Overview
The natives of Skaldsong are an easy-going people as a whole and place a lot of attention on the arts. Their perception of art is vast, and as such are not restricted to what we in the real world would refer to 'classical' arts, as such some of their most praised figures in history seem to have rather mundane jobs. A inspiring public speaker could be revered as much as a renowned warrior, and again as much as a favored musical idol. There are/were guilds existing for the greater categories of these arts. These guilds also hold some political power across the nations.
Religiously, The Great Skald is the great being that created the masterpiece of the world. There is no description for this being. The Oratorio is the beginning as they know it. Concerning the Maestros/Virtuoso referenced in the Oratorio, their influence is dubious in how it has carried through history. The only constant is that they shape the destinies of others, they create the obstacles and challenges faced as well as the happy or tragic ends fitting for the Eternal Novel. Originally they were simply guides in this endeavor and are said to have been the founders of the old guilds. These days they are gods and are worshiped in line with, or instead of, the Great Skald.
The capital city, Inizio D'Oro, is believed to be where the Great Skald had made their one and only visit and held the meeting to create the first Maestros/Virtuoso. Descriptively it has a lot of Italian influences with the architecture sporting colorful stucco and terracotta roofing and hilly cobblestone or wheel-worked dirt roads with tightly placed buildings at the main hub. As the city expands outward it takes on a more picturesque countryside appeal with rolling green hills dotted with farm plots. Carvings and decorative structural art are generally centered around the Great Skald, particularly in older parts or centers of gathering places such as mass markets, festival locales, etc. Sometimes they are subtle, the clef note appearing at the top of pillars or in the corners of door moldings or as a door handle. Sometimes they are grand, such as an entire fountain dedicated to their creator.
The city is landlocked and is large on agriculture, such as wheat and grapes.
The style of government is a monarchy, with the royalty referred to as the Prima Familia. Instead of a King they have a Prima Uomo and Queen is Prima Donna. Shortening to Prima is also acceptable. Only the aristocracy gain social interactions with the Prima Familia, taking up all of the jobs that would directly deal with them, and as such many aspire to the royal position by getting the favor to marry in. This often creates tension that could rise into a "Capulet and Montague"-like feud.
While the ruling family has the final and absolute say in what goes, there is recognized power in the guild leaders (who are also considered aristocrats) who form the Choir, as it is they who carry out the orders of the crown far into their respective communities they lead.
