DEMOGRAPHICS OF TAVANCA
The Tavancans have long been the dominant people of Tavanca, shaping its history, traditions, and identity for thousands of years. Descended from seafaring explorers who, according to Orunaya lore, sought the cave of creation, they established themselves as the islands rulers, guardians, and spiritual stewards. They are characteristically striking and elegant, often embodying a sun-kissed complexion reminiscent of a tropical sunset. Their high, sculpted cheekbones, expressive dark eyes, and full lips are defining features, while their lighter brown hair, often worn in thick waves or intricate braids, reflects their deep connection to both the land and the sea. As a people, the Tavancans are known for their unwavering pride, resilience, and deep spiritual devotion. Orunaya faith is at the heart of their culture, influencing everything from governance to daily life, with sacred rituals marking significant milestones such as birth, marriage, and passage into adulthood. Dance, song, and elaborate ceremonies are integral to their identity, serving both as artistic expression and a means of honoring the spirits. Traditional Tavancan attire reflects their wealth and craftsmanship, often featuring finely woven fabrics, gold and silver jewelry, and embroidered patterns inspired by nature. While the monarchy and aristocracy maintain strict lineage-based traditions, the broader Tavancan society values merit, courage, and service to the island, with warriors, healers, and spiritual leaders holding revered positions. Their long history as traders has also given them a keen ability to navigate diplomacy and commerce, making Tavanca a thriving hub of regional trade. Despite their historical dominance, Tavancans have integrated aspects of Aramacan and Sabatian traditions into their own over the centuries, creating a culture that, while proud of its roots, continues to evolve.
The island was however already home to a group known as the Aramacan. Most of these have now adopted Tavancan culture and faith. They have been supplemented though by similar races from across the region of Mundus. The Aramacan are known for their rich, dark skin tones, ranging from warm bronze to deep chocolate. Their facial features are distinct and well-defined, often including broad noses, full lips, and strong jawlines. Their eyes are generally almond-shaped and dark, and their hair is naturally very dark and tightly coiled or curly, commonly worn in braids, twists, or locs. Though many Aramacan have assimilated into Tavancan society, certain aspects of their original culture persist, particularly in the form of music, dance, and spiritual practices. Traditional Aramacan drumming styles, characterized by deep, resonant beats and polyrhythms, remain an essential part of celebrations and religious ceremonies. These rhythms are believed to help communicate with ancestral spirits, a belief that predated and later intertwined with the Orunaya faith. Aramacan oral storytelling is another defining feature of their heritage. Elders are highly respected as keepers of history, and they pass down myths, proverbs, and moral lessons through elaborate performances that blend song, chant, and narration.In rural areas where Aramacan communities remain more distinct, initiation rites still mark important transitions in life, such as reaching adulthood. These rites often involve endurance trials, symbolic tattoos or scarification, and a period of isolation in the wilderness to test resilience and spiritual connection.Historically, the Aramacan were often marginalized as the Tavancans grew dominant, with some being assimilated while others were pushed into less fertile lands. However, as Tavanca expanded into trade and industry, many Aramacan found opportunities as craftsmen, sailors, and traders. Today, they are particularly well represented in blacksmithing, boat-building, and metalwork, fields that connect back to their ancestral skills. Although they make up only a small portion of Tavancas population today, the Aramacan have left an indelible mark on the island's cultural landscape, influencing music, cuisine, and religious practices. Their contributions, once overshadowed by Tavancan dominance, are now increasingly recognized as an essential part of Tavancas identity.
The Sabatian race are newer arrivals coming at some point in the 3rd century AD. Their skin tones are warm and radiant, ranging from golden honey to rich caramel. Their facial features are delicate yet striking, with soft, rounded cheekbones, slightly wider noses, and full, bow-shaped lips. They tend to have hair that is thick, silky, and jet black, often worn long and styled in intricate braids, buns. Sabatian culture is deeply rooted in harmony with nature and the celebration of beauty in all its forms. They are known for their elaborate traditional attire, which includes flowing silk garments, intricate embroidery, and gold jewellery adorned with gemstones. Body art, such as henna-like tattoos and delicate piercings, is also common, often symbolizing personal stories, spiritual beliefs, or social status. The group are also known for their exceptional agility and balance, making them skilled dancers, martial artists, and acrobats. Their movements are precise and deliberate, reflecting their deep connection to their bodies and the world around them. Art and performance are central to Sabatian life. Traditional dance, music, and storytelling are cherished forms of expression, often performed during festivals and ceremonies. The Sabatian are also master artisans, creating exquisite pottery, woven textiles, and intricate wood carvings that reflect their connection to their environment.
There are around 5% of the population that do not belong to either of these groups. Sadly many of these groups were brought here by the practice of slavery which continued until relatively recently. The right to sell or import slaves was outlawed in 1993. The law however also stated that anyone who was a slave at that time would remain so for the next 15 years meaning some slaves still existed until 2008. In 2011 the practice was ended in its entirity. Despite slavery existing there had been various laws to protect slaves from physical and mental harm since 1981 under the "Preservation of Servants Dignity Decree" Which made it a crime to inflict "uneccessary and disproportionate physical punishment" and made raping a slave punishable by castration.
