The Ninme (pronounced NIN-may) are an elven tribe that lives in the coastal marshes north of Anzili in Brightmarch. Their lives and culture are shaped by a psychic entity known as the Glassmind of the Fallen Pearl that psychically links them but shortens their lifespans in exchange.
Demographics
The population of the Ninme is quite small, perhaps three hundred people or so. They are almost entirely elven.
Culture
Contrary to the understanding spread by some outsiders, especially the Hinthialite scholars who have compiled writings on Ninme culture, the tribe does not worship the Glassmind of the Fallen Pearl but does see it as something similar, but not quite identical, to a spiritual leader. The Fallen Pearl psychically links together all Ninme as well as all animals that enter the region around their reed-house villages, granting them a shared empathetic connection and limited telepathy for some. From this the Ninme have developed beliefs centering around a fundamental oneness of existence, as to them this is a self-evident reality, for from their earliest ages all members of the tribe can understand what others around them - elven and animal alike - can feel.
The Fallen Pearl does not merely connect the Ninme, however, as it is a being in its own right, able to telepathically speak with its own voice, develop its own thoughts, and pursue its own goals. Though it does not replace the traditional, elective chiefs of the Ninme, the Fallen Pearl does advise them, with its wisdom and age valued highly by the elves.
In exchange for the boons granted by the Glassmind of the Fallen Pearl, it asks only for the life-energy of the Ninme to sustain it. This is given freely and willingly by the elves, even as doing so reduces their lifespans dramatically - few Ninme live past 200, roughly half the typical maximum lifetime of an elf.
Though the exact nature of the Glassmind of the Fallen Pearl is unknown to those outside the Ninme, it is certainly not a true glassmind. It was first brought to the tribe by a meteor that made impact in their marshes centuries ago - most likely some time in the late nineth millennium but the exact date is unknown - after which it began to psychically reach out to the elves, who quickly formed the covenant with the Fallen Pearl that they enjoy today. It rests under the waters and reeds in a location roughly central to the Ninme villages.