The Cianjian (the c is pronounced sh) are clans of nomadic hunter-pastoralists who follow herds of migratory animals along the arid plains of the Cianji river valley. The cold desert the Cianjian inhabit is a harsh, unforgiving land, and the Cianjian are much like it. Their lands are poor in ores and arable land, and they frequently raid their neighbors for bronze and textiles. The Cianjian's lack of internal cohesion has been their demise against many powers: they have been divided and conquered many times and have only united once, stopping the Apinaat Hordes descending from the North.
Although they lack in many riches, the Cianjian are experts at making the most out of every ressource. They reserve bronze weapons for war and for the biggest, most armored prey: for the rest, they use bone and knapped stone tools. They wear the game trophies as part of their plastrons, headgear and tail ornaments, and craft intricate objects out of horn and leather for daily use and for trade.