Oeridians: The Warlike People of the Flanaess

The Oeridians’ legacy as fierce warriors, conquerors, and builders of empires remains a defining force in the Flanaess, shaping the politics, warfare, and cultures of the land to this day.

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Physical Characteristics

The Oeridian people have tan to olive skin tones, with hair colors ranging from auburn and brown to honey blonde or black. Their eye color is highly variable, though brown and gray are the most common. Oeridians tend to have square or oval faces with strong jawlines, reflecting their hardy and warlike nature.

History and Migration

Once inhabitants of Central Oerik, the Oeridians were a collection of loosely allied tribes. They served as mercenaries in the Baklunish-Suel conflicts before migrating eastward into the Flanaess to escape the destruction of their lands. Pushed forward by orc and goblin mercenaries of the Baklunish Empire and the Suel Imperium, they battled their way east, sometimes forming alliances with the native Flan and elves, especially against the Suel.

The most powerful of these tribes, the Aerdi, established what would become the most dominant empire in the Flanaess: the Great Kingdom of Aerdy. Other notable Oeridian tribes included the Nehron of modern Nyrond, the Keogh of Keoland, the Ferroi of Furyondy, and the Vollar of Veluna. Today, unmixed Oeridians are most commonly found in Furyondy, Perrenland, the Shield Lands, North Kingdom, Medegia, Onnwal, and Sunndi.

Culture and Society

Oeridian culture is rooted in pragmatism, discipline, and martial excellence. They value honor, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, though they can be temperamental and aggressive, often favoring violent solutions to problems. They have a preference for strict social order, generally seeing themselves at the pinnacle, and military traditions remain strong among them. Their skill in warfare is unparalleled, earning them both fear and respect throughout the Flanaess.

In peacetime, Oeridians tend to be practical and hard-working, often showing little patience for intellectual pursuits. However, they have contributed greatly to battle magic, with a particular focus on war enchantments and strategic spellcasting.

Language and Dress

The Oeridian language, Old Oeridian, is still used in legal and official documents within the former Great Kingdom. Their traditional clothing consists of short tunics, close-fitting trousers, and capes. They favor bold patterns, such as plaids and checks in the east, while in the south and west, oval and diamond patterns are more common.

The Oeridian Pantheon

The Oeridian gods are young compared to other pantheons. The first deities to arrive on Oerth were Velnius, Procan, and Telchur, along with Telchur’s three daughters: Atroa, Sotillion, and Wenta. Procan, god of the seas, took the Suel goddess Osprem as his wife, while Velnius, god of the skies, sought a mate among Telchur’s daughters.

Telchur, known for his cold and cruel nature, refused Velnius’ request, hiding his daughters away. Overcome with grief, Velnius darkened the skies, covering Oerth in cold and storms. Only after the intervention of Beory did Telchur relent, allowing Velnius to marry each daughter for 91 days—creating the cycle of seasons.

• Atroa, the young and free-spirited bride, brought spring, though her impulsiveness sometimes led to stormy disputes with Velnius.
• Sotillion, the mature and independent sister, brought summer, maintaining a warm but sometimes challenging relationship with Velnius.
• Wenta, the eldest and most graceful, brought autumn, a time of peace and fulfillment.
• When Telchur took his daughters back for his turn, winter fell upon the land, and Velnius grieved once more.

From these unions, many Oeridian gods were born:

• Atroa bore Celestian, Fharlanghn, Delleb, and Pholtus.
• Sotillion gave birth to Heironeous and Hextor.
• Wenta bore Zilchus, Erythnul, and the first Oeridians.

As the Oerids spread across the Flanaess, their settlements grew into thriving cities, and new deities arose from their midst, including Kurell, Raxivort, and the recently ascended Rudd.