Monster

A "monster" is a word that has a slightly different definition on whether somebody from Yasamaq is using it or somebody for Siarvald is.   In general, a "monster" can be understood by all people of Aj'kar as "any non-humanoid being who threatens one's livelihood in some manner". However, in Siarvald, a monster is understood as anyone or anything that threatens the social cohesion of the continent; humanoid or not (an assassin may be referred to as a "monster" just the same as a wyvern, for instance). Meanwhile, in Yasamaq, their definition is much more practical, as it is only used to speak of the monstrous beings that bore through the walls to attack them.   Generally speaking, the surface of Siarvald is home to monsters that are more humanoid in shape; monstrosities like yetis, for example. There are also beasts such as owlbears or dire wolves. The underground, though not very well known, is believed to be inhabited by all manners of aberrations and giants of varying power.   Yasamaq is crawling with underground monsters, such as purple worms, though all things that can see in the dark make their home there, including beings like ropers, giant bats, and so on. Nobody knows what sorts of beings dwell on Laenatan, though the many storms there have led some to believe that incredibly powerful elemental beings may call it their home.   Though Qarah's Dream has been mostly cleared of its native monsters, the very few that remain are usually similar to what is found on the surface of Siarvald.   Of note is that, while tritons and merfolk are generally peaceful, that does not make travel on water entirely safe. Harpies and sahuagin have been known to attack ships, and one would do well to protect one's hull with metal in order to avoid being dragged to a watery grave by ill-intentioned underwater denizens.