On the southern end of Westeros lies Dorne, the most culturally and ethnically diverse region in all of Westeros. The only kingdom to successfully resist the conquest of Aegon the Conquerer, it has a storied history, one of war and tragedy and strife, but one of great beauty and glory as well.
Much of Dorne's cultural differences from the rest of Westeros comes from the influence of the Rhoynar, whose peoples settled in Dorne by the behest of their queen, Nymeria, and Lord Mors of House Martell. Through the centuries their customs and traditions have melded with those of Dorne, creating a region separated from the rest of Westeros by more than just mountains. Only here can elder daughters inherit before younger sons, and men may take paramours without shame. Bastards, too, are better received here than elsewhere - for in Dorne sexuality and love are far more open.
Though the people of Dorne can be seen as strange and dangerous, such terms apply to their land much better. Much of Dorne is desert, though enough water can be found to make it habitable even during long summers, and the southern coast is rocky and jagged, offering poor anchorage for ships. In the northwest the Red Mountains keep Dorne separate from the rest of Westeros, its two major passes guarded fiercely by ancient families such as Fowler and Yronwood. The Greenblood is the largest river in all of Dorne and is plied by barges and trade boats alike. It is home to the famous Planky Town, a floating town at the mouth of the river, and the Orphans of the Greenblood sail its waters on rafts.
For all the seeming strangeness of its customs, Dorne has always played a major role in the politics of the Seven Kingdoms. Its warriors are fierce and loyal, and both its men and women are renowned for their beauty and sexual proclivities. Its ruler still boasts the title of Prince or Princess - a singular honor in all the continent, won by Dorne's fierce resistance against Targaryen occupation.
History[]
Third Century AC[]
300-301AC - The Second War of Conquest[]
During the Second War of Conquest, House Martell and indeed all of Dorne sided with Aegon and Daenerys Targaryen, aiding them in their war. Dornish banners would be seen in the battle for the Hightower and in further skirmishes throughout the Reach, playing a pivotal role in throwing back Euron Greyjoy and cementing the Targaryen rule.
315AC - The Year of False Banners[]
The year 315AC would see a resurgence of malcontent across the continent of Westeros, and Dorne was no exception. South of the Red Mountains many would take up arms against the Targaryens and by extension the Martells, though they would do this ostensibly in the name of Princess Elia, who was shamed by and eventually murdered because of House Targaryen. In the ensuing chaos the Water Gardens would be destroyed, though they have since been rebuilt.
335AC - The Red God Revival []
Many red god faithfuls would flock to Dorne and Planky Town, its proximity and similarities to the Free Cities of the east making it an ideal new home for many. More often than not, however, these new arrivals would soon adopt the way of life they found in Dorne, creating a peculiar blend of peoples and cultures in the port city of Planky Town.
339AC - The Summer Sickness []
Dorne was not able to escape the effects of the horrible Summer Sickness. Though the ports and passes were closed at once, the plague had already slipped into the countryside, burning through the lands of the Stony and Sandy Dornish but sparing those who lived near the coasts. Those lords who lived deep in the desert were similarly spared, though many refugees met their end wandering the desert, hoping to find safety at Hellholt or Sandstone.
346AC - the Southern Schism []
Ever tolerant, the Dornish were not largely involved in the Southern Schism, preferring to keep to their traditional methods which placed them in the camp of the Sept of Baelor. Already more flexible and understanding than many of their northern neighbours, the Dornish seemed to care little about the marrying practices of the Valyrians, or the opinions of a septon in far-away Oldtown.
351-356AC - The Mead Summer []
The Mead Summer in Dorne was a time of plenty and peace, much like it was for the rest of the realm, but the warmth of the season saw many rivers begin to dry up, slowly evaporating in the heat. For a time the Orphans of the Rhoyne were not able to ply the whole of the Greenblood as was their way, though the rivers would soon return.
352AC - The Blackwater Tourney []
Many knights and nobles from across Dorne participated in the Blackwater Tourney. Many speculate that the infamous Spotted Knight was a man of House Santagar, or some similar Dornish house.
360AC - The Royal Tour []
Crown Prince Aenys Targaryen and the members of the royal court who accompanied him would eventually make their way to Dorne as the second-last leg of their trip, visiting many castles while they were there.
379AC - The Kingswood Tourney []
Many knights and nobles from across Dorne participated in the Kingswood Tourney.
392-394AC - The Great Famine []
Already largely self-sufficient, the Dornish were all but spared the hardships of starvation during the Great Famine. With trade from across the Narrow Sea and citizens used to surviving in such times of scarcity, the Dornish in fact proved a minor relief to their northern neighbours, exporting small amounts of grain and produce.
396-402AC - The War of the Three Thieves[]
The Dornish would answer the call of King Aenar, fighting alongside the Crown and the continent in the war against the Three Kings.
Fourth Century AC[]
400AC - The Warmaker's Peace[]
Driven by pressures across the Narrow Sea, settlers from the Free Cities would make their way to Planky Town in large numbers under the informal leadership of a mercenary named Galan Warmaker. Conflicts between Galan and the peoples of Dorne would eventually lead to strife, though the ships brought over during the initial arrival have bolstered the Dornish naval presence.
402-405AC - The Scarlet Winter[]
Though the grip of frost and snow did not dare travel past the Red Mountains, its effects upon the northern realms were still felt in the land of Dorne. With many of the northern ports frozen shut by the constant cold, Planky Town became a major port of call for Essosi traders and merchants. From there the goods would travel by caravan along the Greenblood and eventually into the Red Mountains, enriching all the lords along the route and many commonfolk as well.
Once these caravans arrived at the Stormlands and the Reach, their prices had often risen so high that many were unable or unwilling to pay. Some blamed the Dornish for this, thinking it purposeful on their part, and in time banditry became more and more common, preying upon the traveling merchants. More guards were hired, and so the bandits returned in greater numbers, scores of men and women dying upon the slopes of the Red Mountains before the winter at last abated in 405AC.