The Poaleez seldom refer to themselves by any single collective identity. Though outsiders often group them together, the peoples of the Poaleez Isles remain deeply divided by island, custom, and belief. Dominating the archipelago is the great island of Kelpoa, whose rulers exert overwhelming influence over the lesser isles through political pressure and religious authority alike.

The inhabitants of the remaining four islands participate—often begrudgingly—in the collective council that governs matters of inter-island policy. In practice, however, this council is frequently manipulated by the Kelpoaleez, who use their influence to dictate the terms of the sacred Oanalajj, or Divine Gathering, where matters of faith, law, and alliance are decided.

Yet despite Kelpoa’s dominance, the cultures of the other islands continue to endure with fierce independence.

The Aboaleez still maintain their ancient reverence for the great nekoi vultures, sacred carrion birds believed to carry the souls of the dead into the heavens. During funerary rites, bodies are left upon elevated stone platforms where the vultures may consume the flesh, a practice regarded not as desecration, but as a sacred return of the soul to the sky.

The Ehruleez, by contrast, openly reject the gods and traditions promoted by Kelpoa. Their feared Tahetzhin warriors instead devote themselves to Gobilyo-Rylajj, offering prayers and ritual homage with every enemy slain in battle. Among the Ehruleez, conquest and sacrifice are considered sacred expressions of devotion rather than acts of brutality.

More subtle in their resistance are the Kepnoleez, who oppose Kelpoaleez dominance through diplomacy, trade, and political manoeuvring rather than warfare. In these efforts they are frequently supported by the Suitgret, steadfast allies whose influence within the councils helps preserve some measure of balance against Kelpoa’s growing authority.

Though bound together by geography and tradition, the peoples of the Poalan Isles remain divided by rival faiths, ancient grudges, and competing visions of power—each island guarding its identity against the ambitions of the others.