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.