Timeline

[Volsung]

Timeline
1105- The Brothel War.

1110- The Yodotai encounter the Sheel and peacefully absorb them.

1128- Drought strikes the Senpet Empire, Senpet become allies of the Immortal Caliph.

1130- The Senpet encounter and conquer the Scorpion. The Moto ride to the aid of the Scorpion, the Senpet-Moto War begins, Battle of the Moto Oasis.

1132- The Shattering of the Jewel, The Awakening, Death of the Immortal Caliph and the Old Man of the Mountain, Death of the Jinn Lord Kaleel, Death of the Silver Tongue. Shinjo awakens and leads the Moto and Scorpion east. Adira named Caliph, Shala takes command of the True Daughters of the Mountain.

1138- Duqaq’s House of Astronomy is completed and opens as a school of learning controlled by the Qabal. As a result, the Qabal has a sudden influx of new applicants.

1139- Shandor, largely through 'gifts' to her rivals, takes control of the Caravan of Commerce. She immediately puts into place several rather dramatic changes to rebuild the state of her people after the Awakening that make her less than popular, though their efficacy cannot be questioned.

1140- The Senpet-Yodotai War begins. Effendi steps down as Sultan, his son Shafi becomes Sultan.

1151- The Jackals ally themselves with the Cult of Ruhmal. Mendi-Duad returns to the City and gains a seat on the Council of Twelve.

1152- Disease sweeps through the Caravans, reducing their numbers and setting back recovery. The swift and virulent nature of the plague, as well as the lack of omens, make some believe that the plague may have been a powerful curse. The Caravan of Mysticism spends months seeking the source but to no avail.

1155- Adira steps down as Caliph, Her son Puja becomes Caliph. Meskhenet forms the Senpet Guerrilla Fighters. Lucius Julius Antonius becomes Praefectus Praetorian.

1156- Purge of the Cult of Ruhmal. Faris is overthrown as Head of the Qabal, Amru takes his place.

1160- Battle of the Last Cataract. The Senpet Empire falls, Pharaoh Hensatti dies, the Senpet Rebellion forms, led by Keseth. Galerius is assigned as Governor of Senpet lands

1163- Aurelian dies, Decimus becomes ruler of the Yodotai.

1164- Plaman, with an unprecidentedly high percentage of the vote, takes control of the Caravan of Entertainment. The Ra'Shari of that Caravan celebrate by putting on week-long feasts of unbridled joy. Nine months the number of members have a massive upswing.

1165- Haroun is revealed when he assassinates Jamilah. The fight between the Qadaam and the True Sons and Daughters of the Mountain begins. Senpet form government in exile at Medinaat al-Salaam. The Yodotai Garrison is completed, the Fifth Legion moves in and prepares to call the place home for the foreseeable future.

1167- Release of the “Desert Nights”. Adira dies, Shala dies, Faida takes command of the True Daughters of the Mountain. Phyrrus travels to Rokugan with a group of honor guard. He returns shortly afterwords with word that the heir of Duqaq was dead, and that Rokugan had let him die.

1168- Shafi steps down, his son Haidar becomes Sultan. The Caravan of Entertainment craft a symphony to celebrate the event that is well received throughout the city. Every year since, on the anniversary, a series of plays occurs within the city, with the Entertainment Caravan playing a new piece every year.

1169- All contact with the Ivory Kingdoms lost. Ebonite force lead by Valor heads into the Ivory Kingdoms. Refugee caravans begin to trickle into the city. The Monkey Man, Fatina, and Master Saleh head to Rokugan, searching for a method to kill a god. I’timad becomes head of the Qadi.

1170- For the first time since the Awakening, all the caravans which make up the Caravan of Mysteries gather in one place. They remain for two weeks at a secret oasis in the desert beyond the Jewel and when they depart, it is with Ichefka as their leader. While the Yodotai fleet is moving to intercept a group of pirates along the coast, a freak storm rises up and smashes the vast majority of the fleet to tinders along the jagged coastline. Thousands of Yodotai are lost in the incident. It is a rather crushing reminder that the Mighty and Merciless Sea has not forgotten them.

1171- The Destroyer War in Rokugan begins. Many Ruhmal refugee caravans arrive in the City this year. The Joth, a group of nomads that have usually been little more than a nuisance grow in power as they attack the caravans and steal valuables.

1172- Master Jalila is murdered. Flavius Marcius Balbus is assassinated. Scipio is raised to Legate of the Yodotai garrison. A massive Sandstorm, the likes of which has not been seen in centuries, scours the Burning Sands. The City-State of Khalis is wiped off the map completely by the event and several oasis are lost to the sands forever. The shifting of dunes radically changes several trade routes and previously undiscovered ancient ruins are uncovered.

1173- The last refugee caravan arrives in the City. All contact with the Ebonite Expedition is lost. After several incidents concerning Rokugani Wakizashis, legislation is passed to to consider the wakizashi to be a knife for legal purposes so Rokugani will be allowed to carry them in the streets. The charismatic Scipio convinces the City to allow Yodotai soldiers to walk the city walls. His original suggestion of allowing Yodotai soldiers to keep the peace in the city itself is unanimously rejected. After a campaign of months and a duel with the current holder of the title when the older man, Lesko, refuses to step down, Emelian takes the position of Caravan Master over the Caravan of Memory.

1174- Of the fifty men Phyrrus left in Rokugan, 3 return to the Burning Sands, reporting that the rest fell in various battles and from the kindness of their hosts. They bring a wealth of information on Rokugan back to the Yodotai.

1175, Summer- The Tirkak delegation sent to the City is killed just outside the gates by a group of white-masked men who flee into the sands afterwords. Word begins to spread across the city that the Tirkak were here looking for a manuscript that will lead to vast riches and power. Each faction begins gearing up to look for the manuscript themselves.

[Volsung]

1175

Sha’ban, 1175
Events of City of 1000 tales

Ramadan, 1175
The month opens with battle. The first of potentially many as the Ebonite led task force to rescue the refugee caravan is met by a small force of Kali-Ma’s forces. Led by two Principles and the Legate of the Yodotai, the task force manages to overcome the demon armies of Kali-Ma and rout Ramil’s forces, which include one of the dreaded Progeny of the Destroyer, which is slain by Judgement and Valor. The task force does suffer significant losses however. Spread out among four groups, the losses to any one are not bad, but they are felt all the same. The remaining Ebonite Task Force, including the long missing Valor return to their fellows among whispers that something greater was hidden in that refugee caravan. Something that Kali-Ma wants. Scipio is badly injured during the fighting and spends a month in recovery before returning to the spotlight, a slightly weaker man. The Ebonite Principles are finally reunited. The fighting begins to be referred to as the Battle of the Last Caravan.

Just a few weeks later, the underworld begins a reign of blood as the power vacuum left by the death of the Monkey Man is vied for by his various surviving lieutenants. Fatina takes control of the Soul of the Slayer and uses it to create a powerful right-hand man to assist her in taking over the Jackals, giving her a leg up in the ensuing fight. The underworld fighting begins to pick up.

The reported death of Keket proves to be real, as by the end of the month none have claimed to be him. Keseth and Bekhten quickly move to stifle Toth’s Servants and bring them back into the fold. They meet sharp resistance by most of Keket’s followers, who truly believe that Keket’s ideals were correct and that Keseth has betrayed them. They also face resistance from Scipio, who wants to see the rebellion split for as long as he can. The reunification promises to be an arduous process.

Shawwal, 1175
Before Zahir and Faris can commit to their duel, Amru steps in, using her executive power to get both men to stand down. Both masters are furious with Amru for stepping in, though Zahir eventually cools enough to back Amru again. Faris, on the other hand, spends more time hidden away in the secret vaults of the Qabal, studying something that he keeps hidden from all.

As House Menjari suffers from some financial attacks on multiple fronts, House Basiri announces that has made progress on expanding their trade routes with the people of Rokugan. Before the Menjari can get too excited by this news, House Basiri announces that it is leaving their alliance with House Menjari and forming a bond with House Haffit. House Mendadi soon after confirms that they are joining the Basiri alliance. There are no more neutral parties in the Dahabi conflict.

After long negotiations with the city, the Yodotai are granted permission to post their soldiers on the city streets and assist in enforcing law within the city. The tilting point is when the still bandaged Scipio arrives in the Palace to argue himself, pointing out the men he lost and the injuries he sustained in defending the city. The Ebonites back the motion and the city finally caves, allowing the Yodotai to take on city guard duties in small numbers, under the eye of a veteran city guard or Ebonite, and keeping them out of the Senpet district.

Dhu al-Qa’da, 1175
The Ra’shari hold a gathering of the caravan leaders to discuss the events of the last few months. The Caravan of Memory’s success as the Battle of the Last Caravan gives them quite a bit of capital to work with in their argument against fleeing the city and in the end the Caravan masters agree to maintain their presence in Medinaat al-Salaam.

After word of increased ties between House Basiri and House Scorpion, many other Dahabi houses and independent merchants send a flood of requests for permission to enter Rokugani territory to sell their wares. The Empress considers this request, but after a month of consideration, with several clans all arguing both for and against this arrangement, she finally decides against opening Rokugan to gaijin, keeping to tradition in the face of need, winning her a great deal of support among the Crane, Lion, Phoenix, and Crab.

The expansion of the city is put on hold for several days as the Sultan and the Caliph’s Son argue and bicker about how to best time the finishing of one section of wall and the beginning of the next. The matter nearly comes to a Tahaddi duel before Puja finally steps in, much to the thanks of City Officials. Though Haidar is not happy that the Caliph stepped into his affairs, the matter does not seem worth fighting over yet.

Dhu al-Hijja, 1175
Decimus announces that he will take the title of Emperor to mixed responses from across the Empire. The ending of the Second Great Crusade is a momentous occasion that is met with cheers by some and annoyance by others, but the military continues to support Decimus and Lucius. Giving the newly minted Emperor the imperative he needs to the capital and sit upon the throne that has sat empty for so long. Reaching Octavion, arguments between Gnaeus and Lucius begin almost immediately as each man jockeys for position before the Emperor and the Empire at large. The more established Gnaeus seems to be winning most of these arguments however, and thus far few things seem different in Octavion as the First Consul expertly dances around the military.

Faida makes a concerted effort of moving into and taking control of the long disused Hidden Keep of the Assassins. Though she faces tough resistance from the Qadaam and the Qadi, the True Daughters and Sons of the Mountain manage to hold on to the keep and turn it into a powerful stronghold in the midst of enemy territory.

Master Hani al-Hazaad makes a sudden turn away from her previous turn towards Traditionalist agendas when, during a meeting of the leadership of the Qabal, she begins blasting Faris’ policy decisions. Faris is not present for the meeting, as he continues to be locked away in the secret vaults. Her actions throw doubt on Traditionalist control of the Masters of the Seal.

The Ra’shari, deciding to battle Kali-ma more directly, form a new multi-caravan scouting expedition to keep an eye on the Destroyer’s activities to the south. The group is led by one of the Caravan of Commerce’s up-and-comers, Orsko, and suffers from numerous problems as the Ra’shari, despite being from the same culture, and not used to having to deal with members of other caravans for long periods of time. Nor are they particularly well suited for the regimentation that is required of them.

[Volsung]

1176

Muharram, 1176
With the former Senpet lands deemed safe, more Yodotai Patricians begin to move into the area. They are fascinated by the culture they had conquered, and though they are not militarily trained, the Senpet soon realize the dangers of having Patrician guests as they quickly begin to show that it is not just in matters of military where the Yodotai are a capable empire.

The battle between the Assassins suddenly explodes as Lamia makes an attempt on Haroun’s life. The Guardian of the Seventh Gate misses her mark by the breadth of a hair, and manages to escape despite Haroun’s best efforts. The attack is an all too close reminder for Haroun that he has enemies that must be eliminated and the Assassin Civil War begins in earnest.

Safar, 1176
After six months of relative peace among the Senpet, the resistance seems to be unified behind Keseth once again. The Leader of the Rebellion took several actions to support Mesta in her actions and cut off any support that any new rebel leaders could attempt to take. He had made a mistake in letting Keket have as much power as he had, it was not a mistake he would make again.

Rana al-Enour and Ibtisam al-Hazaad meet for a clandestine meeting concerning their alliance, and are assaulted by a troupe of Menjari enforcers. It is the most overt move of a battle that had mostly been commercial up until this point and the battle for control of the Dahabi houses quickly expands into a Shadow War with blood seeping into the alleyways. Combined with the secretive fighting that was already going on, the blood begins to become more apparent to the city at large.

A Qadaam trained assassin manages to sneak into the Qadi headquarters and attack I’timad. The assassin is slain, but the Qadi are brought more directly into the battle between the Assassins faction that they had been attempting to avoid.

Rabi al-Awwal, 1176
Events of Burning Jewel take place. The more immediate fallout from the Camel Race becomes apparent as Al-Hashan and his large and well connected family throw their support behind the Qadi.

Whispers among the peasant merchants of Rokugan on how good the merchants of the Jewel have it begin to grow.

Rabi al-Akhir, 1176
Roshani bint Ibrahim puts out a piece reminding the city of who the first Assassins truly were, fearful indeed, terrifying to behold. But also the first to take the fight to the Immortal Caliph for the good of the City. The public support in response to this sets the True Daughters on good footing. Meanwhile Bayushi Katagiri’s support for their assistance to him during his stay pays dividends to the True Daughters and the Blood-Red Tigers, driving the war to further grow out of hand. Katagiri meanwhile returns to Rokugan with Yogo Rin no Tansaku’s wakizashi and begins the search for a new daimyo of the small vassal family.

Faris ibn Irfan makes a surprise departure from the city with only a few of his closest advisors. No one is told precisely where the man is off to, though it is known that he heads into the Western Wastes, a dangerous land for even as powerful of a man as himself. Haroun al-Alamut meanwhile uses the power of the Staff of Kambujiya to great effect, earning himself new followers and allies with the authority the staff gives him. The effects are amplified by Shahin al-Mosul’s support of the Tigers and their growing reputation as bandit killers thanks to their efforts against the most recent bandit attacks. With such a large support base, Haroun begins his war in earnest even as the temperatures begin to rise.

Jumada al-Ula, 1176
Taking advantage of Faris’ journey, Amru pushes forward her original goal of giving the Masters of the Seal a more concrete foundation, beginning with stabilizing the number of Masters there are at any one time. She brings the matter up before the other Masters, who pass the resolution two to one. Shortly after the resolution is passed, the Masters begin searching for a suitable fifth member to add to their ranks while Zahir begins to look for his own replacement.

Haroun plans a strike against the Qadi, meant to wipe them out as competition before the True Daughters can even realize what is happening, but warnings from the Ra’shari prophet Pali inform the Qadi of the attack and allow them to set an ambush for the Qadaam. The attack is lead by Haroun’s own right hand man, Hassan al-Gazi, confident of his victory. The fighting is bloody and brutal as both sides commit heavily, but the ambush wins the day and matters are made worse for the Blood-Red Tigers as Hassan is among those who die in the fighting, his body is found surrounded by the bodies of no less than four Qadi who fell to his blade before he was finally killed.

The story of “The Jackal and the Scorpion” begins to spread through the city. There are many variations on the tale, some say the two were star-crossed lovers at first, another that they were old enemies from the days of the Awakening, another that the conflict grew merely from the Pride of both and their inability to let go of an insult. The gender and age of the two change with each telling, but the core of the story does not. A tale of bitter vengeful people, and the results of of that vengeful pride as the story always ends with the two, surrounded by the bodies of their friends and loved ones, killing each other in one final act of spite.

Jumada al-Akhira, 1176
Facing growing problem in their joint Caravan scouting force, the Ra’shari turn to their newfound companions the Ebonites to help train some of their leadership in the ways of fighting as a unified force. Four dozen Ra’shari are put under the care of the Ebonites for the purposes of training and the learning process for the independent people quickly proves that it will be a difficult one for both teacher and student.

Religious tensions in the city flare as the Menjari and Basiri vie for prominence. The resulting backlash from the populace strikes out at the foreign Ivindi people and mass riots begin, burning down several stores and looting stores and temples on both sides of the conflict. The riots go on for nearly two weeks as the people of the city vent their frustrations over the growing conflict before the city is finally brought under control once more. Amidst the crisis, as guard casualties rise, one Farouk al’Regar is promoted to Captain, giving him command of a squadron of City Guard. The Hazaad Alliance uses this opportunity, and their support from Toth’s Servants, to make a move against the Basiri. The Basiri in reply deploy their Magic Carpet and prove air superiority which quickly turns the fighting into a stalemate.

In the midst of the fighting, the Tigers rally behind Haroun and strike out against the Mountain itself, using the hidden passages, the Qadaam manage to surprise the Sisters. In the midst of the fighting, Faida approaches her daughter Lamia and tells her to flee, to survive, to fight another day. Though Lamia argues against her mother, the conversation is cut off by the arrival of Haroun. Faida forces her daughter down a hallway, telling her to flee before turning to face Haroun. The two face off in a Tahaddi duel, and in a kharmic strike, Haroun proves to be the survivor as the last of the Old Man’s daughters dies by his hand. The Blood-Red Tigers take command of the Mountain even as Lamia takes the surviving sisters and flees into the desert, weeping for the loss of her mother and her purpose.

The Ebonites have plans of their own as well. With the Council reunited and the information on Kali-Ma’s forces compiled, the Ebonites decide that now is the time to act, and seek to assist another faction who seeks war with the Destroyer. Rokugan may be a mess, but her samurai are still strong by most accounts. The letter is delivered to the Unicorn that the Ebonites wish to meet with the Lion, and that the letter of intent should pass through whatever channels it must.

Meanwhile, far from the City in Flames, the Yodotai begin to roil under internal politics as Lucius and Gnaeus compete for power in Octavion. Decimus continues to be distracted by the splendors of the city, from the constant foray of chariot races and gladiatorial combats to the wining and dining parties, to the many beautiful women who call the city home. Gnaeus has done a good job of keeping the new Emperor focused on things besides doing his job, Lucius’ own plan has been to undercut Gnaeus’ support has been to strike at his Co-Consul Appia. A recent Senate debate over dispensations to be given to the military veterans who are leaving the army in record numbers showed however that Lucius’ attempts were all for naught as Appia supported Gnaeus in limiting the dispensations to veterans, ostensibly in the name of the budget. Though outrage from veterans receiving little in the way of lands after years of service are outraged at the conclusion.

Rajab, 1176
The hottest month of the year is usually a time of peace, and many city officials believe that during this month, they will have the opportunity to do damage control and put an end to the fighting. House Menjari proves however that it has different plans as they use their already well proven tactics on brow-beating the City Guard to make strikes against the other Dahabi houses, using the heat to their advantage to set fire to more buildings. It takes the orders and mediation of City Administrator Haifa bint Jalal to put the more destructive aspects of the fighting to rest. Not before one of the fires is set to Ibtisam al-Hazaad’s home however. The charred corpse of the man is eventually pulled from the wreckage, though how a master of the elements such as him could have been caught up in a simple fire remains a mystery. In response to the death of her cousin Ruqayah returns from her exile to take command of House Hazaad once more, until such time as a suitable replacement can be found, of course.

As the need for water increases within the city, the plethora of ghuls turns into a greater and greater problem until the Ebonites resolve to handle the matter and in a large-scale operation not seen since they mobilized for the Awakening, the Ebonites and some key allies strike out into the sewers below the River Quarter. The fighting is hard and bloody for Jackal and Ebonite alike but the Ebonites, with the support of some others, manage to clear the sewers under the River Quarter, at least for a time. Massive casualties keep them from attempting to push any farther however and even holding what they took proves to be a chore. The actions of the Ebonites do have one other effect on the city however.

Talib the Camel and his followers were the ones who ended up facing the brunt of the Ebonite assault. Their numbers vastly depleted, and with nowhere to hide, Talib turned to the other surviving Lieutenants of the Jackals in the war and offered his fealty to Hadia in return for protection. Seeing the opportunity for further legitimacy in her fight with Fatina, Hadia takes Talib and his followers under her protection, bolstering both her forces and her legitimacy.

The movements by the Menjari entice the other Houses to continue to strike as well as the war grows even messier. Farouk al-Haffit is found one morning floating face-down in the river, apparently having gone for a midnight walk he tripped, knocked his head onto the cobblestone, and had slipped into the river in a most unfortunate accident. Eventually evidence appears that Nima al-Mendadi was behind it and had merely staged it to look like an accident. Apparently he had killed the man over jealousy that they were seeing the same woman. Rumor spreads not long after that Ikram al-Asmari was knifed as he walked home from his work by a couple of street thugs, but his appearance later that same day puts such rumors to rest.

During the Summer Court at the Palace, the Yodotai representative Scipio finds himself under constant pressure from the Senpet woman, and member of the Sultan’s Council, Mesta. Under her constant verbal spars the Yodotai begin to lose ground with the Caliphate within the city and rumors that they are planning a surprise assault puts their status as assistants to the guards under strict scrutiny.

Sha’ban, 1176
The trial of Nima al-Mendadi begins. Despite personal testimony that he was nowhere near the site, testimony from the woman they fought over and irrefutable evidence lead to Nima being charged with the crime of murder and he is executed before the month is over. That the woman in question is soon after put into the care of House Enour does not go unnoticed. At the end of the month, Rana al-Enour is found dead at the bottom of a mineshaft. Most do not mention the three knives that are found lodged in her back.

Under the visions and guidance of Hozai, the Caliphate Guard prepare a joint strike against Haroun’s Tigers. While their Yodotai Mercenaries assault the Qadaam within the city, keeping Haroun’s forces busy, a strikeforce lead by I’timad herself uses secret paths known only to the Ashalan to reach the Mountain and assault Haroun himself. The attack seems to go off without a hitch and the Qadi kill all of the Qadaam within the mountain. Haroun himself escapes the slaughter by the breadth of a hair once more, fleeing the Mountain even as the Qadi claim it for their own and begin the long process of fixing the wounds that war brought to the Assassins.

On the front of the Dahabi war, the battles seem to be slowly coming to a close as well. Tired from the blood letting, and the death of so many of their leaders, the final straw that breaks the camel’s back is when Dima al-Haffit is found murdered and strung up in her own implements in the basement of the Delicate Hands. A grisly warning to all those who would keep up the fight. Having few allies left, and fewer resources, Tasheem and Ruqayah agree to meet with Eda Ishan and hammer out their differences.

Word from Rokugan finally reaches the Ebonites and they are granted passage into Rokugan for the purposes of a meeting. The stories of nobility among the Ebonites has garnered at least a vague support for the Ebonites within Rokugan, even if they are gaijin, and for news on Kali-Ma, even the Lion are prepared to hold their noses and agree to a meeting. Judgement himself leads the expedition of two dozen Ebonites, with Unicorn escort, into Rokugan, where he shows a surprising amount of knowledge on Rokugani custom. He does not show a great deal of knowledge on Rokugani politics however, as he agrees to meet with both the Unicorn and the Lion at the same time. Though some of the knowledge is shared, the rivalry between the Unicorn and the Lion sparks up again over both coveting the information to be had. Arguing turns to outrage and soon enough the entire meeting is a disaster that ends in no less than three duels, one to the death. The Ebonites, disgusted by such infighting in the face of a common foe, leave Rokugan after imparting only some of their knowledge on Kali-Ma, straining relations between Rokugan and the Order of the Ebon Hand.

Meanwhile, one of the older peasants who had followed the Ebonites down into Rokugan broke off from the group once they entered Rokugan. He passes unnoticed through the still war-ravaged lands of Rokugan, eventually passing by the great Kaiu Kabe, still under repair from the war that ended just a few short years ago, and enters the Shadowlands themselves, searching for the one thing that he might still yet do to gain what is rightfully his. After spending weeks traveling the breadth of the Shadowlands, he finally comes across his target. The Goddess of Destruction herself. The man hides from her sight, hunting her for another week, even as he feels his old bones begin to absorb the malignancy of the area around him. Finally, when her guard is down, he strikes, cutting the Goddess deeply, but not deeply enough to make the kill and steal her power for himself. For his gall, the man is captured by Kali-Ma, for his cunning, he is made an offer, an offer of immortality if only he can bend the knee and serve her. Haroun al-Alamut, last child of the Old Man, the Blood-Red Tiger, the New Old Man, bent the knee, and swore his oath to serve Kali-Ma.

Ramadan, 1176
Tasheem al-Basiri, Ruqayah al-Hazaad, and Eda Ishan al-Menjari all meet to discuss their differences, and for Tasheem and Ruqayah to show their suffrage to House Menjari once more as the lords of the Dahabi. The meeting goes well, and by all accounts the lords of the Major Houses are pleasant with one another. But Eda Ishan is the only one of the three to walk out of that meeting. Tasheem and Ruqayah are never seen again. Of the movers and shakers among the opposing Dahabi Alliances, only Idira survives the conflict, as a sign of the leniency which the Menjari will show. Her life is still held on a tether however, as a reason for her son to stay in line. Should he ever oppose the Menjari, her life is forfeit.

In Rokugan, the Empress finally makes her decision on the matter of heimin merchants and their status within the Empire. The Empress, may her wisdom be eternal, decides to reward the merchants for their dutiful work towards maintaining the glory of the Empire, granting them status equal to that of an ashigaru. The Scorpion, Unicorn, Dragon, and Spider are thrilled by this news and immediately get to work on making their niche’s in this new commercial system. The other Great Clans, led by the Crane, Crab, and Mantis, make their pleasure unknown at this and tensions across the Empire rise as each lord looks jealously upon what another has, and ponders if they would not make better use of it.

Lamia al-Alamut, left alone as many of her sisters chose the yoke of the Qadi to the labors of freedom, was lost in the world. Her purpose stolen from her by her enemies who were too numerous to defeat, her mother had betrayed all that she had been taught. That an Assassin did not fear death, but embraced it. There was nothing left in this world for her, and so she wandered the deserts, hoping to die. Her life was saved by a mad camel merchant, who gave her a camel for free, and threw in a package of dates to seal the deal. The camel took her to a small oasis, where she met a man named Suwat. A man who told her of the Doomseekers. And once more Lamia had a purpose in life.

Shawwal, 1176
As the Dahabi begin to consolidate once more, so do the Assassins. Hanzi, with considerable back-up, begins approaching surviving enclaves of the True Daughters and the Tigers, offering them sanctuary, informing them that the war is over, and that the Assassins are once more reunited some refuse, fighting to the death rather than joining the Qadi, many however submit to their rule and the Assassins begin to figure out a whole new problem. What will be all of their roles in this new system?

Months of heartache and sorrow within the city has left the people exhausted and nearly broken, looking for anything to bring light into their lives once more. As it so happens, the Great Race shall be starting soon. An epic journey undertaken only by the brave for wealth and fame. Great stories of heroes and villains and triumph over all circumstances always comes from the Great Race. The people grow eager once more to see the Racers cross the finish line once more, to hear the cries of joy and the clink of coin in their pockets once again as bets are settled in more honest ways. The Great Race begins soon, and the City is waiting for a hero.

Dhu al-Qa’da
The Great Race takes place.

While the Great Race continues, the Qabal turn to the matter of filling their empty seat. Eventually Bahram al-Bebeer wins the post. As a noted moderate, he is the only one capable of gaining enough of a majority to be brought up into the position. Bahram is an old man who smiles easily and has a love for children. His focus being primarily in the Discipline of Control, he often uses his magic to entertain, a distinct difference from most of his fellows in the Council. One of his first duties however is to sit on the Council to discuss the death of Faris ibn Irfan and the release of the First Khadi. The Qabal is thrown into disarray by the knowledge gained, and worse by the knowledge not gained. Amru and Hani showed little sign of emotion, while Zahir grinned that a man he considered to be a plague had finally passed on. Khalida took the news the worst, weeping openly in Council. Worst of all perhaps was how little information that was brought to them. The last true source of information on this new threat had died on the end of an Assassin’s blade.

Emalian, Master of the Caravan of Memory, disappears alongside the majority of the newly formed Ruvsero with Orsko at it’s head. Unbeknownst to many, they head South, into the lands ruled by Kali-Ma, seeking to strike a blow against the forces of the Destroyer. Not long after they disappear, the forces of Kali-Ma strike against the city and it’s surrounding prefectures. Warned of possible assassins by the Ebon Order, the Yodotai Legate Scipio is saved from the attempt on his life, furthermore no blame for the act ends up placed on the Senpet, sparing the two factions from a further degradation of relations. Indeed the revelation of the letter written by the former Praefectus turned traitor, Legulus, which mentions another traitor, Kheth-tet, gives the Senpet and the Yodotai one thing that they can agree on. Such traitors must be exterminated.

Dhu al-Hijja
As many Assassins return to the Mountain for the first joint meeting in several decades, tensions are high. When I’timad reveals that each family will have a goal set before it, tensions are little eased. The Qadi will serve as protectors of the peace, it is claimed, while the Daughters will serve in their original task of exterminating threats. The Qadaam, however, will take on the task of rooting out secrets. The Qadaam, or more accurately those Qolat within the Qadaam, are quick to jump on this chance and root out traitors who were still loyal to Haroun. Earning accolades for themselves. The news of Haroun’s survival arrives just in time as the newly minted Raj, Haroun, arrives at the Mountain at the head of a troop of scouts, many of whom he has personally trained. Blessed by the gifts of the Dark Realm, he and his troops assault the Mountain. The fighting is bloody and losses among the Assassins are high, but together they manage to beat back Haroun’s attack and maintain control of the Mountain.

The Qabaal send out a scouting mission to the remains of Mount Ardel. Their agents return with horrid tales of monstrous beasts being shaped from those that have been caught. Numerous strange and dangerous new creatures have begun to wander the Burning Sands, experiments cast out by the First Khadi as failures, but still horrifically deadly. They also report on a strange feeling permeating the area, as though magical power is being drawn into the area from all around it. Though they could not tell how or why.

Meanwhile, in the City of Peace, Roshem, the strange winged panther that had been living in the city for decades mysteriously disappears. There are rumored sightings of a Rakshasa heading South, but no confirmation of such is ever made. Puja al-Rahbi, feeling age catching up with him, steps down as the Caliph at the end of the year, allowing his son Adnan to take up the role while he will serve as his son’s advisor.

[Volsung]

1177

Muharram
Adnan is crowned as Caliph on the first day of the year, the celebrations for the event are lavish well liked in the city as no expense is spared to harken in the day a new Caliph is crowned. Peace reigns in the city as the Ebonites have returned their focus to within the city walls and the last of the fighting finally dies down nearly an entire year after the fighting had first broken out. Seeing the Ebonites back in force and the City Guard focused on their job again does a great deal to put people’s minds at ease.

Likewise assisting in this manner is Eda Ishan’s push for control of the Dahabi. She continues her ruthless aggression against any in her faction that may speak against her and as a result the Dahabi are nearly as unified in purpose as when the Silver Tongue was in command of them decades ago. The Ivindi Maharaja likewise orders for his Raj and Brahmana to root out any Cultists who may be attempting to hide among the refugees. That work promises to be long and difficult, but the Ivindi are determined to see that none of their enemy have come to the city hidden among them.

Safar
On the horizon South of the city, a great shape lumbers up over a dune, treading steadily with great lumbering steps towards its walls. People are at first alarmed, believing it to be an attack by Kali-Ma before the small figures around the great beast’s feet are spotted and determined to be none other than Emalian, Orsko, and a handful of the Ruvsero. The great hulking beast is none other than one of the Ivindi made Golems that the Ra’shari have managed to restart. That is not all the Ra’shari have returned with as it is discovered that the Sword of the Maharaja was also found, an ancient and powerful artifact tied closely to the Maharaja’s line. The Ivindi are outraged at this apparent theft of their goods, and in conciliation Emalian presents the Maharaja with his sword once more. The Ra’shari insist on keeping the Golem however, much to the disappointment of both the Ivindi who wished to retake the beast and the Qabal who wished to study it. The one allowance they do make is allowing the Ivindi to maintain the beast with their own knowledge.

Meanwhile, word finally arrives to Scipio that he will be receiving the support he requested. When he reports this to the Caliph to make certain they are not alarmed when a full Legion arrives at their doorstep, it begins a dispute over the security of the city between the newly minted Caliph and the Sultan. Sultan Haidar insists that the security of the city is terrible, as against any outside force they must constantly rely upon foreign powers. Caliph Adnan replies that his City Guard are more than enough for most threats that the city faces but Haidar merely scoffs at such a notion. The outburst leads to weeks of increased tension between the two positions as they jockey with one another.

As his time as Consul runs out Gnaeus Flavius Calidus declares that he will not run for another term as Consul at this time, stepping aside to let another take his place. That his handpicked man, Gaius Ovidius Calvus, becomes Consul after him iis a surprise to no one and an obvious sign of how much power Gnaeus still wields in the Empire.

Rabi al-Awwal
The Senpet begin to approach the Ivindi Refugees, looking to create an alliance that will help to bolster both of their flagging societies. Initial talks go well as both sides are eager for any sort of relief they can find. But soon enough rifts begin to appear as it becomes apparent that both sides have two very different goals in mind. The growing paranoia and totalitarian behavior of the Ivindi in their search for traitors does not help matters either and the talks end in little more than vague agreements of support and a few trade and food deals.

Malaika al-Mendadi is placed under house arrest after issuing challenges to half a dozen Menjari Enforcers to duels to the death over the issue of her father’s death. The furious woman threatens to break out until she is sated by her husband. The challenges are stuck in the spinning bureaucracy of Medinaat al-Salaam’s government at present and are unlikely to ever occur. Meanwhile, Zahir al-Kufa throws the first party he has held at his residence in a decade. Many big names from the city are invited and all in all, aside from some lingering concern over the man’s paranoia, the event is a success. Until of course Khalida bint Fawzi arrives at the party in time to overhear Zahir speak ill of Faris and declare that he is thankful the man is dead. The still mourning Khalida flies into a rage and assaults Zahir, who defends himself. Guests and partygoers flee the magical assaults of the two Masters and it is only the arrival of the other two Masters and Amru herself that manages to separate the two. Both masters are placed under house arrest until further notice.

Rabi al-Akhir
A good rainy season leads to an unexpectedly high crop output that puts the city in high spirits and further prayers of thanks are given to Lady Shilah. Anahita al-Salaam finds herself in the rare situation of having enough surplus to bargain with and seems intent to do just that once her totals are completed. In the midst of this good cheer word arrives from Rokugan that Ide Asuna will be assigned as as the Rokugani Ambassador to the Sultan’s Court. This news sets the Caliph and the Sultan on edge once more and arguments about Ambassadorial staff and who should get Ambassadors and who should not begin. Asuna herself is somewhat surprised by the unexpected appointment, but falls into her role easily, looking to Kitsuki Kouri to support her and teach her some of the ropes.

Just a few weeks later Sultan Haidar al-Rassoulli makes an official announcement declaring that he does not believe any longer that the Caliphate and their City Guards are up to the task of defending this city from those threats that challenge the city from beyond its walls. He announces that he will oversee the formation of a new professional army that will serve to keep the city safe and secure that will be called the Yeniceri. Top military minds from across the Burning Sands, will be brought in to see to it that the Yeniceri are the greatest military force available. Places will also be set for advisors from other factions to be brought in and advise in the creation of this military force, with handsome rewards promised to those who are picked for the honor. The announcement has mixed results, most citizenry support the construction of a true military force with all the rumors of danger outside their lands, but are wary of what might become a botched project. The Caliphate is furious at this blatant attack against what has always fallen under the jurisdiction of the Caliph and denounce Haidar almost immediately, once again increasing tensions.

Jumada al-Ula
On the front of the Ivindi attempts to root out traitors, the results have been mixed. Some have taken the opportunity to remove rivals while others who have been innocent have been caught in the wrong house at the wrong time. Still, one person has shown an almost eerie ability to root out traitors, the Brahmana Priya Mishra seems to have a perfect track record of finding those who serve Kali-Ma.

The XVIII Legion arrives in Medinaat al-Salaam to much fanfare and mixed reactions from the citizenry. On the one hand, rumors of encroaching forces of Kali-Ma make them thankful of more troops that have already proven they can push her back. On the other hand, this second Legion turns the Yodotai from a power of note within the Sands to one of the premier military forces in the Burning Sands. Able to fight nearly any other force available and expect to win The Eighteenth is quartered outside the city, as there is no room in the permanent garrison for another Legion. It does not take them long to build a semi-permanent base that looks like nearly an exact replica of the base inside the city.. Less noticed, but worrying soon enough is the small cadre of Patricians that arrive as well. There are no more than a dozen and they quickly set themselves up in the Yodotai Garrison, though they complain constantly of their quarters.

Jumada al-Akhira
Decimus Julius Octavius, in a show of brilliance that none were expecting, gets around at least some of the fallout from the choice of the Senate to not give lands to retiring legionnaires. Using a large portion of his own Imperial funds, Decimus buys up a great deal of land in Senpet lands. The move is noticed by the Senate, but they think little of it until the Emperor makes a show of granting that land to the veterans. The move wins him a greater deal of loyalty from the Legions and infuriates Gnaeus in one fell swoop. Gnaeus was caught off guard by the Emperor’s move, but swears he will not be caught off guard again. Ultimately the Emperor’s show of support is paltry, only able to supply land for a portion of those retiring veterans who had been refused. But an important impression has been made.

In Medinaat al-Salaam, Behkten finds himself unable to sleep one night and stalks the quarters he shares with other members of the rebellion when he comes across Keseth’s room where he hears the man mumbling to himself. He enters and confronts Keseth as the Sahir approaches the book and Keseth snaps out of his trance, seemingly confused and disoriented. He’d had no idea what it was he was doing, and by all appearances had been sleep walking. As the truth reveals itself, and the realization that Keseth had been about to read from the Book of the Dead, both men come to a reluctant conclusion. The Book of the Dead can no longer be kept by Keseth, there is too much danger. Reluctantly, Keseth hands the book over to Bekhten, who takes to locking the book away in his room, though the strain of carrying two of the greatest Senpet artifacts begins to obviously strain the man.

As the Summer Court begins, all are shocked to see an ambassador of the Jackals standing beside the Sultan. Haidar explains that the Jackals have come to him in fear for their lives and existence. Traitors and friends of Kali-Ma have attempted to subvert their forces and Fatina has called for the Sultan’s aid. Which he is considering granting for the safety of the City. Just a few days later, a second ambassador appears, this one beside the Caliph. Adnan states that Hadia’s Jackals are those who are true to defending the city and Fatina’s Jackals are the true villains. Both sides are intent on seeing the destruction of the other and, for now at least, may operate without fear of destruction. What had, a year ago, looked to be in all likelihood a dull Summer Court, suddenly has a great deal on the line.

Events of Summer Court

During Court, the people of the city are rocked by several notable events. The first is the arrival of Rahjid, a Rakshasa that had for a time enjoyed the hospitality of the Immortal Caliph. His arrival shakes the foundations of power within the Palace as guests alternately seem terrified and fascinated by the demon’s arrival. Rahjid proves a portent for worse things on the horizon however, as just a few scant weeks later two of Kali-Ma’s generals arrive. The Rakshasa Ravana and the Lost general Ramil are accepted into the Palace as guests to withhold a bloodbath. Over the next few days chaos rocks the Palace as first an attempt is made on the former Caliph’s life. Though several move to save Puja, it is the Qabalist Khayri that saves him from drinking the poison that would have surely killed him, and points out to the Palace guards which servants were responsible for the act. Shortly after that, the noted Jackal guest Haraam ibn Kiaan challenges the Lost General Ramil. With the aid of Moto Subetai, Farouk al’Regar, and Tariq the Stongarm, the man responsible for the deaths of thousands of Ivindi is finally killed. Haraam is also killed during the fighting and relations between Kali-Ma’s envoy and the Palace predictably sour as Ravana demands the heads of those responsible and the Palace refuses to give them up. Finally, in another surprise, it is declared that the Dahabi Merchant Houses have won the rights to advise in the creation of the Yeniceri forces.

Rajab
With reports of the arrival of Ravana in the city, Priya Mishra plans her return to the Palace, complete with the Blessed Crossbow bolt that the Ivindi had recently recovered. Hearing that Priya Mishra is on her way, Ravana collects the ashes of his former compatriot and leaves the Palace, making a few stops within the city before returning South. Rahjid vanishes for a few days as well, but with the departure of Ravana and Priya Mishra’s return to the city proper the Rakshasa once more returns to stalking the Palace and watching the guests with bemusement.

The Assassins, putting aside some of their old hostilities, garnered a deal with the Dahabi for supplies in a vast project to rebuild the structure of the Mountain, not only repairing the damage done during the Civil War but also changing much of the interior and exterior of the mountain fortress. In the event that Haroun attacks again, he will not know the secrets of the Mountain. Though the Dahabi supply most of the materials, the Assassins are always very careful to make certain that their caravans do not approach the Mountain, and offers to supply workers for the project are carefully rebuffed. The Dahabi also begin supplying workers and supplies to the Yodotai for their new major construction as well, the building of a second garrison within the City Limits.

Facing increasing troubles, Amru finally ends the house arrest of Zahir and Khalida on the promise that, outside of official Qabal meetings, the two will not interact with one another. Thanks to an agreement with the Qadi, both receive bodyguards. It becomes quickly evident however that the feud between these two is not over as a shadow war begins. The conflict between the two is mostly information gathering and forcing people connected to them to choose sides, but the efforts of some Qabalists manage to keep the conflict from growing too large.

With the incredible results that came from the Ruvsero expedition into former Ivindi lands, the Ra’shari decide almost unanimously to expand the program, especially in light of their planned trip to Pahatan. With the expansion being so popular, there are whispers among some of perhaps forming a new Great Caravan, a Caravan of Warriors. The Ra’shari are not the only ones seeking to expand a program in light of their trip however, the Ebonites greatly expand their orphanage program, a goal not only in keeping with their charitable behaviors, but such a program will also, in the long term, greatly hamper Jackal recruitment while expanding their own pool of recruits.

As the month comes to a close, two events shake at the foundation of the Yodotai power struggle. Firstly, it becomes apparent within Medinaat al-Salaam that the Legate Scipio has lost almost all political power to speak for the Yodotai. Though he still has his legions, he can no longer even use them as he sees fit. The Patricians, Yodotai nobility, now command Yodotai interests in the City of Peace. Secondly, in former Senpet lands the Praefectus Praetorian, Lucius Julius Antonius Aegypticus, is found dead in his chambers. The news stuns the Yodotai world as, though he was old, Lucius had always been fit and strong. The autopsy on the body afterwards shows that he died of heart failure, with no sign of foul play. Detractors however note with some suspicion the arrival of a special package from Medinaat al-Salaam just days before his passing, but most treat such conjecture as conspiracy.

Sha’ban
A large force of people gather outside the gates of Medinaat al-Salaam. The reasons for the march are different, the Ra’shari are searching for the ruins of Pahatan, while the Ivindi are searching for old Ivory weapons. Though a number of other factions show their support with small forces, the Ra’Shari, Ivindi, and Ebonites make up the bulk of the forces heading South. The force is a healthy mix of military forces and explorers and scholars. The expedition leaves with the full expectation that Kali-Ma knows they are coming.

Financial fortunes in the city begin to shift as a result of the Summer Court as well. The Ra’shari manage to gain a majority share of Peddler’s Row with alliances and support from the Ivindi, vastly increasing their influence and economic power within the city and without. In response to this the Dahabi make public their extensive trade deal with the Yodotai which will bring new imports never before seen to the city, as well as increase exports of the city’s goods. Furthermore the Dahabi begin bringing in Ivindi laborers, cutting their own costs, but also heavily undermining other labor forces in the city, not the least of which being the Senpet, who seem to be specifically targeted by the Dahabi.

The Yodotai begin to run into trouble outside of the city as numerous caravans and scouting expeditions are inexplicably assaulted by forces of Kali-Ma. Though the attacks happen primarily South of the City of Peace, the funeral procession of the recently deceased Praefectus Praetorian is ambushed on its way West and the guards set on the caravan are slaughtered to a man. Only a few servants survive, and when they are found, they say that a Demon attacked by itself, slew everyone it saw, and left with the preserved corpse of Lucius.

Meanwhile, the mixed fortunes of the Rokugani in the City of 1000 Tales lead to frustrations for some. Deep funding cuts plague Rokugani businesses even as new trade deals with several factions and the support of the Councillor for Trade. While established Rokugani businesses manage to flourish under these conditions, newly established business ventures quickly collapse under the weight of lack of funding, with some even being bought out from under the Rokugani by the Ra’shari.

Senpet troubles continue as the Qadi seem to double down on Senpet criminals and several middle-ranking Senpet rebels mysteriously vanish without a trace. As the Yodotai begin to apply pressure as well, seemingly without restraint from the Palace, matters grow worse for the Senpet resistance. There is some slight good news for the Senpet this month however, their alliance with the Councillor for Grain results in her timely assistance by releasing some of the grain reserves, and publicly giving the Senpet credit for the release. The surge of good-will from the populace protects the Resistance from the situation getting worse.

The formation of the Yeniceri runs into its first troubles as several of the advisors chosen for the job refuse to do the job if not given considerably privileges and an increase in their already considerable pay. When Eda Ishan supports the advisors, the frustrated Sultan can do little but accept the demands, for fear of the destruction of his dream, and hope that things will only go smoothly from here.

Ramadan
With the support of the Caliph behind her, Hadia finally manages to bring the Jackal Civil War to a close. With both forces exhausted, starving, and ill-equipped, the final confrontation is more of a whimper than a bang, but the end result is Fatina and her forces fleeing Medinaat al-Salaam, heading East towards Rokugan. Fatina manages to escape the city with the powerful artifact, the Soul of the Slayer, but importantly she does not manage to take the vast storage of Soul Jars with her, leaving the powerful tools in Hadia’s hands.

With the end of the Jackal Civil War, the Assassins take the opportunity to cut all ties with the Jackals. When the Assassins suggest adding retired legionnaires to the City Guard, Caliph Adnan responds with rage, shutting down any such notion and loudly rebuking his Qadi for their lack of backing his agenda and supporting the destruction of the Senpet while giving the Yodotai so much influence in the city. It is the first public sign of a rift between the Assassins and the Caliphate since the Rahbi Caliphate came to power.

As financial troubles continue for the Rokugani, word comes from their homeland that the Empress can no longer support her chosen advisors in the courts of the Caliph and the Sultan. The move comes as a shock to the Rokugani within the city as their political power within the city will be severely hampered by the move. Kitsuki Kouri and Ide Asuna put the final touches on their deal with the city to send peasant immigrants into Rokugan, and have one last meeting with the Yodotai, who request entrance into Rokugan for reasons of theological study, and quietly depart from the Jewel of the Desert.

The City of Joy, far to the South of Medinaat al-Salaam, briefly plays host to the marching expedition of Ivindi, Ebonites, and Ra’shari. To prepare for the arrival, the Dahabi had sent caravans loaded with supplies and Copper to help increase the fortunes of Medinaat al-Farah. New construction within the city is turning the sleepy backwater into a place worth noticing. The expedition stays for a week to resupply before making their final trek into lands held by the enemy.

Malaila al-Mendadi, finally released from her house arrest, begins her hunt anew with little hesitation. Despite facing considerable resistance, she manages to track down her father’s killers in the Maze and in a fury slays all of them in a blood-soaked rampage. Examining the remains, and looking for more information on if there were any others who may have escaped her wrath, Malaila stumbles across an encrypted letter. More importantly perhaps, she comes across a piece of the encryption code. Taking both, Malaila leaves the house and returns home to begin cracking the code.

The creature known as Rem, finally completely free from Fatina’s machinations, makes his own moves to consolidate his power within the underworld of the city, separate from the Jackals all together. His attention seems primarily focused on the Ebonites as he haunts their movements from his lair in the Last Stop.

Shawwal
The Chief Imam, during the celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan, gives special attention to the Ivindi refugees and their constant struggles, praising them before the city and Shilah herself. The blessing is taken well by the Ivindi, who while uncertain of having a foreign goddess looking after them, are generally willing to accept the protection for now. Controversially, some Ivindi take the blessing as a sign and convert to worshipping Shilah, much to the frustration of the rest of their people.

The Expedition arrives at the ruins of Pahatan. While the Ra’shari and many in the expedition stop and begin to set up tents and defenses, the Ivindi, led by Raja Bhaskara Yadu, and the rest of the Expedition march on into former Ivindi lands in search of ivory. The Ra’shari are set upon by the forces of Kali-ma almost immediately and lose contact with the Ivindi shortly after. The researchers and tomb raiders get to work with urgency, knowing that they will only be able to hold their position for so long.

In Medinaat al-Salaam, the construction of the second garrison of the Yodotai is finally completed, allowing the Yodotai to move all of their forces into the city proper. Almost immediately the Yodotai turn their full attention on the Senpet, seemingly intent on crushing the will of the Senpet once and for all. It is this final act that convinces Keseth to act. He convinces Bekhten to return the Book of the Dead to his possession, and makes the Shield of the Senpet promise that, should the worst come to pass, he will see to it that Keseth dies before he can harm his people. Secluding himself from others, lest they be endangered as well, Keseth breaks the seal of the Book of the Dead and begins to read.

What Ebonites remain within Medinaat al-Salaam make a small endeavor into the Last Stop, after hearing word of something of importance hidden away there. The small contingent of Ebonites stumble across an ancient stronghold that once belonged to the Ebonites long ago. The Ebonites vow to retake the stronghold and leave a constant garrison in the place as they begin to breath life and order back into the Last Stop. The Ebonites also stumble across information that a piece of the Sayel Blade, the deadly artifact which held a portion of the Khayel and wiped out Kaleel and his entire Legion, may still be on this realm.

Extensive interrogation and torture leads to the revelation that it was Junayd, the leader of the Qadaam, who was behind the attempt on Puja’s life. Furious at this betrayal, the Qadi faction of the Assassins falls upon the Qadaam in full force, bringing the Daughters of the Mountain with them. Though the Qadaam are allowed to survive this event, the culling of disloyal members is far more complete this time around, and the bad blood is allowed to flow freely. Junayd manages to escape the knives of the Assassins, barely, but he lives as a man on the run.

Word of two breakthroughs lighten the hearts of the Rokugani in the face of their economic hardship, as two projects make breakthroughs of vast importance. Word reaches Medinaat al-Salaam that the Rokugani Empress has agreed to allow foreign labor into Rokugan under the terms agreed to. The first wave is sent within a week and though Rokugani peasants are rather furious at this influx of foreigners, careful management of where these new workers end up manages to keep most peasant sentiments at a low boil. The second achievement comes from joint work with the Qabal that promises to feed the people of both Rokugan and the Burning Sands. Together the two factions have managed to breed a hardier breed of rice. This Golden Rice shows promise in being planted in soil and water conditions that would normally inhibit rice production, vastly increasing rice production in both Rokugan and the Burning Sands.

Dhu al-Qa’da
During the month of peace, several pieces of good news come up for the Assassins, much needed good news as the purges finish and the blood is freshly cleaned from daggers. The construction project at the Mountain is finally complete. The opening ceremony is well attended by the Assassins, who, in what some would consider an uncharacteristic mood, celebrate the completion of their home with several days of celebration. Word also reaches the Palace that real progress has finally been made on a project with the assistance of the Rokugani. The creation of a diplomatic school that will vastly assist the Assassins in their newly found duties of acting in a more official and often-times less deadly roll.

The Qabal, with access to scrolls from the Royal Library, as well as newly formed contacts with several nomadic tribes, learn a great deal more about the fabled First Khadi. Apparently, despite his Senpet origins, the First Khadi also had extensive knowledge on Hakhim’s Seal, and had rather unorthodox opinions on it’s use, though none of the surviving texts go into the details, it tied Hakhim’s Seal far more directly to the Day of Wrath and it’s aftermath. Contacts with the Tirkak tribe who have been apparently tracking the Khadi since his escape indicate that the First Khadi is travelling North, and is followed by strange chimeric creatures as he goes.

Recent progress made by the Yodotai against the Senpet grinds to an uneasy and often horrifying halt as they face a massive surge of resistance. Keseth’s reading of the book has given him access to secrets not meant to be known by man. He can see far more than he ever could before, and wields power undreamed of. Assassins meant to ambush members of the rebellion are in turn ambushed and cut down, and Dahabi merchants find themselves outplayed in the markets. The worst fate is reserved for the Yodotai however. Patrols meant to root out resistance cells are mercilessly ripped to pieces by monstrous ghuls, their remains left as a warning to others.

The Ivindi arrive at their destination in force, having had a relatively peaceful trip. No sooner than they set up camp and send their first scouts out however, than news of Kali-Ma’s forces, lead by the Raj Legulus are reported to be on their way. The frantic search begins, as the Ivindi know quite well that they will not be able to hold off the entirety of Kali-Ma’s armies, even with the assistance of others. Defenses are quickly thrown up, but most doubt it will be enough.

The Yeniceri run into more problems as the Sultan hears that several advisors are selling commissions to the highest bidder and building the school with the expectation that soldiers will have to supply their own gear. Furious at this, the Sultan arrives at the training grounds and unceremoniously fires the two advisors that were behind this plan, promising that they will never work in this city again. The rest of the advisors, some of whom had been against the notion in the first place, and others whom were waffling on the matter, take the lesson to heart as training resumes.

With the power vacuum left in Rokugani politics from the removal of both of their Advisors to the Palace, it is the head Scorpion liaison that manages to use her contacts and influence to come to prominence as the go-to person for all Rokugani matters within the city. Bayushi Noriko does not have the official backing of the Rokugani government, but without any official contacts left, she is the closest most end up able to work with.

Dhu al-Hijja
After working hard for months on the riddle before her, Malaila al-Mendadi finally cracks the code that she found in the hideout she raided. She is stunned to learn of the existence of a shadowy organization hidden deeply within the Dahabi Merchant Houses, an organization that seems to want to control the city and perhaps even beyond. An organization known as the Qolat. Knowing that they were behind the death and disgrace of her father, Malaila swears bloody vengeance upon them and begins to plan.

With the assistance of the Ra’Shari, after months of study and failed attempts, the Qabal finally manage to perfect an art that had been lost to them for centuries. A new Discipline of Warding begins to make its first uneasy steps into the world at large in generations. Though some few private individuals, most notably the Palace, had retained the secrets of creating wards, they had always kept the secret of how to make them closely guarded. With the Qabal now sponsoring study on the new Discipline, many expect it will not be long before the Discipline spreads into the city.

In Rokugan, Fatina and her surviving Jackals are taken in by the Spider. As nothing is free, especially among the Dark Followers of Daigotsu, they expect something in return for their generosity. Fatina brings forward her Necromancers and promises that they will teach the Spider in the ways of manipulating Hakhim’s Seal as a Necromancer can. Elsewhere, the Tournament of the Emerald Championship finally concludes, with Isawa Rei taking the position. The Phoenix gaining a position within the Empress’ Court finally pushes the Phoenix to be more involved in the split in Rokugani politics and the Elemental Masters swear that they shall follow the Empress’ Edict that Rokugani Merchants shall be treated with the same station as Ashigaru.

Incapable of stopping the incoming storm of Kali-Ma’s forces, the Ivindi and their allies are forced into a costly fighting retreat. Worse still, many cartloads of Ivory have to be left behind as they slow the retreat too much. The only good news are ancient texts written in Siskret that may be related to the crafting of Ivory Weapons that are as strong as Steel. Returning to Pahatan, and the bulk of Ra’Shari and Ebonite reinforcements, the Ivindi are given a slight breather while Legulus’ forces break contact to reform their own lines. The Ra’Shari have been busy uncovering the secrets of their past and, more importantly, their unique connection to the Ashalan, within Pahatan, but as Kali-Ma’s forces come closer, they are forced to abandon the position and join the Ivindi in their fighting retreat.

The Expedition Forces retreat from Pahatan with Legulus’ Legions on their tail. For weeks the Expedition travels North at best speed, all the while being harried and harrassed by Kali-Ma’s forces. With losses mounting many come to despair their fate and it is only as the remains of the Expeditionary Force reach Fort Nakhl that Legulus finally breaks contact. The haggard survivors hole up in the Fortress, prepared for the worst, but after a week with no sign of Kali-Ma’s demons, it seems that the worst is finally over and losses can finally be counted. The results are painful, with roughly 60% of the Expeditionary Force lost or missing with terribly little to show for it.

As the year comes to a close, word finally reaches the Yodotai from the lands of Rokugan. The Empress, in her supreme wisdom, has seen fit to agree to their request to enter Rokugan for the purpose of learning of Rokugani religious beliefs. A Half-dozen religious scholars and a dozen guards will be allowed entry into Rokugan. A modestly sized contingent of Rokugani Seppun arrive in the city to escort this small troupe of Yodotai into Rokugan so they can complete their stated duty.

While Empires shift, and the world prepares itself for the next great deciding moment, somewhere deep in the common streets of Medinaat al-Salaam, a man once known as Sekawa sits with his adopted son Mehmet and prepares to tell him stories of Ages past, when two Climactic moments happened that changed the fate of the Burning Sands forever.