Zestros

## The Nation of Zestros

*"Have you ever had the pleasure of turning a handful of silver and copper into a hoard that even the dragons of legend would be jealous of? Have you experienced the sights and sounds of the Bazaar, the absolute beauty in the chaos? That is what it is to be a true merchant, a true Zestran."*

*"Come. Lose yourself in the most wonderful place in the world. If you can't find it in a shop, or in a back room, you aren't looking hard enough. There are endless opportunities to make a name for yourself and equally as many to find yourself in ruin. Only the daring survive. Do you have what it takes? Because, if you can't handle the fire, best get out of the kitchen." -Excerpt from an unknown member of The Syndicate*

Gold, silver, copper, and gems are the language of this land. This nation is a melting pot of all people, cultures, and creeds. The only source of unification among these peoples is the drive to reach the top. This land has stayed neutral throughout the centuries and have served as the penultimate trading hub for all three nations. You will take your first steps into the blazing sands, and find yourself in one of the most beautiful cities in the world: The Triumvirate.

## **The Triumvirate**

Affectionately referred to as "The Tri" by its inhabitants, it is the largest center of populous in Zestros. The main attraction of the city is its "Grand Bazaar." It is a sprawling market that takes up a great portion of the city. There are few luxuries that cannot be found there, but do be warned... there is no regulation in the market, and merchants will do whatever they can to make the most profit. They feel no shame in taking every single last one of your gold if it means making a good sell. Now, before making assumptions, most Zestrans are good people and do not do these things maliciously. It is simply the nature of the cut throat market serves as the lifeblood of the city.

You may now be wondering, who keeps order in all this chaos? Well, I'm glad you asked! That would be the individuals that are collectively known as: The Syndicate. This governing body regulates many of the "underhanded" tactics and "white collar crime" that takes place in the Grand Exchange (Another name for the Bazaar). This council is entirely anonymous and only a few individuals know their true identities. To be elected a member of The Syndicate, you must be in the top-top echelon of merchants and live within the city. Their identities are even hidden from each other, as to protect the interests of themselves and their respective companies.

Now, enough about politics. This is a city that comes alive at night and there is endless entertainment to be had. Perhaps you'd like the thrill of gambling on monster fights in the Gilded Colosseum? Maybe you prefer the heavenly song sung by Ebony and Ivory, the renowned owners of the Velvet Pillow; where everyone wants to spend the night... Or, gambling could be your forte. Luckily for you, there are endless casinos and dens to make some coin and test your luck. Whatever it may be, you can find it here.

Primary population: Elves, Tieflings, and Gnomes.

***"Faber est suae quisque fortunae. Every man is the artisan of his own fortune."***

- Marius La Fleur, Owner of Eldritch Invocations

*The flag of Zestros displays a griffon within a black and yellow cross, with a gray background. It symbolizes the gold that makes up the lifeblood of their nation, and the mighty Griffon (The Syndicate) that defends the people from harm.*

### **Guilds and Organizations**

* Merchants Guild: This guild is a collection of merchants that formed as a trade uninion. They do not monopolize the market under the watchful eye of The Syndicate, and instead assist smaller merchants by bringing them into the fold. Leader: Elwin Preslar
* Scholars Guild: These magic users lend their services to those looking for assistance in the arcane arts. They work within the markets and businesses, with the only adage that they are unable to work against one another; only cooperatively. Leader: Irrim Tarvi.