Introduction to Sendoure

[DM B]

Sendoure has a history that stretches back to the early centuries after Deismaar. Khinasi tribesmen long stayed away from the forested lands north of the Asarwe, but eventually the lust for these lush lands overcame their fear of the sidhe. In the event most of the sidhe had already retreated further north to Coullabhie, and slowly but surely the forest was cut down and new settlements established. Today Sendoure is still a lightly forested realm, but there are few patches of dense woods, and rather more of fruit trees and orchards. The exception is the Serir Rigal, the personal preserve of the Amirs, which also serves as the main source of power for whomever is court mage of Sendoure (currently this is the Amir himself).

Anuireans first came to Sendoure in the 5th century HC when their legions and engineers built the road that even today runs between Kiedel and Ghoudaïa. Sendoure was, unlike Rohrmarch, never of much interest to the Anuireans, except as a waystation. They built a mighty citadel and strong walls in Ghoudaïa – the citadel has razed by el-Arrasi and has been replaced by the Amir’s place, but the Anuirean wall still protects the Inner City of the capital – and maintained a garrison, but little else. The Asarwe held no commercial and military value at that time, and was thus largely ignored. When el-Arrasi united the Khinasi in rebellion he took great pains to take Ghoudaïa in a way that both demonstrated his magical might and made sure the city would still be left intact and able to defend against the inevitable counterattack.

The loss of Ghoudaïa severely hampered the Anuirean Empire’s efforts to mount a land-based campaign against el-Arrasi. The effort to retake the city was eventually abandoned in favor of a more southerly approach which included landings in Turin. To this very day the citizens of Ghoudaïa celebrate their contribution to the freedom of the Khinasi for an entire week around midsummer, dedicating the victory to Avani, el-Arrasi, and the Amir. As a result of history there is little Anuirean influence in Sendoure. There is quite some influx of Brechts here, thanks to ties to Rohrmarch and Rheulgard, but these Brechts mostly adapt to Sendoure, rather than the other way around. In this Sendoure is very different from Rhormarch – Rohrmarch is an unique amalgamation, and Sendoure almost pure Khinasi.

[DM B]

Beysim ibn Faroud el-Duatim, Amir of Sendoure: Male Khinasi; Wizard 7; Brenna, minor, 29; NE. Beysim is a fat, old, corrupt, and cruel. He does, however, have a flair for underhanded politics – and is a very potent wizard. He has ruled for 15 years, and may well rule Sendoure for many decades more.

Yousef ibn Faroud, Sheik of Shirset: Male Khinasi; fighter 6; Brenna, minor, 25; LG. Yousef is the Amir’s second cousin. Early in Beysim’s reign it looked like the younger man might try to overthrow the Amir, but somehow he manager to persuade Yousef to accept the position of Sheik of Shirset instead. Yousef is everything Beysim is not – including having no gift fir subterfuge and no magical skill whatsoever. Unfortunately that makes him ill suited to rule the realm, a fact which he grudgingly came to terms with when he swore vassalage.

Helmut Gruber: This black-hearted Brecht from the Bay South region has worked his way up the guildscene in Sendoure with the blessings of the Amir. There is nothing good to say about the man, except for two things – he has made himself and the Amir rich, and his brutal and underhand methods are surprisingly effective in keeping the agents of the Hydra under control.

Evarard von Schleiss, High Priest of Sarma’s Blessing: Evarard is another Bay South man, hailing from Müden, but he is quite the opposite of Helmut Gruber. His temple preaches that honest and hard work is the best way to ensure success in life and bountiful rewards in the afterlife.