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Mardok is a city amidst the southern part of the Bleeding Sun Mountains, occupying a valley along the coastal point of the continent. It is the oldest city of the Primordial Races, and home to the Beastmen. Several smaller satellite settlements are located in the mountains nearby that are considered part of Mardok.

History[]

The Lost Age[]

Mardok was founded in the Lost Age by the trio of Beastmen races created by Baelgar, Varthiir, and Xyntix. The Avanar in particular built several outlying settlements, preferring the high rock faces with their ability to fly. Fenrim brought in food as hunters, while Morgrad began to pursue primitive agriculture in the marshlands of the Jungle of Yrae.

Primordial Wars[]

Mardok remained relatively unchanged during the wars, despite the Beastmen's prominent part in the battles thereof. Most notably, the imprisonment of Baelgar and Xyntix resulted in the Fenrim asserting a dominant position among the races, as their patron Varthiir was still able to affect the world freely. This also pushed their religous state towards a semblance of monotheism.

Age of Settlement[]

The capture of humans and other draconic races allowed Beastmen society a few progressions by use of information tortured from prisoners, as well as the occasional voluntary defector to the worship of Varthiir. The Beastmen began mining, improved their agriculture, and built a harbor, and some few ships (though none of the races were fond of sea travel in full). These humans also resulted in the hybrid race of Lopers, and the odd birth of a Skin Changer.

Age of Knowledge[]

The advent of the Arcane Society and its burgeoning powers aided Aergoth's army heavily against the Beastmen, driving them fully into the Jungle of Yrae. While they were able to hold that territory well enough, a more subtle effort by the mages to drain the jungle's lake would prove disastrous to their efforts, although it also unintentionally freed Baelgar. Baelgar would engage in a battle with Varthiir for dominance of the Beastmen.

Age of War[]

Having largely withdrawn up into the mountains, Mardok went unnoticed beyond a rare party of explorers who usually did not return. The issue between Baelgar and Varthiir sparked an internal civil war, with many of the Avanar remaining in their cliffside settlements. The Morgrad were largely forced from the city by the superior numbers of Fenrim aided by the Lopers.

Age of Cataclysm[]

The abrupt return of Laycindarius to Idryllia as a New God united the divided Primordials, and Mardok was set on a path of war to engage Laycin. The reintegration of Baelgar and his principles resulted in some tolerance for travellers who could prove themselves worthy, despite the offensive direction.

Age of Reclamation[]

Mardok ended up withdrawing its forces back to the Dry Lake region as Solsguard rose behind them. Remaining in a demilitarized state, it still raided human settlements and traders periodically. It was notably visited by the companions who would become the New Gods seeking the Death Aspect held by Varthiir. In exchange for summoning the Blood Hound, Baelgar negotiated a treaty that their followers would not assault Mardok. An agreement which binds Valdrent, the druids of Fyrelight Glade, Manae, and the Dawn Legion (who were not present, but agreed to honor the aid at a later point).

Age of Mortals[]

It still stands as one of three powers in the southlands, which keeps Laycin in check. A few traders have begun to familiarize themselves with the Beastmens customs, managing to open trade, some even using ships to visit the harbour. Raids against the human powers in the south continue, but are more often the action of unaffiliated bands, often Lopers.

Government[]

The Morgrad, more suited to administration and decision making, are most commonly the governing members of the city. Despite their civilization growing closer to what many would call civilized, they retain many tribal customs, and thereby, the chief shamans of Baelgar, Varthiir, and Xyntix also advise the ruling elders. Lopers remain a lower caste, and are never placed in command roles, while Skin changers are only occasionally used for espionage purposes.

Resources[]

Driven into the mountains, and the Jungle of Yrae drained away becoming Dry Lake, the Beastmen suffer from a lack of lumber, and a fairly limited supply of food. Their food supply is largely based on fishery, with some supplmentation from small agriculture where possible, and sparse hunting. They are however capable miners, and have an extensive network of tunnels throughout the mountains.

Diplomacy[]

While the Beastmen have grown more tolerant and open to interaction (ritualistic though it may be), they are still markedly unfriendly to outsiders. As such, they have no true alliances with any neighbouring powers, and only the truce bargain Baelgar negotiated with some of the northern powers. Combined with raids on travellers and neighbouring nations (sanctioned or unsanctioned), they are still viewed with distrust and generally considered hostile.