Essosi

Essosi refers to the people and cultures originating from the continent of Essos, located east of Westeros. Essos is a vast and diverse land, home to numerous distinct societies, city-states, and empires, each with its own unique history, customs, and traditions. The Free Cities, a collection of independent city-states founded by the Valyrians, are a prominent feature of Essosi culture, known for their wealth, trade, and often their complex political landscapes. Braavos, with its unique canals and the secretive Faceless Men, stands apart from many other Free Cities. Further east lie the Slaver Bay cities like Meereen and Astapor, historically significant for their involvement in the slave trade, though this practice has been challenged. The Dothraki Sea is home to nomadic horse lords who follow a distinct warrior culture. To the far east, lands like Asshai are shrouded in mystery and rumored to be steeped in dark magic. Essosi people are as varied as their homelands, encompassing a wide range of ethnicities, appearances, and languages, contributing to the rich tapestry of this immense continent. Their interactions with Westeros are frequent, driven by trade, diplomacy, and sometimes conflict.