þræan

Íréan refers to the people and the language of the Írean Archipelago, a coastal confederation in the eastern reaches of the world’s seas. The term covers both an ethnolinguistic group and their tongue, collectively known as Íréan. The name is traditionally linked to the ancient Íri root for 'sea'.

Geography and settlement: The archipelago comprises about a dozen inhabited islands, with rocky shores, mangrove inlets, and temperate forests. The southern island of Lir hosts the capital, Kirel, a walled port that has long served as a trade hub.

History: Archaeological layers indicate continuous settlement since the late Bronze Age. Íréans participated in regional maritime networks and reached a high point during a medieval-era trade period, when city-states on several islands thrived. They later joined the Confederacy of the Isles and have since maintained autonomous cultural traditions within a larger political framework.

Culture and language: Íréan society is organized around kin-based clans and a council of elders. Seafaring, boat-building, and rope-making are traditional crafts. Religious practice centers on animist beliefs, sailor deities, and ancestor veneration; seasonal sea-blessings accompany navigation and harvests. The Íréan language is agglutinative, with northern and southern dialects; a syllabary writing system called Telari is used in coastal towns.

Modern status: An estimated several hundred thousand people identify as Íréan or speak Íréan as a first or second language. The community is part of the Federated Isles, enjoying regional autonomy and protection for cultural heritage. The economy relies on artisanal fishing, kelp farming, ship repair, and small-boat construction, with trade links to neighboring inland regions.