[KapCon XX] Al Shir-Ma complete faction guide

Wellington
#1

Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

My name is Abdullah bin Katib, and I am a humble scholar of meager experience but with a great and abiding curiosity. It has been my privilege to live in the wondrous town of Al Shir-Ma these ten years past. I set down here my observations, as well as the rumours and tales which I have heard about the truly extraordinary citizenry and visitors to Al Shir-Ma, the fabled jewel of the desert.

The Djinni

It is the Djinni themselves who are the true wonder of Al Shir-Ma. Some have claimed they are evil and selfish, while yet others speak of their nobility and grace. In my observation the mighty spirits of the desert are all these things and more; as capricious and fickle as any person, yet also endowed with compassion and mercy of the best of us. According to the ancient texts the Djinni are mystical and holy creatures, aligned to the 4 elements of nature; Fire, Water, Earth and Air.

Scholars have observed that in addition to each element a Djinni has an object, or “focus” which allows them to channel power, but in turn has power over them, forcing the Djinni to do the wielder’s will: The element of Fire is ruled by the Sword and is considered to have the duel nature of Aggression and Mercy. Such a blade will endow the wielder with great martial prowess. The element of Water is ruled by the Bowl and is considered to have the duel nature of Laziness and Diligence. The bowl is reputed to allow one to behold a foretelling of the future, for good or ill.

The element of Earth is ruled by the Coin and is considered to have the duel nature of Greed and Charity. Such a coin is said to bring the wielder great wealth. The element of Air is ruled by the Rod and is considered to have the duel nature of Pride and Humility. A rod of this kind will bring the wielder great renown and influence.

Due to the power of such items the Djinni are obvious very protective of them, though there are tales bargains being struck by greedy or fortunate people to temporarily acquire such an instrument. These agreements are interesting in and of themselves as they are utterly binding. Any attempt to use the focus against the Djinni when a contract has been signed will, by all reports, turn back on the wielder.

#2

Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

A humble scholar such as myself has little cause to visit the magnificent court of the Sultan, but the tales of the grandeur, glamour and vicious politics of the court of Al Shir-Ma are legendary. Here I present you with the merest glimpse into the great personalities and practices of the court.

The Court

The Sultan of Al Shir-Ma is a lucky man. His fortune, as the town’s, has been great. His wife, the wise and graceful Zafirha has born to him two children, each endowed with the very best of their parents, Prince Kasim Akhir is a strong and courageous leader, while Princess Mumtaz bint Gahzi is well loved by the people of the town.

The court of Al Shir-Ma is a busy and bustling place. The wise Vizier Riyadh bin Sohail assists with the running of the court while Akhmad Al-Zubana, a brave and powerful warrior, commands the palace guard. The princess is usually attended by her handmaidens, while other courtiers, slaves and petitioners throng the audience chamber, all eager for some small attention or the blessing of the Sultan himself. Even the Grand Caliph himself has been reported to speak admiringly of the open and just court of Al-Shir Ma.

#3

Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

You could be mistaken for thinking that slaves in our enlightened Caliphate are little more than property; deprived of their liberty for crimes or wrongdoing, but in Al Shir-Ma it is said that a slave can hold tremendous power and esteem. In my observation, the slaves of the Sultan are essential to the smooth functioning of the court, and often enjoy prestige and authority that defies their humble status.

The Slaves

Underlying the grandeur and power of the court of Al Shir-Ma are the tireless efforts of those who serve the Sultan with the utmost devotion. Among their number are the fierce and highly trained Mamluks an elite warrior caste whose authority and influence are rumoured to anchor the Sultan’s rule. I also would be remiss if I failed to mention the dazzlingly beautiful members of the Harem of the Sultan, rarely beheld by those outside the court. The eldest, and most powerful of the Harem is the shrewd and elusive Rashida Ud Din who, many say, knows all the secrets of the court. In any visit to the court of the Sultan you might witness a multitude of other menial workers who serve at the Sultan’s pleasure, and think little of it - but a shrewd traveller knows that such people can make or destroy a reputation in Al Shir-Ma.

#4

Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

You must guard your wealth carefully if you wish to stroll the sprawling markets of Al Shir-Ma. Beneath the hot canvas you might find delights beyond imagination, lost treasures, or even a momentary fancy, but in either event you will, in all likelihood, leave the markets much poorer. Do not let the friendly banter of the merchants fool you however; it is said that even the machinations and politics of the court are nothing compared to the ruthless scheming and plotting of the merchants guild of Al Shir-Ma.

The Merchants

First among the success of Al Shir-Ma has been the remarkable commerce that the town has attracted. It is often remarked, across all the enlightened lands, that if a thing exists, it can surely be brought in the fabled markets of Al Shir-Ma. The riches of the merchants are breathtaking, but fate is not always kind, and for every merchant who makes their fortune in the great markets of the town, another may be ruined.

Even among the rich and powerful of the merchants, two great families struggle for dominance. Asaim abu Halwa is head of the merchants guild, a man so powerful that even the Sultan frequently seeks his advice, while his main rival Rashad abu Diyab owns the Caravan Sarai and is privy to much of the new business and visitors to the town. A visit to the markets of Al Shir-Ma would not be complete without stopping to visit the barber Yezeed al-Gana, who can reliably tell you everything from what the Sultan had for breakfast, to the best place to buy a love potion.

#5

Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

The reputation of Al Shir-Ma as a home of magic and wonder is widespread, reaching even to the furthest reaches of the frozen far-East. Walking the streets of Al Shir-Ma you can hear accents from virtually every part of the enlightened lands.

The Travelers

People are drawn to Al Shir-Ma like moths to a flame. They travel from all corners of the world; traders, diplomats, scholars, soldiers and even ordinary folk seeking a better life. The dreams are as varied as the travelers but everyone hopes to find something special in the jewel of the desert. The journey is not easy, the desert is harsh, and many perish in the relentless heat, their bones swallowed by the shifting sands. The fierce desert tribes often raid lone travelers, so the most common form of travel to Al Shir-Ma is by caravan, where travelers group together to share the risk and danger of the long trek.

#6

Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

The streets of Al Shir-Ma are always busy; a riot of colour accompanied by a constant clamour that makes one glad for the comforts of the Caravan Sarai. On any trip across the town, one might find oneself beset by beggars, rubbing shoulders with the famous and powerful, or virtually anything in-between, such is the diversity of Al Shir-Ma

The Townsfolk

Al Shir-Ma is home to many powerful scholars, wizards and sages. People travel from every corner of the enlightened lands to study and learn in a city where the magical Djinni walk the streets. Famous even among the august and learned are the seers Fatima and Kareem the All Seeing, whose prophecies and foretellings are in great demand. Another of Al Shir-Ma’s most famous residents is the great wizard Abdalim al-Rahmin whose name is legend in every part of the known world. Such power and prestige has helped shape the reputation of the town as a centre of arcane power and learning.

#7

Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

The legends of the desert tribes are well known; a people who shun the comforts of a city life, for the nomadic existence of the harsh and unforgiving desert. These hardy souls are said to know the secret locations of the wadi and oasis far beyond the main caravan routes, so that they can survive where others would surely perish. They are rarely seen in great numbers in Al Shir-Ma, yet their influence is felt from the sprawling markets to the glittering court.

The Desert Tribes

Amidst the rolling dunes of the great desert surrounding Al Shir-Ma, a number of fierce desert tribes make their homes. The most aggressive and powerful of these are the Zaab and Yahir. These desert warriors are magnificent horsemen and often raid hapless caravans for plunder and profit. While proudly independent, the tribes nevertheless rely on the power and prestige of Al Shir-Ma to attract their prey, and have even been known to venture into the town itself to trade at the great markets from time to time.