Setenes

Setenes are a fictional seafaring civilization in the world of Elaria. They inhabited the Seten Archipelago in the western seas, a cluster of island polities connected by tidal currents and trade routes. The Setenes are noted for sophisticated maritime navigation, coral-and-stone architecture, and extensive networks of inter-island exchange.

Language and origins: The Setene language forms part of the Elarian language region; it is agglutinative with rich case marking and a system of honorifics. The earliest inscriptions date to the mid second millennium Elarian chronology, though oral tradition traces their ancestors to coastal fishers who settled the archipelago after a great storm.

Society and politics: Setene society centers on city-states that trade and compete within a maritime confederation. Governance typically involves merchant councils and navigators' guilds, with variations among polities. Lineage and inheritance patterns vary; in several communities, matrilineal descent influenced property rights and leadership.

Culture and religion: Seafaring and celestial navigation are central to Setene culture. Tides, stars, and currents feature in ritual calendars, temple harbors, and festival songs. Artistic crafts include coral carving, carved woodwork, and patterned textiles using natural dyes acquired through trade.

History and modern status: The Setenes rose as a regional trading power during the medieval period of Elaria, forging extensive maritime ties with inland kingdoms and neighboring archipelagos. They faced ecological disruptions, including sea-level changes and volcanic activity, which reshaped settlement patterns. In the present, Setene communities maintain autonomous island polities within a loose maritime federation and pursue cultural preservation, archaeology, and scholarship to document Setene history.