Zela

Zela was a short-lived nation in the 4th Century, made up of remnants of Bhirn after the Nirvan Republic conquered the capital, Vagh Bhirn. It was eventually conquered in the Zelan Campaign in **485PR** by the famous Gallio Aebutus.

## Leadership

Losing their monarch in Vagh Bhirn, Zela had a form of dictatorship instead. The power was completely invested into a single individual, usually chosen by the previous ruler. There was only ever two dictators of Zela though, Conan Behrmann, the first dictator who was originally the governor of Zela at the end of the Bhirn Campaign and Emdrum Behrmann, his son, who took over after the death of his father and the support of the people.

## Military

Initially, the Zelan military was mainly made up of the remnants of the Bhirnian army. Yet, over time, they began to create their own identity, being known as incredible archers and very skilled at guerilla warfare. Their skills came from outsourcing their training, preparing for an upcoming campaign against the Nirvan Republic in order to defend themselves or reclaim Vagh Bhirn.

## Society

The society of Zela was split harshly, most only ever communicating or conducting business with one another (the military being the exception).

### Bhirnians

The Bhirnians were anyone who came directly from Vagh Bhirn or the lands that had been lost, seeking refuge in Zela. This included both Caste and Casteless, the High Grounders choosing to remain. They were stubborn people but stuck very close to one another, caring little about Caste and Casteless anymore.

### Zelans

The Zelans are the original residents of the city and area. They were initially a welcoming people, accepting their nation-folk. Over time this changed and they became increasingly hostile with the Bhirnians, believing that they were taking advantage of their good hospitality.

## Commerce

### Exports

Losing access to the ores and gems that came from the Bhirn Mountains, Zela used other ways to make their money through exports. This included the stone found deep under their city and the rich and fertile lands that frequented their region.

## Culture

Zelan culture was not very different from Bhirnian, other than a few changes.

### Clothing

Clothing was much more free in Zela, helping them acclimate to the highgrounds. Since their city was not situated in any mountain, or even high rise, they spent most of their lives above ground. This meant they needed clothes to match. In the hotter times, they had loose fitting clothes, made of thin material that could breath well. In the cold they could resort back to their old ways, wearing miner clothes.

The caste and clan system was relatively gone in Zela, so not all citizens wore a symbol of their family.

### Food

Thanks to the farms nearby the Zelan food was many times better than Bhirnian food. Unlike Bhirn, they actually cooked their food to be enjoyable, stamping out any diseases that could come from the consumption of undercooked meat or bugs. Their favorite meal was grilled fish with vegetables.

## Religion

Taking from Bhirn, they only had a single religion.

### Novus

Novus was the only religion in Zela, some groups of Helions (following the Solis Helios religion) came up but they were very minor. All through the city were statues of Kathryn, the High Mother of Dwarves. She was believed to protect Zela from the Nirvans, but her protection could only last so long.

## History

**444PR** - Vagh Bhirn falls, Zela splits off from Bhirn and forms its own nation.