Nexalan

The Nexalans (or Nexala ) were the largest ethnicity living in Maztica. They were one of the seven major tribes of Mazticans. When most folk in Faerûn used the term "Maztican", they were most likely referring to Nexalans, as Nexalans were the only people of Maztica who had traveled to the east as of 1372 DR. The peoples of the four nations of Nexal, Pezelac, Huacli, and Kultaka were all Nexalans.

Description
Nexalans were taller than the Payits. They had lean bodies and angular features. The men never had beards.

Nexalans, as a rule, were strong and intelligent, but they often lacked wisdom in their decisions.

Society
Nexalan culture placed a strong emphasis on aesthetics and did not care as much about substance. A prime example was the Great Pyramid of Nexal with its grandiose mosaics and gaudy colors.

Language
The Nexalan people spoke the Nexalan language. Those living in Pezelac spoke a distinct dialect of that tongue, while those living in Huacli and Kultaka spoke their own languages.

Religion
Nexalans primarily worshiped the god Zaltec, but deities of the sun (Tezca) and rain (Calor) were also given devotion, as was Qotal.

Combat
The Nexalans were a very warlike people. In Nexalan society, the greatest status was given to members of one of the military orders, such as the Eagle Nights or the Jaguar Knights. Boys in Nexalan culture were trained in the art of war from a very young age. Most were capable warriors by their sixteenth year.

The Nexalans invented the Feathered Wars, which were ritualistic, mock battles, where the losers provided prisoners to become human sacrifices.

History
The Nexalans were the original people of the kingdom of Nexal, the greatest ever empire of Maztica. They were related to the Dog People and originated in the same region.