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.
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AuthorMy name is Jenna and I am currently a full time undergraduate college student and dreamer. Archives
April 2017
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