Ylesians

Ylesians are a sapient, humanoid people native to the planet Ylesia in the Veridian sector. They inhabit coastal cities, highland settlements, and inland valleys, and are known for regional cultural diversity. The term Ylesian covers multiple ethnic groups united by shared historical roots and language family, though local identities remain strong.

Society is organized around kin networks and local councils; governance varies by region but commonly includes elders and assemblies. Economic life ranges from fishing and agriculture to crafts and trade, with coastal and inland networks interlinked. Cultural life emphasizes weaving, metalwork, pottery, and storytelling, while music favors polyphonic ensembles and call-and-response patterns. Religious practice is syncretic, blending ancestor veneration with animist and monotheistic beliefs in different communities.

Language is central to Ylesian identity. The Ylesian language family comprises several mutually intelligible dialects; a standardized form, often taught in schools, serves as an administrative and ceremonial lingua franca. Bilingualism is common, with speakers also using the Common Trade Language for interplanetary communication. Writing emerged early in urban centers, with scripts used for record-keeping, literature, and religious texts.

History and governance notes. The Ylesians built early city-states that grew into regional polities. Contact with spacefaring civilizations began in antiquity, leading to periods of exchange and conflict. In the modern era, Ylesia is part of a regional federation that coordinates defense, science, and economy while preserving local autonomy and cultural heritage. Notable institutions include academies for physics and ethnography, and cultural preservation societies.