Ormek's Infestation

[Lance]

In my studies of Ormek I've noticed something that strikes me as odd... If my calculations are correct then Ormek's Orc, Ogre, and Saurian population is 4,290,650. Which is 41% of the overall population of 10,465,000. Now I know that's a lot of smelly green guys running around. This isn't that big of a deal to me, but the fact that Duthelm's overall population is only 2,983,700. 1,760,383 of those inhabitants are Ogre, Orc, or Goblyn. Now, I know that living in the Lower Ice Rock Mountains has to be hard, and its not the best enviroment for breeding, but Duthelm is the seat of Ogre/Orc power. I just think that its weird for there to be that great of a gap in the populations. I don't know if this means there are to many Orcs in Ormek, to few Ogre's in Duthelm, or if you have them just the way you want them for a reason. Just something I was a bit curious about.

Also, I assume that the bulk of the "evil" humanoids live in the southern and interior portions of the nation. Since the Mercian, Rukemian, and War Vale forces would try to keep them away from there borders.

[Delbareth]

The same calculation for the Rukemian Empire gives 5.7 millions ogres/orcs.

[Delbareth]

After a reflexion, it appears as normal for me.
   What is the main reason of the population development? It's mainly the food available, and it's depend also on the technological level of the civilization (agricultural technics, food transportation...) and the civilization stability (peace or wartime). Ormek is a former great province of the Empire (now it's only a rotten piece of the Empire  ), so its developpement should have been very good during its golden age. On the contrary, Duthelm is a very violent kingdom. Famine could have devasted population each time too much peasants where piped out by a want-to-be-famous warlord. It's an aride terrain (11% of arable land instead of 39% for Ormek), where cultures are certainly more difficult than in grassland.
   And I'm not sure about your last point. There are ogres and orcs in Rukemia and in Mercia, so such race are not banished. If ogres or orcs are not under a same banner (like in Duthelm), I don't think they represent a threat for Rukemian Empire.

[Lance]

I agree with all of those points, but the "goodly" races number  22,848,000 in Rukemia, while only 6,174,350. I'm not arguing the fact that that many Orcs should be in Ormek. I mainly thought that the numbers in Duthelm were a bit low, even considering the harsh living conditions.

I also agree with your comments on where they are located. Though, after reviewing the numbers of Orcs, Ogres, etc. in Ormek, Rukemia, and Mercia I noticed that the percentages were off even considering the fact that Mercia includes Barakose Swamp in their posession. A place if I remember correctly that has a large concentration of Saurians in it... The reason that Mercia has fewer of the "evil" races could always have something to with the fact that the Stout River runs along the border. Gah, I hate when I make points against my points. Again just curious about things and I was wondering about David's take on it.

[avisarr]

I tend to agree with Delbareth's interpretation. The main difference is that Ormek is larger and more fertile and, because of its arable land, socio-political setup and history, can support a much larger population. Duthelm, on the other hand, is less hospitable. It has less arable land, fewer resources and can't generate as much food. In addition, Duthelm is a brutal monarchy and has a harsh justice system and a violent culture which all affect the size and makeup of the population.

Duthelm IS the seat of ogrish and orcish power, but there are many ogres and orcs living elsewhere in the world that are not loyal to Duthelm. Ogres and orcs are welcomed, ignore or tolerated depending on the region in which they live. Generally, orcs and ogres that are travelling under either a Coalition or Duthelm banner will automatically be viewed with suspicion and as a possible threat. Other orcs and ogres will not be feared the same way. Yes, they are still a violent race, so you DO need to keep an eye on them. But many ogres and orcs settle in other kingdoms and find a place.

As for the ogres and orcs living in Ormek... well, as was pointed out, Ormek is a rotten piece of the Empire now. It is over run with crime, poverty, disease, corruption and more. Ogres and orcs have no problem blending in to this environment. The other nations - Rukemia, Mercia and the War Vale - tend to look down their noses at everyone in Ormek, not just the humanoids.

[avisarr]

I may take a look at the numbers tonight and see if anything needs adjusting.

Also, Mercia doesn't include the Barakose Swamp. Did I write that somewhere? If so, I need to change that.

[Delbareth]

I don't know if you wrote that somewhere, but on the border map it is clear. 

[Lance]

*Nods* Yep, exactly where I got it. I always figured it would be better claimed by the Coalition, or just not claimed at all.