The Gerudo Tribes
Deep in the Innagos Desert, where most other civilizations would dare not tread, are the many tribes of the Gerudo. Their tribal nations are united in a large confederation the spreads across the desert and even into the rocky lands of Koridai to the south.
Only the Gerudo and a small number of their non-human allies are able to withstand the sheer heat of the deep Innagos Desert, and so they largely keep to themselves, maintaining their ancient traditions. It is the expansionist threat of Uradiel (and by extension the Hegemony as a whole) that often pushes them into war.
They are an all-female species, traditionally led by a single male that is born roughly once every 100 years. But new traditions are being made, and some of the Gerudo tribes desire to step away from this ancient law.
Structure
Chieftains of the Ten Tribes
There are ten sovereign Gerudo tribes, each with their own chieftain and unique customs. The ten tribes converge twice yearly at the Spirit Temple in times of peace, or at a host nation as necessary in times of war. At these meetings, each tribal chieftain is considered part of the Gerudo high council. The ten tribes, along with their ages and specialties, are as follows:- Agharra (minor power, casters, ancient tribe)
- Averris (minor power, melee, younger tribe)
- Ganari (major power, melee, ancient)
- Naboris (major power, archers, ancient)
- Kotarai (major power, casters, ancient)
- Koumai (major power, casters, ancient)
- Temarrak (minor power, diplomats/traders, young)
- Urborran (major power, melee, young)
- Midanis (minor power, casters, ancient)
- Zantari (minor power, casters, ancient)
High Chief
The council elects a single member to serve as high chief -- effectively serving as the Gerudo prime minister in matters both domestic and foreign.King of the Gerudo
Above the high chief is the King of the Gerudo, a supreme executive rank only attainable by the sole male Gerudo. The high chief serves as regent when the male is too young, too old, other otherwise incapable of performing his duties. The King of the Gerudo is taught to listen to his high council and value their input, but ultimately he has the final say in the decision making process. The King of the Gerudo is always raised by the Kotarai and Koumai tribes in accordance with tradition. The current Gerudo male is 4 years old.Culture
The Gerudo are an all-female species, with the sole exception of a male that's born every generation, who they believe is the same spirit reincarnating in a new body.
Gerudo mate with males of other humanoid species ("voe"), though their offspring will always be Gerudo and only inherit small portions of the father's DNA -- usually influencing minor traits like hair/eye color and build. Most younger Gerudo will regularly go out on pilgrimages to see the world, learn about other societies, hire themselves out as mercenaries, and, if desired, find a mate for their children.
Gerudo return to the desert to give birth, but will typically leave young children in the care of tribal elders, as the Gerudo feel it's important to adventure as much as they desire while their bodies are still young and in peak physicality. Children are raised collectively in age-based cohorts and taught by local elders. Mothers will generally return to complete their daughters' training in advance combat as children approach their teen years (at the latest).
Once their journeying years are complete, usually in their 30s and 40s, Gerudo will take up permanent careers in their tribal territory. All Gerudo, regardless of occupation, are trained warriors and can be conscripted for battle. At this time, Gerudo may settle into "traditional" longterm marriages with other Gerudo, though some prefer more progressive unions with the fathers of their children.
Voe are generally seen as unwelcome invaders and are not permitted in Gerudo settlements, but border towns exist at the desert edge so that voe and Gerudo can meet on common ground. Some Gerudo in more modern unions will live their with their non-Gerudo mates. This practice is increasingly controversial and ruffles feathers with some of the more traditional tribal leaders.
History
The Gerudo are an ancient species and have always lived in the Innagos Desert, though some tribes have splintered off to live on the Koridian border. Fiercely independent, they have never been subjugated by an external power.
A few Gerudo, whose names have been stricken from clan records, allied with evil Hylian sorcerers to bring back Demise. They were exiled to the Twilight Realm and became the precursors of the Twili species.
Since then, the Gerudo have banned worship of Demise and have sought to redeem their reputation, becoming a force for good in the desert.
The Gerudo have defended themselves in several conflicts. Uradiel has declared crusades on their lands several times, claiming they abduct and bewitch local men and are thus horribly evil. But in all cases, the Gerudo wore Uradiel down and drove them out of the desert.
Demography and Population
The tribes are 95% Gerudo, and the remaining 5% is a mix of female tieflings and fire genasi who have been adopted in. They are able to withstand the desert heat.
Military
Traditionally, the tribes have maintained separate armies, each with different specialties, and they fought along side each other. Some tribes, like Urborran, are melee specialists. Others specialize in horseback archery. Tribes like the Kotarai and Kuomai specialize in elemental magic and bladesinging.
Under High Chieftain Sabiya, however, she has reorganized the military into an inter-tribal army. Each warband now has a mix of warriors from every tribe so that they can adapt to any battlefield condition. An even mix of melee, casters, and mounted archers.
Religion
The Goddess of the Sands (or Arisa) is the primary deity of the Gerudo, worshipped since antiquity.
Religious scholars have often equated Arisa with Din, one of the Golden Goddesses, given her creation of the rocky earth and her association with fire/heat. While this common origin could be true, the Gerudo have developed their own distinct religion over time, and so their goddess has taken on unique traits and symbolism. Most tribal ceremonies and functions incorporate the Goddess of the Sands to some extent.
Gerudo tribes pray to the goddess for safe travels through the desert, for protection in times of distress, and for glory in battle.
The Spirit Temple, a massive column of stone seemingly carved out of a former mountain, sits in the center of the Innagos Desert and serves as the center of their religion.
The Gerudo allow worship of most other gods within their territories but rarely have dedicated shrines to them. Worship of Demise is banned due to his cult severely damaging Gerudo reputation and society in ancient times. The punishment for his worship is one of the most severe -- permanent exile from the desert.
Foreign Relations
- Lanasach: Technically a neutral power, though rumors abound that the Gerudo have secret alliances with Satrap Amaya Navaris, who may be part Gerudo herself.
- Uradiel: Incredibly hostile relationship. The Gerudo tribes advise that their people do not travel there. Uradiel has attempted to invade many times.
- Desert of Mystery: Allied and friendly. They are among the only voe allowed to pass through all but the most sacred settlements.
Type
Political, Confederation
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Tribalism
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Barter system
Location
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Comments