Durgash
Nestled within the natural curve of Bloodshed Island lies Durgash, firmly within Orc territory and situated north of Quint’s Wall. Sheltered by Bloodshed Island’s protective bay, Durgash has become a favoured home for Orc tribes, who use its strategic location for trade, defence, and tribal gatherings.
Geography and Terrain
Durgash’s defining features set it apart from the sharp, rugged peaks of its neighbouring islands:
- Sheltered Mountains: The island’s landscape is dominated by smooth, rounded mountains, distinct from the jagged crags found elsewhere in the archipelago. Part of an older geological range, these mountains have been weathered by time, resulting in gentler slopes and grassy highlands.
- Natural Harbour: Bloodshed Island’s curved coastline creates a bay with calm waters surrounding Durgash. This natural harbour makes the island an ideal location for settlements and tribal gatherings. The waters, though peaceful, remain mysterious, with rumours of submerged ruins near the underwater land bridge connecting Durgash to the inner curve of Bloodshed Island.
- Underwater Land Bridge: Like Mazoga, Durgash is connected to Bloodshed Island by a submerged land bridge. Though hidden beneath the ocean, this feature holds historical and strategic importance for the Orc tribes inhabiting both locations.
Inhabitants
- Orc Tribes: The Orcs of Durgash are more unified than their counterparts on the main island, thanks in part to the island’s geography, which encourages inter-tribal communication and cooperation. While rivalries persist, Durgash often serves as a seat of power, where Orc leaders gather to plan raids or resolve disputes. This unity allows the tribes to act collectively when defending their territory or asserting dominance over the mainland.
- Goblin Settlers: Though Orcs dominate, small communities of Goblins also inhabit Durgash. These Goblins serve as artisans, craftsmen, and advisors, valued for their cunning and resourcefulness. Despite their subordinate status, their skills are indispensable within the Orcish hierarchy.
Ecosystems
The combination of Durgash’s sheltered waters and rounded mountains supports diverse ecosystems that sustain its inhabitants:
- Mountain Highlands: The smoother slopes of Durgash are covered with hardy grasses and scattered shrubs, providing grazing grounds for wild goats and shaggy bison. These highlands are also used as natural arenas for Orc rituals, combat training, and competitions of strength.
- Protected Bays and Shores: The calmer waters surrounding Durgash teem with marine life, including schools of fish, seals, and smaller whales. Orcs hunt these creatures for food and raw materials, while the island’s shores are lined with kelp forests and tidal pools rich in resources.
Historical Significance
The underwater land bridge connecting Durgash to Bloodshed Island is central to its historical and cultural identity. Orc legends speak of ancient migrations across this bridge before the seas rose, linking the two lands in both spirit and strategy. Today, this connection remains vital, allowing Orc warriors and scouts to move between the two islands discreetly, further solidifying the island’s importance as a hub of Orcish power.
Summary
Durgash is a unique and sheltered island within the Bloody Isles, distinguished by its smooth, rounded mountains and bay-protected shores. Its strategic location fosters unity among the Orc tribes and serves as a bastion of their culture and power. The island’s connection to Bloodshed Island through an underwater land bridge underscores its historical significance and cements its role as a vital stronghold in Orc-dominated territory.
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