Only a small portion of the rolling plains inhabited by nomadic mixed Baklunish/Suhfeng tribes falls within the Flanaess. The part which is on that portion of the continent is sometimes nearly empty of human life, and at other times it is reported to swarm with horsemen. These nomads move out of the Dry Steppes region when summer makes the area an arid waste, and return there in the rainy season. Of course, the Uli tribe of Ull has a permanent territory and the northern parts of the plains are held by the more civilized states bordering the Dramidj Ocean. These horse nomads are poorly armoured but very mobile troops. The most lightly protected wield short, powerful horn bows and light curved swords, while the remainder employ light lance and mace or flail. The western states such as Ket, Tusmit, and Ekbir will often employ forces of mercenary Ulakandar nomads against each other or other marauding nomads.