Khandar

Khandar is a region in the world of The Shadow Campaigns. It's capital is Ashe-Katarion. It serves as the primary setting of The Thousand Names.

Geography
Khandar is a desert region south of Vordan across the Demon Sea, with its primary settlements situated along the northern coast and the River Tsel.

Running north through Khandar is the River Tsel, which divides the region's two deserts, the Lesser Desol to the west and the Great Desol to the east. The Tselika Canal separates from the river several miles south of the river's mouth, flowing northeast towards Ashe-Katarion. Following the river south leads to the Southern Highlands. It is unknown how far the region extends in any direction.

Ashe-Katarion is the capital and largest city in Khandar, situated at the mouth of the Tselika Canal. Roughly 100 miles west of the city along the Coast Road is Fort Valor.

Borel has its own colonies south of Khandar

People
There are two groups native to Khandar: the Khandarai, who live along the coast and River Tsel in permanent settlements; and the Desoltai, nomadic raiders living in the Lesser and Great Desol. All native Khandari are distinguished by their somewhat gray skin with the Desoltai having copper-gray skin.

Government
Khandar is ruled by the Prince of Khandar who sits on the Vermillion Throne in Ashe-Katarion.

Prior to the events of The Shadow Campaigns, the prince was temporarily overthrown by the Redemption, resulting in the ruling of Khandar being overseen by an informal council consisting of Grand Justice Jaffa-dan-Iln, General Khtoba, Yatchik-dan-Rahksa (a representative for Vale-dan-Rahksa), and the Steel Ghost.

Following the recapture of Ashe-Katarion by the colonials lead by Colonel Janus bet Vhalnich, Prince Exopter has been reestablished as the ruler of Khandar.

Past
Khandar was first discovered 224 years ago by Captain Vahkerson of Vordan, the Khandarai having already been settled. At some point, Vordan set up a colonial regiment in Khandar which stayed in Ashe-Katarion and trained the Auxiliaries.

Less than a year prior to the events of The Thousand Names, a revolution known as the Redemption arose in response to the Vordanai occupation. Colonel Ben Warus, commanding officer of the First Colonial Infantry Regiment, was soon killed, leaving Senior Captain Marcus d'Ivoire in command. The Colonials retreated from Ashe-Katarion, reaching Fort Valor in a fortnight.

The Thousand Names
A council is held between the various leaders of Khandar discussing the remaining colonials. The Steel Ghost notes Vordani ships had arrived in sight of the coast the previous night. With the arrival of the Vordani reinforcements and their new colonel, Janus bet Vhalnich, the Colonials march towards Ashe-Katarion. The Redeemer host intercept the the Colonials twenty miles west of the River Tsel, but are defeated by the better trained and armed Colonials, despite the Redemption having an advantage in numbers.

Trivia

 * Khandar is geographically reminiscent of Ancient Egypt:
 * Most settlements were situated along the Nile River which flows North to the Mediterranean Sea
 * Eventual colonizers come from North of the sea