Maztica



Maztica, referred to by its inhabitants as The True World, is a large continent west of Faerûn. Maztica is a land of jungles and mystery.

History
Early in the continent's history it was a land fought over by the gods Qotal (the Plumed Serpent) and his brother Zaltec. For a crime against his sister, Qotal retreated from Maztica for an age but returned in recent times. Maztica was also the name of the elder goddess who embodied the land of Maztica. Killed by her own son Zaltec, she was the wife of dead Kukul, but unlike her husband, continues to live on in the continued existence of the continent.

Maztica was 'discovered' by Amnian explorers led by Captain-general Cordell and his Golden Legion in 1361 DR. Amn was quick to lay its claim to the land for trade benefits, establishing the port city of Helmsport, named after the deity Helm, some of whose followers began to migrate into the new land. The native peoples were devastated by foreign diseases and the ruthlessness of the invaders, and this, coupled with the difficulties encountered on Maztica backfiring against them, caused the church of Helm to come under heavy criticism. Lantan also claimed some lands. Some scorpionfolk from Maztica found an Underdark passage to the Underdark of Faerûn.

Geography
North of Maztica is Anchorome and south of it are Lapongo then Katashaka. Maztica is divided into the nations of Nexal, Kultaka, Huacli, Kolan, Pezelac and Payit. The region known as Far Payit neighbours Payit, both in the east around Helmsport. The native people of Maztica from Payit and Far Payit are known as Payits, whereas natives from the other nations are known as Mazticans. There are also the human races such as the Dog People and the Green Folk. Many monstrous races also live in Maztica, including wild halflings and Chacs (jaguar spirits).