Yung Shai
Yung Shai is an isolated kingdom in the northern part of Syra. Fiercely independent, foreign traders are rarely permitted to do business more than a few miles within their borders. It is rarer still that any outsiders, save those on diplomatic business, are allowed within their capital of Shai-Tenghar.
Yung Shai is ruled by the Mandarin, a hereditary ruler who wields absolute power. Though most Mandarins have held the best interests of Yung Shai foremost in mind, there have been more than a few who seriously abused their power; most of their rules ended violently, often precipitating dynastic changes in the process. Yung Shai is currently ruled by Mandarin Ru Lang Shin, of the Ru Dynasty.
Yung Shai's army is predominantly - though far from universally - female. The upper echelons, the samurai, are largely drawn from the nobility. Traditionally, most female children who are likely to neither inherit nor be betrothed to other houses are trained in combat from an early age. When they become old enough to bear children they are encouraged to find husbands and do so, returning after a few years to complete their training; it is the husbands' duty to raise the children while their wives defend Yung Shai from its enemies, and considered a great honor for both.