Sormeni

Sormeni refers to a fictional ethnolinguistic group and their language in worldbuilding materials. In the setting, they inhabit a coastal archipelago in the southern part of the continent of Atlara and are known for maritime trade and carpentry.

The term Sormeni derives from the endonym Sorm, with the suffix -eni meaning “people” in their language.

Geography and demography: The homeland consists of about a dozen inhabited islands with rocky shores, mangroves, terraces for agriculture, and several natural harbors. The population is concentrated in towns around major ports; subsistence and fishing form the base, with trade networks across the archipelago.

Language: Sormeni belongs to the fictional Sormenic language family, with two main dialects, northern and southern. It is described as agglutinative with rich morphology; the script is an abugida used alongside oral tradition.

History and society: Early history centers on maritime alliances and the development of port-city economies. The political structure is described as a loose confederation of semi-autonomous communities, with a ceremonial council representing the islands.

Economy and culture: Craft traditions include boatbuilding, lacquerware, beadwork, and shell carving. Diet features fish, tubers, and coconut; social culture values navigation, oral storytelling, and communal feasts.

Current status and in popular media: Within the setting, Sormeni societies appear in novels, games, and maps as a distinct cultural unit; scholars in-universe study their language and genealogies.