#has a rich history dating back to ancient times with early hunter-gatherer communities. It gained independence from British colonial rule on

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Botswana

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, offers a unique blend of spectacular wildlife, rich culture, and vibrant history. This travel guide will take you through everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit to Botswana. Brief History Botswana, known as Bechuanaland during the colonial period, has a rich history dating back to ancient times with early hunter-gatherer…

[ivendarea]

The Gideya

United in Tragedy, Spirituality, Devotion

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Once one of the largest ethnic groups of the Nyr the Gideya coined the nation’s name: “Ivendarea” - the Cradle at the Green River. Spread far across the vast lands west of the Skyreach Mountains the Gideya have been a people of farmers from the very beginning, deeply spiritual, and fiercely protective of their homes. In passion only rivalled by the Gaanar, and despite not known to be warriors, they bravely fought many battles against Zerenda’s forces during the Invasion War, not holding back and going in with all they had - crowned by success on most occasions.

The most devastating blow that changed their world forever came very recently with the destruction of Maan Ganyr during the Revolution War, a bastion of faith and main homestead to more than two thirds of the whole Gideya population. Spread thin in their original homelands, having suffered great losses, the Gideya now live everywhere and nowhere, still trying to recover and rebuild from utter destruction.

Table of Contents:

Culture and History

Cultural Heritage

Language and Dialect

Shared Values

Common Ettiquette

Historical Figures: Erraia

Art and Architecture

Fashion

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Courtship Ideals

Relationship Ideals

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Culture and History

Cultural Heritage

The majority of the Nyr tribes roaming Ivendarea before the first talks about uniting as a nation were even considered were hunters and gatherers. The Gideya though have been farmers from early on. They had discovered that the valleys and plains west of the Skyreach Mountains are particularly fertile farmland. It was reason enough to stay in the area where the land provided plenty.

Over time, as their population and demand grew, the Gideya developed and invented means to keep food fresh over longer periods of time, making farming more effective with advanced tools, and figuring out ways to increase the fertility of the earth even in areas where growing plants didn’t seem possible at all at first. Their knowledge and achievements in farming later also enabled groups like the north-eastern Wylaai to begin profitable farming in the cold north and everywhere else where it had been unthinkable before the tribes united. The Gideya also have a history of being strongly spiritual. A lot of the good that happened to them in the early days they ascribed to being particularly blessed by the gods. Still calling a rich variety of seasonal festivities to honour the gods and seasons part of their cultural heritage, they also helped shape many of the rituals that are now a central part of the Aman’a Valeethi - the followers of Aman’s teachings. Aman felt tremendously at home in the community they found among the Gideya, who in return felt that Aman was a kindred spirit. Many of the Gideya among their followers who helped put together Aman’s Teachings described a spiritual connection from the moment they first met.

Even after Ivendarea had been united, many of its peoples still had their own religious views and practises, and the Gideya, who were predominantly farmers, already at this point didn’t practise animal sacrifices - or sacrifices in general - to soothe the gods. This resonated strongly with Aman, who had left Panthil amongst other reasons but particularly for the sacrifice practises at the local temple there, as described in the famous children’s tale “Aman and the Sacrifice”.

It is not surprising therefore, that the “cult” shaping around Aman’s teachings had its origins in the area of later Maan Ganyr, and that the majority of Aman’s early followers were Gideya that helped spread their teachings across the nation.

Language and Dialect

Most Gideya speak several languages. Their brand of the native Nyrval tends to be very melodic and a little drawn-out sounding in comparison to the neighbouring dialects that are either harsh and fast or smooth and flowing. The Gideya have a lot of modulation in their voices and their accent - also when speaking other languages - is often described as “singsong”.

Shared Values

The Gideya are known to be gentle souls in general, very connected to nature and deeply rooted in their homes. Spirituality and religion are as important to them as is being a nurturing member of their community. The Gideya value family life and tend to have big, often far-spread families. Many Gideya are also talented mages and alchemists and value knowledge and education greatly. While they don’t see themselves as warriors, they don’t shy away to fight when they need to protect their homes from foreign forces. This goes back to ancient times, when tribes of the Sylai, Wylaai, and Nathras had formed the first ever alliance to attack the Gideya in an attempt to steal their supplies. Completely taken by surprise and not knowing how to fight back against the warriors of these tribes, the Gideya swore to never have something comparable happen again. So while it is true that they have a calm demeanour, therefore being mistaken as peaceful and naive victims, they are actually very calculating and observant of potential dangers to their way of life. Resistance, peaceful or not, is just as much a value taught from an early age as is devotion to one’s homeland, religion, and family.

They did not back down when Zerenda’s invasion forces threatened their lands, and with guerrilla tactics - knowing their lands, the surrounding forest and valleys like the back of their hands - kept succeeding in fighting back the Assadin all on their own for a long time.

During the occupation of Saratheas before and after the Cleansing they helped smuggle former citizens out of the city and into safety and begun small sabotage acts against Zerenda’s forces, making his residency in Saratheas as much of a nuisance and discomfort as possible.

Not causing a war has always been a priority for them. Resistance and disobedience to an abusive government? Definitely. War that destroys homes and families and causes suffering? Never. This is why, despite legendary personalities of Gideya resistance such as Erraia, the Gideya are generally very resentful towards late Iovana Rava, Iovana Panmorn, and the Omrai Omvalis and their sympathizers. Rava and the Omrai Omvalis caused a civil war mainly fought on the Gideya’s lands, destroying ancient buildings dating back to the early days of the nation. Many Gideya fought in the conflict and lost their homes, not exactly because they wanted, but because they had no other choice if they didn’t want to be slaughtered by king Alund and his forces or be driven out of their homes. The Omrai Omvalis caused the war, Rava didn’t stop it from escalating. And, to top it all off, in the darkest hour of the war Panmorn teleported Avon Maan, one of the most important spiritual sites of the nation, out of the burning city of Maan Ganyr to a “safer” location in order to preserve it. The Gideya felt betrayed, robbed and completely hopeless, and they are no supporters of Panmorn’s isolationism and the divide his actions during and after the Revolution War brought upon Ivendarea.

At the same time though, of course, they are just as resentful towards the Assadin rulers who also did nothing to prevent this war from happening. Alund escalated the situation and ravaged the lands of innocents because they happened to be caught in-between the two fronts of the conflict. This is why the Gideya hate to take sides, grim and resentful towards anyone who thinks themselves in the right and superior over others. They believe that anyone having “the best” in mind for the nation will achieve the opposite.

Common Etiquette

Politics is something not to be discussed in casual settings, as it is a sore spot for many Gideya especially in recent years. Also, as a people with a strong sense of community, it is considered rude to refuse offers for help or in return, not offer help when someone else needs it. Sharing resources and workforce are commonly taught, and while personal space and property is valued, too, it is rare to find all doors closed and no-one available to help in whatever endeavours in a predominantly Gideya community.

Historical Figures: Erraia

Referred to as the “mother” of the movement of the Omrai Omvalis, Erraia was originally a peaceful revolutionary who led a small movement of resistance against king Ulden and his abusive government. When Erraia’s movement began to grow and even gained support from Iovana Rava, Ulden sent soldiers to end their assemblies - with tragic consequences for all involved. After a fire started by Assadin soldiers destroyed her hometown, Erraia agreed on a plan to assassinate king Ulden which was partially successful but also resulted in her arrest and public execution a few days later. She has become a figure of legend and a martyr for the Omrai Omvalis.

The Gideya value knowledge and sharing it - not doing so and being overly secretive and possessive regarding, for example, a family recipe, is considered selfish and rude. Openness, the Gideya believe, is essential for the growth of a community, as is owning up to one’s mistakes. Those who obscure a mess-up or mistake made, even if it was something small, are (gently) reproached. Spirituality is important, and joking about it is not well-liked, particularly coming from outsiders of a community. It is also a matter of great joy, and everyone is always invited to join religious festivities, no matter if they are a believer or not. Being a very communal people, the little available personal space is treasured. Usually there is at least one room in each house not open to visitors at all, even closest friends, that can be used as a place of refuge, quiet, and meditation. Temples in the area also have these private rooms, and since the nation was united they have become more common in other areas too. It is almost sacrilegious to disturb or forcefully entering this space when someone is inside already.

Art & Architecture

Being the first people that had permanent settlements in Ivendarea, the Gideya traditionally are referred to as the first builders or master-builders of the nation. This is somewhat true, somewhat not; of course all groups of Nyr have their master-builders today, and not every Gideya makes a great architect. This way of thinking stems mainly from the fact that only with the Gideya’s original input it was possible for many of the other tribes to begin building cities as quickly as they did. The Gideya had the base knowledge about what building materials and ways of construction to use to get stable structures - but everyone else contributed their part in questions of design and developing unique new building types fitted for a variety of purposes and regional challenges. Predominantly Gideya villages to this day could hold on to their small, picturesque farm buildings’ charm of old. Made from natural stone and other regional materials they don’t seem particularly advanced or special at first glance, but are definitely very comfortable. One will quickly learn though that in addition to the endearing exterior all Gideya structures are built with great thought and a very specific purpose in mind, no matter if farm house or temple. The most famous examples of Gideya architecture and design are probably the tower Avon Maan, originally situated in Maan Ganyr, since the Revolution War located in Panthil, as well as of course Maan Ganyr itself and large parts of Saratheas. The city’s circular design is an essential part of Gideya architecture, reflecting their strong religious beliefs and sense of harmony, while the buildings within the city more strongly reflect the bold aesthetics of the Sylai.

Fashion

The Gideya wear predominantly practical clothing, coming from their background as farmers, but a lot of religious symbolism can be found even in the most basic everyday tunic. A typical outfit consists usually from only 2-4 items that can be worn in at least two different ways, making the same outfit suitable for a large range of weather and environmental conditions or for both every day and festive occasions.

Blue is a very common colour, as it is associated with religiousness. Similarly warm, earthy tones, as well as accents of green, for example in jewellery or as decorative stitching on seams are commonly seen. The fabrics are light and flowing, comfortable to wear in the hot and humid summer months, and during the cooler seasons layers of heavier, thicker fabric are added.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The Gideya love to let their hair flow freely and among the Nyr as a whole they also often wear it much shorter than other groups, as it is more practical during work on the fields in hot humid weather. Physical strength is considered attractive, as is a warm and welcoming personality. Willingness to work hard and not being upset about having to do dirty work are virtues and sought-after particularly when building relationships.

Courtship Ideals

Courtship can be a comparatively long-lasting phase, to get to know each other well and imagine what a future together would be like up to the smallest details. A more direct approach is often preferred, clearly speaking about boundaries and expectations.

Timing is important, too, and a matter of respect and etiquette. Flirting in religious and spiritual settings is an absolute no-go, as it shows that the one flirting isn’t taking spirituality serious enough. It is also considered selfish to lie about one’s true intentions, for example asking someone for help to work in the fields, in fact though only wanting to spend quality time together in a secluded area.

What is appreciated though is spending time together during work or prayer. Walking to the temple together or bringing each other self-made lunch to work in the fields or forest are small but well-liked and often-seen gestures among couples whose relationships are beginning to blossom as well as between life-long partners.

Relationship Ideals

As many things in Gideya communities, relationships are taken rather seriously and are a spiritual matter. Two or more souls felt a connection and somehow managed to find a way to connect to each other across time and space. Soul-Bonding ceremonies are more common among the Gideya than any other community, predominantly among established but also a comparatively high percentage of younger couples. It is believed that due to the Gideya’s great emphasis on spirituality and high percentage of soul-bonded couples the majority of souls are reborn into their old communities to find each other again. Relationships are definitely meant to last and to build a life together, partners are chosen carefully, and not always something has to blossom from even the most lovingly planned out courtship phase. Like the fruits on their fields, love needs to be treated like a rare seed if something strong and fruitful is supposed to grow from it.

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