Bhol (Bowl)

Introduction:

The Bhol Region of the Orc Domain is the northern most region between Labrukk and the Elven Kingdom of Onarion. Bhol is named after its founder Lord Bhol Zarakos who drove back the goblins of the Deepwood. In modern times the Bhol region is the most militaristic and aggressive amongst the Orc Domain. For many years Bhol has engaged in border skirmishes with the Elves to the east. The Orc Nobles of the Bhol region openly proclaim their intentions to become Archon, but none have been able to claim the Heavenly Throne since the fall of the last Archon.

History:

The goblins that call the Deep Wood home once ruled over the entire northern coast line of Utican, down to the Celestial Mountains. When the Helenistic forces first came to Utican, diplomacy was attempted in an effort to invite the goblins into the fold. However, these goblins refused and declared a divine pox upon Helena. The goblins choose to deliver this message by sending the heads of a dozen envoys back to the Helena chief diplomat. Each head had the symbol of their evil god, Maglubiyet, carved into the forehead. From that point on the goblins of Utican were declared an enemy of the state and all civilized people.
When the Helenistic forces withdrew from Utican, the Orc led peoples that stayed behind continued this policy toward the goblins. This culminated in the Goblin Wars fought by a coalition force of Orcs, Humans, Dwarves, Halflings, and other ancestries against the Goblins. The coalition was led by the greatest warrior of the time, Bhol Zarakos. While the goblins were led by the goblin Witchking Braas Orcbane. The war lasted several years with the coalition forces fielding superior fighters and commanders but the goblins fielding much larger armies. The climatic battle occurred at the Crimson River. The coalition forces outnumbered five to one by the goblins used a series of clever bridges and a hidden force that approached from the east to flank the goblins. The battle was bloody and many died on each side but at the end of the fighting Bhol Zarakos and his personal guard had reached the Witchking and returned with his crown of bones. The surviving goblin forces fled to the Deep Wood or to underground hideouts. The victorious coalition forces claimed the region stretching to the northern coast and named Bhol Zarakos, Lord Zarakos of the newly formed Bhol Region.
Following the victory in the Goblin Wars, Lord Zarakos held a massive celebration at the site of the future capitol, Citadel. During this feast many stories were told, honors given, and drinks shared. The many ancestries that made up the coalition celebrated as one. Some onlookers mused that such untiy had not been seen since the time of Helena.
The people of the Bhol region turned their efforts to building their capital of Arkrag and keeping the remaining Goblin forces in check. The people of Bhol successfully drove the Goblins underground or into the deepest recesses of the Deep Wood that borders the Celestial Mountain and Labrukk. On the day Zarakos Keep was completed in Arkrag, Lord Bhol Zarakos died and was succeeded by his son Vakk Zarakos. Vakk Zarakos was the first to unite the Orc Nobles and claim the title of Archon. He did this after discovering heavenly throne and the mysterious citadel of Architis. It is believed that Vakk was guided to uncover the holy city by a celestial Throne Archon in an effort to reignite the Helena Empire through the Orc Domain.
During the Endless Strife the Orc Lords of Bhol have made a practice of declaring their intention to be named Archon. This declaration is often made as part of the Orc Lords ascension to Lordship. In the long absence of an Archon and the focus on capturing the Heavenly Throne, the goblins were able to reestablish a strong holding in the Deepwood and northern crags of the Celestial Mountain. Now there is a threat of a new Goblin King or Queen uniting the goblins under their banner. This unchecked threat has created a crisis for the current ruler Lord Orgoth Zarakos that he has contended with throughout his long rule.

Religion:

The people of Bhol venerate gods of war, strength, conflict, and resilience. The most prominent gods amongst the Bhol region are Gruumsh, Tempus, and Tyr. The people refer to these three as the Gods of Glory and pray to them daily for strength against the threats faced by Bhol. Within Citadel the worship of the Gods of Glory is centered at a grand temple known as the Bastion. Within priests and clerics of the three give sermons, provide tactical and strategic advice, offer martial training, and hold competitions of strength and martial prowess. The priesthood of the Gods of Glory also administer the Citadel Proving Grounds, an arena on the outskirts of town where gladiatorial games are held.

Politics:

Like all the regions of the Orc Domain, Bhol is ruled by an Orc Noble House. In Bhol, the ruling House is House Zarakos. Unlike the other Orc Noble Houses, House Zarakos practices patrilineal succession. In other words the oldest son or closest male relative inherits the title of Lord Zarakos. This has resulted in the line of House Zarakos moving to somewhat distant relatives when the main family line is stricken by tragedy or otherwise fails to have male children. Between the founding of Bhol and the modern age, the title of Lord Zarakos has been inherited by an uncle, cousin, nephew, or adopted male a total of ten times. This has led some historians to argue that House Zarakos died out long ago. Critics of Lord Orgoth Zarakos, especially those from other regions, often use this as an insult.

Commerce:

The people of Bhol are very well armed due to the abundance of iron coming from the seemingly endless deposits in the Ironside Mines. The mines were founded by the Molteneye Dwarven clan at the begining of the Endless Strife. Since the founding of the mines the iron reserves of Bhol have overflowed and the kingdom has financed its military through the taxation of iron. Because the mines are so critical to the prosperity of Bhol, the Molteneyes have maintained prominent positions in Bhol and within the courts of the Zarakos Orc Lords.

Bhol: General Features

• Government: Noble State
• Current Ruler: Lord Orgoth Zarakos
• Important Personage: Grand Champion Fenwick, Knight Lord Grask Bran, Foreman Gaz Molteneyes
• Capital: Arkrag
• Towns and Villages: Delbuth, Ironside, Midwood
• Notable Places: Bastion, Delbuth's Wall, Ironside Mines, The Proving Grounds, Zarakos Keep
• Region Type: Jungle and Coast
• Religion: Gruumsh, Tempus, and Tyr, collectively known as the Gods of Glory
• Trade Goods: Cattle, Fish, Horses, Iron, and Lumber

Type

Region

Location under

Orc Domain

Owner/Ruler

Lord Orgoth Zarakos

Ruling/Owning Rank

Orc Noble

Owning Organization

The Eupatridae