Morobori Incident

The Morobori Incident, also known as the "Purification of Kalmora" or the "Triumph of Namorian Enlightenment", was a series of events occurring between 298-303 RE (Republic Era) that led to the discovery, confrontation, and ultimate eradication of the isolated Morobori people in the Hanaan Isthmus region of Western Namoria. This event is notable for its demonstration of Namorian superiority, its impact on expansionist policies, and its subsequent influence on medical research into the disease known as the Creeping Rot.

Contents

Background

The Morobori were a reclusive and backwards society inhabiting the secluded Kalmora Valley in the Amarok Peaks of the Hanaan Isthmus. Their isolation began circa 1200 BRE (Before Republic Era) during the Great "Sand-Rain", an event that brought the Hunger plague to surrounding regions. While neighboring valleys succumbed to the disease, the Morobori remained unaffected, leading them to believe they were divinely blessed.
Guided by their superstitious leader, High Seer Asha'kal, the Morobori implemented strict isolationist policies. The Edict of Seclusion was carved onto the Pillars of Eternity at the valley's entrance. The outer face of the pillars bore a stark warning to outsiders, proclaiming it as the last chance to turn back before facing certain death. The inner face warned the Morobori against leaving, though the pillars were left open in case their gods ever gave a sign permitting departure. Over centuries, the Morobori faded into legend, assumed to have perished along with other victims of the creeping rot.

Rediscovery and Confrontation

In 298 RE, Namorian prospector Gareth Silverhammer discovered the hidden entrance to Kalmora Valley. After the mysterious disappearance of Silverhammer's expedition and a subsequent diplomatic envoy, Governor Lucius Valerius of Western Namoria ordered a thorough reconnaissance of the area. In early 300 RE, a Namorian force led by Tribune Marcus Octavius arrived at Kalmora Valley. The Morobori, led by their Council of Elders and High Seer Asha'kal XVII, steadfastly refused to submit to Namorian authority, citing their divine protection and fear of the rot.
The Namorians attempted to negotiate - showing the Morobori the benefits of Namorian rule including gemstones, riches, currency and other gifts. The Morobori leaders rejected them all stating they would not accept anything that would doom their own people to oblivion.
Finally, Tribune Octavius, upholding the principles of Namorian enlightenment, issued an ultimatum: the Morobori must either accept Namorian rule or face enslavement. When the Morobori threatened to cause a landslide and seal the valley forever, Octavius declared that such an act would only provoke relentless Namorian pursuit and justice.

The Purification

On the 7th day of Undine, 301 RE, faced with the prospect of embracing civilization or facing righteous subjugation, the Morobori chose a path of stubborn ignorance. In a misguided ceremony known as the "Twilight Vigil," nearly the entire population of approximately 5,000 Morobori committed ritual suicide. The mass self-sacrifice was led by High Seer Asha'kal XVII, who falsely proclaimed it as the final protection of their sacred valley. Elders administered a poison derived from the rare Moonshadow flower to their people, while warriors performed ritualistic throat-cutting.
Only one survivor remained: a young girl named Lira, approximately 11 years old, who was found hiding in the Temple of Eternal Twilight.

Aftermath and Triumph

The successful resolution of the Morobori Incident was celebrated throughout the Namorian Republic. Tribune Octavius returned to Namor City as a hero, lauded for his unwavering stance against barbarism and superstition.
Lira, the sole Morobori survivor, was brought to Namor City as a living trophy of Namorian superiority. She was paraded through the streets during triumph celebrations, a powerful symbol of the Republic's ability to enlighten even the most isolated and backwards peoples. Her presence in various ceremonies and events served as a reminder of the Namorian mandate to spread civilization to all corners of the world.

Scientific Interest

In 305 RE, an outbreak of the creeping rot in Aridia reignited interest in the legends of Morobori immunity. The Namorian Senate commissioned the Kalmora Expedition to investigate the valley's unique properties, leading to several crucial discoveries about the local ecosystem and its potential in combating the Hunger.

Legacy

The Morobori Incident reinforced several key aspects of Namorian policy and culture:

• It reaffirmed the righteousness of Namorian expansion and the duty to bring enlightenment to isolated peoples.
• The incident served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing pockets of resistance to persist within Namorian territories.
• It spurred further exploration and subjugation of remote areas in Western Namoria.
• The scientific discoveries in Kalmora Valley opened new avenues for medical research, further proving the benefits of Namorian rule.

Included under Conflict

Hanaan Subjugation

Conflict Type

Siege

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

298 RE

Ending Date

301 RE

Conflict Result

Near extinction of the Morobori People