Hamajan Mountains

"...The monks calmly accepted my presence, almost as if my arrival in this remote mountain valley had been preordained instead of being the result of blind chance. And soon, I began to adhere to their customs, dress like they did, eat like they did, and take turns at the ubiquiteous prayer wheels like they did...
[...] I don't know how long this timeless, dreamlike existence continued, though it must have been many months. But a small part within me never felt comfortable here, and its whispers became louder over time. I still had things to do and places to explore! So one day, I gathered my equipment and some supplies and set out again. The monks did not move to stop me, though the abbot shook his head and sadly told me that one day I would understand that my path would only lead me to more suffering..."

- Hermann Hasse, The Roof of the World, Neuer Weltverlag (1412)


Population: 3,756,480 (humans 71%, dwarves 12%, hobgoblins 7%, surathi 6%, goblins 3%)
Government: Varies by kingdom
Imports:
Exports:

This mighty mountain range boasts the tallest peaks in the world, with some of them topping 30,000 feet. Yet in its remote valleys and hidden plateaus ancient civilizations thrive that seemingly have changed little over the millennia...


Industries

Life and Society

A large number of small, feudal kingdoms are spread over the multitude of mountain valleys. Yet the ultimate authority in this mountain range does not lie with the local kings, or the priests venerating a variety of gods, but the monastic orders who protect the villagers and are given tribute in turn.

Government and Politics

Groups and Organisations

Religion

An oddity of the mountain range is that the priests of the various gods are not the highest religious authority of the land. They are mostly village priests and keepers of small shrines, respected people to whom the villagers turn in time of need. But above all are the monks, who mostly live in remote monasteries but who are considered to be the most enlightened of all men. They teach that human souls are trapped in this world, doomed to eventually be born again in this world of suffering. Through steady meditation and exercise, the monks are trying to break this circle of reincarnation by ending all desire and becoming one with the universal nothingness. Most people are in awe of the monks and their supernatural powers - though ultimately, the priests of the gods are closer to their immediate, worldly concerns.

Important NPCs

Major Geographical Features

Important Towns and Cities

Rhikasa (City, 132,450): The ruler of this realm, the Kazang, has achieved an odd form of immortality: Whenever he dies, he is reincarnated as a newborn baby somewhere within the realm. The locals revere him as both their temporal and spiritual highest authority.

Important Sites

Regional History

Adventuring in the Hamajan Mountains

Adventure Seeds



Back to Urbis