The Gorvothkur Dominion
Geography
The Gorvothkur Dominion is a sprawling, unforgiving realm of primal beauty and ferocity, forged in the fiery heart of volcanic peaks and tempered by the relentless rhythms of the jungle. This orcish nation stretches across a vast expanse of jungle, steppe, canyon, and mountainous terrain, its diverse landscapes shaping the resilient people who call it home.
The Dominion's geography is a testament to its unforgiving nature. The eastern jungle, with its lush, emerald canopies and ancient trees, gives way to a central spine of volcanoes and mountains that forms the nation's rugged backbone. Sheer canyons and rocky outcroppings punctuate the western steppes, where grasslands stretch toward the setting sun. The climate varies wildly, from sweltering jungle heat and humidity in the east to temperate zones along the mountainous spine and scorching desert winds on the western steppes.
The orcs of the Gorvothkur clans are forged in battle and fire, their warrior-centric society honoring strength and conquest above all else. Ancestral spirits guide the living, and rituals and sacrifices appease the land's primal forces. Tribal communities, bound by ancient traditions, thrive in this unforgiving environment, and fierce beastmasters command fearsome predators with unyielding authority.
At the heart of the Dominion lies Kragnorok, its capital nestled within a volcanic caldera. The Gorge of Gorthok, a treacherous canyon system, and the Emerald Pyramid, an ancient, vine-shrouded temple, are just two of the many notable locations that dot the landscape. The Gorvothkur Dominion is a realm where strength and cunning reign supreme, and only the most resilient survive.
Throughout its history, the Dominion has been shaped by legendary founders and forged in the fires of conquest. Its people are bound to the land, connected by a mystical thread that weaves their destiny with that of the jungle, mountains, and steppes. The Gorvothkur Dominion stands as a testament to the unyielding power of the orcish spirit.
National Flag
National Flower
Lavaheart Blossom
National Animal
Flamewing Roc
Capital City: Kragnorak
Estimated Population: 455,000
Points of Interest in this nation:
The Underdark
The Deepfang Warrens
The Underdark of the Gorvothkur Dominion
Beneath the volcanic peaks and jungle canopies of the Gorvothkur Dominion lies the Deepfang Warrens — a primal, fire-lit underworld where molten rivers carve through obsidian halls and bioluminescent jungles bloom in the heat-soaked dark. Forged in the bones of the Dragon’s Spine, this sprawling Underdark is a sacred proving ground for orcish clans, beastmasters, and shamans who seek strength in the land’s raw fury. Here, ancestral spirits whisper through steam vents, predators stalk glowing vines, and the land itself tests the will of all who walk its paths. Only the strong, the cunning, and the fearless endure.
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Sinking Salt Marshes
The Sinking Salt Marshes are a treacherous, nightmarish landscape of twisting waterways, sinking mud, and salt-encrusted ruins. This forsaken realm is home to monstrous creatures and unholy terrors, where the very ground seems to shift and swallow unwary travelers whole. Eternal fog and creeping mist shroud the marshes, casting an eerie veil over the tangled network of toxic saltwater rivers and stagnant pools.
Ancient, crumbling structures lie hidden beneath the mire, remnants of a long-forgotten civilization consumed by the marsh's insatiable hunger. Giant saltworms and burrowing horrors tunnel through the mud, striking fear into the hearts of those who dare to venture into this unforgiving environment. Salt-scaled crocodiles and aquatic terrors lurk in the murky waters, waiting to drag their prey down into the darkness.
Ghostly apparitions and malevolent spirits haunt the marshes, their ethereal whispers driving even the bravest adventurers to the brink of madness. Cultists and treasure hunters seek forbidden knowledge and ancient relics within the marsh's depths, often succumbing to the very corruption they seek to exploit. The Sinking Salt Marshes are a realm where the boundaries between reality and nightmare are blurred, and those who enter may never escape.
To navigate this deadly landscape, one must contend with quicksand and treacherous terrain, poisonous gas and saltwater hazards, and ambushes by marsh-dwelling monstrosities. The marsh's corrupting influence can drive even the strongest wills to madness, making survival a constant struggle. Still, some are drawn to the Sinking Salt Marshes, seeking secrets, treasures, or simply to test their mettle against the unforgiving power of nature.
Aborforth Wizard Tower
In the orcish nation of the Gorvothkur Dominion, the River known as the Bloodcurrent flows as a vital artery, winding its way through rugged terrain, carrying the lifeblood of the land with its deep, dark-red mineral-rich waters. Above this river hovers an awe-inspiring sight: the Aborforth Wizard Tower, a floating marvel that defies the laws of gravity, held aloft by powerful ancient enchantments.
This towering structure belongs to the legendary half-orc, half-elf wizard, Aelgorn Aborforth. Renowned as one of the most learned individuals in all of Luminaria, Aelgorn is a figure of myth and mystery. It is said that he dedicated his life to scholarship, committing to a journey that spanned across continents and cultures. In a remarkable feat, he completed four full years of study at every major Wizarding academy in the world, mastering diverse forms of arcane knowledge, from desert magic in Mirage’s End to the spectral arts of Glimmerthorn.
The Aborforth Tower itself is a testament to Aelgorn's legacy and his boundless intellect. Its levels hold magical libraries, enchanted study chambers, and rare artifacts, and its walls shimmer with protective spells woven in styles from countless magical traditions. From this floating sanctum, Aelgorn occasionally descends to share wisdom with select apprentices or to conduct strange experiments by the banks of the Bloodcurrent. Whispers persist that he communes with the spirits of the river itself, gaining insight into hidden knowledge held by the ancient waters, making his tower both a center of power and an enigmatic symbol in the Gorvothkur Dominion.
Once every four years, Aelgorn Aborforth descends from his floating tower above the Bloodcurrent to select a single apprentice, a tradition that has become a revered and highly anticipated event throughout the Gorvothkur Dominion. This rare opportunity draws hopeful students from across Luminaria, who gather by the riverbank, each hoping to earn the privilege of learning under the legendary wizard.
The selection process is shrouded in mystery. Some say that Aelgorn looks for an inner spark of curiosity and potential, rather than skill alone, while others believe he uses a secret spell to glimpse into each candidate's future. Those chosen receive rigorous and unparalleled training within the enchanted halls of the Aborforth Tower, learning arcane secrets from every corner of the world. To study under Aelgorn is to gain insight into magic that few mortals could even imagine, yet it also demands unwavering dedication.
These apprentices emerge as powerful wizards and scholars in their own right, carrying the weight of Aelgorn's legacy forward. The people of the Gorvothkur Dominion hold them in high regard, viewing them as guardians of arcane knowledge and respected leaders, shaping the future of magic within the orcish nation and beyond.
Ruins of Elyria
The Ruins of Elyria stand as a poignant reminder of unity and loss, nestled within the rugged expanse of the Gorvothkur Dominion. Once a shining beacon of collaboration between giants and dragons, Elyria was a marvel of shared ingenuity and architectural brilliance. However, the War of the Ancients reduced this city to rubble, leaving behind crumbled stone, weathered pillars, and overgrown remnants of its former grandeur.
It was amidst these ruins, scarred by centuries of conflict, that the leaders of the giants and dragons came together to forge the Treaty of Elyria, ending the devastating war and establishing boundaries to restore balance. The ruins now serve as a symbol of hope and reconciliation, with the shimmering remnants of Elyria reflecting the resilience and potential for peace in even the darkest times.
Pilgrims, scholars, and adventurers visit the ruins to honor the legacy of the Treaty of Elyria, seeking to understand the lessons of the past and marvel at the enduring beauty of what remains. These ruins are a testament to the enduring spirit of Luminaria and the delicate balance that holds its world together.
Blackberry Bog
Blackberry Bog, located in the southeastern Gorvothkur Dominion, is a sprawling, mist-laden swamp teeming with colossal amphibians and dense vegetation. Named for its Black Swampberries, tart and dark fruits prized for their medicinal and alchemical properties, the bog is a place of both peril and bounty. Towering mangrove trees and jungle foliage create a dim, humid environment where wagon-wheel-sized frogs and toads lurk in the waters, their deep croaks echoing through the dense undergrowth. Bioluminescent Whisper Croakers cast an eerie glow at night, while Gulper Toads lie in wait, snatching prey with their lightning-fast tongues.
The bog’s biggest menace is the Swarmfly, a fist-sized, bloodthirsty insect that hunts in aggressive clouds, making travel treacherous. Local alchemists and hermits extract potent elixirs from the swamp’s flora and fauna, and rumors speak of a mysterious Frog King, a massive, ancient amphibian said to possess prophetic knowledge. While the bog holds riches for those who dare to harvest its secrets, only the prepared and the bold leave its depths unscathed.
Soot Barrens
The Soot Barrens stretch as a lifeless, ashen expanse, marking the site where the once-proud city of Kalimdor stood. Once a marvel of giant engineering and devotion to the Grand Architects, Kalimdor was reduced to smoldering ruins during the War of the Ancients. Tharagon the Unyielding’s forces unleashed a devastating inferno, fueled by corrupted magic, that consumed the city in unrelenting flames. The resulting destruction left the land scorched and barren, forever transformed into a haunting wasteland.
Today, the Soot Barrens are a stark reminder of the cost of unchecked ambition and conflict. The cracked and blackened plains whisper of the giants’ resilience, as surviving fragments of their culture were carried to safety and preserved by those who fled. Despite its desolation, the Barrens are also a symbol of rebirth, with scattered signs of life slowly reclaiming the land.
Visitors to the Soot Barrens often find themselves in quiet contemplation of its somber history, reflecting on the sacrifices made and the lessons left behind by the giants of Kalimdor. This desolate plain stands as an eternal marker of both loss and the hope of renewal.
Shattered Crown
The Shattered Crown, the fractured peak of Mount Almora, is a dramatic and haunting landmark within the Gorvothkur Dominion. Once a sacred mountain believed to be blessed by Terrak, the God of the Earth, it became the site of the legendary Battle of Almora during the War of the Ancients. This pivotal conflict saw Gorthok the Unifier, wielding the colossal hammer Earthbreaker, clash with Tharagon the Unyielding, the black-scaled dragon who sought to dominate Luminaria.
Their duel shook the mountain to its core, splitting its summit in two and leaving behind jagged, lifeless peaks. The ground around the Shattered Crown is scarred with fissures and melted stone, a testament to the titanic forces unleashed during their confrontation. No life has grown on the plateau since that fateful battle, adding to its eerie and forbidding presence.
The Shattered Crown stands as a monument to resilience and sacrifice, a place where the echoes of that legendary duel still seem to resonate. It draws adventurers, historians, and pilgrims who seek to honor the memory of those who fought for balance and to witness firsthand the raw power that shaped this iconic mountain.
Dragon's Spine Mountain Range
The Dragon’s Spine is a jagged and treacherous mountain range that stretches across the Gorvothkur Dominion, bearing the scars of the War of the Ancients. This fractured and unstable terrain served as the stage for the Dragon’s Spine Siege, a grueling fifty-year conflict between giants and dragons. The range’s peaks, twisted and shattered, are a stark reminder of the destructive power unleashed during the war.
Once a natural barrier between the contested territories, the Dragon’s Spine became a battlefield of attrition. The giants fortified the mountain passes, carving colossal barricades into the stone, while the dragons rained storms and fire from above. The prolonged conflict left the range scarred with deep ravines, volcanic fissures, and scorched earth, reshaping it into the perilous landscape seen today.
The Dragon’s Spine remains a place of solemn reflection, its treacherous paths and ancient ruins drawing adventurers seeking to uncover relics of the past. It stands as both a warning of the devastating consequences of conflict and a testament to the resilience of those who fought to restore balance in Luminaria.
Taur Galadhrin
Taur Galadhrin, known as the Shining Citadel of the Giants, was the pinnacle of civilization for an unnamed goliath giant community, a beacon of culture, innovation, and unity. Built atop a lush plateau surrounded by cascading waterfalls, the city embodied the giants’ reverence for nature and their unparalleled craftsmanship. Towering statues and intricate carvings adorned every structure, depicting the Seven Founders, the ancestors of their kind, and their myths of creation. Its gleaming stone bridges spanned deep chasms, connecting vast plazas and towering halls where councils of giants deliberated matters of peace and prosperity. The city also served as a center of arcane and technological advancement, with its forges producing magnificent artifacts and its sages mastering magic that drew directly from the power of the earth. To the giants, Taur Galadhrin was more than a home—it was a testament to their destiny as the stewards of Luminaria.
In the years leading up to the War of the Ancients, Taur Galadhrin was believed to have flourished as a hub of diplomacy and trade, forging alliances with other surrounding communities, including cautious pacts with certain dragons. The city's grandeur was unparalleled, with its luminous crystals and citrine-studded towers said to glow with the light of the stars themselves. Yet, whispers of discord began to echo in its great halls as tensions between dragons and giants simmered beneath the surface. The city’s sages, foreseeing the growing conflict, worked tirelessly to create powerful relics like Dimensional Anchors and elemental titans to safeguard their people. Taur Galadhrin stood proudly as the heart of the giants’ civilization, unaware that its splendor would soon crumble beneath the shadow of war.
Orcish Society
The Dreamtime
The War Children
The War Children
Many orc tribes believe in various animism based religions.
Most believe that every spirit comes from a realm in the stars called the Dreamtime.
The belief is that when you die, you return to this place. Because of that, they see each star as an earthly representation of a soul in the Dreamtime watching over the tribe from above and the moons are the earthly representation of the first chieftain and his two wives.
This plays heavily into their lore.
For example: Shamans might interpret things such as clouds covering the moons or certain stars as the ancestors disapproval.
The War Children
The War Children
The War Children
The nation of Gorvothkur is home to the orc, making up 75% of the population in this territory.
The Orc tribes of Luminaria are not naturally evil and have the standard array of alignments. They are also not innately savages, though their cultures do tend to be a bit more primal than most. They also do not hurt children in their raids. Furthermore, if they see children alone, or if they wipe out whatever settlement they were raiding, they take the children.
These "war children" are given to families who have lost their kids or whose kids have grown up. These war children are raised as part of the tribe. They are seen as equals and it's not unheard of to see other races leading orc tribes.
Also, if an orc challenges you, it is a big compliment. You should comply, or the clans may shun you as coward and let everyone know you're not trustworthy.
Religion
The War Children
Religion
In the rural jungle regions of the Gorvothkur Dominion, the orc live in harmony with the vibrant and untamed wilderness, deeply rooted in spiritual traditions that reflect their reverence for the divine. They honor all the Grand Architects but primarily venerate Terrak, God of Earth, for the stability of the land beneath their feet; Kyrios, God of Water, for the life-giving rivers and rain; and Lythari, Goddess of Magic, for the mystical energies that flow through the jungle and their people.
They also pay homage to Solaria, Goddess of the Sun, whose fiery presence sustains life and drives away darkness, and Lunaria, Goddess of the Three Moons, whose phases guide their rituals, harvests, and visions. These deities are celebrated through grand festivals, intricate stone carvings, and ceremonial dances adorned with vibrant feathered headdresses and painted masks, reflecting their connection to both the divine and the natural world.
Unique To This Nation:
Dragon's Breath Ale
Dragon's Breath Ale is a legendary, fiery brew renowned for its tantalizing flavor and harmless, smoldering effect. Crafted by master brewers of the Gorvothkur Dominion, this signature ale combines rare, smoked dragon's scale peppers, specialty malts, and pure water to create a rich, amber-hued liquid with a smoky, slightly sweet aroma. With a moderate strength of 6% ABV, Dragon's Breath Ale emits a harmless, smoldering "breath" of steam when consumed.
This unique ale has no harmful or intoxicating side effects beyond mild relaxation, and its smoldering effect lasts for several minutes. Rumored to grant temporary resistance to extreme temperatures, Dragon's Breath Ale is a popular choice among warriors, travelers, and adventurers. It's served at ceremonial gatherings, festivals, and grand feasts, and often gifted as a symbol of friendship and respect.
As the signature drink of the Gorvothkur Dominion's warrior clans, Dragon's Breath Ale is a must-try for anyone visiting the realm. Its smoldering effect and rich flavor make it an unforgettable experience.
Goliath Dragonflies
The Goliath Dragonflies are massive, majestic insects native to the Gorvothkur Dominion's jungle regions. These colossal dragonflies have evolved to become formidable mounts, prized for their strength, agility, and loyalty. With wingspans reaching up to 20 feet and body lengths of up to 10 feet, Goliath Dragonflies are awe-inspiring creatures. Their iridescent scales reflect the colors of their environment, allowing them to blend in and strike with deadly precision.
Highly intelligent and trainable, Goliath Dragonflies form strong bonds with their riders. They are fierce protectors of their territory and allies, making them invaluable companions in combat. Capable of carrying heavy loads and armored riders, these dragonflies are highly sought after as mounts by the Dominion's elite warriors, scouts, and messengers. Their riders value their exceptional speed, endurance, and maneuverability, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph and flying for several hours without rest.
As mounts, Goliath Dragonflies are unparalleled in aerial combat. Their snapping mandibles and piercing tail spines make short work of enemy aircraft and infantry alike. Their agility allows them to dodge attacks with ease, making them formidable opponents in dogfights. Outside of combat, Goliath Dragonflies are gentle and loyal companions, often serving as symbols of status and prestige among the Dominion's nobility.
Breeding and training programs are carefully managed by the Dominion's skilled dragonfly handlers, ensuring the continued health and vitality of these magnificent creatures. Legendary Goliath Dragonflies are revered in history and myth, their names etched into the annals of Dominion history as heroes and companions to great warriors.
Giant Mosquitos
The Bloodreavers, gigantic mosquitoes, terrorize the Gorvothkur Dominion's jungle regions. With wingspans up to 10 feet and bodies as long as 6 feet, these monstrous insects are relentless predators. Their razor-sharp proboscis can pierce armor, draining a man's blood in minutes. Attracted to light and heat, they swarm at night, overwhelming victims with sheer numbers.
Native to jungle swamps, rivers, and stagnant waterways, Bloodreavers thrive in humid, tropical environments. Their bites transmit deadly diseases, including fever, paralysis, and madness. The Dominion's people live in fear of these gargantuan pests, employing drastic measures to ward them off.