Eonistaran the Sage, a son of King Sartar, lived in Jonstown as the chief librarian of the Jonstown Library. His sons were raised in Boldhome with their cousins, the princes of Sartar. Dorasar was the younger of Eonistaran’s sons, and he was close to Prince Sarotar, the heir to the throne. He and Sarotar practised at arms, poetry, law and the hunt, and Dorasar was the first to swear allegiance to the prince when he was of age to receive fealty.
Prince Sarotar fell in love with a woman of the Holy Country. Their love was deep and intense, but a terrible problem kept them apart. Sarotar, by virtue of his royal position, demanded wifely fidelity, while Arkilia, his love, would never take such vows. They had one child, a girl, but in 1546 Sarotar was slain by her other lovers while attempting to secretly kidnap her.
Dorasar’s life was destroyed when his liege was killed. Dorasar had sworn to defend the man with his own life, and had only thought to sit at the hand of his lord. Dorasar felt guilty that his prince must depart without Dorasar’s sword in defence. Dorasar decided to make a place which would keep Sartar’s secrets and lifestyle pure and untainted by such inhuman traditions.
Dorasar was a clever man, much travelled. After long scouting, he settled on the wilds of Pavis. He returned to his clan with treasure and tales of wonders in the legendary Rubble of Pavis. He found many who would commit their bodies or money to his first expedition, one of exploration and plunder. Many who went returned wealthy.
There was trouble in the land in those days, and many people wanted to withdraw before the encroaching Lunar menace. When Dorasar and his friends led a second expedition to settle in Pavis there were many volunteers.
Dorasar did not approach this new land as a stranger, without plans or friends. His wisdom was evident in his foresight. While upon the plains with his people, he travelled with Gorgar Bluecloak, a sable chieftain and friend. Together they drove off a large warband of impala people and reached the river.
At the river, several others came to meet them. There was Ingilli the Fisher, who came with many people from the banks and mouth of the river to aid him. Too came Varthanis Brighthelm, a lord of the Yelmalio county which held lands down river, and sought allies against the Impala tribe. There was Olgkarth Arrow-eye, of the Zebra people who was made king of that tribe with Dorasar’s help. Finally came Ginkizzie, king of the dwarfs of Pavis, who spoke for the inhabitants of the Real City and the Flintnail cult.
All these folk sat down and counted their followers, added their wealth, boasted of their exploits, and determined what each would receive in the city to be built. During this time many folk came out of hiding from the valley and asked for refuge. A great troll attack was fended off. Finally, decisions were made and everyone agreed: oaths were sworn, pacts made, and promises spoken.
Dorasar staked out the limits of the city walls. Others performed parts in the rites as well. The council met in the center, swore their oaths, and founded the city. The walls were begun, the streets laid out, and the buildings started.
Dorasar became the Prince of the city for life, but none of his heirs could take the title, nor could any other. After Dorasar’s death, the city was ruled by a council of its leaders, each aware of the others and of their part in the whole. The Pavis cult gave guidance.
During his life Dorasar ruled strongly and well. His city was not part of the kingdom of Sartar, though it swelled with refugees from that war torn land. His farmers went up and down the river, expanding their holdings and remaining friendly with the nomads. The nomad irritation with the civilised rules of Pavis exploded in 1572 when those within the city revolted and tried to open the gate to allies outside. The plot was poorly planned and defenders moved to prevent the attack before it began. There was savage bloodshed as the nomads were defeated. They lost many rights because of that fight, for they no longer have a member upon the council, nor may they ever camp on the south of the river within thirty kilometres of Pavis.
New Pavis was founded in 1550. Dorasar lived as Prince until 1579. His body was burned, in Orlanthi fashion, though some say his spirit remains to protect the city in need.
So if we think about the rulers of New Pavis it goes:
- 1550-1579: Dorasar (29 years)
- 1580-1610: City council (30 years).
- 1610-1621: Sor-eel the Short (Lunar Occupation) (11 years).
- 1622-1624: Halcyon var Enkorth (Lunar Occupation) (3 years).
- 1625-: Argrath
Dorasar is known to have had at least two sons – Daringle “the Warlord” and Verlain, although I assume there must have been more. Daringle was a warlord who fought ancient ghosts, Praxian nomads, and found a treasure in the ruins of Old Pavis. Daringle sometimes gets conflated with others.
In at least one source, Orvost Tintalker is said to be Daringle’s son, which would have made him the first cousin once removed of Salinarg, and second cousin of Temertain. This would have meant his shenanigans in 1621 were a much bigger deal than hinted at, since he would have had as good a claim to the throne of Sartar as Temertain. However, he was quietly executed by the Lunars.