Torlen: Difference between revisions

[[File:Stripping_blubber_from_a_whale.jpg|200px|right]]

[[Paul Ward, Scrimshaw, c. 1937, NGA 25569.jpg|200px|right]]

Prior to the arrival of the [[History_of_Dericania#Duchy_of_Marialanus|Marialianii]] settlers the Piscaens had engaged in {{wp|Dolphin drive hunting}} and {{wp|Drogue|droguing}} to capture whales for meat. The first successful at sea hunt for humpback whales off of Torlen was in [[1663]] which kickstarted a whaling boom. The whaling boom lasted from around 1680-1850 when whale oil began to go out of fashion in favor of cheaper {{wp|mineral oils}}. {{wp|Ambergris}} was significant economically; however, it was later supplanted by {{wp|spermaceti oil}}. During the early colonial era, Torlen  witnessed a surge in whaling activities, driven by the increasing global demand for whale oil and other valuable {{wp|cetacean}} by-products. The economic significance of whaling propelled Torlen into a key player in the economy of the [[History_of_Dericania#Duchy_of_Marialanus|Duchy of Marialanus]]. The whale oil became critical as both a fuel and as a lubricant in the rapid industrialization of [[Urcea]] during the early {{wp|Industrial Revoultion}}. Torlen's location and the abundance of marine life also attracted [[Bergendii]] whalers, and as the demand grew exponentially, [[Audonia]]n slaves, contributing to a diverse whaling community during this period. The pursuit of sperm whales, renowned for their prized {{wp|spermaceti oil}}, became a focal point for Torlen-based whalers. This era witnessed the rise of specialized whaling vessels equipped with advanced harpoon technology. The latter half of the 19th century saw a decline in Torlen's whaling industry, primarily due to over-exploitation of whale populations and the advent of alternative energy sources like {{wp|mineral oils}}. The last whaling voyage on record was in [[1863]] and it was a failure. After three months at sea the ship returned having not seen a single whale.