Sorin

Revision as of 16:41, 4 December 2013

The Sorin are a reptilian species that feature in the video game Dark Planet: Battle for Natrolis.

History

The Sorin race evolved on the planet Natrolis where they developed from reptilian ancestors where their world suffered from no catastrophic impacts. In their environment, the species grew to become the ultimate expression of both life and evolution with their society along with their intelligence developing across a period of over tens of millions of years. During their span, they became the masters of their homeworld and were at the height of the foodchains. Their domination of their environment and the fact that they were a unified species meant that the Sorin felt little need for technological advancements. In its place, religion took a higher level of precedence and over the span of millions of years - it shaped the Sorin dramatically by creating their modern society. During this time, a High Council was established which had ruled unchallenged over the course of the last two hundred years. This power hungry group of elite waged a campaign of tyranny against their people in order to ensure their dominion as they feared the emergence of a champion that would challenge their rule.

In the 28th Century, their world was visited by inhabitants from beyond their world who were the Colonists of the Colonist Corps High Orbital Support Vessel (HOSV) Ganymede which entered in orbit around the planet they designated as 6Hubley-21. As part of their Expansionist Charter, they intended to colonise the planet and thus came into conflict with the native Sorin. Their war with one another, however, awakened a third species that had slept in deep hibernation in Natrolis's core - this was the interplanetary menace known as the Dreil. Thus, a three sided war emerged with the Sorin defending their home planet from the threats of these two alien races that had intruded on Natrolis.

Overview

A Sorin archer.

This species resembled large humanoid reptilians with green scales and a long tale as well as large predatory features such as sharp claws and teeth. Ultimately, the Sorin were a race represented by various different breeds with some possessing slimmer features whilst others were larger, stronger as well as bulkiers and some even possessed wings giving them the capacity for flight. Regardless of these differences, all members of this species shared the same skin tone with some minor additions such as skin flaps or horns. Their evolution was dictated by the fact that no planetary disasters had ever inflicted their world which allowed the race to evolve over the course of millions of years to become the absolute predator that sits at the top of the food chain on Natrolis. These origins meant that the Sorin were ultimately a noble warrior race and their unified nature meant that they did not use their intelligence to develop technology - instead, they relied on primitive equipment such as spears, shields and similar such items in their daily lives which seemed similar to those used by samurai. Among the heights of their technological accomplishments was the use of blimps and balloons for aerial transportation. In addition, they tamed a number of the native animals of the wild to serve as transports and war beasts.

Though seemingly at a disadvantage against other foes, the Sorin held one key advantage that aided them in battle - their use of magic and the arcane to bolster their armies. This ability allowed them to counteract the technologically advantages of the Human Colonists or the hordes of Dreil warriors. By tapping into their supernatural arts, the Sorin were able to fertilize the lands, bring down a rain of fire or even summon the dreaded Army of Darkness composed of undead Sorin to battle their enemies. They were also able to bring back the corpses of the dead to a limited form of life as zombies that had a short capacity to function before finally succumbing to death. These were typically employed during battle time where the additional weight in numbers and bodies proved useful in combat situations.

Within Sorin society, their existed the concept of slavery and they even made use of such individuals to serve as builders and workers in their tribes. Such groupings were often overseen by Wardens who served as a watchful and powerful influence over their races settlements. The more elite individuals within the tribes were held by the priesthood with its members even being guarded by Priest Protectors - dedicated defenders that watched over their charges as well as their people. Priests were the lowest ranking within that group but were able to tap into the mystical arts to either heal or cast offensive based spells. These individuals were responsible for ensuring the Faith amongst the Sorin people and directing them to their ornate Temples. It was the use of Faith that allowed the Sorin to make use of the Power - the magical arts that were the backbone of their civilization. The Adept Priests were masters in using the arcane and were able to call upon terrifying spells that devastated the lands and made their people the dominant force on their homeworld.

The focus on religion meant it became primary factor among the race which eventually formed into the a ruling body known as the High Council which had ruled for the last two hundred years without any challenge to their authority. This body consists of the oldest of the Sorin High Priests and despite its political power, it is considered to be a corrupt group one that is more reactionary against threats. The Council itself has a personal fear that an all out war over their planet will bring about the appearance of a Holy Warrior who would challenge their authority and bring down their power structure. Sorin history books prophesise the arrival of such a warrior who will either save their species or destroy them.