hidos

Hidos is a term used in speculative fiction to denote a fictional archipelago, its people, and their language. The most common portrayal places the Hidos Islands in a warm, maritime region, with five main islands arranged in a crescent. The name is said to derive from the local language, meaning "twilight islets" or "shimmering shores," though etymologies vary between authors.

Geography and ecology: The islands are volcanic, with lush mangroves along the coast and coral reefs surrounding them. Rainfall is seasonal, creating lush tropical ecosystems. Human settlement centers on coastal towns that rely on fishing, salt harvesting, and shellcraft. The central island hosts a ceremonial capital and a rock-cut temple complex.

Society and culture: Hidos society is depicted as maritime and clan-based, with strong oral traditions and a tradition of shipbuilding. Language is described as agglutinative with marine terms. Social organization tends toward councils of elders and family lineages; women play prominent roles in trade and craft in some depictions, while others show male-dominated structures.

Economy and technology: In some works, Hidos technology emphasizes sustainable seafaring, navigation by stars and currents, and simple bronze or shell artifacts. In others, the concept is used to explore colonial themes, resource conflict, and cultural exchange.

In literature and media: Hidos has appeared in various novels, role-playing games, and worldbuilding forums, with no single canonical portrayal, allowing authors to adapt the setting to their narratives.