Khand

Khand, a rugged land of rolling steppes and arid plains, lies southeast of Mordor and serves as a critical corridor between the east and west. Its people, the Variags, are fierce and nomadic, known for their swift horses and deadly curved blades. Living in a harsh environment, they have honed their skills as raiders and warriors, often clashing with their neighbors and serving as mercenaries for the highest bidder. Khand's allegiance has long been courted by the Dark Lord, and many of its warriors have ridden to war under the shadow of Mordor. Yet the Variags are a proud and independent people, loyal first to their clans and chieftains, who rule from fortified encampments scattered across the windswept plains.