Himvati

Himvati lies high on the roof of the world among the snowy peaks and plateaus of the Kaila mountains, a land of mystery and mysticism shared by three peoples who all look much like Khitans. The Xinjang of the northwest are poor, shy herders of goats and sheep on the Kaila plateau who grow some rice and cotton in the brief summer and trade wool and hides to the Himvati for metal tools and food. The Kazaks, on the southern edge of the Tu-Holo Desert, are horsemen who love strong drink, wrestling and gambling; like the Mongalans but more aggressive, they raid Xinjang and Himvati settlements with short bows and curved throwing knives.

The Himvati proper live in the foothills, consider themselves the ruling people and look down on the other two as simple barbarians. Their capital, Bhadgoan, is full of monasteries. Their faith teaches reincarnation and the spirit realms, and their ruler, the Da'al, is revered above all as a god in human form; 333 monks and mystics carry out his holy commands and govern the land, all shrouded in secrecy that no Himvati would dare question.

A small army of good fighters guards against Kazak raids and watches the eastern border with Khitai. The Himvati greet visitors warmly, sticking out their tongues as a sign of friendship, but will not discuss their religion with outsiders. They also tell of the hidden land of Shamballa.