Niedene

The Niedene (or Ignii in Soleannen when referring to full-blooded or ancient Niedene) are a native people group found on the Nieden continent and are known for their empires in the east. The Niedene are known for their with magic affinity which the type of magic used is often determined by an upbringing in the tribe in question. The Solarii who lead the Soleannan Empire are the reason why fire magic is so beloved among Niedene in most places. The first Niedene lived all across Nieden and Sparwood in tribes. The greatest of these tribes were the Escharii, the Solarii, Gentarii and the Imaskii. The Gentarii and Imaskii lead a tribal confederation in the north of Nieden while the Soleannan Empire rose in the south of Nieden.

Timeline

 * -4600: According to texts, Solaris and his wife Sylene created the first Ignii on the shores of the northern Sea of Pearls.
 * -3500: The Ignii spread out across the lower Nieden continent and form separate tribes based off the elements.
 * -3000: The Ignii begin to linguistically and culturally become distinct. The worship of Solaris becomes rare in most tribes except along the Sea of Pearls.
 * -2976 (ASC-1): On the Sea of Pearls a hamlet called Soleanna is founded.
 * -2823 (ASC-153): Soleanna has grown into a prominent City State.
 * -2707 (ASC-269): Soleanna began to expand into the surrounding countryside, going on to eventually claim the entire Soleanna Region as the Soleannan Empire.
 * -2503 (ASC-473): The Soleannan Empire reaches its largest territorial extent.
 * -2022 (ASC-954): Soleannan arts and culture peak, the primary worship of Solaris has spread to almost every region except in some areas in the countryside. Pax Soleanna.
 * -1542 (ASC-1434): The Empire begins to decline due to outside invaders, famine, and corruption.
 * -825 (ASC-2151): The Empire as an entity is dissolved after years of decline. The Ignii begin to worship new gods, religions like Pavlovism are found here.
 * -679 (ASC-2297): Soleanna is hit by a typhoon and destroyed near completely.
 * -502 (ASC-2474): The son of a Pagan Chieftain in Etscharien was born, named Alfrikr Aspak.
 * -474 (ASC-2502): Alfrikr adopts the Soleannen religion and the Soleannan name Auberon I after establishing the Escharian Empire.
 * -469 (ASC-2507): Lileanen (Kaiserslicht) Is established on the Neichs (Nyx) river.
 * -400 (ASC-2576): The Escharian Empire is almost fully reconverted to Soleannen.
 * 0 (ASC-2976): Emperor Siegfried I ascends to the throne as Albrecht II dies from an assassin.
 * 7 (ASC-2983): The Empire is restored to its former glory.

Subgroups

 * Mimari:
 * Soletsch: a Hybrid of Niede and Soleannan culture found in Lileanen, Gentumar, and other areas.
 * Mimari: A word for any other Hybrid of Nieden cultures, or unlisted culture below.
 * Etscharii:
 * Niede: An Escharian group found near the eastern coast and plains of the Escharian home region. Known for their scholarship and politics.
 * Riede: An Escharian group found in the swamps, distinct from the regular Niede due to their isolation.
 * Hocii: An Escharian group found in the forests and hills of Escharia, known for their woodworking and music.
 * Huwalen: An Escharian group found far in Norhem and by Pferdburg, known for their horses and farms.
 * Solarii:
 * Soleannan: A Solarii group known for their love of fire, founders of the Soleannan Empire.
 * Castrionians: A Solarii group that founded the fort Castrio, eventually it was sacked and they dispersed to the countryside where they took up winemaking.
 * Litocii: The inhabitants left after the sacking of Castrio, who are known for fishing and their love of the sea.
 * Amenner: A Solarii group that comes from the northern areas of Soleanna, known for their cuisine, pride, and extravagance.
 * Annuvii:
 * Annuvians: A group found to the south of Soleanna, known for their forest based culture and use of Blackstone.
 * Wirlomeyans: A group found to the southwest of Soleanna, known for their architecture and business.
 * Wyngalans: A group found to the west of Soleanna, known for their bowmaking and archers.
 * Vendare:
 * Vendare: A group found to the Southeast, known for their dog reverence and axe usage in batte.
 * Delvarii:
 * Neurûnic: A mixed group that takes influences from both Escharian and Shirûnic culture, known for their love of horses and archery.
 * Normager: A migratory group that came from Syltor and mixed with Niedene, known for their winemaking and Arbalests.
 * Shirûnic: A migratory group that came from the south of Sparwood, came northwards in an event similar to the Normager's migration.
 * Serrense:
 * Juneans: A hardy group found in the southeast, known for their farms and ironworking.
 * Brysselkens: A group found primarily to the east of Junea, but they have spread across the empire.
 * Kollner: A group of mixed Junean-Hoci-Soleannan stock.
 * Locetians:
 * Locetians: A group found north of the Escharians. Known for their love of water and their architecture.
 * Kazeans:
 * Welhafne: A group found to the west of Locetia, known for their forts and odd styles.
 * Fantesii: A splinter group of the Welhafne, known for their small countryside hamlets and farms.
 * Fantesii: A splinter group of the Welhafne, known for their small countryside hamlets and farms.

Practices & Traditions

 * Lying is seen as a crime beyond all measures which has led to a culture where lying over something minor can get you expelled.
 * The trading of swords is seen as something that the Niedene do to declare friendship.
 * When a Niedene dies the two accepted ways to dispose of the corpse are through a burial practice or cremation.
 * It is custom to take armor off in the presence of another Niedene, and not to draw a weapon.
 * Sharing of food is customary and is a sign of friendly relations between two people.