Iatar
16th of Rheuthar's Revenge, 2845 TE
Scope
The motivation behind building Iatar
The world of Iatar is designed first and foremost as a creative outlet, to serve as a setting in which I can build an internally consistent universe, full of all sorts of content. I thoroughly enjoy the creative process, and it is a source of great relaxation for me to be able to pour out these stories into a world that grows more and more with each telling.
The goal of the project
I originally began the construction of Iatar with the aim of building a D&D setting for my friends and I to play in. Since then, I have continued with that goal, but have started to branch away from the constraints that D&D placed upon Iatar at first. I now see Iatar as a place within which all sorts of stories could be created, whether collaboratively through RPG play, or on my own through various short stories, and perhaps even a novel one day.
I want the audience to be able to fully immerse themselves in my world, whether by reading something I have written, or by playing in a game within Iatar. To that end, I want the world to feel real, and yet allow the reader or player to recognise that it is not, allowing for a level of expression that may not be possible in our common existence.
Iatar's Unique Selling point
The world of Iatar is based around the concept of 'The Chaos', the force behind which all things are made and set into motion in Iatar. It is the energy out of which the world was made, and the force which exists within all living souls. It is the ultimate source of power within the world, and shapes all aspects of life in Iatar, even if the common man would go through life not giving it a second thought.
Theme
Genre
Epic Fantasy: The world of Iatar is governed by laws of its own. It's grand scale history is determined by magic, and supernatural beings and events are common in the tales of even common folk.
Low Magic: Whilst the existence of The Chaos, Gods, Magic, and other supernatural phenomena are well known amongst the common people, these fantastical elements are often contained to stories. This is not the sort of world where every town and village has their own wizard. Whilst most people would have seen magic during their lifetime, it is considered a special occurrence to most, and is only commonplace to a few.
Middle Tech: The technological level of the world of Iatar varies greatly depending on where you are. Cultures that are more focussed on spiritual or magical existences are less inclined to develop their mundane technology. On the other hand, there are those who seek purely technological solutions to their problems. In general, the world is at a middle-age level of technology, with the most advanced cultures exploring gunpowder and steam energy.
Reader Experience
It is my aim that the world of Iatar feels like a world waiting to be explored, with layers of depth being revealed as you look further into it's nature. I was immersing yourself in this world to be exciting, the characters moving, and the surroundings wonderful.
Reader Tone
The world of Iatar is not overtly dark or bright. Whilst it is most certainly more dangerous to live in than our world, what with the existence of monsters, demons, evil Gods, and supernatural cataclysms, it is also more exciting and wonderous than our world, with the potential for magic and heroism always lying just under the surface.
Recurring Themes
Not as it seems: The world of Iatar has secrets hidden behind the scenes at every turn. Whether it be history, heroes, gods, or even the nature of existence itself, there is more to uncover than meets the eye.
An undetermined world: The Chaos, at its very essence, cannot be fully dominated. It is unpredictable, and therefore, so are those who are born of it. The fate of those within Iatar is fully within their own hands. Similarly, the morality of the world is undetermined. Who is to say what is good, and what is evil?
The stewards of power: It takes great effort to control power in Iatar, whether Chaotic or mundane, and those who place themselves in command of such power have a great weight on their shoulders. With the power to change the course of history, only a few can withstand the temptations put before them.
Character Agency
Player characters in the world of Iatar can have almost as much agency as they like. The world of Iatar is by nature volatile, and those with the will to change the course of history have succeeded, and will again.
Focus
Drama
A Changing of the Guard: Many posts in the world are filled by individuals living in the past. A new order is at hand. There are many across the world who seek to make it their own.
A Resurgence of The Chaos: Did Tor think himself so mighty that he could contain the very energy of creation?
The End of Human Dominance: The wars of the past are long-forgotten, and the empires that once rose have fallen. It is time for the elder races to reclaim what was theirs.
A Stirring in the Mountains: The Dragons have begun to grow weary in their solitude. Some among them seek to make their presence known, and their power respected.
A Battle of the Soul: With the Gods departed, and corrupt mortals enacting their 'intent', many doubt the necessity for such antique religion.