Ethnic Groups and Tribes of the Suyan Desert

Because of the expansiveness of this region it encompasses many cultures, ethnicities, and tribes within it. Most Emperors of the Kerejaan Suya insist that all people of the Suyan Desert are "Suyan" but most historians argue that because of the differing ethnicities they should instead be categorized instead of regarded as all the same.

## Ethnicities

### Sea Blooded (Kovi)

These are the dispersed group of sea people who fled to the surface after the destruction of Xylem. While some still worship their old religion and speak Kovyan (the sea language of the Kerejaan Suya) many have assimilated into Suyan culture.

### Southern Suyan (Janu)

The people of the Southern Suyan region are known for their laid-back lifestyle and strong sense of community. They are often seen as friendly and hospitable, and their culture is deeply rooted in music, dance, and other forms of creative expression. Many Southerners are skilled artisans, known for their intricate weaving and pottery. The ruling family, the Dulka, are southern Suyan and have been for years.

### Northern Suyan (Kurat)

The Northern Suyan region is characterized by its harsh climate and rugged terrain. The people of this area are known for their resilience and resourcefulness, as they have had to adapt to survive in a challenging environment. Northern Suyans are often seen as stoic and independent, valuing hard work and self-sufficiency.

### Eastern Suyan (Kuja)

The Kuja people are the largest ethnic group in the Kerejaan Suya, and they inhabit the eastern portion of the region. They are known for their rich cultural traditions, including music, dance, and storytelling. They are characterized for their tribal cultures and diverse beliefs as well as those Kuja more in the west who live more "Suyan ways of life." They are considered strong warriors and in most cultures both men and women have positions of power.

### Dragonborns (Rajul)

All dragonborns are descendants from the Suyan desert. Though not technically natives of the land they've taken up claim and are considered Suyan under law. Similarly to the sea-blooded they too have assimilated into Suyan culture, lacking a previous culture of their own. Despite the Kerejaan Suya's strict laws on Cahaya Sol and it's worship they allow dragonborn to be atheist due to their complicated history with their own gods.

## Tribes

### East

Language: Sulu

Ethnicity: Kuja

#### Suku Tengkorak

The Suku Tengkorak, also known as the **Tribe of Skulls**, is a small but feared tribe of warriors that live deep in the dense jungles of Kerejaan Suya. They earned their name from their gruesome practice of collecting the skulls of their fallen enemies and displaying them prominently in their villages. The tribe has a long history of conflict with neighboring tribes, and they are known for their exceptional hunting and fighting skills. Despite their reputation as fierce warriors, the Suku Tengkorak are deeply spiritual and believe in the power of the natural world and their ancient gods to protect them from harm. You can always tell a Tengkorak from the bones they wear, showing their accomplishments as warriors. Both men and women are warriors in this society, similar to most eastern cultures.

#### Suku Naga

Suku Naga, known as the **Tribe of Dragons**, was once enslaved by the mighty Draconic Empire that once ruled over the land. The dragons demanded tribute and obedience from all who lived under their shadow, and the Kuja people in the forested region of Kelvos (Draconic city) were no exception. For centuries, the tribe toiled under the watchful eye of their dragon overlords, forced to mine precious stones and metals, craft weapons and armor, and serve in the armies of the dragons. Many perished under the cruel hand of their masters, while others were sacrificed in bloody rituals to appease the dragons. But even in the darkest of times, the people of Suku Naga never forgot their own gods and traditions and began believing that the dragons were deliverance for their sins. Their chance for freedom came when the dragon empire began to crumble under its own weight. The dragons grew complacent and divided, and the people of Kelvos rose up in rebellion, striking at their weakened masters. Their victory was hard-fought and costly, but in the end, they emerged as a free people. They began to venerate the draconic gods, but now as symbols of strength and resilience rather than fear and subservience. And though the dragons themselves had long since vanished from the land, the legacy of their rule lived on in the culture and traditions of Suku Naga.

#### Suku Naloka

The Naloka were a nomadic tribe that traveled the vast deserts and grasslands of the Kerejaan Suya. They were expert traders and negotiators, often mediating disputes between other tribes. However, they were also known for their fierce independence and willingness to fight to defend their way of life. The Naloka were once threatened by a powerful neighboring tribe that sought to subjugate them. The Naloka refused to bow down and instead banded together with other smaller tribes to fight back. After a long and grueling battle, they emerged victorious and became known as the "**Tribe of the Unconquered**". Now they face subjugation from the Kerejaan Suya. Though some would consider them less spiritual than the other Easterners they still worship the same gods.

#### Suku Tivara

The Tivara were a tribe of hunters and gatherers that roamed the grasslands of the Kerejaan Suya. They were known for their deep connection to the land and their ability to track even the most elusive prey. However, they were also a fiercely territorial tribe and often clashed with other groups over hunting grounds and resources. One day, while on a hunt, the Tivara stumbled upon a sacred land that was believed to be the dwelling place of powerful spirits. The Tivara saw this as a sign and decided to settle in the area, building their homes and hunting grounds around the grove. Over time, the Tivara became known for their connection to the spirits of the land and that connection only grew stronger over time.