• Physiology
• Gods
• Folklore
• Society
• Rituals & Worship
• Miscellaneous

Heart of RezanIs a type of geode found only in central Zuldazar called Choolakacau, (literally translated: heart of the saur king), commonly named "Heart of Rezan". Its crystals are, at a glance, gold and amber toned, but held to light, it glows with hues of violet and aquamarine. Some believe this rare crystal inspired the royal colour scheme seen in present day Zuldazar.There is a royal quarry beneath Dazar'alor that is patrolled by specially trained guards and it has been that way for thousands of years. Only the king may have these crystals crafted into jewelry or crushed into special pastes for his tusks and dermal plates. He also has his own Tzelam (or edger) that sees to those tasks for him.

Physiology

Chi'tzuul (dermal plates)Zandalari possess unique patterns on their bodies called chi’tzuul (literally translated: pieces of the mountain), commonly known as ‘dermal plates’. They are made of the same keratin as their hair and nails and often take on similar pigmentation.They typically grow on the forearms, calves, shoulders and face in many varieties of shapes and sizes. Their growth areas, shapes and colours depend on the Zandalari’s parents. A child may have their mother’s tusks and their father’s chi’tzuul or vice versa and in some cases, a mixture of both.Dermal plates never stop growing and the areas all form at varying speeds. For example, forehead, cheekbone, shoulder and chest plates tend to grow at a slower rate than, say, jawline, arms, hips, or legs. If the skin is damaged, new dermal plates may form, and if dermal plates are damaged they can enter a state of hyper regeneration (unrelated to Loa) and form erratic edges.The continued growth of dermal plates requires the use of crystal scrubs and special files. They keep them smooth and clean. The Zandalari also have skilled tusk and dermal plate groomers called Tzelam or “edgers,” within Dazar’alor. Some Zandalari appreciate a good, sharp dermal plate. Some even get them tooled for a desired shape or style.Most end up with new or gnarled plates just from playing Baaxal, a competitive and rigorous ball sport—even King Rastakaan plays. The players will often let their plates grow to lumpy points just for an advantage.Are your chi’tzuul getting gnarly or dull? Head to the Zocalo and pay your Tzelam well!

Pronunciation Guide

• Back

Zandalari Gods

Tzultek'al/ZandalarTzultek'al is the god of Zandalar's highest peak. His name means Mountain Spirit. He is associated with life and time. His children are lesser Loa of the peaks.
Every year for millennia, the Zandalari have had a great festival in the cradle of the mountain (now King’s Rest) where their leaders would dance and connect them to their gods. They brought gifts of corn, avocado, obsidian and jade jewelry and sacred drinks.
Earning his blessing granted you strength of mind and body. It is said that this god, alongside his daughter, Mugambala, fought off the Lesser Loa, Rakkaaki, favourite son of the feathered serpent, Hakkar.

• Back

Folklore

Voice of the KingKuktuh was an angry scholar with the sharpest of tongues, he stood outside the throne room one day and doubted the King’s strength.
“You are weak!” He shouted.
Dazar boomed in reply, “I could t’row you fram dis pyramid widout lifting a finger.”
Kuktuh scoffed: “If you could do such a t'ing, den I would surely swear myself and my entire bloodline to you!”
“So be it,” he laughed. Warrior-King Dazar leapt far from his throne into the sky! He came back down to the floor with such raw power, Kuktuh was flung from the pyramid, breaking every bone in his body.
And that was how Kuktuh’s Landing came to be, and how the ‘Hakata family became eternal high servants of the Royal Zandalari.

Reluctant KingBefore Kabrakan was crowned king, he spent much of his formative years being ridiculed for his want to unite the tribes. Kabrakan saw a world of his kind and their tribes, gathering in one place for great one-on-one combat!
Chakikan (Kabrakan’s father), disapproved of the arena sport because he preferred war over building foreign relations. Due to his warmongering, he inevitably caused the untimely death of his first son, heir apparent Sacalo. He swiftly followed, having been beheaded.He caused the destruction of the very first Xibaantal, as his deeds were self-indulgent and terrible, consistently plunging the empire into war and chaos out of boredom. And so began the legacy of Kabrakan.Imagine, if you will, an afternoon where the young and confident Kabrakan is happily training for his next arena tussle, free of burdens, responsibility… and receives word that both his older brother and father have fallen in battle—P.S.: “You’re king now, good luck!”

• Back

Rituals & Worship

Bloodletting
The Zandalari believe that part of the blood that runs through their veins is borrowed from the gods—that they sacrificed some of their divinity to give their people life. Periodically, it is not uncommon for Loa worshippers to pierce or cut their flesh to show gratitude. It is also true that each god wants different things for favours. Krag’wa, the frog loa, for instance, accepts anything that would nourish his tenacious appetite.

• Back

Society

Deed Stones
Each ruler has their own Xibaantal (Deed Stone). As the name says, on it are carved glyphs of each deed during their reign. Of course, some stones are taller and bigger than other rulers for obvious reasons, but they are all on display in the Hall of Kings.Fun fact: In addition to his Xibaantal, God-King Kabrakaan had an entire wall made for him. It features painted carvings of his most impressive deeds—sort of a heroic comic book for those unable to read the scripts or glyphs.

Jobs & Status
Royalty, Priests, Warriors, Nobility, Artisans, Laborers; If your father was a farmer, you became a farmer. If your great grandmother was a tailor, you became a tailor because your mother was a tailor, too. If your father was the Voice of the King, you became the Voice of the King (barring any sibling rivalry).

Etiquette
Kissing and handshakes are foreign concepts to the Zandalari and are summarily regarded as offensive gestures.Their people are very ancient and proud. For a time, smiling wasn’t even observed. They also possess tusks and as such, most of their physical intimacy developed around them. Their lips are very erogenous because of it, almost sacred because of the protections granted by the tusks.†To touch the fingers or hands is incredibly intimate. It’s both exciting and spiritual.
Palm to palm or laced fingers they believe connects one with the other person’s spirit, speaking to their Loa as well. It is a sacred gesture.†The right hand is always used for such occasions, especially with strangers. The left hand would be considered impolite as it is used for personal hygiene and upkeep.†Touching a Zandalari’s lips, hands, or tusks without consent is considered a crime.

• Back