¶ Orcania
Orcania, nestled in the northern expanse of the desolate Scrape, is a beacon of unexpected harmony. Here, orcs with a thirst for progress and gnomes brimming with invention have forged a society unlike any other on Golarion. It's a land where the clang of hammers blends with the tinkling of gears, and where brutal strength finds respect alongside artistic expression.
¶ A Tapestry of Art and Invention:
The heart of Orcania beats to the rhythm of artistic expression. Art is not merely a pastime; it's a fundamental pillar of Orcish society, dictated by a philosophy known as "The Song of Creation." This philosophy views art as a way to channel the raw emotions of orcs – their fury, their resilience, their burgeoning hope – into something beautiful and meaningful.
The Great Murals: Towering murals depicting epic battles and scenes of cooperation between orcs and gnomes adorn the canyon walls surrounding Orcania. These murals are not merely decoration; they serve as historical records, testaments to the orcish past and the promise of the future.
Bio-Luminescent Gardens: Gnomish ingenuity has brought a touch of magic to the harsh desert landscape. Utilizing bioluminescent flora and strategically placed crystals that focus moonlight, gnomes have cultivated vibrant gardens that shimmer with otherworldly light at night. These gardens are not just beautiful; they provide a vital source of food and a tranquil space for reflection and artistic inspiration.
¶ Art in Daily Life:
Every aspect of life in Orcania is infused with artistic expression.
Architecture: Buildings are not simply functional structures; they are works of art. Homes are adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from nature or clan histories. Public buildings, like the Grand Cog, are marvels of geometric design, their gears and cogs forming mesmerizing patterns.
Orcish Tattoos: Gone are the days of simple black war paint. Orcish warriors now sport elaborate tattoos that incorporate bioluminescent inks developed by the gnomes. These tattoos not only depict their accomplishments but also serve as a canvas for expressing their emotions and artistic visions.
The Song of Creation Council: This governing body, comprised of orcish chieftains and gnomish masterminds, makes decisions based on artistic merit as much as logic. Proposals for new laws, trade deals, and even military strategies are presented through artistic performances, songs, or sculptures. The council then deliberates based on the emotional impact and symbolic meaning of the presentation.
¶ Places of Interest:
The Grand Cog: The heart of Orcania, this colossal gear-shaped building is a marvel of gnomish engineering. It houses numerous workshops where orcs and gnomes collaborate on artistic and technological marvels. The Grand Cog also boasts a magnificent library, its shelves lined with scrolls detailing Orcish history and gnomish inventions, and a grand arena where orcs and gnomes showcase their prowess in feats of strength, artistic expression, and ingenious contraptions.
The Iron Forge: This foundry, fueled by both traditional Orcish brute strength and cleverly designed gnomish bellows, produces not just weapons and armor, but also intricate sculptures and finely wrought instruments. The Forge is a place where raw emotion is channeled into both artistic expression and practical tools.
The Bioluminescent Grottoes: A network of natural caves, enhanced by gnomish tinkering, provides a haven for Orcania's most revered artists. Here, bathed in the otherworldly glow of bioluminescent fungi and crystals, orcs paint murals on the cavern walls, compose soul-stirring music, and sculpt breathtaking works from luminous crystals found deep within the Scrape.
Orcania is a testament to the transformative power of art. It's a place where a once-warlike people have embraced creativity, forging a new path towards a brighter future, all under the shimmering desert sky.