Kihoa
Semi Nomadic Horsemen and Women
There are three main aspects to the Kihoan province. The central trade settlement formed years ago when the region was still untamed after which the province takes its name, the settled peoples in the lands near to Kihoa city made up of tribes which roam during the fertile months and retreat to the city during the harsh months and the Kihoan nomads who still live a life similar to the one that would have existed when Kihoa was first settled. The climate in Kihoa is one of extremes with burning summers and icy winters. Tradesmen and women who live by producing goods that the nomadic and semi-nomadic people of the region will trade for food and materials. The semi-nomadic people are essentially herdsmen who take advantage of the shelter of the city to survive the hardest days of each year and the true nomads are those who live outside the walls all year around returning once or twice a year for the great markets to trade for things that they cannot produce themselves. The most famous product from the nomadic Kihoans is the Kihoan Desert Horse, a breed famed for its sturdiness, loyalty and warlike nature.
There is only one permanent settlement of any note within the Kihoan province and Kihoa city is considered to be almost as civilised as su'ndi capital city itself. Women and men are present in all vocations and both hold positions of authority. The Anass House currently holds the Governorship and has held it for many generations. For this reason the Anass Eagle has become the symbol of the City. They have a hands-off approach to the provinces rulership and this has probably helped to keep the region stable considering the individualistic nature and mixed tribes which make up the population. The city lives on trade and everyone within the city is involved in it. Haggling is almost considered to be a national sport and the people are considered to be clever, confident and individualistic.
The nomadic and semi-nomadic people occupy the areas around the city and the tribes distance from the city is a good indicator of how nomadic and old-fashioned the tribal House is likely to be. It is the lifestyle of these tribal people that shaped much of the provinces traditions and expectations. Within the tribes men and women are both expected to participate equally and as a result the Kihoan people are one of the toughest of all the peoples within the su'ndi empire. Even the city dwelling Kihoans are devoted horsemen and women. It is said that a Kihoan tribesman would give his last drop of water to his horse rather than drinking himself. The Kihoan people tend to view themselves as Kihoans first and Su'ndi second - afterall the empire never did conquer them.
The tall, dark skinned population is estimated at 60,000 but with the nomadic nature of many of the tribesmen and the most unknown people in the untamed tribes this number is probably wildly innaccurate. Many of the tribes consider it perfectly normal to raid each other and the surrounding provinces and the untamed tribes in particular constantly trouble trade and individual safety within the wide open expanses of the province. As a result the military tends towards a mobile flanking design although the city itself hosts the quality infantry you would expect from such a proud people. The region has a standing Infantry of approximately 2000, a city guard of approximately 500 and 2000 cavalry that are considered to be worth at least half again that number. They do not field a navy as they have no waterways to protect.
Clothing wise the Kihoan people have a strong cultural dress consisting of trousers (or a distinctive split skirt for the less active women), a nehru and a sash several yards long that is wrapped multiple times about the body. They tend to prefer earthy colours.
