Ket
Ket stands as the crossroads between east and west, a nation of trade, conflict, and cultural fusion. Ruled by Beygraf Zoltana Lhaz, it thrives despite constant border skirmishes, blending Baklunish traditions with foreign influences in its court, military, and bustling marketplaces.
History
At the eastern edge of Baklunish territory, Ket has long been a land of strife and opportunity, serving as both a menace and a target for the Oeridian and Suloise nations of the western Flanaess. Throughout its history, it has alternated between invasion and defense, shaping its diverse and resilient people. In 450 CY, Ketite forces repelled an invading Keoish army at the battles of Lopolla and Molvar, securing its independence and solidifying its military reputation. Despite the near-constant state of conflict, Ket thrives as a crucial trade hub, linking the distant cultures of the west and east through its bustling caravan routes.
Politics and Society
The people of Ket are of mixed racial heritage, yet Baklunish culture dominates the region. However, the court of Beygraf Zoltana Lhaz reflects a curious blend of eastern and western traditions, mirroring the kingdom's position as a crossroads of the Flanaess.
Despite often strained relations with its neighbors, commerce is king in Ket. The realm serves as a transit point for goods from Zeif, Perrenland, Ekbir, Tusmit, and even the Pale. Merchants hold considerable power, their influence often rivaling that of the nobility. In times of war, trade does not cease—Ketite traders are known for brokering deals even amidst conflict, ensuring the continued prosperity of their land.
Dwarves and halflings, particularly those skilled in craftsmanship and commerce, are highly regarded in Ketite society. Nearly every species and nationality can be found in its densely populated cities, particularly Lopolla and Molvar, where eastern and western customs intertwine in a vibrant cultural tapestry.
Geography
Ket is strategically nestled between the Yatil Mountains and the Barrier Peaks, with the Bramblewood Forest covering nearly half its territory. The Tuflik River, a vital artery for trade and transport, marks its borderlands. The kingdom’s geography makes it a natural fortress, with mountain passes that serve as gateways for both trade and invasion.
Religion
While Baklunish deities dominate Ketite worship, other faiths have established footholds over the centuries. Tolerance is extended to various religious practices, and shrines dedicated to eastern gods can be found throughout the land. One notable site is a holy shrine of Beory hidden within the northeastern Bramblewood Forest, a rare testament to Flan spiritual influence.
Military
Ket's army is a formidable fusion of eastern and western warfare tactics. The majority of its troops are traditional Baklunish light cavalry—swift archers and deadly lancers—but the kingdom also boasts disciplined pikemen and crossbowmen, making it one of the most versatile forces in the region.
Despite racial ties and trade agreements, Ket faces constant threats from the raiding Paynim clans of the western plains. The borderlands west of the Tuflik River remain in a near-perpetual state of conflict, forcing Ket to maintain a strong and well-honed military presence. The kingdom’s ability to repel invaders while continuing to prosper as a trade center is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people.
The Court of the Beygraf
Under the rule of Beygraf Zoltana Lhaz, Ket walks the fine line between diplomacy and conquest. The court itself is an extravagant display of Ket’s diverse influences—silken Baklunish finery mixed with Oeridian armor, eastern delicacies served alongside western wines. The Beygraf is a shrewd and ambitious ruler, well aware of Ket’s precarious position in the Flanaess. She seeks to balance military strength with economic prosperity, ensuring that her realm remains both feared and indispensable.
Conclusion
Ket is a land of contrasts—a warrior state and a merchant kingdom, an aggressor and a defender, a blend of east and west. Its strategic location and adaptable military make it a force to be reckoned with, while its role as a trade hub ensures that its influence extends far beyond its borders. Whether through gold or steel, Ket will always shape the fate of the Flanaess.
Proper Name: Ket
Ruler: Beygraf Zoltana Lhaz (human)
Government: Hereditary feudal monarchy
Major Settlements: Lopolla; Molvar, Polvar, Falwur
Resources: Silver, copper, gems (I, IV)
Population: Human, Dwarf, Halfling
Law: LN
Allies: Ulakandar (sometimes), Tusmit (sometimes)
Enemies: Bissel, Gran March, Knights of the Watch, Zeif (sometimes), Perrenland (sometimes)
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