Kaliphlin Times: People of Kaliphlin Edition

[Mike S]

Dear readers,

I do apologize for the time lapse between now and my last issue. As I am sure you are well aware, Viktor Revolword caused quite a lot of problems for the citizens of Historica and I, myself was not immune. The elementals that attacked Barqa destroyed my equipment as well as my fortunes so I now must work as an "information gatherer" for a certain unnamed benefactor to get back on my feet. This work has the benefit of giving me many things to write about, however I lack the time to print them. Hopefully this feeble attempt to print a new issue will give you some more information of the current state of affairs in Historica.

Your friendly Kaliphlin Times editor,

Clive Harper

With the civil war raging in Nocturnus, I am eagerly awaiting news of the victorious faction as it is bound to have an effect on the rest of Historica. In Kaliphlin things seem quite peaceful but if one pays a closer look at things, it is evident that a conflict is brewing. Assassinations, disappearances, and the amassing of armies surprisingly continue even after Revolword's defeat. The Kaliphlin Council, while immensely strong as a whole, is inherently inefficient in dealing with rogue elements because of jurisdictional issues. Criminal Sheiks are gaining power through this and illegal activities such as the slave trade are on the rise.

One such rogue who I have already mentioned in a previous issue, is Sheik Abdul-Mughni. Originally he only traded in large monsters which he pitted against each other in wagered fights. But now it is rumored that should the coin be enough, Sheik Abdul-Mughni will obtain for you any creature you should ask for. To make matters worse, he seems to have been dabbling in the black arts and now is a somewhat proficient mage should the rumors be true. As the Kaliphlin Council have greater matters to deal with, this rogue continues to grow in power at the expense of law abiding citizens of Kaliphlin. Should anyone on the Kaliphlin Council read this, it would be wise to nip this problem in the bud before it grows roots deep within Kaliphlin soil.

I have provided here a sketch of Sheik Abdul-Mughni with one of his bodyguards should any one be in doubt of who I write:

Shiek Abdul-Mughni by M. o. K., on Flickr

Besides problems with rogue shieks such as Sheik Abdul-Mughni, there are strange rumors floating on the dusty wind from the desert regions of Kaliphlin. The rumors say that the mountain mummies are behaving oddly, and many of them have disappeared into the desert. My benefactor was particularly interested in this and requested that I investigate. The only information that I was able to uncover was that a King of the long dead Falcon dynasty had supposedly returned to life and many of the mountain mummy tribes were gathering to help him reclaim his kingdom. Among my research I also came upon an interesting account of a foretelling of the return of the Falcon dynasty at the time of death of the last heir.

Whether this information holds any water or not I really cannot say. But I can say one thing, the tales that I have been hearing from desert travelers are quite extraordinary. I have provided a sketch I found in the library of Petraea that was with the account of the foretelling of the return of the Falcon dynasty:

Desert King by M. o. K., on Flickr

When I was in Barqa some time ago, I was fortunate to meet a somewhat famous personage from Kaliphlin, SInbad the Sailor. He had just returned from his fifth or sixth voyage, I can't quite remember which. He has some most excellent tales and if I have time I would like to recount them here in the Kaliphlin Times someday. However if you happen to cross paths with him in person be sure to have him recount one of his adventures to you. Some of his tales I must say are stranger than the tale of the Falcon KIng returning back to life to reclaim his kingdom.

Here is a sketch of Sinbad the Sailor with one of his men:

Sinbad the Sailor by M. o. K., on Flickr

While it is true that there has been quite a bit of external cultural influence in Kaliphlin the last few years, the majority of Kaliphlin citizens stay true to their roots and the customary desert garb is still in style. I would like to provide you with two sketches that particularly struck me as being representative of Kaliphlin cultural garb. Both are small time sheiks with their bodyguard:

Kaliphlin Shiek 2 by M. o. K., on Flickr

Kaliphlin Shiek 1 by M. o. K., on Flickr

That being said, there are noticeable foreign cultural influences in Kaliphlin, one of the most noticeable being the foreign Aslanic religion. Bishop Jamon's strong military focus holds appeal to not a few low level sheiks and the reward of military equipment and training for their soldiers is enough incentive to be proselytized. As you can see in the following sketch, there is a noticeable difference between the proselytized sheik and the non-proselytized sheiks previously. The sheik is with his bodyguard who has been trained and equipped by the Knights of Aslan:

Aslanic Shiek by M. o. K., on Flickr

The Aslanic religion is a fairly new religion to Historica. Bishop Jamon was the first to spread its message and write down its core theology. Where Bishop Jamon got his ideas from, no one knows, but in talking to followers of the Aslanic religion, I have been told a being called an angel came to him as he prayed, instructing him in everything he has now done. As always, I have provided you with a sketch of what this angel may have looked like according to someone who talked to someone who talked to someone whom Bishop Jamon described the angel to:

Angel by M. o. K., on Flickr

Edited January 13, 2014 by Masa of Kaliphlin

[Kayne]

As soon as Kha returns from Nocturnus, he may have to bring justice to this rogue....

[Mike S]

As soon as Kha returns from Nocturnus, he may have to bring justice to this rogue....

(Out of character)I've had an unfinished MOC of the sheik somewhat similar to your QualinestiCCXI3 MOC sitting on one of my shelves for months. If I ever get it done, you will get to see some of the mischief he has been getting into.

[gedren_y]

A great return. Copies of the Kaliphlin Times will be of great interest to the Nestlands Clans, as the Nocturnian Civil War has many on edge.

Minister Aturl Prndrn wishes to note that it is the western Mountain Mummies that are being drawn away. The eastern and northern Mountain Mummies have been working with Nestlands moneyed interests to build a new casino in Lost Vega (OCC: big LDD build). Work has stalled recently though, due to different religions' holy days being observed.

[Lord Vladivus]

Ah, so the Falcon returns eh? If he proves to be a problem, I gladly offer my expertise in the dead, undead, and returning to life.

OOC great figs, I love Sinbad!

[SkaForHire]

Excellent figs! Great to see the KT back!

[soccerkid6]

Very cool fig combos and another interesting edition of the Kaliphlin times

[Gideon]

Many great figs here!

I had to go looking for the previous editions, really nice series of vignettes you have built

[Mike S]

Thanks for the comments!

@Gideon- The previous editions of the KT were done so long ago I didn't even think about linking to them.