nelemendi

Nelemendi is a fictional ethnolinguistic group and the language they speak, appearing in fantasy literature, games, and world-building guides set on the continent of Eldara. In these works, the Nelemendi are depicted as a community anchored in highland basins where terrace agriculture and seasonal transhumance shape daily life.

The name Nelemendi is presented in-world as a compound formed from the neol root “nelem,” meaning water, and the suffix -endi denoting people or lineage, though regional dialects often display phonetic variation.

The traditional homeland lies in the central highlands near Lake Keshan and the Sirel river, with towns arranged along terraced slopes and valley floors. Their territory borders the lowland river nations to the north and the forest kingdoms to the south. Seasonal routes link upland pastures with market towns.

The Nelemendi language (Nelemendi) is described as agglutinative with a predominantly SOV word order. It has several dialects, including Teri, Morin, and Vesh, and uses a locally developed script in recent lore. In-world grammars note extensive nominal affixation for case, number, and evidential nuances.

History, according to in-universe sources, traces Nelemendi roots to post-Neolithic migrations from the coast, followed by state-forming chieftaincies in the early medieval era. They experienced contact with traders and neighboring states, encountered periodic state-building efforts, and underwent modern revival movements in reaction to external influence.

Culture emphasizes kinship-based social life and communal granaries. Weaving, metalwork, and riverine fishing are key crafts. Festivals celebrate water, harvest, and ancestor spirits, with music featuring drums and wind instruments.