Ghuraki
The Ghuraki are a people group who live within the northern parts of the Apastajaii region, and are relatively limited in both land area and in population numbers. A Jhasdic people group, the Ghuraki are the furthest north and the most isolated from the Jhasdic centers. They primarily follow the Adhavāda religion, but significant minorities also follow the other Daunastic faiths. Due to their relatively minor geographic distribution, the Ghuraki are usually only split into three different subgroups, based on different tribes. These groups are the Prithaviyō, Mashinurū, and Kiṇaktharū.
The Prithaviyō are those who live to the east, splintered into warring tribes which have occasionally united into federations. They are known as fierce fighters whose military legacy is several powerful, though now defunct, kingdoms stretching into the southern savannas. Unfortunately, this same martial prowess has made it difficult for them to maintain unity, as the powerful soldiers of each tribe have traditionally clashed over division of loot. The Prithaviyō were valued as soldiers by the ancient Dudurian Empire, and following the collapse of that state formed the powerful kingdom of Uttarrāj, which defied the Karadatra Empire for around a century before dissolving into its constituent tribes. Despite their presumed weakness, the tribes continued to defy the Karadatrans, and would never fall under their sway. History suggests that should the Prithaviyō unite once more they could pose a great foe to the rising powers that are beginning to surround them- but more than likely they would need a great military leader to enforce this.
To the east, the Mashinurū dominate. Living in the rolling foothills of both the Tiāoyuán Plateau and nearby Temperior Range, they have greatly benefitted from the rivers running from the snowmelt of these highlands, allowing them to raise their population higher than it might otherwise be. While focused on riverine agriculture within the river valleys, the Mashinurū also maintain moderate herds of goats, yaks, and cattle. Unlike the Prithaviyō, they paid tribute to the mighty Karadatra Empire for a number of years, which led to some cultural exchange. The Mashinurū, isolated in their corner of the world, had little to fear after the Karadatra Empire began to crumble, and have fallen behind in military developments. While nobody would deny their fierceness in combat and skill in defending their home terrain, their dated military tactics and weapons have left them outmatched by modern foes. New military technology has been limited to gnomish regiments from the nearby Tear Island, which left them unprepared for the assault by Zngaoang or by the goblin tribes. Their survival as independent kingdoms is now hangng by a thread, and reform must be necessary if they wish to levy their population to fight off the invaders.
The final Ghuraki culture, the Kiṇaktharū, are located between the Prithaviyō and Mashinurū. They have long been known for their great fortifications, defending their valleys and cities with a their distinctive forts. Alas, these fortifications were no match for the mighty dragons of Zngaoang, and have since been razed. The Kiṇaktharū have suffered greatly, with much of the population being taken into slavery or driven into exile. Many veterans of the conquest of their lands have been hired as mercenaries, in particular being valued by the Mashinurū for their experience fighting against dragons. They have also found employ in the lands of the Dharasī, where they are valued as bodyguards due to their focus on defensive warfare and skill in hand-to-hand combat.
The Prithaviyō are those who live to the east, splintered into warring tribes which have occasionally united into federations. They are known as fierce fighters whose military legacy is several powerful, though now defunct, kingdoms stretching into the southern savannas. Unfortunately, this same martial prowess has made it difficult for them to maintain unity, as the powerful soldiers of each tribe have traditionally clashed over division of loot. The Prithaviyō were valued as soldiers by the ancient Dudurian Empire, and following the collapse of that state formed the powerful kingdom of Uttarrāj, which defied the Karadatra Empire for around a century before dissolving into its constituent tribes. Despite their presumed weakness, the tribes continued to defy the Karadatrans, and would never fall under their sway. History suggests that should the Prithaviyō unite once more they could pose a great foe to the rising powers that are beginning to surround them- but more than likely they would need a great military leader to enforce this.
To the east, the Mashinurū dominate. Living in the rolling foothills of both the Tiāoyuán Plateau and nearby Temperior Range, they have greatly benefitted from the rivers running from the snowmelt of these highlands, allowing them to raise their population higher than it might otherwise be. While focused on riverine agriculture within the river valleys, the Mashinurū also maintain moderate herds of goats, yaks, and cattle. Unlike the Prithaviyō, they paid tribute to the mighty Karadatra Empire for a number of years, which led to some cultural exchange. The Mashinurū, isolated in their corner of the world, had little to fear after the Karadatra Empire began to crumble, and have fallen behind in military developments. While nobody would deny their fierceness in combat and skill in defending their home terrain, their dated military tactics and weapons have left them outmatched by modern foes. New military technology has been limited to gnomish regiments from the nearby Tear Island, which left them unprepared for the assault by Zngaoang or by the goblin tribes. Their survival as independent kingdoms is now hangng by a thread, and reform must be necessary if they wish to levy their population to fight off the invaders.
The final Ghuraki culture, the Kiṇaktharū, are located between the Prithaviyō and Mashinurū. They have long been known for their great fortifications, defending their valleys and cities with a their distinctive forts. Alas, these fortifications were no match for the mighty dragons of Zngaoang, and have since been razed. The Kiṇaktharū have suffered greatly, with much of the population being taken into slavery or driven into exile. Many veterans of the conquest of their lands have been hired as mercenaries, in particular being valued by the Mashinurū for their experience fighting against dragons. They have also found employ in the lands of the Dharasī, where they are valued as bodyguards due to their focus on defensive warfare and skill in hand-to-hand combat.
Comments