18th Day of Amon, 7th Katoam

From Danakan

After what seemed like an age the unforgiving mountains gave way to the city of Orel. Rising from the edge of the Argoran Wastes like a final peak, it is a watchtower against the ever-present threat of the devanu and the other foul beasts that inhabit this desolate region. I have heard this inhospitable environment has forged the Orelan into hardy and militaristic fubarnii but nothing could prepare me for what confronted me as we strolled through the city’s streets . While the exterior of the city is predictably heavy in its architecture, being that it must withstand the apparently ferocious sand storms of the region, what lies within is both grand and haunting. Much of the centre of the city is made up of the usual habitation, courts, markets and other such buildings but the outer reaches of the city are given over to immense open spaces. Whereas in Teral any such space would be bedecked in ornate gardens, temples or open air sculpture galleries, in Orel these areas are used for military training and parades. Orel is one of the largest exporters of mercenaries in the Empire. It is quite apparent that such a profession is commonplace and a source of great pride amongst its citizenry! Even highborns have lost all sense and throw themselves and their families into such aggressive pursuits. Though such a show of strength may not seem shocking, indeed even unsurprising given the clans’ nigh constant threat from the devanu it does, I fear, bode ill for the Empire at large should such scenes become common place. For should we not have risen above the cruel and brutal ways of the devanu who once enslaved us? I for one hate to think that my beloved Teral should fall victim to an obsession with martial values. I do not say that a clan should not be able to ensure their fellows are secure and safe but that seems a far cry from the war obsessive nature of the Orelan. Is this not why the knightly orders were created? Another aspect of this martial city that strikes an unsettling chord with myself is their obsession with the graku. These ferocious little beasts are everywhere in the city, they scamper about freely snapping at the heels of any who passes by. Apparently there are even some fubarnii who train teams of these little fellows to hunt down and destroy devanu nests; such a thought sends a shiver down my spine! The Orelan obsession with the graku does not end with them living alongside one another; stylised carvings and paintings of these creatures seemingly adorn every surface in a gaudy display of favour. In fact I have been told the Argoran Wastes approach to the city is a great avenue of sculptures, noted Lords of Orel riding larger cousins of the graku but I can only hope that such creatures are due to artistic licence gone mad, for who would be crazy enough to ride them!

Source: Chronicles of Anyaral