Kara-Tur: The Eastern Realms is a supplemental sourcebook which expands on the
Forgotten Realms campaign setting,
Kara-Tur, which was first introduced in
Oriental Adventures. Like other campaign supplements,
Kara-Tur serves as an optional opportunity for Dungeons and Dragons players to interact with a "world of Eastern mystery" not previously described in other books. Several of the regions and lore of Kara-Tur are inspired by the locations and history of
East and
Southeast Asia: •
Shou Lung: The oldest, populous, and most prominent state of Kara-Tur, with a bureaucratic, provincial system. Ruled by a central Emperor, Chancellor, and seven ministries. Inspired by the dynastic system and merit-based examination of
Imperial China. • '''T'u Lung''': Founded after a period of civil war within Shou Lung. Similarly to Shou Lung, utilized a provincial system with local governors, though lacked the merit-based system of governance. Inspired by
Imperial China during eras of political disunity, e.g. the
Three Kingdoms period. •
Wa: A feudal military state that occupied one half of the island chains in Eastern Kara-Tur, prior to its devastation during the Spellplague. Ruled by a single shogun, several of his daimyo, and samurai serving under them. The
Path of Enlightenment, a belief system shared with Kozakura, seems to be heavily inspired by both
Confucian and
Buddhist ideals. Inspired by
Feudal Japan (
Heian and
Mid Edo) •
Kozakura: A military-dominated, warring state, with daimyo factions vying for political power. Also follows The
Path of Enlightenment, alongside the Eight Million Gods belief system. Inspired by Feudal Japan, particularly the Sengoku period of political instability. (
Feudal/
Sengoku period). •
Northern Wastes: A diverse, unexplored stretch of land geographically North of Kara-Tur. Home to both native tribes and immigrating tribes from the Plain of Horses.
Shamanism and
Animism inspire the primary belief systems. Inspired by historical
Eastern Siberia •
Tabot: A cold, mountainous region in central Kara-Tur, founded jointly by native tribes and
Path of Enlightenment monks fleeing Shou Lung. Primarily nomadic and reliant on trading. Inspired by
Tibet (Tibetan Empire) •
Koryo: A North-Eastern empire consisting of three associated kingdoms. Tense relations with the neighboring Kozakura, with frequent invasions and wars. Often described as a prideful, defensive civilization. Inspired by
Korea's
three kingdoms period. •
The Island Kingdoms: An archipelago in South-East Kara-Tur. Inspired by
Pre-colonial civilizations of
Indonesia •
The Plain of Horses: Inspired by Historical
Mongolia. •
The Jungle Lands of Malatra: A jungle located in South Kara-Tur, home to three distinct nations: Purang, Laothan, and Kuong. Loosely inspired by pre-colonial civilizations of
Indochina (historical versions of the
Khmer Empire and
Vietnam) as well as the
hill tribes inspired by their Southeast Asian counterparts. ==Publication history==