Aiyolhast Overview

Aiyolhast (translating to "The Hopeful Land") is a country founded in 1081 SKR by rogue Orcs from the Orcish Steppes. Shortly before the Battle of Worldbreaker's Howe, Lurgrak, the son of the late Gruzhgarn, sought parley with the Fire Wasps in their camp. He explained that a number of orcs no longer wished to follow the ways of Laminok Bloodfist or be part of the Orcish Hordes. He promised to lead his faction in an attack on the Orcish Hordes' flank and then retreat from the battle. In exchange, he asked that he and his faction be allowed to settle into some of the lands of the Steppes peacefully.

Although this caused much controversy, especially with the Halfling clans of Dalenshire, eventually the offer was accepted, and Lurgrak's faction did exactly as they'd promised. This threw much of the Orcish Horde into fury and confusion and meant that they were far less effective in the battle than they might have been.

Although there is still much distrust and fear that the Orcs of Aiyolhast will cause trouble in the future, perhaps trying to expand beyond their borders, so far, they have been good neighbors. Tilly Thistleshanks in particular has continued to act as an ambassador from halflings lands to the orcs and has a strong relationship with Lurgrak, although both might hesitate to call it a friendship.

The title of leadership the orcs have chosen is Kulhadar, an old term meaning "leads with wisdom". On their flag, they depict a two-headed eagle with two scimitars at its feet. Both the title and the symbol of the giant eagle are related to the deity Tuan Gildenhelm. Many wonder if worship of this supposedly slain deity might be appearing in Aiyolhast. So far, however, no temples to Tuan have been raised, and worship of Laminok is not forbidden.

The primary food sources of the orcs are herds of huge Aurochs that roam the badlands wild (but which the orcs are slowly attempting to domesticate), as well as Mulduk, a grain native to Golognoth that seems to be thriving on the steppes. Mulduk is very versatile both as a foodstuff and in fermentation, where it is the basis of T'shak, a potent orcish beer. The orcs are also cultivating Brineweed and fishing the coasts, rounding out the exports they're starting to trade with their neighbors.