Zahara Al-Tanf

Ikeah is a major port city, and a kingdom within The Six. Other cities are under Ikeah control, including Wursthurst and Northhold.

Ikeah, an opulent and utopian city, stands as a majestic enclave perched upon what feels like the edge of the world. Within its boundaries, the affluent, the esteemed, and the scholarly thrive amidst a metropolis adorned with grand stone structures and soaring spires. The air carries a crispness, the masonry exudes purity, and a mesmerizing aquamarine canal meanders through the heart of the city, cascading into a magnificent waterfall that appears to plunge into the abyss.

Renowned for its prestigious universities and schools, Ikeah acts as a beacon that draws scholars and seekers of knowledge from across the kingdoms. The city owes its technological and magical advancements to the extraordinary resources it harnesses. Glitter, a magical dust, and Star Seeds, crystalline sources of energy, are procured from the ancient city of Zahara Al-Tanf. Corporations such as "Spice Inc" wield a monopolistic hold on the research, medicine, and trade associated with these invaluable resources.

Housing within Ikeah's boundaries is a privilege reserved for the upper and middle classes, who can afford the soaring costs that come with the luxuries of its nightlife, entertainment venues, shops, and access to esteemed education. Meanwhile, refugees and those belonging to the lower class find solace in the lower city of Sadena, where they secure housing, albeit with fewer comforts and opportunities. As a result, a significant number of blue-collar workers commute from Sadena to Ikeah, contributing to the bustling workforce that sustains the city's grandeur.

Undercity district of Sadena
Below Ikeah lies the seedy, industrious, and large undercity district called Sadena. A refugee and safe haven for the chaotic, mystical, forgotten, and working class. It is a mixing pot of diversity, food and cultures, attracting weird and wonderful creatures from all over the land. Here you can find anything and everything, ranging from spices to black-market goods. It has several factory and industrial districts and a plethora of seedy urban offerings.

Glitter and Star Seeds
Glitter, a precious and scarcely found substance serves as the raw material for producing synthetic Star Seeds. While its primary application lies in the realm of medicine, it is also notorious for being illicitly mixed into street drugs, amplifying their effects to dangerous extremes. Driven by the potential it holds, corporations are currently delving into extensive research to explore the multifaceted uses of Glitter across various domains, including technology, medicine, military, and temporary mental and physical enhancements for users. Maze Runners in Zahara Al-Tanf are known to use a special mixture that contains Glitter in order to conduct their services effectively while navigating the maze. The Maze Runners of Zahara Al-Tanf employ a unique concoction infused with Glitter.This specialized mixture empowers the Maze Runners to confront the imminent dangers lurking within the ever-shifting maze. It heightens their senses, bolsters their reflexes, and grants them the resilience needed so that they may increase the success of their provided services.

Star Seeds, aka Stellas, exist as diminutive crystals brimming with arcane energy. Lab-grown Stellas find utility in powering individual elements of buildings—such as floating disc elevators or supplying part of the power for a small home—, constructs, and simple vehicles. They can also be used in enhancing magical equipment, fueling personal weapons, integrating into artificer prosthetics, and serving a myriad of other basic consumer needs. Although lab-made Stellas only possess a fraction of the arcane power present in genuine specimens, they nonetheless contribute significantly to technological advancements. Authentic Stellas, incredibly rare and scarcely obtained, harbour an unparalleled potency, as a mere shard of such magnitude can sustain a small town or an entire city block indefinitely. Some use for authentic Stellas includes powering giant constructs, flying ships, and artificially made interplanar portals.

Oligarcy
Centuries after The Cataclysm, refugees that were taken in from the surrounding Dwarven settlements left to reclaim Ikeah. Seizing the opportunity, Halflings, Humans, Half-Elves, and a minority of Elves worked together to transform Ikeah into a thriving hub of trade and commerce in this new world, gradually establishing themselves as the prosperous elite.

For centuries, the vast city of Ikeah had been predominantly governed by an oligarchic system. However, in a recent turn of events less than a decade ago, prompted by fervent advocacy and protests from the citizens of Sadena and some factions within Ikeah, a shift toward a more democratic approach took place.

Despite this change, the influence of the affluent elite remains pervasive, with a majority of the police force still aligned with their interests, prioritizing their needs over the general population. In addition to public law enforcement, a clandestine private force known as the "Shadowed Shield" operates discreetly, serving as an extra layer of protection for the wealthy elite, shrouded in secrecy and carrying out their duties beyond the public eye.

Drugs
Blue Sky is the equivalent of cocaine. It is a widely used drug within Ikeah. Snorting Blue Sky gives the creature +2 Charisma and -2 Wisdom for 30 mins. DC 10 Con Save to avoid developing an addiction.

Arcane Bliss is a mixture of Blue Sky, Glitter, and Rhino horn dust. Concocted as a party drug by the wealthy elite. Snorting Arcane Bliss gives the creature +2 Charisma, + Dexterity, and -4 Wisdom for 30 mins. DC 10 Con Save to avoid developing an addiction.

Happyweed Often indistinguishable from long-growing wild grass, this drug, when smoked, produces a buzz of endorphins and a heightened sense of affability towards others for those who smoke it. You have an advantage on Charisma (Persuasion) and Charisma (Performance) checks an hour after smoking a blunt. DC 13 Con Save, and on a failed save you find everything absolutely hilarious. Anything terrible, you laugh at it until your ribs hurt. This lasts for one hour.

Feyflower. Sadena finds itself engulfed in the throes of a rampant drug epidemic. The insidious influence of Feyflower has left the lower city distorted, reducing it to a mere shadow of its once-vibrant self. Consumed regularly, Feyflower inflicts a potent intoxication upon those who partake, distorting the senses and impairing the faculties of any creature under its sway. Potent doses of Feyflower have these traits and effects

Major Organizations
The Grand Library of Reference has its headquarters in Ikeah.

Secret Organizations
The Lunar Lodge stands as the counterpart to the Free Masons, a covert society comprising the influential wealthy elite and powerful oligarchs. This secret organization diligently orchestrates intricate webs of influence and manipulation, safeguarding their power and status within the kingdom, forever concealed behind the curtains of secrecy. As masters of hidden agendas and subtle machinations, the members of the Lunar Lodge pull strings with unparalleled finesse, ensuring their unyielding hold on power remains unchallenged.

Antagonists
The IRCA—Ikeah and Region Conservation Authority—serves to protect, conserve, and restore natural resources and fauna through the application of community engagement, education, and magic, with brute fortitude and strength. The IRCA makes its presence known across all towns, villages, border checkpoints, natural tourism attractions, and conservation reserves with the use of highly knowledgeable and skilled rangers.

The IPA—Ikeah Police Authority— is the city's acting policing body. They report directly to the Ikeah High Council but generally serve the public in Ikeah, and have some jurisdiction in Sadena. The force consists of various types of officers, detectives, investigators, and forensics departments.

STARS—Special Tactics and Rescue Services—is headquartered in Ikeah and services the 6 kingdoms. STARS dispatch in-house constructs for special reconnaissance and rescue missions that involve high-value targets, individuals, and holders of S-tier insurance plans(not covered by Ikeah's free healthcare system).

The Shadowed Shield is an elite force specializing in safeguarding the oligarchies with utmost secrecy. Their operations involve a fusion of intricate arcane arts and ingenious artificer technologies, allowing them to wield tactical magic and advanced machinery. Renowned for their mastery of strategic formations, they deploy calculated maneuvers and exploit their enemies' weaknesses with precision and cunning. The Shadowed Shield operates in the shadows to ensure the safety and continued dominance of the ruling elite.

The White Rose is an assembly of elite spectral operatives, bestowed with unparalleled authority by the Ikeah Council to uphold regional and governmental equilibrium through any means deemed essential. They possess the rare capacity to swiftly transform into judge, jury, and executioner when urgency demands. Proficient in espionage and stealth, the Ivory Thorns navigate the shadows with finesse, often revealing their true identities to unsuspecting targets mere moments before it's too late. While they are formidable combatants in their own right, the Ivory Thorns frequently collaborate with local law enforcement, STARS, and other specialized divisions, utilizing their support to accomplish their missions with maximum efficacy.

Noteable Places
The Dawn Valley Hot Springs. A public hot springs protected by the IRCA house rare endangered snails within the facility.

The Opal Grand Opera House stands as the grandest and most illustrious stage for performances among the six kingdoms. Its reputation as a pinnacle of artistic excellence is unrivalled, captivating audiences from far and wide.

The Fey Tide Crossing stands as a meticulously crafted interplanar portal, seamlessly bridging the Material Plane with the realm of the Feywilds. This meticulously constructed gateway forms an irreplaceable link to its counterpart in the other realm, allowing attunement solely between these sister ports. Passage through this gate requires the presentation of proper documentation, ensuring a regulated flow of travellers between the two planes. This port serves as a bustling hub of commerce, birthing prosperous trade routes and fostering flourishing relationships for the city. It facilitates the exchange of rare goods, coveted treasures, and exotic resources, enriching the lives of both denizens and visitors alike.