Idrimi

Idrimi
Idrimi walking-banner
Capital	None
Ruler	No singular ruler
Government	Tribal colossus-talkers
Demonym	Idrimi
Adjective	Idrimi
Languages	Aserdian, Elven
Religions	Saclateni, Errai

The Idrimi (pronounced id-RIH-me) are a loose-knit nomadic people that live in Brightmarch. Through their leaders, the colossus-talkers, the Idrimi tribes have learned to coexist in mutually beneficial relationships with ancient Eitan colossi that still exist in the region.

History

As the Kingdom of Eita declined then finally collapsed, relics and remnants of the elven nation were left behind in the lands they once occupied outside the Cradle. In Brightmarch, entire settlements were abandoned, and with them a small number of the great elven colossi. Now alone, these constructs were left directionless and aimless for thousands of years. Some wandered Brightmarch endlessly, or even walked through the Gulf of Aserdus to reach the Cradle, while others continued to follow their last commands as best they could or even went insane, cutting swathes of destruction through the region. Eventually nearly all who survived decided to settle down and await further guidance.

Although they had long been aware of the colossi, the many peoples of Brightmarch left them alone lest they act with unpredictable violence. It was not until Y9540^* that a tribe found a certain bronze colossus, one of very few of its kind, half-buried in the bank of the Ikena River. As it had long since forgotten its own name, they gave it the name Chaluchasu. Left for two millennia to watch itself be buried by silt, after much discussion Chaluchasu was willing to pull itself out of its predicament and accompany the tribe as long as they aided it in turn. Other tribes soon took note and began to reach out to constructs they were aware of but had previously avoided.

The Idrimi know more colossi to be out there, long since obscured by soil or foliage. Some within the tribes have set out to uncover these ancient creations in hopes of counting them amongst their allies.

Demographics

The Idrimi are few in number. There are no more than half a dozen tribes, and each tribe is less than a few hundred people. The vast majority of Idrimi are half-elves, though they include elves, humans, anadi, umasi, and intelligent constructs as well.

Culture

Religion

Deities who are concerned with change are of particular interest to the Idrimi, and many take to the dualist worship of Saclateni and Errai. In general, however, the Idrimi tend not to be highly religious, concerned more with paying respect to their immediate protectors than with the veneration of intangible gods. It is common for Idrimi to only pray in moments of crisis, and give only passing notice to the divine at other times.

Society

Each tribe coexists with a colossus that serves as their guardian. The Idrimi have immense respect for these beings, seeing them as elders who are wise if difficult to understand. The constructs are cared for diligently, and consulted on all matters that affect the entire tribe. Some of these colossi are more outgoing than others - while a few are willing to speak to all, others only communicate with the tribe's colossus-talker. The Idrimi view the colossi as independent and powerful beings who have deigned to assist them - though it is common to hear them speak of "their" colossi, none believe the constructs to be possessions.

All colossi, with the exception of Chaluchasu, with which the Idrimi have formed bonds are primarily composed of wood, clay, or stone. The Idrimi have not bonded with many colossi - each tribe journeys Brightmarch in the company of no more than one each.

Migration

The Idrimi are seasonally nomadic. The tribes spend most of the year in the grasslands and marshes around the Ikena River, moving north to the Shaushkan Forest in the wetter summer months.

Architecture

Due to their nomadic lifestyles, Idrimi homes are designed to be built from easily sourceable local materials. Reed walls and roofs over wooden frames are very commonly used. Tightly packed and bundled, these hold up quite well, at least until the summer rains inundate Brightmarch, during which time the Idrimi relocate north to natural shelters in the Shaushkan Forest.

At times of great danger, an Idrimi tribe can call upon their colossus to transform into a structure in which they can hide. The exact form this takes is variable, depending on the type of colossus, the need in the moment, and the whims of the massive construct.

Magic

Idrimi casters frequently specialize in the creation of magical constructs of their own, ranging in complexity from animated objects to golems. These are widely used within the tribes to aid in everyday tasks. Many casters also use their skill with constructs to help maintain their tribe's colossus, in the uncommon event it gets damaged. Constructs that are created with sentience are viewed as full members of the tribe.

Art

To both the tribes and the colossi themselves, the bodies of the constructs are canvases. Intricate designs are frequently painted on the colossi, and long strips of colorful fabric are often draped from their arms and shoulders, left to billow in passing breezes.

Languages

Aserdian is the most-used language among the Idrimi. Elven is widely understood as well, though their usage of the language tends to be archaic to outsiders - the tribes speak the dialect of Elven used by the colossi, which has remained the much same for thousands of years as the language has evolved elsewhere. Common is spoken by relatively few Idrimi, though at least a handful of individuals in each tribe are typically familiar enough in it to hold a conversation.

Government

Each Idrimi tribe is led by a colossus-talker. The colossus-talker is responsible for communicating with the tribe's construct, ensuring both that it has what it desires and that it is kept informed about the tribe's affairs. This position is highly esteemed within Idrimi culture, not least of all for the amount of effort and learning that is required to perform such a role. The colossus-talker is required to be personally familiar with the tribe's colossus in extreme detail, in order to ensure smooth and positive relations with the tribe. This can be rather difficult, as most colossi are highly idiosyncratic after millennia alone. Colossus-talkers are chosen at an early age and trained throughout their entire adolescence and young adulthood.

The Idrimi tribe that is accompanied by Chaluchasu is led by the colossus-talker Emar.