Osterons by 5MARTIST on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Iskara is a place of magic, politics, and ancient secrets. Various nations and races call the world home, all with their own beliefs, goals, and cultures. Depicted here is a concept for the Osterons, a deeply creative and ingenious people that call the northern lands of Ankar home. Once they were a fractured people, but after a series of invasions at the hands of the Ankari peoples, the Osterons banded together to create one of the most unified and advanced societies on Iskara. Today, the Osterons primarily divide themselves amongst various organizations known as Collectives, which serve as guilds within their society. Each Collective is geared towards one profession such as smithing, music, or philosophy. At a young age an Osteron will often seek an apprenticeship among the various Collectives before choosing one to officially join in their late teens or early twenties.

A deeply creative people, the Osterons seek to push the bounds of all fields whether it be faith, the arts, or agriculture. It is this pursuit of new and expressive methods that define the Osterons and many will dedicate their lives in such pursuits, and unlike many Elves far to the west, the Osterons do not seek perfection, they seek the unique. Such an example is the weapon and armor depicted here, both of which are prototypes. Using Rune engravings, these prototypes can suspend metal pieces and move them according to the wielder’s needs. In the case of the armor, the two suspended discs can move around the wearer’s arms to block incoming attacks. However, as both the weapon and armor are still being developed, they are prone to failures, but that will never stop an Osteron from solving such problems.

Osteron culture is often described as welcoming yet stern, as they welcome those with a genuine curiosity and interest in the workings of the world but they hold a grudge against those who are guided by greed or a lust for power. Given past transgressions however, the Ostoreon have become increasingly more isolationist as many have sought to exploit them or steal their greatest works, so much so that foreign travelers are only permitted within one Osteron city, Gates Watch. As expected, the Osterons value ingenuity, creativity, and the ambition to challenge the unknown. Daily life often consists of an Osteron working alongside their fellow Collectivists and at the end of the day they celebrate with drink, music, and other merriments.

The Osterons are led by the Trinity (placeholder) which consists of the Body, Mind, and Soul. Each is responsible for overseeing Collectives that are adjacent to their domain. For example, the Body oversees Collectives that rely upon the kinetic and physical such as the military, smithing, and architecture, whereas the Mind administrates Collectives that handle philosophy, the arts, and research. Each among the Trinity is elected by the heads of their underlying Collectives upon the death or expulsion of the current Trinity member.

Commissioned by "Zima Blue". Thank you