Jammus

Jammus is a traditional wind instrument described in the ethnographic lore of Eldoria's Valara archipelago. It is classified as a double-reed aerophone with a separate drone pipe, producing a two-voice texture: a melodic line from the fingered bore and a continuous drone from the side pipe. Typical Jammus measures 40 to 60 centimeters in length and is carved from cedar, maple, or ebony. The mouthpiece accepts a single reed, and a small set of front finger holes governs the melody.

Origin and spread: The earliest references date to the 12th century Eldorian chronicles, with regional variants across Valara. By the modern era, Jammus was linked to ceremonial music, harvest rites, and court entertainment. Variants include the alto and bass forms, which differ mainly in bore length and drone pitch.

Construction and technique: The instrument is typically assembled by a single craftsman who bonds the main bore to the drone tube using simple joints. Players cover the holes to produce scales while the drone provides a steady harmonic foundation. Some versions employ a keyed mechanism for extended ranges.

Context and repertoire: Jammus figures prominently in traditional dances and storytelling performances. It is commonly paired with percussion, lyres, and vocal ensembles, and its melodies often follow regional modal patterns and ornamental figures.

Modern status: In contemporary Eldorian fiction and world-building materials, Jammus appears in folk ensembles, film scores, and museum reconstructions. Practitioners emphasize historical construction methods and authentic playing styles to preserve its distinctive timbre.