LOCATIONS OF OSAM
Osam
A world ruled by eight powerful spirits, each governing a different aspect of nature and life. At the heart of Aadora lies Monohox, the earth kingdom, known for its harsh deserts and rich mineral deposits. To the south is the forest of Galia, a wild and untamed land inhabited by tribes and teeming with wildlife.
In the center of Aadora is Volten, a land of prairies, crops, and waterfalls, blessed with abundant resources and a peaceful way of life. To the east is Acaria, the water land, characterized by its rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, home to seafaring peoples and aquatic creatures.
Crysten in the north-east, a land of ice and snow, where glaciers and frozen tundras dominate the landscape. The dead lands of Morta lie to the west, a desolate and haunted place where few dare to tread. And in the north-west are the volcanoes of Faraga, a fiery and dangerous land where molten lava flows and ash clouds fill the sky.
MONOHOX
Divided into five distinct districts, each with its own unique character and challenges, Monohox is a land of contrasts, where the unforgiving desert landscape is both a source of hardship and a treasure trove of resources.
Sandinava, the largest district, is known for its sprawling deserts and towering sand dunes. The land here is harsh and unforgiving, with scorching temperatures and limited water sources. Despite these challenges, Sandinava is rich in mineral deposits, making it a valuable resource for the kingdom.
Harshell, located to the north of Sandinava, is a land of rugged mountains and deep valleys. The terrain here is treacherous, with steep cliffs and rocky outcroppings. However, Harshell is also home to rich veins of precious metals and gemstones, making it a valuable asset to the kingdom's economy.
Gholonia, to the east of Sandinava, is a land of lush oases and fertile farmland. The district is known for its agricultural prowess, producing a variety of crops that sustain the kingdom's population. Despite its relative prosperity, Gholonia is not without its challenges, as the oases are often the target of raids from neighboring tribes.
The Monohox Capitol, located in the center of the kingdom, is a bustling hub of activity. The city is home to the kingdom's ruling elite, as well as a thriving market where goods from across the kingdom are bought and sold. The Capitol is also home to the kingdom's most prestigious Academy, making it a center of learning and culture.
Sentinel Valley, to the west of Sandinava, is a land of mystery and intrigue. The valley is home to ancient ruins and artifacts, hinting at a civilization that once thrived in the region. The valley is also home to a network of underground caves and tunnels, which are rumored to hold untold riches and secrets.
THE TEMPLE OF TAARA
The Sacred Temple of Taara, dedicated to the Earth Spirit, is a revered site both by the kingdom of Monohox and its surrounding tribes. Nestled at the base of a towering mountain range, the temple is a masterpiece of stonework, seamlessly blending into the earth itself. Its walls are carved from the mountain’s stone, adorned with ancient symbols and runes that speak to the enduring power of Taara, the Earth Spirit. Massive pillars, each etched with intricate designs representing the forces of nature, line the grand entrance, which opens into a vast hall where rituals and ceremonies take place.
Inside, the atmosphere is heavy with reverence and spirituality. The temple’s floor is made of smooth, cool stone, and at its center lies an altar composed of a massive, jagged boulder—a symbol of Taara’s raw, untamed power. The altar is often surrounded by offerings of fruit, flowers, and earth, left by worshipers seeking the blessings of the Earth Spirit.
The temple is a hub of spiritual life in Monohox, hosting a wide array of significant rituals. Sermons are delivered by the High Priestess or Priest of Taara, who guides the kingdom and tribes in their understanding of the Earth Spirit’s wisdom. Baptisms are conducted here, where initiates are anointed with sacred earth from the temple grounds, symbolizing their bond with the land. The King’s Guard initiations are also held within these sacred walls, where new warriors are blessed by the Earth Spirit before they take their oaths to protect the kingdom. These initiations are grand, solemn events that solidify the spiritual bond between Monohox's protectors and the land they defend.
Other ceremonies, such as the anointing of leaders, weddings, and funeral rites, take place within the temple, further cementing its role as the spiritual heart of Monohox. The tribes surrounding the kingdom, though often autonomous, come to the Temple of Taara to seek guidance and participate in these sacred rites, recognizing the shared reverence for the Earth Spirit.
The air inside the temple is cool and rich with the scent of earth and incense, creating a meditative atmosphere. Beams of sunlight filter through carefully placed openings in the stone, casting ethereal light across the temple floor. Here, the kingdom and tribes alike find unity in their worship of Taara, the spirit that nourishes and protects their land.
TOWN SQUARE
The Monohox Town Square is a grand, sprawling marketplace at the heart of the desertic kingdom, where the vibrancy of life in Monohox comes to full bloom. It is the largest and busiest market in the kingdom, drawing merchants and travelers from across the Eight Realms to its bustling center. Located in the vast plains of Monohox, the square is surrounded by the kingdom’s majestic rock temples and towering buildings, their sandstone walls glistening under the desert sun.
The square itself is a dynamic fusion of culture and commerce, where goods from every corner of the realms are exchanged—exotic spices, intricate textiles, gleaming weapons, and rare spiritual artifacts fill the stalls. The air is thick with the mingling scents of foreign delicacies being cooked, fragrant oils, and the dust that rises from the continuous movement of people, animals, and carts.
Massive rock-hewn temples frame the marketplace, their columns etched with ancient symbols, reminding all who gather there of the deep history and spiritual significance of Monohox. These temples are not only places of worship but also landmarks for the square, casting long shadows across the market as the sun travels across the sky. The architecture of the surrounding buildings reflects the artistry of the kingdom, with intricate carvings and grand arches that create a feeling of timelessness.
The marketplace thrives on diversity—there are artisans crafting their wares in open workshops, musicians playing traditional melodies, and street performers entertaining travelers. It’s a place where deals are struck in whispered negotiations, and the pulse of Monohox’s economy can be felt in the lively trade of goods and services.
At its core, the Monohox Town Square is more than just a marketplace—it is a gathering point for the entire kingdom, where the spirit of Monohox is reflected in its people’s interactions, their artistry, and their resilience against the harsh desert environment. Every corner of the square offers something unique, making it a place of endless discovery for locals and visitors alike.
MONOHOX ACADEMY OF ARTS AND BATTLE
The Monohox Academy of Arts and Battle is the pinnacle of education and prestige in the kingdom of Monohox, a revered institution where the finest minds and most promising warriors gather. Situated at the heart of the kingdom, the academy is a grand complex that blends ancient architectural splendor with the raw energy of its students and scholars. Its towers rise high above the surrounding landscape, visible from miles away, symbolizing the ambition and mastery that lie within its walls.
The academy is dedicated to both the intellectual and physical development of its students, training them in the Book of Eight Spirits, a sacred text that teaches the spiritual wisdom of the realm, and the Eight Arts: wood and iron crafting, combat, calligraphy, songsmithing, spirit dance, beast taming, painting, and orchestral performance. Each art is taught by masters who have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft, ensuring that the knowledge passed down is of the highest caliber.
Inside the academy, the atmosphere is one of both scholarly rigor and martial discipline. Vast libraries house ancient tomes and scrolls related to the Eight Spirits, while practice fields echo with the clash of swords and the rhythms of war drums. The academy’s halls are adorned with murals depicting legendary battles and artistic achievements, reminding every student of the legacy they are expected to uphold.
Students at the academy come from all over the Eight Realms, attracted by its reputation for producing not only the finest warriors but also the greatest artists, musicians, and spiritual leaders. Many of the kingdom’s greatest heroes, leaders, and generals are alumni of this institution, which makes admission highly competitive. Only the most skilled or those from the noblest families of Monohox earn a place here.
The academy grounds are also home to sacred gardens where students can meditate on the spirits they study, and forge connections between their craft and the spiritual teachings. There, they learn the art of balance between physical prowess and mental fortitude, crucial to excelling in both battle and artistry.
Those who graduate from the Monohox Academy are not only masters of their chosen disciplines but are also revered as keepers of the cultural and spiritual heritage of the kingdom. They leave its gates prepared to shape the future of Monohox, whether through the arts of creation or the discipline of combat.
SENTINEL VALLEY
Sentinel Valley is a mysterious and treacherous region nestled within the hidden mountains that lead to the six dormant volcanoes of the northern ranges. The valley is a natural fortress, shielded by sheer cliffs and dense fog that often veils its location from travelers. Ancient and powerful, the valley holds within it a vast network of underground tunnels and fortresses that have been built and expanded by the mountain tribes over centuries. These tunnels weave through the mountains like veins, connecting strategic points between the peaks, fortresses, and volcanic lands.
The fortresses themselves, though weathered by time, are marvels of stonework—massive, imposing structures carved directly into the mountainside. Their towering walls, adorned with tribal markings and ancestral carvings, stand as testaments to the resilience of the tribes who built them. Inside, the fortresses are labyrinthine, with chambers that stretch deep into the earth, storing weapons, treasures, and ancient relics of the tribe's warrior past.
Travelers who venture into Sentinel Valley speak of an eerie quiet, broken only by the occasional rumbling of distant volcanic activity and the whistling winds echoing through the tunnels. The tunnels themselves are vast, lit by the faint glow of molten rivers that run beneath the mountains, serving as both pathways and hidden traps for those who do not know the ways of the tribes. Legends tell that only those with tribal blood or the blessing of the spirits can safely navigate the valley, for it is a place guarded by ancient powers and the ever-watchful gaze of the sentinels who once roamed its peaks.
