Parzugian Marches: A Holding of the Emerald Collective
Once a vibrant and fiercely defended buffer zone, the Parzugian Marches now sit on the knife’s edge of destruction. Forming a crescent moon around the Sea of Paraz, this militarized region was designed as an early warning system against forces from hell, while also protecting the Emerald Collective from the encroaching zombie hordes and the collapsing Republic of Nahinia. To the north, the mountain strongholds of the dwarves remain unbroken, while the semi-arid central plains of the marches have been overrun by the undead.
Geography and Climate:
The Parzugian Marches are a sprawling land of grasslands, savannas, and scattered patches of woodland and shrubland. The region has a tropical semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Vast herds of grazing mammals, such as the once-thriving giant buffalo, roamed these lands before the undead ravaged the region. Traditional semi-nomadic tribes raised livestock and farmed the land, moving with the seasons. Despite the devastation, ancient standing stones, erected centuries ago by unknown builders, still protect parts of the marches from lower planar creatures, their magic holding strong against infernal breaches.
Political Context:
The Parzugian Marches serve as a critical trade and military link between the Emerald Collective and the remnants of the world to the north. A vital trade route cuts through the heart of the marches, connecting the Sea of Paraz to the Emerald Collective. The northern dwarven strongholds in the mountains have retained their autonomy, standing firm against the zombie hordes and other threats. However, the center of the country has largely fallen to the undead, turning once-fertile lands into dangerous no-man's-land.
Population and Cities:
The population of the Parzugian Marches has dropped significantly due to the zombie apocalypse, with only 1 million inhabitants remaining, primarily semi-nomadic people. 20% of the population, or 200,000 people, live in the four remaining fortress cities that dot the main trade route. These cities are bastions of civilization in an increasingly hostile land.
1. Port of Ashmar (Population: 80,000)
- Located on the Sea of Paraz, Ashmar is the trade hub of the marches. It connects the sea with the Emerald Collective, serving as a port for goods moving between the two regions. The city is bustling with activity, though heavily fortified due to the looming threat of zombies spilling in from the central plains. The Standing Stones of the Ancients line the outskirts of Ashmar, forming a magical barrier against planar invaders.
2. Fortress of Kael Vosk (Population: 50,000)
- The northernmost city and the first line of defense against the fallen Republic of Nahinia and the slavers from Rasar. The fortress sits at the base of the mountains, providing protection for the dwarven strongholds. Its people are battle-hardened, with many being trained as soldiers from a young age to defend the marches from incursions. Kael Vosk is a vital waypoint for caravans heading south.
3. Ironmark (Population: 40,000)
- Situated in the central plains, Ironmark is a fortress city that serves as the military headquarters for the marches. The city has seen the most action against the undead, and its people are constantly on edge, patrolling the lands for zombie hordes. A large population of semi-nomadic tribes seeks refuge here during their seasonal migrations. Standing Stones offer protection against the infernal, but not the undead.
4. Fort Varanis (Population: 30,000)
- The southernmost of the three fortress cities, Fort Varanis is heavily fortified, protecting the main road to the Emerald Collective. The city is primarily inhabited by soldiers, traders, and semi-nomads who make use of the road to bring goods and supplies to the Emerald Collective. The people of Fort Varanis are known for their resilience and adaptability, having survived countless raids from zombies and hostile tribes.
Challenges:
The Parzugian Marches face many challenges. The center of the country is overrun by zombies, and the fortress cities must constantly hold the line to protect the Emerald Collective. Trade has been severely disrupted, and the nomadic tribes are losing grazing lands to the undead. Meanwhile, the dwarven strongholds in the north grow increasingly isolated as the marches crumble around them. The Emerald Collective is investing heavily in the defense of the marches, but the future remains uncertain as the forces of undeath and hell press ever closer.