Konlar

Konlar are a fictional ethnolinguistic group in the fantasy world of Ardentia. They are described as semi-nomadic pastoralists and artisans, known for rich textile weaving and polyphonic music that accompanies communal gatherings.

The name Konlar comes from their language, where kon- means "people" and -lar marks plurality.

Geography and settlement: They inhabit the central steppes around the Vesper River, with major settlements at Karat and Sajal and numerous semi-permanent camps used during seasonal migrations.

Language: The Konlar language is considered part of the proposed Konic family. It is agglutinative, exhibits vowel harmony, and features extensive suffixation. Bilingualism with neighboring Tarin languages is common.

Society and culture: Konlar social life centers on kin-based clans and an elders council that makes communal decisions. Rites of passage mark adulthood, and traditional clothing, weaving patterns, and copper jewelry identify clan affiliation.

Economy and technology: The economy relies on pastoralism to raise cattle and sheep, complemented by caravan trade and craft production, including textiles, pottery, and leatherwork. They favor flexible settlement patterns over fixed urban life.

History: The Konlar trace their origins to migrations that began two thousand years ago, followed by interactions with regional empires, conflicts over grazing lands, and later incorporation into regional trade networks.

Religion: Traditional beliefs center on animistic spirits and a solar deity; ancestor veneration is common, with shrines along rivers. Festivals celebrate solstices and harvests and reinforce communal bonds.