Razmir has only dominated the land over a handful of decades, so I'm presuming the earlier culture and styles remain largely dominant.
What historical region might Razmiran be similar too in terms of culture, decorative elements, clothing and so on? I'm particularly interested in what style of music might be prevalent, but also what might now be emerging due to the Razmiran faith and cult. Any suggestions or concepts?
Territory of razmiran seems like it was previously part of River Kingdoms; those are pretty varied, but I would compare this region to medieval Central Europe, in particular the Holy Roman Empire.
Establishment of Razmiran pushed common folk to the farming and meager trades, while better jobs arereserved for the people associated at least in some form with the Church. That probably means that all new music and literature is controlled and influenced by Razmiran theocracy.
For the style of Razmiran music, I'd expect the prevalance of wind instruments, notably pipe organs and horns. Main musical forms would be hymns and chorals.
I think that mask of Razmir could become an architectual element.
I would also take note about religious significance of stairs in Razmiran. This could lead to stairways being built in many places they are not really needed. Howver, they should never reach the number of 31 steps, as this is the number of steps Razmir supposedly took to achieve divinity, and would be reserved for the Razmir's 31-stepped throne alone.
I would compare this region to medieval Central Europe, in particular the Holy Roman Empire.
Given its proximity to Ustalav, I was considering countries just a little further east as a core influence but the HRE could make a lot of sense too.
For the style of Razmiran music, I'd expect the prevalance of wind instruments, notably pipe organs and horns. Main musical forms would be hymns and chorals.
Interesting take on it, though I think the more majestic organs leave too "established" a sense of music for what is still a new cult. Chants complemented by flutes or simpler hand-held instruments seem more on target. I'm worried that might give too far eastern a sensation (i.e., Tibetan, Indian, etc.) though, and I'm not sure that gives the right impression outside of it being somehow exotic.
Something more forceful might be in order, given the aggressive nature of the cult and their intimidation schemes. Maybe chanting and drums/bells/chimes? Could sound too wild and shamanistic though.
(I'm thinking of something like this.)
I think that mask of Razmir could become an architectual element.
Oooh, I really like this idea. It has a "cult of personality" vibe that conveys an immediate sense of things.
I would also take note about religious significance of stairs in Razmiran. This could lead to stairways being built in many places they are not really needed.
For PCs enduring Chapter 3 of Strange Aeons (which some of my players are), this has an eerie if only symbolic significance.
Thanks for your input, Adjoint! Very helpful!