The People Of The Graueri

The Graueri People are a collection of independent tribes, led by their chieftains or shamans, and are united under the "Gorilla King", who holds ancestral power over them all.
Found in the Graueri Jungle of the southern hemisphere, these people are renowned for their deep beliefs of reincarnation, ancestral law, altruistic jungle living, and love of the elusive Graueri Gorillas. A fierce and proud people who have made significant strides to interact with outsiders, hoping to dissuade them from entering their jungle terrain. Great trade opportunities have come about due to this interaction over the last few hundred years.
While they have accepted many beneficial trade items, such as steal weapons, water proof materials, and glass items, their leaders heavily favorite the new maps and magical spells of the world. In return they have exported many precious metals and rare gemstones, but the most sought after material is the ebony wood of the jungle itself. The outsiders have a huge demand for ebony wood sword and knife handles and have found that they make for excellent wand and staff materials as well. So far both sides are enjoying tremendous prosperity under the new trade agreement, however some of the more remote and traditional chieftains question the wisdom of trading away pieces of their beloved and spiritual forest.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Graueri are taught to speak several languages from the time they are children.  The most common dialects are the Graueri language and Common.  They are also taught a shortened hunting dialect that they call "Stalker", which consists of various whistles and clicks that are reminiscent of the animals in the jungle.

Culture and cultural heritage

The Graueri believe that their spirits came from the jungle and their bodies were made from the jungle itself and that their spirits and body will return to the jungle when they die. As such they have great reverence for all of the plants and animals of the jungle and despite using them all for resources, they will fight to the death to protect them as well.

Average technological level

Despite being a simple tribal people, they have made great strides in the areas of conjuring, summoning, and necromancy.

Common Etiquette rules

Whenever there is a decision to be made or someone must go first, a strict hierarchy must be adhered to. It is always the tribal chieftain that goes first, followed by the tribal elders, then the remaining adults, and finally the children. When people of similar ranks are in conflict, the tie is broken by the individual's age.
This hierarchy is followed regardless of the benefits or dangers associated to the individual. For example, if group must cross a slippery log spanning a rushing river, then then oldest and more experienced are expected to make the first attempt. It is thought that they have the knowledge and experience to successfully complete the task and bring the others across safely and thus continuing the life of the tribe. If they fall off and die, then at least the younger generation will still be alive to continue after they are gone.

Common Dress code

Very little clothing is worn in the hot and humid region of the Graueri Jungle that they inhabit. Most people wear simple loose-fitting skirts, loin cloths, wrap-around sarongs, and large shirts with simple sandals or are barefoot. These are all made out of natural plant fibers or animal skins. Their jewelry and adornments are often made out of precious metals and fine gemstones. Designs and images are often reflection of the plants and animals of the jungle.

Art & Architecture

All architecture is made from the natural materials of the jungle.  Building are simple structures of wood, stone, or mud.  Most homes are dome shaped structures made of local trees and grasses.  The more important and permanent building are usually raised and constructed of stone blocks. 
Artwork is usually made from naturally occurring metals and precious gemstones and often take the form of magnificent jungle animal statues.  Gold, silver, copper, emerald, diamond, ruby, and sapphire are often used as well as ivory and ebony.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

It is taboo to take anything from the jungle without first giving a proper prayer thanking the jungle for what it provides. In fact each day must start and end with prayer to the jungle and the ancestral spirits within.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a person dies, all of their clothing and possessions are distributed among the heirs and the body is taken before one of the great trees in the jungle.  Here a large hole is dug and the body is laid to rest here and buried.  This allow the persons spirit and body to return to the jungle and perhaps be reincarnated once again to aid the people and the jungle. Upon burial a great fire is built and tales of the deceased are recalled to all those present. A local shaman implores the jungle to speedily take back the deceased so that they may rejoin those that have passed on before.   It is the hope of all people that they and their relatives have the great fortune to come back as one of the rare and beloved Graueri Gorillas.

Common Myths and Legends

The Graueri believe that their very first king was a reincarnation of the great gorilla son of Spurcus, God Of Beasts.  The first king united the various tribes of the jungle and drove the evil spirits from the jungle.  Since this time all successive kings claim this bloodline and may be challenged to prove it through open combat.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

The Graueri believe that because all spirits came from the jungle then all people and genders are equal and free to choose what roles they take on for the betterment of the tribe.