Marhashi

Marhashi, the southernmost nation of Gondwana, is a rich and rising realm of veldt and rugged uplands where gold, diamonds and copper are so plentiful that they are valued mostly for beauty or export. Its herders brought order after the chaos that followed Hesperia's fall, and Sheban trade then sped its growth; it now swaps its common goods for iron, tin, luxuries, slaves and the best tools and weapons. True wealth here means owning silver, tin, iron, amber or non-diamond gems, all imported; iron weapons are reserved for important warriors and other iron goods for magicians.

Power comes only from magic. Every office is held by a magician, rank follows mastery and past service, and the Grand Wizard rules as he or she pleases. In practice the post stays within a few intermarried families whose secret Order of the Lion, marked by the gift of an albino lion, quietly removes rivals who rise too fast. Citizens are second-class and often discontented; pampered warriors with short sword and spear guard estates, streets, wharves and borders; farmers are tied to their homes, give the state their best tenth and must feast magicians at festivals. Most crimes are punished with slavery, slaves' children are slaves for life, and brave deeds can earn freedom.

Visitors marvel at the brilliant linens, gold and diamond jewelry and imported luxuries such as Khitai silk. Citizens wear starched white robes, warriors loincloths and red ostrich plumes, and wizards rich robes and carved ebony demon masks. Feathersmiths turn the shimmering plumes of the Marhashi Blue Fowl and imported feathers into spectacular headgear. The state cult of Og is compulsory but ceremonial, while nature-spirit and shamanistic cults thrive in secret.