Jaruud

A predominantly Jazuu tribe in the south-western part of the Nocthian Caldera, bordering New Nocthia slightly. Relatively unique among the Caldera natives in that they are almost completely settled and agricultural, rather than pastoral or migratory. Their tribe name translates roughly (from an Oelfran Too-til dialect) to "Threefold", which matches their comparatively unique religious beliefs.

Symbols

The Jaruud banner is a silver chevron, point up, with a black circle underneath. Usually on a blue field. The vertices of the chevron represent their three-fold "deity"; the black circle is the (unnamed normally) "Unmaker", their "evil" antagonist "deity".

Demographics

The Jaruud are one of the more populous tribal groups, numbering about 15,000 people, of which the vast majority are Jazuu. While they have a few remnant giants, they do not worship/revere them like the Oronar do. Some of the local goblins, especially from the Fenfoot, have sought protection under the Jaruud banner.

About 1/3 the population lives in or around Jaru Tor, a town built on the (relatively well-preserved) ruins of a Nocthian city in the south-east portion of their territory. Located on a set of hilltops, the city was spared the worst of the Frost's ravages and was rebuilt during that time as a logistics center; Aela, the former administrator of the center became the first leader of the Jaruud after the fall of the Frost. Now very elderly, she is the Crone of the Three.

The Jaruud, due to their superior organization mostly, have become the fastest growing tribe in the region. Several smaller jazuu tribes to the west have already been absorbed, mostly peacefully.

Government

The Jaruud are a theocratic matriarchy, ruled by the Three (aka the Wise) and their chosen Favorites. The Three are also the priestesses of their religion, serving as the living mouthpieces for their Threefold Voice. The Three as of 251 AC are

Maiden Lahmi + Warleader Hael

Lahmi and Hael handle "military". Lahmi is a 20 year old jazuu woman, standing nearly 8' tall. Renowned as a beauty, she also has a fiery temper. She loves easily, befriends easily, and gets betrayed easily. But also forgives easily. Her current Favorite is Hael, an older (40s) male--he serves as Warleader (aka guard captain/general). He prefers the spear and shield.

Mother Jalel + Father Ortok

Jalel and Ortok handle the vast majority of the mundane affairs of the tribe. They are the judges, the heads of civil administration, and the "cool heads" of the Three. Jalel is a woman in her 50s; Ortok is slightly younger in his late 40s. They're known to be very hard to fluster.

Crone Aela + Shaman Isak

Aela was once an administrator for the Frost and is in the last years of her life at nearly 110. Isak is her boy-toy at 24...but he is a competent shaman. The Crone and Shaman are the magical/spiritual core of the tribe. Aela is still quite shrewd, even if her body betrays her. Of the tribe, she is one of only a few who met Isskap in person; she is also one of the few who knows the truth about the Threefold Voice. Once she passes, Jalel will become the Crone; Lahmi the Mother, and a new Maiden will be called. The Favorites may or may not retain their current position; it's likely Isak and Ortok will, but Hael likely will not.

Religion

The Jaruud worship the Threefold Voice, a "three in one" Ascendant (or Ascendants)? Not much is known about them by scholars; there are no records from anyone but the Jaruud...and the Jaruud are not very forthcoming. The only thing known about them is that their residence is elemental, not astral. They have strongest connections to one of the Water-aspected planes.

What is known is that they present in one of three persons--the Maiden is the fiery aspect, symbolizing youth and vigor and growth, the Mother is the earthen aspect, symbolizing stability, motherhood, and fertility, and the Crone is the water aspect, symbolizing old age, wisdom, knowledge, and magic. They have an "opponent", a being named only as Unmaker, symbolizing destruction and despair. No symbols of this latter one are presented, other than the black circle on their banner.