Kirru-Tal, The

## Summary

The **Kirru-Tal** is an imperialistic slaver society and dragonborn ethnostate under the totalitarian dictatorship of Nal'Var'Shu. The Kirru-Tal's aim is to dominate the known world and unite it under its banner, creating an agrarian utopia on the Sarl Wine River. In 114 ND, it is locked in conflict with the Monarque at Butterfly Gate. The Kirru-Tal are feared by many civilizations on the river, fearing (quite rightfully) that they too will be slain or enslaved.

## History

### Origins

It is believed outsiders that the Kirru-Tal are a sub-sect of the Pan-Liang cult, although this has not been confirmed. What is known, however, is that the Kirru-Tal were formed soon after the New Dorne, possibly as early as 6ND. The group was formed by Nal'Va'Shu, a black dragon

### The First Battle for Butterfly Gate

In 110 ND, the Kirru-Tal launched their attack on Butterfly Gate. The Monarque, however, was prepared. Both sides suffered heavy losses, but the battle was ultimately a defeat for the Kirru-Tal. Rumors say this year they will launch their second attack on Butterfly Gate.

## Ideology

### Year Zero

The Kirru-Tal believe in the political notion of a "Year Zero", in which all culture and traditions are eliminated so that society can have a fresh start. To reach this stage, everything must be cleansed: Community, economy, property, family, and religion. Technology and knowledge pre-Year Zero is taboo among the Kirru-Tal, and only a select few close to Nal'Var'Shu have the access to such technology or knowledge. Specifically, the Kirru-Tal believe that reliance on thermium and other technologies of the past caused the downfall of the Greater Cerrellan Alliance. Therefore, they believe that society should revert to the Pre-Imperial ways of the Age of Heroes. They believe that the New Dorne was a missed opportunity for such a "Year Zero". In this fresh start, society will be reconstructed into an agrarian utopia.

### Slavery

The Kirru-Tal is notoriously a slaver society, as any person on the Sarl Wine River will tell you. The army assimilates its conquered people and territory, cutting away their cultural markers and integrating them into the slave hierarchy. Anyone outside the Kirru-Tal is considered to be "*skarne*". Captures (newly-caught victims) are called "*su-skarne*" and are tested as a slave or warrior. If the *su-skarne* does not meet the criteria, they are killed. Kobolds are always considered *su-skarne*, and dragonborn are most likely to be promoted to the ranks of warrior.

### Stability at any Cost

Of course, the Kirru-Tal are known for their ruthlessness and harsh punishments. Some, however, see this as a benefit. In the Southern Badlands for instance, the Kirru-Tal created stability where there was only a lawless wasteland. Farmlands often florish under Kirru-Tal rule, with their agrarian approach to the economy. Commerce is surprisingly good for the Kirru-Tal, and some merchants enjoy trading with the Kirru-Tal because they offer additional protection as well as plant-based goods.

## Language

The vocabulary of the Kirru-Tal is primarily Draconic, and secondarily Common.

## Military

The Kirru-Tal military is a meritocracy, with rank determined combat prowess. Ranks go from *Rar'Kai* (Unblemished Ones), who are typically recruits allowed them to prove their mettle in real combat. Survivors of this rank become *Skar'Kai*, (Scarred Ones). The top ranks are known as *Var'Kai* (Proven Ones), and are one of the most dangerous warriors in the Kirru-Tal. Military might is incredibly important to the Kirru-Tal, and the average Kirru-Tal soldier is trained to a much higher level of competence and ability than the average Monarque soldier. Overwhelming numbers also matter to the Kirru-Tal, with a significantly higher percentage of its population being military-trained than usual for the Sarl Wine River.

> "We are the deadly hydra. Each fanged mouth: Venomous. Outnumbering our enemies five to one. And should you cut off one of our heads, two more shall take its place. We are the Kirru-Tal, and you are *Skarne* to us."
>
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## Technology

### General

What the Kirru-Tal lacks in technological prowess it makes up for in resourcefulness. Combat gear is built with a focus on reliability and ease of manufacture, standardized across the Kirru-Tal. Furthermore, the Kirru-Tal is easily capable of erecting large fortifications, establishing supply chains for its massive army, and, as mentioned above, mass-producing standardized weapons and armor for its warriors. Nal'Var'Shu firmly believes that reliance on technology weakens people, and was partially responsible for the Astral Breaking and Vampire War. The Kirru-Tal espouses martial prowess and individual fitness to reduce the need for technologically advanced weapons. The technological refinement of an individual Kirru-Tal warrior's gear is directly tied to their status.

### Opposition to golems

The only absolute opposition to technology is in golems. Nal'Var'Shu dislikes the thought of having golems win a war fought by people, as it defeats the need for a sacrifice for the greater good. Beyond that, the Kirru-Tal is opportunistic and will use any kind of technology to further its goals. Overall, the Kirru-Tal opts for devices that use no power to increase reliability.