## Gallery

Zangvebarian Merchant with Melukkan clothes and jewelry ( art by Midjourney V5 )Coastal city during sunset ( by Midjourney V5 )Portrait of Makeda, princess of Zangvebar during the late 13th century ( art by Midjourney V5, edition by Witcher190 )Zangvebarian Red Kiwis ( by Midjourney V5 )Zangvebarian Red Bananas ( by Midjourney V5 )Zangvebarian Commercial Dhow ( art by Gordon Frickers )*TBA*

## Notes

* Article free to edit as long as you respect the lore posted.
* Regarding Zangvebar's inspiration, it is clear : Zanzibar, Ethiopian Empire, Aksum, Mali Empire, Palmyrene Empire and Gao Empire mostly.
* Text marked with \* are additions made by the Neverwitcher Team. The language used for terms primarily is Swaheli.