Introduction
The Choruki River is a tropical river delta locatedin Southern Oloris, surrounded by dense rainforests and in the far east, the towering mountain ranges of the Lower Arching Mountains. The river itself is wide and slow-moving, with a muddy bottom and banks lined with thick vegetation.
The Southern Delta Olorians are a peaceful and industrious people who have lived along the Choruki River for centuries, they are often looked upon by the 'High River Olorians' as the poorer relations of the wider Olorian people. They rely on the river for their livelihood, fishing for a variety of species and farming the fertile land along its banks. The Olorians are known for their intricate woven baskets and brightly colored textiles, which they trade with other communities in the region.
The Choruki River is home to a diverse array of creatures, both friendly and fearsome. Spotted jaguars and colorful parrots can be found in the rainforests, while crocodiles and giant otters swim in the river's shallows. The Olorians coexist with the rich fauna and flora of the land and the water, often worshipping them as deities and incorporating their images into their art and rituals.
Olorian identity is deeply connected with nature, in ways that other people across Aestis, such as Mill Landers or Veskans have long since lost.
However, the Choruki River is not without its dangers. Flash floods and landslides are common during the rainy season, and travelers must be cautious of treacherous rapids and waterfalls. In addition, the rainforests are home to all manner of venomous snakes and spiders, as well as territorial primate humanoids, the Raaka, and other warrior creatures.
Despite these challenges, the Choruki River is a vibrant and vibrant place, full of life and adventure. Whether adventurers are seeking to trade with the Olorians, hunt for treasure in the rainforests, or brave the dangers of the river itself, there are many reasons for outsiders to cross the waters and mangrove swamps.
Mortuki
Mortuki the Black Fish is a malevolent river spirit that dwells deep in the Choruki River. According to legend, Mortuki was once a powerful Olorian shaman who became consumed by greed and envy. In a fit of rage, he cursed the Choruki River and all who lived along its banks, vowing to punish any who dared to defy him.
As punishment for his treachery, the spirits of the river transformed Mortuki into a giant, black fish, forever doomed to dwell in the muddy depths of the Choruki. Despite his monstrous form, Mortuki is said to possess great intelligence and magical powers, using them to manipulate and deceive those who dare to enter his domain.
There are many scholars that believe Mortuki has an entirely different origin and suspect that as an evil presence he predates even the lost worlds of the Fey.
Mortuki is feared and reviled by the Olorians, who believe that he is responsible for many of the river's disasters and misfortunes. They tell stories of how Mortuki has lured travelers and fishermen to their doom, dragging them beneath the water and consuming them whole. Some even claim that Mortuki has the power to control the weather, causing storms and floods to punish those who displease him.
Despite his malevolent reputation, Mortuki is a cunning and elusive spirit, and few have ever encountered him and lived to tell the tale. Those who do venture into the depths of the Choruki River do so at great risk, for Mortuki is a powerful and vengeful foe, with a special hatred for those who seek to exploit the natural resources of the river or harm its inhabitants.
According to legend, Mortuki the Black Fish has been responsible for many misfortunes and disasters along the Choruki River. Some of the evil things he is said to have done include:
- Luring travelers and fishermen to their doom: Mortuki is said to be able to mimic the calls of lost loved ones and lure people into the water, where he drags them beneath the surface and consumes them whole.
- Causing floods and storms: Some believe that Mortuki has the power to control the weather, and that he uses this power to punish those who displease him. In times of drought, he is said to hold back the rain, causing the crops to wither and the people to suffer. In times of plenty, he is said to unleash devastating storms and floods, destroying homes and sweeping away entire villages.
- Enslaving the spirits of the dead: Some say that Mortuki has the power to bind the spirits of the dead to his will, forcing them to do his bidding even after death. These ghostly servants are said to haunt the banks of the Choruki, carrying out Mortuki's dark commands and spreading fear and despair among the living.
- Preying on the weak and vulnerable: Mortuki is said to be particularly fond of preying on those who are lost, injured, or otherwise vulnerable. He is said to lure these victims into the water with false promises of help or protection, only to turn on them once they are within his grasp.
- Overall, Mortuki is depicted as a malevolent and vengeful spirit, with a special hatred for those who seek to exploit the natural resources of the Choruki River or harm its inhabitants. He is a powerful and dangerous foe, and few dare to challenge him or seek to oppose his will.
Shadowcatcher
Shadow Catcher, an evil Vowbinder who has been trapped in Damnation is believed to have returned to his old haunts along the river. He is a powerful and dangerous individual who is planning his revenge on the Olorian chief Kantar who recently defeated him:
Plotting to overthrow the Olorians
Shadow Catcher may be seeking to gain power and control over the people of the Choruki River, and could be plotting to overthrow the Olorians and seize control of the region. He might be using his magical powers to manipulate and deceive the Olorians, or forming alliances with other powerful individuals or groups in order to further his own ends.
Attempting to summon powerful spirits or monsters: As an evil magician who has been to the cursed realm of Damnation, Shadow Catcher may have access to powerful spirits or monsters that could be used to further his own goals. He might be attempting to summon these beings to the Choruki River, either to serve as his allies or to do his bidding.
Plotting to release a powerful curse: Shadow Catcher may be seeking to unleash a powerful curse upon the Choruki River, either as a means of furthering his own goals or simply for the sake of causing destruction and chaos. This curse could take any number of forms, from a plague that wipes out the Olorians to a magical disaster that devastates the region.
Using magic to manipulate the weather: Shadow Catcher may be attempting to use his magical powers to manipulate the weather, either to punish those who oppose him or to further his own goals. He could be causing droughts or storms, or using his powers to control the flow of the Choruki River itself.
The Jaraki have discovered Shadowcatcher
For centuries, a truce between the Jaraki and the Olorians has held, ever since they allied to defeat the Ghothar invaders and end the slaving raids that the Ghothars and Veskans carried out from the north. Whilst there are relatively good relations between the two peoples, communications are still sometimes tense and there is often suspicion between both sides. The Jaraki have learned of Shadowcatcher's return and have sent emmisaries to Kantar, who has now become chief of the entire lower Choruki delta, a region known as Chanhari.
It is likely that the Olorians will be hesitant to trust the Jaraki, given the history of conflict between the two groups.
However, the fact that the Jaraki are seeking to warn the Olorians about Shadowcatcher may be seen as a sign of good faith. The Jaraki's willingness to ally with the Olorians against the Ghothars in the past is a powerful indicator that there are still bonds between the two peoples.
In this situation, it may be up to the Olorians to decide whether or not to trust the Jaraki. They may choose to listen to the Jaraki's warning and take action to protect themselves and their community, or they may choose to remain suspicious and cautious, fearing that the Jaraki may have ulterior motives. Ultimately, the Olorians will have to weigh the risks and benefits of trusting the Jaraki, and make the best decision for their community.
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