Invinda

[Jewel]

Largely untouched by Shilah's wrath the Ivory Kingdom's distance from Medinaat al-Salaam is the only thing keeping them from being a more dominant force within the region. That said their caravans make the trip regularly and their people, the Invinda, are one of the largest blocs of foreign born residents within the city after only the Senpet. Due to this trade the majority of Invinda in Medinaat al-Salaam at any one time are members of the Vaishya or Shudra castes though those rarer members of the Kshatriya and Brahmin caste hold the positions of most importance and prestige.

While the history of the Ivory Kingdoms contains many cycles of conflict from the rule of the Nagah, the rise of the Avatars, the tyranny of the Rakshasa King Revan, and the civil war between the Pandavah rulers the last few centuries have been largely peaceful and prosperous. The only blight has been the Cult of Ruhmal, which seems to always reemerge no matter how often it is believed to be struck down, and the outbreaks of violence and destruction that they cause.

Similar to Rokugan the Invinda follow a strict caste system. Invinda belief states that one is born into their proper path and thus caste is decided by birth. While caste on an individual level is seen as immutable, other than becoming outcast, history does record incredibly rare instances of houses being struck down, or raised up, in status.

Brahmins: The priests, scholars, and teachers among the Invinda. Although the Kshatriyas are the rulers of the people even they follow the teachings and advice of the Brahmins.

Kshatriyas: The rulers, administrators, and warriors of the Invinda. As the Brahmins tend the spirit of the people the Kshatriya oversee their temporal needs.

Vaishyas: Merchants and farmers the role of the Vaishyas is to bring sustenance to those above and below them.

Shudras: Workers and craftspeople whose role is in laboring in the service of others.

Outcasts: Those who fall from their path or stand outside of the system. Within the Ivory Kingdom this includes foreigners as well but, within Medinaat al-Salaam, is generally only used to refer to Invinda who, due to misdeed or birth, are viewed as betraying their proper place.


Theology: The people of the Ivory Kingdoms follow a wide array of interconnected philosophies relating to life and the divine - which can often cause some confusion to those of outside cultures used to more strictly defined beliefs and structures. The Invinda recognize many celestial beings though there are diverging beliefs as to whether these are gods, multiple facets of one greater being, or something else entirely.


The Kshatriya of the Ivory Kingdoms are divided into a number of houses great and small.

House Kauravah
Centuries ago, following the death of the Maharaja, two grandsons from different families held equal claim to the throne. Neither was willing to renounce his claim and this division led to the Kurukshetra War. While short, only lasting a week, this war was devastating and left many dead on both sides. In the end the victor claimed the title of Maharaja and control of House Pandavah while the loser founded House Kauravah. In the centuries since the house has found forgiveness and, through their skill at trade and diplomacy, is rising in statue among the houses.

House Kosala
One of the most respected of the great houses House Kosala is known for its sages and wisdom. Keepers of grand libraries and well acquainted with the knowledge they contain an outsider might be forgiven for mistaking them for Brahmin though they do not hesitate when it comes to battle or rulership as befits their true caste.

House Pandavah
The greatest of the great houses House Pandavah was founded by Arun following his victory over Revan. The Maharaja, ruler of all the Ivory Kingdoms, is drawn from this family line and as such the prestige of the house is second to none. Even were that not the case their skill and renown as courageous warriors would still gain them a great deal of respect and power.

House Suresh
A rich and powerful house that is little known in the sands. This is due to the fact that their wealth and prestige comes from their skills as sailors where they are seen as some of the greatest in the known world. Some whisper they even have regular dealings with the Mantis and Tortoise of Rokugan despite that Empire's laws against such contact.

House Rafiq
One of the great houses formed by a powerful warrior some believe was an Avatar of Indra. They were among the first houses to side and fight beside Arun in his war against Revan. Since then they have been the defenders of the Invinda - facing all manner of threats within and outside of their empire. Sadly, unknown to outsiders, this constant contact with dark forces has taken its toll on the house and they have been nearly completely subverted by the Cult of Ruhmal.

House Yadu
The youngest of the great houses they were formed by an Avatar of the Divine Builder Vishwakarma named Nala. An architect beyond compare it was said he could steal from the very realm of dreams itself to create structures beyond the ken of mere mortals. While the modern descendants of House Yadu may not make such grand claims they still are known as the greatest, and most creative, builders throughout the Ivory Kingdoms. While Shudras may do the actual work it is the ideas and leadership of the Yadu that have created the grandest structures in the Kingdom as well as other great works such as the massive Golems.

Factions:
Any. Invinda still make up the majority of the modern Order of the Ebon Hand even two centuries after their relocation to the sands and, as such, make up a large contingent of the Jackals as well. As the Cult of Ruhmal originated in their lands most of its members are still found among their ranks also. That said after centuries of contact and trade with Medinaat al-Salaam members of any faction may be found among their number.

Schools & Paths:
Kshatriya Warrior
Sainika Fighter
Kathakali Dancer
Gurkha Warrior School
Defender of the Temples
Navaratnas Diplomat
Path: Sindhi Sailors
Path: Gandharva
Path: Telaga

Advantages & Disadvantages:
Enlightened
Luck
Servant: Artisan
Silent

Disbeliever