Skegmire

“In shell and spirit.”

Overview

Located in the Shimmering Coasts along the Wraitholme River in the northwest Fenmoor Basin, Skegmire is governed by tribalism, with individual sovereign tribes centralized under one tribal leader, the Chelone.

Governance

The Bale

While the tribes of Skegmire are united under the singular authority of the Chelone, each retains a certain degree of autonomy. Meanwhile, the Bale advises and supports the Chelone in various matters of governance and tribal affairs. It is organized as follows:

• The Chelonini is the spiritual advisor to the Chelone and others of the Bale; they also serve as the head of the Church of Gryyja, Goddess of Protection. Religion plays an integral role in tribal life; as such, the Chelonini holds considerable influence.

• The Apalone serves as an advocate for the tribes as a whole, striving to ensure that all decisions benefit them equally.

• The Marochelys are leaders and elders of the tribes. They advocate for the interests of their individual tribe while working together to protect Skegmire as a whole.

Economy

Skegmire's economy draws upon the tortisians' industrious nature and their connection to Fenmoor Basin’s ecosystem. Sustainable aquaculture plays a major role, focusing on the cultivation of the fish, shellfish, plants, and other aquatic species found in the area. The tribes’ fisheries and agriculture are connected by an intricate network of canals and waterways that lead off the Wraithholme River and into nearby lakes and ponds.

Skilled artisans transform the shells of shellfish and mollusks into armor, jewelry, and other items both functional and ornamental. These are highly valued in trade among the tribes and with neighboring splinters, and the Wraithholme River serves as the main artery for incoming and outgoing goods.

Demographics

Races

Skegmire is composed almost exclusively of terrapin tortisians.

Religions

Most of Skegmire’s tribes pay tribute to Gryyja, Goddess of Protection, although many also pay tribute to Serathara, Goddess of the Wilderness, and Albiana, Goddess of the Arts.

Culture

Skegmire’s culture is based on community, patience, and endurance, with an emphasis on shared responsibility and cooperation. Its tribe have a deep love for the arts and celebrate their heritage through oral histories and storytelling, both of which are typically told as ballads accompanied by costumed dances and set to the steady beat of drums. These stories not only entertain, but also impart moral lessons and ancestral wisdom.

Buildings are constructed from wood and mud, with thatched roofs. Often, they resemble turtle shells—a tribute to both Gryyja and the tortisian’s racial heritage. Meanwhile, literature and philosophy emphasize wisdom and the outlook that patience will often lead to greater success than haste.

Cuisine in Skegmire is based on the bounty of Fenmoor Basin’s lakes, rivers, and swamps. Dishes often feature fish, shellfish, mollusks, algae, and aquatic plants, all seasoned with local herbs.

Skegmire’s most popular sport is Len Mor Gan, a tortisian martial art that focuses on endurance and defensive techniques to wear down and subdue the enemy. Len Mor Gan is not only a form of self-defense, but also a spiritual practice that emphasizes resilience and conservation of action.