The people of the valley can be divided into two major cultural groups: Locals whose ancestors lived in the valley and participated in it's history and outsiders who came more recently from various parts of the Xanadu Empire.
The locals are a mixture of races. Kobolds and Gargoyles are the most numerous. Most Titans and many Minotaurs are part of the local culture, but they are also part of the larger populations of their species throughout the mountain range.
A small and unpopular minority of kobolds whose ancestors sided with the late King Raikou retain their seperate traditions and hope for a restoration of the Raikou dynasty and their former status. This is unlikely because the current population of minotaurs in the valley were not part of Raikous kingdom, and are not close relatives. Loyalists are found in many occupations, and may be poor or prosperous, but do not occupy the highest community positions or own the best property.
There are eight formally organized professions in the valley. These organizations are a bit like trade guilds, but more like fraternities with connections to the local religion and culture. For example, there is no organization of "The Hunters", but there is a hunting initiation ritual and an apprenticeship system. Almost everyone recognizes the equality of these occupations, and each one is associated with certain Ancestors.
Other important occupations are not formally organized professions. These occupations may be tied to another organization, like a town or a specific business.
Farmers grow crops, raise animals and fish. They also produce many common goods, like raw and processed grain, eggs, down, skins, meat, and many kinds of food. Butchers and chefs of various specialities transform some of these goods into all kinds of meals and rations. Food Providers are centered around the Earth Region Town and it's terraced farms. Because much of the work is seasonal, many Farmers also have secondary occupations, including the formally organized professions.
Loggers and Miners provide raw materials. They are organized as companies with members (who own a stake in the profits and responsibilities of the company) and temporary employees. Many of the temporary employees come from local farming families. Each company typically exploits a single resource: a particular forest or mine. Larger companies are difficult to organize because local towns and imperial officers prefer to work with smaller companies.
Shopkeepers, traveling salesmen and traders provide goods produced by others. Many are temporary residents. Some merchants also have other professions. Many artisans, alchemists and food producers sell their own products, but don't consider themselves to be "merchants."
Some occupations fall outside the activities accepted by the general population. These include brigands, theives, swindlers and other unsavory types. Some outlaws hide their illegal activities and others are more bold - or careless - about it. Some outlaws have also have a legal occupation - their "regular job" or a front for their illegal activity. Other outlaws are idle or live in hiding all the time.
Outlaws are generally organized according to the nature of their business and their place in society. Some are loners - especially burglars and pickpockets who are harder to catch when they work alone. Others form gangs. Some businesses and even whole families are organized as criminal societies. Corrupt professionals, clergy and officials in larger organizations may promote other corrupt leaders into positions close to them and hire muscle for extra protection and dirty work. However, most conspiracies are fairly small.