Seróws

Seróws are an ethnolinguistic group primarily inhabiting the western highlands of the fictional continent of Aleria, with a dispersed rural population in adjacent valleys. They number around 120,000 people and speak Serów, a language linked to the Seróic branch of the wider Valan language family. The endonym Serów, used by the people themselves, is commonly anglicized as Seróws.

Historical records trace the Seróws at least to the 12th century, though earlier traces likely exist in oral traditions. They organized themselves into clans and village holdings, with a council of elders serving as the main governing body. The early period saw frequent exchange with neighboring groups, followed by reorganization under regional polities in the 16th–18th centuries and later incorporation into modern nation-states in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Economy and society: Agriculture remains the main livelihood, including maize, millet, potatoes, and root crops, supplemented by goat husbandry and poultry. Serów craftsmanship is renowned for weaving and pottery, with distinctive patterns used in textiles and household wares. Social life centers on village festivals, kinship ties, and oral storytelling, with a rich repertoire of songs and dances performed during seasonal celebrations.

Culture and religion: Traditional beliefs honor ancestral spirits and local natural features, with rites embedded in agricultural cycles. While many Seróws practice customary religion, others have adopted neighboring faiths, resulting in syncretic practices in some communities.

Contemporary status: In the modern era, Seróws participate in regional economies, with markets in major towns and a growing tourism sector focused on cultural heritage and landscape. Education and bilingual administration in Serów and the national language have improved literacy rates.