Varjevants

Varjevants are an ethnolinguistic group native to the Varje Highlands in the fictional continent of Valoria. The term Varjevant designates both the people and their language, spoken by communities across the highland valleys and foothill settlements.

Most Varjevants live in the Varje Basin and adjacent uplands, with an estimated population of 60,000 to 75,000. The landscape features rugged slopes, pine forests, and braided rivers, shaping a culture oriented toward mountain agriculture, pasture, and crafts.

Language: The Varjevant language is traditionally spoken at home and in community life. It is generally considered a language isolate by outside linguists, though some scholars propose distant affiliations with regional language families.

History: Historical records mention Varjevants from the 9th century in trade networks with neighboring realms. They formed semi-autonomous communities under various rulers, preserving customary law through elder councils. In the 20th century, they gained limited self-government within a federal system.

Culture and society: Social life centers on clan groups, with initiation rites, harvest ceremonies, and shared feasts. Arts include bronzework, weaving with geometric motifs, and traditional song and drum performance. Religion blends animism with ancestor veneration, honoring mountain spirits.

Economy and contemporary status: Economy combines traditional crafts, agriculture, and timber with growing tourism and small-scale manufacturing. Education emphasizes bilingual instruction in Varjevant and the regional lingua franca. Varjevants participate in regional politics, cultural preservation programs, and interethnic exchanges.