Campaign Background

"terry sat up
and hugged the army surplus bag
around his skinny waist
it was cold
and the person beside him had faded badly
legs apart his eyes lit up
the sky's gone out-"
- bauhaus, Exquisite Corpse

The campaign starts early in the year 2372 A.S. (After the Seal; i.e. the founding of the Empire) in the northwestern interior city of Mrelú in the country of Tsolyánu (The Empire of the Petal Throne, also known as the Second Imperium). It is two years after the confirmation of the Emperor Mirusíya (“Resplendent Flame”) in 2369. Five years after a civil war that lasted from 2366 to 2368. The devastating civil war ended with the defeat and disappearance of the Ursurper, Emperor Dhich’uné (“Eternal Splendour”), the youngest revealed son of the last Emperor, a fanatical worshiper of Lord Sárku, and brother to the current Emperor.

Seizing an opportunity before the new Emperor could consolidate his power, the neighboring power Mu'ugalavyá, a longtime rival, invaded the Empire from the southwest and west. There have been heavy casualties on both sides as the invasion has bogged down in the forests of the southwest. However, with the northwest region of the Empire now secure, legions of the Empire are once again on the march as the hand of the Emperor moves across his lands.

The 25th medium infantry legion, otherwise known as the Regiment of Noble Ssiyór of Mrelú, is on the move once more, having been given leave to journey from the front to rest and resupply in their home city of Mrelú. The crackpot Ssiyór still tinkers with strange ideas and plans but his legion proved its loyalty and courage during the recent fighting in the northwest.

Their resupply now finished, as reward for the recent deeds the legion has been ordered to march to the city of Khirgár, bastion and gateway of the north. Like almost any other action of this magnitude in Tsolyánu there are political, religious, economic, and personal ramifications. The recent civil war precipitated an outbreak of open warfare between temples not seen in over a thousand years and wove deep divisions along political and military lines. These wounds have yet to fully heal and even during times of peace intrigue and obligation are always close at hand.

Once in Khirgar, the legion will help support and eventually replace the distrusted 24th medium infantry, the Legion of the Helm of Night. The 24th is even newer than the 25th and was weakened by losses during fighting with Yan Kor and further wounded when it declared for the Ursurper in what was quickly enemy territory. The 25th will be rejoining its senior brother legion, the 16th heavy infantry, the Legion of the Deep Purple Dark. The 16th, like the 25th, is based out of Mrelu and there are many ties between the two legions.

The defenders of Khirgar protect the Empire from its enemies in Yán Kór to the north and N’lüss to the northwest. Ever watchful the Inimical Races lurk even in the dry soil around ancient Khirgar, once a southern port on the great Inland Sea of the North, now the gateway to the Desert of Sighs. Ever desiring they are to rid Tekumel of hated Humanity and its allies. Khirgar, Defender of the North, is an old reminder of Human existence. Though it is currently a peaceful post the enemies of the Empire would be keen to exploit any weakness shown. The Emperor favors the 25th medium infantry legion highly by assigning them to such an important position.

Meanwhile back in the city of Mrelu, members of the medium rank clan Golden Sapphire go about their daily affairs. Some promising younger members of Golden Sapphire, having been chosen to accompany the Regiment of Noble Ssiyór of Mrelú on its journey north to the city of Khirgar, are preparing for the long journey ahead. For most it will be their first time away from home and clan, for others it will be a familiar journey. Some have ties with the legion or Khirgar, others are there to support their clansibs. Golden Sapphire is not as strong in Khirgar as it is in Mrelu and this is a good opportunity to strengthen Golden Sapphire's ties and business in the north.

A messenger has arrived at the Golden Sapphire Clanhouse in Mrelu. The Regiment of Noble Ssiyór of Mrelú marches on the next Sunrunra, two days from now! Bid your farewells as soon you will leave home and embark on a great adventure for your clan, temple, occupation, and yourself.

For Lan Khomoyi, 'Good Noble Action', member of Golden Sapphire!