Raman bin Yusif al-Kahn - Nomad Leader

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	Places High Desert Scenarios Caravans

Quote

The allag may seem like madness to you, the qara'a is worthless. But so long as the allag prevents bloodshed, may it last a thousand years.

Background

Raman serves as the commander of the House Fajirik, an enlightened nomadic tribe consisting of about 400 members, all of them serving in the army. Though he presents himself as boisterous and easygoing, Ramad is unsentimental and thoroughly professional. Determined to keep peace with the rival House Ashurim, he prefers compromise and negotiation to violent confrontation. He encourages an informal atmosphere to keep morale high.

If asked about the war, Ramad explains that a treaty exists between House Fajirik and House Ashurim. The terms of the treaty, called an allaq, prohibit either side from trespassing on a flat held of sand. Each house remains confined to a tribal area called a dirah on either side of the qara'a.

"The allag may seem like madness to you," says Ramad. "The qara'a is worthless. But so long as the allag prevents bloodshed, may it last a thousand years."

All of the soldiers share Ramad's commitment to the allag, except Hirakur, who has urged him to ignore it and attack the hated House Ashurim. But Ramad won't consider violating the allag.

Jaman believes Hirakur plans to retaliate against House Ashurim on his own, and he has revealed this to Ramad. But the captain trusts Hirakur and thinks the well meaning Jaman is overreacting to rumours.