viohra:

The Ser (Z: Seri [ˈs̪eri], Ser&N.Zehzhic: Sri [sʲɨ̥rʲi])

The Ser are native to only three locations: the continent of Taiva [ˈt̪ɑj.vɐ] where there’s a small population living on the northern coast and two populations living on the northmost continent of Sevkra [ˈsʲev.krə] where the majority of them live in the capital city Voden (Vođen [ˈvo.ð̪ɛn]) and a smaller population lives in the region of Kavonia (Kavója [kɑˈvo.jɐ]), centred around the city of Kavo [ˈkɑ.vo]. Each of these three populations speak a different dialect of Ser: Taiva Ser speak, consequently, Taiva Ser (Z: taivaseryk [t̪əj.və̥ˈs̪e.rɨx], Ser: taive [ˈt̪ɑj.ʋe]) which is not mutually intelligible with the Voden (Z: vođenseryk [vo.ðɪn̪ˈs̪e.rɨx], S: vođ’nji [ˈʋoð.nʲji]) and Kavonian (Z: kavoseryk [kɐ.voˈs̪e.rɨx], S: kavoji [kɑˈʋo.ji]) varieties of Ser, which are mutually intelligible to a much greater degree. Northern Zehzhic has been heavily influenced by Voden Ser in much the same way English was affected by Norman French, that being said, the Ser dialects are endangered.

The Ser originally developed from humans living in central to east Asia, and their culture and appearance reflects this, especially with the Taiva Ser. Sevkra Ser have integrated more into the Zehzhic population— this is why Northern Zehzhics appear far different from their Elensian roots. Ser are also usually more gifted in terms of magical ability, leading them to have sharper features (ears, teeth, facial structure) and live longer (~300–400 years), but consequently this also leads to higher infant mortality.

Culturally the Ser worship the gods of nature and the titans (the gods of the gods), the latter belief causes other Viishy cultures to accuse them of heresy since worship of the titans is seen as arrogant. Because of this and their appearance they are called demeaning terms like “Varđelli” [vɐrˈðel.lɪ], meaning “The ones burned/curse by demons”— this is made worse in that the word Ser in Zehzhic means “grey” or “ash”. Ser are far more peaceful than the Zehzhic and tend towards cultural passivism, but also boast some of the best martial arts and weapon craftsmanships, even moreso than the warring Zehzhic. Ser magic is based on hand forms and tattooed seals and it’s not uncommon for a Ser to be fully tattooed with various magic seals.

Additionally Sevkra Ser specialised in cave-building and created vast underground cities due to the harsh frozen landscape of Sevkra (think Antarctica but far far worse). The techniques they developed led to the creation of the modern Sevkran cities that exist as vast urban megacities hundreds of kilometres beneath the permafrost.

The main character of my story is half Kavonian Ser and half Northern Zehzhik and was raised in the Ser culture.