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This fan-fiction article, Ofir, was written by Witcher190 and Adalwulf of Aedirn. Please do not edit this fiction without the writers' permission. |
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This article is an expansion based on a canon element. For canon information on this topic, follow the link to The Witcher Wiki: Ofir. |
Ofir, also known as Ofier, was a vast region composed of various fallen empires, kingdoms, and tribes. These were unified by malliqs before the 1270s during what became known as the Unification Wars. Located in the Far South of the Old Continent, Ofir lies just south of the Nilfgaardian Empire. Due to its vast size and the unification of diverse territories, Ofir shares borders with many regions and countries. To the north, it borders Welatê Namûs, while to the east, it shares frontiers with the region of Skepimos. To the southwest, it borders the peninsula of Zangvebar, and to the south, it meets the Zulthwa Empire. Additionally, Ofir's northern boundary touches the still-named Sea of Opir.
History[]
Legendary Origin[]
In addition to advanced areas, Ofir includes primitive tribes that still recount bygone eras through tales. One such myth tells of a time when the sky and steppe fell in love and gave birth to the first mare. This mare, seeing how weak humans were and how they fell prey to dangers, began to nurse them. They fed on her milk until they grew strong enough to saddle her and became warriors. This is why the Ofiri value horses highly, calling them "the noblest among all beasts."
Arrival of humans[]
The first humans to set foot in Ofir were the Ramaadi, who were then known as the Ophari (the ashen gray). They settled in this new land and named it Ophir (from an old word for earth/soil), which over time naturally evolved into the word Opir, a name that was later used for one of the main empires and kingdoms in the area, Opir, also known as East Ofir or Eastern Ofir in their later years, and eventually the modern name, Ofir. More tribes soon joined them, leading the original settlers to dub themselves the Ramaadi, with "Ofiri" becoming a term for all who dwelled within the borders. The two largest tribes that joined the Ramaadi were the Fanila and the Bahhari. The Fanila were known for their lighter skin complexion and blue/green eyes, while the Bahhari were drawn to the sea, becoming excellent shipwrights. The intermingling of these tribes gave rise to a group known as the Abnari, those of mixed heritage.
Early History[]
During the rich history of Ofir, many empires rose and fell, succeeded by rich kingdoms. One example of these is Omeya, In which, in the year 8, the oldest magic academy on The Continent was founded, thanks to the mage Butrus Alabi. Eventually, this kingdom disappeared in the year 100 during the Barsamen's conquest of much of Ofir, giving way to the kingdoms of Dahab, Alnafis and East Ofir. Surviving only after that, as a province.
200 years later, these kingdoms would disappear, and would be incorporated into the Oshan Empire, with the sole exception of the kingdom of East Ofir also known as Opir,
The empire power disappeared approximately 300 years later, splitting in two to be better governed, slowly declining and by the 1260s becoming just another province of the unified Ofir, despite maintaining, on paper, the status of empire.
The Unification Wars (1230s - 1250s)[]
The Unification Wars, also known as "The Union" by some scholars, were a pivotal series of conflicts that took place between the 1230s and 1250s, fundamentally shaping the future of Ofir.
These wars were initiated by Malliq Salim "The Great" of the kingdom of Zaina, a visionary and ambitious ruler who sought to bring all the disparate regions, tribes, and kingdoms of Ofir under a single unified rule. The Unification Wars marked the culmination of centuries of fragmentation and conflict, as Salim embarked on a campaign to consolidate power and establish a centralized authority that would govern all of Ofir. A leader of exceptional military and political acumen, Salim recognized that the continued division of Ofir into numerous small states and tribal territories left the region vulnerable to external threats and internal strife. His vision was to create a strong, unified state that could resist foreign invasions, maintain internal stability, and project power beyond its borders.
Salim's campaign began in the early 1230s, targeting smaller, weaker kingdoms and tribes that were unable to resist his well-organized and disciplined forces. His strategy involved not only military conquest but also forging alliances through marriage, diplomacy, and promises of shared prosperity under a unified Ofir, with one example of this, being his marriage with the princess Alia Al-Ghazali of the kingdom of Dahab. During the later years of the first period of the Unification Wars, Salim's reputation grew to the point that many regions chose to submit to his rule rather than face the devastation of war.
Malliq Salim's mission to unify Ofir was cut short by his death in the late 1240s, but his vision did not die with him. His son, Nibras Badawi, inherited both the throne and his father's ambition. Nibras continued the Unification Wars with the same determination, but with a slightly different approach. While Salim had been more focused on military conquest, Nibras employed a combination of diplomacy, strategic marriages, and targeted military campaigns to bring the remaining independent regions under his control.
Nibras proved to be a shrewd and capable ruler, building upon his father's successes and consolidating power across the region. His ability to maintain the loyalty of the territories his father had conquered, while also bringing new regions into the fold, was instrumental in the eventual unification of Ofir. By the mid- 1250s, Nibras had achieved what his father had set out to do—Ofir was unified under a single ruler, with a central government that commanded the loyalty of all its subjects.
Ofieri Expeditions into The Continent ( 1260s - 1270s )[]
TBA
Birth of Prince Sirvat ( 1260 )[]
The future heir to the crown of Ofir after the loss of Kurus and Mimit, would be Sirvat. Born from the union of Nibras and his concubine Dayo in 1260. TBA
Establishment of an embassy in Zerrikania ( 1262 )[]
TBA
Travel of the Prince Sirvat to Redania[]
TBA
The loss of prince Sirvat (1272)[]
TBA
Birth of Princess Nurshah ( 1274 )[]
TBA
Kidnapping and rescue of the princess ( 1278 - 1279 )[]
TBA
Geography and climate[]
Map showing the geological linkage of Hannu with Ofir
Until about the 1300s there were many theories about how Ofir was separated or connected from the Continent. Some Nordling scholars including Markus Hohlenberg believed Nilfgaard and the Far South were one landmass due to an isthmus made up of deserts and savannas. While others believed that the Far South was another continent entirely.
In truth, it turned out to be somewhere in between, as The Continent has many inland seas. And Ofir is connected to the Continent, simply through its geological link with Hannu.
Most of the country it is a land of vast steppes, forbidding mountains, untouched wildernesses and crystal-clear lakes. Especially when one heads further south to the border with Zangvebar. As one approaches Hannu, the climate becomes less humid and more drier. It is here that the Al - Haradh Desert is located.
Economy[]
The Grand Bazaar in Manisa
Despite the distance, Ofir trades with Northern Kingdoms via the marine mercantile route. 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. Ofiris tamed various animals native to their land such as tigers, elephants and eagles. They decorated their animals like their tigers with gold and jewelry. Additionally they shipped war elephants and the mercenaries known as Inmortals to the Northern Kingdoms so they could fight with them against Nilfgaard.
But its biggest trading partners are its neighbouring countries Hannu, the group of small kingdoms known as The Free Lands and Zangvebar. However, thanks to Ofir's maritime capabilities and shorter distance with respect to the North, they also often trade in territories such as Nilfgaard, Barsa and Apumayu Basin. This has meant that, although rare, Ofir traders have been seen as far away from their homeland as Zerrikania.
Demographics[]
The empire is diverse in the range of people which are remarkably tolerant towards each other and foreigners. This is due to its great ethnic diversity, which is second only to the Melukka region. The three main ethnic groups that make up the region are The Rock Ofieris ( So called because of their skin tone, similar to certain desert areas, descendants of immigrants from Barsa. Hatun Radeyah is a famous example ), The Vanilla Ofieris ( Named after the plant exported from Apumayu Basin and widely used in the perfumes of local sorceresses. This are people with certain Nordling traits. Most of them have light-coloured hair and blue to green eyes. Ameena, Zaira and Melda [ Radeyah's servant ] are famous examples ) and finally the Sea Ofieris ( descendants of immigrants from Zangvebar which have a darker skin tone and a darker colour. Hamal ogn Dangbahli is a famous example ) These groups make up approximately 80% of Ofir's total population. 30% for the first two groups mentioned and 20% for the Sea Ofieris. The remaining 20% is divided into minor ethnic groups, such as Malakians, Mardu who abandoned their lives in the desert, non-humans and hybrids.
Most of them live in great cities like Manisa, 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.
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. Many Ofiri wear bracelets with runes meant to bring good luck inscribed on them.
Treatment of non-humans[]
Unlike the Okami Islands, where non-humans, with the exception of the Witchers, are considered without honour. In Ofir this is not the case, as long as you keep your honour, it doesn't matter what race you belong to. The exception, for a while, was the Witchers of the Scorpion School, because of their conflict with the mages. But for the 1270s, a certain romanticisation by some sectors has led to them regaining some of their lost status.
Even creations of mages from the time of Barsa's conquest of Ofir. Like the dwelfs, originally, hybrids of Aen Nílfe and dwarf collaborators, created with the intention of carrying a disease that would exterminate them. They are treated as equals in the vast majority of the territory. With the exception of some satraps, that they sometimes raise taxes on them, for fear that they will transmit diseases to the rest of the population. This has meant that in some areas of the interior of the country, they live in their own neighbourhoods, but normally, they tend to blend in with the rest of the population without problems.
The only notable discrimination, perhaps, is towards elves, due to the Aen Nílfe, especially in areas like East Ofir, which remained "pure" from the Barsamen emigration. But there is hardly any population of them in the country. Only a few small groups of curious Aen Manche, who joined Ofieri trade caravans during their passage through the Korath Desert.
There is also the presence of dwarves, who were gradually accepted, especially those from the Nilfgaard area who did not help the Aen Nílfe and were subjugated. However, they are a minority group, almost extinct, as the majority of these clans, have mixed with the human population giving rise to halflings clans which are highly appreciated and respected for their handling of blacksmithing, the restoration of objects and the arcana of runewrighting. Many human experts have been apprenticed to some of these clans.
Legends of the First Horse[]
Amongst the Ofieri, there are two legends about the origins of Horses: both involve ancient goddesses.
- The elder of the goddesses name has been lost to time immemorial so she is simply referred to as the Mother Goddess, it is said that she created the first horse, a mare who became a goddess herself she would take on the name Epona (Nordling name), with her progeny spreading across the world with special honor given to them in Ofir as it was said to be the very first place in the World to recognize the majesty in horses.
- The second story doesn't mention the Mother Goddess at all, but talks about The Lady of Horses being worship by the ancient Ofieri and in turn gifting the Ofieri with a herd of her progeny which would be selectively bred into the Ofieri Stallion horse breed.
Administrative Divisions[]
- Afar
- East Ofir
- Oshan
- Omeya
- Dahab ( Administrative Division )
- Alnafis ( Administrative Division )
- Vashik
- Surata
- Siva
- Narayana
- Kiruhk
- Bahal
- Nammu
- Riyadahn
- Nabaru
- Qura
Notable creatures[]
- Wild Elephants
- Cobras
- Camel Breeds
- Ofieri Stallion ( Horse Breed )
- Tiger
- Unicamel
- War Elephants
- Zebra
- Zebroid
Notable monsters[]
- Al Demon
- Anqa
- Bahamut
- Brown dragon
- Gigascorpion
- Gozihr Dragon
- Mutant Gigascorpion
- Hatif
- Homa
- Scarletia
- Leucrote
- Rock dragon
- Peri
- Simurgh
- Ofieri Ghoul
- Utukku
- Falak
Notable locations[]
- Al - Haradh Desert
- Al - Harad Salt Desert
- Alnafis
- Bantama
- Bursa
- Dahab ( City ) ( Cultural capital )
- Dedeluk
- Manisa ( Summer and executive capital )
- Mutadir Hud
- Renklerin Sehri
- Omeya
- Sova
- Nirfahn
- Mubahlai
- Gulf of the serpent
- Tepali jungle
- Jalahar Mountains
- Al - Namar
- Haradum
- Dragon Bone Pass
- Barisahl
- Assar
- Emerald Isles
- Dahlian Mountains
- Mare´s grave
- Valley of the Nephilim
- Al - Dulla
- Izmarin
- Khalijan
- Aliff
- The Great Dune Sea
Notable people[]
- Ameena
- Altair Popal of Sova
- Hamal ogn Dangbahli
- Hatun Radeyah
- Nelea Sova
- Melda
- Mimit Sova ( Raised in Nilfgaard )
- Putnam Pitch ( Raised in Kovir )
- School of the Scorpion Witchers
- Inmortals
- Zaira
Trivia[]
- Some places are references to the first ideas Polish fans had about Ofir.
- Some arts belong to the fan expansion The Sands of Ofir, but adapted to canon and common fanon.
Gallery[]
Notes[]
- This article is for the Witcher fanon as such some of the information included in this article is not considered officially canon outside of this fanon community.