Pelolia (Peh-LOH-lee-ah)

Overview

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

Outlook

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.  

Look and Feel

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.

Religion

The Li’ah view gods as distant, neutral beings that only act to rebalance the scales after humanity goes too far. They are fair and protect those who are humble and good of heart. Because the gods are distant, it is the responsibility of people to take care of each other.   Moros, the Desolation and Valorheart, the Unyielding are the primary deities worshiped in Pelolia, but all entities are represented in some form.  

Moros

Moros is the most commonly worshiped deity because of their connection to rot and the natural cycle of decay that the Li’ah use to survive. Some believe that Moros had a key hand in the Sundering, and that the suffering felt was due to greed and overconsumption. Moros rewarded the humble and innocent with food grown from the ruins of the corrupt.  

Valorheart

Valorheart the Unyielding is another popular deity in Pelolia. They are associated with indomitable spirit and the courage a community can create. Those that gave up themselves to become soulforged are seen as blessed by Valorheart for their bravery and sacrifice.  

Perspective on the Sundering

The Li’ah believe that they were innocent bystanders to the Sundering. They were once citizens of a kingdom whose name is lost to time. The king was greedy. Even though the people of Pelolia lived far from his castle, their crops and the iron they pulled from their mines went to him.   The king had many friends from far flung nations who were just as selfish. No one knows what broke the patience of the gods, but one day the greedy and powerful were finally punished.   The gods tore open the skies and destroyed everything. The Li’ah saw it from afar. Large storms swept across the horizon, strange lights filled the night, and the ground shook violently but didn’t break. The Li’ah were given grace from the gods; because they were good and noble, they were able to shelter and prepare.   The gods would not be satisfied until all of the greedy king’s possessions were destroyed, and so eventually the Sundering reached Pelolia. Crops baked in an unnatural heat, the ground was washed away by rain, and ash poisoned the land. The king and his hordes arrived at the door of the vault. Angry, violent, and twisted by ash, they hunted the survivors. In order to live, the people retreated into the mines and sealed themselves away, awaiting the day the gods would make the land safe again.  

Holidays and Traditions

The Day of Closing

A holiday to remember the day the Li'ah closed themselves off from the world. Starting at sun up, Aufield closes its gates to outside visitors and business halts for the day. Each of the districts hosts events, gathering the citizens for a reflection on the time since the last Day of Closing. The mood in the city is bittersweet as people come together to share stories, hopes, and fears.   This holiday is a time of reconnection, learning, and planning. Stories are shared of the year before, and concerns for the years ahead are spoken and discussed. For many, it's a reminder of how quickly life can change. There is no fanfare when the gates to the city reopen the next morning, and people go about the day in quiet contemplation of the prior day’s events.   Travelers who are unable to make it home to celebrate will often honor the holiday by remaining home for the day, refusing visitors and communications from anyone but other Li’ah. This may be done for the full day or for a shorter amount of time, depending on the person.  

Week of Famine and the Day of the Great Feast

The Li'ah honor the sacrifice of their ancestors by limiting their food consumption and food waste. Some make note of the foods they eat and try to conserve; others take it to a further extreme and fast for days on end.   Life does not stop for the people of Pelolia. Despite their empty bellies, they try to meet or exceed their production goals during this somber holiday. They are reminded that while they do this act willingly, their ancestors did not have a choice. When starvation was running rampant, everyone chipped in to survive.   This holiday is honored in a number of ways. Inns and taverns will sometimes change their menus, forgoing lavish dishes in place of plain, simple recipes. Mushrooms, mosses, and fish become staple foods. Food that isn’t eaten is stored away for the end of the holiday when the entire city celebrates with the Great Feast. At the end of the month, families gather together and cook the food they stockpiled in remembrance and celebration of those that became soulforged during the famine. They try to feel what their ancestors did as they leave the risk of starvation behind and embrace a more hopeful future.  

Superstitions and 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.

Geography

The city of Aufield sits at the base of the small mountain that contains the city of Aumun. Before the Sundering, it was a simple mining village surrounded by a small set of fields and lush forests. At some point after the Veil tore, part of the mountain collapsed, creating a landslide that washed away a portion of the woods. Small stone watchtowers dot the fields, waiting for the day Pelolia needs to go underground again.   Today, the lands outside the walled city are primarily grasslands dotted with young tree growth. The Li’ah have planted a small forest which they tend to in an effort to be self-sufficient. While the road to the territory of Sei Campa, the city’s furthest outpost, is fairly well traveled, the roads on the edges of Pelolia are overgrown and difficult to follow. Getting lost or wandering into trouble is easy. Going down them without an armed escort is considered foolish.  

Cities and Territories

Aumun

The vaulted districts within the mountain. The Li’ah are not keen to share what happens behind the great runic door of Aumun or how their Great Forge operates. What is known is there are three distinct districts, each awaiting the day the people need to retreat underground again.  

Aufield

Aufield is what outsiders would see as the main city of Pelolia, consisting of the walled districts outside the vault. The city sits in the middle of rolling hills at the base of a mountain.  

Sei Campa

The farthest outpost from Aufield. Sei Campa is dangerous because of its proximity to Pel O’ Malliathe, the City of the Damned. Its original purpose was to intercept potential waves of risen corpses from the old ruins, but this hasn’t happened in years. Most of their work now is keeping young “adventurers” out of the cursed city.  

Pel O’Malliathe (City of the Damned)

The pre-Sundering ruins of Pelolia’s ancient capitol. It is forbidden to enter Pel O’ Malliathe; the Li’ah believe it was cursed by the gods. The history of this city is lost to time, but its people still wander the earth as living corpses. Although they used to hunt the citizens of Pelolia in great hordes, in recent years the undead have stayed within the walls of the ruin.  

Government and Laws

Pelolia is led by the Au’Righ and district families. They are leaders, not rulers. To call them rulers is considered an insult to them and to the people of Pelolia. Since the Day of Closing, the Li’ah have looked to them for guidance, leading them through several life altering catastrophes.   Au’Righ Ralkelion Ginko leads the people at large. It was their ancestors' decision to create the Great Vault. They’re primarily responsible for ensuring that the districts are secure and outside threats are contained.   The Au’Righ’s control of the districts is managed through three orders: Sgiath Olia, Lann Olia, and Fiah Olia. The Sgiath Olia oversee Aumun, the Lann Olia oversee Aufield, and the Fiah Olia oversee Pelolia’s border areas and Pel O’Malliathe.   The Sgiath Olia, known as the Shield of the People, lead the districts within Aumun. They are responsible for ensuring that the vault remains available should the population need to retreat to the mines. It is common knowledge that the vault contains vast food stores and the Great Forge, but little else is known about what lies beyond its doors–and the Sgiath Olia prefer to keep it that way.   The Lann Olia, known as the Sword of the People, lead the districts within Aufield. They are responsible for ensuring the continued growth of the city and studying the various cultures that visit.   The Fiah Olia, known as the Hunters of the People, manage the farthest outposts and watchtowers of Pelolia. They are responsible for ensuring that Pel O’ Malliathe is guarded and discovering and reporting any threats from the borderlands are discovered so the city can react appropriately.  

Laws

• Laws centered around respecting the person are common. Acts such as murder, assault, and theft of personal property are a standard.
• Each citizen must dedicate at least 10% of their land holdings to communal food production. Many give more.
• Food is a communal resource but is carefully distributed to ensure survival. Taking another person's portion or stealing from communal farms is punishable by death.
• Citizens are held to a high degree of personal responsibility. Refusing to work or contribute to the community can be punished by withholding food and services. Exceptions are made for age and medical conditions.
• Humility and simplicity are core values. While it’s not a written law, avoiding exuberant dress and creativity is a strong social law. The younger generation is pushing back on this.

 

Agriculture and Industry

The Li’ah are known for their resourcefulness when it comes to food. Nothing is thrown away or wasted. Before the vault was closed, mushrooms, lichen, algae, and moss helped sustain the population. Quickly after the vault was closed, food production shifted to include root vegetables and small fisheries sustained in cave pools. After they harnessed runic magic to create light, leafy greens, fast spreading hardy plants, and sprawling vines became important food sources. Food was pickled and salted using minerals from the mine. Conditions were tough to grow in and yields were minimal under the artificial light, eventually leading to the famine.   Today, survival foods from the caves are still mainstays. Citizens make use of every bit of space they can to grow food. Homes are hedged with tall mounds of thorny berry bushes. Fences and homes are covered in climbing vines. Families typically have access to a root cellar.  

History

Pre-Sundering

Little is known of life before the Sundering. The Li’ah people primarily worked the mines, exporting the ores and stones to their parent kingdom. Stories say that they had little in the way of defenses and little to fear until the Sundering.  

Post-Sundering

The Sundering

The Li'ah were not ready for the dangers that assaulted their city during the Sundering. They held out for a few months before the town was evacuated and the citizens retreated into the mines, where it was easier to defend themselves and avoid the danger of falling ash. The town survived for several years, but it was evident that it was slowly declining. Scavengers and hunters came back empty handed, disappeared, or came back forever altered. Some became Elven or Beastkin while others became monstrous horrors and were killed. The local militia was stretched thin holding the mouth of the cave against these creatures. They could not stand toe-to-toe with the ash-touched horrors, and the ever-present danger that they'd be cornered put pressure on the leaders to protect those within the mines.  

The Great Forge and Runic Vault

In 3 AF, the Great Forge, the pride of Pelolia, was put to the test. The people melted down all available ores and metals to form a large vault door. Runic symbols of strength and protection were inscribed in the door, ensuring nothing would harm what was on the other side. The vault door was placed in front of the mines, and thus Aumun, the City of the Vault, was founded.  

The Closing of the Vault

For a time, the vault door was allowed to open for brief instances to admit hunting parties or scavengers. After a particularly large group of creatures almost breached the entrance, the people decided to permanently close it. This Sealing of Aumun took place in 12 AF.  

The Great Famine and the Soulforged Sacrifice

The Li'ah faced new dangers inside the vault. As food supplies dwindled, The Great Famine threatened their very survival. Through a secret method, a number of citizens chose to sacrifice their bodies and become soulforged. This sacrifice allowed life to move on, but the loss of life and knowledge during the famine was felt for generations to come.  

The Vault Opens

The people grew restless after several generations in the vault. They longed to know what happened to the rest of the world, but the dangers of the past stayed their hands. One day, a patrol heard noises outside the vault and was shocked to find that they could understand them. An emergency meeting of the Sgiath Olia was called. After much arguing, pleading, and negotiation, a decision was struck. The vault was opened, and the people of Pelolia emerged to watch The Kafervolk Caravan depart the ruins of their village. Their curiosity turned to horror when they saw the size and scale of the creatures in the caravan. They retreated back into the mines, closing but not sealing the vault behind them.  

Aufield is Founded

The Li’ah used long-dormant mining equipment to begin mining the mountain again. Over the next few years, large quantities of stone were pulled from Aumun and the surrounding mountainside to craft a great defensive wall. The Lann Olia were established to oversee this area and ensure it functioned properly. They named the place between the vault and the wall Aufield. Over time, families built homes in Aufield, fearful of the dangers but grateful for sunlight and fresh air.  

Pelolia Expands

The vast majority of the population still lives in Aumun and Aufield, but some brave folk have started to venture further. These individuals have taken to calling themselves the Fiah Olia. They built a settlement close to Pel O’Malliathe so it can be kept under constant watch.They’ve built scattered watchtowers to keep an eye on the horizon and catch incoming threats.