Peleg: Druids

The Druids are one of the largest cultures on Peleg. They are primarily Hobgoblins, but there is a small minority of Minotaurs. They consider themselves to be biologically indigenous to Peleg.

The Druids have a stylized language that is mostly sign language, combined with some basic vocal sounds that all druids can pronounce an equivalent of. Druid settlements are often composed of more than one Druid race. However, the Druids are very racist against the non-Druid intelligent species.

The Druids are nature worshipers. They have strict beliefs about how natural resources and waste should be managed, and they make no exceptions for other cultures. They have been known to wage war against those who "offend nature."

A fundamental part of Druid belief is that only the Hobgoblins, Gryphons and Minotaurs are "creations of nature," and that all other intelligent species are "alien abominations." Though their belief does not require them to actively peruse the genocide of the non-Druid intelligent species, it does encourage them to destroy them when convenient. However, the Druids are sometimes friendly towards their non-Druid neighbors if those neighbors are very careful not to "offend nature." Though Druids do not eat their own kind, they have been know to serve up "alien abominations" as delicacies.

The Druids specialize in low-impact technology, with no mining, dam building, crops, lumber harvesting or domesticated livestock, (though they do have domesticated hunting animals and beasts of burden.) They specialize in hunting, gathering, camouflage, painting, primitive weapons, herbal medicines, poisons and stealth. They are usually nomadic within defined territories, and when they travel from island to island, it is by primitive raft. Their settlements, temporary villages, are often difficult to spot from a distance, because they are usually quiet and made from materials from the location's surroundings.

The Druids have a primitive written language, which is painted, and is a system of characters. Each character resembles a Druid species member performing a corresponding word in the Druid language. This language is used in caves, on trees, and as decoration. The Druids also have loud primitive musical instruments that they use in celebrations and for long distance communication. This musical form of their language is awkward and limited, but also uses the same set of corresponding vocabulary.

Though labor is not strictly divided by sex in most Druid communities, there are a number of specializations. Herb seekers specialize in finding herbs for medicine. Alchemists specialize in mixing up medicines and poisons. Doctors administer herbal treatments. Arrow smiths make bows and ammo. Tanners make clothing. Scouts track game herds, detect incoming enemies, and spot “sins against nature.” Bezerkers are trained for hand to hand combat. Hunters bring in food as well as make up most of the military force of the Druids. Priests paint, write, play instruments, keep histories, perform important ceremonies and facilitate village decision-making conversations.