Orasian
| Orasian | |
|---|---|
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| Plural | Orasians |
| Spirit Origin | Oras |
Orasians are a race of beings in Adaris, born from the coalesced consciousness of the earth within the realm of Terasil. As living embodiments of the earth’s consciousness, Orasians are intrinsically connected to the land, seeing themselves as both its protectors and integral parts of its very essence. This connection to the earth grants them unique abilities, a deep sense of purpose, and a culture centered around the preservation and balance of the natural world.
Biology and Physical Traits
Orasians are composed of living stone, infused with the consciousness of the earth. Their skin can vary from rough granite to smooth marble, often incorporating veins of minerals and crystals that reflect the unique geology of Terasil. As they age, their bodies continue to evolve, slowly taking on characteristics of the environments they inhabit.
- Living Stone: The Orasians’ bodies are made from various types of stone, making them incredibly durable and resistant to physical harm. They do not age in the traditional sense but become more refined and sturdy over time, their forms adapting to the natural processes of erosion and renewal.
- Endurance and Durability: As beings of stone, Orasians can endure extreme conditions, from the intense heat of the sun to the freezing cold of mountain peaks, with little discomfort. Their stony composition makes them nearly impervious to most forms of physical damage, and they can withstand great amounts of pressure and impact.
- Variability: The appearance of Orasians can vary greatly depending on where they formed and the type of stone they are made from. Some may have rough, craggy surfaces, while others might be smooth and polished. This variability also reflects their personalities and roles within Orasian society, with those formed from harder stone often being more rigid and traditional, while those formed from softer stone may be more adaptable and open to change.
Culture and Society
Orasian culture is deeply intertwined with their connection to the Great Consciousness, the land, and the enduring cycle of stone. Their traditions, customs, and daily lives reflect their belief in patience, balance, and resilience. Though they are a unified people, regional differences exist..
Societal Structure
Orasian society is governed by the Council of Stone, a group of elder Orasians who have proven themselves deeply attuned to the Great Consciousness. These elders are chosen for their wisdom, experience, and ability to act as conduits for the will of Oras.
- The Council of Stone – The ruling body of Orasians, made up of elder representatives from different regions of Terasil. They convene in the Great Hall of Oras to discuss matters of law, tradition, and the balance of the land.
- Clans and Castes – Orasian society is structured around clans, each linked to a specific type of stone or geological region. Within each clan, castes define roles and responsibilities:
- Guardians – Protectors of sacred sites, warriors, and city defenders.
- Keepers – Historians, scholars, and spiritual leaders who maintain records and pass down traditions.
- Shapers – Builders, artisans, and architects who carve and construct the enduring monuments of Orasian civilization.
- Wanderers – Nomadic Orasians who explore Terasil, searching for lost knowledge or maintaining communication between settlements.
The Council and castes ensure a structured yet adaptive society, mirroring the principles of the Stone Cycle—endurance, change, and renewal.
Religion
Daathir
Orasians view Oras as the prime extension of Daathir. They see themselves as individual nodes of consciousness contributing to the collective awareness of the earth. This belief fosters a strong sense of community and mutual responsibility among the Orasians, as they strive to maintain harmony within their society and with the land.
Orasians follow the teachings of the Stone Cycle, mirroring the slow transformation of stone as a metaphor for life, change, and endurance. Many practice deep meditation within sacred caverns, attuning themselves to the rhythms of Terasil.
The Stone Cycle
Central to Orasian culture is the idea of the Stone Cycle, a philosophy that emphasizes the slow, continuous process of change and renewal in the natural world. Just as stone is formed, eroded, and reformed over eons, the Orasians see their existence as part of a larger cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This belief instills in them a deep patience and a long-term perspective, guiding their actions and decisions with an eye toward the distant future.
The Stone Cycle influences:
- Architecture – Buildings are constructed to last for centuries, designed to erode and reform naturally.
- Rituals – Orasians hold ceremonies to honor geological transformations, such as the slow formation of stalactites or the shifting of mountain ranges.
- Governance – Decisions are made with the mindset that all actions must withstand the test of time.
Religious sites:
- The Gate of Origins – Believed to be where the earth first emerged into existence.
- The Stone Sanctuaries – Meditation sites where Orasians commune with the Great Consciousness.
- The Shattered Pillar – A legendary monolith, its fragments scattered across Terasil, said to hold ancient power.
Language
Orasians speak Orathic, a language that blends deep, resonant tones with subtle vibrations. Their written script consists of chiseling symbols into stone tablets, using geometric carvings to represent ideas rather than direct phonetics. Orasians can also communicate through geomantic resonance, a method of transmitting meaning through vibrations in stone.
Orathic is composed of:
- Chiseled Glyphs – Used for recording history, laws, and religious texts.
- Geomantic resonance – A unique method where Orasians speak in deep tones that resonate through stone.
Literature
Orasian literature is primarily carved onto stone tablets and passed down through oral tradition. Some texts are stored in the Grand Archives of Djes-Val, preserving knowledge that dates back to the Awakening. Their literature often focuses on philosophy, endurance, and the wisdom of the earth rather than heroic myths. Template:Quote
Notable works include:
- The Songs of Stone – A collection of poems describing the shifting landscapes of Terasil.
- The Endless Echo – A philosophical text about the cyclical nature of time and existence.
- The First Fracture – An account of the Erosion Wars, detailing the conflicts that shaped Terasil.
Music
Orasian music is heavily percussive, mimicking the deep resonances of stone and earth. Their instruments include:
- Resonant Drums – Large hollowed-out stone drums that produce deep, thunderous sounds.
- Chime Pillars – Vertical stone slabs that create harmonic tones when struck.
- Echo Flutes – Wind instruments that use mineral vibrations to amplify sound through rock.
Music is often used in meditation and ceremonial gatherings, where rhythms are meant to align with the natural vibrations of Terasil.
Dance
Orasian dance is slow and deliberate, emphasizing weight, balance, and endurance. Movements mimic the natural forces of erosion and geological shifts, telling stories of the land's transformation.
Art
Orasian art is entirely stone-based, with sculptures, carvings, and architecture serving as their primary forms of creative expression. Their artwork is geometric, symmetrical, and deeply symbolic, often featuring patterns inspired by crystalline formations and natural rock striations.
Common artistic forms include:
- Living Carvings – Statues infused with geomantic energy, designed to change over centuries.
- Monolithic Murals – Giant carved wall reliefs depicting historical and spiritual events.
- Sacred Obelisks – Towering stone structures that mark important locations.
Education
Education among Orasians is highly communal, with elders passing knowledge through oral tradition, carving, and direct experience. Schools exist in larger cities like Kar-Thal and Djes-Val, where young Orasians learn.
Traditional Medicine
Orasians do not suffer from organic diseases but experience fractures and erosion. Their healing methods involve:
- Stone Reabsorption – Absorbing new minerals to repair cracks and fractures.
- Geomantic Restoration – Meditative rituals that enhance regeneration.
Cuisine
Orasians do not consume traditional food but instead directly absorb the earth.
Clothing
Orasians do not wear conventional fabric clothing, but they adorn themselves with traditional carvings.
Livelihood
Orasians sustain themselves by mining, stone-shaping, and construction. Major professions include:
- Shapers – Stone artisans and architects.
- Keepers – Scholars, historians, and spiritual leaders.
- Guardians – Protectors of Orasian lands and traditions.
Many Orasians also act as geomancers, using their connection to the earth to sense seismic activity, predict mineral growth, and guide construction efforts.
Names
Orasian names are deeply symbolic, often referencing stone formations, historical events, or geological forces. Names are earned over time rather than given at birth, reflecting an Orasian’s personal growth and achievements.
Examples include:
- Tahr-Thak– “Stone that withstands the tide.”
- Jek-Lak – “Echo of the mountain.”
- Meh-Thak – “Stone formed under pressure.”
Orasian names are often accompanied by clan or caste markers, showing their societal role.
Mythology and Legends
The history of the Orasians is one of endurance and resilience, shaped by the natural processes of erosion and renewal that govern their existence. Throughout their long history, the Orasians have faced numerous challenges, from internal conflicts to external threats, each of which has left its mark on the landscape of Terasil.
The Awakening
The Orasians first emerged during a period known as the Awakening, when the consciousness of the earth began to coalesce and take form. During this time, the Orasians were massive, towering beings of stone and crystal, embodying the raw power and stability of the earth.
The Erosion Wars
The Erosion Wars were a series of ancient internal conflicts where Orasians battled against forces that sought to weaken and erode their realm. These wars were fought against foreign wind invaders and internal conflicts between different factions of Orasians. The scars of these wars are still visible in the form of vast canyons and shattered mountains.
The Slumbering Ancients
Legends speak of a hidden valley deep within Terasil where the last of the massive Ancients sleep, sheltered from the forces of wind and water. It is said that when Terasil faces its greatest threat, these Ancients will awaken to protect the realm. This legend is a source of hope and reverence, but also fear, as the awakening of the Ancients could herald a time of great upheaval.
The Shattered Pillar
An ancient monolith once stood at the heart of Terasil, believed to be the first structure created by Oras. It was shattered eons ago, and its fragments are now scattered across the realm. Orasians believe that reuniting the fragments could restore the monolith’s power and bring about a new age of prosperity.
Gallery
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The Orasians formed from the coalition of consciousness present in earth. -
A meeting of Orasians.
