Ypeelers

The Ypeelers are a fictional ethnolinguistic group described in speculative fiction. They are native to the Ypela Archipelago, a chain of subtropical islands in the world’s northern seas. The name comes from their language and a traditional craft in which fruit peels are processed into materials for textiles and ritual objects. They are commonly portrayed as skilled mariners and foragers.

Geography and society: The archipelago features mangrove coasts and coral reefs. Ypeeler communities are organized into kin-based clans governed by a council of elders, with an emphasis on mutual aid and collective decision-making. Populations are concentrated in coastal villages and along key trade routes.

Culture and practice: Peel-based crafts are central. Artisans dry and weave fruit peels into waterproof mats, sails, and decorative panels. The Peel Rite, a coming-of-age ceremony, involves peeling to reveal inner layers, symbolizing knowledge passed to the next generation.

Economy and technology: The economy relies on fishing, seaweed farming, horticulture, and craft markets. They trade dried peels, resin-treated textiles, and carved wooden goods. Tools are simple stone and bone implements; boats combine bark cloth, fiber, and light sails.

Language and status: The Ypeeler language is their native tongue and is considered endangered in many canons, with limited outside documentation.

In fiction and games: Ypeelers appear as settings for stories about sustainable living, inter-island trade, and environmental stewardship. Representations vary, with some works emphasizing tradition and cooperation, others exploring colonial encounter.