The world of Glorantha is vast and immense, filled with countless epics of heroism, struggle, and survival. When we set out to tell a new tale within this universe, we faced an overwhelming challenge: which of its many conflicts and cultures should we focus on? Glorantha is a land teeming with myth, war, and political intrigue, and narrowing our scope to a single region or faction was no small task.
We ultimately chose to focus on the Orlanthi, one of the most dynamic and numerous peoples in Glorantha. Their culture is rich with tradition, their pantheon brimming with gods of war, storm, and justice. But even within the Orlanthi, there are many different tribes and regions—Talastar, Aggar, the Empire of Saird, each with its own struggles and history. After much deliberation, we decided that Talastar best fit the themes we wanted to explore: resilience in the face of overwhelming odds, the struggle between tradition and change, and the ever-present threat of Chaos.
[h3]The Setting: A Land Under Siege[/h3]
The Talastar Orlanthi are caught in a perilous situation. To the north looms the ever-expanding Lunar Empire, a behemoth of political and military might that seeks to assimilate or crush those who resist its influence. To the south, the twisted, Chaos-tainted Broo launch relentless raids, spreading disease and corruption wherever they tread. Even within Talastar itself, tribal rivalries and internal conflicts prevent a unified defense against these threats. It is a land in turmoil, where survival is not guaranteed and where heroes must rise to forge a future for their people.
It is in this brutal and unforgiving landscape that our story takes place—the saga of Hahlgrim Ironsword, a warrior whose legend will be shaped by the choices he makes and the trials he endures.
[h3]The Hero’s Journey[/h3]
Hahlgrim begins his journey returning home, weary from past battles, only to find his land desecrated by Chaos. The attack is not random—it is part of a calculated series of brutal raids orchestrated by Woowandor, a fearsome and elusive Broo warlord. Vengeance becomes Hahlgrim’s driving force, but this is not merely a story of revenge—it is a tale of duty, honor, and the heavy burden of leadership.
His pursuit of Woowandor will take him deep into the dreaded land of Dorastor, a realm swallowed by Chaos, where reality itself bends and twists in unnatural ways. Along the way, Hahlgrim will encounter allies—other Orlanthi warriors, rival clans with their own agendas, and even unexpected figures from outside his people.
[h3]Staying True to Glorantha’s Legacy[/h3]
In creating this story, we drew deeply from the established lore of Glorantha. Every decision—from the depiction of Talastar’s political struggles to the portrayal of figures like Hahlgrim, Woowandor, Ralzakark, and Hakon the Swimmer—was made with respect for the source material. These are not characters invented from thin air; they are figures who exist within the world of RuneQuest, and we aimed to honor their place in the timeline while weaving a compelling new narrative.
Adhering to Glorantha’s intricate history meant ensuring that our story did not contradict established events or create narrative paradoxes. We carefully studied the lore to maintain consistency, making sure that Hahlgrim’s actions align with the broader world and that his journey feels like a natural extension of Glorantha’s living history.
This is a story of survival, war, and the weight of destiny. Hahlgrim Ironsword’s journey is not just about slaying monsters or seeking vengeance—it is about what it means to be Orlanthi in an age of upheaval, where the very existence of his people is at stake. Every battle, every decision, and every alliance forged will shape the future of Talastar.
As we continue development, we look forward to sharing more insights into the game’s world, characters, and mechanics. Stay tuned for our next Dev Diary, where we will explore the deeper mechanics behind combat, honor, and the influence of the gods in shaping fate on the field of battle.
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