Revision [3973]
Last edited on 2009-11-05 00:03:42 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Between 1158 and 1447, all of Lurmsakûn, Chelkar, Nûrn, Pustrava, Gathod and the plains east of Ered Harmal fell under Variag rule in form or another. They did not, however, forget their former profession as mercenaries. Khagans of Khand gave entire regiments of Variag cavalry as gifts to his friends and allies, including the twenty-second king of Gondor, Castamir the Usurper. It was the heyday of Variag influence, and at the same time, a turning point. Great Khagan **Kundaj IV Itakh**, over-confident of his position, tried to mediate between Eldacar and Castamir. His meddling in Gondorian domestic politics ended in 1448 with the defeat of the Traditionalist League at the Crossings of Erui. Eldacar, true to his Northman roots, was overtly hostile to Khand and its "hordes", as he contemptuously called its inhabitants.
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Revision [3972]
Edited on 2009-11-05 00:01:35 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Soon Khand became a veritable nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities. Confederation of Variag nations was loosely united under one //Khagan//, but in reality the power was often wielded by //Begs//, generals and tribal chieftains. Khagans of Khand saw their lot as arbitrators between east and west, rulers of a realm totally independent from others, enriched by trade and defended by highly mobile and professional standing army. Khagan **Ovatha III Udo** conquered Lurmsakûn in 1101 and in 1158 Variag capital was moved to newly founded [[SturlurtsaKhand Sturlurtsa Khand]] by the confluence of the rivers //Noz Peka// (V. "Knife") and //Medlóshad Peka// (V. "Gold-horse"). By acting as a buffer state, Khaganate of Khand prevented numerous Easterling tribes from spreading south of the Ephel Dúath or east from the Sea of Rhûn. Southern Rhûn was subjugated in series of conflicts called the Odhriag Wars.
Deletions:
Revision [3971]
Edited on 2009-11-05 00:00:35 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Soon Khand became a veritable nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities. Confederation of Variag nations was loosely united under one //Khagan//, but in reality the power was often wielded by //Begs//, generals and tribal chieftains. Khagans of Khand saw their lot as arbitrators between east and west, rulers of a realm totally independent from others, enriched by trade and defended by highly mobile and professional standing army. Khagan **Ovatha III Udo** conquered Lurmsakûn in 1101 and in 1158 Variag capital was moved to newly founded [[SturlurtsaKhand Sturlurtsa Khand]] by the confluence of the rivers //Noz Peka// (V. "Knife" Noz Peka') and //Medlóshad Peka// (V. 'Gold-horse'). By acting as a buffer state, Khaganate of Khand prevented numerous Easterling tribes from spreading south of the Ephel Dúath or east from the Sea of Rhûn. Southern Rhûn was subjugated in series of conflicts called the Odhriag Wars.
Deletions:
Revision [3970]
Edited on 2009-11-04 23:59:56 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Soon Khand became a veritable nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities. Confederation of Variag nations was loosely united under one //Khagan//, but in reality the power was often wielded by //Begs//, generals and tribal chieftains. Khagans of Khand saw their lot as arbitrators between east and west, rulers of a realm totally independent from others, enriched by trade and defended by highly mobile and professional standing army. Khagan **Uvatha III Udo** conquered Lurmsakûn in 1101 and in 1158 Variag capital was moved to newly founded [[SturlurtsaKhand Sturlurtsa Khand]] by the confluence of the rivers //Noz Peka// (V. "Knife" Noz Peka') and //Medlóshad Peka// (V. 'Gold-horse'). By acting as a buffer state, Khaganate of Khand prevented numerous Easterling tribes from spreading south of the Ephel Dúath or east from the Sea of Rhûn. Southern Rhûn was subjugated in series of conflicts called the Odhriag Wars.
Deletions:
Revision [3969]
Edited on 2009-11-04 23:53:40 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
It is the home of the Variags, fierce and numerous people of //Talatherim// stock. Realm and Khaganate of Khand serves as the western anchor of the caravan trade routes running through Middle-earth. Almost every kind of commodity must someday pass through Khand: Silk and porcelain from Palisor, pottery and glass vessels from [[Gondor]], furs and cattle from Rhûn, mead, honey and timber from Rhovanion, exotic herbs and spices from Chyan Empire, gold, ivory and luxuries from Sirayn, Raj and the Yellow Mountains.
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Revision [3444]
Edited on 2009-10-10 15:27:55 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
The meanings of 'Khand' and 'Variag' are not known and ever explained in any extant chronicles. One possible explanation lies in that several interrelated southeastern languages khand means 'realm' or 'land'. Ancestors of the Variag nation was a confederation of savage warriors and horse-nomads called //Ioriags//, which inhabited the land during the Second Age. The Ioriag empire was united by legendary king **Ûvatha I Achef**, who later received one of the Nine Rings directly from Sauron. In height of his power, the Deathless First King Ûvatha I ruled over most of the central Middle-earth from Mordor to Palisor.
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Revision [3403]
Edited on 2009-10-08 12:41:20 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Native Variag religion is somewhat a mystery. It is strictly confined to Variags class; ethnical minorities and slaves are forcibly excluded as heathens. Originally, the Variags practiced traditional Ioriag shamanism, focused on the sky god Tengri, but were heavily influenced by philosophical ideas imported by Sauron, notably that of the Mandate of Heaven and the Lord of the Dark. Their religious apparatus is overseen by a collective of high priestesses; their gods are myriad and terrifying. Knowing this, variags are surprisingly tolerant to other beliefs. They consider themselves as a "chosen people" and are not interested in the observations of lesser races. Known Variag deities, subordinate to the Creator God //Mulkhêr//, are fertility goddess //Umay// and //Erlik//, the god of death.
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Revision [3391]
Edited on 2009-10-08 02:27:51 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
//Upper Khand.//
Economy in Khand turns around taxing the north-south and east-west caravan trade, mining exports and herding. Among the things traded along the Khand trade routes are silks, furs, candlewax, honey, jewelry, silverware, coins, and spices. Radhanite traders of Chey pass thru Khand on their way to western Endor, Rhûn, and other locations. Sirayn also makes use of the Silk Road trade, and their method of writing has become well known in Khand. Khagan's subjects trade with the people of Kargagis Ahar (in central M-e) and also with port cities in Bulchyades and Lyneria.
{{image url="images/EasterlingScript.jpg"}}
//Example of Khandish writing.//
Economy in Khand turns around taxing the north-south and east-west caravan trade, mining exports and herding. Among the things traded along the Khand trade routes are silks, furs, candlewax, honey, jewelry, silverware, coins, and spices. Radhanite traders of Chey pass thru Khand on their way to western Endor, Rhûn, and other locations. Sirayn also makes use of the Silk Road trade, and their method of writing has become well known in Khand. Khagan's subjects trade with the people of Kargagis Ahar (in central M-e) and also with port cities in Bulchyades and Lyneria.
{{image url="images/EasterlingScript.jpg"}}
//Example of Khandish writing.//
Deletions:
Variag jewelry
Economy in Khand turns round taxing the north-south and east-west caravan trade, mining exports and herding.
Khand is an important trade route connecting East and West. For example, the "Silk Road" is an important link between Cathay, Palisor, Kukyria, and Gondor. Among the things traded along the Khand trade routes were silks, furs, candlewax, honey, jewelry, silverware, coins, and spices. Radhanite traders of Chey passed thru Khand on their way to western Endor, Rhûn, and other locations. Sirayn also makes use of the Silk Road trade, and their letters method of writing have become well known in Khand. Khagan's subjects trade with the people of Kargagis Ahar (central M-E) and also with port cities in Bulchyades and Lyneria.
Revision [3390]
Edited on 2009-10-08 02:22:53 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
//Khandish Kataphrakt by [[http://merlkir.deviantart.com/ Jan Pospisil]].//
Deletions:
Revision [3389]
Edited on 2009-10-08 02:22:18 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
{{image url="images/VariagKataphraktoi.jpg"}}
//Khandish Kataphrakt by [[http://merlkir.deviantart.com/ Jan Pospisil]].
//Khandish Kataphrakt by [[http://merlkir.deviantart.com/ Jan Pospisil]].
Revision [3388]
Edited on 2009-10-08 02:08:50 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
At its maximum extent in III 1661, the Khaganate of Khand includes the geographical regions of Upper and Lower Khand, the Gap of Khand, Nûrn, and parts of southern Rhûn. Several other lands pay her annual tribute: Chelkar, Lurmsakûn, Arysis, Siakan and Relmether. Other Ioriag groups such as Nûriads have been independent after the Great Plague, but Khagan Ovatha VI has been planning their subjugation ever since.
Deletions:
Revision [3387]
Edited on 2009-10-08 02:06:01 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Soon Khand became a veritable nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities. Confederation of Variag nations was loosely united under one //Khagan//, but in reality the power was often wielded by //Begs//, generals and tribal chieftains. Khagans of Khand saw their lot as arbitrators between wast and west, rulers of a realm totally independent from others, enriched by trade and defended by highly mobile and professional standing army. Khagan **Uvatha III Udo** conquered Lurmsakûn in 1101 and in 1158 Variag capital was moved to newly founded [[SturlurtsaKhand Sturlurtsa Khand]] by the confluence of the rivers //Noz Peka// (V. "Knife" Noz Peka') and //Medlóshad Peka// (V. 'Gold-horse'). By acting as a buffer state, Khaganate of Khand prevented numerous Easterling tribes from spreading south of the Ephel Dúath or east from the Sea of Rhûn. Southern Rhûn was subjugated in series of conflicts called the Odhriag Wars.
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment into semi-independent Clan Holdings. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635. Plague ended the era of weak Khagans and endemic civil strife. The powerful Ito clan claimed the throne; in 1652 //beg// Ovatha Ito was anointed as Great Khagan **Ovatha VI**. It seems that Khand is on its way to rapid recovery - something which has caused justifiable anxiety in all her neighbours. Relations with Gondor have been cordial. Khaganate of Khand has become an indispensable if unreliable ally of [[Tarondor]] against rebel lords of Umbar and other principalities of Near Harnen.
===POLITICS AND POWER===
At its maximum extent in III 1661, the Khaganate of Khand includes the geographical regions of Upper and Lower Khand, the Gap of Khand, Nûrn, and parts of southern Rhûn. Several other lands pay her annual tribute: Chelkar, Lurmsakûn, Arysis, Siakan and Relmether. Other Ioriag groups such as Nûriads have been independent since the Great Plague, but Khagan Ovatha VI has been planning their subjugation for many years.
While all positions of power are held by the Variag warrior caste, inferior and menial labour is largely on the shoulders of the subject peoples: Haradrim, Nûriads and Nûrniags. Most of the traders are either Haruze or Chyan stock; Nûriads and Nûrniags are kept as slaves in the mines and fields to provision the hungering Khandish war machine.
Native Variag religion is somewhat a mystery. It is strictly confined to Variags class; ethnical minorities and slaves are forcibly excluded as heathens. Originally, the Variags practiced traditional Ioriag shamanism, focused on the sky god Tengri, but were heavily influenced by philosophical ideas imported by Sauron, notably that of the Mandate of Heaven and the Lord of the Dark. Their religious apparatus is overseen by a collective of high priestesses; their gods are myriad and terrifying. Knowing this, variags are surprisingly tolerant to other beliefs. They consider themselves as a "chosen people" and are not interested in the observations of lesser races. Known Variag deities subordinate to Creator God Mulkhêr are fertility goddess Umay and Erlik, the god of death.
Khand is an important trade route connecting East and West. For example, the "Silk Road" is an important link between Cathay, Palisor, Kukyria, and Gondor. Among the things traded along the Khand trade routes were silks, furs, candlewax, honey, jewelry, silverware, coins, and spices. Radhanite traders of Chey passed thru Khand on their way to western Endor, Rhûn, and other locations. Sirayn also makes use of the Silk Road trade, and their letters method of writing have become well known in Khand. Khagan's subjects trade with the people of Kargagis Ahar (central M-E) and also with port cities in Bulchyades and Lyneria.
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment into semi-independent Clan Holdings. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635. Plague ended the era of weak Khagans and endemic civil strife. The powerful Ito clan claimed the throne; in 1652 //beg// Ovatha Ito was anointed as Great Khagan **Ovatha VI**. It seems that Khand is on its way to rapid recovery - something which has caused justifiable anxiety in all her neighbours. Relations with Gondor have been cordial. Khaganate of Khand has become an indispensable if unreliable ally of [[Tarondor]] against rebel lords of Umbar and other principalities of Near Harnen.
===POLITICS AND POWER===
At its maximum extent in III 1661, the Khaganate of Khand includes the geographical regions of Upper and Lower Khand, the Gap of Khand, Nûrn, and parts of southern Rhûn. Several other lands pay her annual tribute: Chelkar, Lurmsakûn, Arysis, Siakan and Relmether. Other Ioriag groups such as Nûriads have been independent since the Great Plague, but Khagan Ovatha VI has been planning their subjugation for many years.
While all positions of power are held by the Variag warrior caste, inferior and menial labour is largely on the shoulders of the subject peoples: Haradrim, Nûriads and Nûrniags. Most of the traders are either Haruze or Chyan stock; Nûriads and Nûrniags are kept as slaves in the mines and fields to provision the hungering Khandish war machine.
Native Variag religion is somewhat a mystery. It is strictly confined to Variags class; ethnical minorities and slaves are forcibly excluded as heathens. Originally, the Variags practiced traditional Ioriag shamanism, focused on the sky god Tengri, but were heavily influenced by philosophical ideas imported by Sauron, notably that of the Mandate of Heaven and the Lord of the Dark. Their religious apparatus is overseen by a collective of high priestesses; their gods are myriad and terrifying. Knowing this, variags are surprisingly tolerant to other beliefs. They consider themselves as a "chosen people" and are not interested in the observations of lesser races. Known Variag deities subordinate to Creator God Mulkhêr are fertility goddess Umay and Erlik, the god of death.
Khand is an important trade route connecting East and West. For example, the "Silk Road" is an important link between Cathay, Palisor, Kukyria, and Gondor. Among the things traded along the Khand trade routes were silks, furs, candlewax, honey, jewelry, silverware, coins, and spices. Radhanite traders of Chey passed thru Khand on their way to western Endor, Rhûn, and other locations. Sirayn also makes use of the Silk Road trade, and their letters method of writing have become well known in Khand. Khagan's subjects trade with the people of Kargagis Ahar (central M-E) and also with port cities in Bulchyades and Lyneria.
Deletions:
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment into semi-independent Clan Holdings. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635. Plague ended the era of weak Khagans and endemic civil strife. The leading Udo clan regained the throne; in 1652 beg Amram Udo was anointed as Great Khagan **Uvatha VI**. It seems that Khand is on its way to rapid recovery - something which has caused justifiable anxiety in all her neighbours. Relations with Gondor have been cordial. Khaganate of Khand has become an indispensable if unreliable ally of [[Tarondor]] against rebel lords of Umbar and other principalities of Near Harnen
===POLITICAL POWER===
At its maximum extent in 1651 T.A., the realm of Khand Khaganate includes the geographical regions of Upper and Lower Khand, the Gap of Khand, Nûrn, and parts of southern Rhûn. Several other lands pay her annual tribute; khans, amirs and vizirs of Chelkar, Lurmsakun, Arysis, Siakan and Relmether are her vassals. Other Ioriag groups such as nûriads were subjugated under variag rule during the reign of great Khagan Ovatha I, before the Great Plague.
By acting as a buffer state between east and west, Khand has prevented numerous barbarian easterling tribes from spreading south of the Ephel Dúath or east from the Sea of Rhûn. This was accomplished thru a series of wars known as the Odhriag Wars.
While all positions of power are held by the variag warrior caste, inferior and menial labour is largely on the shoulders of the subject peoples: haradrim, nûriads and nûrniags. Most of the traders are either haruze or chyan stock; nûriads and nûrniags are kept as slaves in the mines and fields to provision the hungering Variag war machine.
Native variag religion is somewhat a mystery. It is strictly confined to variags themselves; ethnical minorities and slaves are forcibly excluded as heathens. Their religious apparatus is overseen by a collective of high priestesses; their gods are myriad and terrifying. Knowing this, variags are surprisingly tolerant to other beliefs. They consider themselves as a "chosen people" and are not interested in the observations of lesser races...
(unfinished)
===PRINCIPAL CITIES===
The first Variag capital was Khand Amu. During the 720s, the variags transferred their capital to Sturlurtsa Khand, a bustling brick city by the confluence of the rivers Noz Peka and Medlóshad Peka. Ûbesêsh is the administrative center of the Upper Khand, and is located adjacent to Kyzilkum, a major trading center. In the early 17th century, ...
(unfinished)
===PEOPLES===
Variags
Ethnic minorities: Nûrniags, Asdriags, Nûriags, Haruze, Chey.
Variag jewelry and ornaments
Khand is an important trade route connecting East and West. For example, the "Silk Road" is an important link between Cathay, Palisor, Kukyria, and Gondor. Among the things traded along the Khand trade routes were silks, furs, candlewax, honey, jewelry, silverware, coins, and spices. Radhanite traders of Chey passed thru Khand on their way to western Endor, Rhûn, and other locations. Sirayn also makes use of the Silk Road trade, and their letters method of writing have become well known in Khand. Khagan's subjects trade with the people of Kargagis Ahar (central M-E) and also with port cities in Bulchyades and Lyneria...
(unfinished)
Revision [3386]
Edited on 2009-10-08 01:53:07 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment into semi-independent Clan Holdings. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635. Plague ended the era of weak Khagans and endemic civil strife. The leading Udo clan regained the throne; in 1652 beg Amram Udo was anointed as Great Khagan **Uvatha VI**. It seems that Khand is on its way to rapid recovery - something which has caused justifiable anxiety in all her neighbours. Relations with Gondor have been cordial. Khaganate of Khand has become an indispensable if unreliable ally of [[Tarondor]] against rebel lords of Umbar and other principalities of Near Harnen
Deletions:
Revision [3385]
Edited on 2009-10-08 01:49:40 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
//Mistrand besieged by Variags troops.//
Deletions:
Revision [3384]
Edited on 2009-10-08 01:49:19 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment into semi-independent Clan Holdings. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635. Plague ended the era of weak Khagans and endemic civil strife. The leading Udo clan regained the throne; in 1652 beg Amram Udo was anointed as Great Khagan **Uvatha VI**. It seems that Khand is on its way to rapid recovery - something which has caused justifiable anxiety in all her neighbours.
Deletions:
Revision [3383]
Edited on 2009-10-08 01:48:13 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
The first appearance of the Variags in Western history is their aid to the campaign of Gondorian king **Hyarmendacil I** against //Muargizid Haradrim//. The Variag ruler Beg Köngjü aided the Gondorians in overrunning Pezarsan. A marriage was even contemplated between Köngjü's son and Hyarmendacil's daughter, but never took place. A new Variag nation slowly formed around the control of important trade routes. What had started as bare plunder slowly turned into legitimized taxing. In 1055 the most successful of Variag warlords, clan leader Tarkhan Udo, was anointed as **Ovatha II**, the Khagan of Khand. By 1070, he had broken the Asdriag confederation, causing various tribal groups to migrate and leaving two remnants of Asdriag rule in southern and southeastern Rhûn. From his capital of Ammu Khand, Ovatha II fought a series of wars against Haradrim and //Ahar-Chey// nomads beyond the Ered Harmal, continuously expanding his influence into east and south.
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn in 1447, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635. Plague ended the era of weak Khagans and endemic civil strife. The leading Udo clan regained the throne; in 1652 beg Amram Udo was anointed as Great Khagan **Uvatha VI**. It seems that Khand is on its way to rapid recovery - something which has caused justifiable anxiety in all her neighbours.
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn in 1447, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635. Plague ended the era of weak Khagans and endemic civil strife. The leading Udo clan regained the throne; in 1652 beg Amram Udo was anointed as Great Khagan **Uvatha VI**. It seems that Khand is on its way to rapid recovery - something which has caused justifiable anxiety in all her neighbours.
Deletions:
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn in 1447, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635.
and fell under military rulers
Revision [3382]
Edited on 2009-10-08 01:40:59 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
The meanings of 'Khand' and 'Variag' are not known and ever explained in any extant chronicles. One possible explanation lies in that several interrelated southeastern languages khand means 'realm' or 'land'. Ancestors of the Variag nation was a confederation of savage warriors and horse-nomads called //Ioriags//, which inhabited the land during the Second Age. The Ioriag empire was united by legendary king **Ûvatha I**, who later received one of the Nine Rings directly from Sauron. In height of his power, the Deathless First King Ûvatha I ruled over most of the central Middle-earth from Mordor to Palisor.
By the 10th and 11th centuries thousands of free Variag mercenaries were drifting south and west in search of military employment. Qarakhid dynasty of Lurmsakûn which succeeded the Varjevs became entirely dependant on foreign Variag troops. Haradan emirates, which had been in steady decline since the 9th century, fragmented in civil wars and foreign invasions by Gondor and beduin nomads of the Dune Sea. Reduction of Haradan power created a political vacuum which the Variags eagerly filled. As early as III 1011 a Variag general called **Beg Balun** took over the foothills of Ered Harmal and borderlands of Lurmsakûn and adopted the high-flown haradaic title of //utarb e amīr al-umāra//, 'King of kings and commander of commanders', and started raiding deep into Haruze territory.
The first appearance of the Variags in Western history is their aid to the campaign of Gondorian king **Hyarmendacil I** against //Muargizid Haradrim//. The Variag ruler **Beg Köngjü** aided the Gondorians in overrunning Pezarsan. A marriage was even contemplated between Köngjü's son and Hyarmendacil's daughter, but never took place. A new Variag nation slowly formed around the control of important trade routes. What had started as bare plunder slowly turned into legitimized taxing. In 1055 the most successful of Variag warlords, clan leader **Tarkhan Udo**, was anointed as **Ovatha II**, the Khagan of Khand. By 1070, he had broken the Asdriag confederation, causing various tribal groups to migrate and leaving two remnants of Asdriag rule in southern and southeastern Rhûn. From his capital of Ammu Khand, Ovatha II fought a series of wars against Haradrim and //Ahar-Chey// nomads beyond the Ered Harmal, continuously expanding his influence into east and south.
Soon Khand became a veritable nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities. Confederation of Variag nations was loosely united under one //Khagan//, but in reality the power was often wielded by //Begs//, generals and tribal chieftains. Khagans of Khand saw their lot as arbitrators between wast and west, rulers of a realm totally independent from others, enriched by trade and defended by highly mobile and professional standing army. Khagan **Uvatha III Udo** conquered Lurmsakûn in 1101 and in 1158 Variag capital was moved to newly founded [[SturlurtsaKhand Sturlurtsa Khand]] by the confluence of the rivers //Noz Peka// (V. "Knife" Noz Peka') and //Medlóshad Peka// (V. 'Gold-horse').
Between 1158 and 1447, all of Lurmsakûn, Chelkar, Nûrn, Pustrava. Gathod and the plains east of Ered Harmal fell under Variag rule in form or another. They did not, however, forget their former profession as mercenaries. Khagans of Khand gave entire regiments of Variag cavalry as gifts to his friends and allies, including the twenty-second king of Gondor, Castamir the Usurper. It was the heyday of Variag influence, and at the same time, a turning point. Great Khagan **Kundaj IV Itakh**, over-confident of his position, tried to play a role of arbiter between Eldacar and Castamir. His meddling in Gondorian domestic politics ended in 1448 with the defeat of the Traditionalist League at the Crossings of Erui. Eldacar, true to his Northman roots, was overtly hostile to Khand and its "hordes", as he contemptuously called its inhabitants.
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn in 1447, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635.
and fell under military rulers
By the 10th and 11th centuries thousands of free Variag mercenaries were drifting south and west in search of military employment. Qarakhid dynasty of Lurmsakûn which succeeded the Varjevs became entirely dependant on foreign Variag troops. Haradan emirates, which had been in steady decline since the 9th century, fragmented in civil wars and foreign invasions by Gondor and beduin nomads of the Dune Sea. Reduction of Haradan power created a political vacuum which the Variags eagerly filled. As early as III 1011 a Variag general called **Beg Balun** took over the foothills of Ered Harmal and borderlands of Lurmsakûn and adopted the high-flown haradaic title of //utarb e amīr al-umāra//, 'King of kings and commander of commanders', and started raiding deep into Haruze territory.
The first appearance of the Variags in Western history is their aid to the campaign of Gondorian king **Hyarmendacil I** against //Muargizid Haradrim//. The Variag ruler **Beg Köngjü** aided the Gondorians in overrunning Pezarsan. A marriage was even contemplated between Köngjü's son and Hyarmendacil's daughter, but never took place. A new Variag nation slowly formed around the control of important trade routes. What had started as bare plunder slowly turned into legitimized taxing. In 1055 the most successful of Variag warlords, clan leader **Tarkhan Udo**, was anointed as **Ovatha II**, the Khagan of Khand. By 1070, he had broken the Asdriag confederation, causing various tribal groups to migrate and leaving two remnants of Asdriag rule in southern and southeastern Rhûn. From his capital of Ammu Khand, Ovatha II fought a series of wars against Haradrim and //Ahar-Chey// nomads beyond the Ered Harmal, continuously expanding his influence into east and south.
Soon Khand became a veritable nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities. Confederation of Variag nations was loosely united under one //Khagan//, but in reality the power was often wielded by //Begs//, generals and tribal chieftains. Khagans of Khand saw their lot as arbitrators between wast and west, rulers of a realm totally independent from others, enriched by trade and defended by highly mobile and professional standing army. Khagan **Uvatha III Udo** conquered Lurmsakûn in 1101 and in 1158 Variag capital was moved to newly founded [[SturlurtsaKhand Sturlurtsa Khand]] by the confluence of the rivers //Noz Peka// (V. "Knife" Noz Peka') and //Medlóshad Peka// (V. 'Gold-horse').
Between 1158 and 1447, all of Lurmsakûn, Chelkar, Nûrn, Pustrava. Gathod and the plains east of Ered Harmal fell under Variag rule in form or another. They did not, however, forget their former profession as mercenaries. Khagans of Khand gave entire regiments of Variag cavalry as gifts to his friends and allies, including the twenty-second king of Gondor, Castamir the Usurper. It was the heyday of Variag influence, and at the same time, a turning point. Great Khagan **Kundaj IV Itakh**, over-confident of his position, tried to play a role of arbiter between Eldacar and Castamir. His meddling in Gondorian domestic politics ended in 1448 with the defeat of the Traditionalist League at the Crossings of Erui. Eldacar, true to his Northman roots, was overtly hostile to Khand and its "hordes", as he contemptuously called its inhabitants.
Variag general **Tarkhan Itakh**, relative of the Great Khagan and conqueror of Lurmsakûn in 1447, staged a coup against elderly Kundaj IV in 1449. After series of star-crossed and short-lived Itakh Khagans, the Variag empire started to fragment. Power of the Khagans diminished until they became mere figureheads dominated by powerful Begs and priestesses of the Variag cult. Revolt of 1622 in Lurmsakûn was followed by even more destructive Nûriag Rebellion in the wake of the Great Plague in 1635.
and fell under military rulers
Deletions:
By the 10th and 11th centuries thousands of free Variag mercenaries were drifting south and west in search of military employment. Qarakhid dynasty of Lurmsakûn which succeeded the Varjevs became entirely dependant on foreign Variag troops. Haradan emirates, which had been in steady decline since the 9th century, fragmented in civil wars and foreign invasions by Gondor and beduin nomads of the Dune Sea. Reduction of Haradan power created a political vacuum which the Variags eagerly filled. As early as III 1011 a Variag general called **Balun-Udo** took over the foothills of Ered Harmal and borderlands of Lurmsakûn and adopted the high-flown haradan title of //utarb e amīr al-umāra//, 'King of kings and commander of commanders', and started raiding deep into Haruze territory.
New Variag nation slowly formed around the control of important trade routes. What had started as bare plunder slowly turned into legitimized taxing. In 1059 the most successful of Variag warlords, clan leader **Tarkhan Udo**, was anointed as **Ovatha II**, the Khagan of Khand. By 1070, he had broken the Asdriag confederation,
with nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities.
By III 1070, the Khazars had broken the Bulgar confederation, causing various tribal groups to migrate and leaving two remnants of Bulgar rule - Volga Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian khanate on the Danube River.
The first significant appearance of the Khazars in history is their aid to the campaign of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius against the Sassanid Persians. The Khazar ruler Ziebel (sometimes identified as Tong Yabghu Khagan of the West Turks) aided the Byzantines in overrunning Georgia. A marriage was even contemplated between Ziebel's son and Heraclius' daughter, but never took place. During these campaigns, the Khazars may have been ruled by Mo-ho-shad and their forces may have been under the command of his son Buri-shad.[7]
They were a brutal and bloothirsty race, a warrior people of great reknown. Khand was united as a nation by khan Ûvatha in the late Second Age. He was a powerful monarch and a long-time ally of Mordor. Natives of Khand were first civilized by Sauron and His dark legacy can be seen in variag culture even today. When Sauron was finally vanquished and his vast empire wrought to ruin by the might of Númenor and Elves, the battered ioriag tribes were free to develop in a way of their own making.
New variag nation slowly formed around the control of important trade routes across Endor. What had started as bare plunder, slowly turned into legitimized taxing, with nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities. Confederation of variag nations was loosely united under one Khagan, but in reality the power was wielded by Begs, generals and tribal chieftains. Khagans of Khand saw their fate as balancing force between East and West, a realm totally independent from others, enriched by trade and defended by her invicible professional variag armies.
Reduction of Mordor created a political vacuum in the Central Middle-earth, which the variags willingly filled. Their success was based on several things...
Revision [3381]
Edited on 2009-10-08 00:52:54 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
The meanings of 'Khand' and 'Variag' are not known and ever explained in any extant chronicles. One possible explanation lies in that several interrelated southeastern languages khand means 'realm' or 'land'. Ancestors of the Variag nation was a confederation of savage warriors and horse-nomads called Ioriags, which inhabited the land during the Second Age. The Ioriag empire was united by legendary king **Ûvatha I**, who later received one of the Nine Rings directly from Sauron. In height of his power, the Deathless First King Ûvatha I ruled over most of the central Middle-earth from Mordor to Palisor.
With the collapse of the Ioriag empire due to defeat of Sauron and internal conflict in the first century, the western half of the Ioriag empire split into a number of tribal confederations, among whom were the Variags, led by the Udo clan, and the Asdriags, led by the Ashina clan. It is likely that the Variag nation was made up of tribes from various ethnic backgrounds, as steppe nations traditionally absorbed those they conquered. They started as mercenaries fighting for Varjev dynasty of Lurmsakûn in Near Harad, as the Haradrim were always in short supply of efficient cavalry. Kingdom of Lurmsakûn controlled most of the land later known as Lower Khand. Control of the caravan trade routes enabled its rulers to mount successful invasions to Arysis and Chyan lands. Victories made Variag mercenaries progressively sought-after.
By the 10th and 11th centuries thousands of free Variag mercenaries were drifting south and west in search of military employment. Qarakhid dynasty of Lurmsakûn which succeeded the Varjevs became entirely dependant on foreign Variag troops. Haradan emirates, which had been in steady decline since the 9th century, fragmented in civil wars and foreign invasions by Gondor and beduin nomads of the Dune Sea. Reduction of Haradan power created a political vacuum which the Variags eagerly filled. As early as III 1011 a Variag general called **Balun-Udo** took over the foothills of Ered Harmal and borderlands of Lurmsakûn and adopted the high-flown haradan title of //utarb e amīr al-umāra//, 'King of kings and commander of commanders', and started raiding deep into Haruze territory.
New Variag nation slowly formed around the control of important trade routes. What had started as bare plunder slowly turned into legitimized taxing. In 1059 the most successful of Variag warlords, clan leader **Tarkhan Udo**, was anointed as **Ovatha II**, the Khagan of Khand. By 1070, he had broken the Asdriag confederation,
with nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities.
By III 1070, the Khazars had broken the Bulgar confederation, causing various tribal groups to migrate and leaving two remnants of Bulgar rule - Volga Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian khanate on the Danube River.
The first significant appearance of the Khazars in history is their aid to the campaign of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius against the Sassanid Persians. The Khazar ruler Ziebel (sometimes identified as Tong Yabghu Khagan of the West Turks) aided the Byzantines in overrunning Georgia. A marriage was even contemplated between Ziebel's son and Heraclius' daughter, but never took place. During these campaigns, the Khazars may have been ruled by Mo-ho-shad and their forces may have been under the command of his son Buri-shad.[7]
With the collapse of the Ioriag empire due to defeat of Sauron and internal conflict in the first century, the western half of the Ioriag empire split into a number of tribal confederations, among whom were the Variags, led by the Udo clan, and the Asdriags, led by the Ashina clan. It is likely that the Variag nation was made up of tribes from various ethnic backgrounds, as steppe nations traditionally absorbed those they conquered. They started as mercenaries fighting for Varjev dynasty of Lurmsakûn in Near Harad, as the Haradrim were always in short supply of efficient cavalry. Kingdom of Lurmsakûn controlled most of the land later known as Lower Khand. Control of the caravan trade routes enabled its rulers to mount successful invasions to Arysis and Chyan lands. Victories made Variag mercenaries progressively sought-after.
By the 10th and 11th centuries thousands of free Variag mercenaries were drifting south and west in search of military employment. Qarakhid dynasty of Lurmsakûn which succeeded the Varjevs became entirely dependant on foreign Variag troops. Haradan emirates, which had been in steady decline since the 9th century, fragmented in civil wars and foreign invasions by Gondor and beduin nomads of the Dune Sea. Reduction of Haradan power created a political vacuum which the Variags eagerly filled. As early as III 1011 a Variag general called **Balun-Udo** took over the foothills of Ered Harmal and borderlands of Lurmsakûn and adopted the high-flown haradan title of //utarb e amīr al-umāra//, 'King of kings and commander of commanders', and started raiding deep into Haruze territory.
New Variag nation slowly formed around the control of important trade routes. What had started as bare plunder slowly turned into legitimized taxing. In 1059 the most successful of Variag warlords, clan leader **Tarkhan Udo**, was anointed as **Ovatha II**, the Khagan of Khand. By 1070, he had broken the Asdriag confederation,
with nation full of trading posts, toll points, caravan organizers and suppliers, and bustling cities.
By III 1070, the Khazars had broken the Bulgar confederation, causing various tribal groups to migrate and leaving two remnants of Bulgar rule - Volga Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian khanate on the Danube River.
The first significant appearance of the Khazars in history is their aid to the campaign of the Byzantine emperor Heraclius against the Sassanid Persians. The Khazar ruler Ziebel (sometimes identified as Tong Yabghu Khagan of the West Turks) aided the Byzantines in overrunning Georgia. A marriage was even contemplated between Ziebel's son and Heraclius' daughter, but never took place. During these campaigns, the Khazars may have been ruled by Mo-ho-shad and their forces may have been under the command of his son Buri-shad.[7]
Deletions:
Ancestors of the Variag nation were Ioriags, savage warriors and horse-nomads.
t is likely that the Variag nation was made up of tribes from various ethnic backgrounds, as steppe nations traditionally absorbed those they conquered.
During the dark years of Second Age, the Ioriag ancestors of Khand were nothing but savage horse-nomads.
Revision [3380]
Edited on 2009-10-07 17:43:26 by SampsaRydmanAdditions:
t is likely that the Variag nation was made up of tribes from various ethnic backgrounds, as steppe nations traditionally absorbed those they conquered.
