Aelori

The Aelori are a fictional ethnolinguistic group created for fantasy worldbuilding and speculative fiction. They are described as inhabitants of the eastern highlands and foothills of the continent of Eldara, where they organize themselves into a network of city-states united by shared language and craft traditions. The Aelori language belongs to the Aeloric family and uses a hybrid writing system combining runes with cursive script. Their material culture emphasizes metalwork, stone carving, and ritual architecture.

Geography and demography: The Aelori homeland lies in the Serin Highlands, a montane region with temperate to cool climate and sparse forests. Historical estimates place the core population at tens of thousands, with peripheral tradespan communities expanding the reach. Principal settlements include Elarin, Keldron, and Neris Vale; trade routes along the Serin River connect inland towns to coastal ports.

Society and culture: Political life centers on guilds and a council of guildmasters rather than a centralized monarch. Guilds oversee production, architecture, and scholarship, creating a cooperative system for resource distribution. The Aelori practice a religion centered on light and memory, with seasonal festivals such as the Day of Lanterns. Education emphasizes apprenticeship in crafts, geometry, and metallurgical theory. Women and men participate in most crafts, with some guilds led by elder women.

History and legacy: The Aelori trace their records to the Twilight Chronicle, with the Guild Confederation forming about five centuries ago to coordinate defense and trade. They have maintained cautious autonomy through diplomacy and selective alliances with neighboring polities. Notable landmarks include the Lantern Arch and the Silver Foundry, both integral to Aelori identity and ongoing craft traditions.