Dur Untash (pronounced DUR un-TASH) is a series of mountain strongholds held by a particularly devout sect of the church of Zyphus. This sect (allegedly) covertly plans and executes assassinations via accident 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, the three main fortresses are the largest settlements in Dur Untash. They are joined by a handful of small outlying villages, the inhabitants of which are friendly with the Zyphens if not devout followers of the gods themselves. Combined, the total population of Dur Untash is only around 6,000.
Culture
Religion
Though followers of Zyphus are uncommon and disorganized across most of the world, in Dur Untash they account for most of the population. Religious life is of central importance in Dur Untash, and religious services are important social occasions as well.
Though almost always very difficult to prove, the Untashans are believed by many to be directly responsible for a long line of suspicious deaths across the world. When important figures die in unlikely accidents, the Untashans often fall under suspicion. Still, any evidence is invariably circumstantial at best, if there are any clues at all.
Society
Though best known for their imposing mountain fortresses, a significant proportion of the inhabitants of the region live in the small villages and hamlets that support the residents of the strongholds. The residents of these communities are often followers of Zyphus as well, though generally not nearly as devout as the cultists for whom Dur Untash is best known.
For many of these villagers, the nihilism of Zyphus is seen in a more neutral or even positive light than it is in most of the world.
Travel
Gulkisar is built above an Anchor Site, though only important individuals amongst the Untashans are allowed access.
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 their southern fortresses, 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.