Illevar Nations - Part 4: Daal
Daal - Desert Area of Illevar.
Daal came about from wanting a desert area and a small campaign setting I had created a while ago. It revolved around a family murder, secret machines, and a mechanical angel. It was a neat idea that transfered over into the world of Illevar. Think of it similar to Alladin with robots.
Daal - Bordered by Festyae(Ocren), Charleau, and the Lowlands. It is the farthest nation from the capital nation of Brisfall. It was one of the main sides during the Conflicts of the Age of the Gods. Much of the once massive empire of Daal has been eroded by time and desertification. Only a few massive cities and settlements remain; Oasis towns that travelers, merchants, and lost souls can meander to. Out in the harsh desert lay hidden ruins of a forgotten age. Mere illusions of the past trapped in an ever shifting landscape.
The people of Daal are renown for their work in golem manufacturing, vivid storytelling, and phenomenal artistry. The Royal Family has ruled since time immemorial; forever sitting atop the massive capital city in their floating palace. Their silent ever-watchful guardians protecting the citizens at night with swift justice.
The people of Daal feel resentment towards the Empire and their leaders. Much of their sovereignty was taken from them under the threat of brutal retaliation. The army was stripped and replaced by the Empire's, their homes annaxed to house bureaucrats, and their culture squashed. Though the elders remember tales of times before the annax, much of the younger generation has grown to accept, albeit begrudgingly, the Empire's control for the sake of peace.
Recently, the ruling Sultan and one of his daughters were assassinated along with one of the sons being maimed. Leaving the Sultana in charge of Daal. The strain of ruling after losing so many of her family has caused her to give more control over to the Empire in order to help govern her people and land.
Capital: Izkirah, City of Dreams
Large city with a ground level, underground level, and floating level.
The ground level area is mostly shops, business centers, factories, and military.
The underground level comprises a labyrinth of homes, restaurants, and a labyrinth of alleyways.
The risen level is the palace of the royal family and the embassies of the other nations.
Important places/places of Interest
-Bazaar of the Far, foreign imports at marked up prices
-Bazaar of the Near, domestic products
-Tower of Ascension: Government area passage that leads to the Risen Level
-Tower of Prayer: Religious center, funerals, etc.
-Tower of Passage: Technically a gate, but that doesn’t fit the theme. It’s the main entrance to Izkirah, complete with all the immigration paperwork
The Risen Level
White stone and glimmering trimmings line the streets of the Risen Level. The stone streets connect the pristine mansions of the ambassadors, the wealthy, and the royal. The harsh realities of the desert seem to be unknown to those who have risen above it. Green lawns and gardens, water fountains, exotic pets, the Risen Level has all.
The Risen Level also holds the Nightwatch. A secret group of soldiers that protects Daal and the Royal Family. Covered in black, swooping out the air, and adorned with silver bird masks; the Nightwatch are Daal’s greatest protectors.
The Nightwatch
Nightwatch members are selected from the populace of Daal at random. Taken as babies in the night, they are raised and trained in the ancient and secret ways to protect. The parents of the children are allowed one long goodbye before being given a silver hawk statue. This is seen as a great honor to the family, albeit with several negative emotions.
The Nightwatch are unable to speak; cursed with a special tongue that changes their voice to bird chirps and songs.
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| birds of a feather murder together |
The Royal Family - Ruling Daal for over 300 years
Sultan Dulat: The rather popular sultan of Daal has fallen ill after an assassination attempt on his life. The first assassination attempt in Daal in nearly 400 years. Bedridden and unable to communicate outside of nonsensical words.
Sultana Anarmi: Current ruler of Daal. Very passionate and caring about her people. She doesn't like having to rely on the Empire’s Military nor their policies.
1st Son, Nekel: Alchemist and Golem scholar. Trying to replicate the supposed legendary golems of the Age of Gods.
1st Daughter, Shistu: Nightwatch member. Location unknown.
2nd Daughter, Byadi: Deceased. Was killed during the assassination attempt on Sultan.
The Twins, Sabul & Pares: The last two children are scholars looking into the Mirage Ruins. Son went missing over 3 years ago looking for a Mirage Ruin. Suspected to be dead. Daughter is currently leading a research lab.
Mirage Ruins
Though not believed to be anything more than a mirage out in the desert. A terrible trick to deceive the greedy, the foolish, the brave, and the stupid. Since time immemorial the Mirage Ruins have tempted many. Said to be home to many strange monsters, treasures, and secrets, the Mirage Ruins have been a point of fairy tales, contention, scientific endeavors, and many a drunken bet. Are they lost and forgotten cities of the past, secret government lairs, or myth? No one has ever returned to answer the question.
The Night of the Assassination/story idea from Illevar campaign:
Assassin is let in by Nekel to incapacitate his father. With his Father out of the way, the Cult of the New World would be able to operate in Daal without suspicion. The funding from the Cult would allow the son to continue and expand his research on building golems of the highest quality. The plan goes without a hitch until the actual attempt is made. Byadi witnesses the event and is murdered trying to defend her father. Nekel is distraught by his sister being killed, but is assured by the Cult that their deity will bring Byadi back to life. To ensure lack of suspicion on Nekel, the assassin also sliced off his arm and maimed his face a bit. It is up to Nekel to complete his research in order to resurrect his sister and help bring about a new age. Will the PCs save Daal in time or will it fall under the rule of the cult and its sinister deity?
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