Saruta (culture)
Found on the southern reaches of the Night Coast, the Saruta are a nation of spice traders. Their vast markets peddle herbs and spices found only in the rich Pirate Coast, as well as ornate crystal-topped staffs shaped like flowers known as Phulikama. The Saruta historically came to prominence for controlling shipping through the Cayvadaj Strait, building great watchtower cities that charged extortionate tolls for traders to pass. Whilst these cities would eventually grow into trade hubs, they were born as havens of coercion; old tales speak of Sarutan pirates preying on those who avoided their ports.
The Sarutan right to rule is historically determined by who holds the ancient Phulikam of their city, though many noble families have long since consolidated their right to pass it to their sons and daughters to maintain dynastic control. Many families have also produced a series of hierarchal Phulikama, lengthened in size to display greater rank, yet the massive expense of creating such prized artifacts has made the nobility comparatively poor compared to the classes of spice traders.