There are foreign powers that just for the present are regulated to the sidelines (NPCs) in our stories. Each of these peoples has a walled quarter, alongside the fae quarter, in Iconium and an ambassador who treats with the sublime Emperor. Some have dealings with Faerie as well, but form relations with individual fae kings, not with Faerie as a whole.

Other cultures and socieites beyond these are part of Palaestra, but the three most powerful groups are found below.

The Nomad Nations

One of the greatest mysteries of the world can be found in the Khaimar, the vast desert that lies to the southeast of Iconium. From time to time bands of nomads pour forth from the deserts and raid the lands of the east, some have recently dared to loot the granaries of Lukor, a private holding of the Emperor.Peaceful merchants also venture forth, bringing rich textiles, aromatic spices and most importantly, salt.

The Khaimar seem human, but many mysteries remain about their origin. They too worship a single god, but call prophets of Logos deceivers. The skin of the Khaimarian peoples varies from dark brown to almost blue-black. While startling to many of the people in Iconium and Faerie, these dark merchants are treated with a mixture of fear and awe.

Easterners

In the past few years new people have begun to trade within the empire. They are from far-away lands to the east - beyond the lands of the Khaimar. While their goods are welcome, they are regarded with wary eyes by many fae and humans.

The Akhad

These beast-worshipping humans bring silks and gems in trade for slaves and foodstuffs. They do not openly discuss their faith, but many bear idols of serpents, wolves, and tigers. Some of their ships even bear live animals in their holds --- their screams echoing across the harbor.

The Akhaddian nobles have strong ties to the Emperor. His family controls all of the silk flowing into Iconium and from there, to Faerie.

The Hokuri

Hokuri warriors do not use shields and their holy men carry no weapons, but fight well without them. Their ships trade spices for raw materials. They were once dominated by the Akhad decades ago, but won their freedom - now the two sides seem to have a wary peace.