Lenora

Lenora, the indomitable capital of the Eastern Steppes, stands as a testament to the strength and unity of the orcish people. Founded as a gathering place for the nomadic clans of the steppes, the city has grown into a powerful and fortified metropolis. With its strong traditions, robust defenses, and rich cultural heritage, Lenora remains a symbol of resilience in a harsh and unforgiving landscape. Under the leadership of Chieftain Goruk Varzul, the city continues to thrive, maintaining its status as the heart of orcish culture and power in the region.

Demographics

• Orcs: 60%
• Humans: 20%
• Half-Orcs: 15%
• Other Races: 5%

Government

Lenora is governed by a council of elders from the various clans, with the Chieftain serving as the head of state. The council makes decisions on matters of law, defense, and resource distribution, while the Chieftain leads in times of war and represents the city in diplomatic matters.

Defences

Lenora is one of the most fortified cities in the Eastern Steppes. The city is surrounded by multiple layers of walls, each designed to slow down and repel invaders. Watchtowers are positioned along the walls, manned by skilled archers and warriors. The Iron Gates, which guard the main entrance to the city, are legendary for their strength. Lenora also has a large standing army, composed mainly of orcish warriors trained in the Warrior’s Quarter.

Industry & Trade

Lenora’s economy is based on a combination of agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade. The city is known for its production of high-quality weapons, armor, and leather goods, as well as its robust agricultural output, including grains, livestock, and medicinal herbs. Trade with neighboring regions, including Prildan and Mahadir, provides the city with goods not locally available, such as luxury items and certain metals.

Infrastructure

Lenora’s infrastructure is rugged but functional, reflecting the orcish emphasis on practicality and resilience. The city has a network of roads connecting the various districts, as well as communal gathering spaces, temples, and fortifications. Lenora’s layout is designed with defense in mind, with the city’s core surrounded by layers of walls and watchtowers.

Districts

1. The Great Hall: The central district, home to the Chieftain’s residence, the council chambers, and the city’s main temple.
2. Warrior’s Quarter: A district dedicated to the training and housing of the city’s warriors, including barracks, armories, and combat arenas.
3. Craftsmen’s Alley: Where the city’s blacksmiths, leatherworkers, and artisans produce goods for both local use and trade.
4. The Spirit Grounds: A sacred area where spiritual rituals are conducted, including burial mounds, shrines, and meditation spaces.
5. The Market Square: The commercial heart of Lenora, where traders and merchants from across the Eastern Steppes and beyond come to sell their goods.
6. The Outer Rings: Residential areas for the common folk, including farmers, herders, and laborers.

Assets

• The Great Hall: The political and spiritual center of Lenora, where the Chieftain and Council of Elders convene.
• The Bloodstone Arena: A large combat arena where warriors compete in tournaments and trials of strength.
• The Spirit Grounds: A revered area for spiritual practices, including the sacred Flame of the Ancestors.
• The Iron Gates: Massive, reinforced gates that protect the city from invasion, considered one of Lenora’s greatest defensive achievements.

Guilds and Factions

• The Varzul Clan: The ruling clan, with significant influence over the city’s political and military decisions.
• The Blacksmiths’ Guild: A powerful faction responsible for the production of weapons and tools, crucial to Lenora’s economy.
• The Shamans’ Circle: Spiritual leaders who guide the city in matters of faith, healing, and the interpretation of omens.
• The Traders’ Consortium: A group of merchants and traders who manage the city’s external trade relations and market activities.

History

Lenora’s history is deeply rooted in the traditions of the orcish clans who originally settled the Eastern Steppes. The city was founded as a gathering place for the clans, and over time, it grew into the capital of a united orcish state. The city has faced numerous challenges, including invasions from neighboring regions and internal strife, but it has always emerged stronger, thanks to the resilience and unity of its people.

Points of interest

• The Great Hall: The heart of Lenora’s political and spiritual life.
• The Bloodstone Arena: A major site for orcish culture, where strength and skill are celebrated.
• The Sacred Flame: A legendary flame in the Spirit Grounds that is said to burn eternally, representing the ancestors’ spirits.
• The Iron Gates: A symbol of Lenora’s strength and a major tourist attraction for those interested in military architecture.

Tourism

While Lenora is not as cosmopolitan as Prildan or Mahadir, it attracts visitors interested in orcish culture, particularly warriors and scholars. The Bloodstone Arena and the Spirit Grounds are popular among tourists, as are the city’s festivals, which often involve large public gatherings and displays of martial prowess.

Architecture

The architecture of Lenora is robust and functional, with buildings made of stone, wood, and reinforced materials. Structures are often fortified, reflecting the city’s focus on defense and resilience. The Great Hall is the most ornate building, with carvings and symbols representing the various clans and their history. Other buildings are simpler, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Eastern Steppes.

Geography

Lenora is located in the heart of the Eastern Steppes, a vast and open grassland with rolling hills and scattered forests. The terrain is rugged, with few natural barriers, making it ideal for the nomadic lifestyle of the early orcish settlers. The city itself is built on a slightly elevated plateau, providing a natural defensive advantage.

Climate

Lenora experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The region is known for its strong winds and occasional dust storms, but it also receives enough rainfall to support agriculture. Winters can be harsh, with snowfall common in the colder months, but the orcs have adapted to these conditions over generations.

Natural Resources

The Eastern Steppes are rich in natural resources, including fertile soil, abundant grazing land for livestock, and deposits of iron and other minerals. The region also has a wealth of medicinal plants and herbs, which are used by the Shamans’ Circle for healing and spiritual rituals. The city’s access to these resources has been a key factor in its growth and sustainability.

Population

Approximately 800,000 inhabitants

Inhabitant Demonym

Lenorans

Location under

Crystalline Expanse

Owner/Ruler

King Kaom Lioneye