Story name: Whispers from the Past
Author: Chris O'Kane
Publication date: July 17-20, 2001 (TSA-Talk)
Date: -2000 CR
Location: Southlands (Kkarrt, plains of Muresh, old Quareth)
Overview
In the distant past, the mages of Kkarrt create five powerful magic weapons to defeat a ruthless warlord. The story is told of the first users of these weapons, one of which would today be known as Whisper, the axe of Misha Brightleaf.
Summary
Part 1
In-universe, this is a story that Misha learns from his axe Whisper.
2000 years before the birth of Yahshua, the runic mage Ayeth presents his latest creations to Aritcherts, the god-king of Kkarrt: five powerful weapons, jet black and powerfully enchanted for strength and longevity. Aritcherts had instructed him to build weapons stronger than the legendary spear Shnut Tcheb. Ayeth tells Aritcherts to choose which weapon to bond with.
Though more familiar with the sword, he chooses the axe. He reflects on his intense training as a warrior and his ambitions to equal his father's conquests, but then realizes he would rather honor the gods than continue fighting. Aritcherts snaps from his reverie, and Ayeth assures him that the axe has accepted him. The weapons are powered by spirits who will kill any unworthy wielders. Ayeth himself doesn't know the weapons' true capabilities. Though tempted to try it, Aritcherts must leave tomorrow; King Sennacherib has crushed the city of Aimth and will march on Kkarrt unless he is stopped.
On a hill overlooking the fortified city of Ilturu, Sennacherib looks down upon it, wielding a powerful spear named Tanach Terea, "City Slayer". He is not intimidated; the spear will ensure Ilturu's destruction.
Part 2
Arvikt Mursilis's Harsit army arrives at Aritcherts's war camp. Mursilis himself is greeted by Aritcherts's vizier and brought to Aritcherts's tent. Mursilis sees several battle scenes on the cloth, and remembers his father's own conflict against Aritcherts at the Battle of Hartuf, ending in a stalemate. At a diplomatic summit, Aritcherts's furious tirade was stopped by the clever maneuverings of Mursilis's sister Abeb, who won over Aritcherts into both an alliance with Harsit and a marriage to Abeb. Mursilis is surprised to see the Battle of Hartuf depicted, with his father matching Aritcherts's stature.
After passing the many guards, Mursilis enters Aritcherts's war tent, where the runic weapons are on display. Aritcherts himself is currently meeting with two farmers, who give him information on Sennacherib's army and location. Mursilis's attempt to warn Aritcherts's is powerfully rebuked, and Mursilis stays silent until the farmers have left with their payment. Once Mursilis and Aritcherts are fed and left alone, Aritcherts confesses he already knew the two "farmers" were Sennacherib's spies, and he plans to follow them to Sennacherib's real camp. His only concern is Sennacherib's spear, a powerful relic from when the Old Magic was at its peak. Only the five weapons can defeat it. Mursilis then realizes that Sennacherib is planning to lure Aritcherts into an open battle, as Aritcherts has avoided one for years. Aritchert's vizier Irtish enters to report the location of Sennacherib's army. Aritcherts orders his armies to attack tonight.
As Mursilis's troops make formation, Mursilis's friend Nayaari and guard Myuri express reservations about helping their former enemy and Mursilis's brother's murderer. Mursilis hits Nayaari and emphasizes the importance of the coming battle. Failing that, he orders them to trust him and obey. Aritcherts rides up with his chariots to help lead the march.
Part 3
After a long march, they arrive at the smoldering remains of Ilturu. Nayaari rides ahead and confirms the fields and city have been completely razed; Sennacherib slaughtered every inhabitant. The troops begin to panic, and Aritcherts roars at them with the Hammer that the Five will destroy Sennacherib and dares anyone who questions him to challenge him. The stunned soldiers return to their duties, and the nobles discuss their war plans. They must focus on quickly finding and defeating Sennacherib. Aritcherts is confident that he is still here.
As morning approaches, Sennacherib's troops on the nearby hill of Old Quareth see Sennacherib's son Adad-Nirari riding up to join his father in combat, against his father's wishes. Adad-Nirari rides up to Sennacherib's tent, where Sennacherib and his second-in-command Ainerte stand angrily. The chariot rushes forward, and the illusion of Adad-Nirari is replaced with Aritcherts and his black axe, who kills Ainerte. Wielding all five weapons, Aritcherts holds off the blows of the soldiers and resists the attacks of Sennacherib's spear. Aritcherts throws his hammer and spear at Sennacherib; he deflects them in return, only for the hammer to turn mid-flight and strike him in the back. He stands as Aritcherts approaches with his axe, and the two begin to duel.
Below them, the combined force of Harsit and Kkarrt armies fight the Mintiri. The spear lands next to Nayaari, who is dazed from a heavy blow. Nayaari grabs it, and has visions of the many possible outcomes of this battle and the future of the world. He sees himself doing nothing, with the Harsit army exhausting itself before the Kkarrt army also dies; he sees himself avenging his brother's death by killing Articherts, joining Sennacherib to conquer Kkarrt at the cost of his wife and son's lives; he sees Harsit punished like Ilturu for their defiance against Sennacherib. Nayaari returns to battle, the spear having accepted him. It tells him to wait before aiming at the two dueling kings. At the right time, he throws it, piercing Sennacherib's heart moments after Articherts steps out of its path. In that moment of surprise, Articherts beheads Sennacherib.
The Mintiri panic and rout as the Kkarrt and Harsit armies kill them. Aritcherts and Nayaari meet Mursilis as he is being healed. Aritcherts boasts of a great temple and obelisk he will erect here, before naming three of the weapons he carried today. As the spear's battle mate, Nayaari is made to name it Hati. Finally, Aritcherts names the axe he has bonded with: Tchau Uae.
Characters
Main Characters:
- Aritcherts: The warrior-king of Kkarrt.
- He has a deeply tanned face with a tapered goatee. He has a hardened scarred muscular body.
- When speaking with Ayeth, he wears bronze scaled armor, gold and ivory and alabaster rings, gold earrings and gold bracelets, and a belt made of crocodile hide. From his belt he carries:
- A sickle-bladed iron Khopesh sword, covered from hilt to point with gold, silver, and alabaster decorations. The hilt is long and made of ivory, inlaid with gold, silver, and electrum. It is over 200 years old.
- A smaller bronze dagger, decorated like the above sword.
- While holding audience in his war tent, he wears a blue and gold striped kilt wrapped tight around his legs; bead-decorated sandals; a collar decorated with turquoise, garnets, and multicolored alabaster; gold rings on each finger; and the crown and rods of Kkarrt (see Society). He does not cover his chest.
- As a divinely chosen king, he refuses to show unease or anxiety, even in private. He also never shows eagerness. Among his troops, his nickname is Tha An, "Man of Stone".
- As a child, his father trained him in the traditional weapons of Kkarrt. His most cherished memories are of chariot racing across the deserts with him.
- Sennacherib: The King of Mintir who aspires to conquer the world.
- He had short hair and a short beard kept in curls. He wore the crown of Mintir, a flat-topped purple cylinder. He wore a red sleeveless robe of expensive fabric with gold tassels from every hem, and gold and silver embroidery of the gold scorpion of Mintir up and down the robe.
- Normally he would carry his royal bow with two strong daggers and a fine longsword in his belt, and he would have two shieldbearers and other servants. While wielding Tanach Terea, he carries none of these.
- Arvikt Mursilis: Prince of Harsit. Appears in parts 2 and 3.
- He is the second son of King Marutulis of Harsiti.
- He has black shoulder-length hair.
- He wears a gold-colored helmet with a brown fur plume, with a knee-length blue and gold scale armor robe, secured in the back by a cord.
- Like Aritcherts, he maintains a royal demeanor at all times.
- He is an enthusiastic player of Semet.
Supporting Characters:
- Nayaari: A Harsit nobleman, Mursilis's friend. He becomes the first wielder of Hati, the black spear. Appears in parts 2 and 3.
- He is a head taller than Mursilis. He has black shoulder-length hair. On his forehead is an old horizontal scar from a sword fight.
- He wears deep-bronze scale armor.
- Like many Harsit, he wishes to see Kkarrt destroyed for killing Artishe.
Minor Characters:
- Arar Hekai Ayeth: The crafter of the Five Sisters. Appears only in part 1.
- He has short black hair in curls. His body is wrinkled and aged, yet he holds himself firmly.
- He wears a blue and white kilt and a white sleeveless linen shirt. His only accessory is an electrum bracelet with a winged ibis symbol on his right wrist, marking him as a mage.
- He loves to speak cryptically and act as a mysterious mage. He sometimes speaks impetuously, testing Aritcherts's patience.
- A giant, led by Aritcherts. Appears in parts 2 and 3.
- He wields a metal axe as large as a man; supposedly he can chop an ox in two with one hit. He is armored with large leather strips tied with wire.
- Sennacherib's spies. Appear only in part 2.
- They appear no older than 20. They are dressed in plain gray farming clothes.
- Myuri: A member of Mursilis's Sherdan. Appears in parts 2 and 3.
Cameo:
- Teb: Ayeth's slave boy. Only appears in part 1.
- He is about 6 or 7 at this time. He wears nothing but a slave's garb, a red and brown loincloth. He has black hair and leather-brown skin.
- Irtish: Aritcherts's vizier.
- He is seen at the camp wearing a white linen robe. He walks slowly and stately. His head is shaved bare. He wears a single item of jewelry, a large brooch shaped like a hawk. He carries the staff of Navish in his right hand.
- The staff of Navish is gold, as tall as Irtish, and has a large ruby at the top.
- He is old and has served Ayamhati and his father before Aritcherts.
- He believes Ayeth is insane. Publicly, though, he boasts that Kkarrt has the best "symbol shapers" in the world.
- He is seen at the camp wearing a white linen robe. He walks slowly and stately. His head is shaved bare. He wears a single item of jewelry, a large brooch shaped like a hawk. He carries the staff of Navish in his right hand.
- Mursilis's shield-bearer. He holds Mursilis's combat spears and rides with him in his chariot. He only appears in part 2.
- Various characters who only appear in part 2 in Aritcherts's war tent:
- Five girl musicians. Aritcherts's musicians, including a piper, a harpist, and a lyrist.
- They have long shining straight black hair. They have floor length transparent robes.
- The lyre player is taller than the double-reed piper, who is slightly taller than the harpist.
- Aritcherts's Sherdan guards. Only appear in part 2.
- Aritcherts's scribe. He has a shaved head, and records the proceedings from a stool beside the Peraya.
- A slave girl for Aritcherts, who serves beer for Mursilis.
- An old servant of Aritcherts.
- Mutu, a lion. Appears in part 2 and part 3.
- Mayal and Turek: Two chariot leaders whose troops accompany Nayaari to inspect the ruins of Ilturu.
- Ayet: Nayaari's chariot driver. Only appears in part 3.
- Beirt: A scout who rides with Nayaari. Only appears in part 3.
- Ainerte: Sennacherib's second-in-command, also known as the Sin-ah-user, the senior Turtan. Only appears in part 3.
- He wears luxurious silk, gold, and silver clothing, second only to Sennacherib in wealth.
- A healer for Aritcherts. Only appears in part 3.
Important Mention:
- Ayamhati: Aritcherts's father, a great conqueror for the Kkarrt. He built a great palace and temple as well. Mentioned in parts 1 and 3.
- Abeb: A former Harsit princess, Aritcherts's wife, Mursilis's sister. She diplomatically proposed an alliance between Harsit and Kkarrt. Mentioned in parts 1, 2, and 3.
- As Aritcherts remembers it, she had been given to Aritcherts as a trophy after the Battle of Hartuf. He had permitted a peace with Harsit after she mentioned what great warriors her people would make for his army.
- As Mursilis remembers it, Abeb had insisted on joining Mursilis at the council, though she only appeared late while Aritcherts was in mid-rant. Her presence mollified him, and she flattered him for his charioteering ability and the magnificence of his army. She convinced him to accept modest tribute and take her for a wife.
- Sheshi: Aritcherts's younger brother, a potential rival to the Peraya. Mentioned only in part 1.
- He lacks common sense and wisdom. He has been confined to the palace, yet even under guard he causes trouble. Aritcherts avoids thinking about him.
- Amosis IV: An ancestor of Aritcherts, who overthrew the mages who ruled Kkarrt, but not in battle (to Aritcherts's disgust). Mentioned only in part 2.
- Adad Nirari: Sennacherib's son. Mentioned in parts 2 and 3.
- Artishe: Mursilis's brother, who died fighting Aritcherts, and whom many Harsits wish to avenge. Mentioned only in part 2.
- The crocodile that Ayamhati killed. Much larger than a typical crocodile, it killed many civilians. After it found a rich bounty in one village, Ayamhati ambushed and trapped the crocodile in the alleys there and killed it. Its hide fills one wall of Kkarrt's throne room. Mentioned only in part 3.
Referenced:
- Misha: A fox morph, the present day wielder of Whisper, presumed transcriber of the above story. Since he was a child, he wondered about Whisper's secret past, and is currently able to hear its stories. Mentioned only in part 1.
- Misha's great-grandfather, the previous wielder of Whisper. Mentioned only in part 1.
- Caroline: An otter morph, Misha's beloved. Mentioned only in part 1.
- Aritcherts's grandfather. Like Ayamhati, he built a fine temple. Already his deeds are being forgotten. Mentioned only in part 1.
- Marutulis: father of Mursilis, king of Harsit. Mentioned only in part 2.
- An Arysnian king, who died in the battle of the plains of Muresh. Mentioned only in part 2.
- Tarchel, King of Sashim. After a great battle, he was forced to pay tribute to Aritcherts. Mentioned only in part 2.
- The first Peraya and his brother, who fought for that honor. Now part of Kkarrt legend. Mentioned only in part 2.
- Nerich: One of Mursilis's advisors, apparently prone to paranoid ravings. Mentioned only in part 2.
- Tarim: A former kiln-owner who used to live on Old Quareth for over 40 years. Mentioned only in part 3.
- The king of Quareth, who was killed with his people by Meurah. Mentioned only in part 3.
- King Meurah, a feared tyrant who took Quareth by force and defied anyone else to take it. Mentioned only in part 3.
- Nayaari's brothers. Mentioned only in part 3.
- Aritcherts's son. Mentioned only in part 3.
- Nayaari's sisters. Mentioned only in part 3.
Locations
- Kkarrt is an empire in the Southlands, roughly two thousand years before Cristos Reckoning.
- Mur Shel is an unspecified location in Kkarrt.
- Kamraya is a coastal city along a broad river, bordered by wheat fields and cattle pastures.
- Ayeth's workshop is somewhere on the Great Western Sea.
- The entrance chamber has brick-lined walls and a gray stone floor, and usually kept warm by a tall brick forge that occupies one whole wall. Tables, benches, and counters neatly line the room; most are empty, but some hold finished magical artifacts.
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- One such artifact is a candle that burns with a jet black flame, absorbing heat. It has red wax and sits in an ivory holder.
- The wall opposite the entrance door is covered in white plaster, on which are drawn several complex runes in black, red, and green paint. They are reminiscent of Elvish runes. In the middle of the wall is an ocean-blue door to Ayeth's private quarters.
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- A small door (away from the rune-covered wall) leads to a small workshop. This is where Ayeth has kept the Five Sisters for Aritcherts to see. It is just big enough to hold three men and a large table. The Five Sisters were kept covered in a light-blue silk cloth.
- The entrance chamber has brick-lined walls and a gray stone floor, and usually kept warm by a tall brick forge that occupies one whole wall. Tables, benches, and counters neatly line the room; most are empty, but some hold finished magical artifacts.
- The Plains of Muresh had been inhabited by the Arysnian, but were conquered by Kkarrt within Aritcherts's lifetime, and retained by Kkarrt in the peace treaty. The battle itself was fought near a large river.
- The Hills of Maau had belonged to the Harsit until Ayamhati conquered it.
- One wall of Kkarrt's royal throne room is occupied by the hide of a monstrous crocodile that terrorized the Kkarrt river in Aritcherts's youth.
- Harsit contains river marshes, known for their Will of the Wisps.
- Durur is, most likely, a Harsit city.
- Gurmela is a city where the kings of Kkarrt and Harsit made a peace deal.
- Mesdura, Ilturu, and Farnesh are cities in the Learent, from largest to smallest.
- Ilturu was built on top of a small knoll. Over several generations, layers of middens and soil built up the city to a small ridge. It is surrounded on all sides by wheat and barley fields. The roads leading out are bordered by date palm orchards, where sheep and goats graze. Its twenty-foot city walls were made of dark gray stone and strengthened by triangular merlons, tall towers, and a four-story gatehouse, guarded by over forty soldiers. Each gate is shielded with hardened iron.
- The whole city was levelled by Sennacherib and his spear Tanach Terea. Only ruined mounds and charred bodies remain.
- Old Quareth is the official name of a hill near Ilturu, named after a town that used to reside there. The only remaining evidence are some stone walls and a few odd holes in the ground. At its summit stood a king's palace surrounded by stone walls; only a small stone remains emerged of the long-buried walls.
- It has had other names recently. For several decades before, it had been known as "Tarim's Hill" or "Kiln Hill" after the potter Tarim who owned a kiln there. A local farmer called it "Goat Hill" due to the soil only being good for grazing sheep and goats.
- Ilturu was built on top of a small knoll. Over several generations, layers of middens and soil built up the city to a small ridge. It is surrounded on all sides by wheat and barley fields. The roads leading out are bordered by date palm orchards, where sheep and goats graze. Its twenty-foot city walls were made of dark gray stone and strengthened by triangular merlons, tall towers, and a four-story gatehouse, guarded by over forty soldiers. Each gate is shielded with hardened iron.
- Kishesim, the burning city, is Mintiri's royal capital city.
- Adad-Nirari is a Mintiri city. Sennacherib's son currently holds it with 5000 troops.
Chronology
- Many years ago, the Heka Shuti took control of Kkarrt from the Peraya. Four Heka Shuti mages defeated the army Seqenenre Tao II at the oasis of Alurou, killing 4000.
- Around this time, with the Heka Shuti at the height of their power, the spear Tanach Terea was created.
- The Heka Shuti ruled Kkarrt for many years, poorly. Aritcherts's ancestor Amosis IV overthrew them, avoiding a direct battle.
- When Aritcherts was a child, Ayamhati conquered some spear-wielding Mountain tribes.
- When Aritcherts was 12, a great crocodile ravaged a great river of Kkarrt, killing anyone who strayed too
- Over 15 years ago, Ayamhati died, and Aritcherts become king.
- The Battle of the Plains of Muresh was Aritcherts's first major battle. A depiction shows many dead Arysnians, including the king.
- Some time after, King Tarchel of Sashim lost his city and his army to Aritcherts's attacks, and was forced to surrender to Aritcherts in his throne room. He was forced to pay hundreds of horses, spices, silk, gold, copper, tin, timber and ivory.
- The Battle of Hartuf lasted many days between Kkarrt and Harsit. Aritcherts fought with 12,000 men; over 3000 died. Over 8000 Harsit men died. The battle had almost been a victory for Harsit.
- Aritcherts had been convinced by two flattering spies that Harsit was retreating. He split up his forces, and Harsit made a surprise attack with chariots. Kkarrt's Do'Kora division was completely destroyed in moments.
- Though outnumbered three to one, Aritcherts did not flee. He stood his ground, and might have died if Kkarrt's Kammaloth division hadn't made a surprise rear attack. Night fell soon after, saving the remaining Harsit warriors.
- One month after the Battle of Hartuf, Aritcherts agreed to meet Marutulis in Gurmela to discuss a truce. Aritcherts's fury was upended by Abeb's diplomacy. Within a week, Aritcherts agreed to make peace with Harsit and marry Abeb.
- 5 years ago, Aritcherts tasked Ayeth with making the Five Sisters to defeat Shnut Tcheb.
- For 3 years, Sennacherib ruled over Ilturu, demanding high taxes and their entire harvest for his army.
- For 2 years, Aritcherts faced Sennacherib four times in battle. At one of them, the battle of Krytu, Sennacherib alone slew 500 of Aritcherts's Sherdan, drawing a line in the sand to open the earth and swallow them.
- It costs a few thousand urtens and several hundred men to gain the time to create the Five Sisters.
- On the day Aritcherts checks on the Five Sisters, he receives word that Sennacherib has conquered Aimth, the last city in open revolt against him.
- He routed the army in a single day, and destroyed the city in one hour with Tanach Terea.
- The next day, Aritcherts begins marching his army to attack Sennacherib.
- No more than four days before Aritcherts meets Mursilis, Sennacherib's army crosses a river. Aritcherts's spies discover these signs.
- Aritcherts's army consists of 30,000 infantry and 3000 chariots. Besides the Sherdan, he also commands a mountain giant. Mursilis meets him with 2000 infantry and 500 chariots.
- The spies claim that Sennacherib commands over 15,000 troops, and 2000 chariots, with more still in Theru.
- Irtish informs Aritcherts that Sennacherib is in the ruins of old Quareth, with over 60,000 infantry and 4000 chariots. Except for 5000 troops remaining in Adad-Nirari, this is his entire army.
- Aritcherts, Mursilis, and Nayaari launch a surprise attack on old Quareth, using the dagger to disguise themselves and twelve chariots as Sennacherib's brother and his entourage. Aritcherts engages Sennacherib in single combat on the summit, distracting him while Nayaari takes Hati and kills Sennacherib.
- The rest of the battle ends around noon after several hours.
- Aritcherts declares that Quareth will be rebuilt with an obelisk, the tallest in the world, surrounded by the greatest temple.
Society
- Kkarrt is ruled by the Peraya. The vizier is the Peraya's chief advisor, and is second only to the Peraya in power.
- The crown of Kkarrt is white and spire-shaped. A gold hawk spreads its wings above the wearer's forehead, with fierce jeweled eyes.
- The gold and black colored rod of Kkarrt, and the blue and silver staff of life, are two other symbols of the Peraya.
- The Heka Shuti are Kkarrt practitioners of old magic. They are still feared and respected in Kkarrt.
- The power of the Kkarrt mages has already dwindled since their prime. Aritcherts comments that the mages once could have crafted one weapon with the power of all Five Sisters.
- Steel is a relatively new material to the Kkarrt empire, though not created by them.
- The Five Sisters are five runic weapons created by Ayeth. All of them are made of black non-reflective steel, and are devoid of decoration. Even the leather wrappings are black.
- They are guarded by powerful spirits who judge all who touch them, accepting only those wise and skilled enough to use them.
- Their true powers are not known at their creation, even by Ayeth. The spirits who inhabit each weapon will reveal them over time.
- Each is given a name at the end:
- Ka-Staru, "Soul Strength": The sword. It has straight sharp edges.
- Henbi-shnut, "Spring Storm": The hammer. Its shaft is as long as a man's arm. Its head is as thick as a soldier's leg.
- Tchaas-hurti, "Knowledge and Illusion": The dagger. It has a thick hilt with an upswept cross guard. The blade is as thick and as long as an outstretched hand, with a diamond-tip point.
- Hati, "Wisdom": The spear. It is as long as a man's height, with a blade shaped and detailed like a leaf as wide as an outstretched hand. The cedar shaft is perfectly smooth.
- Tchau Uae, "Shadow's Edge": The axe. Its double-bladed head is as wide as the table it sat on.
- The axe has had many names since then, some more dignified than others.
- Tanach Terea, "City Slayer" is the name of Seenacherib's magic spear. Each end has a polished glossy mitheral blade with fine oval tips made of red metal. Its gold shaft is inlaid with silver and ivory.
- Kkarrt lords honor the gods in several ways: by building temples or obelisks, or staging great festivals.
- "Ayha smai" means battle mate. It is used to refer to the bonded owner of one of the Five Sisters, though its use suggests it is an already familiar phrase.
- The Kkarrt camp is a circle, surrounded by a wooden palisade behind a shallow ditch. Just inside the palisade at the hide tents belonging to the Shemshu Tep, neatly arranged in long rows. Beyond that are the cloth tents of the Ne'arin. In the center is an immense tent belonging to the Peraya.
- The Peraya's tent is over "a spear's throw" in length and as wide as "a chariot with its horses is long". It is a dark burgundy color with gold pictures of hawks, lions, jackals, and hyenas. The tops of the tent poles are capped with golden falcons and hawks. The entrance of the tent, which faces directly away from the entrance to the camp, is guarded by several Sherdan and a mountain giant.
- One side of the tent is covered in depictions of war, with Aritcherts's victories in gold and silver. The first scene shows the chaotic battle of the plains of Muresh. Several scenes later show the battle of Hartuf, with Aritcherts and Marutulis equally matched.
- Just inside the tent entrance are two stone sphinxes. They are colored the same as real lions, with dangerous claws and eyes inset with red fist-sized gems. They have an intimidating gaze, and may or may not be alive.
- The inside of the tent is lavishly decorated like a palace room, with vibrant art adorning the walls, ceiling, and floor, mostly animals such as leopards, hawks, lions, and cheetahs. One side features life-sized lions hunting zebras. The floor depicts Kamraya and the surrounding lands.
- Also here is the Peraya's throne. The body is built from cedar and oak, covered in gold and silver. The armrests are made of obsidian and shaped like lions with amethysts for eyes. The chair legs are fashioned like lions' legs with gold paws and electrum claws. The throne sits on an equally elaborate pallanquin, a full arm's length in height.
- Aritcherts's private chambers within the tent are concealed with a silk curtain. A dark purple carpet and teak wood table act as furniture, though other articles may be moved in and out by servants, such as chairs, couches, and tables.
- The common infantry of Kkarrt are called Shemshu Tep. They form the majority of the Kkarrt army. They are divided into two halves:
- Nakhtu-aa, "strong arm boys". They wear padded armor, carry wooden shields covered in cowhide, and wield long spears with hardened iron spearheads;
- Raau Nuf, "far-eyed killers", or archers. They are unarmored, wearing only a shirt and skirt, and carry a bow.
- The elite soldiers of Kkarrt are called Ne'arin. They have servants and sleep in cloth tents instead of hide.
- The elite guard of Kkarrt (and Harsit) are called the Sherdan. They wear scale armor and carry broad rectangular shields. They defend their lord at all cost.
- Harsit chariots are built with thick wooden sides and floors and can hold a three soldiers. Their axles are built directly under the platform to hold the weight. They are designed to smash into enemy armies and destroy them.
- In contrast, Kkarrt chariot walls are thinner, either open or covered with thin wicker, and can barely hold two soldiers. The axles pivot at the rear of the platform, allowing for greater maneuverability and speed. Their tactics are to bombard enemy soldiers with arrows, retreat, and repeat until the enemy is exhausted.
- Each army unit has a standard, a pole twice the height of a soldier. At the top is a gold figurine of an animal to represent the unit.
- One infantry unit is marked by a lion; one archery unit is marked by a cheetah.
- It is customary for Kkarrt warriors to collect the hands of their dead enemies.
- The traditional weapons of Kkarrt are the sword, the mace, the bow, and the spear.
- The Khopesh sword is the traditional weapon of Kkarrt. It is very closely associated with the fighting prowess of the kings.
- Spears are common weapons for the Kkarrt, by soldiers and hunters alike.
- Kkarrt warriors always carry a dagger at their hip. They are good in close quarter combat, and both for or against assassins.
- Hammers are not common weapons in Kkarrt. They were more common among the ancient Stone Eaters tribe.
- Tomb robbing is highly dishonorable in Kkarrt.
- Semet is a popular board game in Kkarrt.
- Kkarrt's gold coins are known as urtens. One urten is at least one years' earnings for a poor farmer.
- Minbiri's colors are blue, orange, and red.
- Sennacherib's army met its end on the hill Quareth. Sennacherib's tent was perched on the summit, in Minbiri colors. The perimeter was guarded by spearmen and archers, with chariots behind them.
- A group of forty infantry and archers stands at the entrance of the hill, with a messenger on horseback. Their job is to engage the enemy and delay them while the messenger informs the army core of the enemy army. Only the messenger is expected to survive.
- The Turtan are the Minbiri's elite soldiers. They wear armor made of small iron plates sewn into red silk garments. Each holds a spear and a body-sized shield. Five hundred of them serve as Sennacherib's royal guard.
- Tanach Terea is Sennacherib's runic spear. Its name means "City Slayer", but it has had many names throughout history, such as "heart seeker" and "that which never misses". It can shoot lightning out of both ends, and is powerful enough to level entire cities by itself.
- One Stone Eater tomb was found built into a hillside. The occupant was entombed holding a hammer.
- The Sea Peoples were an ancient people who wielded single-bladed axes, though not as large as Tchau Uae.
- The people south of Kkarrt have leather-brown skin and black hair.
- Elves are known as "forest dwellers" here.
Points of Interest
- One of the Kkarrt army divisions is called the Kammaloth Division. Most likely they took their name from the Lothanasi god.
| Whisper, the Great Axe | |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Welcoming Committee · Faith, Trust, and Hope |
| Awakening | Counter-Strike · Lion's Claw and Wolf's Fang · Whispers from the Past · Whispers of the Lost and Found |
