Kirman

Kirman, although technically part of Persia, has a history of remaining virtually independent. The Ghuzz had ruled the region since invading across the desert fifty years ago, but their authority has disintegrated under their notorious inability to be ruled themselves, and the Ghuzz have entered into the ranks of the Khwarazm-shah's army, which now occupies Kirman.

Kirman is mostly steppe and semi-desert, and is famous for its oranges, dates, and pistachios. It is the home to several secretive communities of Mazdeans, who try to not draw attention to themselves, for they have been heavily persecuted in the past. A quarter of the province is taken up by the Jabal Kufs, mountains found to the south of the Dasht-i Lut.

The city of Bardasir is an important trading center, set between the west of Persia and Khurasan. Outside the town

The Jabal Kufs are occupied by Balu tribesmen who are greatly feared by the Persians. Travelers' tales recount that they use rocks to stone their victims to death in order not to needlessly blunt their swords. They are rumored to need neither food nor drink, and to have the tireless nature of their war-camels. The Balu detest the Ghuzz, but consider them worthy enemies to use their swords upon.

The Balu have a strong dose of Jinni Blood (Chapter 3: The Jinn), and very often have the Greater Immunity to Thirst Virtue. They are usually accompanied by their jinn kinsmen on their raids, and they have wise men who possess Faerie Summoning and Bonding (see Realms of Power: Faerie, pages 131–133). Their war leaders are occasionally bonded to desert or mountain jinni, allowing them access to their faerie powers.

When the lion-shah hears that the lions of Kamfiruz in Fars (see Istakhr, earlier) are being persecuted by the local emir, he asks the characters to protect them, and if possible, bring them to Jiruft so that they may be safe. In return, he offers his gratitude and that of the lions; this could prove a valuable commodity to a sahir or to an animal trainer.

on a very tall hill is the provincial governor's palace, set amid lush gardens. The city is guarded by a second fortress at the gate, and a third castle overlooks the houses from the center of the city. Despite all this military might, Bardasir was still sacked during the Ghuzz invasion, and it has been overtaken by Sirjan in importance.

This city lies on the Div Rud — the "Demon River" — that thunders with such force that waterwheels throughout the city supply power to the processing of indigo, cotton, and grain. The forests around Jiruft are home to lions, and the city is under siege from the fierce creatures. Anyone approaching the city must brave the deepshadowed forests, and trade with the outside has dried to a trickle in recent years. The lions of Jiruft are ruled by a jinni, who took over the pride about a decade ago. Since he extended his glamour over the forest of Jiruft it has acquired a Faerie aura, and the lions have become mildly Warped in the process.