Zorai

History

The first Zoraļs were a mysterious group of peoples who lived in the ancient jungles in the region known as Zoran south of the river Ti-aļn. It is not known exactly when the Zoraļs settled in the area but it was probably somewhere between 2199 and 2205. The first Zoraļs set up camp in the jungle where a tribe of them came into contact with Kami entities which they came to look upon as disciples of Jena, their Goddess. Given to mysticism, the Zoraļs built up mysterious cities centered around temples to Jena. The goo infested area they had claimed was not prized by other peoples and their civilization was able to quickly expand becoming a force to be reckoned with. Led by a dynasty of spiritual chieftains, they were able to annex jungle land easily fending off sporadic Fyros attacks on their impregnable temple cities.

Under the Cho dynasty they undertook a campaign of territorial expansion to house their ever increasing populations. They began to set up settlements to the north nearer to other homin civilizations. On witnessing what they saw as barbarous acts of cruelty they began the construction of a great wall delimiting their territory to preserve peace and harmony within and to keep undesirables out. This policy enabled them to steer clear of futile and soul destroying acts of violence and to keep out of the scourge of interracial warfare that continuously ravaged the ancient lands.

In the cover of their vast protected provinces, they were able to develop a form of writing and gave themselves to spiritual enlightenment. However, in 2481, under the authority of Min-Cho, the great dynasty crumbled like a house of cards with the kitin onslaughts which, in their self-imposed segregation, the Zoraļs were powerless to counter.

Cultural Characteristics

With a natural penchant for the sublime, over the centuries the Zoraļs have grown close to the mysterious Kami entities whom they regard as higher disciples of Jena, the Goddess of Atys. They proudly wear the Kami mask of kinship, genetically sown into their faces, distinguishing them from other homins. Zoraļ society became structured around magnificent magnetic temple-cities where grand ceremonies were orchestrated to parry the flora devouring goo cancer which the Kamis were powerless to repel themselves. Since the devastating swarming of kitins, the surviving Zoraļs have once again expressly chosen their new sites in the middle of the enchanting jungle where the goo is rife.

The Zoraļs have passed master in the manipulation of magic magnetic fields which they use in the fabrication of weaponry and buildings.

Aspirations

The Zoraļs not only seek to restore the magnificence of their former dynasty but are keen to promote spiritual awareness throughout the newfound lands. What is more, their innate proclivity for ecology pushes them on more than ever in their crusade against polluting phenomena such as the goo.

How They See...

The Karavan : The Zoraļs see the Karavan as disciples of the initial teachings of Jena which did not account for the presence of the goo, hence the unreasonable Karavan interdictions regarding certain areas of the planet where the goo is thought to take its source.

The Kamis : The Zoraļs believe that, created after the Karavan by Jena, the Kamis are the living embodiment of pure energy on Atys and must at all costs be protected. They believe themselves to be the chosen children of the Kamis because among the homins it is they who have most retained the pure energy. The Zoraļs may return to a state of 'purity' through Kamis worship and by endeavoring to keep as much pure energy as possible from leaking from their bodies as well as Atys.

Elias Tryton : The apparition of Elias is a manifestation of a great Kamis. He appeared in a halo of light some three generations ago to a chosen few to tell them how to lead homins from the kitin reign of terror through the rainbow to the relative safety of the Prime Roots.

Our society rests on the attainment of spiritual accomplishment, wisdom and the respect of nature. Over the centuries we have built up a relationship with the Kamis, divine entities sent by Ma-Duk, the Creator of Atys. We proudly wear the Kami mask of kinship which distinguishes us from homin races of weaker spiritual substance.

We have searched for knowledge where others have searched for personal gain. We were the first to write down the spoken word so that the knowledge of our ancestors could prevail. Our society became structured around magnificent temple-cities where grand ceremonies were orchestrated to parry the flora devouring cancer which the Kamis were powerless to repel themselves.

Since the devastating swarming of kitins, we have once again expressly chosen our new sites in the middle of the enchanting jungle where pollution of the Goo is rife.

Now we seek to recover the magnificence of our former dynasty and make it shine as a beacon of wisdom. We are keen to share spiritual awareness throughout the world so that all hominkind may attain eternal bliss.

If you consider that there is more to life than meets the eye, then we need you !!

Ask your questions now, and put your mind at rest?

Who am I ?

You are a young homin refugee. You have wisely responded to the calling of your people in taking the long and perilous journey from the old lands. For the last forty four years we have been rebuilding the foundations of our society in these new lands of promise, we need your help. After a period of training, you will be able to put your skills to good use and help rebuild our civilization.

Who are my ancestors ?

Your ancestors built a society structured around magnetic temple-cities where grand ceremonies were orchestrated for spiritual enlightenment. It is up to your generation now to rekindle that flame, to make our civilization shine again as the true spiritual leader. You were brought up in the wilds where your grandparents took refuge from the kitin onslaughts of 2481. Your parents did right in urging you to quit your hapless life and take the great road to join the rest of your people. You have traveled for many years but now you have found us. Your new life has just begun.

Who is our chief ?

Mabreka, the Great Sage, is our spiritual leader. Where he leads, you must follow, his aura shines like a beacon in the night and guides our souls. Follow his light and you too will shine among your people. Consider it a great honor if you are chosen to carry out a mission on his demand, the outcome will illustrate your worthiness. Cuan Sa-Ki and Shon Wo-Can are the great gurus that, having attained merit, give him guidance.

What is our faith ?

We worship the superior life energy which created Atys, he is called Ma-Duk. Ma-Duk manifests his presence on Atys through the Kamis who watch over his creation. Remember, homin, the Kamis must be protected, it is through them that you will gain merit to accede to full enlightenment. Give them offerings and do them favors whenever you can, and they will impart their magic to you.

What do we value ?

To be fully reborn as a true Zoraļ you must structure your new life on the fundamental cornerstones of wisdom, spiritual accomplishment and respect of nature.

Wisdom : To better serve the Kamis it is important you learn about yourself, your people and about Atys. By gaining knowledge you will also learn how to better defend Atys, the Kamis and your peoples against barbarity.
Spiritual accomplishment : You must seek to gain merit for your soul to reach enlightenment. For this you must not only fortify your individual relationship with the Kamis but also spread the word of Kamis enlightenment to other homins so they too may share the ultimate bliss.
Respect of nature : Our culture is built on a deep respect for nature. You must guard against over-exploitation and fire, and at all costs fight against the goo which the Kamis are powerless to repel.

What are our prohibitions ?

You must never have dealings with the Karavan. They are the enemy of the Kamis and try to stop us in our task of eradicating the goo. By gathering raw materials for the Karavan, you will be guilty of raping the planet we have been made to cherish. The Karavan are responsible for the gradual depletion of resources and environmental damage.
Never mock or oppose the Kamis. The Kamis act for the good of Atys.
It is forbidden to spread fire over the lands. It strips the land of its wealth and leaves it sterile.
Never carry out missions for enemy tribes.

What are our goals ?

For the last forty four years we have been diligently building the bases of our civilization to build from. Now we must :

develop our individual strengths and skills
make our dynasty shine and promote spiritual awareness throughout the newfound lands centered around Kami worship
build strong guilds to free hominkind from the influence of the Karavan. Then we may all join forces in our crusade against the Goo to make this world a better place
build alliances with the Trykers
retrieve the knowledge lost during the Great Swarming. If you discover this knowledge you will be able to open the doors to the secrets of the past.

Who are our friends ?

Since the Peace Treaty signed at Fairhaven in 2515, we have been at peace with the other homin peoples. But ten years of peace could never erase the many years of barbarity that was rife in other homin lands. And we find still that some homins have more merit than others.

Fyros : The Fyros are brash though valiant warriors who in recent times have proved worthy of our trust. They have been making good progress in their spiritual development and have clearly chosen the way of the Kamis.

Tryker : The minds of the Trykers have not yet evolved sufficiently to be able to accept Kami enlightenment. They are of little spiritual worth. Not only are they said to have treated the Kamis with frivolity in the past, but they venerate the Karavan who are hostile to the Kamis.

Matis : We must try to free the Matis from the influence of the Karavan and bring them round to the Kami way of living. This is why, in 2509, the present Matis king, Yrkanis, was given refuge in Zora and helped to muster an army to depose the ultra-Karavan monarch and install a more tolerant government. This was the first step to coax the Matis into the Kami world. But word has got out that there is growing opposition against Yrkanis within his own kingdom. We must remain vigilant!

Friendly tribes include : The Barkers, The Dune Riders, The Beachcombers, The Icon Worshipers, The Tutors, The Hamazans of the Dead Seed, The Ecowarriors, The Oasis Diggers, The Sacred Sap, The Siblings of the Weeds.

Who are our other enemies ?

The Karavan : They are hostile to the Kamis, and among the weaker minds have imposed blind adherence to their goddess, Jena. Our forefathers, and more recently, the Fyros, managed to break away from their hold. We must help the other peoples to do likewise.
The Kitins : These gigantic insects massacred many thousands of Zoraļs and devastated our dynasty in the lands of old.
The Goo : This is a cancer to our planet. It offends the Kamis and must be eradicated.
Enemy tribes include : The Cockroaches, The Chlorogoos, The Lawless, The Scorchers, The Lagoon Brothers, The Masters of the goo, The Antikamis, The Goo-heads, The Woven Bridles, The Darkening Sap.
Bandits : Beware of outlaws, thieves and cutthroats, young homin. They won't spare your life if there's any profit to be had.
Animal predators : The jungle is home to many wild animals, many of them will attack homins on sight !

How can I help my people ?

To be able to build our temple cities and play our role as spiritual leaders of Atys, we must be strong enough to resist opposition. For this we must recruit more crafters, harvesters, magicians and warriors.

We need warriors to defend our territory and establish new centers for kami worship.
We need crafters to produce everyday objects and weapons; and harvesters to gather the raw materials for food and manufacture.
We need magicians to enchant crafted items, protect harvesters, and heal warriors in combat and keep the enemy in check.

What can I expect of my people ?

Training from our expert trainers.
Our people is defended by guilds who may come to your aide once you've joined one.
The more you act for the good of our people the more you're noble deeds will be rewarded.

What is our new land ?

After resurfacing from the Prime Roots of the new lands in 2483, we secured new sites in the middle of the jungle where the Kamis most need us. The jungle is the most enchanted place on Atys, but one that needs caring for, it is here that the goo is most rife. Since 2487 we have been continually rejoined by refugees having taken the road from the old lands, the very road you have courageously taken, homin.

What can I expect from Atys, our world ?

Atys offers a wealth of natural riches, young homin, you may help yourself to further your development provided that you respect the environent. If you don't, the Kamis will be down on you like thunder! As you become skilled in the ways of the world you will learn the lay of the land, an all important rite of passage if you are to lay claim to new territory, homin.

What they value

Spiritual accomplishment
Wisdom and teaching
Harmony of body and soul
Meditation and prayer
Ecology

How they see the Karavan

The Zoraļs once saw the Karavan as disciples of Jena, the Matis and Tryker goddess whom they now consider as a deity borne of the imaginations of less spiritual homins. The Zoraļs have abandoned all alliance with the Karavan believing them too cold and soulless to be worthy of their veneration. Incidentally, the Zoraļs were at the root of the first open Kami-Karavan conflict. One day the Kamis seriously 'cautioned' a Karavan expedition for attempting to destroy a Zoraļ village as punishment for refusing to carry out a Karavan order. This conflict left the Karavan in the knowledge that they were not the only major force on Atys!

The Zoraļs are reassured in their belief that the Karavan are not of divine substance as many were actually killed by kitins during the Great Swarming. The Karavan are nonetheless still considered as a dangerous entity and many Zoraļs sense they are deliberately stirring up hostilities with the Kamis, which can only denote some imminent event.

How they see the Kamis

The Zoraļs believe that the Kamis are the living embodiment of pure energy (Ma- Duk, see below) on Atys sent to stand vigil over the plant kingdom and ensure that no one may destabilize the fragile equilibrium of the planet. The Zoraļs believe themselves to be the chosen children of the Kamis because among the homins it is they who have most retained the pure energy. Kami worship has become part and parcel of Zoraļ existence. Indeed, no sooner had they surfaced from the Prime Roots after the Great Swarming than Hoļ Cho instituted a week of fasting to commemorate the period which left them bereft of Kami enlightenment.

Ma-Duk (The Life Giver) : The Zoraļs worship a superior life energy which created Atys, Ma-Duk. They do not see it as a superior hominoid being but as an energetic entity free of body that presides over a kind of nirvana. They readily give offerings through favors done to the disciples on Atys, the Kamis. The Zoraļs believe in the existence of another world, indeed of other worlds where homins may accede as stepping stones to finally be fit to enter eternal all-knowing bliss. In the ancient lands they built places of high magnetism where homins could find tranquility and energy resource to help them through life on Atys.

How they see Jena

Since the encounters between Hoļ-Cho and Ma-Duk which began in 2483, Jena no longer has any place in Zoraļ culture. They consider her as a deity borne of the imaginations of less spiritual Atysians.

How they see Elias Tryton

Many Zoraļs believe the apparition of Elias in 2481 to be a manifestation of a Great Kami. He appeared in a halo of light some three generations ago to a chosen few to tell them how to lead homins from kitin infested lands through a rainbow to the relative safety of the Prime Roots of faraway lands. During the years that followed, some Zoraļ sages founded the Guild of Elias with other homin races to keep his memory alive. This guild was later portrayed by the Karavan as a sect opposing the church of Jena and prohibited, many members were able to take refuge in Zoraļ territory where the Karavan were least present.

Members of the Guild of Elias still reside in Zoraļ territory. The Zora government is against the guild as it creates discord within the long standing Zoraļ social system. This guild which operates 'underground' has gathered testimonies of every encounter with the strange hominoid entity.

How they see the Matis

The Zoraļs at first saw the Matis as barbarous tribes as they witnessed them hunt down and kill every one of the primitive primates known as the momos. Outraged and horrified at such a display of barbarity the Zoraļs began the construction of their great wall which ran across the lands of the Matis and the Trykers to the north of their jungles lands. But with news of a peace treaty between homin races, rare Zoraļ travellers began venturing out of their lands to see with amazement the great cities and bastions of the Matis.

Despite Matis love for the Karavan the Zoraļs consider the Matis with a certain respect for their refined knowledge of plant life. The Zoraļs are nonetheless staunchly against the Karavan and are prepared to try every means to bring the Matis around to the Kami way of living. Indeed, the present Matis king, Yrkanis, was given refuge in Zora in 2509 and helped to muster an army to depose the ultra-Karavan monarchy and install a more tolerant government. This, for the Zoraļs, was the first step to coax the Matis into the Kami world. In accordance with their agreement of 2509, trade between Matis and Zoraļs has resumed. However, it would seem there is growing opposition against Yrkanis within his own kingdom. The Zoraļs remain vigilant.

How they see the Fyros

In the early years the Zoraļs saw the Fyros as barbarous primates ready the cut the life out of a body before the soul was prepared to meet the maker. But with the peace treaty of Karavia in 2436, some rare Zoraļs ventured to the desert lands where exchanges of knowledge were made in the great halls of learning of the capital city of Fyre. Along with their wisdom the Zoraļs brought word of Kami enlightenment to which the Fyros were receptive.

Since the coming together in the Prime Roots after the Great Swarming, the Fyros are considered to be making good progress in their spiritual development, having clearly chosen the way of the Kamis.

Today the Zoraļs consider the Fyros as brash but valiant warriors to be relied on. And indeed, their new alliance, built around the Kamis, has been put to the test many times over recent years and each time their friendship has grown stronger. They fought together against the Matis dictatorship in 2506. In 2512 the two peoples came together to fight the kitins that were mustering on lands bordering the two territories in Knot of Dementia. The present Zoraļ leader, Mabreka, was given refuge at Pyr during the totalitarian reign of Fung-Tun in 2504.

How they see the Trykers

The Zoraļs have never had much regard for the trivial Trykers who were seen to treat the Kamis with frivolity. They feel their minds are not mature enough to be fit for a place in the higher spheres after life on Atys, indeed they have a long way to go on the road to spiritual enlightenment. When the Matis invaded Trykoth in the old lands, the Zoraļs kept behind their walls with their gates closed despite Matis warriors at their heels. They felt the Trykers' spirit was too wayward and no doubt unworthy of receiving Zoraļ aide in the face of the mighty Matis knights. Again during the Great Swarming the Zoraļs kept their gates locked though this time their walls crumbled under the brunt of the Kitin onslaughts.

Today, the Zoraļs have learnt to tolerate the Tryker devotion of sensuous enjoyment, though still have little esteem for their fickle souls. Furthermore, the Trykers venerate the Karavan who are hostile to the Kamis.

History In Brief

The first Zoraļs were a mysterious group of peoples who lived in the ancient jungles in the region known as Zoran south of the river Ti-aļn. It is not known exactly when the Zoraļs settled in the area but it was probably somewhere between 2199 and 2205. The first Zoraļs set up camp in the jungle when a tribe of them came into contact with Kami entities. Given to mysticism, the Zoraļs built up mysterious temple cities centered around the worship of the Kamis. The goo infested area the Zoraļs had claimed was not prized by other peoples and their civilization was able to quickly expand becoming a force to be reckoned with. Led by a dynasty of spiritual chieftains, they were able to annex jungle land easily fending off Fyros attacks on their impregnable temple cities.