Dur Untash (pronounced DUR un-TASH) is the mountain stronghold of a particularly devout sect of the church of Zyphus that (allegedly) covertly plans and executes assassinations around the world. Though they sometimes accept payment for their services, these Zyphen zealots view their activities as a religious calling and the height of service to their god.
Geography, flora, and fauna
The Untashan fortresses lie amongst the mountains of the Shields, located at easily defensible heights. The landscape of the Taizzan Expanse to the west is significantly warmer than the more temperate foothills and mountain peaks. Though an uncommon occurrence, enough rain falls in the hills to support a variety of plants and animals that are well adjusted to the arid climate.
Demographics
The inhabitants of the Untashan fortresses hail from a variety of ancestries and backgrounds. Humans, orcs, and catfolk account for a majority of the population. Suli are quite common as well.
A very sparsely populated region, few Untashans live outside of the three main settlements. Combined, the total population of Dur Untash is only around 3,500.
Culture
Government
Dur Untash is a militaristic theocracy. The church of Zyphus controls political life in the fortresses, and the senior-most clerics also direct the defense of their settlements. The Untashans have gradually grown more bellicose since coming into conflict with Kudurru over the southern outposts of the Zyphens, and now prioritize the maintenance of a small yet professional standing army.
Economy
The Untashans occasionally trade with catfolk merchants from Mostagedda, buying goods they cannot produce themselves. While the Zyphens have a small gold mine near Gulkisar, most of the money they use comes to them as donations. Sometimes individuals with particular grievances against other figures will pay visits to the Zyphens, depositing offerings to the church when they do so.
Relations
Dur Untash maintains no official relations with any nation. Most consider the Untashans little more than rather organized cultists.
The Zyphens have clashed with the orcs of Kudurru in the past, and relations continue to be unfriendly. The castle the orcs refer to as Fort Vulture was once an Untashan outpost before it was conquered in Y6539.