Encyclopaedia of Aldowẻ
Gewe
The town of Gewe lies south of the Brand, in the far north of the south-western regions of Aldowẻ. It is noted for its insular, self-reliant society, its isolated language, and the stereotype that it is mistrusting of foreigners.
Geweans are distinguished from other Teren peoples by the fact that they are all born as twins. Other physical characteristics include a broader range of natural hair and eye colourings than those of Kaajan or Umalyan descent (their immediate neighbours to the south and north respectively).
Perhaps most interesting, however, is the fact that the rite of passage by which Geweans come of age involves one of each pair of twins becoming exiled from their homeland. The reason for this is complex, and deeply embedded in the nation's history and culture. To put it as simply as it can be made without becoming simplistic, Gewean philosophy holds that each pair are one soul split between two bodies, and that upon reaching adulthood the two must compete to determine who has the right to be that person.
As one might imagine, the notions of home and belonging are important parts of any Gewean's upbringing and world-view.
