The Uprising

## The Uprising (772 AV - 800 AV)

**The Uprising** was a significant era in the history of Venthalia, spanning from 772 AV to 800 AV. It was a massive rebellion led by the enslaved Orc population against their predominantly Human, Dwarven, and Elven masters. The Uprising was initiated by an Orc named Rosul Creech, also known as "the Chainbreaker", who managed to break free from his chains and liberate an entire plantation. This act of defiance sparked a widespread rebellion, leading to the liberation of many slaves and the capture of Highmark, which was renamed Ogg Dungan.

## Background

The enslavement of Orcs in Venthalia has a long and brutal history, tracing back to the time of Ventus the Conqueror. Ventus was a Human from Roy who led the first Human expedition to the continent of Venthalia around 1,127 years ago. With his superior military might and strategic acumen, Ventus managed to subdue the native inhabitants of Venthalia, including the indigenous Orc population. His rule was established over the entire continent in a mere 12 years, marking the beginning of a new era in Venthalia's history. To build his grand hilltop castle, Althea Prone, Ventus decreed the enslavement of Orcs from the Venthalian mountains. This marked the beginning of a systemic and brutal practice of Orcish enslavement that would continue for centuries. The labor of Orcish slaves was used for various large-scale construction projects, including the building of cities, fortresses, and other monumental structures. The Orcs, despite their strength and resilience, were subjected to inhumane treatment and their suffering was largely ignored by the ruling classes.

The brutal enslavement of Orcs continued throughout the history of the Kingdom of Althea, a kingdom established by Ventus' descendants. The Orcs were seen as a source of near free labor, and their rights and freedoms were completely disregarded. Their plight was largely ignored by the ruling classes, who were more interested in maintaining their own power and wealth. The Orcs were treated as property, bought and sold at the whim of their masters, and their lives were marked by hardship and suffering.

## The Rebellion

The Uprising, as it came to be known, began in 772 AV when Rosul Creech, an enslaved Orc, managed to break free from his chains. At the age of 15, Creech led a daring rebellion against his masters, liberating an entire plantation in the process. This act of defiance was unprecedented and it sparked a widespread rebellion among the enslaved Orc population. News of Creech's breakout spread like wildfire among the slave communities, inspiring others to rise against their masters. Creech's original breakout marked the beginning of a rebellion that would change the course of history in Venthalia. The Chainbreaker's mission was not just to free himself, but to liberate all Orcs from the chains of slavery. He believed in the inherent right of all beings to live free from oppression and cruelty. Following his escape, Creech adopted the name "Rosul", a name he took from the first human he killed at the plantation. This act of self-identification was not just a personal choice, but a political statement. He encouraged other Orcs to adopt first and last names, in an effort to establish themselves as free people, not property. Rosul Creech bravely led daring raids on shipyards, plantations, and slave breeding camps, freeing thousands of slaves, thus further growing his army.

In 773 AV, a year after the start of the Uprising, Orcish freedom fighters staged a mass riot in Highmark. The freed slaves brutally killed and enslaved their previous masters, effectively demolishing the leadership in Highmark. The centuries-old city, originally built by Orcish slaves, was renamed to "Ogg Dungan". The fall of Highmark was a crucial turning point for the Kingdom, and is generally considered by historians as the end of the 1st Slave Trade, and the start of the 2nd Slave Trade.

The path of the Uprising took a mysterious turn around 795 AV, when Rosul Creech disappeared from recorded history. His fate remains unknown to this day, and all that is known for sure is that the Chainbreaker was nowhere to be found by 800 AV. His disappearance left a void in the leadership of the Uprising, and his absence was deeply felt by the Orcish population and the freedom fighters. Despite his disappearance, his legacy lived on, inspiring future generations to continue the fight for freedom and equality.

## Aftermath

The Uprising had a profound impact on the Kingdom of Althea and the wider continent of Venthalia. In response to the rebellion, King Ardem III, who ascended the throne at the age of 14 in 799 AV, made a monumental decision. In 800 AV, he outlawed slavery in all forms within the Kingdom. This was a significant achievement, marking a new era of freedom and equality for the Orcish population. The King offered former slaves full citizenship and status as royal subjects within the Kingdom. This was a significant shift in policy, reflecting the changing attitudes towards slavery and the recognition of the Orcs' rights and freedoms.

However, the king's offer was met with skepticism and resistance from the Orcs. Few accepted this proposal, viewing it as too little, too late. The ongoing conflict and dissatisfaction among the Orcs led to the formation of the Great Fleet of Klans in 800 AV. This new faction, predominantly composed of Orcs, emerged as a powerful force in the aftermath of the Uprising. The Great Fleet of Klans officially commenced a war that persists to this day, capturing and enslaving Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Gnomes, Baagians, and other races. They controlled significant portions of the eastern coast of Venthalia and numerous islands off the coast, marking a new chapter in the history of Venthalia.

## Legacy

The Uprising marked the end of the brutal enslavement of Orcs and led to significant changes in the political and social landscape of the continent. The rebellion also led to the formation of the Great Fleet of Klans, a powerful and notorious faction of slaver pirates predominantly composed of Orcs. This faction has been waging war against the Kingdom of Althea and other factions ever since. The current Pirate Lord of the Great Fleet of Klans is Cathryn Jadeye, a ruthless and cunning Human who was once a slave concubine herself.

Despite the challenges and hardships faced by the Orcs during the Uprising, their struggle for freedom and equality has left a lasting legacy. The Uprising is a testament to their resilience and determination, and it serves as a powerful reminder of their struggle for freedom and equality. The rebellion has also had a significant impact on the Kingdom of Althea, leading to major changes in its policies and attitudes towards slavery.