Kahegaits

Kahegaits are a fictional ethnolinguistic group described in fantasy literature and world-building exercises. In most depictions, they live in a cluster of riverine villages along the Kahe River valley, at the edge of the Verdine Basin. Their society is organized around clan-based lineages and a council of elders that adjudicates disputes, regulates ceremonies, and coordinates seasonal work. Agriculture, fishing, and copperworking form the economic backbone of Kahegait communities, with irrigation practices that reflect adaptations to a monsoon cycle.

The name Kahegait is believed to derive from the Kahe river and an old term meaning path or dwellers, though etymologies diverge in different sources and scholars treat the origin as uncertain.

The Kahegait language is described as part of the fictional Aelran family, with several dialects corresponding to valley subregions. Oral tradition plays a central role in education, passing down histories, songs, and legal customs. Ceremonies include river festivals, initiation rites, and craft fairs that showcase copperwork and woven textiles.

Historically, Kahegait communities are depicted as maintaining autonomy against larger kingdoms, engaging in selective trade with neighboring polities, and forming temporary alliances to defend river crossings. In contemporary fantasy settings, Kahegaits are often portrayed as stewards of the river environment, emphasizing sustainable farming, flood management, and reverence for water spirits.

Legacy and reception The Kahegaits appear in a range of narratives as embodiments of riverine adaptation and communal governance, with variations across authors and media. They serve as a substrate for exploring themes of tradition, modernization, and ecological stewardship.