The Yal

Yal, known as the Horselords, are a barbarous horde that have taken control of what was once the Eternal Empire of Syne. They are a brutal host, dividing up large chunks of the land and serving none save for their own interests.

Origins
The Yal were first recorded as a nomadic band fleeing from the Brumal Path, to the north of Jia. Whatever they fled from, they eventually settled along the Eternal Kingdom’s borders. Though they had a few battles, the Syne were able to repel them with relative consistency. However, as their empire stretched further and they required more assistance, they called on these centaurs to aid them as vassals.

The current Yal khans are often descended from a Syn princess and her centaur husband.

Organization
The Yal are a herd-like people, thus understanding the importance of a collective but not requiring it to the extent that humans might. They agree not to compete with one another directly in most cases and adhere to the commands of their overlord, the khagan. Each leader is known as a khan who controls a swathe of land. A young Yal is expected to claim his own stake if he believes he is capable of doing so, though death may result if he insults the honor of the one whose land he seeks to take.

It is common for the Yal to trade wives among each other, thus ensuring that their sons and daughters share firm bonds to one another. This is seen as a practice picked up from the Syn.

Military
Yal are the best horsemen in Terovin, without question. Exceptional archers, brutally powerful warriors, and devastatingly fierce generals, their sheer strength and ferocity makes them feared far and wide. Their only issue is their difficulty with navigating the sea, which has seem their expeditions shattered several times.

Enemies
They like no one that does not bow to their strength. They do seem fond enough of Or’kati though, perhaps because each recognize strength as one’s only call in life.

Religion
Centaur worship Atesh and Vojna.

Historical Significance
The fall of the Eternal Kingdom likely permitted the Djinn to join the Dread Tumult and certainly caused Kin’u to alter its external policy. Their current presence in the Fallen Empire makes it a dangerous place to visit and those Syn that still live there are captives of their brutal overlords.