The Former Baklunish Empire

These temperate grassland, forest and coastal western lands were settled by survivors of the destruction of the Baklunish Empire a thousand years ago. Largely separated from the rest of the Flanaess by the Yatils, Barrier Peaks and Crystalmists, they remain a traditional stronghold of the Baklunish people.

The empire's core lands are a mix of prairie and scrub desert called the Dry Steppes. Only horse-riding nomads ruled by khans inhabit the Dry Steppes, though one tribe has settled to create Ull. The Steppes' northernmost extent, the Plains of the Paynims, is unoccupied during much of the hot summer; the nomadic residents are poorly armored but highly mobile and fierce. Baklunish nomads breed beautiful horses famed for speed and endurance.

Just to the north are the four major Baklunish states: Ket, Tusmit, the Caliphate of Ekbir and the Sultanate of Zeif. On the fringe of the Flanaess, they seem exotic to visitors from the east; buildings are lavishly ornamented with minarets and towers, and locals dress in turbans and layered robes. Sailors from Zeif and Ekbir explore the Dramidj Ocean to the west. Caravans pass through Ket, which is located in a gap in the mountains between the Flanaess and the rest of Oerik. No major external threat exists to this stable area.