Calendria
Calendria, the ancestral homeland of the half-orcs, is an expansive and unforgiving expanse that stretches across vast savannas and deserts. Characterized by sparse scrub grass and tenacious vegetation, the landscape is dominated by towering plateaus of striking red rocks and resilient brown clays that jet defiantly towards the sky. The region is marked by the ebb and flow of life, as perennial streams meander through the terrain, their presence dictated by the shifting seasons. Few large rivers cut through the land, and a sprawling salt lake, subject to the mystical phenomena of moon phase tides, serves as a centralized hub akin to an inland ocean.
In this harsh and perilous environment, the half-orcs have learned not just to survive but to thrive. They have mastered the art of carving homes into the very rock surfaces of the plateaus, creating resilient settlements that defy the harsh elements. The cities, strategically constructed atop these plateaus, boast impressive architecture crafted from the native red rocks and brown clays, a testament to the resourcefulness and adaptability of the half-orc people. Life in Calendria is a constant struggle against the arid conditions, but the half-orcs have forged a connection with the land, shaping it to suit their needs and creating a unique and formidable civilization amidst the challenging beauty of their homeland.
Demography and Population
Calendria boasts a population defined by two dominant demographics: the half-orcs, who stand as the undisputed majority, and humans, constituting the working class with limited opportunities for upward mobility. The half-orcs, shaped by a culture centered around strength and unity, are the ruling class in this vast and challenging land. They hold positions of power, not only in government but also as heads of influential family bloodlines, overseeing the intricate network that binds their society.
Within the half-orc population, a significant distinction arises based on the ability to breed true. Those who can propagate their bloodlines become pivotal figures in Calendrian society, swiftly ascending through the social structure. True-blooded half-orcs find themselves elevated to governmental roles, where their perceived strength and worthiness align with the prevailing philosophy of the strongest leading. They assume leadership positions not only within the governmental hierarchy but also as the heads of influential family units, driving the expansion and survival of their bloodlines.
Conversely, those half-orcs unable to breed true face a different fate within the social class structure. They often occupy lower rungs, military bodies, serving as the labor force, or even as outcasts on the outskirts of society. This division results in a clear stratification, where the true-blooded half-orcs enjoy privileges and opportunities that their counterparts lack. The inability to propagate one's bloodline becomes a barrier to social ascent, relegating non-true-breeding half-orcs to roles as serfs, laborers, or outcasts, struggling for acceptance in a society that reveres strength above all.
This dynamic interplay between true and non-true-breeding half-orcs shapes the intricate social fabric of Calendria, reinforcing the philosophy of strength as the ultimate determinant of status and power. The population's composition is a reflection of the society's values, with the half-orcs at its core, their destinies guided by the capacity to breed true and the enduring pursuit of strength.
Military
The dual nature of half-orcs, straddling the line between human and orcish heritage, lends itself to a unique and multifaceted role within Calendria. Despite their inclination towards civilized societies, their inherent ferocity in combat and aggressive dispositions make them formidable leaders in unconventional military tactics. Notably, half-orcs are known to take on the role of commanding a specialized battalion of monster tamers, a distinct and fearsome force within Calendria's military structure.
These monster tamers are skilled individuals who have mastered the art of controlling and directing a diverse array of creatures, ranging from the more common human bandits and goblins to the more exotic and formidable like orcs and even manticores. The monsters, under the authoritative guidance of half-orc commanders, serve a dual purpose in the eyes of Calendria's military strategy.
Firstly, these monstrous troops act as a powerful display of dominance, showcasing the half-orcs' ability to control and direct even the most untamed and ferocious beings. This serves as a psychological weapon, instilling fear and uncertainty in the hearts of adversaries, while simultaneously reinforcing the Calendrian belief in the strength and dominance of their kind.
Secondly, the monster tamers function as shock troops in battles, employing unconventional and unpredictable tactics that catch enemies off guard. The ability to lead a varied and often unpredictable mix of creatures into battle allows the Calendrian forces to exploit weaknesses and disrupt traditional enemy strategies. Whether it's unleashing a horde of goblins to sow chaos or coordinating the brutal charge of an orcish unit, the half-orc commanders and their monstrous battalions become a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
This integration of monster tamers into Calendria's military not only highlights the adaptability and resourcefulness of the half-orc people but also emphasizes their commitment to strength and dominance. In the vast and challenging landscapes of Calendria, where survival hinges on strategic prowess and martial prowess, the formidable combination of half-orc commanders and their monstrous allies stands as a testament to the unique military prowess of this resilient society.
Foreign Relations
Calendria's foreign relations are characterized by a resolute and aggressive approach, driven by the overarching goal of expanding their empire through conquest and absorption. The half-orc leaders, guided by the philosophy that the strongest must dominate, view neighboring regions not as potential allies but as territories ripe for assimilation into their ever-growing nation.
Conquest is the primary method by which Calendria expands its borders. Military campaigns are launched with calculated precision, often targeting regions with valuable resources or strategic significance. The half-orc forces, led by skilled generals and true-blooded commanders, employ a combination of disciplined conventional warfare and the shock tactics of their monster tamers to overwhelm and subdue opposing forces.
The recent conquest of the Aldorin Empire, former lands of the Serran people, stands as a stark testament to Calendria's aggressive foreign policy. The seizing and destruction of Aldorin's capital was a decisive and ruthless move, illustrating the uncompromising nature of the Calendrian military machine. The half-orc commanders, motivated by their belief in strength and dominance, left no room for negotiation or coexistence.
Upon conquering the Aldorin Empire, Calendria swiftly moved to absorb the conquered lands into its own, dismantling existing power structures and replacing them with loyal half-orc administrators. The true-blooded half-orcs, recognized for their strength and worthiness, assumed prominent roles in the newly acquired territories, further solidifying Calendria's influence and dominance.
The absorption of the Aldorin Empire is not merely a territorial conquest but a cultural assimilation. Calendria imposes its laws, customs, and beliefs upon the conquered populace, emphasizing the supremacy of the half-orc way of life. The conquered people are often integrated into the societal framework, with those who prove their strength and loyalty given opportunities to rise within the Calendrian social hierarchy.
This aggressive expansionist policy has earned Calendria a formidable reputation on the international stage. Neighboring nations view the half-orc empire with a mixture of fear and awe, aware that any perceived weakness could make them the next target of Calendrian conquest. As Calendria continues to grow through absorption, the rest of the world watches with trepidation, recognizing the unyielding determination and martial prowess that define this dominant and expanding nation.
Laws
- Strength as a Virtue: The overarching principle is the celebration and cultivation of strength. Laws encourage physical, mental, and emotional strength, and individuals are judged based on their ability to demonstrate and contribute to the collective strength of the tribe.
- Hierarchy Based on True Blood: The social structure is deeply influenced by the ability to breed true. True-blooded half-orcs are accorded special privileges and responsibilities, often holding leadership positions in government, military, and family units. Laws protect and reinforce this hierarchy, emphasizing the importance of bloodline purity.
- Tribal Unity: Laws promote the unity of tribes and discourage internal strife. Any actions that threaten the cohesion of the tribe, such as betrayal or rebellion, are met with severe consequences. Cooperation and loyalty are not only valued but legally mandated.
- Communal Resource Management: Given the harsh environment of Calendria, laws govern the fair and equitable distribution of resources. The survival of the tribe depends on communal efforts, and individuals found hoarding or exploiting resources at the expense of others face sanctions.
- Adherence to Ancestral Customs: Laws mandate the adherence to ancestral customs, rituals, and traditions. Failure to observe these practices can lead to social ostracization or, in severe cases, legal consequences. This ensures the continuity of cultural identity and the preservation of the Calendrian way of life.
- Weaponry Regulations: Carrying a weapon is not just a right but a duty in Calendria. Laws dictate the type and manner of weapon one can carry based on age, status, and role within the society. Unlawful possession or use of weapons can result in harsh penalties.
- Protection of True-Breeding Lineages: Special laws exist to protect the true-breeding lineages. Any harm, whether physical or reputational, inflicted upon those who can propagate their bloodlines is considered a grave offense, often punishable by severe penalties or exile.
- Monster Taming Regulations: Laws govern the practice of monster taming, ensuring that it is conducted responsibly and for the benefit of the tribe. Unauthorized or reckless taming practices are met with legal repercussions, as the potential danger of unchecked monsters is recognized.
Government System
Stratocracy
Related Ethnicities
