Kursh, the Savage Lands

Kursh, also known as the Savage Lands, is a land of harsh climates and steep steppes. Here, the Kurshai reign with brutal effectiveness and have done so for many generations. Kursh is a harsh and unforgiving land, frosted ground rarely thawing long enough to plant a seed and, thus, the Kurshai must raid and hunt to survive. To survive here the Kurshai have learned to ride on the backs of huge Hyenas, called Chokha. In addition to this, they have mastered the art of firing bows from moving horses and have even developed their own huge recurve bows that require great strength and precision to use effectively as they are made from bone. Kursh is also home to great beasts and birds of prey that wander the open plains searching for anything fool enough to wander the expanse aimlessly.
Kursh is a land that is constantly at war, whether this means that the various Khans take their clans out to battle each other, or that they raid and plunder the surrounding countries, war is war. The Kingdom of Korinthos, one of Kursh's closest neighbors, has gone to great lengths to bribe and pay off the Kurshai to battle each other or attack other countries, but in recent years it seems that one clan has begun to rise to prominence, uniting many of the squabbling clans into a cohesive whole. The Tsus seem to be pointing a great arrow at the heart of Korinthos, whatever leader that guides them having the cunning to see past the elaborate gifts and false promises of the Korinthians. Now, more than ever, the Basileia and Korinthos's army, the Stalwart Legion, watch in horror as a grey tide rises against them.

Structure

Su-Khan - Leader of severla Khans, all defeated and subservient to the Su-Khan.

Khan - Leader of several chiefs, all defeated and subservient to the Khan.

Chief: Leader of a tribe, head warrior and acknowledged as the greatest rider too.

Drec: Tribal warrior, blooded and wise with age and battle.

Cur: New warrior, soon to be blooded and untrained in the ways of war.

Culture

Kurshai are often considered to be savage and hot-blooded. While many are, the Kurshai are cultured people with many customs and traditions. The Kurshai, often, will choose to capture people rather than slaughter them as they have a penchant for learning and can see value in learning the tactics of more advanced civilizations. This, however, does not mean that they shy away from fights. Kurshai do not cut their hair, instead, they let it grow into long ponytails which they braid tightly and keep as a symbol of pride. A Kurshai soaks the ponytail in oils and wax before going into battle, lighting their braids as they go to war. A Kurshai without a braid to burn cannot fight in a war and the mixture of oils and waxes assure that their braids do not burn too quickly. Kurshai who disobey clan laws, or who flee in combat, have their braids removed. Additionally, any Kurshai who offends another, and fights them in an Honor Bout and loses, must give up their braid to the offended party and are stripped of all of their assets and wealth, being returned to the state in which they entered the world so that they can rebuild their honor.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

The Savage Lands, The Bloody Steppe.

Demonym

Kurshai

Neighboring Nations

• The Pale Blade