1st – 26th day of Summer

1st T’j sends letters to Alm Asalam and Alm Shal’aj. Receives a letter from Ji’alm Prishaj.

2nd Meets with the delegate sent by Alm Asalam.

3rd Reports received that the forces of the South had engaged the North and lost two engagements

4th T’j sends one unit of troops north and another unit east to secure the border and the trade routes. Mil’aj’or is given the command of the troops sent east. Ari’jal is given the command to the north. Both units are given 70 Calvary and 130 infantry.

5th The northern forces take a number of castles from the southern lords

6th Reports come in those slaves from your lands and Alm Asalam are fleeing to the lands of Alm Sepiam to join in his army. He will set them free after 5 years of service. Note he only takes volunteer slaves.

7th One of the coal mines is now operational

8th 20 Calvary from Alm Shal’aj come with an invitation for Alm T’j to meet with Alm Shal’aj in person. These troops will provide the official escort.

9th Receive a letter from Alm Emajal – with news that the Heretic lives.

10th 2000 of the Fist have established a fort on Alm Sepiam’s lands. T’j leaves for Alm Shal’aj accompanied by the escort of Shal’aj, his bodyguard, 50 Calvary, 100 infantry and a further 150 Shawnal. There are also 20 non-combatants – scribes, grooms, personal servants and messengers.

11th Southern forces lift the siege of the main city of Alm

12th Receive word that there have been several engagements between the Shawnal and Alm Sepiam’s forces. These were the result of raids for horses and food. The Shawnal have sent 30 horses of various types to the Orzan.

13th A runner returns to Saer, with a tale of horror in the Whitepeaks area. Before his warning came many of the warriors explored the caves and passages that pock the mountains. Reports of insanity and infighting. A group of 100 Shawnal has been driven into the caves, by their own tribe. These seem to have become almost superhuman and killed 500 Shawnal in a frenzied killing spree.

14th The Fist is now 3000 strong and builds a second fort further inside Sepaim’s lands.

15th Mil’ajar reports that he has recaptured several way stations and outposts from local bandits and declares the roads open and free. He found that the Shawnal were capable fighters and scouts, but did not have the discipline of the regular troopers.

16th T’j arrives at Alm Shal’aj’s palace.

17th Reports the Fist is now 3500 strong. T’j meets with Alm Shal’aj.

18th T’j leaves for the Whitepeaks area.

19th 2000 Fist bolster the forces of Sepaim and clash with the Shawnal at Whitepeaks.

20th Word received that the northern trade routes are being reestablished, there is continued fighting and raids against towns and troops loyal to T’j. Reportedly by renegade sergeants and warriors still loyal to Alm Eral. It is reported that they are receiving help from some of the villages.

21st First load of coal reaches the town of Galala'a. Saer recieves word that Pamorii Yaliya and 150 warriors from the Silver Eels tribe have reached the Barrier Wall and are being prevented from coming up to the Pir’em lands by Cire and his adherents.

22nd 100 infantry have been trained and equipped. This brings the total to 500 infantry and 200 horse.

23rd Letter from Mil’aj’or – the last bandit camp wiped out. The first trade caravan goes through. Sends a letter saying that he has found a flag of a Black Sun on a tan background. Amuari and 200 Two Spears warrior have reached the Barrier Wall and are being held up by Cire.

24th The Fist is at its full compliment of soldiers – 7000.

25th Received a letter from a source of Ijalis – Saip has invaded the territory of the Alms loyal to Ji’alm Jas’caj and Ji’alm Shalar. This opens a new theater of war.

26th The 4000 Fist and 2000 Sepiam's troops near the Whitepeaks. The rest are in reserve two days away. Pamorii Yaliya and Amuari and their people have left the encampment below the wall and are seeking to meet up with Arcor and Irani Nea of the Grey Coyote tribe. Cire has sent a force lead by the Thunder Tribe to stop Irani Nea from reaching Saer and the Orzan. Cire has been reinforced by 1000 Thunder tribe warriors.

26th An assassination attempt on T'j was foiled by three individuals Cira, Telal of The Ozaraji (TheOzaraji?) and Kurai of the Ghost Callers tribe (TheGhostCallers). The would be assassin was a Shadow Mage called Kagnoi?. Furthermore, T'j was presented with a stone spear that Kurai called the Treaty Spear (Kurai found the spear in the chapter IntoTheMountains.) He claims that this spear represents a treaty the Shawnal made with the Kurdrun before the time of the TrailOfTears. Apparently the Kurdrun he met consider the treaty as still valid (TheMageAndTheKurdrun).

Greetings T’j cava’Practla

In the name of Chal the merciful I invite you to visit me at the splendid Sru’ala Raja’mazil before Al’mi’iz’sar is full night sky again. I am most pleased to have the delegation of Alm Asalam join us. Your escort and entourage will find that will have all the room to accommodate them, no matter their origin. I relish opportunity to discuss common goals and find ways to work together as neighbors and allies. Thank you for the effort you have made to maintain peace and consistency on our borders. The renewed presence of your forces is welcome. I sent Captain Hal’am and twenty of my finest to escort you the Sru’ala Raja’mazi. I look forward to our meeting and discussion.

yours, Alm Arami Shal’aj

T’j cava’Pract’la, leader of the Hand of Chal

I want to address you correctly, but I am having difficulty in finding the correct title, but at the moment T’j the Opportunist is the most appropriate. You have usurped the lands from Alm Eral and are acting as Alm, but you are no Alm. With the title of Orzan you lead the Shawnal to Alm Eral’s lands and forced him to abdicate the Alm’s chair to you. Alm Eral chose to stand with me, therefore I am his protector, and I do not condone what you have done. I condemn it. I demand an explanation of you actions and intentions. I will weigh these and then decide what my response will be. I assure that I have the legal and moral right to determine your fate. I also have the means to enforce my decisions.

yours, Ji’alm Prish’aj of the Pajmal Council

T’j

I greet you in the name of Chal. I must congratulate you on your successful bid for power. You struck when the opportunity presented itself. I understand that the coup was relatively bloodless. Although I applaud your boldness, as a Ji’alm and as an ally of Ji’alm Prish’aj I can not endorse your move. Only the blessing of Amam Caj Caval stands between you and condemnation. He believes that you may be the key to settling this war. Therefore I urge you to work with us and move against the forces of the north.

Ji’alm Prish’aj is livid that you stole on of his Alms lands and that he is impotent at the moment to do anything about it. If he could he would descend on you like the Racarcor and sweep you off of the Alm’s Chair. In a time of peace he would have the power, but not now. I suggest that you use this time to consolidate your position and make yourself indispensable to us all.

Ji’alm Emajal of the Pajmal Council

T’j – Hand of Chal

I am saddened and dismayed that my last plea has fallen on deaf ears. Your presence and the Shawnal your are here at your command has created a divide in our ranks. Alms Sepiam and E’pval have found your presence to be so distasteful that their attention is now consumed by eradicating the Shawnal. This has gone so far as to invite the Fist of Chal into their lands to scourge the land of the Shawnal. Knowing this the rest of the southern Alms wonder at your intentions. You have stated that you do not wish to harm us and want peace, yet there is none. Do we stand with you or with Alm Sepiam and E’pval. Until the rift of the south is mended, the north will be able to impose its will upon us. I implore you to give us a signal of your intentions. Action will tell far more about your intentions than your works will. Cast your stone into the sea of confusion so that we may understand. Do so before indecision causes us to move against you.

A supporter of Amam Caj Caval, Alm Hamaij

Forces available

with T’j

at Whitepeaks

Homelands

Shawnal – 4950 warriors (2500 non combatants)

Eastern border patrol

Commanded by Mil’ajor – 70 Calvary, 130 infantry, 200 Shawnal

Northern border patrol

Commanded by Ari’jal – 70 Calvary, 130 infantry, 200 Shawnal

at the Palace

Towns

Rasomari - 45 infantry

Galala’a – 43 infantry

Tir’amam – 62 infantry

Omarali’a – 37 infantry

Castles (Sru’aj) - 30 required at each Castle for minimum defense

Rasam’ar – 55 infantry

Gor’malis – 54 infantry

Sa’imar - 58 infantry

Rasam’lor – 61 infantry

The capabilities of Shawnal

They know and understand the concepts of flanks and reserves. They are exceptionally brave. Function well as scouts and are well versed in ambushing and concealment. In fact a hundred can conceal themselves in almost flat ground. They do not have the discipline of regular soldiers and function and fight as skirmishers would. Fight better against infantry than against Calvary. Able to execute plans drawn up before battle, but are not able to wheel, reform or act a strong unit.

Alm Shal’aj has pledged 300 Calvary in assistance and will meet you at the Whitepeaks in on the 29th

Alm Asalam has pledged 400 Calvary who are on the Southern foothills of the Whitepeaks.

Alm Sepiam's forces

The Fist's forces

Shakar

Starting up your own network is exhausting work, coordinating everyone’s moves, working about the authorities, rivals and your victims creates a paranoid and overworked Tiger ;)

You manage to find the appropriate line of work for all of your men. You placed Ezim (a large one eyed man with the temperament of a wounded bear and a bite as vicious as a crocodile) in charge of Protection/Extortion Rackets. Ciri is small round man with a keen mind and nimble fingers who loves to steal and is the head of the Theft/Smuggling. Jazal is a non-descript person who can blend into any situation whom you have chosen to be the head Spy. It is understood that all report to Mahamat and then to you. Mahamat ensures that they are doing their tasks and are not skimming too much off the top. In all the groups do well.

However, in Cas’lm both Ezim and Ciri have run foul of the Sja’rac’acor (the under-guild) for stepping on their turf. In one situation Ezim killed two of Sja’rac’acor (18th of Lirar’a’mazi) while in another incident one of Ciri’s men was captured, then killed while trying to smuggle out a minor noble (23rd of Lirar’a’mazi). This noble was and is being held for ransom. On the 25th you received a note form The Rizalam of the Sja’rac’acor inviting you to a meeting. Mahamat is suspicious that this may be an ambush.

Your activities are beginning bring in money. You have purchased a three story building from which you can stage your activities. Located on the river in a nastier part of town. It has the following features: a small dock on the river and a door from the dock through the stone wall along the river. Also has a strong basement, from which a concealed door enters a sewer system.

You and your people have spent considerable time tracking and tracing the activities of the Fist. On their journey towards Alm Sepiam’s lands the Fist traveled in groups, anywhere from 20 – 100 people. On their way down river the Fist had help. From harbor masters, captain’s of patrol ships, village folk, monks and various other people. You know that some where paid and others were not. You did manage to identify 14 people who are working as active agents and spies for the Fist along the J’ralja’vami. The snippets of information that was overheard/intercepted gave the Fist knowledge on troop movements, knowledge of sympathizers, whom to bride/blackmail and tactical information on the Alms and the towns of the region.

Lataj was initially reluctant to assist you or join the Tiger Mafia. However, when you showed him the letter and the tattoos his interest piqued considerably. It was further heightened when you managed to arrange visiting rights to the large private library collection of Afalar Or’zoro. He owed you a considerable favor, something about managing to ensure his daughters safety and chastity. Lataj was firmly in your grip when you arranged a meeting between him and the Kurdrun.

As a result, Lataj was able to fashion a necklace that when worn would disguise your features. (I will look into the glasses thing – mind doing some research to determine when glasses were first used etc…) Lataj was also willing to examine the men you had acquired. He is not able to determine a person’s loyalty or emotional state, what he can do is probe a person’s memory. Through this process he discovered that one of the members of the Thieving unit regularly meets with a member of the Governor’s secret police. Several of your smuggling attempts were foiled, and you suspected at the time that inside information was the cause. One of your protection members had a mark very similar to the tattoos literally burned onto his brain.

Lataj did not think that the man remembered getting this tattoo, or has any knowledge of it. Lataj suspects that this may be the ultimate sleeper agent.

One of Lataj’s assistants was able to find out considerable information regarding the words “Arkabalan” and the “Second Prophecy”. The following is a summary of the information he found.

Myronism was founded by the spiritual leader Alys Myron. According to the Myronists Alys Myron found and translated the Arkhabalan prophecies. Once the work was done and verified Alys Myron was overwhelmed and distraught by the accuracy and the future predictions of the Arkhabalan prophecies. As a result she mediated and prayer for three months. In the final months she received several visitations from three being whom she called the Dri'malan (the three guides). These guides taught and instructed her and asked her to record what she learned. She was also charged to spread her message. Initially her words were not headed, but once one of the marker prophecies came to be fulfilled many joined to her cause and adopted her spiritual beliefs. After 60 years the Kingdom called Hurkan adopted the Myronism as an official belief system. However, after two hundred years the might of the Pir'em empire swept over the Kingdom of Hurkan. Initially, Myronism was allowed to continue but over 100 years the Church of Chal became more militant and outlawed Myronism, because both presented two differing ways that Humanity will be saved. Myronism says that Humanity will save itself, while the Church of Chal believes that only Chal can save. At the present time the Myronist are being hunted and destroyed by the Fist of Chal.

The Arkhabalan prophecies predict many things, all leading to the reshaping of the world. This reshaping will destroy all people and their souls. No one will survive, not the souls of the past or those of the future. These prophecies also say that what will be recreated will not have free will and will be slaves to the heavens. The prophecies say that the doom will come because the races have upset the balance of life and the balance between the heavens and the earth. The race’s attempt to master heaven will not be tolerated and the heavens will sweep the world clean to restore the balance.

The Myronist believe that the Dri'malan have said that the Races will destroy themselves. So the Dri'malan have shown the world how to live in balance with the world. They have also shown how to contain the worst accidents/disasters from causing utter destruction. They have also shown the Myronist that they can slow the prophecies down, until all the races adopt a life of balance.

The Death of Quarrain

Quarrain is the scared land

South of earth’s belt and.,

Divided by serpents

Neither of which repents

Wings in the North and Tails in the South

Fire and Venom spat from each mouth

Lo, dangers will come; pride, envy and war

Quarrian will be scarred, ruined, and more.

War will consume the serpents of Quarrian

Each terror will beget another on Quarrian.

Heed and heed well, South and North

Call your priest and soothsayers forth.

Victory will be sought and ruin will be the gain

Yet only the mortals will suffer the pain.

A cloud of death cover will Quarrian

The land will be twisted in Quarrian

Accompanied only by the Fell One=s mirth

Averted by a wall torn from the earth.

A valiant few will contain the dread cloud

Thus for an age Quarrain avoids the funeral shroud.

The serpents reward, extinction

Remembered only as scraps of fiction.

In Quarrian, man will war and man will die

Until the land calls the One God high.

In time, pride will divide the unity

Two lords and priest will mutiny.

In ashes the serpent will return

The valiant few will fall and burn.

The death’s cloud will seep

and very gently creep.

Lo, Quarrian will boil and all will die

By mortals reaching too high.

All souls of Quarrian will be lost

Purged by the fire’s frost.

Lifeless Quarrian will be

Only because we are too free.

I hope the death of Quarrian will teach

All other mortals where not to reach.

This is the translation of the second Khabalan prophecy. The follow three prophecies are considered marker prophecies to trace, verify and clarify this major prophecy. The first two marker prophecies are considered to have already been fulfilled. Only the third is awaited.

It is thought that as each marker prophecy is fulfilled the major prophecy nears completion

In the Gardens of Quarrian

A promise of peace will lure the Black Tail North.

Into the heart of the serpent’s foe.

Treachery will cleave the Black Tail from this earth .

Accusations and denial will fly.

Unjustified war will give wing

Because death was caused by a jealous brother=s heart

Mortals will build a dam, a thin shell

Each stone, prayer and spell

Will stem horror=s tide

Behind that wall, boils the serpents pride

Brave mortal will be told

To die so the wall will hold

A serpents fool

Will unleash this tool

This poor demon will rant and rail

Lo, will kill mortals frail

Priest and Lord

Can not stop this stinging horde

Yet a small hand will bind

This demon kind

Lataj examined the tattoo and the letter. On the tattoo he identified two different scripts, one of which corresponded to the script of the letter. He was not able to identify either script. However, the Krudrun Clanmother remembered seeing something similar at one time and offered to search her archives for such a script. On the 24th she revealed that both scripts are ancient and she suspects from the time of the Dra’carn and the Slith. She was not able to determine which was which nor was she able to translate it yet.

Lataj determined that the tattoos are magical in nature. They serve to bind the person to another and act as a link to an unknown source. He suspects that they allow some sort of long distance communication. He also believes that the tattoos can be used to manipulate or harm the wearer. The magic used to create these tattoos is one part shadow magic and two parts something else.