Hananei

The Hananei [Xan'nanim] were ethnolinguistic people(s) who originally migrated from the lands west of the Great Sea around 1800-1600 years before present inhabiting or originating from Sunspire and its surrounding areas. They were primarily depicted as traders, sailors, and mercenaries. They were also known for their great towers which gave the moniker of The Tower Culture by modern historians.
According to their oral tradition, They were once a part of a seafaring empire from the Eastern land of Sūr. Their high priest led them into Aethera after horseriding barbarians and their three-headed god rampaged and brought ruin upon their new city.
Shortly before the Shattering, it is believed that the tribes of the Hananei largely coalesced into several major ethnic confederations. Whilst several groups on various islands claim descent and appear to share their culture and religion to these ancient people, it is unknown how much of these people actually descend from them, as it was and still is very fashionable to link onself to wealthy and prestigious families, as it was believed that the Hananei were the wealthiest of the ancient races.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Most names are theophoric in nature, like Thinithissa "Fire of Thinith", Safanastharth "Astharth conceals", Barexore "Xore has blessed"

Family names

They lack family names, and instead use patronymics, the term "byn-" or "byth-" meaning "son of" and "daughter of" respectively.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The Hananei were belived to use two languages, one for conversing with others, and one to speak as if they were a bird, whilstling or using a high pitched instrument. This "sparrow language" is phonetically simplified, but is quite effective in communicating over very large distances.
Their script does not often transcribe vowels, with exception to the front and end of a word, which they use for better understanding. It is believed their language had around 3-5 vowels and around 10-15 consonants.

Culture and cultural heritage

The Hananei were rather quite famous for having expert marksmen, skilled at rock slinging, being a vital part of their culture.
The Hananei likewise were skilled whistle makers, making sounds that mimicked the wind and the cries of animals and humans alike.

Common Etiquette rules

One common phrase they used to greet each other is the term "Awe", or "Sōlym" which were common phrases of greetings for wishing someone well/greetings.

Common Dress code

The armor of the Hananei were varied, but shared many similar characteristics. Mercenaries would oftentimes wear a shield strapped over their chainmail or tunic, and another strapped over their arm. Another common characteristic was their use of horned helmets, likely in reverence of the god Amōn.

Art & Architecture

The Hananei were renowned for the numerous megalithic towers that remains dotted over Aethera. These fortresses are characterized with a prominent structure in the center.

Foods & Cuisine

The Hananei were stereotypically known to have "some of the worst/blandest tasting food", so they have their cooks do everything, though this is now believed to be rather baseless slander.
They are believed to have had a very vibrant barbecuing community, with meat and vegetable skewers being attributed to these people.
They were also known to frequently use a two-part earthenware or metal pan and conical lid known as a "Taɣna", used for slow cooking.
They were likewise known for an expensive sweet dried date wine known as "Tsimuyen" (literally meaning "Dried Wine"). Anise and rose is commonly used as flavourings, and it is known to age extremely well over time, causing it to be an item searched in the ruins of their civilization.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

The Hananei practiced a form of blood magic that required animal or human offerings. Oftentimes, they would libate their blood or burn an animal to the gods, though the use of one's own appendages and human sacrifices were noted to be the most potent.
Alchemy/Transmutation is also said to been originated from their attempts at making gold from stone.

Common Myths and Legends

It is said that a priest is said to have sacrificed his entire homeland to achieve immortality, ultimately taking both the name and the lives of all in the Kingdom. Its ruins are now a tourist attraction known as the City of Stone, as the the people in it appear to be petrified, much like the stone buildings surrounding them. Historians have accused Sunspire for making up elements of this legend up for profit.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

The very wealthy often dyed their clothing with a deep purple, a very prominent and ancient display of wealth. In this way, they have managed to dye their golden jewelry purple as well. Likewise, they prised the Amethyst above all other jewels.
Due to these factors, the clothing and jewelry of the Hananei are greatly prized and sought for for their purple coloring and it's difficulty of reproduction in modern times. It is said that explorers often search deep in the Mainland for a chance to find even the smallest of trinkets.