Here we have the political situation as regards the Comanate Empire and its immediate vicinity.
The bright pink is the area that is directly controlled by Comana, the light pink areas are tributary to it.
Comana's greatest rival is the kingdom of Attarisyas, shown in green. The light green areas are tributary to Attarisyas.
To the north, the blue islands of Shutarna, Shinukhtu, and Shaushka pose no particular threat to either of their larger neighbours, though they are each powerful enough to maintain their independence.
To the east, the mottled island chain of Urukhtu is an unstable mish-mash of tribes, both human and not, in a more or less constant state of conflict and constantly shifting alliances. It has, in the past, been the object of military expeditions from both Attarisyas and Comana, but with little to show for them.
The dark brown areas are politically unimportant, being for the most part tiny tribal territories and petty kingdoms.
To north and south of the map above are
....the lands of the ice and snowAhem. Quick Led Zeppelin discursion there.
From the midnight sun where the hot springs flow
The hammer of the gods
Will drive our ships to new lands
To fight the horde, sing and cry
Valhalla, I am coming
Anyway, both north and south (off the map as shown) are the homes of fierce, warlike barbarians, sea-raiders who fight among themselves and prey on the sea-lanes and coastlines of the civilised lands. They also frequently appear as mercenaries in the armies of all the major powers in the area. They are more of a nuisance than a threat to the empire and its neighbours, mainly because of their disunity.... however, if they could ever combine under a suitably charismatic leader, they could become a real problem.
