Zyraia

Zyraia (pronounced Tseer-rye-ah), is one of the smaller continents of Aedjhelas. The continent is mostly controlled by the Zycaina Empire, and has been for the last 300 years.

History

Prior to the formation of the Zycaina Empire, Mt Zeyr erupted causing massive devastation to the southern half of the continent. It was this eruption which paved the way for the Empire to come into power, as the farmlands surrounding Mt Zeyr were covered with ash, many crops failing. With starvation plaguing the land, a firm hand was needed to help the people survive.

Geography

The Northern half of the continent is heavily forested, with the northernmost coasts turning into icy tundra. There Northern Range contains two prominent mountains, Yaia and Eiraman, which feature heavily in Khâif mythology.

The inner sea of the north separates mainland Zyraia from a large island. Most of the island is largely inhabitable, being icy wasteland, but on the southern half of the island one can eke out a living in the snowy forests.

Heading south, the central plains provide ample grazing area for large herds of wild animals. The river Zeyr, widest on the continent, flows steadily from Mt Zeyr (also the tallest volcano of the continent at just over 5000m), forming a natural divide, splitting the southern lands in two. South of the Zeyr, the flood plains are rich with nutrients and sediments and are used primarily for farming.

The south west peninsula is left largely uninhabited, as it's arid climate leaves little in the way of desirability.

Regions

Zeyr

The Zeyr region is the area directly surrounding Mt Zeyr in the southern half of Zyraia. Once rich, fertile farmland, this was a prosperous region. However, in 673AF the volcano erupted, spreading a carpet of ash for a hundred miles. Now, the land south west of Mt Zeyr remains desolate and abandoned.

Peoples

Zyraia is mostly controlled by the Zycaina Empire.