the Gwdaïdän (gʊˈdaiˌdan)

Grouped together by their shared geography and history, the category of 'Gwdaïdän' refers to any of the widly varied cultures originating in the Daïdänt mountains, though few of the dozens of distinct and highly-regional subcultures survive to the present day.
Originally, the commuinities of the Daïdänt were entirely self-sufficient and largely insular, trading amongst themselves to a greater or lesser degree, with only designated traders venturing beyond the foothills. The discovery of the vast mineral wealth of the mountains brough the insular communities into conflict with prospectors and, laster, companies. The latter conflict resulkted in the Gwdaïdän eventually being bought out or driven out of their homes. As the Gwdaïdän is formed of largely unrecognised clans, they found themselves unable to petition their governments for assistance and were forced into banditry or indentured servitude by mining companies.
Those who chose banditry were outlawed and banded together in the warrens of caves and valleys in the mountains. The companies employed, and continue to employ, mercenaries to hunt the bandits, who survive in the thin places and have learned to walk between the Real and the Dream. They have retreated further and further from the encroaching world and live deeply traditional lives, comparable to the technology level of the 5.700s, and continue to attack company supply trains, mines, workshops, and refineries.
Those who were absorbed into corporate life rent the homes they'd once passed through generations, and are barred from trading between communities and, especially, between different companies' towns. In exchange for their labour, they have safety from the wild beasts of the mountains, and access to modern medicines and technology.
The folklore of both groups of Gwdaïdä has grown to incorporate heores like Gwaun Poyner, Sessott Pulley, or Flaxney Kissack - Dreamwalking wizards who smash machinery and free their people or who incite rebellion in the hearts and minds of workers - and villains like Plaídiun Keerʊvnéð and Kaíbí Shoosaal , who cause mine collapses and other industraial disasters. Such stories continue to spread, despite being strongly discouraged by the corporations.
Biologically, the Gwdaïdän are a mix of species - ljudoy, ialy, and yutaaq, but with a stable population of tepetlactl among them. They share similar values across subcultures, are a fiercly proud people who value hard work, community, and resiliance. Although bandits and the companyfolk continue to be at odds, they share a mutual respect, seeing the other as a wayward sibling whom they continue to suppoort without condoning their choices. Despite centruies of trying, the companies have not managed to break the community sentiment between the two groups.

Encompassed species

• Light goat