The Shard of Zol

Introduction: Before and After The Cataclysm

The history of the Shard of Zol is divided into two distinct eras: before and after the Cataclysm, a catastrophic event that occurred 30 years ago. This event reshaped the physical, social, and cultural landscape of Zol, leaving indelible marks on its people and their way of life.

Economy and Primary Export

Zol’s primary export is Karami Anima, biomechanical animals infused with souls. These creatures serve a wide range of purposes throughout The Expanse, from acting as pack animals to performing as war hounds. Their versatility and resilience have made them highly sought after. Further details will be covered in a future entry.

Pre-Cataclysm Cities

Before the Cataclysm, Zol was home to three expansive cities: Dorn, Xal, and Krayt. Each city was built in a pentagram structure, symbolizing unity and protection.

Dorn: Now inhabited solely by a single Zolian Awakened House, the Luxe family, Dorn’s surrounding city has been leveled and transformed into the Graveyard of the Lost. Each Zolian undertakes a pilgrimage to Dorn upon reaching their 16th birthday, bringing a jar of soulfire to sustain the Fires of Remembrance.

Xal: The only city still inhabited after the Cataclysm, Xal has since been renamed simply “Zol.” It is divided into two districts:

Crypt Market: A bustling undercity of blackmarket goods and criminal activity.

Twilight Harbor: The city’s port and gateway to the rest of The Expanse.

Krayt: Completely abandoned and left in ruins, Krayt stands as a silent testament to the devastation of the Cataclysm and acts as a city of the dead inhabited by the wandering souls of the damned.

The Cataclysm

Thirty years ago, a team of Dreg Dust Harvesters over-extracted Dust from the heart of the Shard, causing its central crystal to crack. This led to a catastrophic drop in Dust levels and the collapse of the protective bubble encasing the Shard. The living waters of Zol spilled into The Expanse, and the air was rapidly depleted, killing 75% of the population within minutes. The Awakened families were among the few survivors due to their ability to survive without oxygen for extended periods.

Wraiths: The Souleaters of Zol

Following the Cataclysm, a species of creatures known as Wraiths emerged from the fissures in the heart of Zol. These massive, asymmetrical beings vary greatly in size and appearance, with no two Wraiths looking alike. While little is publicly known about them due to strict study prohibitions, there are two prevailing theories:

Wraiths are the amalgamated spirits of those who perished during the Cataclysm.

They existed within the heart of the Shard and only gained access to the surface after the crystal was cracked.

Despite their fearsome nature and soul-feasting tendencies, Wraiths remain confined to the Fissures and are not considered a direct threat to daily life.

The Zolian People

The people of Zol possess unique physiological traits:

Soul Binding: Upon death, Zolian souls remain bound to the Shard for exactly 6,666 days.

Hair and Eyes: Zolians have either pure white or pure black hair. Their irises resemble glowing balls of soulfire, giving them an otherworldly appearance.

Dual Forms: Zolians possess two forms: a public-facing mask and an inner form that manifests during moments of intense emotional reactions or the use of Awakened powers.

Awakened Powers

Zolian Awakened powers include:

Soulshaping: The ability to manipulate and reshape their own souls or the souls of others.

Alter Physical Ego: A secondary form that grants enhanced speed, strength, or both.

Spirit Communion: The ability to communicate with spirits of all kinds, a vital skill in their post-Cataclysm society.

Zol’s history, people, and culture remain deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Cataclysm. Despite their hardships, the Zolian people continue to adapt and thrive, driven by resilience and the hope of preserving their unique heritage.

Expanse Vanguard

The Expanse Vanguard (E.V.s) maintains a persistent presence on Zol due to the Shard’s designation as a Cursed Shard, a title that prohibits its residents from leaving. The Vanguard’s influence on Zol is anchored by the decommissioned Dreadnought-class Wayfarer, Tempest 227. This enormous vessel, once a warship, has been partially disassembled and repurposed into a massive structure that bridges the upper and lower cities of Zol, ensuring that the Vanguard’s control remains ever-present. The E.V.s enforce the Cursed status of Zol, preventing any of its residents from escaping, and they continue to monitor the Shard with a strong, watchful eye.

Graveyard Gamble

Delemain DeCrux, also known as The Jack, is the leader of the Graveyard Gamble, the criminal underworld of Crypt Market. He specializes in the black market trade of Karami Anima and modifications for Ensouled beings. DeCrux is one of the few on Zol to possess a Score, a coveted item that traditionally cannot be obtained on Crypt Market. His goal is to ensure the smooth operation of his ships and the continuous flow of wealth into the Shard, which in turn strengthens his control over the criminal empire he has built.

Once a street kid, DeCrux grew into a ruthless mob boss who believes in the harsh philosophy of survival of the fittest. His leadership style is rooted in exploitation, convinced that the downtrodden can only rise through struggle. While his demeanor is generally cold and calculating, he has been known to erupt into fits of rage when crossed. He is fiercely protective of his power and seeks to avoid overextending himself, though he will act swiftly and violently to make an example of those who wrong him. DeCrux commands a group of four enforcers, known as The Aces, who are integral to the operations of his empire.

Charon’s Clay

The Charon’s Clay is a trade union recognized by the Inter Expanse Order of Unity (IEOU), despite Zol’s Cursed status. As the primary source of Karami Anima throughout the Expanse, the Clay plays a crucial role in keeping Zol’s economy afloat. Their main port, Twilight Harbor, serves as a more polished and upscale alternative to the gritty Crypt Market.

The Charon’s Clay’s primary objective is to maintain their trade licenses, which are essential to keeping Zol economically viable. Without their business, the Shard’s economy would collapse under the weight of its Cursed status. Eyomund Lamplighter, the chairman of the Claymaker’s Council, leads this powerful faction. Lamplighter is known for his deep disdain for the lower cities, blaming them for both Zol’s Cursed status and the rise of crime. He has campaigned publicly for a cleanup of the lower cities and has even suggested quarantining them entirely. His true motives are political, seeking to enrich himself while using the lower cities as scapegoats for the Shard’s problems. His control over the Clay is driven by a desire for personal gain and the maintenance of his power.