The Karala

The Karala are a tribe of semi-civilized herders who reside in the savannas outside of the Republic of Chaya. Their relationship with the Seventh Legion is predicated around a shared love for song, fiercely fought battles and a good dose of enlightened self-interest and is one of the stranger - and more powerful - alliances the Seventh Legion has forged over the centuries.

At the end of each winter, a number of Karala make their way from Karala lands to the closest of the Lookshy Redoubts, where they are transported to Lookshy to begin ten years of service to the Legion as janissary troops. The Karala are excellent scouts and skirmishers, and can move over plains and other level ground almost as fast as cavalry can.

When their service is over, survivors return to their townships and take on the duties of adults - marrying, raising children, defending their herds and expanding them through raiding. They bring with them fine weapons and ten years worth of Legion pay.

As a result, the Karala have grown from a major tribe into one of the most important barbarian peoples in the plains west of Chaya, allowing them to literally absorb most of the other tribes native to the area. A handful of Karala every year choose to remain in Lookshy's service, and after another five years are granted citizenship. Karalan blood is increasingly common in Lookshy.