shmang

Shmang is a traditional communal deliberation practice from the fictional archipelago of the Virel Islands, described in regional lore and contemporary ethnographies. It denotes both the procedure and the ceremonial object central to decision making. In its simplest form, shmang is a structured discussion designed to reach consensus without formal voting. The process is governed by a rotating speaking order and a ceremonial object called the shmang stone, which is passed clockwise to indicate the right to speak.

Etymology: The term is thought to derive from the Proto-Virel root shm- meaning "collect," with the agentive suffix -ang. Earliest written reference appears in 17th–18th century travel journals; oral tradition attributes the ritual to elder councils. In modern usage, the word can refer to the event itself or to the object used during sessions.

Practice: Sessions are held in a public open space, often at dusk, and may last several hours. Participants are typically all adults in the community; invited guests can observe. The keeper of the shmang stone oversees order, and contributions are acknowledged with a short restatement to avoid interruption. Consensus is achieved by mutual adjustment of positions until no objections remain, after which the phrase "the shmang is complete" signals formal closure.

Cultural significance and variants: Shmang reinforces social legitimacy and intergenerational dialogue, linking memory and governance. Variants exist between islands, with some communities adding ritual songs or omens. In contemporary scenes, informal uses of "shmang" appear to describe lengthy group discussions or debates that mirror the traditional format.