Batu Khanate

The **Batu Khanate**, is a nation in eastern Korinth located along the western slopes of the Ironfoot Mountains. They reside on the Sea of Grass, the massive grassland with rolling hills east of the Kingdom of Lyria. They are a nomadic nation that is constantly moving their capital in the Sea of Grass following the best hunting grounds.

## History

Through oral history, the centaurs and leonins inhabiting the Sea of Grass warred for hundreds of years in ancient times seeking dominance over the plains. This went on until orcs from the Ironfoot Mountains sought to pillage their lands. The centaurs and leonin tribes banded together to fend off the invaders. Roughly a fourth of the tribes stayed together, typically the more progressive and less traditionalist ones, and built a large nomadic township.

Legends say this is when the first Khan was born. He was a power and mighty leonin, defeating all those seeking power through ritual combat. He hunted down the Great Muthalian Beast and brought back its head as a trophy. The large skull still hangs above the current Khan's throne to this day. They called the first Khan "Gowrin'Ral", meaning Great Hunter Lord in ancient leonin. Historians have coined him as The Great Khan or The First Khan. It is said he united all the tribes under his banner through domination and diplomacy, usually by marrying into their families due to his many wives.

Throughout the years many heirs have fought for the throne, but ultimately the strongest survive.

After the Sacking of the North, many humanoids fled south into the Sea of Grass. It is said that most were integrated into Batu society as laborers and craftsmen, however some that broke the laws of the Khan ended up as prey on the Great Hunts.

## Government

Adopting a Rule by the Strong society, this lead to countless of warriors seeking their turn on the throne. It is why the Batu haven't truly expanded, they are in a constant state of turmoil as the average leader's rule is typically three years. The current ruler, Athoz Embereye, has ruled the longest out of all his predecessors besides the First Khan. It is said he rules with an iron fist, squashing any threats to his rule with brutality. Seeing any kind of threat, he will not only kill his enemy but also their family and loved ones. Ruling by his side are his seven wives, they are arguably as ferocious as he is hunting down anything that may harm the Khanate.

## Military

Consisting of centaurs and leonins, they are a force to be reckoned with upon the grasslands. They have adopted the strategy of having the leonins ride on the centaurs backs before dismounting and charging forward as their vanguard, then the centaurs assault with their superior archery bombarding the enemy lines. This has prevented any nation from invading their homeland, and also providing aid to their allies such as the Kingdom of Lyria.

## Trade

Typically they do not trade at all. Most see wealth as a form of weakness, and they provide the Khanate with their services because it will make them strong. They will occasionally accept trade from the dwarves in the Ironfoot Mountains, but it is only due to their superior craftsmanship in weaponry and armor. When such things occur, bartering is their preferred method of compensation. They will trade off items from fallen enemies, cloth and textiles, and spices grown in the Sea of Grass itself.

## Geography

The Khanate sits in the Sea of Grass, a massive grassland spanning several hundreds of miles across. An abundance of life thrives here which makes it prime hunting grounds for the Khanate. They only reside in their capital, Shea'gram, the city of spices.