Angarak

Lore & Background

For centuries, the Angaraks have functioned as the earthly stronghold of Torak's influence. While other nations struggle with internal politics or worship Aldur, the Angaraks maintain a singular focus on ensuring the dark god's will is enacted across the continents. This devotion permeates every aspect of their society, from the training of their warriors to the rituals performed by their Grolim priesthood. The Angaraks are divided into distinct kingdoms—Murgos, Thulls, Nadraks—each with its own territory and independent rule, not subject to the Mallorean Emperor. The High Priests of Torak include Ctuchik at Rak Cthol and Urvon in Mallorea, while Zandramas is a Grolim priestess who plays a specific role in the Malloreon prophecy, not a permanent title. Their magic is potent but dangerous, drawn from the same source as their faith. Despite their power, the Angaraks remain isolated by geography and ideology, constantly seeking to expand their dominion or sabotage the prophesied destiny of the Malloreans and other peoples.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the frozen plains, carrying the scent of iron and old snow. A legion of Angaraki warriors stood in silent formation, their armor gleaming dully under a pale sun. At the front, cloaked figures chanted low prayers to the shadow that never sleeps. They did not fight for gold or glory; they fought because the Dark God commanded it. As the drums began to beat, the ground trembled beneath heavy boots, marching toward a destiny written in blood and starlight.

Reader's Guide

The political structure of Angarak is a theocratic monarchy where kings rule alongside powerful priesthoods dedicated to Torak. Leadership remains absolute, with dissent rarely tolerated within the borders due to strict religious enforcement. Their primary goal involves maintaining the dominance of their deity and ensuring that the Malloreon prophecy does not succeed in its intended form against them. Military strength relies heavily on disciplined heavy infantry, cavalry units, and chariot warfare suited for northern terrain. They are known for utilizing sorcery alongside conventional arms to gain tactical advantages over southern foes. Internal conflicts usually stem from power struggles between secular kings and religious leaders like Zandramas, though these rarely fracture the kingdom entirely due to their shared faith. Resources are managed strictly for war efforts, leaving little for civilian luxury compared to southern kingdoms. Their economy supports a standing army ready to deploy at short notice across the frozen lands. Despite this cohesion, external pressure from allied nations often forces them into defensive postures or aggressive preemptive strikes against potential threats to Torak's grand plan.

Did You Know?

• Zandramas is a Grolim priestess who becomes the Child of Dark in the Malloreon prophecy, not a permanent High Priestess of Angarak.
• The Angaraks' primary territories on the western continent include Cthol Murgos, Gar og Nadrak, and Mishrak ac Thull, each independent of the Mallorean Emperor.
• The northernmost kingdom in the known world is Cherek on the western continent, not Angarak.
• Angarak warriors vary by kingdom: Murgos favor heavy cavalry, Thulls use infantry, and Nadraks are known for light cavalry.
• They actively seek to manipulate or halt the Malloreon prophecy.