A Caravan's Journey

The Dipolatians are called Gao-Takan, The Gate Kingdom. This name came about as they are the one source of Dova[gold]. They get this from Dova-Takan, The Kingdom of Gold. To get to Gao-Takan one needs to cross the Kurjai Mountains and Kassak Plains, both full of bandits and other, darker, things^1. Large caravans, between 15-50 people and up to 150 horses, with Zavao[hired soldiers for protection] as protections were the main means of trade with the Dipolatians^2. Gold, diamonds, and silver are all sought after by the rich and are traded their weight in spice.

One such caravan, 24 civilians and 5 Zavao, in large tents and with a herd of 93 horses has taken a more northern route than normal. They soon began seeing signs of civilization, out of place in the supposedly demonic wasteland...

1, at least according to drunk merchants and mothers with troublesome children...

2, smaller versions also go to the Ashad