Kingdom of Yat-Kirman
This country in the interior of the Jaati region is isolated by the deep gorge of the upper Dhobe River. Access appears to be completely cut off; from the east side of the river, all that can be seen are broken bridge abutments and mist rising from the river, obscuring the other side.
This is all an illusion, however, designed to better protect a kingdom that wants to be left alone. In reality, an elaborate stone bridge crosses the river, centuries old and narrow but strong. The far side of the bridge is heavily guarded, though the watchers are posted where they cannot be seen by those approaching. (After all, if the bridge is broken, there should be no need for armed guards.)
Yat-Kirman is ruled by a noble rakshasa who welcomes refugees from the caste system and even fugitives from “justice,” as long as they can profitably contribute to the orderly welfare of the kingdom and the wealth of the rao. Thieves, brawlers, or others who would disturb the peace are not welcome and are ejected from the kingdom — though not necessarily at the bridge.
Citizens are expected to work hard to produce as much as possible to meet the kingdom’s needs and to provide such trade goods as the rao may need to obtain things he desires that the kingdom cannot itself create. Although the residents of Yat-Kirman work hard, most are no doubt better off than they were in their homelands, and a lower population in Yat-Kirman means that the residents are not crowded together as much as in the great river cities. Even in Goplakh, most folk here have an opportunity to grow food for themselves, which is unheard of in the alleys and warrens of the large cities.
The power of the rao over the kingdom here is greater than what is seen in even the most dictatorial regimes in Jaati. For example, the rao has the right, over all residents of Yat-Kirman, to decide who is allowed to grow or make or buy or sell anything. He seldom interferes if all goes well, but if conflict arises, he often makes arbitrary decisions by which everyone must abide. Moreover, most religious activity is forbidden within the kingdom. Although the rao acknowledges the existence of gods and that they do have some degree of divine power, he rejects any authority they might have over himself, his domain, or his people. From the perspective of the rao, if his people wish to worship a divine figure, they may pray to him. The rao has not actually claimed himself divine, but there are those who point out that he has obviously ascended past the common souls still on the coil and thus must be a deity of some caste. (This is true, from a certain point of view.)
Region
Yat-Kirman, Kingdom of
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