Ork Homeworld: Durakar
Durakar is a sprawling and diverse planet that serves as the ancestral homeland for the ork civilization. It is a world of contrasts, featuring towering mountain ranges, dense forests, active volcanoes, frozen tundras, and floating continents suspended among the clouds. The orks have adapted to the challenges of their planet, forming unique civilizations across its major continents while embracing their rich cultural diversity.
Durakar is a world of contrasts and rich cultural diversity, where the orks have embraced their environments to develop unique civilizations that reflect their values and beliefs. From the highest peaks to the deepest caverns, the orks of Durakar have forged their identities as resilient, innovative, and adaptable beings, guided by the teachings of their pantheon and the rich tapestry of their homeworld.
Cultural Diversity:
Each continent on Durakar is home to distinct ork tribes that reflect the environment they inhabit and the values they hold. From the martial Grumok Tribe of Gromaroth Peaks to the agile Zarza Clan of Zarzakara Wilds, and from the innovative Vulkar Clan of Vulkrath Caldera to the diplomatic Garna Tribe of Garnok Barrier, the orks have crafted unique societies that celebrate their strengths and connections with their lands.
Common Values:
Despite their differences, the orks of Durakar share common values rooted in their pantheon of gods and goddesses. Strength, honor, unity, craftsmanship, and a deep connection with the natural and elemental forces are all core principles that guide their actions and shape their societies.
A Comprehensive History of Durakar:
Prehistoric Era:
The earliest records of Durakar's history are etched in the geological formations and ancient fossils found across its diverse landscapes. During this time, the planet experienced dramatic shifts in climate and geography, giving rise to the mountain ranges of Gromaroth Peaks, the dense forests of Zarzakara Wilds, and the fiery landscapes of Vulkrath Caldera.
The history of Durakar is one of adaptability, unity, and resilience. From the emergence of sentient beings to the current era of interconnected civilizations, the orks have evolved, innovated, and cooperated to shape a vibrant and diverse world. The pantheon's teachings continue to guide them as they navigate challenges and strive to maintain harmony with their planet.
Age of Origins (Epoch 1-3):
Emergence of Sentience: The orks, believed to have been shaped by the primal energies of the planet, gradually emerged as sentient beings across the various continents of Durakar. Small tribes formed, each adapting to their unique environments and developing distinct cultures.
Discovery of the Pantheon: The orks developed their pantheon of gods and goddesses, attributing divine qualities to the forces of nature, elemental energies, and aspects of their lives. The pantheon served as a cornerstone of their beliefs and guided their actions and societies.
Formation of Tribes: Over time, the ork tribes emerged on each continent, each following the teachings of a specific deity from the pantheon. The Grumok Tribe, the Zarza Clan, the Vulkar Clan, the Garna Tribe, and others established their cultures and values.
Age of Expansion (Epoch 4-7): (the time of the portals)
Tribal Conflicts and Alliances: The ork tribes encountered one another, leading to both conflicts and alliances as they sought to secure resources and territories. Some tribes formed powerful alliances through intermarriages and trade, while others engaged in territorial disputes.
Exploration of New Continents: During the Age of Expansion, orks discovered previously unexplored continents. This era saw the establishment of the Drakka Brotherhood on Drakkari Skies, the Gearspark Guild in Hurdara Forgehold, and other civilizations across Durakar.
Invention and Innovation: Technological advancements were made across continents, with each tribe harnessing the unique resources of their environment. The Vulkar Clan's mastery of fire and crafting, the Drakka Brotherhood's command over the skies, and the Garna Tribe's fortification techniques were just a few examples.
Sundering of the Great Tribes:
During this time, the great tribes of the orks had conquered almost all the lands of Durakar with the cat folk being the last holdouts from total control. The cat folk in desperation, had their greatest mages combine their powers together to summon forth gates into another world where they might find refuge. The orks, sensing their foes were trying to escape, increased their efforts but the cat folk had also erected massive domes of protective energies to protect them in their exodus. After a lengthy onslaught from the ork forces, the shields fell and any cat folk left before them were cut down as they ran.
Luckily for them, there was enough time to let a sizable portion of the cat folk escape into this new place they learned was called the Dawnlands. The orks seeing these portals, began to warily test them out and then began to follow through as well. The lands where the portals were opened were occupied by members of the elven nation who had heard the pleas for help from the cat folk and had sworn to protect them from the green horde.
Fighting over these portals raged on for hundreds of years with orks forming a beachhead within the Dawnlands and making it past the elven forces. Then the portals were closed after years and years of study by the greatest elven mages which then cut off the orks from their homelands making them orphans to this world same as the cats.
The orks that were trapped were numerous but no longer had the constant supplies of troops and resources they once had and now had to fight to claim land for their own. Infighting began among the survivors of the members of the many clans that were on this new land and an uneasy truce was formed. All the orks decided to reform into new tribes as the strongest orks wanted to claim rulership of their own tribes and create them as they saw fit. 13 new great ork tribes were created and all left for different parts of the world to forge their own strongholds. The orks left behind on Durakar regrouped after the losses of some of their strongest tribesmen and carried on as best they could.
Age of Unity (Epoch 8-9):
Unification Movements: Influential figures emerged, advocating for unity among the ork tribes to face greater challenges. This era saw the establishment of cross-continental councils, such as the Council of Elements, to foster communication and collaboration.
Shared Cultural Events: The Age of Unity brought about shared cultural events, where tribes would gather to showcase their strengths, share knowledge, and celebrate their diverse traditions. These gatherings fostered a sense of shared identity and cooperation.
Global Crises and Unity: Catastrophic events, such as natural disasters and external threats, prompted the ork tribes to put aside their differences and unite against common enemies. The formation of joint defense forces and resource-sharing agreements strengthened their bonds.
Age of Preservation (Epoch 10-12):
Cultural Documentation: Ork historians and scholars began meticulously recording their history, both through oral traditions and written texts. The Age of Preservation saw the establishment of great libraries, archives, and centers of learning.
Environmental Balance: The orks recognized the importance of preserving their environment and striking a balance between their development and the planet's wellbeing. Efforts were made to prevent overexploitation of resources and mitigate ecological damage.
Intercontinental Cooperation: The tribes of Durakar continued to collaborate, sharing advancements in technology, art, and knowledge. Initiatives like the Grand Exchange facilitated trade between the continents, enriching the cultural tapestry of each tribe.
Current Era (Epoch 13-14):
Era of Innovation: The ork civilizations have entered an era of unprecedented technological innovation and exploration. The continents continue to advance in their respective fields, with cross-continental projects like the Skystorm Nexus on Drakkari Skies and the Magmaforge Network in Vulkrath Caldera.
Cultural Exchange: The orks have embraced cultural exchange and intertribal marriages, further blending their traditions and beliefs. This openness has resulted in a more interconnected society, strengthening the bonds among the tribes.
Stewardship of Durakar: With an ever-growing understanding of their planet's intricacies, the orks of Durakar are committed to preserving its natural beauty and sustaining their way of life.