The Emerald Territory

Brief History of the Major Races

  The Orcs, Elves, and Humans lived in harmony for a millennium following the ways of the Gods. In the year 161, the Dwarves begun coming down from their cities high in the Virming Highlands to trade with the nearby Human and Orc settlements. This action begun the shift of the Elves and Humans relying on the Orcs for their mined goods in favor for the much richer deposits the Dwarves had to offer. Slowly, the Orcish economy crumbled as they struggled to adapt.   In the year 483 war broke out between the Orcs, the Elves, and the Humans. The Orcs for reasons not fully understood, began to march from their homeland in the west towards the Elvan and Human capitals. In the five years that followed, bloody battles took the lives of many on either side; a particularly nasty battle close to the Elvan town of Freyhallow saw the deaths of 100,000. Eventually the Orcs were beaten back to the Winderraine Bog and deadlands around The Collapsing Peaks. Their territory has been drastically reduced from what it once was, and Human military strongholds dot the boarder (much to the dismay of the Elvish leaders).   Full blood Orcs found outside the Orcish territory are forcibly sent back, but dark rumors state that many Orcs are killed rather than released into Orcish custody. Half-Orcs are often treated with fear and distrust, but due to their other parents’ heritage are typically not forced from their homes.   The Humans and Elves have not forgotten how the Dwarves fled to their cities in the Virming Highlands to avoid conflict.  

Less Common Races

  Halflings can primarily be found in Elvan territory. The Elvish respect for the worlds natural resources has earned the Halflings trust and loyalty. Non-Elves, especially Humans and Half-Orcs, are not easily trusted near their villages deep in the forest.   Dragonborns are rare but can be found in most large towns. They typically try to stay out of the politics of the major races. It is believed that their original homeland was in the Winderraine Bog, but scholars looking to find and study any ruins have been forbidden from venturing into Orcish territory. Gnomes are most commonly found in their homeland to the far north. They readily trade their goods, primarily dried and fermented fish, to any who are willing to buy. The Dwarves have become one of their biggest buyers.  

Religion

  There are 11 Gods that are worshiped in The Emerald Territory, each with unique tenants and expectations on their followers. While rare, many of the Gods are known to walk the earth and interact with those they come across. Churches in every town are dedicated to one or more of the Gods, and monasteries and abbeys dot the landscape for those who wish to dedicate their life to one God in particular.