Raseni

The Raseni are a fictional ethnic group and language in the archipelago of Ras, in the imagined continent of Eldoria. They number around 350,000 and are concentrated on the Ras mainland and southern islands. They are known for seafaring, boatbuilding, weaving, and a tradition of oral poetry.

Etymology: The self-designation Raseni derives from the island of Ras, the ancestral homeland; the name is traditionally translated as "people of Ras".

Language: The Raseni language belongs to the Rasic branch of the Eldoran language family. It comprises several dialects and is primarily spoken at home and in community spaces; it features musical intonation and a system of verb serialization.

History: Early Raseni likely originated from Bronze Age fisher communities. They expanded through the archipelago in the medieval period, developing long-distance trade networks and adapting coastal technologies. Contact with neighboring island groups shaped their art, architecture, and religion.

Society and culture: Society is organized around matrilineal clans and coastal-lineage groups. Community life centers on seasonal festivals, especially the Tide Festival, which honors sea deities and ancestors. The arts emphasize weaving, basketry, and carved wooden talismans; music features panpipes and drums.

Politics and governance: Local government is built from island councils and elder assemblies. A loose confederation, the Assembly of Ras, coordinates inter-island affairs but has no single sovereign; decisions require consensus among island representatives.

Economy and environment: The Raseni rely on fishing, pearl diving, boatbuilding, and small-scale horticulture. Trade with neighboring archipelagos moves via coastal routes, and traditional ecological knowledge guides sustainable harvesting.

Modern era and diaspora: Today Raseni communities exist within a wider regional economy, with cultural preservation programs and language revival efforts. Diaspora networks maintain kinship ties and support maritime crafts and festivals.