Looking for some input regarding my Tollanar project

[arpig2]

I have come to a point where I have to make a final decision regarding the major orcish society in my Tòlanar setting. The basic setup is that the orogs were bred/genetically engineered by some wizardly race as a special slave soldier class, and the slave soldiers are now the ruling class (something like the Mamluks in Egypt). As those of you who have been following my blog will know, the current idea is that the old ruling race (the wizardly types) were overthrown and mostly wiped out.

However, I am considering changing that narrative, and having the wizardly types remain as the theoretical rulers, but have them effectively powerless ceremonial rulers, similar to the Japanese Emperors under the Shogunate. A pampered aristocracy in whose name the orogs rule.

Anyway, while I am pondering this, I thought I’d put this out there to see what people thought would be coolest. Personally I am leaning towards the second option, as it seems to me to offer a lot more interesting opportunities for different scenarios, such as a Meiji Restoration sort of thing.

So, what do you guys think?

[AndrewTall]

The second approach gives far more options, you could also use a Feist/Wurts Kelewan type approach where the wizards have mostly withdrawn from society to their university, a few work with nobles to get things of interest to them, but most stay in the university and squabble internally considering material matters mostly beneath them.

[arpig2]

That's an option worth considering. Thanks.

[arpig2]

Well, I have settled on an answer: https://bobsworlds.wordpress.com/2015/04/16/peoples-of-tolanar-23-riyadak-irda/

[AndrewTall]

The Irda image was a nice touch, it sounds like a <very> small population, but if its a population in near terminal decline that's unsurprising. I presume they live for a long time?

[arpig2]

Yeah, they do, something like 800 years if I recall. Actually that reminds me, I should include that sort of info.

[Nicholas Harrison]

I've always thought it would be REALLY hard to overthrow a wizardly ruling class. Indeed, that is one of the criticisms that I think people have always had of the Birthright campaign setting -- true wizards would annihilate realms and armies.

The two ways you might adjust for this might be:

(1) Having wizards so self-absorbed that they have no interest in mortal politics.

(2) Having wizards form some sort of Masquerade-like society.

I like the second option personally. :)

[arpig2]

I have gone with the 1st option, sort of.
The wizardly race has withdrawn to a life of leisure, leaving the governing of the realms to the slave soldiers they created, much like the Mamluks of Egypt. As long as the tribute flows they don't care what goes on.

here is my write up on them: http://tolanar.bobsworlds.x10.mx/Races/RIYADAK.htm