Fiction:Oirata Khanate

The Oirata Khanate is a large grouping a families and clans sharing a common language, culture, and ethnicity. It controls a fairly large area across the Northern Regions and Western Forests. Despite being large, however, the government is decentralized, and unstable; At times the Khans where little more than figureheads. At the moment, however, they are ruled by a capable Khan, Temur II.

History
The Oirata as a political entity formed several hundred years ago under a legendary (and probably fictional) ruled named Oirata Khan. Before the unification, the Oirata people where a disorganized grouping of tribes that settled in a small space within there modern boundries. They since expanded under the leadership of the Khanate and went from being a marginalized grouping of primitives to a power that rivals its neighbours.

Government
The Oirata Khanate is controlled by a Khan; A leader with absolute power, descended from the current ruling family. This form of government, however, has very little actually confirming its legitimacy; Adminstration is either basic or nonexistant due to the nomadic nature of the civilization, and power needs to be kept by military force. Weak regimes can face many pretenders to the throne, and at times clans may act on there own, regardless of the Khan's wishes.

Military
The Oirata form of warfare, while not particularly advanced technologically, is very effective. The Oirata military is based on a feudal model; A war leader will raise levies from the able-bodied men, and combine those with the retinues of local nobles. The army, while mainly composed of militia and therefore inexperienced, is vast, and can be levied much quicker then training a professional army. Oirata armies are composed mainly of cavalry, and most of the cavalry being lightly-armoured horse archers. The reason for this army's effectiveness lies in its mobility and speed; The Oirata cavalry can effortlessly flank and harass infantry formations, feign retreats to lure overconfident enemies into an ambush, and, when push comes to shove, use heavy cavalry to outmuscle the enemy in head-to-head fighting. Magic plays some role within these armies, but it is rarely decisive; It is used primarily either in the form of rare magical weapons; Usually used by the greatest warriors or leaders in an army, or by "shamans"; The Oirata answer to magi.

Culture
Oirata culture is centered around the the horse, and its domestication and usage. This is so as the horse is an essential animal for the Oirata on the steppe. Oirata entertainment includes horse archery, knucklebones, and a sort of sport where two small teams of horsemen compete to carry a medium-small ball across a certain line or goal, using sticks to either hit the ball out of the carrier's hand, or the person carrying the ball.

Allies
"Great allies of our people; They are welcome to our lands any time."

Neutral
"State your business, and pray to your gods that we do not raid."

Enemy
"Insolent dogs! Prepare to die!"