Region of Flanoruk

Flanoruk is a land where salt flats, high plateaued mountains, and dense jungles collide, creating a region both rugged and beautiful. The vast salt flats stretch across the landscape, offering expansive, open terrain perfect for the training of mounted warriors. The high plateaus rise sharply from the land, providing strategic vantage points for defense and positioning. In contrast, the dense jungles of the lower regions add an element of mystery and danger, with rich wildlife and hidden threats.

History of Flanoruk

Long before the arrival of the Draconians, the land of Flanoruk was once part of the mighty Dwarven kingdom of Kharaz'Drak. Situated in the Kharaz'Khaz Mountains, this empire was a marvel of stone and magic. The dwarves, known for their unrivaled craftsmanship and arcane mastery, built sprawling citadels, forges, and tunnels into the very bones of the earth. Their kingdom was a symbol of prosperity, thriving off abundant forests, rivers, and precious ores. It was an age of industry, where the dwarves' intricate rune-crafting and magical forges powered their civilization to unimaginable heights.

The dwarves were deeply tied to the earth, revering fire, stone, and metal in near-religious devotion. Their legendary works, arcane weapons, magical constructs, and powerful forges, became the cornerstone of their empire. The land flourished under their rule, with cities of gleaming stone and enchanted halls stretching deep within the mountains.

However, the Dwarven empire's glory came to a tragic end, not through foreign conquest, but due to a dark and malevolent force from deep beneath the earth. Long sealed away, an ancient evil known as the Demon of the Deep, possibly a Ballrog or Greater Demon of Fire, had been disturbed by the dwarves' relentless pursuit of power. This primordial evil awakened with a fury unmatched, unleashing magma, fire, and destruction across Kharaz'Drak. The once fertile lands were turned barren, and the great dwarven cities were consumed by molten lava, while earthquakes shattered the very mountains.

Despite their heroic resistance, the dwarves were unable to contain the evil that had been unleashed. The Demon of the Deep and its fiery minions destroyed the heart of Kharaz'Drak, wiping out most of the dwarven race and reducing their once-great kingdom to a lifeless wasteland. The survivors were driven into exile, and the great dwarven empire, a beacon of industry and craftsmanship, was lost to the ages. All that remained were the scorched ruins of their cities, buried beneath molten stone, and the lingering evil that awaited any who dared venture too deep into the mountains.

The Rise of the Draconians

By the time the Draconians arrived in the land, the dwarves had long since vanished. The desolate plains, volcanic wastelands, and ruined cities were all that remained of Kharaz'Drak's former glory. The Draconians, in their quest for a new home, discovered the land of Flanoruk, scarred by the aftermath of the dwarves' fall but rich in resources and promise. The fertile soil once cultivated by the dwarves' ingenuity now stood empty, save for remnants of their abandoned cities and the lingering corruption beneath the earth.

It was amidst this ruined landscape that the Draconians, beings born of dragon's blood and fire, made their home. The Drak'Thullan, as they came to be known, were survivors, forged from the flames of their draconic ancestry and the hardship of their past. The Viraem, those of mixed bloodlines, led the way, forming clans around shared ancestry and the bond of fire. They learned to adapt to the harsh lands, drawing strength from the ruins of the dwarves' former empire and the fire that had nearly consumed it.

In this scorched land, the Draconians found their first mounts: the Riding Lizards, large, agile beasts capable of traversing the vast salt flats, dense jungles, and rugged mountain terrains. These creatures, once wild, were tamed and trained by the Draconians to become companions, partners in war, and symbols of the land's resilience. The bond between rider and mount was more than functional, it was spiritual. The Draconians, having seen the devastation caused by the Demon of the Deep, sought to rebuild their civilization upon the foundation of endurance, strength, and honor.

The Unification of Flanoruk

Around 1500 years ago, the various scattered clans of the Draconians were united under the leadership of a warrior king, Thorvak Flamebinder, a Bozak of unmatched courage and wisdom. Thorvak sought to unite the fractured Draconians into a single kingdom. He saw in Flanoruk's barren lands an opportunity to forge a new legacy, a kingdom rooted in the flames of the past, but tempered with discipline and honor.

Under Thorvak's rule, the Draconians began to rebuild. The salt flats became their training grounds, perfect for honing the skills of mounted warfare. The high plateaus, with their natural fortifications, became the seat of power, and the jungle's mysteries were tamed by those who had mastered survival. The Draconians, guided by the spirits of their ancestors and the fire in their blood, established a new order. The kingdom was built on the ideals of honor, strength, and martial prowess, and the Riding Lizards became synonymous with their culture. They were not just beasts of burden but symbols of their heritage, capable of carrying warriors into battle and serving as steadfast companions in the most unforgiving terrain.

Thorvak's kingdom flourished. The Draconians rebuilt their cities atop the high plateaus, and their military power grew. The Draconians' cavalry, mounted on their trusted Riding Lizards, became legendary across the continent. The warriors of Flanoruk, trained from a young age, mastered the art of mounted combat and became known for their speed, precision, and devastating strikes.

Flanoruk's Place in Drak'Thul

The region of Flanoruk became an integral part of the Kingdom of Drak'Thul, not just for its military might but for the Draconians' unwavering resilience. Its salt flats, plateaus, and jungles were a symbol of the kingdom's endurance, a land that had weathered both the fall of the dwarves and the rebirth of the Draconians.

Though Flanoruk is no longer as dominant as it once was, it remains a key player in the political and military affairs of Drak'Thul. The Riding Lizards continue to serve as mounts for Flanoruk's finest warriors, and the kingdom's warriors remain unmatched in mounted combat. Flanoruk's people, still loyal to the legacy of Thorvak Flamebinder, stand as paragons of endurance, honor, and strength.

Today, Flanoruk is a region of tradition, pride, and power. Its warriors are often called upon in times of crisis to defend the kingdom or represent Drak'Thul in matters of diplomacy and war. The land, though scarred by the past, stands as a testament to the resilience of the Draconians and their unyielding connection to the land that shaped them.

Legacy and Mystery

While Flanoruk's history is marked by both triumph and tragedy, its legacy endures. The remnants of the Dwarven Kingdom of Kharaz'Drak still lie beneath the surface, hidden away in the volcanic depths of the land, filled with forgotten treasures and lost magic. Some say that the Demon of the Deep still slumbers beneath the mountains, waiting for the right moment to return, while others believe that the dwarves' greatest secret, a magical artifact capable of undoing the cataclysm, lies waiting to be uncovered.

The Draconians of Flanoruk, ever watchful, remember the fall of the dwarves and the lessons learned from that dark time. They understand that the land is not just a home, it is a symbol of their past, their endurance, and their unbreakable spirit.

Flanoruk is most famously known for its mastery of mounted combat. The Draconians of this region are the finest cavalry on the continent, trained from a young age to ride the gigantic wingless reptiles known as Riding Lizards. These creatures are larger than most normal mounts, with scaly hides, powerful legs, and a natural affinity for moving swiftly across varied terrain, from the open salt flats to the more treacherous jungles and mountains. The Riding Lizards are strong, fast, and well-trained, able to carry their riders into battle with precision and agility. These beasts are iconic to the culture of Flanoruk, representing both the strength and resilience of the region's people.

The Draconians of Flanoruk are highly resilient, their culture revolves around the idea of endurance, both in battle and life. Flanoruk's warriors are known for their unmatched skill in mounted warfare, their speed, and their ability to strike with perfect precision. They are trained to fight while riding their Riding Lizards, wielding spears, bows, and other weapons with deadly accuracy. Their military tactics are some of the most effective in Drak'Thul, and their cavalry is frequently called upon in times of war or crisis.

The salt flats of Flanoruk are ideal for training. With their wide-open spaces, young warriors practice riding at full speed, honing their combat skills and learning the art of mounted tactics. In these vast plains, the Draconians learn to maneuver in open battlefields, taking advantage of their speed and precision to overwhelm enemies.

Flanoruk's high plateaued mountains serve as both a defensive and strategic advantage. From these heights, the Flanoruk Draconians can spot approaching threats from miles away. Their fortresses are strategically built on the plateaus, allowing them to protect their homeland from invaders. The defenders of Flanoruk use their mounted cavalry to strike swiftly at would-be attackers, using the terrain to their advantage.

The people of Flanoruk are not only warriors but emissaries and envoys to the rest of the kingdom. Due to their reputation for strength and honor, Flanoruk's finest are often sent to represent the Kingdom of Drak'Thul in other lands. Their presence is a symbol of the Draconians' might, and they stand as ambassadors of the kingdom's pride and resilience.

Cultural Significance:

Flanoruk is a region where honor and tradition are deeply ingrained in its people. The mounted warriors are the heart of the culture, and their Riding Lizards are more than just beasts of burden, they are companions, partners, and symbols of the land's pride. Festivals, rituals, and competitive tournaments are often held to celebrate the prowess of Flanoruk's riders. These events not only serve as training but also as a way to honor the legacy of their ancestors and the bonds between the riders and their mounts.

Flanoruk's people value honor above all, and its warriors are often called upon to represent Drak'Thul in matters of diplomacy and war. They are viewed as paragons of discipline, strength, and resilience. The warriors of Flanoruk are not just trained for battle but are deeply connected to the land itself, drawing strength from the salt flats, mountains, and jungle that have shaped them.

Flanoruk Clans

The clans of Flanoruk are fiercely proud, deeply rooted in tradition, and shaped by the harsh landscape of their homeland. Each clan is defined by its unique strengths, values, and history, but all share a common heritage of endurance, resilience, and mastery of mounted combat. While their culture is founded on unity, clan rivalries and pride are ever-present, often manifesting in competitive tournaments and traditions that celebrate the warriors and their Riding Lizards.

1. Clan Ironscale
   Symbol: A black-scaled lizard coiled around a mountain.
   Values: Strength, unyielding endurance, and martial prowess.
   Description: Clan Ironscale is known for their strength in both body and mind. Their warriors are typically larger, more muscular Draconians who train rigorously for hand-to-hand combat as well as mounted warfare. They have a reputation for unwavering loyalty to their homeland and will fight to the death to protect Flanoruk. Ironscale warriors are often seen as the backbone of the Flanoruk military, with many serving as the generals or elite shock troops.
   Specialty: Their Riding Lizards are larger and stronger than others, often carrying heavy armor into battle and charging into the heart of combat without fear.
2. Clan Emberclaw
   Symbol: A flame-wrapped claw.
   Values: Honor, speed, and precision.
   Description: The Emberclaws are the swiftest of Flanoruk's clans, known for their unmatched speed in battle. Their warriors are light-footed and highly skilled in hit-and-run tactics, favoring speed over brute force. They are often regarded as the best cavalry unit in Flanoruk, with their Riding Lizards trained to move with incredible agility, weaving through the battlefield at breakneck speeds. Emberclaws excel in ambushes, skirmishes, and harassing enemy lines.
   Specialty: Their tactics rely on precision and speed, overwhelming enemies with lightning-fast strikes before retreating to strike again, often using bows and spears.
3. Clan Stormrider
   Symbol: A silver lizard beneath a thunderstorm.
   Values: Resilience, endurance, and spiritual connection.
   Description: The Stormriders are a deeply spiritual clan, with many of their warriors acting as both priests and protectors. They hold a special bond with the land's weather, and their Riding Lizards are trained to endure the most extreme environments, including lightning storms, high altitudes, and dense jungle terrain. The Stormriders believe in the power of the storm as a symbol of purification and strength, and their rituals often involve invoking the forces of nature for guidance.
   Specialty: Stormrider warriors are skilled in both battlefield strategy and the magical arts. They often use elemental magic and storm-based tactics to control the flow of battle.
4. Clan Viperfang
   Symbol: A coiled viper surrounded by mist.
   Values: Stealth, deception, and adaptability.
   Description: The Viperfangs are masters of stealth and subterfuge. They are renowned for their ability to strike from the shadows and their proficiency in guerrilla tactics. Viperfang warriors often use the natural terrain to their advantage, blending into their surroundings and waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Their Riding Lizards are smaller and more agile, designed for quick movements through dense jungle and rocky landscapes. Viperfangs are also known for their secretive nature and are often employed as spies or scouts for the greater army.
   Specialty: Ambushes and sabotage. They are particularly skilled in taking down high-value targets using poisoned weapons or magical traps.
5. Clan Ironwind
   Symbol: A wind-swept mountain with a rising lizard.
   Values: Innovation, adaptability, and mastery of all terrains.
   Description: Clan Ironwind is known for their adaptability and mastery of both warfare and survival. Their warriors are trained to endure the harshest conditions, from the blinding salt flats to the treacherous jungles and the towering plateaus. Ironwind warriors are equally skilled at navigating the mountains, riding their Riding Lizards through steep cliffs and across rocky terrain with ease. Ironwind's focus is on versatility, they excel in all forms of mounted combat and are capable of adapting their tactics to any situation.
   Specialty: Ironwind warriors are known for their ability to thrive in diverse environments. Their Riding Lizards are trained for all types of terrain, making them versatile in both combat and scouting missions.
6. Clan Talonstrike
   Symbol: A talon-clad fist gripping a shattered mountain.
   Values: Aggression, courage, and dominance in battle.
   Description: Clan Talonstrike is the most aggressive and battle-hungry of Flanoruk's clans. Known for their brutal and direct approach to warfare, Talonstrike warriors are relentless in their pursuit of victory. They favor heavy weaponry and large Riding Lizards built for combat. Talonstrike is revered for its unbreakable charge, often leading the vanguard in large-scale battles. Their warriors are fearless and often take on the most dangerous tasks, from leading frontal assaults to dueling enemy champions in single combat.
   Specialty: Close-quarters combat, where they rely on their overwhelming strength and the raw power of their Riding Lizards to crush enemies.
7. Clan Frostback
   Symbol: A frozen lizard surrounded by snowflakes.
   Values: Patience, endurance, and tactical planning.
   Description: Clan Frostback is a clan built on patience and calculated strategy. Unlike the impulsive aggression of other clans, the Frostbacks take their time in battle, studying the enemy's movements and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. They are often seen as tacticians and master strategists. Their Riding Lizards are trained to move silently through snowy terrains and ice-covered landscapes, and Frostback warriors are known for their ability to endure long sieges and maintain discipline under pressure.
   Specialty: Strategy and siege warfare, using slow but sure tactics to outlast and overwhelm the enemy in protracted conflicts.

   Cultural Traditions and Rivalries

   While the clans of Flanoruk are united under the banner of the kingdom, each clan fiercely holds to its own traditions, values, and code of honor. Clan rivalries are an integral part of Flanoruk's culture, often settled in ceremonial Riding Lizard races, mounted combat tournaments, or challenges between warriors to prove their strength and skill. These events are highly anticipated and celebrated, and the bonds forged through such traditions help maintain the kingdom's unity despite underlying tensions.

   In times of peace, clan representatives often gather to share wisdom, trade goods, and forge alliances. These gatherings, known as the Riders' Moots, are where major decisions about the kingdom's direction, military strategy, and cultural festivals are discussed. However, despite their mutual respect, the clans rarely forget old grudges and will sometimes compete for control over valuable resources or positions of power within the kingdom.

   Each clan, while distinct in its purpose and philosophy, shares a deep reverence for their homeland's history, the ancient Riding Lizards, and the unbreakable connection between rider and mount. This bond remains central to their identity as warriors and protectors of the land.

Population Breakdown of Flanoruk

Total Population: 760,000 Draconians

• Bozak: 12,000 (1.58%)
• Aurak: 11,500 (1.51%)
• Sivak: 9,500 (1.25%)
• Marun: 8,500 (1.12%)
• Maugh: 7,000 (0.92%)
• Kapak: 6,000 (0.79%)
• Kobaaz: 5,500 (0.72%)
• Ferak: 4,500 (0.59%)
• Adamaaz: 3,000 (0.39%)
• Baaz: 3,200 (0.42%)
• Bahor: 2,800 (0.37%)
• Turak: 2,400 (0.32%)
• Uxin: 2,200 (0.29%)
• Sesk: 1,200 (0.16%)
• Tragg: 1,500 (0.20%)
• Viraem: 634,000 (83.42%)

Cities of Flanoruk:

• Flamurak, Capital of Flanoruk: The capital city, strategically locatedin the jungle at the heart of Flanoruk, known for its military strongholds and impressive Draconian fortresses. Flamurak serves as the political and cultural hub of the region.
• Glunplor: A bustling trade port city at the northern edge of the jungle, Glunplor thrives on commerce, boasting vibrant markets and a unique blend of Draconian and foreign merchants.
• Blonklar: A rugged port city, situated near the edge of the dense jungle, Blonklar is a military outpost that serves as a defensive position against threats from the wilds.
• Frivplink: Known for its scholars and arcane academies, Frivplink is a center of knowledge and magical learning, attracting mages and sages from all over the continent.
• Klivzort: A strategic city, famous for its mining operations and high-quality weapons forged from rare ores found deep within the mountains.
• Drinflorp: A city built into the cliffs, known for its stunning views and its reputation as a haven for adventurers seeking to explore the jungles of Flanoruk.
• Quirplink: A small city known for its role in healing and herbalism. Quirplink is home to many naturalists and skilled apothecaries who provide medicinal services to nearby cities.
• Klivzorp: A trade city that lies at the west coast, Klivzorp is often filled with travelers and diplomats, making it a center for political dealings.
• Thrimplor: A necropolis city, Thrimplor is known for its eerie atmosphere, where the spirits of the fallen are honored through ancient rituals. It is a city filled with ancient tombs, burial grounds, and dark magic.
• Plivklar: A coastal settlement that thrives on fishing and maritime trade. Plivklar has become a key point of trade and naval strength in Flanoruk.
• Grivklonk: A port town, Grivklonk is known for its dangerous but lucrative Deep Sea Fishing.
• Zunplink: A town that specializes in the creation of intricate Draconian crafts. Zunplink is famed for its artisans who produce exquisite weapons, armor, and jewelry.
• Vrospilk: A fortified city located on the edge of the salt flats, Vrospilk is home to a powerful military force that guards the borders of Flanoruk, ensuring its defenses are strong.
• Blorplar: A mystical city where nature and magic coexist. Blorplar is home to druids, shamans, and other practitioners of the natural arts who draw their power from the land.
• Flurplink: A city on the edge of the salt flats, known for its skilled trackers and wilderness survival experts. Flurplink serves as a staging ground for expeditions into the heart of Flanoruk's mountains.
• Zwazik: A quiet city located near the base of the mountains, Zwazik is often used as a resting stop for travelers journeying across the region's difficult terrain.
• Drivklonk: A military city built into a cliffside, Drivklonk is known for its fortifications and strong defensive strategies. It serves as a critical point for defending against invaders from the north.
• Blurnik: A town famous for its work with elemental magic, Blurnik houses a large number of mages who specialize in controlling the forces of nature.
• Flonklar: A city located on the edge of Flanoruk's vast jungle. Flonklar is often the first stop for military units and expeditions into the barren lands beyond.
• Vrospiln: A mountain city, Vrospiln is the key hub for the mining trade. Known for its unique blend of Draconian and merchant culture.

Riding Lizard

Race

Large Reptilian Beast

Type

Non-Magical Animal

Size

Large (16 to 20 feet long, half its length is tail)

Hit Points

46 (6D10 + 12)

SDC (Structural Damage Capacity)

70

Speed

60 ft (running); 30 ft (climbing/walking on surfaces)

Attributes

• Physical Strength (P.S.): 14 (+2 to combat damage)
• Speed (P.P.): 14 (+2 for climbing, agility-based actions)
• Physical Endurance (P.E.): 14 (+3 to save vs. disease, poison)
• Physical Beauty (P.B.): 12 (very utilitarian; more functional than aesthetic)
• Mental Affinity (M.A.): 6 (animalistic instincts; minimal emotional connection)
• IQ: 4 (instinctive behavior, no higher reasoning)
• Speed (SPD): 4 (running, climbing; overall quick, with enhanced reflexes)

Saving Throws

• Toxins and Poisons: +2 to save
• Magic: None (no magical resistance)