Benjalay

Benjalay is the most powerful of the remaining Zephasian states in northern Bahuna.

Benjalay is a small state straddling the isthmus between Bahuna and Asdauria. It is the most powerful of the surviving Zephasian States and their de facto hegemon. It is also vassal state of the Great Khamifate of Shanjahar but not considered political part of it. The Khamifa of Shanjahar is suzerain to the Ishaam of Benjalay. Benjalay rests in the middle of the tropics in natural tropical forestation and lies a little north of the equator. It has coasts on both the west Turtle Sea and the Blue Sea. Benjalay is critical for sea-barges moving between the west and the east due to the Grand Canal of Benjalay.

The climate of Benjalay is true tropical and the state receives some rain nearly every day with daily temperatures that change little from day to day. While most of the trees in the state have been chopped down for firewood and construction, any place left unmolested will eventually revert to the power of the tropical rain forest.

The people of Benjalay are almost entirely of old Zephasian stock. In addition to Zephasians, there are Dagaithi, Bahunans, Chalydians, Jhelumborese, and Sungotines. Humanlikes of sizable populations include Tekmyri, Quirth, Gishak, and the occasional Ithrabbi. The population of Benjalay is estimated at around three million for the entire state which is also consisdered a city. For this reason, demographers rank it as the most populous human city in the known world. The central core of Benjalay or city proper is on the coast of the Turtle Sea. It is an immense and sprawling emporium with enclaves of humans and humanlikes from around the globe. Benjalay is the closest to the entrepot for the whole world and it is said that just about anything that can be purchased is available for sale in Benjalay.

The state of Benjalay is divided into various communities or member cities, including Omjaritsir, Tsir Ombat, Iphatsala, Kashnambiri, Thebnutsir, and Pasgag. Benjalay has historically had poor relations with the Ithrabbi of Bohktuh Yure and with the dracknaughts of Karvazdihore. It relies on defensive treaties with the Khamifate of Shanjahar and Ishdind to protect itself from potential invasions from Karvazdihore. Mithragutha, Githva Tancuco, Tamjib, Zimbaddi, and Temutmatha are also important allies of Benjalay.

The Flag of the Ishaamate of Benjalay

The ruler of Benjalay is the hereditary ishaam who wields nearly absolute power. The various priests of the old gods of Zephasia and the powerful merchant families serve as a check to his power. The state's principle source of revenue is from trade that passes through the country. The Ishaam is obliged to render military aid to the Khamifa of Shanjahar, but is free to make his own foreign policy. The subjects of Benjalay and the other princes of Old Zephasia worship ancient gods which the Imzaami rulers of Shanjahar regard as chaos gods. If the Shanjari were to try to weed out these native cults, the resulting disorder and opposition would make governing the Zephasians impossible. This is one of the reasons that Benjalay has remained independent.

Benjalayans are worshipers of the old Zephasian gods. They are famous as merchants of the sea and of the land and have many treasures of their own civilization and of the dark reaches of Bahuna. Benjalay fortifies its military with magical constructs sometimes called golems. They are thought to employ titancraft, but their true make-up remains unknown to western experts.

See Also

• Bahuna
• Grand Canal of Benjalay
• Ishaamate of Benjalay
• Old Zephasia
• Sea of the Dead Gods
• Sundered Sea
• Zephasia