Lorívia
Other nations see the Lorívians as primitive and savage, but they are one of the most tranquil and unified peoples on Xon Droste. Though they are generally peaceful, they will fight hard for their homeland when threatened. They have little in the way of military technology or training, but have the advantage of an intimate knowledge of the marshes. Their general isolation from the rest of the world, however, often leads to a lack of understanding of other cultures that can create conflict between the Lorívians and visiting outsiders.
CULTURE
Cooperation. Lorívians despise kings and rulers of all sorts. Communities are based around voluntary cooperation. There are no official laws in Lorívia, though many cultural values are adhered to strongly by the people. Duties are divided between all those who are able. While children and the elderly are protected, the youthful hunt and gather food, clean water, and other important resources. Some dedicate their lives to crafts such as boatmaking, weaving, or storytelling alongside their duties for the survival of the group.
Lifestyle. Lorívians don’t have permanent homes; instead many travel the swamps and jungles in wooden boats that double as shelters. In many places, these lightweight boats can also be strapped onto their backs and carried through dryer regions.
Lorívian children are raised collectively instead of by their blood families. Similarly, Lorívians do not form monogamous relationships, but encourage multiple relationships to strengthen community ties. In addition, the Lorívian concept of gender is amorphous and regional, leaving some tribes to recognize as many as four distinct genders and others having no distinct genders. Each person is free to express themselves as they see fit and people fulfill the needs of the community according to ability and desire.
When communities reach a certain size, they will split up, forming two or three smaller groups. Because of this, it is rare to see groups of Lorívians with more than 30 or so members. When different groups meet by chance, they will trade members, strengthening the entire people through genetic and cultural diversity. As a result, the Lorívian tribes are harmonious, while the people often still struggle to understand outside cultures and rarely leave their homeland.
Religion. There is no organized religion in Lorívia, so religious practice in Lorívia is personal. Most Lorívians don’t believe in gods, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, Lorívians tend to worship Dorotas. Dorota could be translated as value. The Dorotas represent different ideas that influence Lorívian life. Though specific Dorotas are observed by different people, often regionally, there are several particularly common ones: liberty, charity, nurture, health, community, and progress. Dorotas are often associated with symbols that are incorporated into jewelry and clothing patterns.
Lifestyle. Lorívians don’t have permanent homes; instead many travel the swamps and jungles in wooden boats that double as shelters. In many places, these lightweight boats can also be strapped onto their backs and carried through dryer regions.
Lorívian children are raised collectively instead of by their blood families. Similarly, Lorívians do not form monogamous relationships, but encourage multiple relationships to strengthen community ties. In addition, the Lorívian concept of gender is amorphous and regional, leaving some tribes to recognize as many as four distinct genders and others having no distinct genders. Each person is free to express themselves as they see fit and people fulfill the needs of the community according to ability and desire.
When communities reach a certain size, they will split up, forming two or three smaller groups. Because of this, it is rare to see groups of Lorívians with more than 30 or so members. When different groups meet by chance, they will trade members, strengthening the entire people through genetic and cultural diversity. As a result, the Lorívian tribes are harmonious, while the people often still struggle to understand outside cultures and rarely leave their homeland.
Religion. There is no organized religion in Lorívia, so religious practice in Lorívia is personal. Most Lorívians don’t believe in gods, at least not in the traditional sense. Instead, Lorívians tend to worship Dorotas. Dorota could be translated as value. The Dorotas represent different ideas that influence Lorívian life. Though specific Dorotas are observed by different people, often regionally, there are several particularly common ones: liberty, charity, nurture, health, community, and progress. Dorotas are often associated with symbols that are incorporated into jewelry and clothing patterns.
Dorota |
Symbol |
|
Acilo |
Liberty |
Leapflower |
Artenia |
Charity |
Ostilla Berry |
Boña |
Nurture |
Feather |
Ekmia |
Health |
Faerie Wing |
Jorelon |
Community |
Dew Drop |
Masí |
Progress |
Oar |
Masks in Lorívia. Masks can be important to survival in certain parts of Lorívia. Dangerous primates known as banchos are highly territorial and will attack creatures they deem threatening. Fortunately, they are easily fooled by face masks that resemble the bancho’s own faces. Most Lorívian’s carry masks on them, some even having visor-like masks that can flip down to cover the face in a moment’s notice. Thus, masks allow the Lorívians to wander freely through the jungle, even in dangerous territory.
Wyvish Influence. Through trade and interaction with a Wyvish colony, bits of Wyvish culture and technology have changed the way Lorívians live. Canvas, fish farms, climbing equipment, and other various goods are supplied by the trade between Wyver and Lorívia and have become essential to the everyday life of the Lorívians. Additionally, the historical peace between Wyver and Lorívia has allowed for Wyvish presence in the lands dominated by Lorívians and Lorívians in the universities and cities of Wyver.
Magic in Lorívia. The Lorívians, despite having the most access to leeches, are distrustful of magic and dedicate themselves to the protection of leeches and magical creatures. Lorívian’s feelings on magic stem from the danger posed by magic use in the wetlands of Lorívia; vicious faeries will attack those with nectar in their veins.
Azarian Occupation. Azarians, in search of gold and other resources, have colonized many sections of the Lorívian coast. They use Azarian magic to scour the land and force Lorívians to help them find resources. Some Lorívians fight back against the occupiers; others flee farther south. Many Lorívians are pacifist and refuse to harm other humans, even invaders. The environment itself also provides defense against would-be conquerors. Those unfamiliar with Lorívian wildlife will inevitably fall victim to rustraps, swampweed, angry banchos, hungry faeries, and other dangers of the Lorívian landscape.
Wyvish Influence. Through trade and interaction with a Wyvish colony, bits of Wyvish culture and technology have changed the way Lorívians live. Canvas, fish farms, climbing equipment, and other various goods are supplied by the trade between Wyver and Lorívia and have become essential to the everyday life of the Lorívians. Additionally, the historical peace between Wyver and Lorívia has allowed for Wyvish presence in the lands dominated by Lorívians and Lorívians in the universities and cities of Wyver.
Magic in Lorívia. The Lorívians, despite having the most access to leeches, are distrustful of magic and dedicate themselves to the protection of leeches and magical creatures. Lorívian’s feelings on magic stem from the danger posed by magic use in the wetlands of Lorívia; vicious faeries will attack those with nectar in their veins.
Azarian Occupation. Azarians, in search of gold and other resources, have colonized many sections of the Lorívian coast. They use Azarian magic to scour the land and force Lorívians to help them find resources. Some Lorívians fight back against the occupiers; others flee farther south. Many Lorívians are pacifist and refuse to harm other humans, even invaders. The environment itself also provides defense against would-be conquerors. Those unfamiliar with Lorívian wildlife will inevitably fall victim to rustraps, swampweed, angry banchos, hungry faeries, and other dangers of the Lorívian landscape.
SUBCULTURES
The nature of Lorívian culture makes it difficult to distinguish distinct subcultures as members frequently travel freely throughout the wetlands. However, certain cultural patterns can be observed depending on the region.
Bay of Elarona. Fishing is very popular near the Bay of Elarona on the northern end of Lorívia. Here they have more substantial boats, some with sails, that are seaworthy and carry Lorívians to the nearby islands and fishing spots. Some areas even have small Wyvish style fish farms. They have a strained relationship with the nearby Wyvish colony, whose community is structured in a way that does not mesh well with Lorívian culture. Nevertheless, Lorívians understand the value in the resources and technology that the Wyfolk brought with them, and continue to interact and trade with them.
Bay of The South. On the western-most reaches of the southern coast, several tribes have lessened the weight of their carry by using their canoes as beds. When traveling, the boats can easily be strapped to one’s back, but upon setting camp, can be strung up into trees using ropes, then covered with a canvas to keep out bugs and rain. Though this practice is not universal in the southwestern region of Lorívia, it is often preferred over the more traditional method of setting up canoe homes with heavier materials.
Loliandor. Due to their proximity to the Southern Wilds, the people of southeastern Lorívia are much more skilled with weapons and fighting. The occasional wanderings of the southern beasts into Lorívian territory keep them on alert, and community members are trained at a young age to protect one another. After the Lorívians began to move south away from the settling Aruvani, the need for better weapons to protect themselves from nature created a culture that valued the skilled creation of these tools. Lorívian weapons are renowned in the southern Aruvian Empire.
Northern Sacorrios. Lorívians living in the hills and mountains live differently than the wetland Lorívians. The people of the northern hills carry elaborately organized backpacks containing advanced climbing equipment and heavy fabrics that can be used to cover the entrances of caves and other shelters. At higher altitudes, Lorívians deal with colder temperatures. Therefore, those living in the hills have a distinctive style of clothing; they use heavier fabrics often with thick, soft layers. Since hot weather is equally problematic, cold weather clothing is often stored underground in caches marked by small cairns for other Lorívians to use.
Ostosen Coast. The southern wetlands of Lorívia are dotted with small shrines dedicated to the Dorotas. People will often leave offerings at the shrines so that the next to person to find it can take the gift and leave something of their own. Aberas, large carnivorous apes, have begun to recognize shrines as a way to attract people, and will hide out near shrines or even create their own crude shrine replicas to attract their prey.
Peninsula of Harina. The Peninsula of Harina are dryer than the majority of Lorívia. The swamplands and dense trees give way to open fields. Spring is a rough time for the people of the western peninsula, as tropical storms wash over the land. Stone structures dot the landscape, built as public shelters that wandering Lorívians can take refuge in during a storm. Since boating is less important on the peninsula, the portable shelters can be made of different materials. Canvas huts and tents are common. Farming is also more viable in this region, so small farms are formed by communities. The farms can be used by anyone; people freely plant and harvest to meet their needs.
Southern Sacorrios. The wet conditions of the southern hills create a fairly easy climate for the nomadic lifestyle of the Lorívians. As such, the people of the southern Saccorrios move short distances very frequently and save the seeds of the plants they have eaten. Each spring, these seeds are sown all around the area frequented by each tribe to ensure there will be food for them and the wildlife as they move.
Wia Coast. On the northern coast, a different solution to the heavy burden of boat-homes was to simply travel between homes. Due to the heavy amounts of trade that take place on the north coast and the common visits of other groups to fetch food and supplies from the sea, the northern Lorívians have built thousands of small lean-to’s and facilities that can be used by anyone.
Bay of Elarona. Fishing is very popular near the Bay of Elarona on the northern end of Lorívia. Here they have more substantial boats, some with sails, that are seaworthy and carry Lorívians to the nearby islands and fishing spots. Some areas even have small Wyvish style fish farms. They have a strained relationship with the nearby Wyvish colony, whose community is structured in a way that does not mesh well with Lorívian culture. Nevertheless, Lorívians understand the value in the resources and technology that the Wyfolk brought with them, and continue to interact and trade with them.
Bay of The South. On the western-most reaches of the southern coast, several tribes have lessened the weight of their carry by using their canoes as beds. When traveling, the boats can easily be strapped to one’s back, but upon setting camp, can be strung up into trees using ropes, then covered with a canvas to keep out bugs and rain. Though this practice is not universal in the southwestern region of Lorívia, it is often preferred over the more traditional method of setting up canoe homes with heavier materials.
Loliandor. Due to their proximity to the Southern Wilds, the people of southeastern Lorívia are much more skilled with weapons and fighting. The occasional wanderings of the southern beasts into Lorívian territory keep them on alert, and community members are trained at a young age to protect one another. After the Lorívians began to move south away from the settling Aruvani, the need for better weapons to protect themselves from nature created a culture that valued the skilled creation of these tools. Lorívian weapons are renowned in the southern Aruvian Empire.
Northern Sacorrios. Lorívians living in the hills and mountains live differently than the wetland Lorívians. The people of the northern hills carry elaborately organized backpacks containing advanced climbing equipment and heavy fabrics that can be used to cover the entrances of caves and other shelters. At higher altitudes, Lorívians deal with colder temperatures. Therefore, those living in the hills have a distinctive style of clothing; they use heavier fabrics often with thick, soft layers. Since hot weather is equally problematic, cold weather clothing is often stored underground in caches marked by small cairns for other Lorívians to use.
Ostosen Coast. The southern wetlands of Lorívia are dotted with small shrines dedicated to the Dorotas. People will often leave offerings at the shrines so that the next to person to find it can take the gift and leave something of their own. Aberas, large carnivorous apes, have begun to recognize shrines as a way to attract people, and will hide out near shrines or even create their own crude shrine replicas to attract their prey.
Peninsula of Harina. The Peninsula of Harina are dryer than the majority of Lorívia. The swamplands and dense trees give way to open fields. Spring is a rough time for the people of the western peninsula, as tropical storms wash over the land. Stone structures dot the landscape, built as public shelters that wandering Lorívians can take refuge in during a storm. Since boating is less important on the peninsula, the portable shelters can be made of different materials. Canvas huts and tents are common. Farming is also more viable in this region, so small farms are formed by communities. The farms can be used by anyone; people freely plant and harvest to meet their needs.
Southern Sacorrios. The wet conditions of the southern hills create a fairly easy climate for the nomadic lifestyle of the Lorívians. As such, the people of the southern Saccorrios move short distances very frequently and save the seeds of the plants they have eaten. Each spring, these seeds are sown all around the area frequented by each tribe to ensure there will be food for them and the wildlife as they move.
Wia Coast. On the northern coast, a different solution to the heavy burden of boat-homes was to simply travel between homes. Due to the heavy amounts of trade that take place on the north coast and the common visits of other groups to fetch food and supplies from the sea, the northern Lorívians have built thousands of small lean-to’s and facilities that can be used by anyone.
HISTORY
Lorívian Cultural Separation. It is accepted fact that the Lorívians were the first to leave Old Aruvia. Back before humans had settled the lands beyond the island of Old Aruvia, a group called the Loris Vienes fled the island with beliefs the other people had labeled heretical, landing on the nearby coast of Xon Aru in modern Elarus.
After the Loris Vienes were thriving rather than just surviving, sometime around 900 years after the first people arrived on Old Aruvia, the first split took place. The group had grown too big to continue to live under the hunting/gathering practices they had taken up, so they agreed to split. Later, when groups again reached a critical size, the memories of this peaceful split remained with the people, and they continued the practice. The peaceful nature of the separations lead to a friendly vibe between groups, which enabled members to move between groups, eventually also becoming a tradition the groups used to keep friendly, inter-tribal connections alive.
Around 1500 years later, the Loris Vienes, still recognized as outcasts by others leaving Old Aruvia, were forced further west into the wetlands of the modern Southern Wilds by new Aruvian settlers, who were beginning to settle Eromi and other areas around the coast near Old Aruvia.
When they were initially driven further into the swamplands, old Lorívian villages were set up in areas with natural protection, such as the dangerous rustrap. This discovery kept the people from being wiped out by the unforgiving wildlife in the region of Lorívia.
Approximately two thousand years later, the Loris Vienes were rediscovered by Parraminian travelers beginning to explore the far reaches of Xon Droste, reigniting trade between the people of the swamps in Lorivia and the rest of the continent. But the revival was short-lived. Within a few hundred years, the Southern half of Xon Droste was experiencing war again, and the Lorívians, being peaceful in nature, retreated once more from the world, cutting off contact with their hostile neighbors.
Naturally, several smaller groups continued trade with the Azarians, but contact was limited. The culture of Lorívia continued to diverge from that of the rest of Xon Droste, a fact that became far too obvious when the Aruvian Empire once more attacked the Azarians, leading many to flee south into Lorívian territory. While some of these people are able to be adopted into Lorívian society, many found themselves at odds with the people of the swamps and were turned away or left to die.
The appearance of the Azarians in Lorívian territory encouraged the more curious to leave Lorívia and join the Azarians, bringing some of Lorívian culture to Azarithnea.
Lorívia and Magic. Thousands of years before the Azarians brought magic to the rest of the continent, the Lorívians discovered that eating the blooms of the leapflower gave them some minor uncanny abilities. This stopped soon after its discovery when it became clear how dangerous these abilities were and after attacks by the faeries, creatures that naturally live on the magic produced by leeches. Thus began the traditional belief that leapflowers were cursed (or poisonous, depending on the region).
Without the existence of leapflowers in Azarithnea, when the Azarians eventually discovered magic, it was through the more widespread method, involving blood and leeches. Contact between the Azarians and Lorívians after the cultural separation eventually reintroduced magic into Lorívia in the 78th century. By the end of the century, however, magic fell out of use due to the dangers of using it in the swamplands. Instead, the knowledge of the power held in the leeches encouraged Lorívians to work to protect the creatures from invading peoples, and the use of magic became distasteful to the Lorívians.
Lorívia and the Infection. In the 79th century, Lorívian territory began to be invaded by desperate Aruvani, searching for resources. While the Aruvani brought trade and fascinating new things to the Lorívians, they also brought with them the Aruvian Plague. By the end of the 79th century, the eastern half of Lorívia was devastated by the Aruvian Plague, leaving the western Lorívians even more isolated than before. In the following hundred years, Lorívians attempted to repopulate the eastern half of Lorívia, but instead contact the plague a second time, bringing the death toll in Lorívia over the last two hundred years to nearly 60% of the population.
The result was a loss of nearly all previous cultural practices of eastern Lorívia as people began to shun the mountains, believing them to be cursed and filled with disease and hostile Aruvani. Mountain tribes came down to the lowlands, leaving the eastern half of the mountains for good, and tribes that remained in the mountains removed themselves to the southern reaches of the ranges to avoid the Aruvani. To top it off, entire tribes living on the eastern slopes of the mountains were executed by Azarian “doctors” attempting to eradicate the Aruvian Plague.
The Lorívian retreat opened up the mountains for the Azarians, however, inviting three small colonies of Azarian forces to move into the area, forcing any wandering Lorívians to assist them in gathering resources which are then shipped off to the major ports in the Azarian Empire. Though the first of these did not survive, the remaining two have continued their assault on the land, wreaking havoc on the homeland of several old Lorívian tribes to this day. The result has left tensions high on the eastern end of the Lorívian territory and inviting various attacks on the Azarian camps at random times.
Lorívia and the Wyfolk. The Lorívians were officially introduced to the Wyfolk when Wyvish sailors first landed on the western peninsula of Lorívia. Fascinated by the Lorívians after first contact, a small group of Wyvish scientists returned to the peninsula later to attempt to “civilize” the Lorívians by educating them in the ways of science. Though the attempt was labeled a failure after approximately 15 years of trial, the contacts made encouraged the continuing trade between the Wyfolk and the Lorívians on the north coast.
Almost a hundred years after first contact, several Lorívians were invited to the University of Oswyn. The more curious Lorívians are invited to travel back and forth, leading to the construction of several trading posts with small ports the Wyfolk can dock their ships at.
After the Loris Vienes were thriving rather than just surviving, sometime around 900 years after the first people arrived on Old Aruvia, the first split took place. The group had grown too big to continue to live under the hunting/gathering practices they had taken up, so they agreed to split. Later, when groups again reached a critical size, the memories of this peaceful split remained with the people, and they continued the practice. The peaceful nature of the separations lead to a friendly vibe between groups, which enabled members to move between groups, eventually also becoming a tradition the groups used to keep friendly, inter-tribal connections alive.
Around 1500 years later, the Loris Vienes, still recognized as outcasts by others leaving Old Aruvia, were forced further west into the wetlands of the modern Southern Wilds by new Aruvian settlers, who were beginning to settle Eromi and other areas around the coast near Old Aruvia.
When they were initially driven further into the swamplands, old Lorívian villages were set up in areas with natural protection, such as the dangerous rustrap. This discovery kept the people from being wiped out by the unforgiving wildlife in the region of Lorívia.
Approximately two thousand years later, the Loris Vienes were rediscovered by Parraminian travelers beginning to explore the far reaches of Xon Droste, reigniting trade between the people of the swamps in Lorivia and the rest of the continent. But the revival was short-lived. Within a few hundred years, the Southern half of Xon Droste was experiencing war again, and the Lorívians, being peaceful in nature, retreated once more from the world, cutting off contact with their hostile neighbors.
Naturally, several smaller groups continued trade with the Azarians, but contact was limited. The culture of Lorívia continued to diverge from that of the rest of Xon Droste, a fact that became far too obvious when the Aruvian Empire once more attacked the Azarians, leading many to flee south into Lorívian territory. While some of these people are able to be adopted into Lorívian society, many found themselves at odds with the people of the swamps and were turned away or left to die.
The appearance of the Azarians in Lorívian territory encouraged the more curious to leave Lorívia and join the Azarians, bringing some of Lorívian culture to Azarithnea.
Lorívia and Magic. Thousands of years before the Azarians brought magic to the rest of the continent, the Lorívians discovered that eating the blooms of the leapflower gave them some minor uncanny abilities. This stopped soon after its discovery when it became clear how dangerous these abilities were and after attacks by the faeries, creatures that naturally live on the magic produced by leeches. Thus began the traditional belief that leapflowers were cursed (or poisonous, depending on the region).
Without the existence of leapflowers in Azarithnea, when the Azarians eventually discovered magic, it was through the more widespread method, involving blood and leeches. Contact between the Azarians and Lorívians after the cultural separation eventually reintroduced magic into Lorívia in the 78th century. By the end of the century, however, magic fell out of use due to the dangers of using it in the swamplands. Instead, the knowledge of the power held in the leeches encouraged Lorívians to work to protect the creatures from invading peoples, and the use of magic became distasteful to the Lorívians.
Lorívia and the Infection. In the 79th century, Lorívian territory began to be invaded by desperate Aruvani, searching for resources. While the Aruvani brought trade and fascinating new things to the Lorívians, they also brought with them the Aruvian Plague. By the end of the 79th century, the eastern half of Lorívia was devastated by the Aruvian Plague, leaving the western Lorívians even more isolated than before. In the following hundred years, Lorívians attempted to repopulate the eastern half of Lorívia, but instead contact the plague a second time, bringing the death toll in Lorívia over the last two hundred years to nearly 60% of the population.
The result was a loss of nearly all previous cultural practices of eastern Lorívia as people began to shun the mountains, believing them to be cursed and filled with disease and hostile Aruvani. Mountain tribes came down to the lowlands, leaving the eastern half of the mountains for good, and tribes that remained in the mountains removed themselves to the southern reaches of the ranges to avoid the Aruvani. To top it off, entire tribes living on the eastern slopes of the mountains were executed by Azarian “doctors” attempting to eradicate the Aruvian Plague.
The Lorívian retreat opened up the mountains for the Azarians, however, inviting three small colonies of Azarian forces to move into the area, forcing any wandering Lorívians to assist them in gathering resources which are then shipped off to the major ports in the Azarian Empire. Though the first of these did not survive, the remaining two have continued their assault on the land, wreaking havoc on the homeland of several old Lorívian tribes to this day. The result has left tensions high on the eastern end of the Lorívian territory and inviting various attacks on the Azarian camps at random times.
Lorívia and the Wyfolk. The Lorívians were officially introduced to the Wyfolk when Wyvish sailors first landed on the western peninsula of Lorívia. Fascinated by the Lorívians after first contact, a small group of Wyvish scientists returned to the peninsula later to attempt to “civilize” the Lorívians by educating them in the ways of science. Though the attempt was labeled a failure after approximately 15 years of trial, the contacts made encouraged the continuing trade between the Wyfolk and the Lorívians on the north coast.
Almost a hundred years after first contact, several Lorívians were invited to the University of Oswyn. The more curious Lorívians are invited to travel back and forth, leading to the construction of several trading posts with small ports the Wyfolk can dock their ships at.
NOTABLE LOCATIONS
Aegar. Once an Azarian encampment, Aegar has since been taken by combative Lorívians. Weapons and other resources stolen from the encampment our used for resisting other Azarian influence, or repurposed for nonviolent uses. The barracks, once for Azarian soldiers, now house weary travelers.
Esbirce. A trading post was founded on the edge of Lorívian territory when the Lorívians were rediscovered around 6770. Though the original name was lost when the Lorívians retreated from the warring south, its rediscovery upon their return was when it gained its Lorívian name from the first tribe to use it, the Esbirce.
Great Jorelon Shrine. The most well known shrine on the Ostosen Coast, the Great Jorelon Shrine is a massive cairn built in a dry clearing. Travelling Lorívians can always be found at the shrine. They will set up their temporary shelters nearby, and carve names or drawings into the stones. Many Lorívians bring interesting plants, stones, and other findings to the shrine to add as decoration.
Palace of Refuge. The largest structure in the northwestern peninsula, the Palace of Refuge is an ever-expanding structure built into the countryside that acts as a storm shelter. It is customary for travelers to leave supplies during the dry season when passing by such that those taking shelter from the storm will have food to survive. The palace was built as needed over a long period of time, and therefore has no architectural consistency. The inside is confusing to navigate. Some Lorívians have dedicated their lives to maintaining the palace, and will gladly lend a hand to lost visitors.
Trechhollow. Nestled in a shady lagoon, this large Azarian settlement acts as a base of operations for Azarian presence in Lorívia. While most of the settlement is practical, consisting of farms, barricades, and docks, the center of the settlement is marked with an Azarian mansion, home of Azarian noble Count Daspuli Morkov. The camp is incredibly well defended, utilizing Azarian magic users to fend off rebellious Lorívians and dangerous wildlife.
Viz. An Azarian settlement on the northern coast of Lorívia. Azarians, taking advantage of the kindness of the locals, rely on the cooperation of Lorívians who are coerced into helping the Azarians gather valuable resources such as furs from Lorívian wildlife for the Azarians to send back to Azarithnea. Things are not all well for the the wealthy Azarians however. The harsh wilderness of Lorívia does not favor the ignorant. Many Azarian nobles have fallen victim to the the creatures and plant life of the swamps which are easily avoided by the savvy natives. Additionally, the camp faces occasional attacks from Lorívians wishing to end the Azarian occupation.
Esbirce. A trading post was founded on the edge of Lorívian territory when the Lorívians were rediscovered around 6770. Though the original name was lost when the Lorívians retreated from the warring south, its rediscovery upon their return was when it gained its Lorívian name from the first tribe to use it, the Esbirce.
Great Jorelon Shrine. The most well known shrine on the Ostosen Coast, the Great Jorelon Shrine is a massive cairn built in a dry clearing. Travelling Lorívians can always be found at the shrine. They will set up their temporary shelters nearby, and carve names or drawings into the stones. Many Lorívians bring interesting plants, stones, and other findings to the shrine to add as decoration.
Palace of Refuge. The largest structure in the northwestern peninsula, the Palace of Refuge is an ever-expanding structure built into the countryside that acts as a storm shelter. It is customary for travelers to leave supplies during the dry season when passing by such that those taking shelter from the storm will have food to survive. The palace was built as needed over a long period of time, and therefore has no architectural consistency. The inside is confusing to navigate. Some Lorívians have dedicated their lives to maintaining the palace, and will gladly lend a hand to lost visitors.
Trechhollow. Nestled in a shady lagoon, this large Azarian settlement acts as a base of operations for Azarian presence in Lorívia. While most of the settlement is practical, consisting of farms, barricades, and docks, the center of the settlement is marked with an Azarian mansion, home of Azarian noble Count Daspuli Morkov. The camp is incredibly well defended, utilizing Azarian magic users to fend off rebellious Lorívians and dangerous wildlife.
Viz. An Azarian settlement on the northern coast of Lorívia. Azarians, taking advantage of the kindness of the locals, rely on the cooperation of Lorívians who are coerced into helping the Azarians gather valuable resources such as furs from Lorívian wildlife for the Azarians to send back to Azarithnea. Things are not all well for the the wealthy Azarians however. The harsh wilderness of Lorívia does not favor the ignorant. Many Azarian nobles have fallen victim to the the creatures and plant life of the swamps which are easily avoided by the savvy natives. Additionally, the camp faces occasional attacks from Lorívians wishing to end the Azarian occupation.
Notable Figures
Count Daspuli Morkov. Count Daspuli Markov is the Azarian noble overseeing the occupation of Lorívia. The son of a wealthy fur trader, Markov continued and expanded the work of his father, gathering a substantial Azarian force to the Lorívian coast, where he quickly was able to produce massive profits selling Lorívian furs and other rare goods back to the Azarian homeland. Morkov is instantly recognizable by his extensive scarring visible on his face and hands. Years of alcahest consumption has caused irreparable damage to his skin.
TRIVIA
- Lorívians believe that starmite is how creatures pass over into the afterlife.
- Lorívians have learned that they can use puffpods to attract animals for food.
- Faeries are captured and killed for their plates to create gifts for newly born children.