Echoes of Ornath

Echoes of Ornath is an Official GemStone IV Document, and it is protected from editing.

Introduction

Ornath is famous across all of Elanthia for the Library of Biblia and the Lumnasi Viragos, but not enough attention is paid to the humble folk who live within its many farms and hamlets.  While they may not serve as scribes to the world's grandest library or devotees of Lumnis's most fervent cult, the work that these common Ornathians perform as farmers and craftsmen is what makes life at all possible on this remote and in many ways idyllic island.

The People of Ornath

If the world could be tipped on its side, every rootless thing or soul would slide onto Ornath; at least, that's the saying among the people who call this island home.  Their exact numbers are unknown to anyone but themselves, but outsiders who have had the chance to live among the Ornathians for any time estimate their numbers to be at least a thousand, spread wide over rolling farmsteads and charming hamlets dotting the island's northern coast and central hills, as well as the artisans and tradespeople who make their home in the small urban community centered on Sleeping Drake Harbor.

Most Ornathians were born and raised on the island.  Given Ornath's extreme remoteness, it's impossible to say where these first inhabitants trace their origins.  Some outsiders claim to have glimpsed impossibly ancient ruins on the island's most remote edges, testifying to an impossibly old precursor civilization from which they perhaps descend, but Ornathians laugh these sightings off as tall tales or tricks of the moonlight.

Many Ornathians are exiles from the Library of Biblia, former scribes who forsook their vows and left of their own accords, or who were expelled for disciplinary reasons.  Another strange and sizeable cluster of Ornathians are the devotees of the Library who were refused membership, yet choose to live in its shadow, perhaps hoping (in vain) that the scribes will change their mind and one day invite them to join their ranks.  Others yet were once mere visitors to the library who, charmed by the island's beauty and way of life, simply never left.  In contrast to the exiles of Biblia, members of the Lumnasi Viragos who renounce their vows always leave Ornath, never to return; the reason is never spoken about among Ornathians, though outsiders certainly have their colorful theories.

Tattoos, piercings, and a fluency in foul language testify to the considerable number of former pirates and sailors among the people of Ornath.  Some found themselves stranded by the mana storms that plagued the island's waters over the millennia and chose to make it their new home, charmed by its perfect climate and peaceful lifestyle.  Others who sailed to Ornath with an intent to plunder found themselves psychically disarmed by the magic of the Xetaki, the elite guard of mentalists who protect Biblia.  Stripped of their ships as well as their desire to do ill, these would-be pirates gratefully accept the chance to start anew on Ornath, their old lives and ways soon slipping into distant memory.

As a result of this intermingling, Ornath's people are blended together from the races of Elanthia, with half-elves dominant.  Races who do not reproduce ably with others still cling on, their numbers replenished by the new arrivals who always somehow find a way to Ornath.

Religion

Transplants to Ornath almost to a person abandon the worship they observed before their life on the island and settle into the local ways of honoring the Arkati.  Lumnis is the Arkati most broadly revered on the island, due to the influence of the Lumnasi Viragos; Koar, as her consort, is also honored as a protector, with a panoply of myths and legends associated with him on Ornath (see Sights of Ornath for greater details).

Outsiders might assume that the mana storms that, until recently, buffeted the island's waters were the work of an angry Charl; Ornathians know, or at least believe, that they were the work of Fash'lo'nae, fabled to be his punishment for their ancestors' lack of devotion some time millennia ago.  Though the storms have abated, Ornathians still place the token book or topaz on their windowsill as a mark of honor to the Grandfather, hoping it appeases him.

Among the common folk of the island, Phoen is the Arkati who inspires the most fear, as the sun on Ornath can be brutal to those who do not take proper shelter from it.  When the skies are clear and the sun is at its hottest, Ornathians who can seek shelter from "the Fury of Phoen" stay indoors, from about the 10th hour of the day to the 2nd hour after noon.  (Conversely, Ronan receives prayers of thanks for the reprieve he offers from his brother Phoen's fury.)

Spread among the farmsteads and hamlets of the island are curious rough-hewn temples known as the Tholoi of Silence (or tholos, for singular).  The pillars of a Tholos support a roof with an opening to the sky, beneath which sits the central altar where worshippers make prayers and leave offerings.  Beneath these altars stretch simple crypts where Ornathians inter the urns containing their ancestors' burnt remains.

From Shore to Table: The Cuisine of Ornath

The cuisine of Ornath is a vivid celebration of its lush, remote environment and the creativity of its people. Isolated in the vast ocean, Ornath has developed a culinary tradition deeply rooted in its abundant natural resources and varied terrain. The island's humid climate fosters a bounty of fruits like figs, persimmons, carob, kiwi, quince, oranges, cherries, apricots, and guavasteen, alongside vegetables such as cucumbers, olives, eggplants, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. Nuts like walnuts, pistachios, and pepitas are staples, often used in savory dishes, pastries, and desserts. Edible flowers, including zucchini blossoms, borage, calendula, and nasturtium, add bursts of color and subtle flavor to salads and garnishes.

Central to Ornathian cuisine are its cheeses and dairy products, crafted from the milk of goats and sheep that roam the island's rugged hills. The creamy, tangy sea-horned goat cheese and the luxuriously dorper sweet are culinary cornerstones, featured in everything from breakfast omelets to decadent desserts. The bounty of the sea provides an endless variety of fish and shellfish, with dishes often enhanced by the island's vibrant herbs, zesty citrus, and rich olive oil pressed from local groves.

A Day of Ornathian Cuisine

Breakfast: Mornings on Ornath begin with a light yet nourishing meal that highlights the island's fresh flavors. A typical breakfast plate might include several wedges of ripe persimmon and cantaloupe, a twist of golden village bread, and a dish of tangy island yogurt drizzled with bougainvillea honey. A fluffy omelet made with rock pigeon eggs, sea-horned goat cheese, and fresh tomatoes or other vegetables completes the meal, offering a balance of richness and brightness.

Lunch: As the day heats up, lunch provides a cooling respite with a mix of fresh and prepared dishes. Often, cooled leftovers from the night before are served alongside new creations. A midday meal might include a crock of lamb and orzo casserole infused with rosemary and oregano, a dollop of salted cucumber dip, and a warm, lightly grilled pita. Accompanying this could be a slow-roasted tomato stuffed with dorper sweet and herbs and a square of golden phyllo pie layered with nuts, honey, and spices. These meals are as restorative as they are satisfying, blending hearty and refreshing flavors.

Dinner: Dinner is the crown jewel of the day, enjoyed as the sun sets and the air cools. Ornathian dinners feature a combination of the island's finest ingredients, such as a roasted Ornathian sea bass, tender and infused with lemon and rosemary, and a parchment envelope filled with lamb and vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. A warm pita, a dollop of salted cucumber dip, and a sea-horned goat cheese-filled tomato salad bring variety and contrast to the meal. Aperitifs, often sweetened with the island's fruits, provide a leisurely prelude, while desserts like spiced walnut cake or phyllo layered with dorper sweet and chocolate round out the evening.

Village Bread of Ornath

A quintessential element of Ornathian cuisine, village bread is a large, round loaf known for its hearty texture and rustic charm. Its thick, crusty exterior, often etched with a bold "X" on top, contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy interior. Sesame seeds, frequently baked into the golden surface, lend a toasted, nutty aroma and a delightful crunch to each slice.

The bread's rich, buttery taste comes from milk and butter used in its preparation, providing a subtle, creamy sweetness that pairs effortlessly with both savory and sweet dishes. The sesame seeds add an earthy depth that lingers on the palate, making it as satisfying on its own as it is when served alongside Ornath's vibrant array of foods. From breakfast spreads to evening meals, village bread is a versatile companion that complements the island's culinary traditions with its simple yet indulgent flavor.

Beverages

The people of Ornath hold their beverages in high regard, weaving them into the fabric of daily life and communal gatherings. The island's vineyards produce robust red and white wines, known for their depth and character. These wines are often enhanced with local fruits such as cherries, figs, and oranges, creating aromatic variations that reflect the island's lush bounty. These fruit-infused wines are an essential for leisurely afternoons and social evenings, offering a refreshing blend of sweetness and complexity.

Aperitifs are a cherished prelude to meals on Ornath, embodying the island's focus on balance and savoring life's pleasures. Typically herbal, anise- or cinnamon-flavored, these rich, aromatic drinks are sipped slowly to stimulate the appetite and set the tone for a meal. The bold flavors of these aperitifs reflect the island's knack for turning simple ingredients into experiences of depth and satisfaction.

Coffee is also a favorite. Brewed dark and rich, it is served lightly creamed and sweetened for most, though the older generations occasionally prefer it unsweetened. This robust drink accompanies the rhythm of daily life, from the quiet moments of dawn to the animated conversations of evening gatherings. On humid afternoons, cooler and lighter beverages like cherry juice and mountain tea provide a refreshing alternative. Cherry juice is prized for its bright, tart flavor, while mountain tea, with its floral, minty, and citrus notes, offers a soothing yet invigorating respite from the day's heat.

Mountain Tea: A Timeless Tradition of Ornath

Mountain tea is a beloved infusion on Ornath, steeped in tradition and crafted from the hardy Ornathian Mountain Tea plant, mint, and a touch of citrus. Grown in the high, rocky regions of the island, the mountain tea plant thrives in the cool, elevated air, its slender leaves and clusters of tiny white flowers prized for their soothing properties. The tea unfolds with a gentle, herbal elegance, balancing earthy undertones with soft, floral notes. A whisper of citrus brightness, often from the island's fragrant oranges, adds a refreshing lift, while the cool, invigorating flavor of mint completes the blend.

The flavor profile of mountain tea is both calming and complex. The floral and earthy notes meld seamlessly with the delicate coolness of mint, evoking the rugged beauty of Ornath's highlands. A subtle natural sweetness tempers the herbaceous elements, while citrus adds a clean, invigorating clarity. More than just a beverage, mountain tea is a reflection of Ornath's way of life. Brewed for evening gatherings or served after meals to aid digestion, it embodies the island's harmony with its environment, offering comfort and vitality with every sip.

Tobacco Wood

Tobacco was once a staple crop of Ornath, cultivated and dried for export via friendly naval traders, as well as copious consumption among the scribes of Biblia.  At the peak era of the crop's cultivation, drying houses stretched all along the northern coast, their timbers taking on the same sun-leached grey patina of the leaves that hung within.  A blight two centuries ago wiped out the entire tobacco crop of Ornath, with cultivation since then being impossible.  The farmers of Ornath ably adapted to the cultivation of other crops which suited their trade as well as their palates, while the tobacco enthusiasts of Biblia managed to find willing sources off-island.  All that remains of Ornath's once-storied history as a cultivator of tobacco is the timber from its long-disassembled drying houses, reclaimed and repurposed for architectural ornamentation as well as furniture and other craft goods.

OOC Information/Notes

• Created by GM Thandiwe and GM Sindin, January 2025