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|COA = COA Ofir.svg |
|COA = COA Ofir.svg |
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|Aka = Ofier<ref name="HoS" /> |
|Aka = Ofier<ref name="HoS" /> |
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+ | |Government_type = Monarchy |
|Status = Set of various kingdoms under a [[Malliq|single ruler]] |
|Status = Set of various kingdoms under a [[Malliq|single ruler]] |
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|Ruler = [[Nibras]] |
|Ruler = [[Nibras]] |
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+ | |Official_language = [[Ofiri tongue]]<br>few other unknown languages<ref name="HoS" /> |
|Demonym = Ofiri<br>Ofieri |
|Demonym = Ofiri<br>Ofieri |
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| − | | |
+ | |Religion = [[#Religion|Ofiri pantheon]]<ref name="HoS" /> |
}}'''Ofir''' or '''Ofier''' is a landmass in the region known to [[Nordling]]s as "[[beyond the seas]]" near [[Zangvebar]],<ref name="SoD">{{SoD}}</ref> south of the [[Nilfgaardian Empire]]. It consisted of various fallen empires, kingdoms and tribes, which were unified by [[malliq]]s before the 1270s.<ref name="HoS">{{HoS}}</ref> |
}}'''Ofir''' or '''Ofier''' is a landmass in the region known to [[Nordling]]s as "[[beyond the seas]]" near [[Zangvebar]],<ref name="SoD">{{SoD}}</ref> south of the [[Nilfgaardian Empire]]. It consisted of various fallen empires, kingdoms and tribes, which were unified by [[malliq]]s before the 1270s.<ref name="HoS">{{HoS}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 04:27, 16 April 2019
Ofir or Ofier is a landmass in the region known to Nordlings as "beyond the seas" near Zangvebar,[2] south of the Nilfgaardian Empire. It consisted of various fallen empires, kingdoms and tribes, which were unified by malliqs before the 1270s.[1]
Not counting trade in hubs like Novigrad or Cidaris, Ofir rarely has any contact with the Northern Kingdoms and remains largely unknown there.
History
Legends of origin
Apart from advanced areas, Ofir includes primitive tribes which still recount bygone eras in tales. One such myth tells of a time when sky and steppe fell in love and gave birth to the first mare. This mare, seeing how weak humans are falling prey to dangers, began to nurse them. They fed on her milk until growing strong enough to saddle her, becoming warriors. This is why Ofiri value horses highly and call them "noblest among all beasts".
Fragmented realm
During the rich history of Ofir, many empires rose and fell, succeeded by rich kingdoms.[1] At one point, a crew of Skellige pirates led by infamous Yustianna repeatedly raided both Zangvebar and Ofir before returning home with the loot.[3]
Eventually, prior to the 1270s, the realms of Ofir became more or less unified under the rule of malliqs.
Nibras' reign
In 1272, Malliq Nibras entrusted his loyal merchant Dulla kh'Amanni with diagrams for a fantastic gear. He was supposed to present them to local ruler, King Radovid V, as a gift, possibly to establish diplomatic relations. He sent his son as well, Prince Sirvat, to marry a Nordling wife, but that went rather badly.[1]
National Emblems
Emblems displayed are based on Ofieri shields in Hearts of Stone expansion and The Witcher Role-Playing Game.
Geography
Royal Palace complex and surroundings with a typical Ofiri city in the background
Ofir lies south of Nilfgaard and the southern edge of the Continent[4] in the area known as beyond the seas[2] though some Nordling scholars including Markus Hohlenberg believe Nilfgaard and the Far South are one landmass due to an isthmus made up of deserts and savannas.[5] Inhabitants describe it as a land of vast steppes, forbidding mountains, untouched wildernesses and crystal-clear lakes.[1]
Climate
The weather in Ofir is much warmer and sunnier, creating a very different fauna such as legendary white horses with black stripes.[2] The sky has a different shade, apparently less colorful in comparison with the North.[1]
Economy
Despite the distance, Ofir trades with Northern Kingdoms via the marine mercantile route.[6] The refinement of their products (e.g. decorated weapons, silk clothes, precious jewels, vases, spices, and carpets) makes them valuable and sought-after goods. In 1272, they also introduced the mysterious arcana of runewrighting to Nordlings.[1]
Demographics
Different people of Ofir in royal palace gardens
The empire is diverse in the range of peoples which are remarkably tolerant towards each other and foreigners.[7] Most of them live in great cities like Dulla's hometown which would, according to him, make the City of Golden Towers seem dull in comparison. This city is an enclave of mages, medics, mathematicians, and philosophers. Ofiris usually like to cover their heads with turbans and chaperones. High-ranking soldiers wear pointed golden helmets.[1]
Notable people
For the main article, see Malliq.
Monarchs
For a full list, see Category:Ofiris.
Culture
Of all values, Ofiris hold honor in the highest esteem. Swearing upon honor is a serious promise, and they'll go to great lengths to not fail. One's honor can also rise if they undertake a risky task backed by glorious intent. Examples of such are discoveries, explorations or knowledge-expanding.
Religion
Lands of Ofir have different deities and beliefs, depending on the region. They believe that important matters should be discussed outdoors with gods for witnesses. In contrast to the Northern Realms, the faith doesn't conflict science, and many clerics are great scholars valued by people for wisdom.
In one Ofiri region, a monotheistic cult centered on deity called just God is popular. His clergy, the Runewrights, believes God speaks through symbols which humans are able to interpret only as imperfect runes, glyphs, and other signs. All magic is said to come from this being. As the cult is pantheistic, its followers view God as both the creator of and the world itself who never ceases to expand.[1] Some faithful go deeper, preferring the term "Universe".[8]
Trivia
- In the Bible, Ofir is the land from which King Solomon received a cargo of gold every three years. Researchers identify it as either present-day Yemen, Afar region in East Africa, Rajasthan India or fabled land.
- In Warriors of God, Andrzej Sapkowski shows his belief it lied in Afar, south of Nubia and Kush.
- CD Projekt based the depiction of Ofiris on few different middle-eastern cultures.[9]
- Notable influences are Ottoman, Persian and Arabic. Furthermore, runewright's description of his profession shows resemblance to Jewish Kabbalah mysticism: word arranging and the power of letters, monotheism and a written record of the world creation. Their greetings and blessings fit this too.
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 Hearts of Stone expansion
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sword of Destiny
- ↑ The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- ↑ Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales
- ↑ Wiedźmin: Gra Wyobraźni
- ↑ The World of the Witcher
- ↑ The Witcher Role-Playing Game
- ↑ Blood and Wine expansion
- ↑ Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz about inspirations for Ofier