Most of the human population of Maniria belong to one of four Orlanthi tribal confederations formed along one of the main rivers (Ditali, Solanthi, Nimisotr, and Bastis). For centuries, these confederations were held together by a Trader Prince dynast, a neutral figure who acted as a judge, facilitated trade between the Holy Country and Ralios.
These Trader Princes resolved disputes between the tribes and clans, held markets, and protected caravans. They also got a cut from each passing caravan, which meant they had plenty of cash to hand out in order to buy loyalty, smooth out disagreements, and so on.
But with the Opening, the caravan trade between the Holy Country and Ralios has shrunk. It is far cheaper to sail to Handra or Noloswal and go upriver to Safelster and Seshnela. That means less wealth to spread around. Among one of the tribal confederations, the Solanthi, an Orlanthi warlord made himself the real leader of the confederation, and the local Trader Prince is nothing but a powerless figurehead. Among the Ditali, Trader Prince Tarvel Peg threw himself behind the Solanthi and has supported them in raiding and pillaging the Holy Country.
There are smaller groups as well – New Coast, Legros, the West Hills, Pelushi, Caratan, and of course Handra, the wealthiest and most powerful city in the area. There are also some 50k Pralori elk-nomads, who often serve as mercenaries in these conflicts. But all of these people are at least superficially Lightbringers, while also being at least superficially familiar with wizards, Safelster, and the West.
See Also
But if we total it all up, there’s somewhere around 100k Orlanth cult initiates in Maniria. The next biggest cult is Ernalda with around 80k initiates and after that the local Grain Goddess cult. Interestingly, there are around 13k Issaries initiates and 7k LM initiates.
So like Ralios, Maniria is another core Orlanthi region.
The cultural influence of Esrolia on Maniria is immense. Ernalda is the Esrolian goddess, and all land is owned by the Earth Temples. Most clans are matrilineal, and chieftains answer to a council of women. However, war is the domain of men, and men may have several wives. Orlanth is the most popular cult in Maniria, and is an untamed god of storm and war. Humakt is popular among many warriors and there ar some 7k initiates in all of Maniria.
If we extend our map a little to the north and west, we can see that Bastis, Selby, Basim, Pralorela, Estali, Arstola, Tarimwood, and Wonder Wood are all closely linked.