Eldryn
The resilient people of Eldryn are a culture that has long endured the oppressive rule of the Mertessan nation. Despite the challenges they face, they maintain a rich and vibrant cultural identity that embodies their history, traditions, and indomitable spirit. The Eldryn people have forged a strong communal bond as they navigate the hardships imposed upon them.
Centuries ago, Eldryn was an independent nation on the western end of the river Felden, flourishing in its own sovereignty and cultural heritage at the feet of its mountains. However, during the Mertessan unification, it refused to join the alliance, its people preferring to keep their own culture. This caught the attention of the larger city states, which sought to expand their dominion into the region and exploit the mineral resources of the smaller nation. The alliance decided to forge an example and brought the entirety of its force upon the small nation. Eldryn was invaded, occupied, and fell under the yoke of this Mertessa, enduring the burden of oppressive rule and cultural suppression.
Throughout their history, Eldryn's people have organized resistance movements, engaging in acts of civil disobedience and covert activities to preserve their culture and strive for freedom. Although these movements have had limited success and often result in many deaths, they also foster a sense of empowerment and unity in the native peoples, with courageous individuals becoming symbols of defiance against the oppressive rule.
Culture
Culture and cultural heritage
The Eldryn people have developed a remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. They draw strength from their collective spirit, relying on mutual support and unity to persevere through the past centuries.
Though they have become isolated within their own country, Eldryn's cultural identity is preserved through oral traditions, with tales of legendary heroes, folkloric myths, and songs that echo their struggle for freedom. Eldryn's storytellers, known as Provisti, carry the responsibility of keeping the narratives alive and passing them down to future generations.
The people of Eldryn have also found solace in secret celebrations that defy the oppressive rule of Mertessa. These clandestine gatherings provide opportunities to express their cultural identity through music, dance, and traditional ceremonies, reaffirming their bond as a community and instilling hope for a brighter future.
Art & Architecture
Much of the Eldryn region was razed to the ground, and rebuilt by the Mertessan Alliance in the styles of the larger city states, all in an effort to destroy the Eldryn culture. Despite this cultural suppression, Eldryn's artisans have managed to preserve their traditional arts and crafts, incorporating it into regional culture. Intricate woodcarvings made from native timbers, vibrant tapestries, and pottery made from clay and plants within the wetlands, all adorned with symbolic motifs are expressions of their resilience and cultural pride.
Foods & Cuisine
Many of the more complex traditional foods have been lost to the cultural erasure of Eldryn, however a significant number of simply prepared dishes have survived through the Provisti and the hidden communal celebrations.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Eldryn's people have a deep connection with the natural world, viewing it as a source of solace and spiritual guidance. They revere the land, forests, and river, incorporating nature-based rituals and beliefs into their cultural practices.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Eldryn traditional burial is known as the rite of sky and branch. It begins with placement of the deceased upon then mountains within dedicated sacred sites. Here, bodies are left exposed for animals and birds to strip the bodies down to their bones. These bones are then collected and taken to the forests, where they are buried, either beneath sacred trees or with new saplings brought from said sacred plants.
Related Locations
Comments