Wiroch: Basic Info
#1 of Campaign of Wiroch
Information on Wiroch
Based on the works of
Eternal Mortality
_ Known Species: _
"We are the blood of Wiroch, not the body. We do not make up the entirety of our land. We are but a small part of it, like the blood in our bodies we must always be working. Lest our land fall into decay. Know your place and never stop moving. We are an intricate part in the system, each and every one of us is important." -General Kusedh Arthuk
Tempest Dragons:
The ones that patrol the natural wall on the eastern side of the wild-lands. Their Dragon ancestry runs strong through their veins. They are easily the largest of all the species and arguably the strongest. The average height of a male Tempest is 9'1". The females average 9'6". The females however were far more swift than their male counterparts, making them deadlier close combat fighters. Males relied on brute force to overcome their combatants. Scale colors tended to stay more earthy and heavily toned. Their eyes were darker colors such as brown, green and in only very few cases had gold ever been witnessed.
Their preferred climate was dry and windy, but due to the unpredictable weather in the Tempest Mountains they braved through many different kinds of storms. Lest they prove that they are not strong enough to live within their beloved mountains. They practiced a very strict form of shamanism known as Lorka. Which loosely translated into Given, they respected the awesome power of Osa. They believed she spewed forth her riches to them because they knew from where they came, and where they would return.
Gold eyes indicated that either the Scale is a leader or has been chosen to replace the current leader. It is clear that some whom develop the eyes of gold were not born with them. It is unknown why or how they develop this odd color, except to the Tempests themselves.
The Dragons are born with wings and are allowed to keep them up until they are ready to prove that they can be a fully capable Tempest.
The first of these tests requires them to remove their own wings with nothing more than a knife. They must not pass out until they remove they're wings completely, or they will be mended and forced to try again. This was to prove that they were willing to sacrifice anything if it is demanded of them, whether from the chieftain or a situation with only one way out.
The second (and by far the most difficult) is to walk into the maw of a volcano and walk all the way back while carrying a scalding hot rock at least half your weight to the chieftain. This is the test that has killed many who have attempted it, at least one in five never make it.
The third is to craft your own set of armor from the Tempest metals. The metals themselves were never easily malleable, this usually took several weeks to accomplish. This armor was to be used by the one who created it exclusively for the next test. It was usually uncomfortable and extraordinarily heavy. Also it was of substantially poorer quality than those who had been made by Scales who practice the craft of armory.
The fourth and final test was to walk the entirety of the Tempestuous Stretch. From north to south and back again, in the armor you created and enough food and water for three days. Anything you needed after those three days you had to find yourself. It taught you how to hunt in plate armor as silently as you could have without it. It taught you to know your surroundings and how to engage with it.
These tests are not for the weak, they are for the strong. They test the limits of the large and lumbering body you were given. Their wisdom would never be lost on the weak or the stupid, being either would get you killed in the two of four tests that were considered deadly. Although some would argue there are three, those are the people who would get killed in the two.
There will be more on the Tempests in a Lore chapter later.
Lowlander Lizards:
The most abundant Scales in all of Wiroch. Seemingly of Salamander and/or Gecko decent, these Scales preferred the forests and plains of the wild-lands. Their colors varied greatly from bright reds and yellows to earthy browns and grays. Their average height was 7'5" for the males and 7' for the females. Both sex's were even in physical strength, although females had a greater capacity for wisdom in most tribes. Most tribes were led by female Elders.
They prefer moist climates with plenty of underbrush such as the Tempest foothills or the southern rainforest called Unte Hollo. They were the first recorded peoples within Wiroch and followed an oddly lax form of shamanism. The only requirement was to be happy in your life and to share your life with those who share with you.
It was called In'Tshivun, or rather Our Circle. Embraced mainly by the Lowlanders and Boggers (More on them later)_in respect to each other and their near constant contact. Lowlanders made many trips throughout the entirety of the country to learn the wisdom of the other species. They carried many volumes of knowledge and wisdom and tried to keep every bit of it in the only non-migrating tribe's main tent. They considered themselves the knowledge keepers of the land, a practice they started not but 500 years ago. It was embraced by all the Scales as a wise decision whom shared their knowledge and ideas freely. The only ones who would not share their knowledge was the Tempest _Vigils (Leaders of the Tempest tribes).
The problem with gathering the knowledge is that most all those who agreed demanded that the Lowlanders travel to "Their lands" to retrieve it. So began what the Lowlanders considered a sacred Journey to gather the knowledge of their neighbors. In exchange they taught the Scales how to create a paper, even how to read and write. This writing was known as Inlaae or Enduring, so the common language became known as Inlaae, the modern version of the ancient common tongue.
The Lowlanders were the quickest to embrace all things. Without them, Wiroch would be doomed to fall into the abyss of other written histories. Their importance is not to be doubted.
Turel Dragons:
The Dragons that dwell in the northern mountain range of Wiroch. They endure some of Osa's coldest weather and enjoy it's plentiful moisture. Their average height is equal to that of their Tempest counterparts, however their scales tend to have brighter colors. Their eyes also reflect these colors such as violet, blue, and more rarely, red. They also maintain their wings for the entirety of their lives, but rarely use them to fly and rather to fan the fires if they get too low. Also they have grown to favor walking unless they must travel vast distances. The energy required to fly made it a less viable option for short trips.
The Turel Dragons are skilled skilled hunters and fishers. They make some of the finest fur clothes in the entire country and trade them for other commodities. Lumber is something they value highly and use to build impressive shelter for their fellow tribesmen. Firewood is also something the Turel's value more than the metals from the Tempests. Their struggles were always against the bitter cold of the northern winds, but they were a stubborn peoples and would not let the cold uproot them from their homes.
The fishing in the oceans yielded a great amount of food for them, though it wasn't easy. The cold made it a problem to stay out for too long. So each one had to have a partner to take shifts with. Usually the one they chose was to be their mate or was their mate already. The Turel Dragons in general were more modern than any of the other Scales at the time and relied mainly on trade to maintain their intensely active lives.
The older ones live on the opposite side of the mountains, in the foothills where it tends to stay slightly warmer. They provide furs and such to those who fish on the Tundra. The Elders of the tribes spend most of their days making leather, a full time job as it were. Curing and tanning kept them very busy and made them useful in some way. The younger ones kept the fire and food going. Life was simple for the Turel tribes and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Boggers:
So called because they dwell within the bogs and marshes near the Tempest foothills. All of them are from Crocodile decent. They are the shortest species in the whole of Wiroch, averaging at 5'6" for males and 5'10" for females. They maintain scales of heavy greens and browns and blend in flawlessly with their surroundings. Their cunning was nothing short of astounding and walked with little or no sound being made. Easily the most skilled hunters of all the scales. Able to take down unsuspecting prey with nothing more than a dagger.
These Scales lived to eat, therefore their ability to cook was unsurpassed by outsiders. There was no shortage of herbs or even some spices in the marshes. Making each and every dish an absolute delicacy throughout the wild-lands. They shared them eagerly with the Lowlanders in exchange for knowledge of other ways to prepare their foods. Their relationship with the Lowlanders was the strongest of all. Their species integrated with each other and produced some half-breeds. This was actually not frowned upon from either side, it became promoted to mate with each other. Further strengthening the bond between their tribes.
However, the relationships between the others were neutral before the Congressing.
The rituals of these tribes were mostly based around hunting. It was how you proved yourself an adult. By successfully hunting an animal on their own, they become respected members of the tribe and many prayers are exchanged. After that a grand feast is had in the honor of the children that succeed. It was almost a monthly affair for tribes throughout the land. The Tempest foothills were famous for their large game. Most of the Boggers earned their rank in them, and was nearly considered sacred hunting ground for them. Had it not been inhabited by their longtime allies.
Their relationship with other tribes was near nonexistent, except with the Turels. With whom they traded for exotic seafood's. This partnership also increased their standing with the Turels.
Lither:
The Western desert dwellers. They called their lands Sila Uunsa, Meaning Without Water or Endless Dry in their ancient tongue. They were of Snake decent and often referred to themselves as Snake-kin. They were few in number and wandered quietly through their arid lands. Their colors were mainly brown and black with brightly colored spots or rings. Eye color varied greatly but most donned brown or green, rarer colors were violet and yellow. They Stood at an average of 8'1" for males and 8'3" for females.
Little is known of these peoples other than their nomadic ways and their seemingly close relationship with the Orina. Lither had no interest in riches and self gain. They wandered forever locked into their lands. Believing they were being punished for sins long passed, by people long dead.
All that is known of these people was the Lore that Lowlanders had gathered from them. They are guided solely by the declarations of their ancestors.
Orina:
The most mysterious race in all of Wiroch. They dwell in the Western Turel caves. Though few entered intentionally, even fewer came out. The Orina had pale skin and were bulky in stature, it is unknown which species they evolved from. They stood on average 7'3" for males and 7'1" for females. Their eyes mainly stayed yellow and their ability to see in darkness was uncanny.
Few of them ever lived outside of the Turel caves. All they seemed to be doing was observing the other species. Which didn't seem to bother the ones they observed. They had figured it was much like what the Lowlanders were doing. However, the Lowlanders were expressly forbidden to reveal any knowledge they gained of the Orina. Which they did without much complaint. Very few ever hassled them about it. Orina were not generally considered among the peoples of Wiroch.
Their population size is unknown but assumed to be relatively small. They lacked the ability to write but showed great strength and physical stamina when it counted. Speaking in the common tongue was not one of their strong suits either, so they usually kept silent. It seemed as though everything they did was with purpose, they never half-did anything and quality was always their primary concern. Their craft with metal was really where their intelligence shines through. They show supreme patience when working with the Tempest metal that rivaled the Tempests themselves and were the only other race that could craft it into anything useful within battle.
Also they were incredibly fearsome in combat. No recorded battle between an Orina had ended in the others favor. Very few dared to step into the ring with one of the Orin, those who did were either considered fools or brave souls. They rarely fought each other, but when they did it was an amazing sight to behold. The fight would last hours and ultimately be declared a tie because they either knocked each other out, or they both died.
_ Basic Description of Setting _:
"Everything here is stronger. This land doesn't only require strength, it demands it. Some would consider it a miracle that we have lived within them. However, we were the only ones to rise to the challenge. How can they consider it impossible? They failed because they refused to learn it. Nothing is impossible." -Queen Tiralin Nuva
The wild-lands of Wiroch had been mostly untamed for the entirety of it's history. Brush and underbrush dominated most everything except the desert area and a few beaten paths. There were many wild animals that could tear you limb from limb. As if the mere fact that they lived in these lands required them to be tougher than elsewhere. The land itself seemed desperate to consume you and destroy all that you are.
The Tempestuous Stretch is volcanically active and mostly unstable, even the weather seemed intent to kill you. Cold and windy with absolutely devastating thunder and lightning. About three days every year were totally calm. The Tempest Dragons would be the first to tell you that it is one of the least desirable places to live. Yet when asked why they insisted on living in such deplorable conditions, they answered "It is our duty. Without us, Osa would go back into Lissyer." Or upheaval, as it were. It is not known what they speak of.
The Tempest foothills is mostly rainforest, known as Unte Hollo and stays relatively warm all year. It rained lightly nearly every day, and heavily about two days biweekly. The trees were green and covered in a heavy moss. The underbrush was lush and thick with life. Most of the Scales agreed that these were the most beautiful lands in Wiroch. The Lowlanders held them with great pride. However, with this beauty came great dangers. Some animals within were monstrous and powerful. Some had poisons that could kill you in seconds or even paralyze you. Which made hunting a true challenge to all who dared enter.
Turel Mountain range was the coldest of the cold, very near the northern pole. These mountains were all that stood between the raging oceans and the inland. The currents of the world swept past this area. Making it fertile for larger forms of oceanic life to live near the shores. This was mostly how the dragons earned their living. There was plenty of snow and ice on the mainland, which made it a struggle to survive. The land was mostly barren tundra and devoid of most forms of life. Aside from the occasional polar bear and seal, which the Turels didn't waste, there wasn't much. Leading some of the Scales to believe the Turels have the greatest capacity for endurance and ingenuity.
The western desert of Sila Uunsa was a dry and inhospitable place. There was plenty of smaller plants and animals dotting the landscape. Not nearly enough to support any population of people. Yet there was a couple of tribes that wandered through these arid wastes. They made good use of the few resources provided to them. There was absolutely no larger game to be had in this desert. It rained very little throughout the year, but it was assumed that there was an oasis or spring somewhere within the miles of sandy abyss. The heat was near unbearable levels on both sides of the spectrum, usually topping out at 99 degrees Fahrenheit in daylight and hitting a low of 24 degrees Fahrenheit during the nightly hours.
The whole western side right next to the Turel Range was dry and near uninhabitable. But it is well known that the Orina dwell in and around them. The weather was usually very windy with cloud cover and the rare rainfall. The chance of tornadoes was also elevated in some particular areas and were a powerful sight to behold. However, the Orina themselves didn't seem to regard them much. Little interest is paid to this area of Wiroch. So it is known as the Iri'shen, or rather, the Dead Lands.
The marshes on the western side of the Tempest foothills and Unte Hollo, lay the marshes of Unt'layra, or Water catcher. These lands are as moist and as humid as you can get without becoming a lake. They are green and teeming with all sorts of wild-life. The rain never stopped pouring in this area, whether just the regular misting or a torrential downpour. The Boggers insisted that it was the most beautiful place in all the land. Though other scales would tend to disagree.
Finally there was the plain-lands, known as Fils'shen. Original home of the Lowlanders and simply one of the most balanced places in Wiroch. Some Lowlanders still called it their home. The grasses grew tall and the weather was relatively pleasant. It was prime for any farming that was placed upon it, the volcanic soil was extremely fertile. The history that has taken place there is by far it's most prominent feature (more on that in the lore chapter).
_ Recount of Worth _:
Some other countries had long sought to populate these wild-lands. But the land itself and even the people within it had denied it to them. They tried desperately in some cases to set up a simple foothold, only to find that their encampments destroyed or simply disappeared. There were never any known survivors. Some speculated it was the land itself, many legends seemed to support it. The more educated persons however, assumed it was the savages that lived within. But every option proved inconclusive.
They wasted many resources trying to conquer it, but eventually cut their losses and focused on their own borders. As it seemed there was always the looming threat of war. New land was not an option when they couldn't ensure their own safety. Anyone who attempted to move within Wiroch was officially on their own. Which made it a prime location for dissidents, deserters, and traitors to seek refuge. Even though their safety wasn't guaranteed, their odds were certainly better in the wild-lands.
Disinterest had mainly protected the Scales in Wiroch throughout their history. Among many things, the Drotharian Incursion changed the way the Scales would operate. For they knew that if another felt that urge to conquer once again, Wiroch would be ripe for the opportunity. It was up to them to defend their home and one way or another, they would have to be willing to change. They thought it be best on their terms.