Dian Empire

Compendium
'As it is widely accepted, the Lalari own the west, but it is the Dian Empire that holds the east -- at least so the humans determine. A true measure of human...propagation, their reach is both impressive and mad, as their new settlements stretch further and further from their capital. I'm sure it is only a matter of time until the Lalari gets nervous enough to take action.

I prefer them to Lalari. I know these reports are meant to remain objective, but, simply put, they're much...well, they like cats. I saw my fair share of dogs in Lalari, as you do anywhere, but the Dianoth? They've cats everywhere! Big ones, and the small ones -- the highborne seem to take some measure of...status from their cats. They keep panthers and lions on golden chains, chains far too weak to subdue such a beast.

To the proper point, then. The Dianoth women seem to always be laden with child; one supposes this is how they supply the vast population required for their incessant new settlements. I saw one woman who had what can only be described as a herd of humanlings trailing her. Each under ten years of age. She was not a lady of a creche, mind, I asked her. They were her own. They followed like ducklings behind her, each under ten years of age. She was not the lady of a creche, I asked. They were her own. They keep slaves I believe -- though that was hard to discern. They prefer to use another word, a kinder word. Still, their slaves seem to have more freedom than the free of Lalari -- Still, if I were a human, I'm certain I'd live alone among trees. I already do!'

-Scout Nender, The Dian Empire 283rd Report