Biegen (ˈbiːɣən)

"Of all the Inselvolk, the Biegen Cynnes have had the largest impact upon Ynys. Some claim that they might even start calling the island Biegenland, although this is likely a slander perpetrated by Dyfed."

— Arvandus, Court Wizard of Creoda.

The Biegens are an ethnic group of humans primarily found in the Northeastern Region. They are part of a group of closely related peoples known as the Inselvolk, all of whom originate from the Volksland island group. While the oldest Biegen communities are found on the island of Eg, the largest populations are found on the island of Ynys, where many of the Inselvolk settled after the Age of Warlocks.

Physical Appearance

The Biegen are tall and sturdy humans who have pale or ruddy complexions. Blonde hair is most common, with some people having light brown or red hair. Their eye color is typically blue or gray.

Common Dress & Style

Biegen dress is practical and functional. Men often wear tunics or shirts made of wool or linen, along with leather boots and leggings for protection against the rugged terrain. Women's clothing is also practical, with long skirts or dresses that allow for ease of movement. Cloaks or capes are worn over their clothing for warmth and protection from the wind and rain. Jewelry is often simple and understated. Both men and women favor intricate embroidery and bright colors, with wealthier individuals having access to more vibrant dyes.

Social Structure

The Biegen are a patriarchal society, with the senior male in each family serving as its head. These families are known as Cynnes, and larger ones can have over a hundred members. Each Cynn will rule over their own territory, and they are frequently part of a larger structure that contains many Cynnes. Sometimes these are representative, such as with the Egþeod, while other times there will be a king or other central authority ruling over all the Cynnes.

Religion & Folklore

Like the other Inselvolk and the Eyjamaður, the Biegen worship the family of gods and spirits known as the Vættir. These Numina have anchors throughout the Norður Islands, and some have arisen among the Biegen communities of Ynys, blending into the Ellyll native to that island.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Main Article: Inselsprach

Like the other Inselvolk, the Biegen speak Inselsprach. They have several dialects unique to the islands where they live, but have no trouble communicating with speakers of other dialects.

Foods & Cuisine

Biegen cuisine is hearty and filling, with a focus on simple, traditional dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Meat and fish are common staples, and are often cooked over an open flame or in a stew. Vegetables are also popular, particularly root vegetables such as turnips and potatoes. Bread is a common staple, often made from wheat or rye flour, and may be served with butter or cheese. Beer and mead are the most common alcoholic beverages, with wine and spirits being less common due to their expense and rarity.

Diverged ethnicities

• Kattalander

Related Organizations

• Bernicia
• Cait
• Creoda
• Egþeod
• Elmet
• Vættir
• Wulfstan Cynn

Languages spoken

• Inselsprach

Related Locations

• Eg
• Fälsch
• Löngeyja
• Schuldig
• Ynys

Sibling Rivalry

Among the Inselvolk, the Biegen and Ðuring peoples have long nurtured a bitter rivalry. In the millennia since both came to the Great Ring, they have fought several wars with each other, and have competed against each other in every arena they could find. During the Age of Warlocks, when the people of Ynys were hiring hundreds of mercenaries from the Volksland, Biegen and Ðuring soldiers refused to work together, and frequently fought each other rather than the enemy. Many of the conflicts of modern Ynys were seeded during this period, and the conflict between these two closely related groups has had long-lasting repercussions.

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