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Skreti     Bulo’Mai the Violet was Skreti’s Protodraconic master, giving rise to all manner of speculation regarding his sadistic tendencies. Skreti is semi-arid, with only scrubby brush and isolated trees and cacti as its plant life. Only small amounts of winter snow break the monotony, as travelers often lament about the realm.
    Despite its desolation, Skreti was apparently far richer in resources below ground than above. The realm was home to no less than three city-factions in the Third Alacrian Era. Although their wars were not as devastating as those of Manusia, Skreti’s adventuring scene is quite active, always seeking to contain the threats and unearth the treasures of the three cities and their countless outposts. Exploration in the Tucker Mountains is another favorite for adventurers; most of the range is still uncharted, and it’s difficult to tell fact from orcish fable regarding what lies concealed in the heights.
    Skreti, of course, is home to the orcs, who are probably the only species capable of actually enjoying life in this realm. Outside of their cities - and often within them - cattle graze freely under the watch of the famous orcish cowboys. Simple survival and necessity has made this the dominant economic activity and virtually the only available form of agriculture. Meanwhile, the unique Skretan railroad system connects all orcish cities. Trains carry more cargo than either airships or road caravans; the wide-open easy terrain makes land travel efficient and preferable to air, but trains provide a level of speed and protection that is invaluable against Adlet raiders.
    The conflict between orc and Adlet is one that is at the heart of Skretan culture on both sides. Adlet cast the orcs as murderous maniacs engaged in greedy persecution of their kind, while orcs believe that the Ancient Ones decreed that their destiny is to overcome the Adlet. Both cultures are so aggressive and warlike that making moral sense of the conflict can confound the brightest philosophers and sages. Regardless, extreme care must be taken when traveling in Skreti - Adlet raiders will eagerly prey on anyone they believe they can beat, and certain orcish posses may be no less opportunistic.
    In their cities, orcs have little to no political system. Occasionally they may elect a chieftain in times of war, but usually the only commonly accepted rule is that “might makes right.” Nihilism (particularly Mysticism and the Survivor’s Code) and white draconic activity have all influenced these beliefs, but few orcs will bother to stop and discuss philosophy before putting a bullet in those who annoy them. Within orcish culture, the preferred method of law and order is the duel - a supposedly “fair” contest in which disagreements are settled through violence on the spot (preferably outdoors, but not always). Rules of the duel may be quickly negotiated, enforced by bystanders, or ignored altogether. Fairness is often an illusion, but no one seems to care. In truth, it is often merely the threat of a duel that maintains some semblance of order in Skreti, and visitors to the realm often remark that it is actually less violent than popular belief would indicate.

Major Cities Orckstad     Estimated population: 150,000
    Located along the vital water supply of Lake Gary, Orckstad is the largest city in Skreti. In addition to all the normal Skretan businesses, the city boasts a large entertainment district. Most notable is the legendary Orckstad Arena, which hosts gladiator-style battles of all types. Adventurers can find easy money and experience by taking part in the fights here, although the line between a lethal and non-lethal match can be rather fuzzy at times. As in all other Skretan city-states, orcish “law” is quite lax. In addition to making the Arena legally tolerable, this also has established Orckstad as a haven for disreputable industries of all kinds, particularly those which are illegal in other realms’ cities (such as the hæcoco trade).

Stirn     Estimated population: 95,000
    Settled between Nani and Manusia, Stirn is one of the most heavily fortified cities in Lur-Asko. Those who enter the city pass multiple layers of fortifications, from log stockades to Gravitic-built stone berms to brick walls from the Imperial Wars. Fresh water is piped in from Lake Wynelde via underground tunnels, enabling the city to endure some of history’s longest sieges. While perpetually prepared for war, the city is fairly peaceful by Skretan standards, and doubles as a trading post for hundreds of Skretan, Nanic, Macskan, and Manusian merchants.

Turmstad     Estimated population: 80,000
    In the middle of the plains stands a tower visible for miles around - the above-ground portion of the Alacrian city of Subdolis. After the Fall, the orcish city of Turmstad was established around the ruin. Turmstad has always been an agricultural center, with thousands of orcish ranches using it as a primary trading post. Its mundane economy is due to the fact that Subdolis attracts very few adventurers; most elect to try Barathris to the east instead. Subdolis is simply too difficult and well-fortified for the common adventurer, and only the most incredibly talented parties ever attempt to gain entry to the tower.

Verrankern     Estimated population: 75,000
    Skreti's only real port, Verrankern is perhaps the “least Skretan” of all the orcish cities. The city pursues conventional agriculture, fishing, and even Methodian politics. Historically, it has been a haven for more “civilized” orcs who detest the constant conflict with the Adlet. The Sylvæ Enclave here is the largest in Lur-Asko.

Zvergsdorf     Estimated population: 70,000
    The development of Zvergsdorf was strongly influenced by dwarven immigrants. Much of the city, particularly the residential areas, have been built under the foothills of the Tucker Mountains. The orcs of Zvergsdorf accepted this arrangement largely because of the Adlet threat, which is arguably more severe here than in any other region of Skreti; fortifying the city underground provides an efficient defense. The surrounding community consists of many scattered ranches, most of which will retreat into Zvergsdorf when attacked by Adlet tribes. Enterprising adventurers can often find employment in anti-Adlet posses formed by these ranchers.

Grubstad     Estimated population: 50,000
    Located along the Plate River, Grubstad is a decent-sized town in the Tucker foothills. More than any other Skretan city, it is focused almost entirely on catering to adventurers. An Alacrian tunnel emerges from the mountains just 3 miles east of the city, leading to the Alacrian city-fortress of Barathris. Probably the most accessible Alacrian city ruin, Barathris offers challenges suitable to any adventuring party. It has been explored and cleared enough for brand-new parties to survive a trip, but also contains untouched areas that can challenge even the greatest of heroes.

Tierstad     Estimated population: 23,000
    Rather than ranching, Tierstad prides itself on providing for its citizenry through hunting. The biggest, most dangerous game in Skreti is their primary food source, and talented hunters are known to make pilgrimages throughout Lur-Asko to seek even riskier prey. Tierstaders tend to look down upon the ranching regions as weaker, betraying the true spirit of orcish strength. In return, most other Skretans consider Tierstad backwards and primitive. Whatever one’s opinion, it cannot be denied that Tierstad has produced some of Lur-Asko’s most legendary outdoorsmen.