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Table of Contents
EQUATOR SECTIONS EAST AND WEST (ASARI AND ZILARI)
Overview
The Equatorial Sections, Asari in the east and Zilari in the west, are the most fertile and ecologically diverse regions of the Habitual Belt on VOI 700 D. Together, these sections form a vast, lush expanse that stretches from 45 degrees north to 45 degrees south latitude along the planet’s equator.
Each section accounts for roughly 17% of the Habitual Belt, with a length of approximately 3,400 kilometers and a consistent width of 110 kilometers. These regions are bordered to the east by the Dark Side and to the west by the Desert Side, with mountains serving as natural boundaries that protect the Habitual Belt from the extreme conditions of these adjacent areas.
Like other sections of the Habitual Belt, Zilari remains largely unexplored by Exohumans. In contrast, Asari is the most thoroughly explored region due to the Exohuman crash-landing of the Last Frontier spaceship, which made it the primary area of settlement and study. During the Beta Age, most Exohuman efforts focused on stabilizing their foothold in Asari, leaving much of Zilari and its deep forests unknown. In the Gamma Age, the restrictions imposed by the Peace Treaty with the Alliance of Native Tribes further limited Exohuman movement beyond Asari’s settlements. While Native Tribes have lived in these sections for generations, vast portions of the rainforest and mountain interiors remain untouched, potentially harboring undiscovered species and ancient tribal sites.
Climatic and Geographical Features
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.
Flora
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.
Fauna
The fauna is equally diverse, with species uniquely adapted to the Equatorial Sections’ rich environment:
- Aerial Predators – Like the Arr, a bird of prey with advanced night vision, dominates the jungle canopy.
- Large Terrestrial Hunters – Like the Moar, a bear-like predator, roams the forest undergrowth, hunting herbivores.
- Herbivorous Mammals – Like the Hoo, a sturdy, hoofed creature domesticated by Natives for transportation and labor.
Cultural and Population Overview
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.
The Native Tribes have a deeply symbiotic relationship with the land, living in harmony with its ecological cycles. Despite geographical and cultural variations, the tribes share common linguistic roots and spiritual beliefs.
The largest tribes in Asari:
- 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
The largest known tribes in Zilari:
- 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
Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters
Beta Age (2625–2631) – The Era of Settlement and Conflict
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.
Gamma Age (starting 2631) – The Era of Tension and Resistance
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.
Related Pages and Further Information
The Regions of the Equatorial Section (East and West):
The (Twin) Sections of the Habitual Belt: