The Ribäng culture, originating from Mangrovia, a subregion in Meda, is renowned for its expertise in hunting and its rich tapestry of traditions that reflect a deep relationship with the natural environment, especially insects and arthropods. The term "Ribäng" translates to "the people," emphasizing their identity and unity across various islands. While Ribäng society often depicts beetle-like deities in art and lore, they do not deify insects as many outsiders assume.

Customs

Ribäng customs are vibrant and diverse, with traditions rooted in their environment. Many young Ribängians keep insects as pets, selecting species with longer lifespans as cherished companions. Among the community, a beloved sport is "swimming jumping," where fish people leap from the water with precision, performing acrobatic poses and spins mid-air. Monogamy is the societal norm, though polygyny is occasionally practiced, especially among nobles. Concubines hold a specific place in Ribäng culture, often acting as status symbols; they are sometimes drawn from enslaved populations and serve to ensure lineage continuation for infertile women or androgynes. Social events mark the year's progression, divided into cold, warm, and rainy seasons, each carrying its own significance and rituals. Ribängians practice branding on criminals and slaves, with each mark bearing distinct symbolism. Hunters and warriors follow strict rites of passage, permanently marking them as elite members of society; their smaller yet highly skilled army is testament to the intensity of their training and commitment.

Cuisine

Ribäng cuisine prominently features arthropods, with beetles, moths, and sea scorpions being central to many traditional dishes. Tropical mollusks, particularly a local edible snail, are farmed and widely enjoyed. Coffee and coconut, both integral to the Ribäng diet, hold a traditional status. Coconut is processed into numerous regional delicacies, while coffee is both a staple beverage and a cultural export.

Caste System

The Ribäng social structure is organized into six castes: the Anuq̃üg (nobles), Ugbanba (spiritual leaders or shamans), Umübugrü (hunters and warriors), ... (traders), Amágtw (farmers), and Anub (slaves). Each caste maintains distinct social roles, and marriage between castes is strictly prohibited. Warriors are generally counted among the hunter caste due to their shared martial background. The caste system is deeply embedded in Ribäng society, with education and occupation closely tied to one's caste status. Nobles often claim descent from beetle deities, a tradition evident in the heraldic banners and symbols associated with noble families.

Appearance and Clothing

Ribängians possess distinct W-shaped pupils and darker skin tones, an adaptation to their environment. Clothing includes large shorts and open sandals suited to the warm, humid climate. Tattoos are an essential form of expression, often adorning their tails, while nobles wear colorful coral crowns as a mark of high status. Gendered grooming customs also exist, with women typically keeping their hair short while men grow theirs long.

Weapons and Armor

Ribäng warriors favor blowpipes loaded with venom-tipped arrows, javelins thrown with spear slings, and a chitin-based melee weapon similar to the macuahuitl. The art of archery is highly respected, with Ribäng bows made from prized northern bamboo and renowned for their quality. Armor is crafted from chitin harvested from giant arthropods, with smaller segments bound into protective gear resembling lamellar armor. A specialized class of hunters wields katana-like blades crafted from chitin, a weapon that demands precision due to its fragility.

Ethics and Religion

Ribängians adhere to Ávabuz beliefs, regarding the ancestral beetle gods as powerful yet outdated entities, thus challenging the concept of divine omnipotence found in other religions. Trust is placed in the Ugbanba, or shamans, rather than institutionalized priesthoods. Slavery is widely practiced, reflecting a traditional worldview where certain social roles are deemed integral to Ribäng society.

Politics

The political landscape of Ribäng society is led by a high king, the Uídaríb, who presides over lesser rulers, or Ududbarű. The high king exercises authority over a council of nobles, and while each noble holds significant local power, the concept of shared Ribängian law ensures a level of unity. Nobles frequently claim ancestral ties to beetle deities, with symbols reflecting these connections. Inheritance is determined by the king’s choice among his children rather than through a strict lineage hierarchy. Political tension exists between nobles and the hunter caste, both vying for influence in Ribäng governance.

Gender and Social Roles

Ribäng society recognizes a third gender, integrating individuals who do not conform to traditional male or female roles. Gender reassignment practices, often derived from neighboring Movamom cultures, support this. Strictly heterosexual relationships are culturally mandated, with male warriors serving in exclusive combat roles. Women and androgynes, although barred from military service, often fulfill important societal roles as hunters and assassins.

Music and Art

Ribängians excel in music, particularly vocal performances that play a significant role in religious and cultural expression. Bamboo flutes and xylophones crafted from arthropod exoskeletons are popular instruments. Music is deeply tied to Ribäng spirituality and is a celebrated aspect of their culture.

Architecture

Ribäng architecture is marked by stepped pyramid temples, where rulers preside and conduct governance. Commoners often live in bamboo huts, typically built on stilts or connected by elevated walkways along beaches and riverbanks. Wealthier Ribängians construct homes from giant snail shells, adding distinctively organic elements to their communities.

Technology and Transportation

Bamboo serves as a primary writing material, shaped into thin sheets or bundled similarly to wood. Certain giant insects, particularly in the eastern territories, are domesticated as mounts, while nobles often ride specially bred beetles as status symbols.

Agriculture and Economy

Rice cultivation is prevalent along rivers, supplemented by coffee and coconuts, both major exports. Farming communities also rear water buffalo, especially in the mountainous northwest. Insect farms are common in urban centers, where giant woodlice are a popular pet. Ribäng economic activities reflect a deep relationship with their tropical environment, marked by a balance of agriculture, artisanal production, and trade of regional specialties.