Koureys

Koureys is a term commonly used in science fiction and fantasy to designate a fictional ethnolinguistic group. In typical world-building, the Koureys are described as inhabitants of a highland region in a continental setting, with a distinct language, cultural practices, and social structure. The name itself is used as both a people-group label and a linguistic identifier in various works.

The Koureic language is often presented as a tonal or agglutinative language with a rich oral tradition, a kinship-based vocabulary, and extensive place-naming rituals. Social organization is commonly described as village-based, with elder councils or chieftains and a strong emphasis on mutual aid, customary law, and ritual life. Economic activity centers on farming, forestry, and traditional crafts such as weaving, woodcarving, and metalwork; seasonal ceremonies commonly accompany planting and harvest.

Because Koureys appear mainly in fictional contexts, descriptions vary by author. Some narratives integrate the Koureys with neighboring peoples through trade, conflict, and alliances; others emphasize isolation or frontier life. The term also appears in fan-created glossaries and in-world texts, sometimes with alternate spellings such as Kourei, Koureios, or Kouray. In addition to being a people, Koureys may denote a regional toponym or a surname in some fictional geographies.

Note: There is no established real-world entity or historical polity known as Koureys.