Pharoah - Background Info

A brief summary of what little you've learned so far:

You have been 'summoned' to the town of Bralizzar, on the edge of a region known as the Desert of Desolation.  It is a busy trading point, with about 500 permanent residents and the same number of visitors of various types. Rule of law is very strict, you need a copper medallion with you at all times while moving around the town - as proof of your honesty - and a separate Writ of Passage to be able to leave the town and enter the Desert.

Bralizzar initially developed many centuries ago, as a waystation for trade caravans heading towards the cities of Pazar, Terbarkar and Phoenix, along the River Athis. The then ruler Amun Re was harsh, and his ways brought a curse upon his people, and on the land in general.  The River dried up, the cities were abandoned and left to be swallowed up by the Desert.

There are two local Dervish groups - the Raurindi (or Thunes) - who believe the history must be protected, and have thus styled themselves as Guardians of the Past.  They occupied the ruins of Bralizzar, protecting the abandoned temples to long forgotten Gods.

Slowly the trade routes were reopened, and with the trade came the Durpari (or Symbayans), who pushed the Thunes out to live as nomads.  The Symbayans care nothing for the old Gods, they are fervent devotees of their own deity, Anu.  The old temples were reoccupied, and now house all manner of businesses, such as Bralizzar's main hostelry, the Inn of The Golden Palm.  In order to control the trade in the region, strict laws were imposed, to discourage pillaging and smuggling. The Symbayan Lancers deal out tough and swift justice to any who transgress - and few dare to.

You were brought to Bralizzar by Aman Al-Raqib, an aging Astrologer and Seer, and he has given you the basic information above.  He has also mentioned he wants you to enter the Desert to seek out 'Star Gems' and the 'Sphere of Martek' - he has not told you why. He is guarded at all times by the mute giant Fuigarm, who stands at over 8' tall.

Aman Al-Raqib has provided you with the documentation you need to leave the town and enter the Desert.  He has also supplied 8 camels, as much in the way of food, water, and firewood as the beasts can carry, and 2 large tents in which to shelter.  He has also advised you to travel by night, as the heat of the sun is unbearable during the day.

While eating in the Inn, several of you were told a number of rumours:

There are obelisks in the Desert that speak of greatness, but they are evil places where death awaits. None who have gone forth to study those ancient stones have ever returned.

Some of the most fabulous treasures lost in the Desert were the Star Gems. Of great power and tremendous wealth, they were part of a prophecy concerning the release of evil across the desert and the return of power into the land.

When the Evil walks our land again,
Will Nomadic princes come to Set
His power into his first bride's hand,
That good and evil then are met.

Then as needs be
The Star Gems Three
To my Tomb be borne hither
And a hope shall not wither.
Open the gates to my sphere of power
And put off evil in its appointed hour.