Khæmmere

The Khæmmere are a highland ethnolinguistic community in the fictional continent of Aracyn, known for stone architecture and metalwork. The name covers both the people and their language.

They inhabit the northern highlands along the Vastar River, organized around hereditary clans. Social life centers on communal labor, mutual aid, and rites marking birth, marriage, and initiation.

The Khæmmere language, also called Khæmmere, is an inflected language with a strong oral tradition and growing literature. Most Khæmmere are bilingual, speaking Aracynian as a regional lingua franca.

Historically, they trace origins to stonecutters who settled the mountains. In medieval times they traded and formed alliances with neighbors. In the modern era they gained de facto autonomy within the Union of Haldenia and maintain a customary law code, the Khæmmer Compact, and craft guilds.

Economy and culture: The Khæmmere economy centers on quarrying, stone masonry, metalwork, timber, and crafts. Artistic traditions include carved stone, copper-work, and tapestry. Architecture features tall stone houses, narrow alleys, and watchtowers that dot the hills.

Modern culture: They preserve rites such as the Feast of the Stone, a harvest festival blending religious and communal elements; education is organized in guild schools and local academies.