The Clans of Kheer Tal

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*Blue skies, green fields.*

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## *Overview*

The Clans of Kheer Tal worship Gal Tenger and control a northeastern swath of the mainland to the south of Moroz. Unlike the other powers of Andake, the Clans are nomadic; since Gal Tenger does not have a fixed position in the sky, neither do the Kheerians on the green earth below. Followers of Gal Tenger are seasonally nomadic, sustained by the meat and milk of their herds. Those who worship the Sun Goddess believe that blue skies and green fields are a sign of her favor, and venerate the freedom promised by an open, sprawling prairie.

### Culture

Kheerians are famous for valuing freedom above all else -- physical, metaphysical, and figurative. Fresh air and fresh ideas are the lifeblood of Kheerian culture. Kheerian camps consist of portable yurts, carts, caravans, and wagons. These structures are made of wood, felt, and animal fur. Wooden pens and fences are constructed and deconstructed seasonally to facilitate the transportation of their herds, which are the most valuable aspect of Kheerian society. The Clans of Kheer Tal subsist almost entirely off the milk, meat, and wool of their animals. Depending on the Clan, a herd might consist not only of goats and sheep, but also horses, cows, dogs, camels, elks, moose, hippos, rhinos, antelopes, yaks, and more. The more affluent a Clan, the greater their combined herd, and the more decorated their travelling settlements.

Each of Kheer Tal’s many dozens of clans is headed by an Aghan, a leader who has final say over all matters, decisions, and conflicts. The Clans of Kheer Tal have only recently been united under the young and ambitious Toqtoa Qaghan, meaning 'Aghan of Aghans'.

## Landmarks

### The Ukhliin Chasm

The vast, sprawling Ukhliin Chasm separates the Clans of Kheer Tal from northern Talmaad. Miles wide at its widest gap and dozens of feet apart at its narrowest, the Ukhliin Chasm plunges steeply into the underworld of Andake. It is said that no one who has ever descended into the Chasm has ever made it out alive. It is also said that somewhere within the depths of the Chasm is the fabled entrance into the After. Gouts of hot, steaming air occasionally erupt from the bowels of the Chasm, making crossing it not only a treacherous but deadly affair. Only a few “safe” bridges exist across the Chasm, and even then, you’ll want to pray to the Eight for protection before you do.

### The Godspine

The single most prominent geographical feature on the main continent, the Godspine is a muscular mountain range that spans across all of Andake. People-made passes are few and far between along the Godspine, and each one is jealously controlled by a particular power. The depths of the Godspine are largely unmapped, and remain mysterious and dangerous to this day. It is said that strange creatures lurk in the highest peaks and the lowest dungeons of the Godspine, as well as untold riches -- for anyone brave or foolhardy enough to seek them out.

### The Ogoomor River Valley

The moist chill of northern winds blow into the Ogoomor River Valley, generating rainfall and more temperate conditions than the scorching Tenuschlek Desert to the south. The Ogoomor river valley is a fertile valley comprised of sweeping lowlands teeming with tall, lush grass. The Khudal Road, one of the many offshoots of the Heavenly Road, spans east to west across Ogoomor. Rugged highlands loom to the north, eventually feeding into the perennially frozen Zeema Lake. The Clans of Kheer Tal spend summers in the lowland prairies of Ogoomor Valley, herding their livestock from field to field, and setting up camp for the warm months. When the weather turns bitter, the Clans move northward, climbing the face of the valley to reach the hilly highlands and their hidden nooks that shelter them from biting autumnal winds.

### The Tenuschlek Desert

The southern border of Kheer Tal is demarcated by the Godspine, which generates a rain shadow to the lands directly north of its sprawl. The subtropical Tenuschlek Desert extends from this rain shadow, a hot, hot, hot environment that only the hardiest Clans call home. Here, rainfall occurs in short bursts. The atmosphere is so hot and dry that drops of rain sometimes evaporate before even hitting the ground.

### Camp Vanguard

After the Cataclysm, Toqtoa Qaghan began to gather the various Clans to a central, mobile location for protection. This camp later became the main war camp used in the Second Stranger War.