Initial hooks

This page references the starting hooks of the setting and gives context to what may await a player during a campaign set in Aj'kar.

Siarvald

Siarvald is on the verge of a war; and, if they're not careful, maybe even two. The Descendants and the Princes and Princesses grow angry with the antiquated laws of King Vah'dis the Undying, causing economic troubles that are impacting their international trade; this, in turn, angers their long-time allies of Yasamaq. With the whole continent ready to explode at any second, any external force would have the chance to re-establish a sense of security...or to plunge the continent into chaos.   Even for those that aren't inclined to involve themselves in politics, Siarvald holds many mysteries just waiting to be solved. What lies under the ground of the temperate continent? What is the true nature of the Betrayer's Fog? Where did the Queen go?

Yasamaq

Yasamaq has always struggled to survive. Every step a Yasamaqi takes, they risk awakening the various monsters that crawl within the stone walls of their continent; and with no form of central government or military to turn to, they must rely on their own wits and survival instincts just to remain alive, nevermind feed their families.   In comparison to Siarvald, the stories about Yasamaq tend to focus on aspects of survival in a dangerous, and not entirely discovered, continent. It focuses on the struggle of the people trying desperately to simply live, while keeping a smile on their faces. It also focuses on exploration; what lies beyond the tunnels? Why does the earth shake regularly? What is the secret behind the gems? Where do the Ökenhadari storms come from?

Qarah's Dream

Qarah's Dream is the center of culture and commerce of Aj'kar. Unrestrained by the politics and challenges of either continent, Qarah's Dream is where people from all kinds of background mingle with one another and try to make a life for themselves in a bustling environment. Because of their neutral position in Aj'kar, they may be the one thing that can prevent the world from tipping into pure chaos.   Unlike the stories focused on Siarvald or Yasamaq, the stories based in Qarah's Dream tend to focus more on intra-city politics, factions, and people. Much like stories focused on Baldur's Gate or Waterdeep, players can expect a narrower, yet more detailled scale of tasks and events. Still; the world doesn't stop existing while time passes in Qarah's Dream, and war is just on the horizon...