The Known World (according to those outside of Sothoryos) An Isolated Land's Future As a result of Sothoryos being an isolated and deadly continent, most global events will not have an effect on the people living in its interior. Reaching the continent and traveling to Quor would require a certain level of strength and intellect in order to sail to its shores. Non-human threats such as plague, most animals, and White Walkers would need to somehow cross the Summer Sea in order to reach Sothoryos. Furthermore, since Quor is located in the center of the continent, any outside forces would need to survive the jungles of Sothoryos in order to reach the people of Quor. Global events involving other cities or small natural changes will most likely not have an effect on Quor unless Sothoryos was specifically targeted. Global events that would involve the world itself, examples being the seasons or a shift in the nature of the world, would then affect Quor. Without interpersonal relations, the Quorothi remain untouched.
Most of the wealth in the world is concentrated in the major cities such as Braavos, Volantis, or Pentos. However, Sothoryos contains an enormous amount of wealth in the form of resources such as medicines, stone, wood, a surplus of food, and wyverns. These resources have the potential to expand Quor into a strong, populated city in the future. Furthermore, Sothoryos contains many resources that are unknown to the Quorothi; precious metals and stones as well as the source of the continent’s supernatural secrets may not be found until the Quorothi develop the tools and venture deeper into the jungles. Wealth in outside lands can also be a direct result from their natural resources, but many of them partake in trade and are more advanced, sizable societies. The richest places also tend to have larger populations of people, but this can cause complications such as poverty and disagreements within the one land. Lastly, the larger cities usually have larger armies. If the people of Quor were to one day encounter the outside world and the wealthier capitals, they would be at a huge disadvantage when challenged by new technologies and war strategies of the prospering opponent. Almost all knowledge of the world is located outside of Sothoryos. The Quorothi only have the knowledge they brought with them from the Rhoyne until they became isolated from the world. New ideas and technologies, such as weaponry, systems of government, and economies, could not be learned from nearby cities. The interaction between peoples outside of Sothoryos contributes to how quickly cities grow and prosper. Quor is not exposed to cultures other than their own and had to grow as an independent group of peoples. However, this also means that Quor has never been at war with another land; it is constantly expanding and growing. In the situation that Quor comes into contact with people from outside Sothoryos, what occurs will depend upon whether the new conqueror is willing to make peace or make war. If the outside party is willing, the people of Quor will learn a plethora of history, new culture, and technological feats. On the other hand, if the opposing party is hostile, the lack of worldly knowledge in Quor could be their downfall. The Rhoynish Wars, and when Nymeria fled to Dorne, occurred around 700 BAL (Before Aegon’s Landing into Westeros). During that period, the Valyrian Freehold had the strongest military force in Essos. Prince Garin of Chroyane had led the Rhoynar to early victories in the war, but his army of 250,000 men was crushed by 300 dragons commanded by the dragonlords of Valyria. It would be over 1000 years until Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons succeeded in rebuilding Slaver’s Bay into the Bay of Dragons. Throughout the years, Sothoryos remains untouched except for the occasional mud-and-blood towns of the Basilisk Isles teeming with escaped slaves, slavers, hunters, brindled men, and worse. Pirate towns and lairs appear and are quickly abandoned. Despite these inhabitants, none dare venture into the interior of Sothoryos; those who do are promptly killed in travel before ever reaching Yeen. Nearby military strongholds, such as Astapor and Qarth, have no need for conquering the land on Sothoryos. As a result, Quor remains neutral and in isolation as long as prominent rulers are at war with each other rather than expanding into uncharted territory. If at some point in the future, a civilization attempts to populate Sothoryos, the fate of Quor may not look bright. Despite the Quorothi eventually building a great city of warriors, those outside of Sothoryos will have technology that is far more advanced with numbers large enough to tackle the Green Hell and break into the Wyvern Plains. Depending on the time and civilization that decides to chart Sothoryos, Quor will be at the mercy of whoever arrives. That is, unless their knowledge of the land becomes their ace.
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Scimitars are used in Quor as a weapon against predators and for cutting through brush. Trial, Error, and Memory Compared to the vast selection of technology in Westeros and Essos—elaborate buildings, advanced weapons of war, magic, and other tools—Sothoryos has the least amount of technology of all of Planetos. This is due to being widely unexplored and that the indigenous people did not bring foreign technology with them. Technology in Quorothi society had to be built from scratch, but they retained the knowledge of technology in Rhoynar society. Famed as traders, fishers, scholars, and craftspeople, the Rhoynar built elegant towns and cities along the banks of the Rhoyne River. The people of Quor remember these tools and technologies that were used back when. From their embellished crafting to their skill of blacksmithing, the Quorothi were able to build their society from the ground up much quicker with the knowledge of the past. The development of technology in Quor began in accordance with the devices that were needed after discovering the Wyvern Plains. Food and shelter were immediate needs; basic tools such as hammers, axes, and knives were needed to build houses as well as other tools while spears and fishing lures were made to capture food. Eventually, due to their fear and knowledge of the indigenous animals, many more weapons were made so that all of Quor were armed and could defend themselves and their fellow people. Smaller huts were built with the ability to house a fire for warmth, and bigger fire pits were made for cooking meat and forging weapons. As their society became more comfortable, carrying pitchers were made to irrigate fields of crops and scythes were used to clear the land and harvest foods. The Quorothi then expanded on their hunting techniques and perfected the bow and arrow. Transportation was needed in order to quickly travel to and from the Wryn and to hunt more efficiently. This was made possible by spending long hours domesticating the wild zorses that lived in the grasslands. An ancient technique of teaching horses to accept riders is to make reins with a bit of tree bark, put it into the horse’s mouth, and leap onto the stallion’s back as it plunges into a river. As the horse thrashes and wears itself out against the torrent, the rider patiently urges and guides the stallion to safety on the other bank. The horse, now docile, trusts the rider and follows the direction of the reins. The Quorothi used this method in order to domestic zorses, but this became easier without the river tactic as more stallions were domesticated. These work animals are tools for transportation of people and goods, but also serve as companions after time. Fences were constructed from sharpened trunks in order to barricade the village from outside threats. These were also used to house animals and to track wandering children from leaving the village. As the Quorothi realized they needed to travel within the jungles, the blacksmiths developed scimitars that could cut through the thickest of brush. A technique for making sturdier clothes was developed; leather was created by washing, brining, and tanning animal pelts. Other fabrics were made with flax and other similar plants. Then, the people of Quor finally developed parchment and paper. Parchment is animal skin that is limed, scraped and dried under tension. This type of paper was more durable and used in the process of making maps and other documents that would be revisited often. Regular paper made of wood pulp was lighter and used for making journals and logs of expeditions. With paper came the ability to manufacture one’s own ink, paints, and pigments. This was passed on as oral and practical knowledge from Rhoynar history. There were various formulations for ink, but the most common concoction used combinations of iron, sulphate, and oak galls mixed with water. Recording was imperative with the discovery of another technology, medicine. Medicines are one of the Quorothi’s most prized inventions. With the wide assortment of diseases festering inside the jungles bordering Quor, medicine was highly sought after. When Nymeria traveled with her ten thousand ships to Sothoryos, blacksmiths, craftsmen, and men skilled in medicine had also accompanied her. Those who practiced medicine were able to identify and record different herbs and techniques for creating cures and remedies. Milk of the Poppy and Essence of Nightshade were easy to recreate with the bountiful variety of available plants. The standard of hygiene is of utmost importance since Sothoryos is known for its potential for plague. Much of Quor’s medical knowledge was discovered purely through trial, error, and memory. They may not know the underlying, theoretical reasons behind illnesses, but they have accumulated an advanced level of functional medical knowledge, such as what herb mixtures will heal infections, better surgical procedures, etc. Most of these technologies were created and used without many unanticipated consequences beyond what could be assumed. New weaponry would fail and injuries would occur, newer weapons could be used against one another, and accidents with domestication of animals would happen as well. However, the benefits to Quorothi society outweighed the negatives aspects of the technological advancements. As a result of the population of Quor being limited, most everyone had access to the new technologies and products being made. Accessibility was easy and techniques were shared. On the other hand, the Quorothi still considered their influence over the environment. Although there was always excess game, overhunting and overfishing could potentially destroy their food resources. Cutting down trees and brush in the jungle aimlessly could cause hazards, and using torches and fire pits could potentially cause a massive, uncontrollable fire. The technologies of Quor make it easier to affect the land in damaging ways on a bigger scale. Laws and policies were made to govern the use of the new technologies. Overproduction that threatens a natural balance of fauna or flora is prohibited if caught. Fire is to be handled with care, and extinguished after use. Weapons are not to be used to harm another member of the village, doing so would result in confiscation and punishment based on the results of a trial. Any tool or system that endangers the people or the land is subject to termination, and any use of them that endangers the public will result in a trial for that person. Science and technology has a great effect on the individuals and groups of Quor. Tasks that are essential to survival and the growth of their society become simpler and more productive. Individual people find happiness in the wide variety of skills they can do. Beyond that, these new technologies have influenced the Quorothi’s mindset as a whole. The people of Quor lived in fear of the land after the pilgrimage from Yeen; living in the Wyvern Plains was not enough to shed that fear. Creating these new tools allowed the people of Quor to thrive in the land and adapt. The jungles were no longer feared, but respected. The people had a chance to defend and protect themselves, and that allowed them to become curious and delve into the surrounding world that lay ahead. This change in perception only increases new technological productions, and as Quor grows, so will the new technologies they introduce. Misuse of torches and fire pits in the jungles/grasslands could lead to massive destruction.
The Quorothi will not hesitate to exile someone who breaks the rule of law. For the Common Good Many people have come to associate good government with the idea of maximized freedom. The Quorothi take pride in, not only surviving without Princess Nymeria’s monarchy, but developing a functional and thriving new system of rule. When the people of Yeen migrated into the interior of the Wyvern Plains, direct democracy appeared the only option. Power was distributed among the people; the only goal was to rebuild and find a place suitable for survival. Clean water was found, durable trees were cut for building shelters, small animals such as rabbits and pheasants were easy game to hunt, and they then crafted new weapons to help hunt larger game. The surrounded land had to be explored and the advanced technologies of their past would have to be built from scratch. For years to come, civil disobedience would be practically non-existent as the people of Quor settled into their new lifestyle. However, as the Quorothi became more comfortable with the land, disagreements would begin to arise. The harmonious Quorothi way of life would have to change alongside the growth of their population. Perfect freedom and peace would no longer be plausible now that individuals have varying goals other than survival. At that point, the elders and villagers with the highest reverence made the decision that a government would need to be established in order to promote the public good and quell the now larger disputes. Quor then became an oligarchy, with decisioning power given to a select few who were voted on. The members of this newly established group are those who are already respected for their experience, intelligence, and reputation for serving the greater good. They would function as a judge who determines the final verdict on decisions of peacemaking and ones that affect the land or Quorothi. This small governing body is built on the idea that what matters to the people of Quor in the long-term may sometimes be in sharp conflict with an individual’s short term wants. It is the same reason why the older citizens will tell fearsome stories to the Quorothi children– not to frighten them of the land forever, but because thwarting their curiosity will guarantee their protection. Similarly, there must be some rule of law to protect the peoples’ well-being against the worst wishes of others as well as self-destructive desires. One of the areas in which the government must step in is the freedom of production. While hunting is for necessity and recreation, over-hunting could potentially become an issue. If game is over-hunted in the surrounding area, it becomes exceedingly difficult to travel for food and transport it back. The government maintains the environmental balance so that wildlife and flora are not destroyed. The government will also make decisions on the production of buildings. As the village of Quor expands, individuals cannot build on or claim land without approval. This way, overcrowding does not occur and potential hazards can be avoided. Quorothi government would also have some responsibility over the children’s’ education and upbringing; while parents will always have the most control over raising their child, the government would be responsible for making sure the children are educated on what is accepted in the Quorothi society. The common good refers to what is beneficial for all or most members of Quor. Citizen action that puts others in danger, negatively affects others’ goods or property, or encourages lawlessness and conflict are clear examples of actions against the common good. Citizen action that does not go to that extreme are given as just a punishment as decided upon by the majority. It is the responsibility of the citizens to understand the risks of breaking the moral rules of law. Each member of Quor has a right to plead their case in times where it would be required. Despite there being a government, the Quorothi still have a lot of individual freedom. As long as they are not breaking the rules of law and threatening the common good, the Quorothi still maintain all of the rights to do as they please. The government enforces its decisions depending on what ruling the individual broke. Punishments can include house arrest and isolation for bigger misdemeanors such as theft or injury. Minor misdemeanors between villagers can be solved through compensation in the form of goods or valuable items. The elite group will not hesitate with major offenses like murder or massive property damage to exile, or if need be, execute, an individual. Although this rarely occurs due to the Quorothi attempting to keep harmony, it has happened in the past. Without a system of currency, the Quorothi have to use force in order to maintain the balance. Most will avoid confrontation, but the people of Quor will turn their weapons against you if you have gone against them. In times where there is no clear moral debate, public issues are settled in the same way as previously. The governing few are given the absolute final decision, but the Quorothi still determine which path to choose as a whole with all members involved. An example in which this tactic would be used is the suggestion of a new exploration occurring or the attempt to build new inventions and tools. Public policy develops as more issues are encountered. The Quorothi look towards the past to guide them for the future; when they encounter a new problem, they collectively use what they know to determine the best decision. It is no surprise that public opinion affects public policy. The leading members of the oligarchy are highly respected, but their opinions never stray too far from what the majority believes to be right. The government is usually very productive alongside the support of the people. Without Princess Nymeria (see above), the people of Quor transitioned into an Oligarchy.
Above: A picture similar to how the Quorothi would look, sharing stories with the children. A Group in of Itself The village of Quor is heavily founded on the idea that it stands as one unified group. Yet, despite that overarching mindset, the Quorothi have created a few smaller subgroups of people within the tribe based on what the individuals’ skills are. One of the more noticeable social groups is the elders of Quor. These men and women have high prominence on decisions due to their experience and typically make the final verdict on situations that may be fatal. They are a close group of people who spend the majority of their time together in the village discussing any new information discovered from excursions and documenting it on paper. This group is also very small as not many of the Quorothi live to be an older member of the village. Those in this small prominent circle could therefore consider it a primary group: they have hunted, fought, and survived side-by-side for so many years that their intimacy is unquestioned. This group does not weigh heavily on conformity; it is important to hear their different viewpoints and combined with their influence, the majority of the village determines the outcome of major decisions. Another group in Quor consists of those who have the power to communicate with animals. There are usually not more than a couple of these whisperers in the village at one time, but they are bonded together almost as much as they are bonded to animals. The older members would share their experiences with the younger ones and guide them so that they can continue their way of life with less risk of danger. The experience they carry is their own and it is difficult for other Quorothi without this power to relate. While for the most part, these individuals are lone direwolves, they do have a small social group that understand and relate to these characteristics. Therefore, each individual’s values are often accepted by the others in this group. It would be a stretch to say that Quor has any institutions. The atmosphere of work is casual, and there are no definite groups that hunt, harvest, explore, etc. These jobs are distributed between many of the Quorothi who have learned to participate in a combination of activities. However, the groups doing the different tasks each have corresponding values that they follow. Those who hunt put the safety of their hunters before anything else. If the situation could be potentially dangerous, retreat is a viable option without fear of shame or guilt on their return. Communication on the hunt is of the utmost importance; everyone’s position is known and very rarely should anyone stray from the strategy agreed upon in advance. Those who explore the vast jungles hold the value that everyone stays together with no one being left behind. No one should venture by themselves without informing the rest and everyone must consult each other before doing most any task. If these values are opposed or broken, the consequences are the danger and risks they put themselves in and a decrease in respect for endangering both the groups’ lives and their own life. No one is given physical punishment, but it is difficult to win back the favor of the fellow Quorothi after going against the rest without reason. The people of Quor value life more than any jewel or land; as a result, most people do not go against the group’s core values. Jaenara, the Quorothi girl with her panther, Terrax, is an example an individual who is an outlier from these normal groups. Her secondary group would be the elders and older villagers who know of her kind, the ones with the skill to bond with animals. They remember the previous whisperers, and they helped join the village in celebration of her power instead of fear it. Being one of a kind, Jaenara’s primary group would consist of only the panther, Terrax. They are able to understand each other on a level that she cannot with the other Quorothi. This individualism creates some conflict; she was often misunderstood by her peers. While there is no outward scorn, the children would think her strange and fear her power. Naturally, Jaenara’s disposition was strong; she was an excellent fighter and her quiet, almost cold, demeanor intimidated most. This didn’t bother her due to wanting to have complete free-range of the Wyvern Plains and beyond and freedom that she had to earn. Jaenara’s values, as someone so in touch with the land, differed from the Quorothi: who wished for the same, but feared that independence. Eventually, with the help of the older Quorothi and a mission she took on her own, she convinced the rest of the village to accept her way of life as someone who is undeniably, the exception. While there are no officially declared groups or institutions in Quor, the people of Quor keep to their values in every aspect of their lives. The Quorothi have the right to share their individual beliefs, but there is rarely any conflict due to their culture of closeness. As stated previously, the Quorothi can be pictured as one family. They are descended from the same ancestors and are within the same ethnic group; they share the same tragic history and path to the future. The Quorothi share similar beliefs and work for the greater good of all, and therefore, is a group in of itself. "If these values are opposed or broken, the consequences are the danger and risks they put themselves in."
The Girl and the Panther The way in which the Quorothi identify themselves is heavily dependent on the culture of inner Sothoryos and the environment itself. The people of Quor have a strong and lean body structure from the variety of nutrients they eat and the amount of physical activities required of them. Another biological factor that affects the development of the Quorothi is their proximity to nature and hence their ability to have keen instincts and an acute sense of being a part of the ecosystem as a whole. Overall, not many villagers, if at all, die from old age; rather, most deaths occur due to fatal injury during a hunt of exploration. The people of Quor live with strength, skill, and agility beyond most of their Rhoynarish ancestors, but physical wounds or diseases are usually what brings life to a halt. Furthermore, the Quorothi stance on gender equality plays a big role in acceptance of everyone on an equal basis. While sex and gender usually align traditionally and consistently, binary gender roles are very distant. Due to women bearing children and typically having a smaller frame, it is true that a higher amount of women craft, gather rather than hunt, and complete more tasks requiring the mind over body, but men do these tasks as well. Women are treated on equal footing with men; opinions and respect are based upon skill and not sex. There are both men and women in Quorothi history who are praised as the greatest of hunters and explorers. Being isolated from the rest of the Planetos works its way into how the Quorothi identify themselves. Just as their culture is representative of one unified family, the interactions between people contribute as sociocultural factors to help make up the Quorothi’s identity. The culture is centered on teamwork and the greater good for all which affects each individual’s mindset when it comes to fear, stress, self-control, etc. On a psychological level, each person has different personalities and react to different stimuli in different ways. However, the sociocultural factors in their society passed down from the Rhoynar and created after the pilgrimage from Yeen, have the greatest impact on each person’s identity. Biologically speaking, the circumstance of living in Sothoryos has forced its inhabitants to develop strong, agile bodies, and rarely, the skill of connecting with animals on a level unheard of before. One whose prowess is most notable goes by the name of Jaenara, as a homage to Jaenara Belaerys, a dragon rider whose name Princess Nymeria would tell stories of while sailing to Sothoryos. I wring the water out of my cloak, but the damp fabric is soothing against the gleaming sunlight. As I make my way to the jutting stones past the Wryn River, I feel a deep nauseous feeling in my stomach crawl up to my throat. Stories from when I was a young girl, of the wyverns and their vicious fangs, with jaws strong enough to eat through the scales and bone of the basilisk whole, echoed in my ears. We’ve found burnt carcasses of all sorts of animals, there is no doubt that they indeed spit fire too. I find myself stumbling a bit as I walk. I know I’m past the halfway point after crossing where the Wryn is most shallow, so I take a seat on some nearby stone and catch my breath. Wisps of cloud scatter the perfectly blue sky, it seems endless. To soar through that expanse of sky, free and light, being able to see all of Sothoryos… It makes me believe that the wyverns don’t share our land, but rather, their haven is above it. The walk is all uphill from here, and a continuous cool breeze comes down from Lake Nyw. It’s beautiful. Serene. It’s strange to think that my people were terrified of leaving the village. Many many years ago when they had first settled, I was told that everyone was prohibited from straying from the village. The jungles were filled with dangerous man-eating predators, the plants were poisonous and the diseases, unforgiving. Plague filled the air and insects threatened to bury into the skin. Times back then were hard, not only because of the long pilgrimage north, but fear was ingrained into everyone. Food was scarce for fear of hunting. They had all lived miserably for fear of harvesting materials to build and grow differe--Kata-kata I quickly stand up and look to where I was sitting, a grey lizard skimmied behind the rocks. It’s time I got moving again before the sun begins to set. I grab my bag and hear the sounds of precious stones and bones clash against each other. Are these really good enough offerings for a fire-breathing wyvern? Only a few others before me have went to where the wyverns nest, and only one returned completely unscathed. I’d rather not think about the possible danger, I have faith in my village for choosing me. They all support me, and I don’t doubt my own abilities either. Ever since I was 15, I knew there was something about me that was different from the rest. They had told all of us stories of the jungle stealing children who are lost, how the darkness between the underbrush holds monsters we wouldn’t believe. How they were going to take a group of us kids into the jungle to show us what’s really there. On the walk to the jungle of my 15th year, I felt the same pit in my stomach that I do now. I remember it vividly… My hair was brighter back then, a rich dark brown and very long, to my waist. I loved the way it flowed in the breeze or swayed when I danced. We had all learned how to use weapons, to fight and defend ourselves. On my waist were my favorite daggers that my father had forged for me on my 14th birthday. They were made of black oily stone, the handle of a strong metal with leather to grip. They seemed to dance in my hands while I fought, but I always fought defensively, avoiding everyone’s attacks swiftly and then striking once they left an opening. I got the feeling though that the other children didn’t enjoy my company as much… They all played with each other, but I preferred to be alone anyways. I was in the prime of my childhood, my body was strong and I had always been one of the quickest. A few of the huntsmen were taking us on the path into the jungle. I looked up to the towering trees and I could not see more than a couple trees in. I was nervous, everyone was. After years of avoiding the jungle, they were bringing us to its core. And yet, I had faith in their decision. The huntsmen with us were some of the best, they were brilliant fighters and carried their huge scimitars for cutting through any paths. They were my family and I knew they would protect me. I wished my father would have been in the party, but he said I had to go alone. I didn’t understand what he meant, as I would be with everyone else, and I didn’t understand why until later that day. We had entered the jungle. It wasn’t as dark as I had thought. Light poured down in beams through the canopy, the underbrush wasn’t higher than my knees. Regardless, I clung next to my elders and we continued deeper into the forest. Eventually I started to trail behind everyone. I’d see so many new species of plants that I had never seen before! Plants were taller than me, and there were so many shades of greens and different color plants spotted the ground. I’d see a small rodent scurry away or a tropical bird of bright hues quickly fly away into the canopy. Eventually we passed a small cliffs of stone with multiple waterfalls. There was a large pond, it was different from the Wryn that I had seen my entire life. Its surface was calm and inviting. I heard splashes of fish or other animals living deep in the center of the pond. When I turned, the group had started leaving down another path. I ran to catch up, but stumbled over the roots of the trees. The undergrowth seemed a huge obstacle now. I called out, but the waterfalls covered my voice. The leaves started covering my view, and as I broke into a clearing, I lost them. I didn’t know which direction they went. I started to panic. I yelled at the top of my lungs, and then covered my mouth. I don’t want anything else to find me here. It was still daylight, but I had no idea how to get back to the village nor did I want to get even more lost. As much as I enjoyed being alone, I had never felt the dread of being alone like I did at that moment. I stopped. I grabbed my daggers from my waist and waited. Maybe they would come back this way to return. That would make sense. I sat down, the soil was cool and the air was humid. I jumped at the calling of birds, or the rustling of leaves. I kept turning in circles to keep anything from surprising me. It felt like hours had passed. My stomach rumbled and my mouth was dry. I didn’t know how to survive in here, I didn’t know what plants were edible, what water was free from diseases. I felt like my village abandoned me. I was hopeless. And then. Rustling. To my right, I turned and stood up slowly. I heard, footsteps? But not human ones for sure. I braced myself. It could be any monster, or giant ape that could easily snap me in half, or a huge lizard that would strike me before I could move, or one of the “brindled men” that woul— I heard a long deep tone. It was the lowest pitch I ever heard, a growl? I squinted against the sun and backed up cautiously. A black velvety nose appeared from under the large leaves. Then black fur, and then, eyes. They gleamed yellow, the pupils were large slits, and they were staring intently at me. I held my breath, it felt like the world held its breath. A panther, from what it looked like and what I had been told. A jungle cat that was more than capable of eating me. I stared back into its eyes, and it slowly crept into the clearing with me. I had my daggers up in front of me, and the panther bared its fangs. I realized that no matter how quick I was, I was in a losing battle. I decided, I wouldn’t put up a fight. I slowly knelt down and place my daggers to the side. The panther hid its fangs again and approached me. I watched its movements, it seemed so… open. I remembered when I fought against the other children, I would always look for an opening in their stance to attack. But, the panther didn’t seem guarded. It was an arm’s length away. I was still kneeled on the ground, my head level with its. I don’t know what persuaded me to, as I knew it could cost me my arm and my quick death, but my arm began to lift. I looked into the panther’s eyes and I saw my own. My hand came up and slowly, gingerly, I went to touch him. He looked back, and ever so slightly bowed its head and filled the gap between my hand and the top of its head. That day changed my life forever. I had befriended a wild predator, and it guided me out of the jungle. I turned to say goodbye, and it only looked at me and disappeared in the forest. It felt like a dream. Almost immediately, a search party came on zorses looking for me, and they took me back to the village. I told the other children what had happened and they didn’t believe me. They thought I was making it up. But the rest of the village knew, and there was a giant celebration for me that evening. That night, I thought back on my experience that day, and smiled. Ever since that day, I would go into the forest and the panther was there. I called him Terrax, the name of Jaenara Belaerys’s dragon. Some villagers called him my panther, but the truth is that we are one in the same. He would lay with me and bask in the sun, or we would both hunt together in the jungle. He led me through the different paths, and eventually I learned the land by myself. But I was never alone. I grew up into a fine woman, I think so anyways. My hair is now very short, barely past my ears. I eventually found my father’s daggers, but I now wield a spear and scimitar like a proper explorer. Terrax has also grown tremendously, he even allows me to ride on his back. My bond with him is inexplicable, but I notice that I can take care of animals in ways no one else can. And after almost ten years of developing my bond and connection with animals, they wanted me to visit the wyverns. I’m almost to the nest. Thinking of Terrax, and the years I’ve spent learning and growing stronger, I no longer feel the heaviness in my stomach. I am confident. My village believes in me to do this and I believe in myself. My feet feel lighter as I climb over the last few rocks. Beyond the jutting stones are wyverns, laying in the sun on top of the piles of stone. About three as I can see. I take a deep breath. They are enormous, their heads bigger than my body almost. Their scales look like the strongest of armor, one has green and the other has red and maroon dusty plates covering its flesh. But there’s one wyvern that stands out in the middle of the clearing. It’s larger than the other two, and has golden, yellow scales that almost glisten in the sunlight. It raises its head as I approach. I open my bag and take out the precious gemstones and animal bones. As I’m holding them, I slowly walk towards the wyvern, offering the gifts. The wyvern backs its head away, and I can see the scales around its neck bristle. I start to panic: If it doesn’t like the offering then I might be burnt to a crisp at any moment, or eaten whole for dinner. I stop myself and look into the wyvern’s eyes. And, I see a small hint of something familiar… I place the offerings beside me, and instinctively reach my open hand to the wyvern. It looks at me. Time stops. The wyvern moves its head towards me and I shut my eyes tightly, bracing for the loss of my arm or worse. Then, I feel a weight underneath my palm pushing up. I open my eyes to see the deadliest inhabitant of Sothoryos, a wyvern, open, head bowed, resting my hand on its own head. Above: An example of the type of ceremonial clothes that would be worn by a Quorothi dancer. Open With the World The Quorothi culture is heavily based upon the Rhoynar’s beliefs and the aftermath of the pilgrimage into the interior. One of the most notable aspects of Rhoynish culture was its high degree of gender equality. Both men and women could rule in their own right; women served in their cities' armed forces and were said to fight as fiercely as the men. In the same way, the Quorothi’s social structure does not use gender as a factor. Those who are most skilled (whether in hunting, exploring, building, etc.) contribute the most to the greater good of the Quorothi. They are highly respected and act as leaders in order to efficiently fulfill tasks such as: organizing buildings, leading a hunt, or being trusted to return from the jungles with research from exploring. The highest social status is given to wiser and older members with the most experience; yet overall, most of the Quorothi are treated as equals.
Rhoynar religion was also very distinctive; it was based on the worship of Mother Rhoyne, the goddess personified by the river. Its pantheon included minor deities such as King Crab and the Old Man of the River, who took the form of a giant turtle. Large turtles actually did live in the river and were held sacred by the Rhoynar. After Nymeria brought her people to Sothoryos, the people of Yeen still worshipped gods, mainly animals and the river. Then, when the people were forced to flee Yeen, their faith was crushed from their near extinction. Yet, they continued the caravan into the interior and at last came to their home where the wyverns lived in peace. While the Quorothi originally worshipped the river and water, their focus shifted to the flying wyvern and the land animals that clothed and fed them. Now they have the deepest respect for the land; they worship the wyverns that appear as guardians as well as the grazing zorse whose body and strength have many diverse uses. The jungle and its more deadly inhabitants are feared, but respected. The Quorothi religion is centered around treating the land with respect in order to survive. The children of Quor are educated in the ways of the Quorothi throughout their young age. All skills are taught; children learn how to read, write, prepare food, sew, tend to the fields, etc. The history of Quor is taught as well; stories are passed down about the pilgrimage from Yeen to the Wyvern Plains and small pieces of Rhoynar history. When the children get older and can hold their own, they are taken hunting, taught to skin animals, survival skills, and weaponry use. Throughout this time, the elderly villagers tell stories about the dark, creeping jungle and its victims, that may or may not be true, to keep the children from wandering. At the age of around 15, all children eventually are taken into the jungle in order to learn about survival, learn the ways of mapping and exploring, and overcome the fear that was ingrained into them. The children who possess an ability to connect with animals, which is very rare, usually sneak away and discover their bond, while then returning safely on their own. This rite of passage marks the transition from a child to a full functioning villager of Quor. All of the Quorothi are taught these skills, but most stay dedicated to a couple different ones. As a result of the small population in Quor and the family culture, there is no distinct governmental body. Decisions that require a verdict, such as the isolation of those who have an incurable disease or determining large parties for exploration, are usually made by the population as one. While some can earn more respect and carry more weight in decisions, there are no official titles, no elections, and no elites. A similar mindset is ingrained into the economy of Quor: monopolies and currency do not exist. Wealth is evenly distributed and trade between peoples is how goods and services are consumed. Other than hunting and expanding, the Quorothi are left with an entire continent of resources and all the time to spend on other activities. Crafting is a significant part of Quorothi culture. Small statues of indigenous creatures are carved from the jungle’s rich red-brown wood which are then given as gifts and kept fondly. Furniture and other usable items are built in order to decorate the home. The wide variety of wildflowers and berries are used to make beautiful vibrant dyes of all shades. Hues of bright reds, violets, deep greens, and orange-yellows are more commonly used. These are incorporated into tapestries with illustrations and geometric patterns made of linen made from flax and other plants. These dyes are also used in special clothing made for ceremonies and other events, like the return of an exploration or a funeral. Yet most of the time, the people of Quor wear leather, pelts, and clothes made from leaves and neutral-colored cloth. Hunting and exploring require sturdy clothes and shoes, but they must also provide camouflage as to not attract attention from dangerous creatures or the prey being hunted. The people of Quor express themselves through movement. Elaborate dances are performed at ceremonies for the enjoyment of others; dances are also used in story telling of old tales of mythical creatures or battles long forgotten. Some more rugged dances use their blades while others use fire. Drums made of tree trunks and covered with skins are used for rhythmic music along with shakers filled with seeds and sands. The Quorothi also enjoy the sport of hunting for recreation. The mastery of the bow and arrow and other weapons is not only used as a means for survival, but has become an enjoyment to do with others. Every couple full moons, the Quorothi organize a large hunt where all who participate hunt for the freshest, plumpest fishes, fowl, and meats. Then, all varieties of spices, fruits, and vegetables that have been harvested are used to create a feast for the whole village. This has become a celebration of survival within the interior and for the resources of life that the land has provided them. The Quorothi respect the land and animals around them as well as strengthen the bonds between each other. The people of Quor used to live in isolated fear, but they have now developed a culture of appreciation and openness to the world. "The Quorothi place value on their knowledge of the land and learning to coexist with its inhabitants." A Modest Economy In a land where the jungle creeps in during the night and creatures of all sizes and threats dwell in the undergrowth, survival is the utmost priority. The people of Quor live in a small cluster of villages in the center of Sothoryos, unbeknownst to the rest of the world. Mass production of goods, trade with foreign peoples, and even currency are unknown concepts. Despite the goldmine of resources to be discovered within the unexplored continent, the economy of Quor in the interior of Sothoryos is modest and self-sustaining. Production in Sothoryos is heavily defined by the natural resources available. The soils of the Wyvern Plains produce bountiful vegetation: tall grasses and wood for building, foodstuffs like mushrooms, fruits, and roots, and the occasional medicinal plant. As a result, the fauna in Sothoryos is just as abundant. While the more deadly animals pose threats, there is also an endless supply of herbivores to hunt and eat. Other than these renewable resources, the Quorothi rarely find nonrenewable ores and precious gems, such as ruby, gold, or topaz. These are usually found in alluvial deposits along the Wryn River that have been pushed to the surface over time. The majority of Quor consists of non-specialized labor. Certain villagers may hunt more or manage the building of huts and irrigation systems, but the majority of the Quorothi learn multiple skills. Most people do not do a single task; this would be inefficient as the population as a whole is relatively small. Furthermore, the non-labor population (the elderly who are too old to do physical labor or the children who are too young) must be fed and taken care of. The children and elderly help craft if they can, or help women in the village maintain the grounds, cook, or sew. Capital takes the form of buildings, domesticated animals, and weapons. Those who are the best hunters or explorers, receive the best weaponry in order to protect both themselves and the rest of the population. Those who do the most work building will in turn, have more help building a bigger and stable house for their family. Those who are good-hearted and have a natural connection with animals, are chosen and given the privilege to meet with the wyverns. These are the only people in the villages who have a specialized labor: they spend their time strengthening their relationship with the wildlife and exploring deep in the jungles of Sothoryos. Entrepreneurship is not a part of the Sothoryi culture. One will not benefit from business; prosperity as defined in Quor will only come to the ones actively engaging in the overall prosperity of the people. Consumption is simple when there are no nearby groups of people to trade with. The Quorothi build shelters for every family in the grasslands away from the jungles; each village is surrounded with short fencing to keep the larger wild animals out. Once the people of Quor determined which produce was non-poisonous, they have a large supply almost year-round due to their fields along the Wryn. Wildlife is also a constant source of food and clothing. Pelts from herding animals are used to make leather or warmer fur clothes for the colder savanna climate at night. The necessities of life are taken care of by the surrounding land, this allows the Quorothi to have specific wants as well. As Sothoryos jungles are filled with potential disease, medicine is highly sought after. Fear of plague is ongoing; abandoning those who are ill is disheartening for all members of the village. Even when no one has caught a disease, the people of Quor search the jungles for herbs and plants that can cure the different sicknesses they encounter. Maps are made to designate what areas have been searched and what location plants have been found. This has caused an ongoing interest in exploring what lies beyond the Green Haven, despite the fear of death. The Quorothi also seek to one day, coexist with all of the wildlife of Sothoryos. There are some younger Quorothi who are able to develop an unexplainable bond with certain species found in Sothoryos. They are free-spirited and are usually the explorers of Quor. The bond is a mysterious phenomenon, but the Quorothi believe that the longer they preside in the Wyvern Plains, the jungle is slowly accepting its people. A few are chosen to represent the villages with the top of the food chain, the wyverns, in order to gain the trust of their protectors; they travel to where the wyverns reside and leave gifts of food or gems. Only a few have gained their trust, enough to touch the steel-hard scales without losing a limb in the process. Surviving is a top priority, but knowledge of the land and coexisting with its inhabitants are also significant to the people of Quor and have affected their daily lives. The interior of Sothoryos has a traditional economy. With no one to export with and no interest in moving outside of the Wyvern Plains, barter and trade take the place of currency. The surplus of natural resources is only limited by the work put into harvesting and hunting for the food and the amount of people who are able to do so. Smaller crafts such as furniture, cooking, weapons, or clothes are traded between people, while more significant items like maps or books are shared with all. The most respected hunters, crafters, explorers, etc. are given gifts and ceremonies from all of the tribes in order to display appreciation and bring the Quorothi closer. Feasts including sparse fish, delectable fruits, and various meats occur on special occasions. Everyone is fed, clothed, and given shelter. Skill beyond the basics are sometimes a specialty and shared in return for other goods or services. As a group of people who escaped from near extinction in Yeen, it is of no surprise that the people of Quor are similar to one family with an economy of generosity. "Medicinal herbs are highly sought after. The Quorothi search non-stop for rare cures of the many diseases that live with them in Sothoryos."
Pictured above: Nymeria, warrior queen and Princess of the Rhoynar Tales of War The Old Empire of Ghis was one of the oldest known nations and cultures in the world that reigned over most of Essos. The Ghiscari Empire established the outposts on the northern shores of Sothoryos; it raised the walled city of Zamettar at the mouth of the Zamoyos and the grim penal colony of Gorosh on Wyvern Point. After the Valyrians discovered dragons and quickly rose to power, the Ghiscari wanted dragons for their own. Five great wars were fought between Ghiscar and the Freehold. During the Fourth Ghiscari War, the dragonlords of the Valyrian Freehold captured the colony of Zamettar, the only major city on the coast of Sothoryos. The Valyrians destroyed Ghis with their dragons. With the empire collapsing, the original Ghiscari bloodline was nearly wiped out, along with its religion, culture and language. However, the Valyrian Freehold's expansion from the east threatened to overtake one of the three major ethnic groups from which the humans of Westeros descend, the Rhoynar. For around two and a half centuries, the Rhoynish Wars were fought between the Valyrians and the Rhoynar. In the last of the Rhoynish Wars, Prince Garin led two hundred and fifty thousand Rhoynar to their deaths in battle against the 300 dragons commanded by Valyrian dragonlords. The warrior-queen Nymeria led the surviving Rhoynar in fleeing Essos in ten thousand ships. During their migration, the Rhoynar settled on Sothoryos, mainly on Zamettar, which had been abandoned already for a thousand years. Nymeria remained there with the ships while some of her people made their way upriver to Yeen. Despite the riches to be found on Sothoryos, many Rhoynar fell to disease, parasites, predators, and struggled to survive for that year. A boat sent from Zamettar to Yeen found that all of its inhabitants - men, women, and children - had vanished overnight. Afterwards, Nymeria abandoned Zamettar and returned to the sea where she led the surviving Rhoynar to Dorne in southern Westeros. From this point, the Quorothi people being their history as a colony that narrowly escaped extinction in Yeen, but had also been left behind by Nymeria and the rest of the Rhoynar. Many of Quor’s customs and values are drawn from their culture as Rhoynar. The Rhoynar lived in city-states along the vast network of the river Rhoyne; The Quorothi people live in small camps along the river Wryn. The Rhoynar taught the Andals how to work iron, and some of the survivors from Nymeria’s voyage in Yeen were able to teach the ways of the blacksmith and building weapons to others. Historically, the Rhoynar practiced a number of customs that differ from mainstream Andal culture. They practiced equal primogeniture, granting inheritances to the eldest child regardless of gender. Due to their origin in city-states, the Rhoynar titled their rulers Princes and Princesses. Similarly, the people of Quor value age and experience and have a deep respect for those who have survived in Sothoryos the longest, treating both women and men equally. The Quorothi do not title their leaders as Princes or Princesses; the people of Quor had to adapt to a new way of life that is heavily centered on survival and teamwork. There is no one ruler in Quor, but rather several leaders who are proficient in their skill: hunting, exploring, organizing, building, etc. For only when all of the small population of Quor work together, are they able to survive and continue growing. The Rhoynar originally worshipped a number of river-themed nature gods. Their primary god was Mother Rhoyne, or Mother River, the personification of the river Rhoyne itself. In a similar way, the people of Quor almost worship the Wryn river. The Wryn is the only source of fresh water all the way from Lake Nyw, and its water sustains the edible foods they grow and wildlife that live nearby. The people respect the river and attempt to keep its water as clean as possible. The Quorothi also worship the wyverns that reside in the Green Haven. The wyverns hunt the most dangerous animals that live in the nearby jungles, and yet ignore the people living in their territory as well as the weaker herd animals. Some people in Quor, when disarmed, are even able to approach the wyverns and give offerings such as food to them. The relationship between the people of Quor and the wyverns suggest that the wyverns are the protectors of the Wyvern Plains and all that reside in it. Genealogy is not as important as in Westeros; the people of Quor have many teachers who teach the children the Quorothi way. Almost everyone becomes a brother or family to each other, and therefore ancestry is not as significant when the all of the old takes care of all of the new. The history of Quor is passed down through oral tradition, but people still attempt to keep track of the years and events on paper made from blended leaf pulp that is then poured and pressed. Those who write history are the older villagers who have experienced the most and have the time and capability to write. For the most part, tales of war and thousands of soldiers and ships are told to the children who listen in disbelief. When Yeen was under attack from the "brindled ghouls" in the jungle, the Quorothi followed the river upstream in order to escape the jungle crawling in, the aggressive animals, and the festering diseases. Now, the history of that voyage upstream is imbedded in everyday life; the people of Quor avoid the jungle at all costs except for exploring. They keep to themselves as a group in the same way their ancestors traveled to Sothoryos before them. They have learned to isolate those who are diseased in fear of another epidemic, for the greater good of them all. In this way, the Quorothi have been able to survive and thrive in the grasslands of the Wyvern Plains deep in the middle of Sothoryos, and longer than any other colony in Sothoryos history. Pictured above: The Ghiscari Wars, the Valyrian Freehold clashed with the ancient Ghiscari Empire to determine which would be the dominant power in the continent of Essos
A Land Without End Sothoryos is southeast of Westeros and south of Essos across the Summer Sea. The northern coast has been mapped by the Quartheen, but the rest of Sothoryos is largely unknown. Dragon rider Jaenara Belaerys flew her dragon Terrax farther south than any person, only to report three years later that the continent was as large as Essos, a “land without end”. The few cities on the northern coast (Gorosh, Zamettar, and Yeen) have fallen to ruin and the outskirts of Sothoryos consist of dense jungle, therefore, the interior of Sothoryos is isolated (self-sustaining without trade). The surrounding world does not know of what lies in the middle of Sothoryos. The interior of Sothoryos has a wide variety of landforms: mountains, valleys, deserts, grasslands, and a multitude of tropical jungles. The climate depends on how south one travels, and has in turn created indistinct boundaries between regions of varying climate. The continent's far southern half is primarily desert or arid; drought and annual rainfall below average are common with temperatures higher than any desert in Essos. Desert sandstone form occasional rocky cliffs and vicious sandstorms are common. In the deepest and most severe parts of the desert, no traces of life can be found. However, on the southern and northern edges of the desert near desert water sources, wildlife include sand dogs, camels, jackals; arthropods—scorpions, manticores, locusts; and reptiles—lizards, snakes, and the fire breathing firewyrm. Gradually further north, the desert leads into the deepest jungles on Sothoryos, the Green Hell. The rain forests have a warm to hot climate with very high humidity; Sothoryos’s heaviest rainfall occurs here. The land is overgrown with dense, tangled vegetation while the tree line is so thick that only the occasional opening allows sunlight to fall through. All sorts of rare plants only indigenous to Sothoryos thrive here; lily pads grow 4 meters tall, many plants with medicinal, psychoactive, or lethal properties flourish, some even say that there are plants that can devour large animals whole. Despite these conditions, some of the most deadly animals in the known world make their homes in the jungles deep in Sothoryos. Reports from the humans living north of the Green Hell describe white vampire bats that can drain the blood of a man in minutes, tattooed lizards that rip apart prey with long curved claws, spotted spiders, and snakes fifty feet long. Only animals of this nature can survive in this region of Sothoryos. Inland and further north in the higher elevations, the temperatures moderate. Grasslands with fertile soil exist past the Unscaled Heights mountain range, with grasses as the dominant vegetation. Trees and large shrubs are absent, but elephant grass grows alongside the Nyw River. A few trees such as cottonwoods, oaks and willows grow in the river valley, and a few hundred species of flowers grow among the grasses. The Wyvern Plains are home to herds of elephant, zorses, rabbits, and wildcats. Wyverns, considered the most terrible of all predators, reside in the drier grasslands after hunting in the surrounding jungles. While not as threatening as the Green Hell, the jungles of northern Sothoryos surrounding the plains are uninhabitable. Disease and the savage Brindled Men lurk in the undergrowth hiding from the sunlight. The Zamoyos delta and connected streams are home to lizard-lions and carnivorous fish capable of stripping a man's flesh in minutes. The forests south of Yeen are home to stinging flies, venomous snakes, wasps and parasitic worms; apes capable of killing elephants with a single blow; Little Valyrians, panthers, and bloodflies. Basilisk Point is home to fearsome basilisks, some of which are twice the size of lions. Of all of its regions, it is no surprise that the non-savage people of Sothoryos occupy the Wyvern Plains. The people of Yeen migrated upstream in an attempt to survive the unforgivable jungle and its inhabitants. Lake Nyw in the Unscaled Heights is the source of flowing water in the Wryn River that weaves through the northern part of Sothoryos straight through the Wyvern Plains. The Wryn upstream provides water free from green fever, dancing plague, yellowgum, and other fatal diseases that fester in the water further north. The people of Yeen then settled in the grasslands along the river, creating a village they call Quor. Surrounded by the wilderness and its hazards and knowing that returning to Zamettar and Yeen would carry too many risks, the people of Quor live a sedentary life. The population of Quor is small; due to the limited area to expand and the fatalities from hunting and disease, urban towns and grand buildings may never come to pass. The technology of the Quorothi people is limited; they grow and irrigate whatever edible vegetation they can find by the river bed. The strongest men that hunt and explore in the jungle use scimitars to cut through the foliage and for close quarters, but the majority hunt in the grasslands with spears and arrows made with the oily black stone from Yeen. The Quorothi will sometimes domesticate zorses that they encounter, but their main source of meat are from grazing herds. The people also attempt to interact with the Sothoryi elephants and have even developed a symbiotic relationship with the few wyverns nesting there. Huts are built from elephant grass and jungle trees, yet overall, the Quorothi people’s settlement has a minute effect on the overbearing land of Sothoryos. With all forces of nature against them, the Wyvern Plains have subsequently been nicknamed a “Green Haven”. |
AuthorMy name is Jenna and I am currently a full time undergraduate college student and dreamer. Archives
April 2017
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