Etzârâ

Zapékdum (Ancient Xápék:, meaning "the lands explored" or "the expedition lands") is a geographical and historical region homeland of the Xápék's and, later, Zuiqa Empire.

History
Zapékdum was first explored in the 2nd century AIA by Tûmm slave owners who wanted to find new exploitable lands they could take for themselves, and thus, avoid taxes. However, legislative action from the Tûmm Court of Punishments prevented any large-scale settelement, as it would mean those new settler would stray from the Autocrator's authority.

The first expedition (circa 120 AIA) was abruptly stopped by an attack from the native Ÿ people, who originally dwelled in the easternmost parts of Zapékdum and, according to later archeological traces, established camps near the borderlands of Sáikok.

The second expedition (around the 140s AIA) has granted more information to later historians and scholars on the first Ka incursions in Zapékdum. According to the scribe assigned to the mission, who used a protoscript similar to the later Pan-Ka script, the Expedition Lands were lush, mostly untouched by human presence despite the very easy terrain. Descriptions of the local wildlife and climate has allowed better understanding of Pewo's zoobiology and climate changes. The scribe mentions the establishment of a crown-sanctioned settlement, but no archeological proof can back this claim.

The third and fourth expeditions were simultaneously launched during the 4th century, as the demography of Tûmm people started to dwindle and that the Xápék slaves needed more room. They both reached the location that would become the founding sites of Kuedung, the capital city of the Zuiqa Empire.

The fifth expedition, the final of the great exploration missions of the Tûmm, was cancelled but proceeded despite the orders of the central authority. The official records of the expedition claim the year 448 AIA. They did not leave any trace outside of Sáikok, and it is suspected that they were decimated by natives during their journey. The expedition's original aim was to launch the colonization of Zapékdum by Tûmm leaders, but lack of funding and the refusal of the Autocrator to lead the expedition caused an official cancelling.