The Whalers

Lore & Background

Processing the oil requires significant labor at docking stations like those found in the Distillery District or along Karnaca's waterfront. The industry is often criticized by religious groups who view the killing of such majestic creatures as an affront, yet the Empire relies on this resource to maintain order and light during the plague years. Many Whalers work for private contractors rather than the Crown directly.

In Their Own Story

The fog clung low over Dunwall Bay as the harpoonist adjusted his grip. The water churned black beneath the hull, hiding the massive shadow of a whale surfacing nearby. One strike was all they needed to claim their quota. As the line snapped taut, the ship groaned under the beast's weight. No one spoke; in this trade, silence meant survival.

Reader's Guide

The history of whaling in the Empire is tied closely to the technological boom that followed the discovery of whale oil's potency. Early records indicate that before the plague, the industry was less regulated, allowing for over-hunting that nearly depleted coastal populations. Lore texts suggest that certain covenants were made between ship captains and the Abbey regarding the sanctity of the sea, though these were often ignored in times of economic desperation. The oil remains a primary export for Dunwall merchants. Documents recovered from Karnaca indicate that whaling crews there operate with more autonomy than their Dunwall counterparts, often functioning as privateers when not hunting whales. This duality allows them to navigate the political tensions between local warlords and the Imperial Crown.

Did You Know?

• Whale oil is used to power many of the automated defenses found in high-security buildings.
• Some religious sects believe the whales carry spirits that should not be disturbed.
• The smell of burning whale oil permeates much of Dunwall's industrial district.
• Crews often pay a tithe from their catch to local authorities for docking rights.