Major Cities:
K* : Karandistahn (capital) - pop. 50,000 human
Ikigawa - pop. 20,000 human
Torolistahn - pop. 18,000 human
Anandi City - pop. 17,000 human
Sekiata - pop. 7,000 human
Mulberry Haven - pop. 4,000 halfling
Doyouishi - pop. 3,500 human

Economy:
Karand produces two major tradegoods: rice and silk. Karand's mountain terraces produce rice in abundant quantities, and some of the finest and most durable silks in the world. They are a slave economy, both importing and exporting human (and occasionally other "exotic") lives. In addition, Karand artwork is highly prized, and decorative luxury goods comprise a small but noticeable portion of Karand's national income.

Government/Politics:
Karand is a monarchy, though its supreme ruler styles himself "Emperor" and his regional governors are "Kings", according to tradition dating back to only a few generations after the MageWar, when the entire region north of the Ven was little more than a series of squabbling tribes and warbands. Karand has ambassadors in most of the major nations, but no particularly close allies.

Religion:
The gods of Karand are many, and several of them go by many different names, as the result of the alliance of each original tribe's patron gods. Each region of Karand has its own god or goddess, attended by a host of lesser deities and spirits. The Emperor is worshipped as the earthly vessel of the gods.

Population:
The Karandi are primarily human, though there are a handful of halfling communities in the mountains. Citizens of Karand have yellow or brown skin, straight dark hair, and almond-shaped eyes that are usually dark in color. Slaves have been taken from all over Gaena, and thus are of many races. The Karandi are racially strict, and any child of a non-Karand is automatically relegated to slavery. A Karandi woman who bears such a child may lose her citizenship, or even forced into slavery along with her child (depending on the circumstances) if no other citizen will speak for her.

Culture:
The Karandi have a slight gender-bias towards the male; women are not legally restricted from any activities or professions, but are generally expected to marry, bear children, keep house, and maintain the social network. Homosexual relationships are officially illegal, but mostly overlooked if kept discreet.
   As a mark of their status, slaves wear a collar around their throats, though the material of the collar may be anything the owner desires. (Field slaves' collars are generally made of rawhide or leather, while slaves kept in the household or for pleasure wear more attractive metal collars.) Slaves can own portable property (but not land or buildings), and may purchase their own freedom or that of other slaves. Slaves who are freed are not permitted to become citizens, though they may choose to remain in Karand as non-citizens. Few take this option, as a non-citizen who cannot provide proof of their status may be taken again as a slave. Non-citizen residents may own property, but pay additional taxes and may not legally marry a Karand.
   Most children are taught by their parents, or placed into an apprenticeship around the age of nine or ten. Children destined for the priesthood are often given to the temple as early as five.
   Karand places a high value on beauty and art, and this appreciation extends into all corners of their lives. The men as well as the women take great care with their personal appearance, and even the lowliest and most functional items are carefully crafted to be pleasing to the eye.

Other Notes:

Notable Citizens & Residents: