Zerzura

**Article under rewriting / rework**

Example of the architecture found in Zerzura

Zerzura is also known as **"The White City"** is a City-State located in the southeast of The Continent. It is inhabited by the zerzurans. An ethnic group emerged from the union between the first barsamen and the proto-nilfgaardians *(Although with the passage of time others have been appearing, due to trade and contact with other civilizations).* Its form of government is an elective monarchy.  Its ruler is chosen from among all the nobles of the city.

## Geography

Zerzura is located in the southeast of The Continent. It has no border with any country. Its only border is the desert.

The city is located in an immense oasis. Simply called by the locals *The Great Oasis.* In which there is an big lake, of reddish waters because of the copper present in the area. Which is known as *The Red Sea* by its inhabitants And it is connected to the civilized world by different stone carriageways that come out of the multiple gates of the city and go through *The Great Oasis*.

The architecture present in the city reflects remarkable Aen Nílfe influences. Zerzura also has a port which serves for different boats to travel *The Red Sea* to trade with neighboring tribes.

## History

Zerzura is one of the oldest cities in the known world. Of which, its origins have been lost in time, even for its own inhabitants.

What we do know is that the original founders of the city were one of the multiple tribes of Barsa. Which was led by a kind of prophet to reach that "Promised Land". The name of the prophet has been forgotten but it is known that he has been the creator of the "Foundation Tablets".

These have served as the basic laws of the city and the culture of Zerzura for a very long time despite the changes it has undergone. Sometime after its founding. The proto-nilfgaardians began to trade with the people of the city and several, settled in it. What gave rise to the current zerzurans.

The city of Zerzura, at some point in its history, despite its isolation, was part of the Southern Kingdoms, but seceded.

For a long time, the city prospered and was ruled by a series of kings and queens, who were supposed to be descendants of that forgotten prophet which were chosen by the nobility of the city. Mainly, merchants who had achieved great commercial power and had become noblemen but they couldn't rule, because they didn't have the blood of that person. Who became known over time as simply "The Prophet."

Up to approximately 1240´s where the city entered a Dark Age, in which several tyrannical kings / queens and several revolutions followed one another which brought the city into a situation of misery for a long time. Until on 1260´s the sorceress Nelea Sova appeared, who overthrew the former queen and seized power.

The city would prosper under her rule, but approximately at 1270´s Nelea would become a worse ruler than her predecessor, when unable to overcome her trauma, the "Sova Madness" would make a dent in her. Degenerating her mentally more and more, with the passing of the years. Until finally, her son Putnam Pitch would kill her in a death duel during the spring / summer of the year 1284.

## Physical description of the Zerzurans

Zerzurans are people of medium height, athletic body (this is due to their culture) very dark skin (darker than Zangvebar people) and unusual eye and hair colors. Which come from their mixture with the proto - nilfgaardians descendants of the Aen Nílfe.

## Culture and society

The culture of Zerzura is a syncretic culture. It has arisen with the passing of time from different traditions brought by visitors and new inhabitants who have remained in it.

According to the reports of the various members of the Fabio Sachs Expedition of 1282. The city during some time of its history had great freedom of religious worship. But this one was lost, during its dark stage. Especially during the government of Nelea Sova *( Some rumors said that Queen Nelea was possessed by that Evil Goddess )* . Who prohibited the rest of the religions and established the cult of Niya as the official religion of the City - State.

Art is respected and admired in all its forms. So much so that the city has several open-air theatres and amphitheatres. In addition to Academies of Painting, Acting, Sculpture, and Music.

There's a magic academy in the city. Know as *"The White Fortress"*. Their military forces, they know how to use some magic which makes them a competent rival against a witcher. Magic is not pursued, but neither is it popularized as in other places. The trade and above all, the slave trade, are a fundamental pillar in their society.

They own a estamental society. Divide into three major classes: Nobility, free men / women, and slaves. Unlike in many other places, such as the Northern Kingdoms or Zerrikania. Men and women have the same rights and the same opportunities (as long as they are free men/women of course).

Sexual minorities such as homosexuals and bisexuals are persecuted and punished by law. Because according to the "Foundation Tablets" that kind of relationships are impure and don't make the city prosper. Non-humans, if they're not born in the city. are treated the same or worse than slaves.

## Trivia

* The nickname "The White City" comes from the type of rock used to build its buildings.
* Zerzura is based on a mythical city of our reality of the same name : *Zerzura*