[Librarian's Note: This study was commissioned by the Stormfront
guard, in an attempt to estimate the danger presented by the natives.
It was determined that they are predominantly harmless, and that they
should be allowed to continue to live in the jungle in peace. ~ K.D.E.]
Although they are a primitive people with a very slow level
of cultural developement, the natives of the jungles of the Isle of
Belaern have existed quite successfully now for a great many years.
The natives have seen great Belaern falter in times of war and grow
in times of prosperity, with evidence to support the fact that they
have been there since the first visitors of the isle.
Research by sages has determined that in the early days of the
natives, the group existed as nomads. With groups consisting of hundreds
of members, the natives roamed the full face of the Isle of Belaern.
These were days of little danger on the isle, before the terrible times
of strife and destruction brought about by the evil hand of Rakmar. After
the lands of the isle had become much more malevolent and after the large
majority of the inhabitants were destroyed, the natives turned to the
concept of territorialism, although this did not last due to the weak and
non-aggressive nature of the natives. After being driven from place to
place, the natives finally settled in the jungles of Belaern, adapting
quickly to the new lifestyle. The natives have called the jungles home
for many years now.
The natives still use fairly primitive tools and armament, mainly
consisting of wood and stone, although they do use equipment taken from
enemies defeated in combat. The natives rarely steal, but they will if
necessary.
The natives usually stay in natural lodgings, prefering not to
construct houses or huts for fear of bringing attention to themselves,
instead they normally find shelter in trees, caves or overgrowth.
The male natives lead the culture, performing the hunting and food
gathering for the family, while the female is generally expected to tend
to the preparation of food and the care of children. The natives are
governed by a small group known as Chael-Don, "wise circle". The Chael-Don
consists of five males and three females. The males are usually healers,
the Don-Traell, "circle ruler", usually being the shaman of the group. The
females are usually relatives of the Don-Traell. The Chael-Don oversees
movement of the group as a whole when times of famine arise. The "wise
circle" also meets with other tribe circles to keep a level or peace among
all.
The myths and beliefs of the primitive natives of the jungles
of the Isle of Belaern are a major emphasis in their actions
and customs. The primitive bands of humans know little more than
what they have discovered on their own and what they have passed
down from generation to generation. It is also worthy to note
that their dependence on their beliefs lends them easily to the
influence of powerful beings who know how to use these beliefs
to their advantage.
The natives have relatively no understanding of magic, believing
that one who uses magic must be a god or at least a direct servant
of a god. For this reason, the natives shy away from the use of magic.
If a tribe has a shaman, the shaman usually has a little knowledge of
healing spells but little else, as their stunted wisdom dictates.
One of these shaman, a native "witchdoctor," has been seen near
Stormfront, and is known to have the ability to raise the dead.
Shaman are, nevertheless, thought to be direct descendants of a race
of god-like beings known to the natives as the Shaldorzuum, who they
credit with the creation of their race. Little is known about why the
natives have developed the myths of the Shaldorzuum, and although it
is well known that all myth has some basis in fact, study and research
has turned up no evidence of such a super race.
The natives also hold a belief that there is still a member of the
Shaldorzuum living among them, or at least an incarnation of a long
passed on being. This beautiful woman is said to reside with the natives
in the jungle, and the natives revere her as a goddess.