Ren Berig

"If I am to be struck down, then so be it; but let only an honorable warrior do the deed. Yes, yes... see that there are none among you!" - The last words of Eremon Mac Ceht, chieftain of the Gerendars

The Ren Berig were a human people that historically occupied the western reaches of the Western Commons. The origins of the group were shrouded in mythology. Though details differed among tribes, Ren Berigs generally held that their ancestors, fleeing from Kantaran conquerors, sought refuge in the Western Commons and remained there. According to this story, the arrival of the Ren Berig predated that of every other human group, including the Trebai. Among other groups, it was believed that Ren Berig individuals first arrived in Beurum in the First Era. Trebai legend told that the first of the Ren Berig possessed great magical power as a result of their semi-divine status; and these powers were lessened over the course of generations. Following their arrival in Beurum, the Ren Berig generally remained neutral in most outside conflicts, preferring to keep to themselves. Though inter-tribal warfare was frequent, most warfare was performed by societal elites, and the working class of Ren Berig society was rarely harmed. During times when they were threatened, such as the Godscar Purge, the Ren Berig were able to somewhat unite under the leadership of their druids. In this instance, the Ren Berig emerged from the crisis in a position of power. During the First Dwarven War at the start of the Third Era, the Ren Berig tribes once again united in an effort to remain neutral. However, the war was quickly brought to a halt upon the beginning of the Imperial War, in which Kantaran conquerors invaded Beurum. Though most Ren Berig lands were taken by Kantara, the invaders were unable to keep a tight grasp on the many tribes, and their influence was limited. Several Ren Berig chieftains participated in the subsequent sacking of the nine Kantaran city-states, returning home to bring wealth to their tribes.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Ren Berig feminine names, like all Ren Berig names, varied widely, but common ones included Ailbe, Aoife, Arya, Bebinn, Berica, Branwen, Cimon, Deirdre, Fiona, Genefree, Grania, Graniewall, Leanna, Maeve, Miren, Muir, Scotta, Shannon, and Taelaig.

Masculine names

Ren Berig masculine names, like all Ren Berig names, varied widely, but common ones included Amergin, Barra, Caibre, Conn, Donal, Donnchad, Eremon, Eibre, Fergus, Malmadora, Mahon, Molla, Nuada, Padraic, Redoran, Riordan, Sculla, Trasa, Teigue, and Teren.

Family names

Ren Berig family names were complex and varied upon tribe. Most family names contained at least two words, as well as the name of the tribe. Examples included Dal Emeria Gerendar, Dar Gully Mackenlee, and Cemeena Maruneta.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

For most of recorded history, the Ren Berig were split into various tribes with their own religions and customs, though nearly all of these tribes worshiped nature-based deities. Instead of interacting with other ethnic groups, the Ren Berig preferred to keep to themselves, often engaging in inter-tribal warfare. Ren Berig tribes were headed largely by Druids. Though most tribes maintained a chieftain, this figure guided the tribe primarily in matters of war, leading certain tribes to forgo chieftains altogether. Druids, through religious rituals, led the tribe in matters of land distribution, agricultural activities, education, healing, and other administrative functions. They also served as both judges and lawyers, and certain law codes, like the Yew Tree Ordinances, spanned across multiple tribes. Though they would not participate in combat, Druids would guide the tribe on when it was best to go to war. In rare cases, Druids would perform rituals to increase a tribe's likelihood of a successful battle. Warfare was the second-most essential component of a tribe after its druids. Led by the chieftain, Ren Berig warriors engaged frequently in cattle raids on other tribes. These raids operated on specific rules, and violations of said rules would bring dishonor upon a tribe's leaders. Armed combat was also the primary means for a Ren Berig individual to distinguish themself, and the motif of a lone, strong, heroic spear-carrier was a central image amid Ren Berig culture.

Common Dress code

The Ren Berig valued cleanliness and order. Men grew out their facial hair, often fashioning large moustaches that were kept tidy. Women generally grew their hair out, and long hair was a sign of beauty in a women. In most tribes, what colors an individual was allowed to wear depended on his or her rank. Druids and bards, for example, were entitled to certain colors that farmers and warriors were not.

Art & Architecture

The Ren Berig built mostly with quarried stone, often making intricate carvings and painting the sides of buildings with bright colors. Additionally, many tribes were famed for their intricate crafting of jewelry, making this product sought-out by individuals across Anuvera.

Encompassed species