Introduction to the world

Dobbers have a well developed society in the forest. Their capitol city sprawls along the forest floor, with adobe-style homes and structures built right into the base of trees.

The palace of King, Quilan (not to be confused with his father, Quillon) wraps around the base of the largest tree in the forest, the Prime tree. It’s been there as long as anyone can remember. The palace complex includes two nearby trees, the “Sister” and “Brother” as they are called by most citizens. These three trees make up the royal hub of the capitol city of Dobberton.

The symbolism of three is repeated throughout the Dobber’s culture, starting with the leadership. Their King is the head of the people, the Commander of the Kingdom guard, Gearalt, forms the second part of the trio, and the third member is Governess, the Queen. The Council of Three work together for most major city decisions and each is in charge of a specific portion of government. The King is the visionary and seen by many as a father figure. He also acts as the judge in any judicial matters. The Kingdom Commander is in charge of civil order, security and protection from outside threats. The Governess is traditionally the queen. She is responsible for city morale, social festivities and is heavily involved with economics and city planning.

Most Dobbers spend their time farming, building or crafting, each making up their primary occupation. It’s rare to hear of a Dobber that isn’t a vegetarian. They eat mostly nuts, grains, fruit, mushrooms and vegetables. Their pastries are famous across the land. They also enjoy a fair amount of cheeses and yogurts. A select few have a permit from the Governess to brew and ferment wines and beers.

Wood is the most important asset in Dobberton. Wood is near and dear to them. They build most of their structures out of it. Some of their weapons and armor are made out of it. Many Dobbers even think of metal as being unpleasant. It’s shiny in a way that is just unnatural. It’s loud and cold. It’s just not the Dobber way to use metal for something that wood can easily suffice for.

Currency

The system of currency in Dobberton is debated at times. The Kingdom has crafted wooden coins, covered in a special varnish infused with sap from the Prime tree. This varnish is a beautiful blue color when seen in it’s pure state. When applied to wood, it turns it grey and gives it a faux silver look. These are Prime coins and in the rest of the world, they compare to Gold coins. A second series of coins are coated in a varnish infused with sap from the Brother tree are usually called simply Yellows or Yellow Coins. These coins have a yellow-orange appearance. They compare to Copper coins. The Dobberton leadership is wise enough to not presume that all of the world operates with wood as their central measure of value. There is a vault of gold and silver in the bowels of the palace with equivalent value for each Prime coin and Yellow coin in circulation. This metal currency is traded with cultures outside of Dobberton for goods and other valuables.

A Wood land The Dobbers have developed a number of methods for treating wood that is renowned through the land. They soak wood in different solutions to create different effects, such as making wood harder, heavier, more buoyant or even flame resistant. They also have a number of varnishes and paints they have developed that further their expertise with wood craft. Varnishes add color, strength, different finishes and sometimes are infused with traits that can be used to verify authenticity or origin.