Roleplaying Resources

The Game World

Introduction

Some come to Yllaruam to seek forgiveness of sins and to start a new life, a new identity.

The city of Yllaruam is an island oasis, surrounded by vast desert. It does have a massive lake adjacent to it on the northeast corner, which is their only source of water, save the rain that comes on occasion. A lone river springing from the north feeds Lake Balah, and is guarded by two garrisons of soldiers to prevent contamination and theft from northerners.

Clerics pray for rain, always. They also pray for avoidance of massive sandstorms and plagues and swarms of locusts that raid the fields. Magic, although not abundant, is not frowned upon but rather revered. Magic users hold a higher place of respect among the citizens, who are highly superstitious. All pantheons are worshiped here freely, yet the true religion is gold. And water.

The city state is suspicious of most out-worlders, but if you are a known citizen, you are most welcome, regardless of your race. Those that can find water, create water, store water, or transport water are held in the highest regard. Of course, there are many other treasures and pleasures to enjoy within the city walls, but all things must forever bow to the need for fresh water.

The army is vast and powerful, loyal to the Amir Aziz, who has seven wives and seven sons, each a prince. The city is divided into seven sectors, with–you guessed it–a prince presiding over it. Many are competent, most are corrupt, but perhaps one or two are just and chaste. They don't necessarily get along with each other either.

There is no curfew in any part of the city and folks may walk freely about at night, safe from most harm due to a strict militia. However, people do still find themselves murdered or raped because of a vast underworld of greedy men and women.

Their main trading partner is Allentia City, a city state to the far west of Yllaruam. There is a trade road that connects the two cities, yet many sandstorms cover it up and travelers can easily get lost. There are several outposts of the Amir's army and they patrol their sectors as they can. Avoiding a sandstorm is one thing; avoiding the large creatures of the desert is another.

Architecture

The palace of the Amir is also known as Yllaruam, or paradise oasis (yllaru mean paradise). It borders the northern-most point of the city, where Lake Balah and its surrounding forestry touch Yllaruam. The palace is on the highest elevation in the area and was built around a waterfall that flows southward into the city.

10 temples align the south road before the palace, surrounding the hallowed halls with holy ground. Every form of religion can be worshipped in Yllaruam and the monarchy claims no allegiance to any one religion. For the most part, they are atheists.

Beyond the palace walls, the water flows underground and is split into parallel streams. One carries fresh water down a main artery, the other carries out the waste. The wealthier, most powerful families (Houses) live closest to these two streams, yet the west side (right side from the view of the palace) is the shit side and tends to have the more criminal elements and poorer denizens of the city. The east side (left) is the clean water side and houses the better-to-do citizens. The stream entrances are iron-barred and are guarded by the city forces’ local militia. Only those with legitimate business may enter (cleaners, waterwheel operators, civil engineers, chemists, other authority figures).

The sun rises from the east first and they receive the benefits of earlier services: garbage collection, food and goods deliveries, news and other communications, and the like.

Most homes are built by reddish-colored stonemasonry, rounded at the edges to allow airflow. Window holes are kept small and round, except for the wealthier homes, which can afford thick glass coverings for wide square landscape views.

Boulevard du Salahudin

Main thoroughfare north and south, bisecting the city into east side and west side

Javelin of Clarys

Main thoroughfare west to east, bisecting the city into north and south

All other streets are simply named for past military leaders or the Yllaruam numbering system.

Climate

The normal daytime temperature is usually above 80 degrees. Most days it is closer to 100, but the nights get as low as 40. The weather is arid and the wind is usually unforgiving. But when it does rain, it is even more unforgiving at times, drenching the land with a minimum of 5 inches per rainfall, which usually lasts several hours.

The most brutal of all conditions are the sandstorms, high winds from the north and west that drive all living things to ground or cover. The sand is blinding and abrasive. Only the hardiest of flora and fauna may survive. Even humanoids take refuge wherever they can. Sandstorms can last up to a week in some cases and they do terrible damage to the city and villages.