tinats

Tinats are a fictional maritime culture created for world-building and speculative fiction. They are described as the inhabitants of a dispersed archipelago along the northern coast of the Dorian landmass, with a strong seafaring tradition and distinctive crafts. The name Tinats is said to derive from a local term meaning "shore" or "sea-borne people."

Geography and society: Tinats live in kin-based communities on coral islands and river deltas. Village life centers on fishing, canoe-building, and communal gatherings. Elders and clan heads form the traditional council, while younger members influence trade routes and apprenticeship networks. Mutual aid and deep knowledge of sea conditions are valued traits.

Language and culture: The Tinati language is described as a coastal branch of the hypothetical Navari family, with several island dialects. Oral literature—sea-lore, chants, and ancestor stories—plays a central role. A limited writing tradition exists in palm-leaf tablets and carved labels used in ritual and trade.

Economy and technology: The Tinats rely on small boats, shellfish gathering, salt production, and barter with inland communities. They build lightweight canoes and outriggers, and selectively adopt metal tools through trade. Craft arts include carved prow figures, drum-based music, and eye-catching tattoo patterns.

History and modern status: In fictional chronology, Tinats have long engaged in trade and occasional conflict with neighboring groups. In contemporary portrayals, they face modernization and climate pressures, with cultural preservation efforts focused on language, craft, and traditional boat-building.