Duchy of Val'Tur
Overview
Originally from the far corners of the Southern Continent of Malius, the Orcs were once a free people, living in their homeland until the Fen'Ur arrived on Malius. The Fen'Ur enslaved the Orcs along with many other races as part of their conquest and experiments, creating a race of towering, green-skinned, and powerful beings. For centuries, the Orcs endured their enslavement under the Fen’Ur, who used them as laborers, soldiers, and tools for war. It was only after the War of the Fen’Ur and the Siege of Ganzir in 56 AF that the Orcs were finally able to create a formal nation of their own.
The Orcs' new land, the Duchy of Val’Tur, is a rich, verdant land located to the west of the Almidar and Besidar. Situated in a geographically isolated region with fertile lands and clear rivers, it is here that the Orcs began their journey of self-reliance. Initially, the Orcs had to drive out the Klans of Kur, who had lived in the area for generations, and only after years of bloody conflict did the Orcs manage to settle down and form their own nation. Though their early years were marked by war and suspicion, the Orcs eventually found a way to thrive, especially through their expertise in wine production, a skill born from their years of labor in Fen'Ur vineyards.
At the heart of Orc society lies the city of Tyran, the capital of Val’Tur. As the seat of power, Tyran is home to the wealthiest and most influential Orcs, with its imposing structures reflecting the might and grandeur that the Orcs have earned. It is here that the King or Queen of the Orcs rules, the leader of the nation’s wealthy elite, as Orc society places great importance on wealth and status.
To the north and south of Tyran are the twin cities of Gorgus and Gragus, two vital urban centers connected by trade and their proximity to the Orc's vast vineyards. These cities play a critical role in the economy of Val’Tur, serving as hubs for trade and commerce. Here, the Orcs perfect their wine-making craft, which has become their defining economic activity. The Orcs’ unique ability to produce wine at a much lower cost than their competitors has made them renowned among traders, leading to widespread acceptance of their presence in the market.
A Culture of Status
In Orc society, wealth is the ultimate measure of status and power. Those who rule are the richest among them, with the King or Queen acting as the figurehead of this wealth-driven society. Orc governance is largely defined by a hierarchical structure, where the most successful individuals—usually those with significant land holdings and money—rise to positions of influence. The system is built around the idea that those who control the means of production, especially in the lucrative wine industry, hold the true power. This societal structure has allowed the Orcs to rise from their status as enslaved creatures to a nation of relative prosperity and influence.
A unique aspect of Orc society is their reverence for the Archon of Void, a position that arrived only 30 years after the Orcs settled Val’Tur. The Archon of Void is a figure of immense power and is entrusted with safeguarding the magic of Void. Though this Archon does not rule in the same way the King or Queen does, they hold a unique place of reverence and authority in Orc culture. The Archon of Void is the only individual who can disagree with the monarch, making them a sovereign figure in their own right. The Archon’s power is tied to the magical abilities known as Void Magic, and those chosen to wield this magic are called Ozen, or “Chosen.” These Ozen walk the lands of Val’Tur with immense respect, for they are seen as the living embodiment of the Archon’s power. Only a select few Ozen ever exist at any given time, typically no more than six in total, making them a rare and revered group within Orc society.
The Orcs' primary economic activity is the cultivation of vineyards and the production of wine, which they have perfected over the years. This craft has become the backbone of their economy, and their wine is highly sought after for its quality and affordable price. The Orcs also trade in other goods, but wine remains their most important export, and they have earned a reputation as one of the premier wine producers in Lendil.
Culturally, the Orcs place great importance on strength, wealth, and personal ambition. Their history of enslavement has instilled a deep sense of pride and self-reliance, and they value independence above all else. The Orcs have also developed a unique form of art, song, and tradition, much of which is centered around their struggle for freedom and their connection to the land. Their songs, sung around campfires and in vineyards, tell the stories of their people, of the battles they fought, and of the hard-earned freedom they now enjoy.
