Grove Tribe
Overview
The Grove Tribe is a nation located in the mesa in the eastern part of the map. It is populated by a people who call themselves Hrãggistt, but due to their main settlement being hidden away in a distinctive grove on the mesa, they are mostly referred to as the Grove Tribe. The tribe is friendly to outsiders, but holds its spiritual practices in high regard and demands visitors take care not to anger the nature when in the tribal nation.
Geography & Territory
Despite being located in a mesa, the geographical features of the nation are very diverse, with small forests, waterfalls, rivers and lakes all around.
The Grove Tribe has five main settlements:
- Grove Village (Héhéħenif), also acting as the nation's capital;
- Carrot Village (Eħrahibbita);
- The World Tree (Harahráħenúħ), a place of great importance for the people of the Grove Tribe;
- Amber Island (Seriyetu);
- Grand Mesa (Grãdmeysa).
The borders of the Grove Tribe's territories are marked by the so-called smoking totems, which serve both to greet and warn visitors as well as fulfilling a religious purpose of some sort.
As of April 25th, 2020, Grove Tribe has three neighbours: Goomlandia to the West, Kovska and Hightower to the Northeast. Grove Tribe considers three states as their allies - the Sylvian Union, as well as the aforementioned states of Hightower and Goomlandia.
The people of the Grove Tribe do not wish to involve themselves with pointless geopolitical disagreements due to the pacifist nature of its people, but will protect their lands profusely if the need arises.
Culture
Main article: Grove Tribe religion
The Grove Tribe is a seemingly primitive people, with little to show in regards to architectural achievements or technology. They are deeply religious, with most of their religion being concerned with different elemental spirits. They take care not to anger any forces of nature and always seek to take the course of action that would appease their deities. The folk seem to have a particular affinity for spirits of the Earth, who are regarded as ancestors and protectors of the tribe. The leadership of the tribe seems to be mostly in the hands of the religious figure called the Shaman or Earthseer.
The Tribe has little love for corrupted spirits and creatures such as those of the Nether and the End, and seeks to purge them from their land. However, they are usually very patient and welcoming with outsiders, though they can be very insistent on matters when they believe a course of action would upset the spirits of the region.
Language
Not much is known about the Grove Tribe's language, Earthspeech, as they prefer to use Overworld Common, which they seem to be fluent at. Some words, place names and phrases are known, though, for example:
hyeče! /çét͡ʃe/ - hello!
aŧra! /ɑ́θrɑ/ - goodbye!