Morrak's Influence

Nophra in present day is a mostly peaceful place, but conflict is silently growing in the shadows.

Morrak is the current queen, and resides in her palace in Sashai. Her influence has started to reach beyond her immediate surroundings as she seeks out resources and ways to gain control of other large cities. Below is a map showing roughly where she is known to be in power or is otherwise significantly impacting life.

Sashai

Morrak’s Palace is located here. To ignorant bystanders, it appears to be a slice of paradise in the middle of the desert. There is much going on in the shadows, and it becomes obvious pretty quickly if you spend a few days there.

Having an Exalted Focus is always risky business, but in Sashai it is exceptionally so. Morrak has ensured her guards are expertly trained in spotting them and bringing them to her. There have been many violent incidents in the city involving attempted confiscations going horribly wrong, so the citizens are hyper-aware of them and will report them discretely without hesitation, even if they don't like the queen. Anyone accused of having anything to do with not reporting them is also severely punished.

Once the focus is confiscated and its previous owner imprisoned, she uses them to arm her most loyal followers/guards. Morrak has done her best to spread a narrative of justice for the victims of making these weapons, but deep down the citizens know what is happening and feel helpless in stopping her.

Acknowledgement or symbolism of the demigods is strictly prohibited here, as she considers herself to be the most powerful being alive. Any mention of them is taken as an insult and offenders are severely punished.

It is well understood that drawing attention to yourself in this place is never a good thing.

Joining Morrak's ranks is considered to be a shameful sellout. She compensates generously, but at what cost? Once you join and get in a little too deep, you are privy to her schemes and are threatened into silence and continued service. She makes it very clear leaving is no longer an option at this point, and she always has plenty to hold over her soldiers' heads.

Crystali of Dark or Light elements must steer completely clear of the city, since she will stop at nothing to take advantage of their rare abilities. If she cannot gain control of someone directly, she will not hesitate to go through her usual channels to force them into compliance.

Adamantine Bluffs

Morrak uses a lot of adamantine, a rare ore that is found in abundance in this region. Originally, she had a deal with the city since she was buying most of their ore, but over time she wound up usurping them. She has demanded more and more ore while paying less and less. This has led to the Bluffs becoming very poor, and living conditions have diminished a lot in recent years.

Ripgate/Atroa

None are really sure what’s going on in Atroa, aside from there being some sort of prison facility called Ripgate there. This island is completely under Morrak’s claim.