Art, commerce, and magic fill the lives of Zinda’s people and touch on every aspect of society. #### The Bloodletters Clad in aprons stained with jeli dye, Bloodletters proselytize a life free from oppression by the elite. The group’s name originates from its members’ desire to drain the greed from Zinda like blood from a wound. Under the leadership of Captain Adann, the group works in open defiance of the Kings of Coin. The Bloodletters’ attacks upon the Court of Flowers and sabotage of the jeli gardens make the group a frequent target of the Silent Verse. #### Class Divide Zinda has a stark class divide. The city’s wealthy citizens live in large homes and revere academia, a strong work ethic, and wealth. Members of less affluent families sleep together in cramped quarters and often hold multiple jobs to survive. The rich feast on goat, fish, and mutton; wear gold and silk; and drink from spotless glass flutes while boasting of their academic achievements and frivolously displaying magic. The poor eat grains and roots served on palm leaves spread upon straw floors. #### Faith and Ancestors Though Zinda welcomes the practices of all citizens, the city’s one common faith involves the daturas, also known as spirit shepherds. Daturas speak for and protect the spirits of the jungle. A datura might go years without meeting another member of the order, spending their life escorting caravans, performing exorcisms, and guarding sacred reaches of the forest. Others are hired to escort mourners to the sites of rare silk cotton trees, where the bereaved hang tokens for their recently departed ancestors. In some homes, particularly among the wealthy, whole rooms might be given over to altars intricately decorated to honor a family’s ancestors. #### March of Vice During the height of summer, the people of Zinda celebrate the cultivation of the jeli flower with a multiday carnival. Built on traditions celebrating the city’s wine trade, the March of Vice is overseen by the Prince of Vice—an organizer and theatrical figure. Chosen by the Kings of Coin, the masked Prince of Vice marches in the parade every evening. The parade is followed by the Covenant of Magic, magic-using elders who wave fans and brooms, symbolically sweeping Zinda’s sin into the sea. On the tenth night, the Prince of Vice steps into the sea and sheds their mask, bringing the festivities to a close. #### Kings of Coin The Kings of Coin are the ruling council of Zinda, a collection of six elders from affluent families that represent specific trades. Their meetings occur weekly at the gilded collection of offices and towers known as the Vault of Justice. The following individuals currently hold positions on the council: **Grand Messer Amos Nir** is head of the Kings of Coin and represents the Jeli Trade. He is the wealthiest, most influential leader in Zinda. **Madame Kit Mata** represents the Grocers’ Trade. **Madame Samira Arah** is the newest member of the Kings of Coin. She represents the Jewelers’ Trade and oversees the Silent Verse as head of security for the Kings of Coin. **Messer Solenn Avim** represents the Weavers’ Trade. **Myx Nargis Ruba** represents the Tavern Keepers’ Trade. **Myx Massimo Ain** represents the Smiths’ Trade. The Kings of Coin keep order using their vast wealth, their societal influence, and the Silent Verse—the rulers’ police force. The Silent Verse protects the Kings of Coin, collects information, and issues shadowy threats to keep political rivals in line. #### Names Zindanese of all origins receive their given name on the tenth day after their birth. The family gathers at this time, and the elders choose an appropriate ancestor’s name to bestow upon the child. The following are examples of common names: **Feminine.** Inyz, Larisa, Onika, Tanea **Masculine.** Emran, Jacapo, Melo, Solenn **Gender-Neutral.** Amal, Elar, Jari, Pirro **Surnames.** Ain, Aran, Haro, Nir, Sur **Titles.** Madame, Messer, Myx