The four major human ethnic groups of the Sultanate — the fault lines under most of its politics.
The Hazadi
Originally nomadic people of The Wastes, unified under Hakim the Great, who conquered the lands to the south over a decade (1420–1430). Most of the nobility and many professional soldiers are Hazadi. Olive to dark skin, curly dark hair. Language: Hazadi.
Naming: legitimate children use a patronymic (ibn-); illegitimate children may only use a matronymic (ayd-) — which is why Uncle’s name announces his illegitimacy. Nobles may add a house name (al-), the name of the house founder.
The Azari
The agricultural peoples of the central Riverland. Slave labor under the Old Empire, freed in the Dissolution, still mostly farmers and laborers. Wide variety of skin and hair tones, rarely truly fair. Naming: no last names — sobriquets that may change through life. Language: Azari (dozens of mutually intelligible dialects). Master Ibek and Master Beczat al-Azari are ethnically Azari.
The Old Imperials
The founding people of the Old Empire. Most old noble families were displaced in the Hazadi conquest — except those who quickly swore allegiance to Hakim (House Ulpia, House Menenia, House Balventia). Proud of their ancestry; marry to keep bloodlines and sorcery pure. Now much of the professional classes, especially in the west. Fair to olive skin, light hair and eyes; sorcerous gifts sometimes bring exotic features. Naming: family names, Old Imperial style. Language: New Imperial (commoners), High Imperial (educated).
The remaining Old Imperial (“Praecursor”) aristocracy still uses Imperial titles in all their complexity (Duke, Count), while Hazadi lords all use the flattened title Emir/Emira.
The Aman
Native to The Highlands. Clannish and fractious; clan chiefs rarely unify except in dislike of outside control — the Sultan struggles to govern the region. Young Amani often leave to soldier, trade, or craft. Straight black hair, dark eyes, pale to olive skin. Naming: clan names rather than family names. Language: Aman.
Foreigners
Communities of foreigners (particularly Cardacci) have always lived in the coastal cities. The Troubles have brought waves of refugees; the Sultan holds them in grim camps until vetted by clergy and officials as free of disease and Corruption. Release requires converting to the Eastern Church. Capital punishment is a first resort for keeping order in the camps.