Dorull

 


The world of Dorull
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Part 1 - Tanmar
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           Tanmar is predominantly swampland area, situated at the far north of the planet Dorull. It is bordered by Chaygor on the east and Amn-oaz to the south-west, with great Kabial sea encasing the entire southern border.



             This wild inhospitable territory was the everlasting subject of dispute between the humans and the orcs. And was the central point of the Great war among these two races. The war that started because of the discovery of the riches deep beneath the mountain range of Laorn, stretching around the region from the north-west, all the way to the south-east. The war which lasted for more than thirty years. 

           The Great war ended with the battle of Tvayas hills, where human forces managed to stop the invading orc hordes, before they reached the fortress of Issurk. The victory ultimately brought the much-needed peace. And also assured humans' stay in this region, leaving the orcs to retreat to their settlements in the east. To wait for the next opportunity, which will undoubtedly arrive.

                                                                             

            And so they did, staying away on their side of Tanmar, to the east. Staying close to the border with Chaygor. Keeping the great marshlands in between them. Orcs lived in three large towns, KhoillZhinnaeg and Gaaran. While humans inhabited mining town of Gollvin to the north, and Vallsynk and Issurk to the south of this area. With Thirel fort, situated several hundred kilometers north of Vallsynk, build mainly as an outpost for securing the transport of ores from the north, humans practically controlled the swamp.

                
        
           Besides them, Tanmar is also a home to the goblin race. They are living in the large underground town of Nual-Deu to the south east, and in two villages, Nual-Dyluss to the west and Nual-Raond to the north-west. Goblins kept to themselves, avoiding all and every altercations. Avoiding the fights. Avoiding the war. Something which could not be said for one other race, who paid the price of their overaggressive behavior. The ogres.

           Their blood-lust, their warmongering ways, their constant need to hunt and kill, often pitted them against orcs and especially humans, for they were their most sought after source of food. Ogres preferred them to the indigenous animal species of this swamp, amphibians and reptiles. And even to the wild, mountain goats, rams and sheep, whom they couldn't even imagine to track, trap or hunt over the tall mountaintops, on the steep cliff sides and in the narrow crags, due to sheer size and stature of the typical ogre frame which reached well over 10 feet.

          Humansorcs and especially goblins, on the other hand, had no trouble in that aspect, managing even to tame some of those animals. By doing that, they added even more use for those animals, as they started creating the concepts of farming. Which was only possible in the certain small patches of the lands in the west, north-east and south-east. The rest of the marshes were almost completely under water. Making the soil untillable, but a perfect place for the propagation of various aquatic lifeforms. 

        Tanmar is the main location of the Dorull Saga books one, two and three, Swamp of Death (published), Blood Vengeance - part one (published) and Blood Vengeance - part two (wip).


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Part 2 - Chaygor

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Chaygor is a region of predominantly mixed temperate forests, intertwined with several plain areas, creating a complex ecological system teeming with life. It is bordered with Tyrsh to the north, Tanmar to the west, and Kabb'nal-An region to the south. To the east, the entire coastline is almost completely opened to the great, Eirene ocean.



         Chaygor was and is the homeland of every single orc since the olden days of the great migrations. The migrations changed and reshaped other areas in various ways, especially those human ones, who until that lived a predominantly nomadic lives. Orcs on the other hand remain in this region. Staying true to their core values and principles, respecting the land and the nature. Respecting the roots and the bonds. Respecting their history. Defending it with every fiber of their beings.

       This unity was well known to every other race of Dorull. It was serving its purpose to help in keeping the outsiders out of Chaygor. And it was probable reason no one dared to venture there, let alone mount an attack, not to mention an entire invasion attempt. This enabled orcs to remain pretty much unbothered for the most of the time. And at the same time, it also helped them to hide the division between them.

        The orcs are divided in three major tribes. The Bear tribe to the north, the Fox tribe to the east and the Wolf tribe occupying the west and the south-west parts of Chaygor. None of the tribes were ever in any major conflict situation. And would jump to each others help, if any foreign force was to breach their lands. But the slight difference in their beliefs and views, made them to drift apart in time.

      The Bear tribe's main principles revolve around honor, valor and pride. They are one of the biggest advocates for peace between every race on the planet Dorull. And were because of that considered as the weakest among tribes. Something which they disproved on numerous occasions. Most notably in the battle at Novil field against the ancient elemental being Badzanogh (see Dorull Stories: Legend of Roshnak).

       The Wolf tribe on the other hand are a complete opposite to the Bears. With their sights firmly set on the prospects of future conquests, expansion and strengthening their numbers and influence. With almost pack-like behavior, the Wolf tribe managed to obtain control over almost half of the Chaygor territory.

        The Fox tribe had similar aspirations as the Wolves, in wanting to expand. Albeit for the very different reasons. Their plan to strengthen the presence of orcs in the Dorull was through the means of economical expanse. Establishing trading routes with other races and other places was, in their minds, the only way forward for orcs. With the abundance of various natural resources in Chaygor, either plant or that of an animal kind, it would also be foolish not to do so. Wood was sought after everywhere. So were plants, herbs, fruit and vegetables. The same was to be said for animal wildlife. Chaygor was teeming with it. Especially one particular animal, a wild Chaygor horse. They wanted to get their hands on them, more than anything else.

        And with a good reason. Horses were most useful, used and needed animals by far. Of course, humans bred theirs, so did elves and even dwarfs. But none of those horse breeds could even compare. Not even the magnificent Halvidar Akhals. Chaygor horses were bigger, stronger and faster, than any other breed. Finding buyers would be the easiest part of this scheme. And with the unlimited supply, it would undoubtedly lasted almost forever. But there was one problem with that. Other tribes were strongly opposed to the idea. 

        Bear tribe the most. They were the carers and protectors of those noble animals. And as such had the final word on that matter. This irreparably soured the relations between these two tribes, making the common ground for all future dealings, impossible to find. Even more so, once the Fox tribe decided to cut the direct trade with the Bears. It will only worsen after the events of three novellas from Dorull Stories series: Trials of Roshnak (wip), Brothers of War (wip) and Grodish the Unwanted (wip).


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Part 3 - Amn-oaz

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Amn'oaz is a tropical rainforest, situated to the south-west of Tanmar and in between Mulkor to the north and the region of Sannwel to the south. All around hot and humid weather, consistent throughout the entire year, alongside with the constant, heavy downpours, contributed to the wild and exuberant growth of various plants. Flowers, ferns, bushes, bamboo and trees. Millions of trees. Palm trees, rubber paras and the largest of them all, the kapok trees. 

       This created a perfect ecosystem for the tremendous expanse of the variety of animal species. From the insects, to the amphibians and the fishes, the reptiles and the birds, all the way to the different mammals, herbivores and carnivores. Life was everywhere, from the ground, to the tallest of the treetops. This jungle was teeming.


        Epicenter of it is the Starg valley, an enormous space of open fields cutting through the thick forest. Nestled in between four rivers, GharnTaroinRouhn and Seeir, which ultimately formed four great lakes, of the same names, Starg was an obvious and desired location for every single tribe living in this jungle.

       Long time ago, there were over hundred of these tribes. Most of them were wild halflings, but there was also a couple of wood elf tribes. But in time they left the jungle altogether, heading south over the mountains, into a much tamer, temperate rainforest area, sitting in between Amn'oaz and the region of Sannwel, further to the south. Seemingly never ending dangers of everyday life in this place, was simply too much for them to endure.

                                             

       Contrary to them, halflings managed to adapt and overcome the dangers of the jungle. And they did it in the only way possible, by finding the strength in numbers. Smaller tribes joined in to form the larger ones. The larger tribes then absorbed the other smaller ones. The process lasted for decades, until there was five, huge tribes. They became known as Pamens, who were living alongside river and the shores of the lake TaroinSumens, who were wandering up and down the river SeeirRemen tribe, which usually kept themselves around the Rouhn lake. Qimens, living on the Gharn lake. And the Tomens, the tribe of fishermen, who wandered around the Starg, looking for a catch on all the rivers and lakes.

       The tribes lived in peace for most of the time. Often trading the food and other resources. Often depending on one another, to help tackling the troubles of jungle living and surviving. Until the events that followed the Dorull Stories novella, Prisoner of the Amulet (published), changed the Amn'oaz forever. 

       Amn'oaz is also mentioned in Dorull Saga novels, Blood Vengeance - part one (published), Blood Vengeance - part two (wip), Frozen Tomb (wip), Secrets of the Amulet (wip), Planet of the Slaves (wip) and Dorull Stories novella, Half-blood Princess (wip).


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Part 4 - Kabb'nal-An

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           Kabb'nal-An is the dark forest valley, nestled in between two huge mountain ranges to the north and the south of it. The region is bordered with Chaygor to the north and Kial-raah to the west, with southern and eastern shores opened to the great ocean of Eirene. It is a home to four dwarf clans. The Stonebreakers out of Dael-Sos to the northwest, the Reventors from the town of Dael-Rev to the north east , the Archenwoods living in and around the town of Dael-Arc to the south east, and the Horsenbacks from the town of Dael-Hor to the south west.


        Due to the disagreements regarding the borders, dividing each and every kingdom, the clans were living in a constant feud. The longest one being between the Horsenbacks and the Reventors. The clans were in war for almost three centuries, with no end in sight. And with the other two clans using that to better their hold on the territory, the entire region was one giant powder keg waiting to explode.


 

         Dwarfs are and always were the most technologically advanced race of the entire Dorull. They spearheaded the mining advances, which others are trying to catch on to this day. They brought the art of blacksmithing to a different level, by developing new techniques in ore and metal processing. They were first to discover and develop the usage of the steam power, creating many contraptions and machines that saw to the betterment of the entire world. 

        Their most recent endeavor saw the discovery of gunpowder. But so far this is closely kept secret known only to dwarfs. The clans forged an agreement between them, as they are racing to figure out every possible application of the volatile black dust. The applications that will either unite or destroy Kabb'nal-An. You will be able to find that out in one of the upcoming Dorull Stories novellas, Clan Wars.


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Part 5 - Kial-Raah

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Kial-raah or the sand-lands, in the long forgotten language of the dark elves, is the desert area situated in between Sannwel to the west and Kabb'nal-An to the north. It is mostly unpopulated area, with several nomadic tribes, still traveling between the shores of the Kabial sea to the north and the shores of the Eirene ocean to the south. 


        Kial-raah is the only area of Dorull without a permanent settlement. Although in the past, when drow used to roam across these lands, two magnificent, enormous cities of theirs graced this desert. Omha Unarith, to the north, belonging to the noble, female led society. And Alyathalas on the south,  with the men oriented views. In time, this created an environment, in which these two places became too opposed to others opinions and values. The ever growing differences were insurmountable, leading to an open, full blown war, when they decided to try and force those opinions unto others.

   

        The opinions, they soon enough begin turning into laws and beliefs, which then they tried to implement on every other race living on this planet. Drawn into the fight that lasted for decades, forced to choose their side, humanselvesdwarfshalflingsgoblins and even orcs, decided to join in, turning together against the drow. In an rather unfair fight that ensued, both of the dark elf cities were turned into rubble. 
        In an perhaps draconian decision, none of the drow were allowed to escape. To live. The dark elves of Kial-raah were no more. Unbeknown to all, some of the drow escaped the cities, long before the other races turned on them. They sought the refuge of the deepest, unexplored caves underneath the sands, where they reside to this day.
         Today, the only inhabitants of Kial-raah are several nomadic, human tribes. Through their constant journeys, they accumulated the ultimate knowledge of the desert. Making them perfect guides for all and every traveler trying to venture across these lands. Other than that, they are keeping to themselves, rarely having any contact with anyone outside of this region.
          This is mainly due to them being the long, distant descendants of the dark elf and human lineage. Because of their apparent connection with the hated, now thought exterminated race, and their similar looking complexion to the drow, nomads are frown upon and avoided in pretty much every other region of the Dorull. To the point, they are even banned in some places.
            The desert region of Kial-raah is mentioned in Dorull Stories novella, Half-blood Princess (WIP), and is a main location of another Dorull Stories novella, Bound by Flames (WIP).


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Part 6 - Sannwel
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The region of Sannwel is located in the southwest part of the continent. It is sitting in between Kial-raah region to the east and Amn-oaz region to the north, with southern and western coasts opened to the Eirene ocean waters. With the prevalent temperate climate, enabling equal growth of deciduous and evergreen trees all around, it appeared to be a perfect location for the first human settlers.

 

 
        First humans exploring these lands were mostly trappers, hunters and foragers, knowing very well how to use the natural resources of rich forests and plains. They were thriving here, and that led to the formation of many camps and even a few small villages alongside the river Bauden. Plentiful hauls all around inevitably created a chain of supply and demand. Quite soon the realization of the importance of trading spurred the development of the region. But that came with a price, once another sort of potentially even more lucrative goods became known. The discovery of gold.
 

                          

        
        First noticed alongside Bauden riverbed and banks, the shiny speckles of gold dust were leading to the find of much larger nuggets. This almost over night spurred a lot of desperate folk, who under the notion of quick turnaround flocked the region. Massive influx was too damaging to the ecosystem as a whole, ruining established hunting grounds in process.
      The gold rush  inevitably attracted a slew of shady characters and even a few organizations operating on the other side of the law. Forced to leave, hunters now divided in several groups, decided to head far from troubles, all the way to the coast.
        
       The group setting their sights towards the northwestern parts of the Sannwel, founded the city of Revensulk. Situated in the beautiful valley nestled in between two rivers, it presented them a perfect location to continue with their way of life. And at the same time offered the chance to expand their horizons. Besides being one of the greatest hunting grounds they ever saw, the arable land gave them an opportunity to work on their agricultural skills. 
 


       
         Second group of hunters proceeding further to the west, stopped at the location which is now the city of Nit-Bair. Their stay there was purely coincidental, as they wanted to continue the search for better hunting grounds. Fate decided they already have, albeit those of a different kind than they were used to. They've stumbled upon a several hundred miles long crab migration routes, stretching only a few miles of the coast from there. 
       
        
        Contrary to them, the remaining two groups heading southwards, had a much clearer plan in place. Besides the warmer climate, the prospect of fishing in the south seas was drawing them more and more. The hunting group settling in the southwest founded the city of D'onnol, which soon thereafter became famous for their whaling industry. Leaving the town of  S'pair to deal with the rest of the fishing needs and demands.

        The region of Sannwel is mentioned in Dorull Stories novellas Brothers of War (WIP) and Half-blood Princess (WIP), as well as Dorull Saga novels Dark Past (TBD), Headhunters (TBD) and The Price of Peace (TBD).


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Part 7 - Halvidar

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Halvidar is a large island located several thousand kilometers southeast of the mainland. Due to its isolated position, it served as a perfect refuge for the elves. They were the first, and for the long time the only inhabitants of planet Dorull. But as soon the other races began appearing, they realized the only way of salvation was to isolate themselves from the rest. As soon as the first wave of humans, orcs and dwarves demonstrated their desire to seize and claim the lands on a large scale, without any regards and means, elves realized there’s no way of stopping them. They could not do it with reason, and certainly not by force. If for nothing else but the fact they were outnumbered.




According to the elven legend, their escape to Halvidar would not be possible without the help of two of their most esteemed ancient beings, Desinils. The powerful deities responsible for the creation and care of the world. They were Cermir, the lord of all the lands, and Ghata, the mistress of the waters. Cermir remain behind to halt the pursuers, allowing his eternal love Ghata, to safely transport the elves to the island. Cermir managed to buy them necessary time for escape, fighting off the humans, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. Overwhelmed with the loss, Ghata gave up on her corporeal form, to be with her love on the other side. But not before she used her powers to create the impassable barrier around the island.


In the many years that followed, many had tried to invade Halvidar, only to meet their end at the bottom of the ocean. Elves remained secluded from the rest of the world for over five hundred years, until the humans and dwarves made the first steps in creating diplomatic relations. It took another hundred years for elves to accept the deal. And even then they were adamant in staying secluded. Allowing entry to only a few chosen ones. Denying return to those elves who for whatever reason decide to leave.


Halvidar island is populated with over three hundred thousand elves, living predominantly in two largest cities, Halvidar and Weliar. It is ruled by the Beikalyn royal family, whose lineage stretches all the way back to the very beginnings of their civilization. Beikalyns were the loudest advocates of them moving here, and crucial to the implementation of the plan. Thus earning eternal gratitude from every elf.



Elves are true masters of arts and crafts, specializing in fashion design and architecture, as well as armor and weapon-crafting. Making their merchandise most sought after and expensive, partly due to the limited amounts of it being made available for trade. Landing on the top of the list for every black market in Dorull. Becoming a target of every thief.

The region of Halvidar is mentioned in Dorull Stories novella The Half-blood Princess (WIP), as well as Dorull Saga novels Dark Past (TBA), Headhunters (TBA) and The Price of Peace (TBA).



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Part 8 - Mulkor
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Mulkor is a region situated to the north of Amn-oaz, and west of Tanmar. This vast, wild territory is considered to be rather inhospitable for many, making it a perfect place for all of those who for whatever reason could not comply with the ways of life in more urban areas of Dorull. The untouched and unexplored nature was a main draw for those willing to relocate there. But at the same time, because of its isolation, Mulkor attracted those who were running away from troubles.



Massive influx of people throughout the years inevitably led to the formation of first communities across the entire peninsula. With Nual-Gadael, Nual-Canol and Nual-Iawn becoming the largest ones. This turn of events displeased the large number of wildlings, who once again decided to move, choosing to relocate to the large, central island.

They came here with the promise of unbridled freedom in the first place. They had no intention of returning to the ways of living they left behind. Without the freedom to roam, to explore, to be with nature, there was no point in living at all. This deeply ingrained, peculiar trait of theirs was something others used to label them with degrading names. They became known as wild-men, savages and later barbarians.



They were shunned and later ostracized from the so called civilized world, even though they clearly had no intentions on staying there. The intention behind such a play was simply to place the entire group on the wrong side of laws. It was the way of retaliation from the rulers, lords and the legislators, for disobeying said sets of laws. For refusing to work the jobs they provided. And what’s most important to them, for refusing to adhere to the obligatory taxation.




They stripped all and every right from the so-called wildlings. Denying them access to the fishing and hunting ground. Forcing them to move, if and when they refuse to agree to the deal. Alongside with the threat of the permanent prohibition of all and every future trading on their territories.


The legislators failed to realize, the wildlings did not care about any of that.  They were already on the move to the new lands, where they could live as they wanted. Free to wander. To trap, to hunt. Free from lords and their ridiculous laws. Free from their need to control everyone and everything. It just so happened to be, the region of Mulkor offered all of that, and much more.



The wilderness accepted them in a way they didn’t even know was possible. It connected with their very cores, allowing them to become one with nature. It unlocked their primal beings. And by doing so, it enhanced their physical capabilities. It transformed them into what they became known as. The barbarians.

The region of Mulkor is depicted in Dorull Stories novella “Raging Blood” (TBA), as well as Dorull Saga novels “Swamp of War” (TBA) and “Dark Past” (TBA).



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Part 9 - Bhim'an and Dael-Ish
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Coming soon

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