Hortovites (North American Empires)

The Hortovites were an ancient culture dating back to 3500 BC. They are masters of mining and smelting, due to the number of ores in their region. The name Hortovite means "those who mine".

History
The Hortovites were originally nomadic people from the northeast. While following herds of animals the Hortovites stumbled upon the Tennessee River, and learned from small tribes farming. They lived close to the river, but the discovery of irrigation allowed them to move farther away from the river. The tribes close to them often attacked them, and stole crops and farm animals. In 2900 BC they discovered the numerous mines, and began to dig for copper. They combined copper and tin to make bronze, and made stronger weapons than their neighbors. Several conquests began, pushing out the tribes. Without their hindrance the Hortovites became stronger. Continuing to explore their land they discovered mines of limestone. Their old huts of wood became replaced with sturdy stone buildings. The city of Horton was built, complete with limestone temples and meeting places.

Further exploration of the land revealed mines of iron. Using smelting, the Hortovites were the first people to create iron weapons. They quickly replaced their own weapons with iron, and began dominating the countryside. The Hortovites quickly expanded. In 2600 BC, expiditions from Hablos found Horton. The Hortovites discovered Hablos location from them, and sent expiditions down the Tennessee River. When it was discovered that Hablos was a great source of wealth and trade, the Hortovites began to invade. Using their superior weapons they conquered Revaria and attacked Hablos. Hablos pushed the Hortovites back, using their numbers and alliance with the powerful Wenneals. The Hortovites went back to Horton defeated, but were still strong. Their knownledge of steel smelting was passed onto the Mississippi River, bringing new powers to the playing field.