Bators

Bators are a fictional ethnic group and language described in an encyclopedic entry. They are said to inhabit the highland valleys of the northern belt of the continent of Velora, where communities historically practiced terrace farming and copperworking. The name Bator is believed to derive from a local term meaning hill or ridge.

Language: The Batoric language is tied to the highland language cluster and is traditionally transmitted orally. In modern times efforts have been made to standardize writing for education and archival purposes, though many speakers remain bilingual with neighboring languages.

Society and culture: Bator communities are organized into kin-based clans governed by councils of elders. Social life centers on farming, metalcraft, and seasonal rituals that honor ancestors. Weaving, woodcarving, and copperwork are among the distinctive crafts, with patterns that vary by clan.

History: Ethnographic lore places the emergence of the Bators in the early medieval period, with intermittent contact with inland traders and coastal peoples. Historical narratives emphasize resilience, communal reciprocity, and ritual calendars.

Economy and modern status: Traditionally, copper alloys and textiles supported local exchange networks. In the present era, Bator communities participate in regional markets and tourism, while language and crafts are sustained through community centers and revival programs. Diaspora communities exist in urban areas of Velora.

Arts and sites: Notable crafts include bronze-work and patterned textiles. Landmark cultural sites comprise hillside shrines, terraced fields, and mountain temples associated with the Batoric heritage.