General Information

Viscosa is the capital city of Raleigh, and is also it’s second largest.  The SpiritRiver runs beside the cliff that Viscosa sits upon, a dock leading straight to a road so that merchants can travel by river to the capital to sell their wares.  Neighboring towns to Viscosa are Atalatha to its north, Fostervilla to its northwest, Seramore to its south, Cranebridge to its southwest, and Rattan to its east.

Because Viscosa sits mostly on a cliff, much of its population is considered rural, and spans the distance of several miles.  This has made it difficult for purchases to be made directly, but there has been a market installed at the bottom of the cliff outside of Viscosa proper.  Citizens of Viscosa sell directly to the market, and the salesmen there haggle for better prices whenever visitors or tourists arrive in the city.

Viscosa proper houses only about 24,000 people, but when extending the reach to the rural people of the capital, the number tops off well over 100,000.  Raleigh’s tax collectors have found it difficult to keep track of all the capitals inhabitants.

Viscosa proper is shielded on its west side by the sheer cliff wall beneath it, and by a tall set of ramparts on its eastern side where the cliff is lower.  The walls are stepped, to keep them in line with the cliff it sits upon.  At the highest points on the western side, two large expanses are built upon the walls to let two trios of catapults sit upon, able to fire some distance to the north, south, or west.  Viscosa proper has an elite set of guards, but several contingents of the Raleighn army also patrol rural Viscosa.

History

Viscosa was founded on the 8^th of Ari, 53.  Quintus Raleigh, the country’s first human ruler, and reason for its namesake, had a town built around the Cliff of Solis, thinking it would bring his people closer to the gods, and, in that regard, closer to their benevolence.

Viscosa means victory in the broken tongues of Tellest’s old languages.  Quintus Raleigh believed that establishing a single entity for people to create a community around would strengthen his people as a whole.  Together with his nomadic tribe, he and his brothers and sisters set to building their town, beginning in the summer of 52.  He and the other viscosans, as they came to be known, worked through the winter, finally completing the small village on the day of its inception.

Over time, the small village became a city, bustling with activity as more humans began flocking to the organized area where Viscosa has been built.  More buildings were constructed, and finally, the idea spread about the countryside, more small villages popping up.  They all looked to Viscosa for advice, diplomacy, and trade.  With that in mind, Viscosa became the capital of Raleigh it was destined to be, establishing Raleigh as a kingdom on the 22^nd of Luminary, 72.  A meager castle was built upon the Cliff of Solis, officially beginning the monarchy of Quintus Raleigh.

Several times after Viscosa’s creation, other humans tried to obtain political power in Raleigh, but so loved was the Raleigh line that none had ever come close to usurping the rulers.  Viscosa was always the forefront and the symbol of the people of the country, and was constantly growing in size and quality.

After more than nine hundred years of cataclysmic ups and downs, Viscosa is still recognized as the capital of Raleigh, a shining example of what can be done when people come together towards a common goal.

Government

Despite the fact that Viscosa was not formally considered the capital of Raleigh until Luminary, 72, its leaders had been considered rulers since Quintus Raleigh was nominated to lead the city on the 30^th of Sunspire, 53.

Though Quintus started off just leading a small group of once-nomadic humans to a life of cooperation and stability, he paved the way for his ancestors to rule all of Raleigh.  Some had even thought that through his endeavors, all of Draconis might one day be united.

Though Raleigh is ruled under a monarchy, a complimentary assembly also assists the king in his decisions.  Also, while the king oversees all of Raleigh, he also looks directly over his city as well.

The current ruler of Viscosa, and Raleigh, is King Victor Raleigh, the 24^th King of the country.

Places of Interest

Taverns

The Shattered Steel Tavern is often frequented by Raleigh’s soldiers.  Many of the soldiers who drink at the Shattered Steel Tavern are known by name, and it is known that new recruits are given a rigorous drinking test at the tavern to really be sure they are soldier material.  The tavern can be found just south, and on the same street as the barracks of Viscosa within Viscosa proper.

The Bloated Nymph is a river sailor’s refuge, located just off the eastern bank of the SpiritRiver.  It is much too shady to be considered suitable as an inn, but rooms are available, as well as hirable company.  Fights break out regularly at the Bloated Nymph, and it is not unheard of for someone to lose their life during an every day conversation there.

If a member of the populous wants something a little more upscale without having to travel into the walled portion of the city, they can visit Caymus’ Chilled Glass, just east of Viscosa proper.  Caymus is renowned for providing excellent service to any and all of his clientele, no matter how rich nor poor, no matter their race or creed.  Business has been so good for Caymus, he had to expand and add a second floor to his establishment.

Inns

The Flaming Pitch is a laborer’s inn outside of the walled portion of Viscosa.  On the opposite side of the road of Caymus’ Chilled Glass, the Flaming Pitch is open to everyone, but provides a fair discount for local laborers.  Just like Caymus’, the Flaming Pitch has survived and thrived through the generosity it provides towards its customers.

The Stately Lady is an inn that can only be found within Viscosa proper.  It is known for its exceptionally high prices, though that pays for a bit of luxury that is supposedly only rivaled by that of Viscosa castle.  The Stately Lady is located just on inside of the walled area of the city, across from the Bath House.

Temples

All of the temples to the gods are located outside of Viscosa proper.  This both limits necessity of the lower class to pay the toll to enter the walled section of the city, and encourages the ruler to tend to his people outside of his walls.

The Temple of Mathias is located at the center of the unfortified section of town.  The temple is monumental, and has four entrances to the building.  The congregation all look toward the center of the building, where a huge effigy of the king of the gods was erected hundreds of years before.  The temple had actually been built around the statue of the deity, yet the figure has never been moved.  A large glass skylight still allows the sun to shine on Mathias.  Many priests labor for the people of Viscosa, and many annexed living areas have been built into the temple for the priests to sleep within, as well as a large dining hall and a small library.

Because Viscosa is among several of the northernmost cities of Raleigh, the Temple of Nerot was initially built on the south side of town.  Though Raleigh finds itself allied with the only country to its south, Daltain, the temple has never been relocated, only adding to its eminence.  Soldiers from the Raleighn army go there to pray to survive the oncoming battles, or to die a glorious death.

The Temple of Ariyas is the newest of the temples of Viscosa, having only been constructed recently.  With so many people populating the area, it is not difficult for a partner to be found.  The temple is where people can go to give thanks, or if they are unable to find love, ask for their blessings.  The Temple of Ariyas was built on the northern side of the city, in perfect symmetry with the Temple of Nerot.

The Temple of Animus is located on the far eastern side of the city, far from the wall.  It is distant from the rest of Viscosa because it is close to mortuaries and the cemetery, distant to keep plague away from the populous if possible.  The cemetery was kept far from the SpiritRiver to protect it from water damage.  People come to the Temple of Animus to mourn the dead, or to pray for good health.  Farmers, both professional and hobbyists, also come to the temple to help their crops or gardens.

On the other side of the city, beneath the palace and the Cliff of Solis, the Temple of Hudorian was built, overlooking the SpiritRiver.  The farmers of Viscosa often visit the temple, offering up their respects and tithes for a bountiful rainy season to help them irrigate their crops.  Hudorian is also worshipped so that the SpiritRiver does not rage too fiercely, endangering the nearby residents.

Manors

Cedwick Manor belongs to Arnthal Cedwick, the head priest of the Temple of Mathias.  Arnthal is known throughout Viscosa and much of Raleigh for several of the miracles he has performed upon the citizens of the city.  He has given vision to the blind, voice to the mute, and hearing to the deaf.  Several claims have even been made to his ability to resurrect the dead.  Cedwick Manor is located upon a hill to the northeast of the temple where his services are greatly renowned.

Renzeya Manor is owned by Cedric Renzeya, who was the captain of Viscosa’s guards earlier in his life.  During an attack on the city by a well organized band of brigands, Cedric saved King Victor’s life.  He was rewarded substantially, and purchased a lot of land just outside the gates of Viscosa proper.  Word has it he runs a reputable adventurer’s guild out of his domicile, which lies just outside of the gates of Viscosa proper along the north side of the road.

The Cayman Estate is a popular location for would-be and has-been sailors and river merchants to visit that stands just off the waterfront of the SpiritRiver.  Terrence Cayman occupies the house, which had belonged to his father, Hartigan Cayman, a reputable merchant who made a fortune traveling the world.  The belongings within the house have become invaluable since Hartigan’s disappearance at sea.  Terrence makes his own fortune, treating the home like a shrine, and charging people to view its belongings.

Viscosa Proper

Because of assassination attempts on the several of the Raleighn Kings of the past, a large wall was constructed that runs to the rear of the Cliff of Solis.  The wall also extends several dozen feet past the bottom of the gently sloping cliff, into the plains beside it.

Many of the buildings within Viscosa proper are also seen as privileges to the upper class.  The people of Viscosa have to pay a toll to enter the walled portion of the city (but not to exit it).  The exceptions to these are members of the council and their family, including the king and his family.  Soldiers are also among those who do not have to pay to enter Viscosa proper, as their barracks are within the walls.

Raleigh Castle

RaleighCastle has been expanding for centuries.  At first, RaleighCastle was a merely a one room fortress, which had been constructed upon the flat area atop the Cliff of Solis.  But over the years, the structure has grown in every dimension, nearly hugging the back edge of the cliff.  It has been widened and heightened, and even its depth has been amended, a large basement floor for supplies and personal space for the King and his family to find leisure and pray built along the years.

There are also rumors about secret tunnels having been constructed into the cliff of Solis by a laborer named Fentimus Arcturo following the death of the fifteenth ruler of Raleigh, Magnus Lorenthal, who had murdered the previous ruler, Bidouin Raleigh.  There is no substantial evidence to prove the claims of the tunnels however.

The Theatre

The theatre is one of Viscosa’s more popular attractions, but is more upscale than most people can afford.  As such, it is considered more widely for the royalty, members of council, and exceedingly wealthy members of Viscosa.  Well known bards and thespians lend their talents to the theatre, which is located north of the Temple of Mathias.

The theatre is known for its dramatic interpretations of historical events, such as the Demon War involving Romus Youngblood and the fallen angel, Semia’Laz.  This view is made in stark contrast to the humor in which many other performance groups portray the same events.

The theatre provides shows on a monthly, sometimes bimonthly basis (depending on the material).

The Circus

The circus is the average civilian’s response to the theatre.  With cheap tickets and several weekly shows, the entertainment venue is said to perform as well as, if not better than the theatre on the opposite side of town.  It also boasts arena style seating, allowing many more people to witness the spectacle of acrobatics, storytelling and magic within the center of place.

The circus is about the same distance away from the Temple of Mathias as the theatre, but in the opposite direction.  It is played out beneath an oversized, ensorcelled canvas tent, which is held up by nothing else besides magic.

Much of Viscosa’s society is rewarded by the circus’ presence as well; it provides many needed jobs to the populace.

The Whisper Tree

After nearly two hundred years of peace in Raleigh after Viscosa was established, the country was besieged by a legion of trolls.  Nasir Raleigh, the country’s eighth ruler, organized a military force capable of driving the terrible beasts out of the country, pressing many of them into the ocean.  In doing so, humans became the most celebrated race in the country for a time.  Many gifts were bestowed upon Viscosa, mostly conceived as treasure or valued art.  The elves, however, donated a giant Lynwood tree, the species which is said to sound as if it is whispering when the wind blows through its leaves.  The Whisper Tree is located southwest of the Temple of Mathias, and its branches provide shade for a diameter of several hundred yards. 

The Bath House

The Bath House is another iconic display of what the wealthy can afford and the average citizen cannot.  Located just north of the Stately Lady, on the opposite side of the road, the Bath House provides an unprecedented experience to those who enter it.

The members of the Bath House are often faced with an almost ritualistic, artistic cleansing, which consists of incensed waters and fountains, magical sands, and aromatic oils which are massaged into the skin.  The occurrence is said to be healing and invigorating, leading to a longer, more satisfying life.

The Counting Quarry

Because Raleigh’s government relies heavily on the financial well being of its capital, the need for banks and tax collectors arose steadily with the increase of settled populous.  The Counting Quarry is an organized area northwest of the Temple of Mathias that houses several banks and tax collectors that Viscosa relies on to expand financially.

The area where the Counting Quarry is located is also the same place that Raleigh’s first bank was conceived.

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General Information

Fostervilla is the third largest city of Raleigh, and is located just to the east of the Dragon’s Bane mountain range which functions as the country’s western border.  A vast desert extends to the city’s east and south, while the mountains protect it upon its west and northwest.  Fostervilla is considered one end of the country of Raleigh.  Sentinel is far to its east north east, Atalatha lies to its east, and Viscosa is southeast of Fostervilla.

Despite the barren environment surrounding Fostervilla, the town is fairly self-sustained.  An immense oasis lies south of the city, attracting tourism and helping to irrigate the nearby farms that provide for the 33,000 inhabitants in and around the walls of Fostervilla.  Tourism is also high because of scholars and historians seeking to find the remains of the great dragon Batrura, who was rumored to have been sealed away somewhere in the Dragon’s Bane range.  The populace of the city is able to make money based on this tourism, and their trades in spices, jewelry, and weapons are known to be some of the highest quality throughout Raleigh.

Fostervilla, the City of Orphans, is also known as the WalledCity.  It is segmented off at several places, guards specifically stationed within certain zones.  Walls do not exist upon its west side, where the mountains themselves function as a blockade.

History

Fostervilla is known to many as the City of Orphans.  When it was first founded, a great fever rolled through its people, claiming many lives, and leaving its children outnumbering their elders by far.  Though Fostervilla is a fairly old city, having been founded on the 21^st of Nehr, 487, it had taken a great time to mature, all the descendents of the first inhabitants learning crafts at a very introverted pace.

The fever that had claimed the lives of Fostervilla’s adults resurfaced several times throughout history, and it was not until the research of Merrick Wheeler passed that the city was able to successfully combat it.  Wheeler suggested that walls would keep the plague away, claiming that foul winds were what brought death upon the adults.  On the 23^rd of Sunspire, 581, the exterior wall of Fostervilla was completed, and the amount of illnesses cited dropped drastically.  Wheeler was praised unanimously for the success, and was elevated into a position of leadership, becoming the city’s first sultan, the people claiming that he heard the whispers of the gods, and used that knowledge to save them.

As time went by, later leaders segmented the town with more walls, which helped to deter crime, and further isolate sickness whenever it would break out.  The walls were eventually built taller, as more people settled within the city, but it was decided that, to deter unnecessary ailments, windows would not be permitted to face the city walls, and thereby the outside world, on the outermost domiciles.

Because it was widely believed that the wind carried evil spirits upon it, for a long time, no building within Fostervilla exceeded one story, not even the palace.  With that in mind, many of the buildings that needed to expand were built down, into the earth.  This included Fostervilla’s temples, which were dug several dozen feet deep.

Fostervilla is a primarily human city, but dwarves have lived there at the inns for brief periods of time when excavating needed to be done.

Government

After Merrick Wheeler successfully became the first sultan of Fostervilla, most of the succeeding sultans followed in his footsteps.  Any time a great event helped to transform Fostervilla into a better place than it had been, the men who came up with the idea are thrust into the forefront of the people’s hearts and minds.  When the current sultan is ready to retire, a popular vote is made by the people for his successor.

Each segmented section of the city is specifically governed by a zone officer, and each of these officers represents the people of their section at a small weekly gathering at Fostervilla’s palace.  In this regard, all sectors of the city are supposed to be accounted for equally.

Places of Interest

Taverns

The Desert Tear is a terrific venue which was erected in the southwestern political zone of the city, hugging the center of the zone’s south wall.  Its reach is wide, and there are actually two bars within the building, one at its east and west sides.  The center of the Desert Tear is reserved for the entertainment that performs within.  Often times it is a musician, or gathering of several players, but occasionally a skit has been known to play out there.  The Desert Tear is a popular spot that the sultans have enjoyed, and a special area has been constructed in the rear of the building in case they visit.

The Dragonscorn Pub is a well known tavern that also makes a good deal of coin based on its secondary function.  Because of the popularity of visitors to Fostervilla due to the Dragon’s Bane mountain range, the Dragonscorn’s owner, Bacchus Hemet, has started safety tours to the mountains at a discount to any patrons who open their purse to the tavern.  The Dragonscorn can be found within the southeastern entry zone of the city, and is one of the first buildings that can be seen upon the west side when visiting Fostervilla.

For people who are a little more pressed for money, and are willing to take on all manners of risks, the Sandy Omen stands stoically beside the road just southeast of the city.  It is one of the only buildings which brave the terrible sandstorms that incessantly pelt the nearby city.  The Sandy Omen is kept afloat by many unsavory people, who block the windows and doors of the establishment with sturdy wood and available furniture.

Inns

Fostervilla has many inns, as it is a prime location for tourism, thanks in no small part to the adjacent Dragon’s Bane mountain range, as well as the nearby oasis, which is said to have magical healing properties.

For many of the visitors to the city, the Crimson Star is an ample choice.  There are plenty of rooms, and they are all a fair price, but the Crimson Star sits differently than any other building in the city, and it is thought that they are the worse for it.  The inn is three stories tall, and though there are strong windows upon its third floor, it has been said that several times the glass has shattered, and the tenants within have become sick and perished.  Furthermore, rumors abound that those who died because of the deathwinds haunt the third floor of the place.  The Crimson Star is in the central zone of Fostervilla, the rear of the building hugging the Dragon’s Bane mountain range.

The SecondPalace lies on the opposite side of the political zone from the desert tear, and is quite popular among those with much coin to spend.  The rooms are large, and the windows are fitted with tempered glass so that the occasional sandstorms that break their way into the city can not shatter through and deliver the sickness.  There also are few vacancies, as the inn is only one story high.

If a room must be found, and can barely be afforded, there is a nameless inn within the poor sector at the north side of town.  The populace calls it the Black Worm   The place is mostly situated underground, and has the most vacancies throughout the city, and also happens to be the cheapest.  The inn is mostly utilized by laborers who mine in the Dragon’s Bane mountains.  It is called the Black worm because death is often brewing beneath the street level building.  The basement floors are not walled off, and instead are merely carved earth, only held up by sturdy crossbeams.  Many of the laborers do not have the ability to safely combat the deathwinds, and succumb to fever or plague once they return to the Black Worm.

Temples

The Temple of Animus hugs the western side of the city, specifically the Dragon’s BaneMountains in the political zone, though originally, it was not even above ground.  The temple was built entirely underground, its subterranean congregation first used in an effort to plead for an end to the relentless deathwinds.  As the walls were built up around the city, the temple too grew in magnitude.  It now sits two stories high, though the basement floor was converted to slope downward and allow for stadium style seating so that more people could comfortably give their thanks to the god of life.

The Temple of Galvan is in the north section of the city, in the zone just below the poor zone called the laborers zone.  Many of the people within the laborers zone find themselves either working within the Dragon’s Bane Mine, or utilize the materials found there for crafting the exquisite weapons and goods that Fostervilla produces.  The temple of Galvan is partially underground and partially above ground.  The congregation takes place above ground while worship and tithing generally takes place beneath.

The Temple of Cebrum lies northeast outside of town, and is the only self sustaining temple at Fostervilla.  Its acolytes must travel through the short span of desert on foot or by horse, and pray that the deathwinds do not rise up while they are on their way to or from the place.  The temple was erected to beg mercy upon the lord of death, hoping that the deathwinds would cease their battering upon the city.  It also faces Fostervilla’s cemetery, and the Tomb of Fleeting Souls that is hidden within the great desert.

The Temple of Hudorian is another temple outside of the walled city of Fostervilla; however it is unique in that one can actually travel to it without ever leaving the walls.  A subterranean span was built directly south through the political zone of the city which leads to the temple, which is partially underground, and partially above ground.  The temple was built facing the great oasis, giving thanks to the water god for blessing the people with it.  There are no windows, but are two grand doors that block the deathwinds fairly well, keeping the priests and parishioners there safe in the event that a sandstorm rises up.

Manors

Wheeler Manor lies within the political zone just south of the walled complex of the palace of Fostervilla.  The building is two stories tall, and was originally the home of the first sultan before the people of the city decided to build the palace which Merrick Wheeler would govern from.  Now, Wheeler Manor is the home passed down through the generations of Merrick’s family, should they not aspire to be somehow involved in government.

The Del Reyes Estate lies upon the opposite side of the road as the Wheeler Manor.  Before its renovation, the building has been a modest home, but when the wealthy Cho Del Reyes took office as Sultan Solomon’s vizier, he purchased the lot and saw to its plentiful improvements.  The Del Reyes estate boasts a garden behind the building, which houses Cho’s scrying pool which he uses to best aid his ruler.

Jarvis Teutoa, the captain of the guards at Fostervilla, has an estate within the central zone of the city.  A talented swordsman from Rattan, Jarvis relocated to Fostervilla seeking the promise of more wealth with which to provide for his family.  He used his acquired capital to establish a large home within the city, which he shares with several of the guards he trains and employs.

Vincent Yamil owns a large building in the laborers zone of Fostervilla, just north of the central zone, which overlooks the streets.  Yamil manor is larger than even the palace of Fostervilla, the extent of many decades, perhaps centuries, of financial endeavors.  No one can say how Vincent or his predecessors managed to fall upon so much money, as no one can say for sure what Vincent’s occupation actually is.

The Palace

The Palace of Fostervilla inhabits its own zone within the city, just north of the political zone.  While all of the other zones have no wall upon its western side, if adjacent to the mountains, the palace zone does, for the protection of the leader of the city and his council.  The palace itself is large and attractive, spacious on the inside, and catered to by many laborers.  The exterior of the place almost seems to glow, as it has exquisite marble pillars that accentuate a garden that extends on its southeast side.  Grand tapestries hang on the exteriors of the pillars, on the southwest and northeast sides of the garden.  A large pool and fountain was constructed at the center of the garden.

The current inhabitant of the Palace of Fostervilla is Sultan Solomon Denaar, who lives within with his son Samir and his daughter Iris.

The Dragon’s Bane Mine

Southwest of the great oasis that is south of Fostervilla, there is a deep artificial cavity within the Dragon’s Bane Mountains, which is quarried by the civilians of the city, and occasionally by dwarven archeologists, geologists and excavators who come to the site.  Especially ambitious people of excessive wealth hire teams of laborers to try and find the remains of Batrura, the great black dragon who terrorized the continent some time before.

The dwarves who constantly work the Dragon’s Bane Mine claim to find rare and expensive metals within its deepest veins.  These include titanium and mythril.

The Oasis

The oasis, south of Fostervilla, sometimes referred to as Deepwater Oasis, is a prime attraction for visitors to the city.  The oasis, which sinks sharply towards its center, is said to have healing properties.  Studies persist there for all manners of nature-based spell casters, including shamans and geomancers, though druids are known for being the most in depth in their research.

The oasis is quite wide, its diameter measuring nearly one thousand feet across.  Boats are forbidden on the surface, and as such, no one has ever been able to gauge its depth.

The Bazaar

While most other cities have shops and stores sprawled out sporadically over the extent of their reach, Fostervilla has an entire walled zone dedicated to shopping.  The bazaar was created to help cull the effects of the deathwinds, the idea being that anyone incapacitated by fever would be festering within their own zone, as the effects of the fever are brought on nearly instantaneously.

All manners of merchandise are sold in the bazaar, from food to weaponry to luxuries.

The only entrance to the bazaar lies between the central zone and the political zone.

The Dragonscorn Mountain Tour

Bacchus Hemet is a successful bard who has made good choices with his finances.  First, he bought up a plot within the entry zone of Fostervilla, and built the Dragonscorn Pub there.  After raking in more money than his performing ever did alone, he stepped forward for another entrepreneurial feat.  Bacchus, together with a dwarf and gnome duo from Daltain, named Grommit Deepglass and Phineas Many-Favors, respectively, came up with the idea for a covered wagon that is surrounded by mythril on all sides, and reaches out far enough to cover a set of horses, or other driving animals.  The horses within press forward on a track, which propels a set of four wheels.  Bacchus and his companions used the idea to safely transport tourists from Fostervilla to the Dragon’s Bane Mine and Mountains in complete safety.  The design of the vehicle prevents the deathwinds from penetrating to the inhabitants inside. 

One drawback is the great cost at which the vehicles are made.  After several years of touring, Bacchus only has two of the carriages, and he is thought to be perhaps the richest man in all of Fostervilla.  Another disadvantage is the speed at which the vehicles travel.  It takes much longer to arrive at a destination through Bacchus’ tour than it does by unburdened horseback.

Bacchus calls his vehicles Mythril Tents.

The Cemetery and the Tomb of Fleeting Souls

To Fostervilla’s northeast, a sprawling cemetery pierces the wide expanse of sandy desert.  It is rumored that because of the sheer number of deaths Fostervilla has toiled with over time, the cemetery is haunted, though it is also whispered that the city has its own share of ghosts.  The rumors persist, perhaps in part because of the history of the crypt within the center of the graveyard, aptly named the Tomb of Fleeting Souls.  Supposedly, the voices of those who have passed onto the next world can be heard uttered from beyond the stone hall leading to the tomb, but once a living person steps foot into the crypt, the voices dissipate.

The Subterranea

Because of the deathwinds and sandstorms that Fostervilla has had to endure, a great number of underground facilities had to be built.  Over time, many of these tunnels have collapsed under their own weight or have been closed off, but there are supposedly several areas throughout the town where one can access the catacombs underneath the city, arriving safely somewhere far off from where they started.  This theory has been both supported and debunked by the city’s sewer system, which allegedly utilizes many of the subterranea’s original tunnels.

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General

Mathias is the king of the gods.  He rules over Tellest from his temple in Golernus, and is the father of many of the other gods, including Nerot, Ariyas, Hudorian and Animus.

Many say that the god king was so disappointed in his children that he disappeared from the world for thousands of years.  After the humans rose up from the depths and walked upon the surface once more, Mathias reappeared in an effort to guide his lost children back into prosperity.

With Tellest’s lands so greatly in the favor of the elves and the dwarves, Mathias created the other major races, like the orcs, the minotaurs and the kobolds.  Knowing that they would be adverse to working together, he gave them common foes in the goblins, gnolls and lagano.

Over time Mathias is said to have taken consorts with various mortals upon the face of Tellest.  It is unknown whether or not he has sired anyone with these companions.

Ability

Mathias has a great many abilities.  He is known foremost to be able to change his size and appearance, as well as his voice.  Those who have claimed to see him have also spoke of countless other powers that the king of the gods is capable of.

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Physical Appearance

Rainbow flutters are a specialized breed of butterfly that some say was borne from a series of magical cantrips.  The first collection of spells gave plain butterflies very colorful wings, while a secondary spell made each flap of the wings resonate their color into the air.

Rainbow flutters look like common moths, except that their wings glow colorfully.  The flap of their wings leaves a kind of magical residue, briefly letting a streak of color remain in the air.  When they are sedentary, the color drains from their wings, leaving them less noticeable to predators.

Where Found

Rainbow flutters are generally found in warm weather climates, during the day.  For a brief while during sunset, they are also active, which is when they are most noticeable.

Caterpillars

Rainbow flutter caterpillars are interesting in that there is no way to distinguish between one and an ordinary caterpillar.

Religion and Good Fortune

Symbolism in Religion

When rainbow flutters are seen in bulk, it portends to the ascension to the heavens.  This belief is shared by many cultures, though differs greatly.

Some believe that if a swarm of rainbow flutters is seen, it foreshadows a death occurring soon.  Others believe that it means a death has occurred.  To those who believe it means a prior death, it is also believed to be a good sign.  It means that the one who died has been judged worthy of the heavens, meaning they lived a good life.

Symbolism in Fortune

If a rainbow flutter swarm is found near a newly built home, it symbolizes good health and wealth. 

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Family

Nerot is the first son of Mathias, the King of the Gods.  He is also Ariyas’ twin brother.

Ability

He is known as the god of war.  He starts countless battles, small and large, between individuals and countries.  Some say that it is simply with a whisper that Nerot is capable of seeing his will done.

Known For

Nerot is often seen as a malicious god, though some people believe that he is just doing what is necessary to look out for the future of Tellest.  Warlike nations and races worship him, not as an evil figure, but as an honorable being, that represents what they should strive to become.

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Creation

Vialoth was created by Galvan, the blacksmith of the gods, along with its counterpart Azaros.  Galvan supposedly used the lava from Mount Rockbane to forge the metal used in the gauntlets’ creations.  He then used the water from Glenborough Falls to cool the metal.

The metal itself has never been identified.  Because it has not been found by traditional craftsmen, historians have begun to refer to the god-forged metal as infindium.

Into the Wrong Hands

According to popular scholar opinions, after Galvan crafted the two gauntlets, he moved them to a location on Draconis, where he would then guard over the two magical relics.

During the demon wars, Semia’Laz, the fallen angel, attacked Galvan in the hidden location where Azaros and Vialoth were kept.  Semia’Laz and Galvan did battle for a long time, before Galvan was finally bested, and forced to flee to survive.

Semia’Laz proceeded to move to retrieve the gauntlets.  First, he discovered Vialoth.  As he was on his way to obtain Azaros, he met with a goblin named Rellix, who had pilfered the gauntlet for himself.  Semia’Laz attempted to slay the goblin, but Galvan and his brother Obsam returned, and began to attack the fallen angel.

While Rellix escaped, Semia’Laz fought on.  The two gods had arrived fully equipped, using tremendous magical equipment to try and defeat Semia’Laz.  But against the fallen angel, no final blows could be made.  He survived every terrible attack.  The gods were not so lucky.

Galvan had made the two gauntlets with a passion that placed them high above any other relic ever crafted.  Vialoth was powerful enough to allow Semia’Laz to lay a fatal blow upon Obsam.  Distraught and fearful, Galvan took his brother and escaped once more.

Use

Semia’Laz utilized Vialoth in all its terrible power to smite humanity, and any other races that would stand in his way.  Town after town, city after city fell to the fallen angel’s bloodlust.  It is said that the gods themselves were fearful of Vialoth’s wielder, and as such, none would dare attempt to usurp his power.

It was not until the brave antics of a wayward knight and his allies that Semia’Laz was truly advanced upon.

Romus Youngblood used Vialoth’s counterpart, Azaros to secure a killing blow on the fallen angel.

Disappearance

After the death of Semia’Laz, it was determined that both Azaros and Vialoth should be hidden from the reach of mortals and demons alike.  Both gauntlets were lost to the winds, and neither has been seen since.

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Early Life

Romus Youngblood was born to a gypsy woman who was traveling from Cracius to Daltain.  He was born within the borders of Raleigh, and was considered Raleighn since birth.  His father was never identified.

His mother, Jessa Youngblood, refused to continue on with the other gypsies, deciding that she did not want her son to be raised a nomad.  Jessa became a fortuneteller, the rest of the gypsies leaving her one covered wagon to serve as her home.  She set up her home and business near the southeastern border Raleigh, just across from the country of Warus.  The town she had situated herself nearby was called Greenwood.

Jessa became accustomed to the town almost immediately, the folk welcoming her warmly.  She began earning money to support Romus and herself.

Growing Up

Romus went to school with other children from Greenwood, but always felt that he was different.  He was often scolded for daydreaming, but it never deterred him from doing so.  Eventually, he was dismissed from school altogether.  His mother began schooling him from home whenever she was not working.

At a very young age, Romus began apprenticing for various workers within Greenwood.  He held many jobs, but, for much the same reason he was expelled from school, he was removed from his work.

Finally, he was appointed to watch the border of Warus from one of the GreenwoodTowers.  It was a job that no one else wanted, but it also allowed him to daydream without consequence.

Tragedy

When Romus had just entered his teenage years, his mother was accosted by a visitor to Greenwood.  He beat and raped her, on multiple occasions, until she felt she needed to leave the town to escape him.  On the night she left Greenwood, he followed her, and killed her.

She was on her way to gather up Romus from the watch tower when she was struck down.

Romus saw his mother’s approach, but when she never arrived he began to worry.  He left the tower and approached her wagon, finding her dead inside.  The man who killed her was still nearby, however.  He attacked Romus, who was overpowered immediately.

Had Romus stayed in the watch tower, he would have noticed a small contingent of gnolls crossing the Raleigh-Warus border.  Instead, beaten to near death by the strange man who had slain his mother, he was unaware when the pack of gnolls swelled over the carriage.  Romus did the only thing he was capable of, crawling under the wagon for safety.

The gnolls would have surely killed him had they not focused on the stranger first.  While they were attacking the human, a group of kobold hunters entered the fray.  They had been stalking the gnolls from afar, watching their movements to make sure they would not attack the neighboring town of Greenwood.  When the gnolls made their cursory attack on the two humans by the tower, the kobolds burst into action, and disposed of the gnolls.

Romus survived, and was assisted by one of the kobolds, a shaman named Mo’Rama.  The kobolds delivered Romus and his deceased mother to Greenwood, leaving him with the other villagers.

Training

After his mother’s death, Romus saw life with a new clarity.  He wanted to make sure that what happened to his mother would never happen to anyone else.  He sold the wagon, and all of his worldly possessions to purchase training in a variety of combat styles.  When his master in Greenwood was done providing him with all the knowledge he could, he sent Romus north to an urban city called Seramore.

With Romus’ training continuing in Seramore, he became a well respected and talented fighter, eventually joining up with a small mercenary unit based out of the city.  He performed odd tasks for a while, spreading his name and earning a reputation before, finally, obtaining a summons from the capital of Raleigh, Viscosa.

Officer of Raleigh

Romus traveled to Viscosa, and immediately upon his arrival, he was appointed an officer to a small diplomacy unit.  Specifically, he was an escort to a Raleighn ambassador.

His first excursion took him back towards home.  He passed through Greenwood, into Warus, finally reaching the kobold capital of Eugitrin.  There he reconciled with Mo’Rama, the kobold who had rescued him when he was younger.  Romus’ first quest while serving for Raleigh was to assist the kobolds of Eugitrin with the encroaching gnoll forces.

Life of Tolerance

Romus served beside Mo’Rama for a great while, eventually dispersing the gnolls altogether.  But the two groups did not do it alone.  Romus and Mo’Rama met up with other members of what would be an ongoing companionship.  It was those companions that followed Romus into what would arguably be his most remarkable feat.

The War of the Fallen Angel

Where the Angel Falls

When Samielle, the fallen angel, was banished to the plane of Tellest, he was first encountered near Seramore, the city Romus eventually considered his home.  His hatred towards humanity burned the city in his mind, and as such, when he finally dipped his white wings into the fire of the volcanic MountRuben, Seramore was his first target for destruction.

Exodus

When Samielle, then Semia’Laz, began his mass genocide within Draconis, Romus and his friends were the group foremost at hand leading the evacuation to safety.  The demons flooded all of Draconis, but the efforts of Romus and his companions saved many lives.

Obtaining Archangel

After the evacuation of the people of Draconis had been effective, Romus decided he could not be made to live underground any longer.  Humans had been banished once before, and he refused to suffer that same fate to humanity again.  Rather, he went, along with his companions, to fight the demon armies.  They were successful for a long time, but one by one, the companions fell.  Romus decided he needed something to even the odds.  It is said that one of the gods came to him in a dream and told him of a great sword called Archangel, which was supposedly blessed by every one of the gods.  Romus made it his personal quest to find the sword.

Historical evidence has never proven where the sword was found, but it is said to have been returned to its resting place after Romus’ death.

Battle with Semia’Laz

While Romus’ companions held off the demon army, he went straight to the head of the opposition, seeking out Semia’Laz.  His encounter with the fallen angel was bloody and deadly, hurting both greatly.  But it was the final stab from Archangel that laid the killing blow on Semia’Laz, allowing Romus to aid his allies in pressing the demons back to Evarice.

Death

Circumstances of Death

Romus Youngblood was the last of his companions to die.  He was cursed with seeing all of his friends fall to the demon armies.  He lived out the rest of his life naturally, the guilt of being the lone survivor driving him to solitude.  No one knows where he died or if he had taken any other companions by his side.

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Physical Appearance

Pearlfish have pronounced faces, which makes them look like puffer fish.  This is because older pearlfish serve a lengthy process within their mouth.  They secrete special chemicals that coat bubbles, leaving a small, pearl-like stone in their place.  They spit the stones out, then, where they sink to the bottom of the river or lake where they are found.  Additionally, the pearlfish has iridescent circular scales which make them distinguishable from other fish.

Pearlfish have no practical means of defense.  It is said that the chemical that they use to turn bubbles into “pearls” is poisonous, but in their final state, the precious stones are not hazardous.

Where Found

Pearlfish are a freshwater fish.  They can be found in temperate climates in lakes and rivers.  They are indigenous to Draconis.

Commercial Use

Food

Because of the chemicals that pearlfish secrete, they are regarded as deadly.  Further, they have a bland taste no matter what the fish is cooked in, or what spices are added to the dish.  Therefore, the pearlfish is not commercially traded for food.

Captivity

Pearlfish are best used in captivity.  A dead pearlfish may yield one or two swallowed stones, but in captivity, they continue to produce pearls.  These pearls are then sold to whoever will purchase them.

Bait

Pearlfish also serve well as bait.  Because of their shiny scales, they are a prime choice for larger game fish.

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Entymology

Raleigh is named after a human leader, Quintus Raleigh.  Every one of Raleigh’s human leaders since then, except for one, has been of the Raleigh bloodline.

Geography and Environment

Raleigh is bordered by mountains on its north and west sides, the ocean on its south side, and a swamp on its southeast.  It also shares borders with Daltain on its southeast and both Cracius and Warus on its east.

Due to its geographical variety, Raleigh is exposed to most climate types.  The mountains at its north border, called the Great Boundary, often see their fair share of snow, while the same range has a volcano upon it called MountScourge.  A desert exists near its western border of mountains.  A large amount of rivers and forests also speckle the countryside.

The ecology is also very diverse.  Although not much of the animal or plant life found in Raleigh is unique, it is plentiful.

Races

Raleigh is home to several races.  Draconis in general is the habitat for nearly every humanoid race on Tellest, and Raleigh has the most diverse groups of people.

Raleigh’s most populated race is humans.  After the sundering, humans began emerging from the mountainous regions around Raleigh’s border.  As time moved on, and race relations extended to the dwarves, most humans moved away from the mountains, preferring to settle near the ocean, around rivers, or in the valleys of Raleigh.

Most human settlements remain solely for humans.  There is no integration, yet there is no segregation.  Occasionally, individuals or families of another race can be found among the bigger cities, but this is no different for human establishments as it is for the other races.

Dwarves and elves are equivalent to the next most populous race within Raleigh.  Dwarves are known to inhabit many of the mountainous areas, while Elves can be found in some of the heavily wooded regions.

Orcs, gnomes and minotaurs are also known to inhabit various places in Raleigh, but on a much lesser scale than the three prime races.  There are also small tribes of other races that can be found as well.

History

Early History

Raleigh is often considered the center of humanity.  After the sundering of Tellest, where great storms shattered land masses and drenched the planet in water, humans exited the mountains around the country.  These humans were known as the most hospitable, and quickly made friendly advances towards the neighboring races.

Draconis itself is a continent that is very populous with human kind, especially in the countries of Gandarst, Blacklehn, and Raleigh.  But while humans within Gandarst and Blacklehn originated with nomadic cultures, Raleigh quickly developed into a hub of consistent community, and was able to develop technologically, politically and agriculturally at a much quicker pace than the other two countries.

Much of Raleigh’s camaraderie can be attributed to the leadership of Quintus Raleigh, the human leader who originally banded the country together.  He ruled the country from a small city called Viscosa, which went on to grow and become Raleigh’s capitol.  He also was responsible for the commissioning of roads (however primitive they were at the time), and lines of communication between the far reaches of the distant cities.

Notable Successors

Nasir Raleigh, the eighth ruler of Raleigh, was the first of the human leaders of Raleigh to deal with a major war on the soil of his country.  Trollkind invaded Raleigh, with the intent on slaughtering all humans and taking their cities as their own.  Nasir managed to not only successfully defend many of his country’s establishments, but also pressed the majority of the trolls into the ocean along its south border, though some did escape into the swamp bordering the country’s southeast.

Ramelan Raleigh, the country’s eleventh ruler, was not attributed any grand changes for his nation, though while in service, the land was run with clever leadership, leaving most of the populous content.  Ramelan is most well remembered by his strange shift of personality towards the end of his years of service.  He began witnessing strange occurrences in dreams, and was not hesitant to speak of them.  Foremost, he predicted the appearance of the fallen angel, Semia’Laz, at that point still many years from manifestation.  His political support wavered, no one willing to believe the king, who was assumed to have gone mad.  With many of his people, council, and even close family no longer trusting in his opinions, he took a handful of believers, and disappeared one day, never to be seen again.

Laertes Raleigh, Ramelan’s direct descendant, and twelfth ruler of Raleigh, eventually had to deal with his father’s premonitions.  Sure enough, Semia’Laz appeared on Tellest during Laertes’ years of service.  Laertes led several terribly outmatched battles against the immortal fallen angel, and the demon armies Semia’Laz commanded.  Eventually, it was Laertes decision to abandon Raleigh, and he, together with the other races represented by the Golden Council (which included dwarves, elves, orcs, gnomes, kobolds and minotaurs), began an exodus to the mountains to flee underground.  After Semia’Laz was slain, Laertes brought his people out of hiding, and worked to rebuild Raleigh.

The fifteenth ruler of Raleigh was also the only ruler not of Raleigh’s bloodline.  Magnus Lorethal was the counselor of the fourteenth ruler, Bidouin Raleigh.  When Bidouin was murdered, he had no male heir.  The rest of the council thought that Magnus was as good a choice as any to lead the nation.

Zenda Raleigh was the sixteenth ruler of Raleigh, and was Bidouin’s daughter.  She suspected that Magnus had murdered her father, and, six years after her father’s death, proved that Magnus was responsible.  Her courage, determination and intelligence proved her worth to Raleigh’s council, and they appointed her the first female ruler of the country.

Samson Raleigh, the eighteenth ruler of Raleigh, was King during the Plague of Fire, when demons once again terrified the planet.  Supposedly, the demons believed that Samson had the gauntlets Azaros and Vialoth, and attacked Viscosa to acquire them.  He stayed within his city, defending it with his life, while he sent his wife, and his daughter, Carensa, his eventual successor, away from the ensuing battle.

The current ruler of Raleigh is Victor Raleigh, son of Gregory.  He has been in service to the nation for nineteen years, and political opinion of him is beginning to falter.

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Misconception

Orcs had been known for centuries as a brooding, warring race.  The rumors had begun swelling as a result of human dispassion, especially noting that orcs had only been found throughout several regions of the planet.  In reality, orcs meager beginnings mirrored the humans very closely.

Physical Appearance

Orcs appear as humans, except for their broader, larger build, and different spectrum of skin tones.

While humans’ skin generally ranges from pale white to an ebon black, orcs possess a lighter skin tone.  Common skin colors for orcs are grey, green, and brown, though some pigmentation mutations have left some orcs tinted red, blue or yellow.

Orc hair color is also different from most races.  The race’s hair tincture is only black, though as it ages, as with a human or a dwarf, the hair loses its pigmentation and begins to go gray.  Besides this, due to the condition of the areas that orcs traversed, the hair can be somewhat mangled and dry.  Orc males will often cut their hair off, or keep them short, but as they age, the hair is grown out, as a sign of seniority amongst their people.

Some groups of orcs grow their beards out similar to the way that dwarves do.  However, it is not meant to be a symbol of honor, but rather a sign of seniority and experience.  During infighting, the orcs will attempt to remove the beard of their opponent, by whatever means necessary.  Once the facial hair is removed, it is thought that perhaps the loser was not so wise after all.

The mouth and jaw structure of orcs are what most other races find most displeasing about the race’s physical appearance.  Because of two large canine teeth that curve like tusks, they seem rather piggish.  This awkward appearance can be treated by a dentist, but the more savage tribes of orcs actually prefer the look as it adds to the fierceness of their people.  This notable trait is only prevalent in male orcs.

An interesting feature of the orcs is that only the males are superior in size to their human counterparts.  Were it not for an unusual skin tone, orc females could pass fairly easily as a human.

Clothing and Adornment

Orcs wear fairly neutral colors, as the skin tone of the race differs so drastically.  When it comes to battle, however, it becomes a matter of substance over style.  Orcs, being naturally hardy, usually opt to wear the most protective, and imposing gear available to them.  Plate is a fine choice, usually coupled with large crescent head shields.

There are also groups or orcs who shun the idea of armor as protection, relying on skill alone to carry them to glory.  These brutes run headlong into battle, savagely obtaining victory however they can.

Orcs are thought to tattoo their bodies more than any other race on Tellest.  The colors of their skin are already shameful for the race, so tattoos are actually meant to take away from that displeasure.

Orcs also pierce their bodies, though not as much as humans do.  There are no taboos or mystical reasons for doing so.  It is purely an aesthetic choice.

Relations to Other Races

Orcs share many qualities with humans.  Some scholars, however, much to the orcs’ (and humans’) dismay, have lead to the idea of the orcs of being the result of a union between human and lagano, as lagano are known for their drastic range of color as well.

General Personality

Personal

The orcs are a stoic, honorable race.  They rarely make presumptuous decisions, realizing that the tribe comes before the individual, and that shame hurts a family as much as one member of it.

Though they will fight to the death to further a cause that they believe in, they are thought to be one of the kindest races of Tellest, perhaps coming second to only the gnomes.

Orcs are loyal to a fault.  Because of the misconceptions of orc inhospitality (as well as bloodlust), many people are distrusting of the race.  However, when someone is able to overlook what they’ve heard in songs and stories, they will find someone who is willing to trade their last breath to defend their friends.

Relationship

To other, unlearned races, the concept of orc romance is laughable at best.  To orcs, however, it is an important facet of existence.  Within orc culture, it is known that true love can break one’s heart just as surely as any axe or arrow could.  Orcs are apparently so in tune with their emotions that it is not unheard of for a partner to quickly pass after their mate has.

While uncommon, unions have been known to occur between human males and orc females.  The opposite, regarding a female human and a male orc is beyond rare.

Family

In keeping with the nomadic history of their race, some orcs are not known to stay with their families for long periods of time after their birth.  However, when an orc becomes old or infirm, they will travel to be beside their offspring.  It is believed that by their passing, all of the good qualities that have been instilled in them throughout their life will pass on to their youths.

As to orc family units, they function similarly to a traditional human family.  Males perform an abundance of paying work, while females keep to housekeeping and child rearing.

Society

Orcs live in tribes or clans.  Clans can usually be differentiated from tribes by the size of the cities they create.  The appearance of walls also helps to establish clanship to other races.

Behavior toward Other Races

Orcs count humans and gnomes as allies among the goodly races of Tellest, but it is the dwarves and the minotaur that are most favored.

Minotaurs and orcs share many of the same spiritual beliefs.  Both are very shamanistic, and both had, at one point in their history, been nomadic.  That, coupled with the stark contrast in appearance between these two races and the remaining goodly races, has formed a bond between orcs and minotaur.

The dwarves have also become a strong ally to the orcs, mostly accomplished because of the similarities between the two races.  They are both honorable in their personal goals, both have a healthy respect for the earth, and both love the sharp blade of a fine axe.  Besides that, the dwarves are happy to have companions with strong enough constitutions to see them together with a great many pints of ale.

Orcs befriended gnomes through their interaction with the dwarves.  While the diminutive race can be seen as childish and dangerously wily, the orcs have been drawn to them, finding humor in much of what they do.

Orc relations with humans have always been tenuous, but in recent years, the humans have become much more tolerant of the more tribal race.  While formal integration in cities is a long way off, orcs are not openly shunned as they once would have been, and in some cases are even openly welcomed.

Orcs have not had many chances to interact with kaja and kobolds, but they have a regretfully strained relationship with the elves due to the elves reclusive nature.

Language

Speech

Orcs speak their native orcish, but they are also fluent in common.

Penmanship

Those orcs who do know how to read and write are able to do so fairly well.  However, it is a rarity in their culture.  It is usually only their priests or magic users who understand the idea of inscription.

Religion

Personal Beliefs

Orcs are a rare race upon Tellest in that they believe in the common gods, but also in others besides them.  While other races would look at that as sacrilegious, orcs see no problem in it.  Most of their gods are characterized through an animal avatar.

History

General History

Just as humans, orcs began their lives as nomads, living off the land and moving on, waiting for the time to come when the land would flourish again.  Over time, they developed just as their human counterparts, building elaborate cities with contemporary technology and establishing diplomatic relations with any welcoming allies they share the land with.

Myths and Legends

There is a prophecy among the orcs that one among them will lead a council of the goodly races of Tellest to a hidden land of richness and majesty, where everyone can live together in peace and harmony.

There is also a prophecy of death and subjugation to an unknown force, though none can say what causes the orcs to fall so far, or even if they can rise once again.

Technology

General Technology

Orcs are very tribal, and thus, they do not experiment very much with technology.  They are lucky and intelligent enough to have running water, but most everything else falls by the wayside.

Medically, the orcs are advanced.  In their hatred of themselves, they have done wonders with biology and anatomy.  Those who are well educated know the finest places to stick a blade for the best amount of damage.

Magic

What the orcs lack in the extent of technology, they make up for in abundance of available branches of magic.  While orcs do not have the same relationship with gods as the human or dwarven paladins, they employ priests in great quantities.  Shamanistic and druidic magics are also a forefront of their culture.

Military/Combat

Military Structure

Orc military units are known as hordes.  They attack in great number, though neither grand tactics nor formations are decided upon.  The idea of orc military leaders is to let their numbers swell over that of the enemies they would face.

Weapons and Tools

Orcs are a powerful race that is able to specialize in nearly any type of weapon.  They seem to favor axes most of all, though spears and slings are also favored among the race.

As it pertains to siege weaponry, orcs like to keep things simple.  With that in mind, one of the oldest war machines they utilize is the tried and true catapult.  The orcs believe that it is easy to build and, coupled with a bright engineer, a reliable weapon.

Wars and Enemies

Despite rumors to the contrary, orcs are one of the most peaceful races upon the planet.  They hunt for food, not for sport, and as long as they have a place to shelter them, conquest is rarely anything more than a fleeting thought.  With that in mind, however, they are willing to keep what is theirs at all costs.  This puts them at a terrible stand with the goblins, which have often tried to integrate with the orcs only to try and absorb orc cities as their own.

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