EQUATOR SECTIONS EAST AND WEST (ASARI AND ZILARI)

The Equatorial Sections, Asari in the east and Zilari in the west, are Twin Sections of the Habitual Belt on VOI 700 D. They are located between the Northern Midbelt Sections and the Southern Midbelt Sections, making them the central and most ecologically rich zones of the Habitual Belt.

Each section accounts for approximately 17% of the Habitual Belt’s total area, spanning roughly 3,400 kilometers in length with a consistent width of 110 kilometers. The Equatorial Sections are bordered to the east by the Dark Side and to the west by the Desert Side, with imposing mountain ranges serving as natural barriers that protect them from the extreme conditions beyond.

While both sections are characterized by dense rainforests, expansive floodplains, and vast river systems, their level of exploration by Exohumans differs significantly:

Asari is the most thoroughly explored and settled region of the Habitual Belt. Following the crash-landing of the Last Frontier, it became the primary area of Exohuman settlement and scientific study. Throughout the Beta Age, most Exohuman expeditions focused on stabilizing their foothold in Asari, mapping its geography, and interacting with Native Tribes. By the Gamma Age, Exohuman expansion had ceased due to the restrictions imposed by the Peace Treaty with the Alliance of Native Tribes, confining Exohuman presence to designated settlements.

While still largely unexplored, Zilari remains the most documented region of the Western Habitual Belt. It was the final destination of the Westward Passage Expedition during the Beta Age, an initiative aimed at validating the Twin-Section Hypothesis. In the case of Zilari, the expedition confirmed that it shares similar climatic conditions with Asari, supporting the theory that Twin Sections exhibit parallel environmental features. However, despite this confirmation, much of Zilari’s deep forests, river systems, and mountainous terrain remain uncharted, and its Native Tribes have had far less direct contact with Exohumans compared to their counterparts in Asari.

The equatorial sections have a stable climate, characterized by high humidity and consistent temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. The perpetual twilight of the Habitual Belt, coupled with the regular precipitation caused by convective cloud systems, creates an environment akin to tropical rainforests on Earth. This makes Asari and Zilari the most ecologically rich zones on the planet.

Both sections feature a mix of geographic landscapes, including expansive plains, rolling hills, dense forests, significant river systems, and towering mountain ranges. The rivers, such as the Arla River in Asari and its counterparts in Zilari, are vital lifelines, supporting the ecosystems of Native communities that inhabit the regions.

The flora in the Equatorial Sections is incredibly diverse, with towering trees forming dense forests, and robust grasses covering the plains. Along riverbanks, floodplains support shade-loving aquatic plants, while upland regions feature mixed forests transitioning into alpine flora at higher altitudes.

Notable flora includes:

• Giant Twilight Ferns – Towering plants that thrive in the low-light conditions of the Habitual Belt.
• Lurian Vines – A fast-growing species that drapes over trees, forming thick jungle canopies.
• Arla Bloom – A rare bioluminescent flower found only along the Arla River, used in Native rituals.

The fauna is equally diverse, with species uniquely adapted to the Equatorial Sections’ rich environment:

• Grazing Mammals – Large, herd-based creatures roam the steppes and highlands, forming the foundation of native hunting and predator food chains.
• Aerial Predators – Raptors dominate the skies over the grasslands and forests, using heightened vision and agile flight patterns to track prey.
• Non-Predatory Birds – A wide variety of songbirds, migratory species, and waterfowl inhabit forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Some species exhibit highly specialized beak structures for feeding on particular plant species or insect populations.
• Stealthy Hunters – Feline-like predators lurk in the dense woodlands, relying on camouflage and ambush tactics to hunt small to mid-sized mammals and birds.
• Reptiles and Cold-Blooded Species – Various snake, lizard, and amphibian species inhabit the forests, wetlands, and rocky highlands. Some snakes are venomous ambush predators, while others are constrictors feeding on small mammals and birds.
• Aquatic Species – Rivers and lakes sustain a variety of fish, amphibians, and semi-aquatic predators adapted to cool, temperate waters. Some species are capable of brief land excursions, suggesting evolutionary adaptations for both aquatic and terrestrial survival.
• Insects and Invertebrates – Pollinators, burrowing species, and scavengers play a crucial role in forest and wetland ecosystems. Some possess reflective or light-diffusing carapaces, likely an adaptation to twilight conditions.

The Equatorial Sections are home to approximately 600,000 Natives, equally divided between Asari and Zilari. These populations are further distributed among numerous tribes, some of which are nomadic, while others live in permanent settlements. Additionally, about 30,000 Exohumans from Earth reside in Asari, predominantly in four major settlements.

Observations from expeditions in the Equator Sections have revealed a recurring pattern among Native Tribes:

• The tribes of Asari and Zilari share the same creation stories and core beliefs as other documented Native societies across VOI 700 D.
• They speak Shang Telu, the common indigenous language, though with distinct regional dialects.
• Despite this linguistic and cultural connection, most tribes have no awareness of other tribes beyond their immediate surroundings.

• HONGA (Nomads):
• Population: Approximately 100.000 (115.000 before the Great War)
• Short Description: The Honga have called the western shore of the Arla River home for hundreds of years. As a nomadic tribe, they regularly move from the source of their river to the Lake Arla and back. “Shai Zaong” (Cycle of Life) is what the Honga call the path they travel again and again.
• More information: The Honga

• TRANDO (Sedentary):
• Population: Approximately 80.000 (90.000 before the Great War)
• Short Description: The Trando are at home in the dense, huge wooded area near the Lake Arla. This is exactly the life they specialize in. Thus, the Trando do not live on the forest floor, but have built their huts in the trees. So that they get more light. In addition, the huts offer them safety from roaming predators.
• More information: The Trando

• SENTI (Sedentary):
• Population: Approximately 50.000 (60.000 before the Great War)
• Short Description: The Senti are at home in a protected valley of the Tijonara Mountains. They are hunters and farm.
• More information: The Senti

• ORLANDA (Sedentary):
• Population: Approximately 10.000 (15.000 before the Great War)
• Short Description: The Orlando Swamps were named after the Orlanda tribe. Because exactly here, the Orlanda are at home for hundreds of years. And this despite the fact that the living conditions in the morass are not exactly easy. But the Orlanda have somehow managed to settle in the mud - between wild predators and sinking grounds.Their huts are located on floating wooden rafts, where the Orlanda also grow crops.
• More information: The Orlanda

• NANDA (Sedentary):
• Population: Approximately 70.000
• Short Description: The Nanda are at home in the vast, fertile plains at the foot of Dabanga Mountain. They are sedentary farmers who grow a variety of grains and vegetables. Their villages are usually arranged around a central communal area..
• More information: The Nanda

• VOTU (Nomads):
• Population: Approximately 70.000
• Short Description: The Votu are experienced hunters and gatherers. They live in mobile communities following the annual migration of large animals in the plains and hills of Zilari.
• More information: The Votu

• ILNA (Sedentary):
• Population: Approximately 55.000
• Short Description: The Ilna live in permanent communities on the northern bank of the Zilari River. Here they practice fishing and river farming. Their dwellings are built on stilts in the river.
• More information: The Ilna

• KOVARI (Nomads):
• Population: Approximately 40,000
• Short Description: The Kovari are nomads who traverse the expansive grasslands of Zilari. They are known for their skill in training Hoos, which they use for transport and as companions.
• More Information: The Kovari

• LAVANI (Sedentary):
• Population: Approximately 35,000
• Short Description: The Lavani have established settlements in the fertile valleys surrounding small mountain springs. They practice advanced irrigation techniques and grow herbs used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The Lavani are renowned for their herbal knowledge, often trading remedies with other tribes.
• More Information: The Lavani

• DARANI (Semi-Nomadic):
• Population: Approximately 30,000
• Short Description: The Darani split their time between cultivating crops in the plains and moving their herds to seasonal pastures. Their semi-nomadic lifestyle ensures a steady food supply throughout the year. The Darani are known for their colorful woven fabrics, which symbolize the harmony between their stationary and nomadic practices.
• More Information: The Darani

During the Beta Age, Exohuman settlement in Asari led to tension with the Native Tribes, while Zilari remained largely untouched.

• “The River Guardians” – The Arla River, a sacred Native waterway is being polluted by Exohuman activity, sparking unrest. Players must navigate the conflict and decide whether to mediate or take sides.
• “The Zilari Expedition” – A group of explorers has disappeared while mapping an uncharted valley deep in Zilari’s jungle. The players must uncover what happened.

By the Gamma Age, Exohuman influence is confined to Asari’s settlements, while Zilari remains a stronghold for Natives resisting any outside presence.

• “The Shadow Trade” – Smugglers operating out of Hope are accused of illegally trafficking Native relics. The players must infiltrate the black market and determine if the accusations are true—or if someone is manipulating the situation for political gain.
• “The Missing Native Supervisor” – The Native Supervisor has vanished under suspicious circumstances while he was on his way to New Kourou. Players must investigate whether they were kidnapped, betrayed, or if hidden political forces are at play.

• VOI 700 D
• Dark Side
• Desert Side

The Regions of the Equatorial Section (East and West):

• Asari (East)
• Zilari (West)

The (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt:

• North Pole Section
• North Midbelt Sections East and West
• Equator Sections East and West
• South Midbelt Sections East and West
• South Pole Section