Our campaign will be centered in the continent of Menkara. Primarily a desert land, the people of this land are hardy and resilient. I wanted to tell a different story than one you’ve seen others play through. I’ve seen many games visit a arabic inspired land before but rarely do they stay there for long and I’ve yet to see a land with heavy african influences. Menkara has a fusion of both and a bit of Mediterranean flavor thrown in for good measure. Today’s look into the land of Menkara will flesh out the science focus nation of Ashur Raam.
Ashur Raam(Ash-er-raam): Rock Gnome Homeland:
Ancheim from Silicon Studio’s “Bravely Default”
Overview:
Self-proclaimed Land of Invention Ashur Raam is the cultural and political capital of Menkara. All magics are allowed. All science is moral. Whatever is needed to gain more information is seen as just. The Palace’s Great Clock looms over the desert city representing the need to push ever forward.
Culture:
The harsh lands of Menkara nearly claimed all of the gnomish clans. To survive the gnomes of this land had to use their wits. They created systems to transport the water from the Grand Oasis long distances. This allowed them to expand and grow into a powerhouse. Because of this knowledge is considered king. Promoting a culture of self-growth and prosperity, this land grew strong through rejecting all sense of limits and restrictions.
For these reasons there’s actually a large Tiefling population located in the country. Their appearance matters not. Gnomes know what its like to be judged by their appearance. They are free to exist as long as they serve the country’s progress. This is true of all people.
Ashur Raam is the only land in all of Menkara with major populations besides those indigenous to the land.
“Dunes and the Milky Way” by Greg McCown
Religions and Organizations:
The majority of gnomes follow Celestian, God of Stars and Wanderers. The stars represent the dreams and goals of the people and the realm of the gods. The gnomes of Ashur Raam wish to reach there someday.
Despite following Celestian’s teaching there aren’t many who would consider themselves religious. Most of the people believe Celestian was once a mortal who achieved god-hood through his pursuit of knowledge and magical prowess. They believe they can achieve such feats eventually.
– The Cosmic Eye are a group of Wizards who follow this philosophy. Many members of the government are also associated with the organization.
– The Astral Cathedral houses many clerics devoted to the same types of research as the Cosmic Eye. Many believe them to be the same organization but they disagree on a fundamental level. The Cosmic Eye wish to carve their own path into greatness whilst the Astral Cathedral wish to retrace Celestians’ footsteps.
Government: Meritocracy:
“Gnomish Articifer” by Vablo
Representative of the cities belief system, the most intelligent members of the city are chosen to rule. The most intelligent is named the Orator and is given the most power. The Orator hold this role indefinitely, unless the council deems them unworthy. The current Orator is Big Hat Ghassan.
Major Races:
Rock Gnomes, Gold Dwarves, Humans, Sun Elves, Tieflings.
Major Classes:
Wizards, Eldritch Knights, Arcana and Knowledge Clerics.