Suryathi
The Suryathi people hail from the Eastern Sea of Riches, an ethnic group shaped by their connection to the sun, trade, and a centuries-old alliance with the Sun Elves. Native to the Aloen Empire's fertile river valleys, coastal plains, and bustling cities, they are known for their vibrant culture and mercantile acumen. Physically, the Suryathi have tanned bronze to rich olive skin, dark wavy or curly hair, and warm-toned eyes in shades of amber, honey, or deep brown. Many display elven traits, such as slightly pointed ears and refined features, due to their long history of intermarriage with the elves. Most Suryathi can claim quarter- or eighth-elven heritage.
Suryathi society places great importance on spirituality, scholarship, and community. They primarily worship Pelor, the sun god, as the source of life and prosperity, though Erathis, the goddess of civilization and order, is also venerated in Suryathi cities. Their urban centers are organized around grand temples, bustling markets, and lush courtyards. A deep respect for tradition coexists with an appreciation for progress, shown through their advanced systems of governance, emphasis on diplomacy, and mastery of alchemy. Social hierarchy is clearly defined, with scholars, merchants, and artisans holding significant influence alongside the nobility. Festivals, music, and storytelling are central to Suryathi life, with public celebrations serving as both religious observances and showcases of rich cultural history.
Naming Traditions
Feminine names
Amrita, Chitra, Devika, Gauri, Ishani, Kavya, Leelavati, Malini, Nalini, Parvati, Rajani, Sadhana, Sharvani, Uma, Vasanta, Yashika
Masculine names
Anirudh, Bhaskar, Chandran, Devraj, Haran, Kartikeya, Lakshman, Madhavan, Nandan, Pradeep, Ravi, Sanjay, Sundar, Surendra, Uday, Vimal
Family names
Acharya, Balakrishnan, Desai, Gopal, Iyer, Kannan, Kulkarni, Malhotra, Nambiar, Ranganathan, Sethuraman, Subramanian, Vaidya, Viswanathan
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
Most Suryathi are at least bilingual, fluent in both Western Common and their native tongue, Marugu. Marugu is a language phonetically adopted from Elven and developed over hundreds of years to facilitate interaction with the Sun Elves. Marugu is still used day-to-day by most Suryathi, while "High Marugu", a formalized variant written in Espruar script, remains reserved for sacred texts and formal declarations.
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