Because of the priory is a high fantasy in it’s trickiest form, a lot of people get confused about the races of each character, and where the countries are based on. I was annoyed about the amount of people whitewashing characters, so I did some research.
Native to Inys
Inys is based on Medieval Britain, and the people with native Inysh blood are white. For example: Sabran, Roslain, Gian Harlowe, the Night Hawke, Kalyba and many other side characters.
Native to Yscalin
Though there isn’t much on Yscalin, I believe it’s based on Spain: for example the names, and descriptions of the architecture and landscapes. With that knowledge, its people are white but have typically Spanish features such as dark hair and eyes. Characters from Yscalin include the Donmata Marosa and her father, King Sigoso.
Native to Seikki
Seikki is either based on Japan or China, because of descriptions of culture, people, food, and the words. Either way, characters native to Seikki as asian. I’m leaning towards China, because the dragons of Seikki look much like the Chinese depiction of dragons, but I believe Samantha Shannon said it was based on Japan somewhere. Characters native to Seikki are: Tane, Susa, Onren, Turosa and others.
Native to the Empire of the Twelve Lakes
Very similar to Seikki, so most likely based on Japan or China, or one of the countries that neighbours them. Asian. From the Empire of the Twelve Lakes: Thim, The Golden Emperess, the Unceasing Emperor, Ghonra.
Native to Lasia
Lasiais based on the Kingdom of Kongo, or so I read, and it’s people are black, typically with very dark complextions. This is the one most people trip up on, I believe. Ead is half Lasian (her mothers side), and Margaret and Loth’s ancestors were from Lasia. Most of the members of the Priory of the Orange Tree are black, including the Prioress and Cleolind. The side character Laya Yidage is also from Lasia.
Native to the Ersyr
Based on Iran, as said by the author. Ead is half on her father’s side, and Chassar is also from the Ersyr.
Native to Mentadon
Mentish people are white, presumbly also from the UK (where Virtudom is based, I believe) and I think they might be Scottish, given the fact that red hair is considered a distinctive Mentish feature, as it is in Scotland. Niclays, Truyde, Kit, and Jannart are all Mentish.
Native to Hroth
We don’t know much about Hroth, but I’m assuming it’s based on Scandavian countries, or Russia giving how far up North it is. The only character from Hroth is King Rannus.
