Ethnic Groups

The world is inhabited by many peoples, and through the centuries in periods of mass migrations, glorious conquests, colonization and between those times the tragedies of displacement and resettlement by force; over time several uniquely Ardaean ethnic groups from these kinds have arisen from the constant flux of invasive tribes and the ambitions of kingdoms. These peoples can be divided into many ways, but generally fall into four broad categories, based roughly on their historical and geographical origins: *Ardian, Oziax, Seyrmic,* and *Jasaid; because of the broadness of each people,* smaller minorities populating the continent can fit within these four, and those more distinctive aren't given their own category.

## Ardaic Peoples

Aradaic ethnicities descend from the Ardaeans, being the original inhabitants of the continent and from whom the land had been given its name. They are found predominately in western Ardaea where their largest cities and cultures flourish, though because of their widespread reach, as being the more prominent ethnicity, they exist most elsewhere with varying population. They come in many variety of hair, and are characterized very much by their taller stature, broader foreheads, and substantial facial and body hair.

#### Pir

The Piris are a sizable majority across most of the central and western regions of Ardaea. Believed to have their origins within the Borian highlands, they have in ages long past migrated across the Tarnis valleys in the First Era, having a larger part of their population settling the Fiaran mountains around the region of Piran, where lies the Duchy of Piran.

#### Asero

The Asero are found mostly throughout the Greater and Lesser Aeos, with isolated pockets found in the regions of Laocera and Sileas. Originating on the western coast of Ardaea, they are thought to once have been more wide-spread, but were driven out from their more extent territory and their population shrunk after a series of Oreffian invasions during the Second Era.

## Oreffian Peoples

The Oreffian (or Harofan) are peoples who originate from the far north of the continent, in the land of Vascaea. Their name is thought to have originated from Harof, given their self-given name of Harofan, though it is uncertain completely if this is true. Arriving from the north through a period of mass migrations from the Third century of the Second Era, thus they are reasonably found throughout all of northern Ardaea. They are characterized by their more than fair skin, standing with stockier body builds, and their distinctly recognizable red hair.

#### Vas

The Vas, also known as Vaskn, were the first of the Oreffian peoples to make contact with the continent, through launching a campaign of mass invasion and settlement towards the tail-end of the Second Era. Most Vaskn tribes and clans settled into northwestern Ardaea but are often driving out or contested with neighboring Asero. Others continued along the western coast as far south as Anov, establishing colonies further inland that have since grown into full settlements that have persisted for centuries as mostly isolated, distinct Vask communities, with the occasional fights with neighboring coastal regions.

## Syrmanic

The Syrmanic peoples hail from the Isle of Chysr far off the coast of the continent and took to seafaring before settling the southeastern coasts of Ardaea during the First Era of ancient times. They eventually spread across southern, eastern and central Ardaea regions through subsequent conquest and colonization of the land in the Second Era. They are predominent in the plain region named after them, Syrmedia, as well as smaller populations into the Lesser Aeos. They are distinct with their prominent features being their possession of olive skin and blue or grey eyes with wisely darkish hair.

## Eshidic

They are known by their short stature, darker skin, and green eyes.