Iridian Islanders
The Iridian Isles, a captivating and enigmatic region within the Unified Governorates of Benacia, are home to a unique indigenous population with a rich cultural heritage. Embellished with breathtaking landscapes and a history shrouded in mystery, the Iridian Islanders managed to preserve their tribal traditions and customs despite encounters with outside forces, until the violent shock of intrusions by the Benacian Union after 1707 AN.
Governance and Tribal Structure
Traditionally, the Iridian Isles did not have a centralised government but were rather governed by a collection of tribes, each occupying a different island. Each tribe was led by a Chief, selected by the heads of families whenever the position became vacant. The Chief ruled with authority, making decisions that affected the tribe and the island. While the Chief was expected to consult with a council of elders, their advice held no binding power, leaving the Chief with the ultimate authority. Succession to the position of Chief often occurred through unconventional means, such as accidents or encounters with local fauna. The unique method of succession added an element of intrigue and unpredictability to the tribe's leadership.
The Village, situated on the main island, served as a meeting place for tribal leaders when matters required collective discussion or in times of conflict. It was the only location where tribes had contact with each other and the outside world. Disputes between tribes were typically resolved through negotiations or, in some cases, through physical confrontation.
Cultural Identity and Communal Ownership
The Iridian Islanders held a deep sense of tribal identity, valuing loyalty to their families and tribes above all else. Communal ownership was a fundamental aspect of their culture, with all property and resources on the island belonging to the tribe as a whole. Individual ownership rights were limited to a person's fair share, ensuring a sense of equality and cooperation within the community.
Folk religion
The worship of Buer, the Healer, Demon-Lord of the Iridian Isles, is a significant aspect of the religious beliefs and practices of the Iridian Islanders. This idol, introduced onto the islands in the 17th century AN, holds a central position in the native culture and spirituality.
According to their beliefs, Buer is the seventh demon that the Demon-Goddess brought into the mortal realm. The native people initially feared Buer due to his ability to remove their ailments in the absence of medicine men, only to have them return when the medicine men examined them. This prevented the witch doctors from observing any progress and condemned the patients to live with their afflictions, fully aware of their imprisonment.
Devotees of Buer hold the belief that they will be immune to sickness and will receive teachings on natural herbs and remedies that can cure all ailments. However, they are convinced that they need to persuade Buer to heal people by making the demon believe that the individuals will suffer torment upon their sudden recovery.
Oath sworn devotees of Buer further believe that they will attain a profound understanding of morality, which will often conflict with the commands of Buer. The worshippers anticipate that after eight years of faithful service, Buer will grant them a familiar, a spiritual entity that offers protection against the demon's plagues and afflictions.
The worship of Buer and the veneration of the Mortal Lady, the leading Devotee believed to be an ancient crone, represent a unique blend of folklore, spiritual beliefs, and cultural traditions among the Iridian Islanders. The mythology and rituals associated with Buer offer insights into the complexities of their religious worldview and the interplay between faith, healing, and morality within their society.
Isolation and Resistance
The indigenous people of the Iridian Isles harbored a strong aversion to outside influence and fiercely protected their lands from external intrusions. Foreigners and even members of other tribes were discouraged from landing on the islands, with warnings often falling on deaf ears. Some adventurous souls sought the thrill of defying these warnings, while others arrived with the intention of spreading religious beliefs. Such encounters almost always ended in either a forced departure from the island or an invitation to a perilous dinner.
Encounters with the Outside World
The Iridian Islanders' isolation was shattered when landing parties from the Benacian Maritime Forces unexpectedly arrived on the islands. The natives found themselves under attack from helicopters spraying a noxious yellow liquid, causing devastation to their land and resulting in severe health effects. Unbeknownst to the islanders, they had become test subjects for a new chemical formulation. After weeks of suffering, a small exploratory team was dispatched to assess the aftermath. They discovered a desolate wasteland, confirming the devastating impact of the chemical attack. Subsequently, the decision was made to withdraw the outside forces, leaving the islanders to their own devices once again.
The islands were subsequently opened up to settlement by protected persons from the Benacian Union after 1718 AN.
