Pelolia

Pelolia

Pelolia is a humble culture born from emotional and physical darkness. The people, referred to as the Li’ah, are a feudal society run by the Au’Righ and a collection of district leaders. Humans, sylvans, and mothkin are prevalent. Soulforged, Kynn, and Elves are also present in smaller numbers. The Li’ah are known as the people of the vault. They witnessed the Sundering from afar, giving them vital time to respond—often seen as a blessing from the gods for living such humble lives. To survive the cataclysm, they magically sealed themselves in a local mine. They spent decades in the dark making the best out of what they had. Unfortunately, they suffered a great famine from lack of resources. In an extraordinary act of magic and sacrifice, many members of the original group became soulforged so that the rest could survive. Today, Pelolia is separated into two main cities: Aumun, the city behind the vault, and Aufield, the city outside of it. It’s been only a few decades since this secluded society returned to the world, and they remain a very close-knit people. Above all else, they value community, hard work, personal responsibility, and their own humble lives. Exposure to the outside world has slowly introduced leisure, art, and commerce to the younger generations, but these are seen as temptations by the more stalwart Li’ah—grave sins that might incite the wrath of the gods once more.

Culture

The Li’ah are a curious but reclusive group. The older generations spent most of their lives in the protection of Aumun, free from the dangers of the outside world. The trials of surviving inside have forged an often unbreakable bond among the citizens. Fear and necessity can present as xenophobic tendencies in some of the Li’ah. They have not ventured far outside their borders, and most citizens are happy to keep it that way; foreign influence typically comes from visitors to Pelolia.

Appearance

Traditional clothing consists of layered micocloth–light, flexible cloth made of mycelium–and neutral-colored leather. Micocloth tends to be loose and flexible rather than tailored to the body. Leather is entirely functional, acting as reinforcement on elbows, knees, hems, and other high wear areas. Linen was introduced after the people left the vault, but it is used sparingly as it’s more expensive to produce and isn’t visually distinct from micocloth. The interior of the vault is temperate, so outfits are usually simple and layered. Outside of the vault, items like scarves, arm wraps, overcoats, and fluffy layers that capture air and insulate the body are popular. The idea of “waste not want not” is still commonplace, so clothing is often patched and hemmed many times before it is replaced. In recent years it’s become popular to use patches that are overtly decorative as a fashion statement. Younger generations born outside of the vault are moving away from traditional clothing. Clothes are now more vibrant and are colored using minerals and plants from the surrounding area. Typical colors include greens, blues, purples, browns, light oranges, and rusty reds. Glowing elements and decorative lights are becoming prevalent.

Territories

Superstitions & Taboos

• Humility. The Li’ah firmly believe that hubris brought about the world’s destruction. Dressing in very expensive or expressive clothing or over indulging will bring you bad luck.
• Waste Not, Want Not. Throwing away food is likely to upset lost souls who will wreak havoc in your home.
• Fix What Can Be Fixed. Patching your clothing pleases the spirits of Pelolia. Often, little symbols like leaves or crosses are stitched in the bottom corner of patches as protective wards.
• Store Before You Sow. To ensure a good harvest, the first item harvested must have its seeds collected.
• Honor the Light. It’s good luck to carry a light on you as a reminder of the bonds of the community. Li’ah lamps can chase away gloom.