Major Human Ethnic Groups
These represent the largest ethnic groups within the continent of Faerun. These represent the largest ethnic groups within the continent of Faerun. The Information given is not a blanket description for a group as a whole, people are unique, but includes prevalent traits, and common cultural norms found within each.
Where information conflicted I sided with source books. Where information is scarce, or estimations used, I've made sure they are noted as such, most often with a question mark at the end. For example of a theorized guess; (What if) Northern, a dialect of Chondath, which brushes against Illuskan lands, would sound like English? - Scandinavian meets Italic
*The Ethnic Groups list is based on BG's 1350's time line, 1ed FR lore. Information from a date after this is noted in the description.
Where information conflicted I sided with source books. Where information is scarce, or estimations used, I've made sure they are noted as such, most often with a question mark at the end. For example of a theorized guess; (What if) Northern, a dialect of Chondath, which brushes against Illuskan lands, would sound like English? - Scandinavian meets Italic
*The Ethnic Groups list is based on BG's 1350's time line, 1ed FR lore. Information from a date after this is noted in the description.
Chalish-ite (I added the - because the forum censors it otherwise.)
Appearance: Calish-ites usually have dusky brown skin, hair, and eyes. They are on average a little shorter and slighter of build than most other ethnicities.
Male height average: 5' 8" (174) [ 4'9" - 6'5"] --- Female height average: 5' 3" [4' 4" - 6']
Male average weight: 155 lbs. --- Female average weight: (never ask a woman her weight!)
b]Information:[/b] Calish-ites regard themselves as the rightful rulers of all lands south and west of the Sea of Fallen Stars, a birthright passed down to them by the genies who once ruled the lands between the Marching Mountains and the Shining Sea. Calish-ites point with pride to the unbroken line of Calish-ite empires dating back thousands of years. With the notable exception of the Mulan, whom they consider their equals, Calish-ites consider themselves culturally superior to the hordes of “unwashed barbarians” that dwell beyond their lands. Magic use is ubiquitous, rivaled only by the natives of Halruaa, and genies are both highly respected and feared.
Calish-ite arrogance is nurtured and codified in the class and gender divisions within their society, with a person’s station at birth playing an important role in how he or she is measured. Although few speak of the class system in Calimshan or the lesser status of women, most Calish-ites live out their lives according to their station, risking death or enslavement if they do not, although many Calish-ites hold the circumstances of an individual’s birth as equal in importance to his or her achievements.
Often perceived by other cultures as avaricious, lazy, and corrupt, in truth most Calish-ites seek nothing more than a lifestyle of comfort and the respect of their peers. Hard work and thriftiness are not held up as ideals, although many successful Calishites got that way through such “vices.” Instead, luxury and pampered idleness are seen as the ideal, and many Calishites will do whatever it takes to acquire such a lifestyle. Money is simply the means by which one achieves idleness.
Calish-ites place great stock in pride—in one’s own achievements, family, city, and culture, and revering their immediate family, showing more loyalty to their kin than they do to their deities or employers. Ones name and tiles, like family, are a matter of pride and hold great meaning. Social moves are particularly scrutinized within Calish-ite culture, engendering an emphasis on maintaining one’s personal and familial pride. Saving face demands that a Calish-ite treat others as they present themselves, regardless of whether such facades bear any resemblance to the truth. The dance of saving face, maintaining status, and keeping up appearances. Privacy is a most precious commodity.
Most common areas: Calish-ite have migrated outside the realm of Calimshan, and make up the bulk of the population in The Border Kingdoms, The cities of the Lake of Steam, and the Nelanther Isles. Calish-ites are also a major ethnic group in the nations of Amn and Tethyr and could be found in respectable numbers in Lapaliiya and the Shaar. (Ottoman empire is one of the cultural inspiration for Calimshan.)
Most common Language: Alzhedo. A distant relative of Midani. Alzhedo is heavily influenced by Auran (which is sometimes called Old-Alzhedo). (sounds like Arabic) Written with Thorass.
Some example names
Male Given Names: Aseir, Bardeid, Haseid, Khemed, Mehmen, Sudeiman, Zasheir.
Female Given Names: Atala, Ceidil, Hama, Jasmal, Meilil, Seipora, Yasheira, Zasheida.
Common surnames: Basha, Dumein, Jassan, Khalid, Mostana, Pashar, and Rein..
Chondathan
Appearance: Chondathans are slender, tawny-skinned folk, with various shades of light and dark brown hair (with an occasional blond or black). Most Chondathans are tall and have green or brown eyes, but all builds and hair and eye hues may be seen. Those Chondathans who dwell north and west of the Sea of Fallen Stars (except in Sembia) are more likely to have blue eyes and have fairer complexions and darker hair than those born in the South, evidence of a significant Netherese heritage. In Chondath itself, particularly in the lands bordering Sespech, a significant Shaaran influx in recent centuries has given many natives of Chondath more of an olive-skinned hue.
Male height average: 5' 10" (178.5) [5' 3" - 6. 6"] --- Female height average: 5" 5" [4' 10" - 6' 1"]
Male average weight: 170 lbs. --- Female average weight: (never ask a woman her weight!)
Information: Chondathans are hardy folk, not afraid to take risks, travel, or settle new lands, and are always looking to better themselves and their families monetarily. As Chondathan culture has taken root in so many distant lands, Chondathans are comfortable in most human societies. Many Chondathans are merchants of one sort or another, selling their skills and the fruits of their labors for coin. Although Chondathans make skilled mercenaries and cunning rogues, Chondathan culture has not encouraged study of the Art or great religious fervor. Notable exceptions exist, particularly in the study of the Art among the Netherese-influenced Chondathan cultures that lie north and west of the Inner Sea.
Chondathans regard themselves as having come to dominate central Faerun almost by accident; they have “conquered” more land through trade and settlement than with armies. They show little arrogance and only a small amount of pride regarding the predominance of their language and culture. Likewise, Chondathans are more apt to identify themselves by their national origins (such as Cormyrean, Dalesfolk, or Sembian) than by their ethnic group. If Chondathans do have a common vice, it is perhaps their cultural focus on wealth and its acquisition. Among Chondathans, prestige and influence are often directly tied to wealth, and it is no accident that the merchant nobility plays a strong role in most societies influence by Chondathan culture.
Most common Locations: From the cradle of the Vilhon Reach, Chondathan emigrants have settled most of the western and central Inner Sea region as well as much of the Western Heartlands. Chondathans form the primary racial stock of Altumbel, Cormyr, the southern Dalelands, the Dragon Coast, the Great Dale, Hlondeth, and the north shore of the Vilhon Reach, the Pirate Isles of the Inner Sea, Sembia, and Sespech. Thanks to far-wandering Chondathan traders, the Chondathan tongue is spoken even in regions where the number of pureblooded Chondathans is small or nearly nonexistent. Chondathan ancestry, language, and culture form a significant portion of Damaran, Vaasan, and Tethyrian heritage.
Most common Language: Chondathan, Central Thorass root tongue. Chondathan is the language of the heartlands, the sword coast, a large part of the Savage frontier, as well as others, separated only by regional dialects. (sounds like Latin, Italian, French, or English) Written with Thorass. Chondathan.
Some example names
Male Given Names: Darvin, Dorn, Evendur, Gorstag, Grim, Helm, Malark, Morn, Randal, Stedd.
Female Given Names: Arveene, Esvele, Jhessail, Kerri, Lureene, Miri, Rowan, Shandri, Tessele.
Surnames: Amblecrown, Buckman, Dundragon, Evenwood, Greycastle, Tallstag.
Damaran
Appearance: Damarans are of moderate height and build, with skin hues ranging from tawny to fair. Hair is usually straight brown or black, although sandy blond is not unknown. Eye color varies widely, with brown being most common. Damarans who dwell south of the Earthfast mountains more closely resemble their Chondathan cousins, while those who inhabit Vaasa have a significant Sossrim heritage. Along the eastern shores of the Easting Reach, Rashemi heritage predominates, except in Aglarond proper, where builds are slighter thanks to a significant amount of wood-elven heritage.
Male height average: 5' 9" (175) [5" - 6' 6"] --- Female height average: 5' 4" [ 4' 7" - 6' 1"]
Male average weight: 160 lbs. --- Female average weight: (never ask a woman her weight!)
Information: In the aftermath of Narfell’s fall, scattered groups of Nars, Rashemi, and Sossrims struggled to survive as a wave of Chondathan emigrants settled in the lands of the Easting Reach. In time, these four populations gradually coalesced into a relatively new ethnic group known as Damarans, so named for the first human realm to be founded by this integrated population. Although Damaran folklore derives from the ancient traditions of Nar, Rashemi, and Sossrim tribal groups, Damaran culture evolved under the civilizing influences of Chondathan immigrants and dwarven traders which reflects heavily in Damaran society.
Damarans tend to be a proud and stubborn folk who refuse to buckle in the face of unspeakable evils and whose worldview leans toward moral absolutes. Damarans see life as a series of unending challenges to be overcome, many of them legacies of the hubris of long-fallen empires. For a typical Damaran, there can be no compromise with the forces of evil even to serve a greater good. Trust must be earned, and only those deserving of trust are to be respected. Even those who inherit titles of nobility must prove themselves worthy of their inheritance. History is not something to be cherished or exalted, but rather it is an object lesson as to the folly of unchecked power. Most Damarans make their living as farmers, loggers, or miners in a harsh and unforgiving land. They make indomitable foes when angered.
Most common Locations: After centuries of ever-expanding settlement, Damarans now make up the primary racial stock of Damara, Impiltur, Thesk, and the Vast. Damaran settlers have tamed one land after another and form a significant fraction of the human population in Aglarond, Altumbel, the Great Dale, and the Moonsea region, and Narfell.
Most common Language: Chard (Damaran), root tongue of Ulou (Sounds Eastern European). Written with Dethek.
Some example names
Male Given Names: Bor, Fodel, Glar, Grigor, Igan, Ivor, Kosef, Mival, Orel, Pavel, Sergor.
Female Given Names: Alethra, Kara, Katernin, Mara, Natali, Olma, Tana, Zora.
Surnames: Bersk, Chernin, Dotsk, Kulenov, Marsk, Nemetsk, Shemov, Starag.
Illuskan
Appearance: Illuskans are tall, fair-skinned folk with eyes of blue or steely gray. Around the coastal areas and the northern parts of the Moonshae Isles, they are largely fair-haired, with blond hair predominating over red and light brown. While those who dwell on the mainland south of the Spine of the World are more prone to raven-black hair (typically called the Uthgardt - of mixed Illuskan & Netherese heritage).
Male height average: 5' 11" (181) [5'4" - 6' 6"] --- Female height average: 5' 6" [ 4' 7" - 6' 1"]
Information: Illuskans, also known as Northlanders, are the seagoing warlike people of the Sword Coast, Northern waters, the Trackless Sea, and the Dessarin river valley. Although their ancestors founded Illusk, one of the earliest human civilizations in Faerun, as well as the great city of Waterdeep, Illuskans have long been seen as a barbaric people having barely risen above the status of orcs in the eyes of many southerners. Though Illuskans are more than barbarians. Their culture has given rise to powerful runecasters, fearless sailors, and legendary skalds. They also farm, fish, and mine their rugged lands, trading their goods with southern merchants. However, long-fallen elven empires, barriers of geography, and a cultural emphasis on raiding over trade have conspired to ensure that Illuskan culture and bloodlines have not taken root in other lands.
Illuskans regard themselves as a strong, proud people forged by the harsh environment in which they dwell. They feel they have earned, through strength in battle, the right to claim the lands they have settled. Illuskans regard most southerners as weak and decadent, two much-despised traits. However, they are fair-minded and always willing to make exceptions for those who have proven otherwise. Illuskans themselves are bold and impetuous, given to proud boasts, the consumption of prodigious amounts of mead and ale, and quick tempers.
Most common Locations: These are a seagoing people who've settled the islands of the north and Trackless seas, upper Moonshae, the northern sword coast, the Dessarin river valley, and Uthgardt land. They are a proud folk who have adopted to rough environments from the Spine of the World, to tinny dots of islands in the frigged north seas.
Most common Language: Illuskan (Sounds like Germanic/Scandinavian.) Written with Thorass.
Some example names
Male Given Names: Ander, Blath, Bran, Frath, Geth, Lander, Luth, Malcer, Stor, Taman, Urth.
Female Given Names: Amafrey, Betha, Cefrey, Kethra, Mara, Olga, Silifrey, Westra.
Surnames: Brightwood, Helder, Hornraven, Lackman, Stonar, Stormwind, Windrivver.
Mulan
Appearance: Mulan are generally tall, slim, and sallow-skinned with eyes of hazel or brown. They lack much body hair, and many, including all nobles, shave any hair that they do have. Hair color on an unshaved Mulan ranges from black to dark brown. The lower classes of Thay, Mulhorand, and Unther often have significant Rashemi or Turami blood, leading to darker complexions. The folk of Chessenta have long mixed with the nearby Chondathans, and pure Mulan features are rare there. (Pure Mulan are literally decedents of ancient Egyptians (Mulhorand and Thay), and Babylonians (Unther).
Male height average: 5' 10" (177) [5'1" - 6' 7"] --- Female height average: 5' 5" [ 4' 8" - 6' 2"]
Male average weight: 165 lbs. --- Female average weight: (never ask a woman her weight!)
Information: The Mulan have a long and proud history, viewing both their society and their culture as eternal. Rapid change is regarded with suspicion, Mulan believe themselves to be more civilized, more prosperous, more creative, more powerful (should they choose to be), and in all other ways superior to all other ethnic groups. Even in the face of evidence to the contrary
The Mulan believe in order and discipline and are strongly resistant to change. Strict class divisions segregate Mulan society into the nobility (including all clerics and arcane spellcasters), the commoners (farmers, merchants, and skilled craftsman), and slaves (everyone else). Class and family ties are very important to members of these peoples. Mulan place great stock in education, and all members of the nobility and middle class receive some amount of instruction as a child. As adults, the Mulan are expected to serve their role in society and not make waves.
A legacy of millennia of undying rule by the god-kings of Unther and Mulhorand. They haughtily believe that they are either the chosen of the gods (in Mulhorand, Unther, and Chessenta) or above the gods (in Thay) and hold their culture above all others. Mulan are indoctrinated from a young age to revere their cultural traditions, to respect the law, and to honor the servants of the gods (or the Red Wizards, in the case of Thay). The arcane arts either warmly embraced (magocracy Thay) or viewed with deep distrust in the (Clerical dominated Mulhorand and Unther).
Most common Locations: Since the fall of ancient Imaskar, the Mulan have dominated the eastern shores of the Sea of Fallen Stars. They are the dominant ethnicity in Mulhorand, Thay, and Unther. A major influence in Chessenta, Chondalwood, shining south and east of Mulhorand. The history of the Mulan is largely the history of Mulhorand, Unther, Chessenta, and Thay.
Most common Language Mulhorand/Thay: Mulani, rooted in Rauric. (Sounds like Ancient Egyptian) Written with Celestial, although the Thayan dialect of Mulhorandi utilizes Infernal in its writings.
Most common Language Unther: Untheric, rooted in Rauric. (Sounds like Babylonian.) Written with Dethek.
Most common Language, modren Chessenta: Chessentan/Chessic, rooted in Chessan (Sounds like Greek). Written with Thorass.
Example Names: Mulhorand
Male Given Names: Aoth, Bareris, Ehput-Ki, Kethoth, Mumed, Ramas, So-Kehur, Thazar-De, Urhur.
Female Given Names: Arizima, Chathi, Nephis, Nulara, Murithi, Sefris, Thola, Umara, Zolis.
Surnames: Ankhalab, Anskuld, Fezim, Hahpet, Nathandem, Sepret, Uuthrakt.
Example Names: Unther
Male Given Names: Azzedar, Chadrezzan, Gibbur, Horat, Kassur, Numer, Samar, Ungred.
Female Given Names: Chadra, Ilzza, Jezzara, Marune, Saldashune, Xuthra, Zeldara.
Surnames: Seldom used; patronymics preferred.
Example Names: Chessenta (as much Chondathen as Mulan now)
Male Given Names: Aeron, Daelric, Eurid, Nicos, Oriseus, Pharaxes, Thersos, Xandos.
Female Given Names: Ariadne, Cylla, Eriale, Halonya, Idriane, Mera, Numestra, Sinylla.
Surnames: Aporos, Corynian, Heldeion, Morieth, Nathos, Sphaerideion, Zora.
Rashemi
Appearance: Most Rashemi are shorter then average with stout and muscular builds. Most are dusky of skin and dark of eye, with thick black hair. Rashemi males are unusually hirsute and often sport bushy black beards. Although handsome, many seem almost ursine in nature. Baldness is almost unknown among Rashemi males, although inhabitants of Thay are known to shave all body hair in imitation of the ruling Mulan. Female Rashemi wear their black hair long, often in elaborate braids.
Male height average: 5' 7" (1.70) [ 5' - 6'2"] --- Female height average: 5' 2" [4' 7" - 5'9"']
Male average weight: 170 lbs. --- Female average weight: (never ask a woman her weight!)
Information: Concentrated in the harsh and dangerous northeastern reaches of Faerun, the Rashemi are tough and sturdy, undaunted by extremes of weather or human cruelty. Despite their relative isolation from the rest of Faerun, most Rashemi are surprisingly well versed in the affairs of other nations, for many travel extensively as youths as part of a coming-of-age ritual known as a dajemma. Although Rashemi barbarians and rangers are widely known across Faerun, members of this ethic group also make skilled wizards, sorcerers, and clerics.
The Rashemi display little of the cultural arrogance common to other major human ethnic groups whose ancestors once ruled empires. Instead, they see themselves as inhabitants of a harsh but beautiful world ruled by place spirits, and cherish their strong and abiding ties to the land. Most Rashemi identify themselves by national origins (for example, Rashemmar, Thayan, or Theskan) rather than ethnicity, as Rashemi culture varies widely from Rashemen to Thay to Thesk, although each society exhibits some common traits, the love of contests for example. Little emphasis is placed on the acquisition of wealth or ancestry, as each child is expected to earn his or her own place in the world. Death is seen as a time of celebration, for it is then that a Rashemi’s deeds enter into legend.
Common Locations: Descended from the nomadic tribes that fought and won the Orcgate wars and later built the empire of Raumathar, the Rashemi are the most numerous human ethic group on the Priador plateau and in the lands that border Ashanath, the Lake of Tears. Outside Thay and Rashemen, Rashemi minorities are also found in Aglarond, Damara, the Great Dale, Impiltur, Mulhorand, Narfell, the Wizard’s Reach, Mulhorand, Semphar, Thesk, and Unther. Although not widespread, Rashemi culture has had a significant influence on both Damaran and Tuigan culture, and in its day the Rashemi empire of Raumathar rivaled the power of Mulhorand and Unther.
Most common Language: Raumtheran (Rashemi). (Sounds like Russian). Written in Thorass.
Some example names
Male Given Names: Borivik, Faurgar, Jandar, Kanithar, Madislak, Ralmevik, Shaumar, Vladislak.
Female Given Names: Fyevarra, Hulmarra, Immith, Imzel, Navarra, Shevarra, Tammith, Yuldra.
Surnames: Chergoba, Dyernina, Iltazyara, Murnyethara, Stayanoga, Ulmokina.
Tethyrian
Apperance: Tethyrian culture and appearance is a melting pot of Calishite, Chondathan, Illuskan, and Low Netherese. Tethyrians are of medium build and height, although taller and broader in build than most Calishites. Their skin tends to have a dusky hue, although on average they are increasingly fairer in complexion the farther north one travels along the Sword Coast, reflecting a decreasing fraction of Calishite heritage and an increasing fraction of Illuskan and Low Netherese ancestry. Tethyrian hair and eye color varies widely, with brown hair and blue eyes being most common.
Male height average: 5' 9" (1.76) ( 5' - 6'6") --- Female height average: 5'4" (4' 7" - 6'1")
Male average weight: 165 lbs. --- Female average weight: (never ask a woman her weight!)
Information: Tethyrians view life as a struggle to be survived through ties to family, clan, and tribe. To a Tethyrian, freedom is the most precious gift, and the enslavement of another is the greatest sin. Although an individual may guard his or her freedom through skill at arms or the accumulation of wealth and status, these are merely different means to a far more precious end. Loyalty to one’s kin and neighbor and generosity to those in need are considered far more lasting than the fleeting favor of Lady Luck. Although it has been many generations since the majority of Tethyrians dwelt in tribes, the cultural tradition of loyalty to those held dear is as strong as it ever was. Where a Tethyrian lacks kin or clan, his loyalty is transferred to settlement, guild, company, band, or other organization from a young age. Tethyrian are far more tolerant of and comfortable with members of other ethnic groups then normal. Most Tethyrians are proud of their multi-ethnic heritage, seeing their society as having defeated all would-be conquerors through assimilation rather than empire. Tethyrians are suspicious of remote rulers and large realms, a cultural bias reflected in the predominance of city-states over kingdoms and empires in Tethyrian-dominated regions. If Tethyrians have a common weakness, it is their reluctance to come together in common cause with those who are not their immediate neighbors.
Most common areas: The Sword Coast has long been home to native human tribes who intermingled with wave upon wave of immigrants, whether they arrived as conquerors or refugees. In recent centuries, these disparate groups have gradually coalesced into a relatively new ethnic group known as Tethyrians, occupying a vast territory stretching from Calimshan to Silverymoon and from the Sea of Swords to the Sea of Fallen Stars. Given their disparate ancestry, Tethyrians have never developed a unique language of their own, instead adopting the language of the latest wave of conquerors or refugees. Today most Tethyrians speak Chondathan.
Most common Language: Chondathan, Central Thorass root tongue. Chondathan is the language of most of the heartlands, the sword coast, a large part of the Savage frontier, as well as others, separated only by regional dialects. Written with Thorass. I feeling the "sounds like" for Tethyrian, given it's a wide spread people, is likely Spanish in Amn and Tethyr of course? (as it's a Italic/Chondathan that's influenced by Arabic/Calashite). A true guess is that it takes on a more English sound the farther north you go? (as it's Illuskan/Scandinavian meets Italic/Chondathan).
Some example names: Tethyrians names are a diverse as their genetic stock.