Alarnans

Alarnans are an ethnolinguistic group native to the Alaran Archipelago and surrounding mainland regions on the fictional continent of Veridia. They are estimated to number about 1.3 million people, diverse across island and coastal communities.

The Alarnan language forms a branch of the Veridian language family and comprises three principal dialects: Coastal, Highlands, and Riverine. A historical script known as the Alarnic script was used in inscriptions and ceremonial texts; today it is primarily found in museums and rituals.

The homeland features a mix of low coastal plains, mangrove belts, and mountainous interiors; the archipelago supports a strong maritime economy. The largest urban centers are Saran, a major port, and Mirav, an inland market town; rural villages cluster along rivers and terraces.

Early Alarnan communities emerged around 1000 BCE and organized into loose chiefdoms that later formed a confederation known as the Alaran League. They maintained trade routes with neighboring regions and developed boatbuilding and salt production. Since the 19th century, the Alarnans have been recognized as an autonomous ethnic group within the Veridian federation.

Traditional livelihoods include fishing, kelp farming, and terrace agriculture, complemented by weaving and woodcraft. Modern Alarnan economies blend subsistence activities with light industry and tourism. Cultural life emphasizes kinship networks, seasonal festivals, and a maritime apprenticeship system.

Indigenous belief systems center on ancestral spirits and natural forces; these practices coexist with imported faiths through centuries of exchange. Identity among Alarnans is multifaceted, with dialectal variation and strong regional identities preserved through oral literature, song, and ritual.