Orkeans

The Orkeans are an ethnolinguistic group native to the Orkean Archipelago, a cluster of islands situated in the western seas. They form a cohesive cultural community with a long-standing seafaring heritage and a strong attachment to the sea. Their traditional homeland covers the main islands of Niaros, Vela, and Khoran, as well as smaller islets.

The Orkean language exists in several dialects and is spoken by the vast majority of Orkeans; it is written in a script adapted from neighboring coastal peoples. The culture emphasizes oral storytelling, maritime music, and craftsmanship. Society is organized around extended families and island-based clans. Local governance typically involves a council of elders and clan chiefs who arbitrate disputes and coordinate communal projects; external affairs are managed through regional alliances.

Historical records indicate Orkean communities formed the archipelago's demographic core by the early medieval period. They engaged in trade with inland kingdoms and other coastal cultures. In the modern era, the Orkeans maintained a degree of autonomy within neighboring states and have pursued cultural preservation and economic development.

The economy remains anchored in fishing and small-scale fisheries, boatbuilding, and coastal trade; tourism and crafts have grown. Contemporary challenges include preserving the language and cultural practices amid integration, climate change affecting fisheries, and disputes over resource management.