Dakkor

(Note: Needs Updating to Current Situation from Andrew E and Dave C)
Dakkor
= Table of Contents =
Location
Land
Common Races
Resources
Past
Present
Capital
Government
Military
Religion
Of Interest
Hall of Travelers Boards for Dakkor
== Location ==
 Central Xaria. Surrounding lands (clockwise): Gesnor (N), Palrim (NE), Lindora (E), Halgudar (S), Hyrm-Chel (SW), Quivera (SW), Uragoth (W), and Telumar (NW)
== Land ==
 The northwestern area of the country is a steep, condensed mountain 
range. This makes direct passage to either Telumar or Gesnor difficult. 
The range moves southwest becoming rolling foothills. Turning south, the
 central part of Dakkor is thick forestry that continues to skirt down 
the western border. Plains and farmland make up the southeastern 
borders. Along the southern border with Hyrm-Chel is a patch of 
swampland.
== Common Races ==
 Human, Elves, Assorted Monsters
== Resources ==
 Dakkor has a wide range of resources to pull from because of the many 
different terrains that make up the country. The north provides metals 
and ore for making weapons, along with precious stones that fill the 
country’s coffers. The rolling hills provide ample ground for grazing 
animals. The forests are thick and plentiful. The Dakkorians pride 
themselves on not destroying their woods. Their lumber comes from the 
border of Uragoth. Although this is a dangerous place to log, the woods 
are as strong as they come. The forest also supplies a substantial 
amount of fruit and nuts. The fields of the south provide grains and 
vegetables. The country has the ability to be self-supporting.
== Past ==
 Very little is known about the origins of Dakkor. Only recent events 
have allowed outsiders to learn anything about this secretive society. 
The culture, like the country, is very old. The ancestry of the society 
is based on a long ago fable.
The year was 554 P.A., and the town leaders of Dakkor had just completed
 their conference on the ailments that were affecting the country. A 
sickness was running rampant, killing the weak and children. No cure 
could be found and devastation was certain.
Kelnor, the leader of Argot, returned home to find his town leveled. The
 surviving townspeople retold the story of how a dragon from Uragoth had
 swept down and brought destruction. Kelnor sent word to the city of 
Fimral to help take arms to destroy the threat. The dragon, nicknamed 
Coldheart, returned laying waste to the surrounding lands. The remaining
 men of Argot fought as best as they could to defend their land, but 
they were no match.
Finally, Coldheart tricked Kelnor and his men. The dragon had backed 
them up against a rock outcropping. There was nowhere to run. 
Unbeknownst to Kelnor, a lone Elf stood near. He was magikally hidden 
and watched the scenario take place. Coldheart chuckled, knowing he 
would feast on the flesh of these humans. He looked down to relish in 
their fear, but was disappointed. They seemed more in awe, then fear.
Kelnor and his men witnessed an Elf magikally appear from the woods, 
sword in hand. He ran up the back of the dragon and plunged his sword 
into the back of Coldheart’s neck. The dragon reared in pain, then 
turned to see the Elf. Coldheart’s eyes brewed hatred. He flung the Elf 
and his blade aside and turned back to the humans. They were nowhere to 
be seen. Coldheart took to the sky, swearing revenge upon the Elf.
Kelnor and the surviving men emerged from the rocks and greeted the Elf 
in astonishment and appreciation. The Elf introduced himself as Nae’del.
 Kelnor explained their situation with the dragon, while the men stood 
by amazed by the fair Elf’s bravery and appearance. They recounted the 
recent sickness afflicting the country.
Nae’del asked Kelnor to wait. He would attempt to discover the root of 
the disease. Nae’del walked back to the trees. Kelnor stood by as it 
appeared that Nae’del was talking with the woods. Nae’del’s brow 
wrinkled. He returned to Kelnor. The men asked him if he was really 
talking with the trees. Nae’del smiled and said, “of course,” but his 
demeanor turned sour. He explained that the trees revealed the cause of 
the sickness. Coldheart had been seeding the clouds with his poisonous 
breath, so that when rain fell down upon the land, it contaminated the 
water, fruits and grains, etc. Although the land had been poisoned, it 
was not potent enough to kill the strong. Unfortunately, the weak and 
children would be extremely susceptible, making it difficult to survive.
 The only conclusion was to kill the dragon and possibly gain a cure 
from the monster itself.
Kelnor returned to Argot with Nae’del. Soon after, an army of men from 
Fimral arrived. Kelnor told them of Nae’del’s lifesaving assistance and 
the information regarding the fatal illness. A decision was made 
quickly. They would march into Uragoth and face off against their 
oppressor. Nae’del offered his sword to their cause. It was readily 
accepted. Preparations were made and they traveled to Uragoth.
The group fought off many monsters, and if it were not for the presence 
of Nae’del, they would have perished early on. Nae’del was able to track
 Coldheart and alert the men to ambushing monsters. After several days, 
numerous skirmishes and limited casualties, they arrived at the dragon’s
 lair.
They formulated a plan. Nae’del entered the lair alone. Upon seeing the 
Elf that had caused him such pain, Coldheart became enraged. Nae’del ran
 with such speed that the dragon labored to catch him. Nae’del reached 
the entrance and jumped into the open. Coldheart emerged and immediately
 became entangled by a net dropped from above. Quickly and efficiently 
the men attacked the trapped dragon. Sensing imminent doom, Coldheart 
turned on his true nemesis, Nae’del. With all his remaining strength, 
Coldheart moved towards him. Nae’del stumbled and Coldheart snatched him
 in his mouth. Nae’del thrust out with his sword, catching the roof of 
the dragon’s mouth. With his remaining determination and strength, he 
pushed his blade into Coldheart’s brain, striking the killing blow.
Coldheart collapsed, releasing Nae’del from its deadly grip. The men 
cheered in victory. They approached Nae’del, and became stifled. They 
looked down to see his legs were shredded from Coldheart’s sharp fangs. 
Nae’del wore his wounds proudly and insisted that they retrieve the 
dragon’s poison sacks before they tended to him. Potency was of extreme 
importance. With the sacks in hand, they traveled back carrying Nae’del 
with them. He helped them form the liquid cures for all the sick. Within
 weeks the sickness was gone. Word of Nae’del’s aid traveled across 
Dakkor and his sacrifice was taken to heart. Nae’del’s legs were 
permanently crippled, thus the House of Köï was founded by Kelnor. It 
would give Nae’del a comfortable home and lifestyle in exchange for 
everything he had done.
Nae’del spent his days teaching the way of the Elves. He taught them 
about nature and what the Elves hold dear. It did not take long for the 
countrymen of Dakkor to listen and begin to worship the same ideals. For
 two hundred years, Nae’del was revered. People from all over Dakkor 
traveled to hear his wisdom. It was when Nae’del took ill that he went 
into seclusion. Eighteen years later, the House of Köï announced 
Nae’del’s passing. Dakkor mourned, yet the memory of The Treasured One 
and his teachings lived on.
As time passed, different opinions began to form on how his teachings 
were meant to be worshiped. Separate houses were formed, each with its 
own ideals based on The Treasured One’s beliefs.
For many years Elves were welcomed into the country. Houses of Dakkor 
would treat an Elf like a king, but the worshipers would become 
disillusioned when the Elves insisted that they must depart. Eventually,
 any Elves found within Dakkor were taken into custody and became a 
sought after commodity. A House was deemed blessed if an Elf resided in 
the religious sanctum. Houses began to actively seek out new Elves for 
their worship. Those that were taken were placed in the laps of luxury, 
although under lock and key.
Nine Greater Houses of Dakkor were formed with more than a score of 
Lesser Houses and countless Minor Houses. The religious structures of 
the Dakkorian community still stand today.
The borders of Dakkor are under constant fortification. The ruling 
houses have made aggressive actions against some of the immediate 
neighboring countries. They are reaping easy rewards from the 
unprotected western half of Halgudar and sending small detachments of 
the army into Lindora, to plunder some of their resources. Dakkor does 
not have a shortage of resources, but uses their own to keep up the 
daily provisions of the Elves. They are plundering to support the 
Dakkorian population.
The most serious threat to Dakkor has been the recent defection of the 
head of one of the Lesser Houses. This individual was responsible for 
the Elven Massacres that took place across a large part of Halgudar and 
Rynith. Now under the care of the Elven Nation, this Priest has been 
recounting the history and details of Dakkor’s secret society. He is the
 reason any information is available on Dakkor. The defection of the 
Priest has led to Dakkor’s alliance with the Dark Elves and the 
subsequent declaration of war upon the Elven people. The Greater Houses 
of Dakkor believe that the Elves now threaten the daily existence of 
their society and ways of worship. The Dakkorian society must continue 
to thrive.
The war began in Dakkor’s favor. With the Dark Elves fighting at night and the Dakkorian’s by day, the Elven armies were tiring.
The tide of the war has started to change. A naval blockade in Jannen’s 
Bay has put a choke hold on Dakkor’s supply route from Quivera. The 
Quiveran government has denied the Dakkorian’s permission for their 
armies to travel across their lands, but have not, as of yet, sent 
armies to prohibit them from doing it anyway. The Elven Army has struck a
 serious blow to the forces of Dakkor, by slaying one of their generals.
Dakkor has radically changed in the past ten years since it was first 
learned of their curious and unorthodox practice regarding elves. Civil 
wars, religious and social strife, and neighboring armies extracting 
revenge for years of plundering have forced the once proud and warlike 
nation almost to its knees. Quivera had made progress into the 
southernmost border until trouble with Uragoth to the north pulled them 
back. Halgudar had made progress into the south-eastern border. The 3 
Peaks Accord made considerable progress from the north, progressing 
half-way into Dakkor and through their former capitol.
No longer do they worship the elves, but have returned to a more 
'traditional' pantheon of belief, mostly that of Moere’s worship. Many 
of the citizens have fled to Lindora or Halgudar as unwelcome refugees 
who are met with a 'Now it’s your turn' sort of mentality and hostility.
 Those that hold on to what they have are unified under a sort of 
martial law and shrink further and further to the west, where the 
not-yet-stirring armies of King Ank of Uragoth lie. They have continued 
to hold their own against the 3 Peaks armies for the past few years, 
neither gaining nor losing ground until the mid 500s.
== Present ==
 Dakkor is severely diminished from its’ original size now but is 
returning to normal parameters, having reclaimed a bit of southern land 
from Quivera with the Black Duke’s attention shifted elsewhere by order 
of King Howarth and having pushed back northward against the 3 Peaks. 
Their war with the Elves has long since ended though it's said they are 
still linked to the Drow.
For some time the armies of Urogoth had moved into Dakkor, as that 
Dakkor had briefly become a tributary nation of their monsterous 
neighbors. This led to a civil war in Dakkor which resulted in House 
Urth breaking off and moving primarily into Lindora. Urogoth has since 
then withdrawn their troops and broken any ties, militarily or 
trade-wise. (Needs Update from Andrew E and Dave C)
== Capital ==
 The city of Fimral is the largest city in central Xaria. It encompasses
 every House of Dakkor, from the Greatest to the most Minor. In the 
center of the city is a golden statue of Nae’del, which stares west, 
daring any opposition from Uragoth. It is a city of great worship. 
Gardens and groves are placed throughout. The city streets always carry 
the scent of fresh flowers and sweet air. Many festivals are held in 
honor of The Treasured One all year round.
== Government ==
 Nae’del’s injury brought about the House of Köï and since that time it 
has become the most powerful house in Dakkor. There are 9 Greater Houses
 of Dakkor and together they rule the country. There are over 25 Lesser 
Houses and countless Minor Houses. The power of each individual House is
 based on the number of Elves they keep in sanctuary. While it is 
possible for Houses to change stature from Minor to Lesser and the 
reverse, none have moved up to Greater. There were originally 10 Greater
 Houses, but one house was denounced by the other 9 and then designated a
 Lesser House. It is the House of Urth. The current Greater Houses now 
remain constant.
While every individual House has a place of worship in Fimral, there are
 chapters spread throughout the country. Most of the Lesser and Minor 
Houses did not begin in the city of Fimral, but if they do not have a 
place of worship within the city, the Greater Houses do not recognize 
them.
== Military ==
 Each individual House has its own militia to protect its sanctuaries. 
These men and women are trained on a House by House basis. The House 
that they worship trains them for whatever need they have. The level of 
training depends on the stature of the House (i.e. Greater Houses have a
 more complete and complex art of training), but all men and women have 
to serve in the Dakkorian army and learn the majority of their training 
there.
Dakkoran Contingent, March 497
This army is made up of members of every House. These men and women must
 dedicate a portion of their service to the Dakkorian Army. No House 
affiliation is allowed while serving in the army. House insignias are 
removed from the uniform. This is because of the worship conflicts that 
certain Houses have against one another. With this rule in place, there 
will be no dissension or back stabbing. The penalty is very steep.
The rank system for the military is as follows:
Enlisted (lowest to highest rank): Foot Soldier, Corporal, Sergeant
Officers (lowest to highest rank): Lieutenant, Captain, Major, General
== Religion ==
 Their former religion of Dakkor is the Elf. They must be maintained and
 protected at all costs. This stems back from the injury to Nae’del and 
the formation of the House of Köï. The House provided sanctuary for The 
Treasured One for over two hundred years.
Nae’del’s teachings explained that Elves believe that all things that 
exist in nature should remain protected. The Dakkorians twisted this 
ideal into their own belief. Houses of Dakkor actively seek out new 
Elves to add to their sanctuary. Those Elves enclosed within the Houses 
are referred to as Totems. They are cared for better than kings and 
treated with respect. The totems are treated with a delicate touch. Any 
desecration of a Totem is a capital offense. The Priests believe that 
they are only protecting the essence of the Elves. Dakkorians do not 
consider this to be slavery, but an honor. People from all over Dakkor 
will travel miles to worship in a House and get the chance to see, touch
 or even speak with a Totem.
The stature of a House of Dakkor is dependent upon the number of Totems 
the House has in sanctuary. These Totems do not need to be in one place 
of worship, but under the charge of the Priests of those Houses. A House
 is either designated Greater, Lesser or Minor. To become a House, there
 must be a place of sanctuary in Fimral.
There are nine Greater Houses. These are the ruling Houses of Dakkor (The translation from Elven is in parentheses):
Sul (air)
Déa (day)
Kem (earth)
Näür (fire)
Dhil (moon)
Nu (night)
Anar (sun)
Nén (water)
Köï (life)
House of Köï is the oldest and most powerful. It has retained the controlling vote during its entire existence.
There are over 25 Lesser Houses and countless Minor Houses. The 
designations of these types of Houses shift back and forth as they 
compete for levels of power and recognition from the Greater Houses. 
Below are 25 of the current Lesser Houses:
Oron (bird)
Urth (death)
Lom (dusk)
Moth (evening)
Loth (flower)
Khelek (ice)
Ælin (lake)
Dor (land)
Mel (love)
Hith (mist)
Orod (mountain)
Lin (music)
Ær (ocean)
Düïa (river)
Éar (sea)
Los (snow)
Tüïl (spring)
Lel (star)
Gond (stone)
Sir (stream)
Läïr (summer)
Ald (tree)
Wäï (wind)
Hriv (winter)
Dräüg (wolf)
Just like nature, Houses of Dakkor coexist, but rivalries do exist. Some of them are:
Sul and Kem Déa and Nu
Naür and Nén Anar and Dhil
Köï and Urth
Rivalries in the Lesser and Minor Houses are more caused by the fluctuations in power then being opposed in nature.
The Priesthood of Dakkor is a devoutly religious society. It is an honor
 to dedicate one’s life to the worship and care of the Totems. It is an 
honor for a family to have their children accepted into a House as an 
Acolyte. The progression of a Priest takes many steps. They begin as an 
Acolyte and work their way to becoming an Adept. At this level they 
assist in the daily functions of a sanctuary. After their faith has been
 proven and their dedication to the Totem confirmed, they are designated
 a Priest. After years of worthy service it is possible to become a 
Curate. This is a high honor as the Priest earns the responsibility of 
running a Sanctuary. It is possible for Curates of Lesser and Minor 
Houses to be recognized by Greater Houses. It is then possible to be 
taken into a Greater House. They will retain the title of Priest, but 
that of a Greater House demands more respect. The following two levels, 
Patriarch and High Priest, take a lifetime of service, which is above 
and beyond the call of their faith. The final level is that of 
Chancellor. This is only obtainable by the direct blood descendants of 
that Greater House and there can only be one for each House.
With the fall of the elven culture, the rising worship of Moere has once
 more become the major religion of Dakkor. How many hold to their 
ancient elven ways is unknown.
== Of Interest ==
 Outsiders and visitors to Dakkor are not treated kindly, especially 
under current circumstances. Although information about their society 
has been leaked to the continent, Dakkorians do not appreciate prying 
eyes.
The study of magik which is not Divine is scorned within Dakkor. Those 
who practice the magik without the faith of Elves are subject to 
punishment, banishment or even death in certain cases. If it is 
discovered that a member of a House studies outside their faith, then it
 is possible that they could end up as a sacrifice to appease the 
Dakkorian faith.
The Dakkorians have made no qualms that they are upset about the 
defection of the Curator from the House of Dräüg and have issued a large
 reward for the return of the renegade, Terrel, so that he can be tried 
and punished for the rejection of his faith.
Four large celebrations are thrown each year for the changing of the 
seasons. Dakkorians are reminded how subtle nature is and why it was so 
revered by The Treasured One.
For a short while, the northern borders of Dakkor were fortified with 
the assistance of Ank of Urogoth against Gesni aggression. With the 
breakaway of House Urth, this short-lived agreement came to an end.