The Founding of V'rok'sh Tah'lj (Patreon)

The city of V’rok’sh Tah’lj was founded in the year 3578, when six large orc tribes came together to form one people. While many of its citizens believed that their ancestors migrated west over the Emerald Hills only a few hundred years prior to that, the truth is that orcs of V’rok’sh Tah’lj have been occupying the forests surrounding their city for several thousand years.

Dozens of tribes have risen and fallen over the centuries, many of their names lost to time. Few historical records exist, or were even created during this era. But eventually, as alliances were formed and rivals defeated, the tribes consolidated into the six we know today: Proudhunter, Firesoul, Swiftrunner, Beasttracker, Rageblood, and Woodspirit. With some able to find peace with their neighbors, talk of unification started to be bandied about within certain circles.

However, the two largest factions were still at war - the Proudhunters and Ragebloods. Battles would break out between the two every few days, spilling into every part of the forest. This largely prevented outsiders from making contact or even staying in the area. It became common knowledge to everyone to avoid the easten forests, unless you wanted to get caught between two warring orc tribes.

In the midst of this fighting, many point to the capture of Vakesh Gorecrash as the inciting incident for the eventual Tahlijan unification. Beginning his life with the Proudhunters as a prisoner, he eventually became one of their greatest allies and helped deal a decisive blow against the Ragebloods. Following this victory, Vakesh became romantically linked to a leader of the Proudhunter tribe, Khazak Steelrun. (Please see the journal of Khazak Steelrun for more information on these events.)

Witnessing the formation of such an unlikely alliance, many of the other tribes began to once more consider the possibility of uniting. Those who were pro-unification felt as if the fire had been reignited and were eager to begin spreading the word and their ideas. However, they knew not everyone would be so receptive and that it would take convincing. So Khazak and Vakesh were asked to act as ambassadors.

Following many ignored letters, false starts, and the resolution of some outstanding family drama, leaders and elders from all six tribes eventually agreed to meet and talk. And talk they did. They also argued, a lot. Many of them, particularly the elders, wanted to stick with their old ways. Some spoke of being worried about taking on the burdens of other tribes, while others felt they were strong enough on their own, as they had been until now.

Those for unification pointed out that everyone has their own burdens, and what might be difficult for one tribe may not for another. They also noted that while some tribes were currently doing very well, it was not long ago that they were struggling for survival. Nothing lasts forever, but together they could build something better for the future.

When asked what the alliance would be able to do for all of their people, the idea of a city was proposed. One with large, towering walls to act as a defense and keep out outsiders. They would even take inspiration from the elves, remaining hidden at the center of their land, far from prying eyes. The forests were empty except for them, and they could continue to use their image as a violent and bloodthirsty people to keep them out, no matter how false it had become.

Construction of the wall began in 3577, through a combination of natural spellcasters and expert lumberjacks. As it was being built, orcs began migrating to within its proposed borders, setting up temporary and then more permanent housing as time went on. After the wall, came the Tribal Hall, though it lacked its signature six statues in the front, which would be added several centuries later. This would be the seat of the city's government, which would be run by representatives from each of the six tribes, to be changed out regularly.

With the population continuing to grow, more infrastructure was needed, including homes, business, and other civic infrastructure. The Hall of Honor was one of the first buildings to be completed, and with it came the creation of the position of Tribal Curator, a person tasked with recording the city’s history and other important events. Eventually, a peace keeping force known as the Rangers would be created, as well as a militia tasked with defending the city on the rare chance it should fall under attack.

As the years passed, the city and its people flourished. Still, contact with the outside world was rare, and the people of V’rok’sh Tah’lj began to wonder who and what was out there. Slowly, trade relations would be established with several neighboring cities, including Pakanon, Yasurdi, and Kiz’Urngor. While the leaders of these new allies would be aware of the city’s location, V’rok’sh Tah’lj was still able to maintain its secrecy, which remains to this day. However, with a still-growing population that shows no sign of slowing, there are those who wonder just how much longer that can continue