And Now for Something Completely Different... STYLE!

Take a break and read something lighthearted for a few minutes - this is definitely a work in progress and any race/clan/tribe/area specialists are invited to contribute their respective paragraph's worth of description as well! Illustration crops will be coming as I have time. Chock-full of yummy little easter-eggs (prize for the one who finds the most?) and little in-jokes, not to mention the style of the entry itself... well, enough intro. Enjoy!

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Design Styles of Santharia

Well, my dears, it has just gotten far too confusing for us artistic sensitive types. You know, the kind of people who think it is important to change their surroundings as frequently as their linens, who can tell cinna from basiloc, and actually do know the difference between Cerubel Blue and Allia Blue….

Anyhow, there is a Santharian Palette available to help those of you who just call it all blue! Tshhah! But what there is not, or at least has not been up to this point, is any sort of resource for the people who need descriptions for the many beautiful design styles that exist in the Kingdom, and adjectives to boot. We have helpfully divided it into four main sections: Architectural, Dynastic, Racial, and Artistic. Languish no more, sweet ones, but cast your shining orbs down this list. No, no, don’t thank us, we’re dreadfully shy. Just remember the next time you need to buy draperies, you could consider Lennuel & Grey’s, just off Sitheen Street in Carmelad… I’m Lennuel and the short one with the darling calves is Grey!

Architectural Styles

Marresque – after the citystate of Marmarra. Usually represented in architecture but also in furniture and some clothing, this grim style is characterized by narrow, stately, oppressive shapes, by dark colours, and aggressive stylings – spikes, pikes, spires and arches. Though dour, it has overwhelming presence and is not for the faint of heart.

Serphian – see Artistic Styles, below. Generally utilizing a circular motif.

Goutonchic – while it is rare for a single individual to lend his or her name to a well-known style, in this case we refer to the redoubtable Madame Learna Goutonch of Lorehaven, whose School for Young Ladies was so uniquely designed that it ushered in not only a plethora of architectural imitations but a reflection in the local dress fashions. We can only use the word ‘prim’ to describe Goutonchic; whether as a building or a maiden, the adjectives ‘tall’, ‘slim’, ‘shuttered’, ‘buttoned’, and ‘finialed’ spring to mind. Houses and dresses are far from simple, with frills, bustles, and excess trim of all sort managing to obscure the basic shape. Necklines are extremely high and hemlines low; worn with a turned-up nose and a frosty expression, you have the epitome of Goutonchic.

Roulkish – this is a sarcastic reference to the little hamlet of Roulk, known for its inexplicable existence. How the lackluster and tiny population manage to eke out their days in the few slovenly shacks along one of the major trade roads is not known. “Roulkish style”, in other words, means to be completely tasteless. Not something we recommend, dears!

Avennorian – obviously from the Avennorian human tribe, one of the oldest in Santharia. Their origins as seafolk come through clearly in their preferred style – nautical. Whether gold necklaces and bracelets shaped like twisted clewlines, shrouds and stays (all ship rigging parts, for those of you who don’t care for salt water, like us!), or dwellings shaped like boat hulls, many of the visual references come from a culture raised on saltwater. You may hear a tailor referring to a nice pair of trews as ‘Avennorian’; he simply means that they are cut sailor-style, short and flared!

Dynastic Styles

Mynian – from the ancient kingdom of Mynia (2040-1649 b.S.) Very distinctive use of strapwork and interwoven designs, often without an obvious beginning or end.

Ritonic – a subset of Mynian, named after the well-known young prince of that era. Also known as ‘knotwork’, it is considered by scholars to be a mix of the traditional Mynian strapwork with the dwarven ‘Kurakian style’ then being developed. It resulted in a simple, powerful mode, featuring interwoven, looping, and mandala designs, and was to influence many arts and crafts of the time. See the famous ‘Riton’s Axe’ for a fine example of this woven look. Do not confuse with the dark elven ‘Hemlic’ – see below.

Zhunith-made – a catch-all term for pieces from the continent of Nybelmar. Complex, elaborate, and detailed. The intricate designs are irregular rather than symmetrical, but display a sophisticated sense of balance and composition, whether on a figure, building, or chair. Abstract shapes appear to be preferred over representational.

Trubish - Primitive, flat, stylized, two-dimensional. (see the background of the illustration of Armeros in the Armourwain Temple at Dasai, in Truban) Shapes are coloured in solidly, never shaded, and the overall effect generally suggests tapestry or murals from an antique age. Currently resurgent in the capital, New Santhala, as demonstrating ‘refreshing simplicity’. We personally think it is all executed by a labour squad of talented five-year-olds chained in a dingy workshop somewhere in Klinsor, but taste is all relative, no, dear readers?

Religeuse – characterized by long, flowing lines, purity of style, simplicity and modesty. In clothing, a full robe, sometimes belted simply, often with an attached hood or cowl. In buildings, as little of the actual construction visible is desirable – limed, plastered, or adobe surfaces are common to produce a clean, simple effect. Currently onsidered rather old-fashioned but still very common.

Racial Styles

Injeran – from the elven clan of that name. Designs are often executed in wood or cloth. Characterized by stylized leaves, vines, and other floral designs, with a very organic, natural feel, and a smooth finish. Highly desirable outside the clan, but rarely available – thus also rarely expensive. Example pieces are generally found as state gifts or other presentations, rather than commissions or purchases.

“Quael-cut” – used to refer to work originating from the Quaelhoirhim elven tribe. Featured are smooth, shallow curves, and spirals, sometimes branching off from each other like tendrils, or pairing to form symmetrical designs. Used on armour, furniture, textiles, and jewelry, the spiral is one of the most dramatic forms to represent this elegant clan’s unique aesthetic.

Kurakian – from the Northern Sarvonian dwarven clan, the Kurakim. Typically, very solid, heavily embossed, or repousse designs in metal or leather. Raised domes and swellings, studs, and nearly three-dimensional braids are all common design motifs.

Dior – based on the Diorye'oleal dark elf culture. Long, flowing, black, lean lines, a shiny texture, small dark gemstones laid in ‘paved’ patterns. In clothing, a sharp, edgy cut which hints at revealing more than it really does. May be ‘lined’ with imitation tattoo designs. Very popular with the young and rebellious of the wealthy, who fancy the louche look that results - slightly dangerous and risqué at the same time!

Zephyrene – a densely-layered decorative style imported from Nybelmar and popularized in Santharia by Lord Coren FrozenZephyr, who lent his name to it here. When seen in fabric, jewelry, or other ornament, it is created by a number of layers of the chosen material which are all separately stitched, punched, cut away, distressed, interwoven, and pieced together to form an elaborate, randomly-textured look which is both rich and ragged all at once.

Barbaric – yes, this is an adjective meaning ‘dreadfully uncouth’, but also a design philosophy, if we can bear to dignify it with that title. The ‘Barbaric’ look is characterized by a rather crude blockiness, irregular lines and swipes of colour, a moiety of beads, and far too many feathers and braids. This is also currently affected by the rebellious human youth of the cities who have too much spare time and not enough taste.

Burrowmier – a homey, squat, earthy style which is immediately recognizable as ‘hobbitish’. Their ceramics are round, fat shapes with a comic yet reliable solidity in the hand, their furniture invariably overstuffed, and their doors and windows circular. The colours are deep, bright, saturated, and they favour stylized repetitive patterns (daisies, sunflowers, psitta birds, cherries, etc.) or rather showy plaids and checks.

Watchwork - striking miniature geometric designs unique to the Zirghurim. Sharp squares, triangles, or diamant shapes are created in dyed wood, bright fabric, hued metal, and either inlaid, sewn, or welded to form a detailed, precise patchwork which resembles a type of exotic scaling. This patterning can be used on furniture, architectural trim, clothing, armour, and household items; when contrasted with the blocky, simple shapes that dwarves generally prefer, it makes a colourful and dramatic accent.

Artistic Styles

Erphish – from the Erpheronian tribe of Southern Sarvonia, a highly fashion-conscious group. Usually refers to clothing styles. Typically a broad, sweeping look which moves decisively from loose, flowing strokes using plenty of fabric to snug, fitted areas which contrast dramatically. ‘Flare’ is a keynote of the look (not to be confused with ‘flair’, which the Erphs also possess in tuns…)

Serphian – from the Sephelorian clan. Invariably incorporates circles and curves, though in a simple, sturdy fashion. The lines of the kaiarxur tattoos seem to feature interlocking and overlapping circles, while their buildings are always round – referencing their original tents.

Caltherite – from the dyer’s clan of Caltharia. This is a bright, energetic, natural style with plenty of ‘motion’ and life. While not restful, it has a cheerful, childlike joy about it and is adaptable to many interpretations in various media. Most often seen on fabric, as tunics, tapestries, bedlinens, and the like.

Hemlic – from the Nybelmarnian elven clan of the Coór'hém. At first glance resembling the interwoven patterns of Ritonic, but without its symmetry. Shapes are writhing, sinuous, disturbingly complex; snakes, vines, and other lean organic shapes twist and coil on the surface of Hemlic work. See the illustration of a Coor’hem doorframe for an example of this style.

Neo-Santhalan - An elaborate and showy short of style, whose main points are 'folds' and 'slashes'. In clothing, this is easy to create, with plenty of ruffs, rufflings, shirrings, drapings, and puffs pulled through slits in the fabric. Architecturally, the look is achieved by wood-magic or careful carving, resulting in the lovely 'linen-fold' paneling, the 'Dressene' columns, the ubiquitous 'running stitch' molding, and lots of actual textiles, such as curtains, draperies, and tapestries. Brooches made of thinly-folded metal, milchbutter carvings at all of the best feasts, the 'flutter-line' eye makeup popular just now, and more such details all help to reinforce the Neo-Santhalan look. We give it another century or so...

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