Sakxani

The Sakxani are a proud and noble people who live on the island of Sakxa, the largest and most established economy in Rajan.
In the past, the Sakxani were the rulers of an empire expanded to the continent of Gnosit under the conqueror, Eddvar of Sakxa, and many proclaiming Sakxani heritage still live there, especially in Dragonshead, though connection to their island of origin is physically interrupted by Bluepool and its inhabitants, The Dok. This isolated group has thus evolved along its own path, clinging to certain customs while developing new ones, a change reflected as well in their emerging dialect of Sakvir.
While Sakxa natives meanwhile found their way of life diminished in the hundred years or so since the collapse of the empire, being an ancient, plucky, and somewhat stubborn culture, they plugged on with gusto. A steadfast devotion to their traditional ways - above all, the religious rituals of The Old Tradition - Kəð Sisˈga, the generic name given to common spiritual practices across the continent - has certainly helped bolster this core sense of self. Sakxani taverns also continue to ring out with uproarious stories and songs (most of which of a seafaring variety given geographic realities), uplifting the soul of the people and preserving the past while setting collective sights upon the future.

by Midjourney

Above: Sakxani men and women perform a traditional tavern dance.

Tenacious entrepreneurs have also recently struck up trade deals with Sau-Hezib and the Ring of Rhodil, lucrative contracts that see Sakxani goods into many foreign homes, and infuse the sometimes bland dress and cuisine back home with a bit of exotic seasoning. Such relationships promise an even greater purse than Eddvar's accomplishments did. Sakxani wool is the focus of these new efforts, and local industries have taken to manufacturing textiles in a big way.
The island of Sakxa itself is known as The White Steed, first and foremost on account of its protector equine deity, Tammnermmimm, but also for the according love of horses ubiquitously shared by its population. Even on farms where they're used as beasts of burden, their owners name them and sometimes even share food with them as beloved pets. Sakxan steeds are sought for their speed and sturdiness even on neighbouring mainlands.

by Midjourney