Karas Plains (Shard Ne'Vaal Supplement)
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The Karas Plains are a vast track of grassland, home to various ethnic groups that claim ancestry to some of the first peoples of Dasoon. They formed the basis for a lot of the surrounding cultures in larger nations like Ba Xin and Jjan.
Peoples[edit]
The Karas Plains is home to an amazingly diverse number of ethnic peoples. The original peoples of the plains were nomads, and even among them were smaller groups of ethnicities. Over time, as large, conglomerate kingdoms like Ba Xin appeared, people who wanted to remain distinct migrated out of the nation's borders, rather than be absorbed, and thus pooled in the plains. It is commonly characterized thus as a primitive land of anarchy, commonly known as barbarian's land. Some of these peoples who were displaced bear animosity towards the established nations for their exile from their homeland, and have acted on this. Their hostile acts have incurred the wrath of surrounding nations throughout history, and unfortunately began a crusade to colonize the plains. These efforts ultimately never bore fruit, as the Gorge occurred and ended all that.
"Barbarian's Land" is a far cry from the actuality of the plains. There are over 150 different ethnicities that called the plains home. Some of them were more similar to others, with minor differences in religion and culture. Among these 150, there are 6 who are the largest and considered the head honchos of the plains. They have the largest populations, which lends to their power and prestige. Even outside the plains, their culture is known and they have some political power when dealing with countries. While they do not call themselves nations, these six do constitute umbrellas for the smaller groups of the plains.
- Bien
The Bien are peoples from river and mountain tribes formerly on land now occupied by Ba Xin. Their original language has been lost and they largely use Shou as a result. But their culture remains very distinct, with a rich cuisine considered one of the trademarks of the continent. They monopolize a lot of the waterways in the middle western heartland of Dasoon, down to the southern edge. Among their umbrella members are other groups from the same former territories like the Cabo, Misa and Roas. They commonly were hunters and gatherers in the moist jungles, where they utilized their expertise in blending with nature. Many of them were ranger-type fighters with a touch of primal influence.
- Lindo
The Lindo, like the Bien, came from the river lands of Ba Xin. They originally dwelt in the steaming rainforests and swamps. Now they commonly occupy the coasts of south Dasoon, including a stretch of land known as the Hanging Horn. Their cuisine is known to take from Ba Xin and Sithian tastes, which can be quite spicy. Their umbrella is a bit smaller than Bien's with peoples like the Omlay and Sinh. Living in the south in a heated atmosphere, they commonly do not like to wear shirts or long clothing. They can be considered tropical people rather than specifically jungle, though they are adept also in the latter. Their unique culture bred a love of music and dancing, which was also channeled into their fighting styles. Many of them were monks and fighters.
- Uino
The Uino were originally driven from their homes at the north of Toryu. They are said to be descendants of the original plains people, and were a seed culture for both Jjan and Toryu. Their numbers were greatly reduced as a result of infighting over resources, which resulted in them being driven out by the Ba Xin seed people. They have launched guerrilla tactics on Toryu, as a result, to try and reclaim their sacred land. To the Uino, everything in the world has a spirit. They pay homage to everything they do, from the prey they hunt to the wood they carve for their canoes and special bows. As specialized hunters, their weapons and traps utilized a variety of poisons. Their unique styles of attire depicted many curves and arches that were unique within families of a tribe. The Uino are markedly distinct from the other plains groups in that their numbers are sufficient without incorporating others into an umbrella. Today they occupy the area at the south of the Dasoon Range, next to Jjan.
- Qurol
Qurol, from Quras, which was the original name of the plains before it was changed to Karas in writing, is the ethnic group who claims the closest bloodline from the original plains people. Like their ancestors, they boast impressive cultures of mount-using. They are also expert archers, having learned marksmanship from a young age whilst riding a mount. Being true to their nomadic ancestry, they commonly travel around the heartland of the continent. There is not much water where they live so they are known for not bathing often, and drinking the blood of animals instead of water. They are known sometimes as true heathens of the plains by Ba Xin, due to their lesser hygiene and rugged appearance.
- Felun
The Felun are a people who occupy the northwest side of the plains and are coastal-mountainous forest people. The area there provides a mix of climates at different altitudes. Half their populations encompass mountainous peoples, while the other half live in the montane steppes closer to the Ringvym Ocean. They are known for having a very spiritual side to them, and usually eschew violence. They practice protective measures as monks and paladins. This is because defense for them was crucial when they lived so close to the big nation Ba Xin next door.
- Dareras
At the west end of Dasoon, where Sithi had broken off, is where the Dareras live. They are closely related to Sithian people, but have developed a different culture following the split. West Dasoon is entirely composed of islands, known as the Dasoon Keys. These keys are fragments leftover from when Sithi broke away. The Dareras were adept seafarers who could travel between the continents of Bevel and Dasoon using these islands as stepping stones. They were known to monitor and regulate travel through these keys as gatekeepers between the continents, resulting in a very enriched lifestyle.
Notable Locations[edit]
The plains are vast and contain a variety of strange and hidden gems
This mine is known to the Uino as the "Mine of Evil."
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