Ofir

Ofir or Ofier is a landmass in the region known to Nordlings as "beyond the seas" near Zangvebar, south of Nilfgaard. It consisted of various fallen empires, kingdoms and tribes, which were unified by malliqs before the 1270s.
Not counting trade in hubs like Novigrad or Cidaris, Ofir rarely has any contact with the Northern Kingdoms and remains largely unknown there.

## Origin

### Legendary Origin

Apart from advanced areas, Ofir includes primitive tribes which still recount bygone eras in tales. One such myth tells of a time when sky and steppe fell in love and gave birth to the first mare. This mare, seeing how weak humans are falling prey to dangers, began to nurse them. They fed on her milk until growing strong enough to saddle her, becoming warriors. This is why Ofiri value horses highly and call them "noblest among all beasts".

### Arrival

The first humans that set foot onto Ofir were the Ramaadi, which back then were known as the Ophari (the ashen gray). They settled onto this new land and named it Ophir (from an old word for earth/soil), which over time naturally turned into the modern word Ofir. More tribes soon joined them, which lead to the original settlers to dub themselves the Ramaadi, the Ofiri becoming a term for all that dwell within the borders. The two largest tribes that joined with the Ramaadi were the Fanila and the Bahhari, the former known for their lighter skin complexion and blue/green eyes and the latter being drawn to the sea and becoming excellent shipwrights. The tribes mixing gave birth to the group known as Abnari, those of mixed heritage.

### Fragmented Realm

During the rich history of Ofir, many empires rose and fell, succeeded by rich kingdoms. At one point, a crew of Skellige pirates led by infamous Yustianna repeatedly raided both Zangvebar and Ofir before returning home with the loot.

Eventually, the realms of Ofir became more or less unified under the rule of malliqs.

## Geography & Climate

Inhabitants describe it as a land of vast steppes, forbidding mountains, untouched wildernesses and crystal-clear lakes and it is populated by striped horses, camels, elephants, tigers and cobras.

The weather in Ofir is much warmer and sunnier, creating a very different fauna such as legendary white horses with black stripes. The sky has a different shade, apparently less colorful in comparison with the North.

## Economy

Despite the distance, Ofir trades with Northern Kingdoms via the marine mercantile route. The refinement of their products (e.g. decorated weapons, silk clothes, precious jewels, vases, spices, and carpets) makes them valuable and sought-after goods. Ofiris tamed various animals native to their land such as tigers, elephants and eagles. They decorated their animals like their tigers with gold and jewelry. They are also one of the providers of Opiates to the North.

## Demographics

The empire is diverse in the range of people which are remarkably tolerant towards each other and foreigners. Ofir is home to mages, medics, mathematicians, and philosophers along with regular fighting forces and peasants. Ofiris usually like to cover their heads with turbans and chaperones. High-ranking soldiers wear pointed golden helmets.

While many tribes/ethnic groups exist, four are known as the most impactful.

* Ramaadi
* Fanila
* Bahhari
* Abnari

## Culture

Of all values, Ofiris hold honor in the highest esteem. Swearing upon honor is a serious promise, and they'll go to great lengths to not fail. One's honor can also rise if they undertake a risky task backed by glorious intent. Examples of such are discoveries, explorations or knowledge-expanding. Many Ofiri wear bracelets with runes meant to bring good luck inscribed on them. The king is known to keep several concubines, who wear typical harem outfits.

## Religion

Lands of Ofir have different deities and beliefs, depending on the region. They believe that important matters should be discussed outdoors with gods for witnesses. In contrast to the Northern Realms, the faith doesn't conflict science, and many clerics are great scholars valued by people for wisdom.

In one Ofiri region, a monotheistic cult centered on deity called just God is popular. His clergy, the Runewrights, believes God speaks through symbols which humans are able to interpret only as imperfect runes, glyphs, and other signs. All magic is said to come from this being. As the cult is pantheistic, its followers view God as both the creator of and the world itself who never ceases to expand. Some faithful go deeper, preferring the term "Universe".

## Locations

* Assar
 -> Ar-Batuul Qasr
* Madrasat Alsishar
* Crescent Moon Valley
 -> Dumdanial

## Local Fauna

* Wild Elephants
* Cobras
* Camel Breeds
* Ofieri Stallion ( Horse Breed )
* Tiger
* Unicamel
* War Elephants
* Zebra

## Local Monsters

* Brown dragon
* Gigascorpion
* Medusa
* Roc
* Djinn
* Tannin
* Vypper

## Trivia

* Article based on canon, expanded with the help of SMiki.
* Losely inspired by the fanon article of the same name, but not canonically tied to it in any way.