A loosely knit collection of independent clans, the inhabitants of the Archipelago pride themselves on their seafaring abilities and the great stamina required to dive for pearls in their coastal waters. Any individual's main loyalties lie first to their family and then to their island, but the Archipelago is likely to band together if their autonomy is threatened.

In auspicious years, potential clan leaders gather in Elkinevary to begin their solitary, months-long circumnavigation of the island. Those who succeed are eligible for leadership; those who fail settle for a lesser role. Smaller clans tend not to follow this practice, since in any given attempt a quarter to a half of hopefuls fail, usually by turning back during the first leg of the journey. Those who choose not to turn back but are unable to complete the journey tend to die on the dangerous journey up the eastern coast. The sailor who reaches Jaissiavary first is thought to bring great fortune to his family.