Qutarnan, The Decadent Wastes
Qutarnan, also known to many as the Decadent Wastes, is a land shrouded in mystery and rumor. Qutarnan, once home to the Qut, now lays untouched and abandoned, the great wealth of the burgeoning empire abandoned in its great city of Varapur. Qutarnan has always served as a destination for the foolhardy and adventurous, fame seekers and treasure hoarders alike braving its dangerous jungles in search of abandoned civilizations and treasure. Now, however, only the most foolish enter a land believed to be cursed by its once inhabitants. This curse, now called the Siphoning, is a curse that is believed to drain the life of any who set foot on Qutarnan's soil, stealing their vitality until they are naught but a husk. The Qut believe that only a true-blooded child of the old blood of the Maharaja, the Ashoka family, could possibly end the curse, while others claim that the answer lies southward. Some, however, still venture forth. Any civilization that has tried to settle here has been devoured, any expedition that has wandered into this vast swath of jungle has been lost.
The land is divided into two sections: the North and the South. In the North rests Varapur, the forgotten jewel of the Qut. Here, it is believed that much of the great nation's wealth still resides, untouched and ripe for the taking. None, however, have managed to claim this abundance as of yet. Other cities lay sprawling across this northern canvas, but none as tempting as Varapur. To the South, the truly untamed wilds of Qutarnan rest. Soaring cliffs and raging rivers, massive jungle and dangerous beasts grace this southern stretch of land. It is also believed that the curse initially spawned from here, perhaps the foul sorcery of the Qut's ancient and savage cousins, the Jaigra. The Jaigra's existence, however, remains largely unconfirmed, though some claimed to have seen them in fleeting shadows and watching from deep within the darkness. One thing remains certain, however, and that is that the untouched southern lands must hold a wealth of resources and riches as they have remained untouched for centuries.
Qutarnan is home to many strange and exotic creatures that cannot be found anywhere else. The only question remains is whether or not anyone is capable of taming these untethered and feral lands.
Structure
Samrat - Universal Lord (Emperor)
Maharaja - Great King of Kings (King)
Yuvraj - Crown Prince (Heir apparent)
Pillai - Prince
Rai - Duke
Rana - Martial Ruler (Baron or Marquis)
Merchants
Commoners
*Enlightened priests are held in even higher esteem than kings are though they do not receive any prestige or governmental clout.*
Culture
The Qut were once members of a proud kingdom with a long line of kings and royalty. However, in the wake of the Siphoning, and the loss of their great city of Varapur, they have been reduced to nomads and wanderers. Most Qut are naturally curious, possessing a wonder and love for what the world has to teach and offer them. They do, however, find themselves in trouble quite frequently and have earned the reputation of being freeloaders and thieves for this curiosity that they seem to possess naturally. The Qut mostly keep to themselves, though there have been a fair number of wanderers among them. They don't seem to fit in anywhere, and yet, they fit in everywhere too. While they are viewed with a fair bit of scorn and distrust, a Qut can be trusted as a friend and ally if their curiosity is held and their friendship earned.
Public Agenda
Many of the Qut simply seek to make a living however they can. There are, however, some Qut who actively seek out any remaining surviving kin or relations to the previous Maharaja of the Ashoka family. While some seek to restore Qutarnan to this end, others seek to journey into the southern bowels of Qutarnan to find answers among the untamed savagery therein.
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Alternative Names
The Decadent Wastes, The Cursed Lands, The Unfettered Wilds.
Demonym
The Qut (Coot)
Neighboring Nations
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