North Continent
Bhreans (BRAY-enz): A people who originate from the forests and western coast of the continent. They have a long history of powerful kingdoms and empires, some subject to disasters and others thriving for centuries. They revere nature and frequently integrate their architecture and cities into the natural environment. For example, building into the great trees of the Detma Forest and building into mountain faces.
Pronegh (PROH-neg): A major ethnic group in eastern Bhrea, whose main city is Getsjibet. Historically, the Pronegh were made of nomadic and warlike tribes that migrated throughout the plains of southern Bhrea, before wars between Bhrea and Zulda forced them north and east. They settled on the eastern coast and founded Getsjibet. They underwent a cultural shift, embracing trade and political power instead of war and conquering.
Bwe’at (BWAY-aht): A major ethnic group in southwestern Bhrea, their largest city being Choza (“Jossar” in mainland Korvet). The people of that region share a common cultural ancestor with Bhreans, but their admixture with Zulda and relative geographical isolation from Bhrea proper have led to their own distinct language and cultural practices.
Faghaena/Algarans (fahg-AY-nah/ahl-GAR-anz): The people inhabiting the northern tundra are hardened and practical, collectively calling themselves the Faghaena, or “ones who defend.” They are a myriad of tribes, naming themselves after animal, geographic, and celestial totems. Each tribe has a set of elders who make important decisions regarding the tribe’s welfare. Of, those who prove themselves talented in battle and cunning become elders.
Kataal (kah-TAHL): A isolationist culture native to the northwestern mountains of Bhrea. Very little is known about them to outsiders, and very few interact with people outside of the mountains. Some are banished from the Kataal, and they are sworn to secrecy about their location and societal structure. There are rumors of them possessing the knowledge to create magical substances for healing, explosions, etc.
South Continent
Zuldans (ZUL-danz): The people native to the Hukar River Valley. They founded magnificent cities along the River Hukar–oases in the harsh desert surrounding them. Zuldans consider the River Hukar their lifeline–the bringer of life and civilization. Steeped in rich beliefs, Zuldans consider those who honor the past and tradition to be righteous and virtuous.
Syanti (SYAHN-tee): A nomadic conglomeration of tribes and clans that migrate around the desert and grasslands between the Sopangya and Hukar Rivers. They call themselves the Sehyhet. They generally keep to themselves, but occasionally trade with smaller towns in southern Bhrea or northern Zulda to acquire supplies or secure access to water. In desperate times, they are known to raid other settlements. They have an unofficial “capital” called Likha, where tribes go to trade, resupply, and convene.
Islands
Amnasi (ahm-NAH-see): Though united under a common culture, there is no central government ruling the islands. Each town/city may be lead by a Chief, but that is largely an informal role–usually occupied by the wealthiest and most well-connected person. Towns and cities are largely independent–even the languages can be unintelligible from village to village. Some outsiders have observed that over one hundred languages exist on the Amnasi Islands, not including the linguistic pidgins used for commerce. Amnasi culture is ruled by tight competition and trade–the best ways to survive on the islands. An Amnasi is born with a given name and family name, but at a young age earns another name based on an achievement–anything from a successful trade deal to surviving in the jungle for a certain amount of time.