The collected Armalis letters

m’almis Serafima Armalis

In the name of Chal and his blessed prophet, I wish you happiness and wisdom on your fifteenth birthday. You are an inquisitive and curious child and have asked me many questions over the years. I have tried to answer them as best I could, however Chal in his wisdom has asked that I write you this letter in the hope that your questions might have answers.

I pray that Chal will guide you and lead you as you read these humble words. My words alone will not suffice, however the blessing of Chal can reveal the truth. Forgive me, I revisit lessons that you already know, but the old lessons will provide the foundation for new insight.

As you well know Chal created the world we live on. He created the world, the heavens and the Praj. Chal instructed the Praj to bring his creation alive and then govern and lead it. The Praj created a multitude of life and the world was alive with beauty and wonder. The Praj brought forth the trees, the flowers, the beasts and fishes and the people of this world. However, over time some Praj saw themselves as the creators and believed that they no longer needed Chal. Others remembered who created them and remained faithful to Chal. Thus the heavens were divided and the Praj began to war. Not only did they war in the heavens, they used their creations on the earth as instruments of their struggle. As a result the world was filled with pain, hate and anger, the beauty was destroyed. Chal watched and warned the Praj, but they did not heed his words, and he stopped the War of the Heavens. Chal punished the Praj who betrayed him, and asked those who remained faithful to repair the world. Unfortunately, the Praj were unable to completely heal the wounds caused by hate, pain and anger. The Praj who were forbidden to govern this world continue to wait and snatch the souls of the dead. Chal watched and knew that unless he intervened those the Praj had created would be lost to their pain and hate.

Chal sent his words to his holy prophet I’lam Sil’aj to save the souls of this world. The prophet I’lam Sil’aj recorded the words of Chal into our holy books. Chal charged the prophet I’lam Sil’aj with spreading the word of Chal. It is through our faith and devotion to Chal that we will be spared an afterlife living in the whims of the Dark Praj. If we serve Chal and obey his commandments he will bring our souls to his fold to spend eternity with him. Chal knows that we are imperfect and cleanses us through the holy waters and rites of purity. This combined with a true devotion is all that Chal asks of us.

The Holy Prophet has given us seven paths of righteousness: Truth, Devotion, Steadfastness, Honor, Forgiveness, Action, Proclamation, Walking these paths leads to a holy life that is blessed by Chal.

The Path of Truth may appear to be a simple path. Some say that always speaking the truth is all that this path requires. Yes, speaking the truth is an absolute must. However, knowing what is true is another story. Only Chal knows the absolute truth and only he can reveal that to you. There are many layers truth and deception in this world and we can not always trust ourselves to recognize a falsehood or the truth. Knowing when to ask Chal for guidance is vitally important, especially easily when there appear to be several truths. For example in a conflict between families each may have a story that they know to be the truth. However, neither story will accurately depict the truth as the origin of the conflict is forgotten or twisted with each retelling. Learn to look beyond the immediate and seek to understand, because it is through understanding that you will gain the truth. Prayer and the paths will help you to understand and discern the truth.

The Path of Devotion requires you to acknowledge no other being as you lord and God. Through this path you acknowledge that Chal is the creator of the world and Praj. All life has come from Chal and all creation is in his hands. There are three key stones on this path, Prayer, Cleansing and Fasting. The Prophet’s words say that you must pray twice each day, at Sunrise and at Sunset. These are the ideal times and I know that it is not always possible, but praying twice each day is necessary to keep you on this path. At least once each cycle of the moon everyone is required to go through the rites of purity. These rites will wash away your transgressions and prepare you step back on the Paths of Righteousness.

The Path of Steadfastness will be part of all aspects of your life. Steadfastness includes loyalty to Chal, family and friends, staying on the Paths of Righteousness, staying on the course you have begun, keeping your word, and staying within your capabilities. As you are required to stand behind your loyalties, actions and words, you must be careful in what you do. If you act without thought or chose unwisely you must keep to your choices and live with the consequences that result. Therefore do not act without haste or without reason, do ensure that you can live with your choices and then chose and walk on the Path of Action.

The Path of Action states that once you have decided upon a course of action, do not hesitate and do not delay. Pour your mind, body and soul into your task knowing that you have made the right choice. Cast your doubts and fears and aside and act. If you walk on the Paths of Righteousness have faith that your choices are good and right. Only your fears and doubts will stop you from accomplishing your task.

The Path of Honor. To many misuse this path to justify petty revenge and ignoble actions. The Path of Honor asks you to do those things which will reflect well upon you and those who stand with you. Honor is different from pride and many mistake the two. Your honor is a result of how you walk the Paths, and how your deeds reflect your words. Pride is petty and is concerned with insults, slights, and a desire to be in the right. Honor does ask you to care how those you give your loyalty are treated. Honor also requires that you rectify mistreatment and misfortune. As part of the Alms family your Honor extends to those who serve you, thus you must ensure their well-being.

The Path of Forgiveness is a simple concept but often difficult to practice. Some avoid this path and do not forgive. Others forgive all and will not address wrongs. Forgiveness is the act of putting aside anger and hate and dealing with a misdeed with grace and equity. You are expected to seek a justifiable outcome to a misdeed or crime, but do not act from your own pain. In many cases the justice can be left to the Laj’al Order of Priest whose role it is to provide justice. There are occasions that outright forgiveness is desirable and good, especially if forgiveness will bring good to the person who is being forgiven.

The Path of Proclamation asks that you do not ever deny your faith in Chal, no matter the outcome, because Chal is your salvation and by denying him you cut yourself off from Chal. The Path of Proclamation also requires you to spread the word of Chal to all who do not know the message of salvation that the holy prophet I’lam Sil’aj has given to us. You also show your faith by attending the biweekly call to prayer. At the public prayer one can gain guidance and strength from other believers and servants of Chal. However, as a leader of a people your presence at the prayers will strengthen your people.

Serafima use the Paths to guide you in life and strengthen you when you are face with difficult choices. You may not know what is in store for you, but your actions and decisions will act not only your, and your family, but also the people you govern. I know that it may appear that you do not govern or lead, but you do. While your father has the title and will pass it to your brother, in fact your whole family has the title. Each member of your family will be obeyed by your folk and they will look to you for direction. You also lead by example.

I pray that these words my help you in your quest of life and your journey of discovery, I am your humble servant of Chal,

cha’zul Tatir

'a Mi’Alm Alexanjar

My dearest cousin Alexanjar I write to you with a heavy, saddened heart. It seems that Chal has chosen to take my father to his care. He fell in the defense of our lands.

The war to the south is a slow retreat, but a steady retreat none the less. The goal is to stall Ji’Alm Saip’s invasion until the rains. When the rains come we will have time to raise more troops. I am resupplying the troops with food and arms. I urge you to send what weapons and armor you can. Arrange to have them sent to Ciral’iraj. My thanks.

I pray that you find success against the powers of the Dark Praj. Until we hear news of my brother, you and I are all that guard our people.

With Chal’s blessing

'im Ij’mal’ail Hijai’ail Armalis

a' Mi’alm Alexanjar Armalis

May Chal keep you and guide you. Thank-you for your letter and warning. Although I have not heard of such creatures in this area, the news troubles me. I have arranged to send more troops. My captain has assured me that 20 more riders will be at your disposal with days of recieving this letter.

There has been no threat to my family, myself. Zur’mali, our Saj’ji’am, has not percieved any threats either. So dispite his protest that I need his protection I am sending Zur’mali to you, so that he can combat the unnatural presence on our lands. The lands are far more important than the life of one man, as it is the land that sustains the Armalis family, not me.

Thank-you for keeping me informed. Sarah sends her greetings and wishes you Chal’s blessing.

'im Ij’mal’ail Hijai’ail Armalis

'a My Alm,

Those which we are seeking have been shown to me in a dream. My father came to me last night and showed me a location not far to the South of here. Two lands are threatened from this position. My scouts have ridden this morning to confirm what I already know. I know that this must sound strange to you, but we need to take immediate advantage of this sign from Chal. Uruz'Ali should be the rallying point and I ask that any strength we have to be diverted here.

We must trust in Chal's guidance in order to grasp victory. I will track our objective and gather any information I can, this I shall forward to you. You have entrusted the command to me, and I repeat my call for haste, or our advantage will wither. We will not fail.

'im Alexan'jar

'a Alm manasseh,

Greetings to you, and thank you for the courtesy you showed my sister in her recent visit, the supplies you traded with us have helped in securing the defeat of the dark P’raj that plagued our land. Although, I fear that this is not the end of our troubles.

My Father has been slain in the conflict to the south, a conflict that grows ever closer to our own borders, he died bravely taking many of Saip's men with him. As a result of the last major battle, we have learned a number of Saip's men have slipped past the line to the South and now occupy an area within days of our borders. It is because of this I write to you.

I have met with Alm Ij to discuss our options, and we believe that we must make a stand against Saip's unholy incursions Northwards. I plan to meet his rogue force on the field and destroy them utterly as a show of Chal's justice. I know that we are destined to victory because last night my father came to me in a dream and revealed the position of Saip's forces. I know not why I have such dreams, I only know that I trust this information with my very being.

I have sent scouts to confirm the position of Saip's men, and the Armalis family mobilizes its strength even now. I speak with such candor to you because Seraphima has conveyed your message of support in our cause to me. This force threatens both of our lands and I urge you to prepare you defenses against attack. When I have gathered more information I will send word, and I hope that you will be able to lend aid to the battle, so that we may show Saip the true strength and unitedness of our people. Chal's justice knows no borders.

'im Alexan'jar ail Armalis

a' Mi’Alm Alexanjar’ail Pamal’ail Armalis

I pray that Chal continues to bless you as he has in the past. I also pray that you have been chosen by Chal to defend these lands, as the stories and tales of the folk tell.

The number of standing calvary in the Alm’s fortress, Casi’asi Sru’aj is 30. The Alm’s captain assures me that 20 more are soon to be ready. The number of guards and watchmen stands at 100 and 80.

The northern garrison has 20 infantry and 5 riders.

Ciral’iraj has 5 calvary and 30 infantry.

Faro’na’var has 5 riders and 15 infantry

I have scoured the lands and suitable men are coming in. Some even have ridden horses before. I suspect that I can raise a force of 40 riders (of passable competance), as well as more infantry. The infantry will be easier to train. However, the training will take time, approximately 1 moon cycle.

Chal bless you and give you more patience than I possess,

Your servant, Feran

'a Mi’Alm Alexanjar Armalis

I regret to inform you that my force which was to threaten and harass the enemy has been cut in half. Initially the force had undertaken several successful forays to prevent an enemy force from looting supplies. On the fourth time my force was ambushed and set upon by a Chal’less creature. At first there was nothing there, then the boulders, logs, uprooted trees, and parts of dwellings flew to a single point. To our shock and horror the debris began to define the shape of a monstrous ape. This creature was as tall as six men, all of its body parts were made up of stones and wood. All of the parts hung loosely together, bound by an unseeable force that can not be of Chal. It smashed into men and horses with such force that is indescribable. Fifty men perished that day and many more were gravely injured. Only through Chal’s grace were not more slain.Other men said that a similar creature attacked the keep and allowed the attackers to breach the gates.

This letter is a warning of the power of the foe we face. I fear that I was to arrogant and filled this thoughtless righteousness. Chal has shown me my errors. I will continue to support you as best as we can, although I fear you will be our salvation well before I will be yours.

I pray that the Path of Righteousness will be enough to preserve us

Your servant,

'im Alm Manasseh?

'im Ij’mal’ail Hijai’ail Armalis

I do not know how to begin this letter to you my brother; that which I never had conceived of happening, has. What you read on this page may sound beyond belief, but I urge you to regard my words with the utmost of gravity.

As you know, we have until now offered great resistance to Saip’s raiding force, however, the more we learn of them and their cause, the more I fear there is a darkness to their plan the likes of which has never been seen in these lands. I cannot spare the words to enlighten you to the exact nature of our foe, save that Saip has sent many servants of the Dark Praj, for an unknown purpose.

At first I believed that this raid was nothing more than a strategic incursion, bent on sewing fear and confusion, and perhaps taking a stronghold deep within our lands. It has come clear to those of us who have opposed this enemy that they hope to gain much more than that. We have come to believe that beneath the mine which we draw ore from, lies an ancient mystery, a dark secret that Saip has tapped within his own lands and now seeks control of at this site

My Sister, my Men, and the people of this area have all been touched by the horror that walks our lands... be it the crazed praj warriors that even now control the mine and Manasseh’s most NorthEastern? Sru’aj, the creatures woven of sja, sand, and death that scale our walls seeking only to end our lives, or the twisted mji’am that control spells of such might that they may breach a Sru aj’s walls or bring forth an unnatural storm from the skies to scatter those that would defend their lands.

Chal will help those who do not make themselves helpless... it is with this in mind that I take the following steps: I shall order our Sru’ aj abandoned, leaving behind only a base force and many traps for the occupiers. I shall send those who are without shelter to your arms, along with a caravan of goods from our family’s keep and this message. We will keep the bulk of our Cavalry within the rajimmi, cutting off the enemies’ supplies, sabotaging his actions, and relaying intelligence to our allies. Finally, I will lead a group of men and my sister into the long abandoned caverns in the hope of finding that which Saip seeks before he does. We shall enter with Chal as our shield, we will exit victorious or we will not exit at all.

Take these words and act as you will with them. I would suggest this information would be of extreme interest to both the Cha’zul and the Sja'ji'am, for within their clasped hands, perhaps an answer may be found.

'im Alexan'jar