THE ANCIENT SUEL EMPIRE By Acererak@aol.com (Randy Richards) To my students, Over the past few months, several letters have been interecepted from widespread members of the Scarlet Brotherhood. These letters reveal a great number of details about the ancient Suel Empire that were heretofore unknown. I will leave it to you to make your own judgements as to how accurate the information is, as it could be a ruse by the Brotherhood to distract us from the truth. Professor Tobin; Goodmonth 25 Monmurg, Hold of the Sea Princes Brother Bylew, I had no idea the Empire was so different from our own modern culture. As I said in a previous letter, I had uncovered a currency conversion chart in Slerotin's Manifesto: 1/5 mithril ember = 1 platinum ingot = 2 gold wheels = 20 silver rods = 100 amber chips = 200 perfume orbs. The chart made little sense to me, because I did not understand the context. Further reading has revealed currency descriptions for the Suel Empire, at least in the latter years. The following coins were commonly referenced as embers, ingots, wheels, rods, chips and orbs. "Mithril Embers" were flat irregular coins, consisting of mithril metal and the reddish mineral cinnabar. The resulting appearance gave the coin a "hot coal" look, hence the name mithril "embers". The metals used to make these coins were mined by the Baklarran dwarves of what was then known as the Suel Halt mountains. The dwarves sold the Empire the mithril primarily due to the natural cinnabar taint. Because of the cinnabar infusion, the metal was unusable in weapons or other magical items. However, there was no more beautiful coin than the mithril ember. Markings on one side showed a griffon flying over the capital city Suendrako, the emperor's name, and the year of minting. The reverse of the coin had the flaming skull symbol of the god Wee Jas. This coin was usually preferred by aristocrats, mages, and dwarves. "Platinum Ingots" were thick flat rectangular rounded edged blocks of pure platinum, roughly equal to the size of 5 pp today. On one side was imprinted the year of minting beneath the Temple of the Magi. The reverse was engraved with an inverted ziggurat that had a barely distinct mauve glean to it. Platinum ingots were usually preferred by priests. "Gold Wheels" were large round coins, the size of what would be 10 gp worth of gold today (I believe one reason gold was so plentiful were the numerous wild aurumvorax - but this is pure speculation). On one side of the coin was the likeness of the current emperor, the year of stamping, and the words "EMPIRE FOR LIFE" in bold lettering. The reverse pictured a sun shining brightly on a fertile plain. Gold wheels were usually preferred by warriors. "Silver Rods" were rectangular flat coins, having rounded corners and a square hole in the center much like the modern coins of Jurnre in the County of Ulek. The coins contain roughly what would equal 2 sp today. This coin had the "dragon turtle" symbol of the god Xerbo minted on both sides. Along the top edge was the year of minting. The rods were placed on a rack for counting, the long coin shape fitting neatly into tiny grooves. This counting rack was called a yoruba, and was a common possession of both foreign traders and domestic merchants of the Suel Empire. This was the coin of trade among city folk and seamen. "Amber Chips" were beautifully polished thumbnail sized chunks of fossilized resin, moderately flat on one side. The currency used to look like chipped pieces before it was standardized, hence the moniker "chips" became a misnomer. . If the amber contained an insect or other trapped creature, the value of the coin could have as much as tripled (but in a few areas the reverse was true). Chips were weighed and issued by the government, and the only marking was the date etched on the flat side. The amber itself was mined by some now extinct local clansgnomes who sold it to the Empire. Humanoid mercenaries were usually paid in this commodity, and mercenary humanoids and farmers usually preferred the amber coins. "Perfume Orbs" were white spherical orbs of perfume crystals. Each was pressed into shape by a special tool, and usually hung on a thin string or chain by a hole through its center. The perfume crystals were extracted by derro slaves in the mines of Popo-Ri. The mine was effectively destroyed along with the Suel Basin, but I suspect the miners survived in their caves. Copper later came to replace the vacuum left by the lost perfume commodity. Like copper, this "coin" was usually used by the poorer Suel folk. As you can see by my ramblings, the Suel Imperium was wise in its use of local materials in the assembling of its currency. Soon we will bring back the glory that was rightfully ours. Brother Delekk, Sunsebb 9, 5681 Hesuel Ilshar Dear Brother Bylew, I have been compiling references in the recently acquired "Slerotin's Manifesto". I'm not sure how much help this will be to you, but I have discovered references to several (most unknown) flora species that were indigenous to the Suel Basin region. The massive "Dinotherian" species grew primarily in the Asperwood Forest near the Suel Plateau. The bushy body of the plant grew close to the ground, and could grow as high as 15 feet with a width as much as 30 feet! The flowers bloomed in high summer with a tulip-like shape. These flowers were typically red, but blue and yellow varieties were know. Some of these blossoms could grow as large as 6 feet. There is a Suel legend that says giants cultivated these flowers to use as gifts to their loved ones. I cannot confirm this, but while checking on current records, I noted that a recently a slightly smaller version of this plant (50%) has been discovered in the Sulhaut mountains (according to the Manifesto, these mountains were named "Suel Halt" originally). As you know, we cultivate "Enemy's Blood" plants still today here on the Tilvanot Peninsula, using enemy blood as fertilizer. The bush has 9-inch long dagger-shaped leaves. The ancient Suel believed that these plants only grew where the blood of an enemy had fallen (which had its basis in reality). The Suel warriors sometimes coated their spears with a thick nectar exuded from the flowers of the plant. This nectar had poisonous effects including dizziness and paralysis, and also contained the plant's tiny seeds, which germinated and sprouted from the area where the victim decomposed. Birds and insects were attracted to the honey-like substance and they too spread the seeds. "Lendor's Storm" was an odd flowering plant found only in the Suel Basin plateau. These flowers bloomed only right before and after a thunderstorm. The flowers were colorful, consisting of pink, blue and yellow petals. The flowers lasted only for 24 hours, usually opening a full hour before a rain shower even began. It was said the flower got its weather predicting power from the god Lendor, but in actuality it sensed the change in air pressure. I believe this species is now extinct. The "Luquipod" grew in the Suel Basin plateau as well. The plant was about 2 feet tall and produced orange flowers in mid to high summer. The green berry-like fruit was extremely juicy and could provide a good deal of water to a parched individual. Current research indicates this species is now extinct. The highly adaptable "Pollenrose" plant was only found in the Suel Basin. The pollenrose looked like a flaky rose made of pollen. Closer examination revealed that the rose was actually a leaf that exuded a sappy fluid. Pollen stuck to the leaf and the plant drew its nourishment from there. Cleaned of pollen, the flower was edible and full of sweet juice. I attempted to look up this species, and it appears there is an adapted dusty version of this plants still thriving on the fringes of the Sea of Dust today. The bizarre "Simmering Wiltflower" grew near the water of the Simmering River. The brown flower thrived on the shoreline of the near-boiling water of the channel, and had a wilted appearance - hence the name. At the base of the river the plant was sparse. Further upstream in the southern Crystalmist Mountains it existed in abundance, and seemed unaffected by the constant ash that infested the area. This plant is unknown to us today, but the area is virtually unexplored. I suspect this species is now extinct. The peculiar "Timorous" plant grew primarily in the Suel Basin area during late spring and early summer. It produced bright yellow daisy-like flowers that had a red streak along the petal edges. Below the surface, the plant grew from a large bulb measuring about 4-5 inches across. When the plants sensed movement within a 1-2 foot radius it withdrew suddenly into the ground, nestled safe inside its bulb. It did not emerge again for 5 to 15 minutes. The "Utoak" tree had all the appearances of an oak tree with one exception: an Utoak tree was only 5 feet tall. Utoak was in all other respects equal to oak, and could be used for all the same purposes. I have never seen such a tree, so I would surmise it is extinct at this point. Brother Delekk Sunsebb 20, 5681; Hesuel Ilshar Dear Brother Bylew, I am responding to your inquiry about the details of the ancient Suel Imperial Calendar. While I am sure you are familiar with the Suloise Dating year (S.D.), very few of us know the full Suel calendar composition. Most records were destroyed with the peoples of the Suel Basin. You will likely find this information somewhat disturbing - to have lost so much knowledge about our heritage. For example, my studies of Slerotin's Manifesto indicate the ancient Suel Empire counted nights rather than days. All their holidays began on the "eve", or the night before (their "day" began at sundown). The Imperial standard week of eight nights consists of six work nights: Lenigh, Bralmnigh, Sunigh, Jasternigh, Muunsnigh, and Phaulknigh. On the seventh night called Kordenigh, there was rest and worship. Marketing was done on the last night of the week, called Xerbsnigh. The Imperial 13-month calendar uses Oerth's major magical ley-line fluctuation (amazing!) cycles instead of the moon cycles. The Suel Empire year begins in the month Beltarth and has the usual amount of 364 days based on the rotation of the Oerth around the sun Liga. Over the 5,000 year history of the Suel peoples, the calendar has evolved somewhat, but this was its appearance in the last days of our Empire. I have made a list below of these 13 months, the numbers of nights in that month, and their approximate Common Calendar counterparts: 21 days: Beltarth (Ready'reat) 39 days: Llergmonth (Sunsebb) 24 days: Fearnsyrl (Fireseek) 22 days: Lydiaster (Readying) 36 days: Collven (Coldeven) 31 days: Phytis (Planting) 24 days: Oflock (Flocktime) 43 days: Wellsun (Wealsun) 27 days: Nuin (Reaping) 20 days: Guinmonth (Goodmonth) 40 days: Alfort (Harvester) 22 days: Pyremall (Patchwall) 28 days: Lendurian (Needfest?) Most Suloise rural celebrations were simple affairs, usually consisting of village folk drinking and eating at a local gathering place. City celebrations often began with a parade of decorated carts and animals, with the wealthy tossing food or trinkets to masses of onlookers. This was usually followed by various forms of public and private debauchery. The "Low Sun Carnival" (Llergmonth 11) was a time of death and rebirth of the sun. The drinking of fermented sheep's milk is part of the celebration. The "Feast of Lydia" (Lydiaster 1) was a day of feasting, cleansing, and a celebration of newborns. It is held in preparation for growth and renewal. The celebration is a carnival of lights with as many candles, lanterns, and torches as possible. The "Spring Aphelion" (Collven 11) celebration occurred when the light and dark are in equal balance, but the light was growing stronger. "Frolic of Phyton" (Phytonis 1) was primarily a fertility festival with nature enchantments and offerings to faeries and elementals. The "Donnybrook of Kord" (Phytonis 21) was ordinarily an outdoor celebration of athletic competition. Many sports (some ending up in brawls) were played. Traditionally herbs gathered during "Divination Festival" (Lydiaster 11-13) were extremely potent. A time of great magic, it was said to be good for all divinations. Many divine rituals were performed both indoors and out, en masse. Around the "High Sun Carnival" (Wellsun 21) the hours of daylight are longest. The sun was at its highest before beginning its slide into darkness. On this night faeries were said to abound in great numbers. The "Tournament of Norebo" (Guinmonth 1) was a pre-harvest celebration in which tournaments were held that involve the taking of risks. Arrows were used to shoot objects off heads, knives thrown at moving people, and other bizarre events. Gambling on the outcomes of these activities were a given. "Autumn Perihelion" (Alfort 11th) was a time of rest after labor, completion of the harvest. Again the hours of day and night were in balance, but with the darkness increasing. All preparations for the coming dark and the year's ending were made. On the "Revelry of Pyremius" (Pyremall 21, sometimes called "Night of Assassins") it was customary to dress in gaudy outfits and dance around huge bonfires in an attempt to ward off murderers. It was assumed the assassins could not be effective if one is dressed strangely (masks were not uncommon) and in large, well-lit groups. This was a tradition almost as old as the Empire itself, and had lost much of its original meaning and usefulness. The celebration of year's end as the "Festival of Lendor" (Lendorian 28-2). This was a celebration of year's end. Feasts are made in honor of one's ancestors and as an affirmation of continuing life. It was believed the veil between the worlds was thinnest on Year's End. In addition, it was a time for settling problems and throwing out old ideas and influences. In addition to the above celebrations, the "Muunsun Equinox" (date varies) was an eclipse of Oerth's sun, Liga, by the moons Luna & Celene at the same time. This was cause for major celebration. It was (and may still be) a powerful time for magic of all types, as magic ley-lines are brought into parallel conduits. On this day, spells were often unpredictable and could sometimes increase exponentially in effect. I am often amazed how significant our current celebrations are to us, and yet, this ancient information was lost during the "Tears of Istus" (as the Manifesto calls the Rain of Colorless Fire). Perhaps we should begin teaching these dates to our children at the learning center. Brother Delekk, Sunsebb 17, 5681 Hesuel Ilshar Dear Brother Bylew, Once again I am at your disposal. I have extrapolated a great deal of information about the cities of the ancient Suel Basin from Slerotin's Manifesto. I and others have noticed striking similarities between some of these names and modern areas of the Flanaess. I suppose one would expect this, given the original lands were so utterly destroyed. Most of these cities were connected by thousands of miles of marble roads, and a few islands had bridges 20-25 miles long linking them with the shore. Its almost unbelievable. By my calculations, nearly 20 million people died in the Rain of Colorless Fire. Not that it matters, but who knows how many other life forms were also snuffed out. However, I digress. Here are some of the more important cities. Arztin, translated roughly as "Conquering Heroes", was a city of a once-noble house. Arztin at one time was united with Neheli house, but internecine strife separated the two tribes. Axarko, "Dwarven Stone-Thrower", originally a city of dwarves, later enslaved and annexed by the Empire. Suloise then lived there using the dwarves as slaves. There was an underground network of dwarves using horgars to move many of their subjugated brethren to safety. Baklarran, "Beauteous Cones", home to an ancient dwarven clan that had uneasy trade relations with the Empire. Bastion-Fi, "Fort Bastion", defended the eastern Suel Halt foothills against invaders. Citadel-Fi, "Fort Citadel", defended the Southern Crystalmist foothills against invaders. Crusk, "Warriors of Ice", I believe this was home to the predecessors of the Ice Barbarians. Cwylarran, "Beauteous Olve", was formerly a city of grey elves enslaved and annexed by the Empire. Darklock, "Chained Darkness", was a city of a noble family of warriors who study the dark arts. They disappeared several hundreds years before the end of the Empire. Dra Daradar, "People of Ships", was a port city. Dwur-Rohoi, "Twisted Dwarves", was a city of derro who mined for the Empire. Before the derro took over, the mine was a slave-ogre encampment. Ezozia-Narisban, "Shore of the Sea", was a port city connected by a bridge to Narisban city. It was often referred to as Ezozia for brevity. Felds-Pa, "Home of Spies", was a human city renowned for its rogue population. Fruzt, "Warriors of Frost", I suspect was home to the predecessors of the Frost Barbarians. Galap, "Master of Power", was one of the oldest cities in the basin, said to be the holdover from a civilization pre-dating the Empire. Galgul, "Master of Ogres", was formerly a conquered ogre village and later a city where the Suel train humanoids for combat duty. Ghlahtte, "Death Encampment", was originally a hobgoblin tribal gathering location, and later a human city using the hobgoblins as slave labor. Glacis-Fi, "Fort Above", defended the Hook Hills and Suel Halt river areas against invaders. The stronghold was built directly over the river. Horncliff, "Cliff of Horns", named for the nearby horn-shaped cliffs which dropped off into the Krakuun sea. Some residents were known for their cliff diving skills. Lo Nakar, "Favored Mountain", was a city at the base of the largest Suel Basin mountain. Primarily a remote caravan stop. I have heard rumors this city still exists, but information is sketchy at best. Lo Tagar, "Favored Tree", previously an elven city at the center of which used to be a rare (for the climate) roanwood tree. Suloise lived there after the Empire annexed it. Lutania-Oth, "View of the Oerth", was at the edge of the Suel plateau. This city offered a view of the entire Suel Basin. Lutania-Oth was sometimes referred to as Lutania City. Narisban, "On the Sea", an island city in the Krakuun Sea. A bridge extended to Ezozia- Narisban on the shore. The city took up most of the island. Nehili, "Holder of Knowledge", this metropolis contained a large library of books and manuscripts, many over six thousand years old. It was home to the predecessors of the migrating Nehili tribe. Niole, "On the River", was a city with a river-fork port. Taxes were levied as a toll for river passage. Ogwan, "Good Place", was a town of half-orcs escaping so-called oppression, settling across the sea. Pedagog, "Foot of Learning", was a small city of mysterious sages on Scholium Island. The Empire used their island as a university of learning open only to citizens. A huge bridge extended to the shore. Phostshire, "Amidst Trees of Phost", was a large halfling village in an area dominated by phost trees. The halflings used the dead wood as a light source. Halflings were used by the empire as stealthy spies. Popo-Ri, "Mine of Odors", here spriggan gnome slaves mined crystals for the Empire's perfume orb coins. When the crystals were exposed to air they gave off pleasant odors akin to perfume. Purginon-Qi, "Spellbinders of the Planes", was founded by plane-traveling mages and later annexed by the Empire. The city had problems with planar gates popping into existence in seemingly random locations. Once an entire residence was swallowed (oh, to live in those days of glory). Rhola, "Home of Blessings", was a city of the predecessors of the migrating Rhola tribe. Safehold-Fi, "Fort Safehold", defended the western Suel Halt foothills against invaders. Salbato-Re, "Near the Lake", was a city of lake fishermen. Schna, "Warriors of Snow", probably home of the predecessors of the Snow Barbarians. Seagirt, "Sea Lizard", resided on Dukschan Island. This city was home to many pirates. The brigands controlled strange sea lizards found living among the reef that nearly surrounded the island. Shanfarel, "Hidden Bards", was a city comprised of reclusive musicians, sculptors, painters, poets, writers, and artists of all types. Not much was known about them, but their works were said to be astounding. Soulle, "First Suel", legend says the first Suel warrior was born here. The small city rests high atop Soulle mountain, which was just outside of the influence of the Rain of Colorless Fire. This may be worth investigating at a later date. Suendrako, "Mightiest Suel", was the capital city of the Suel Empire. Thrideen, "Third Eye", before they were wiped out, cyclops inhabited the area in which this city now stands. The noble Thrideen house produced an emperor. Tselgu-Ff, "Dwellers Before Birth", was a remote city founded by psionicists wishing to join forces to enhance their powers. Little was known of them. Uyishee, "Filth of the Humans", was originally a garbage dump maintained by norkers, and later a city in its own right. Xuritegui, "Masters of the Marsh", was a city of reclusive wizards who performed bizarre magical experiments on the local Hellfurnace Swamp beasts. Ydnar, "Gem of the Basin", was a clansgnome village. The gnomes traded gems with the Empire which they mined from a secret location. Zinbyle, "Mystical Middle-Ones", this city is now known to be the home of the Lerara tribe. To keep as concise as possible, I have only covered the NE section of the Suel Basin in this letter. There were many cities in the Suel Basin, most aligned with the Empire, but some not. I have decided not to include them all, for to do so would make it impossible for you to memorize in what short time you have. Brother Delekk, Fireseek 25, 5681 Hesuel Ilshar Brother Bylew, This will be my final communication with you before you leave on your expedition. I have been asked to help you understand the year 5094. We learn more and more about our heritage every day. For example, I was not aware that often Suel common folk engaged in a Bride-Price custom. This was a customary payment of livestock, grain (or other food), clothing, money, or labor made by a Suloise bridegroom to the parents of his bride in order to seal the marriage contract. In some parts of the Suel Empire this was reversed (groom-price). The ancient Suel Appearance was as fair-skinned as it is today, perhaps moreso, almost albino. They had light red, yellow, blond, or platinum blond hair. Eye color varied from pale blue or violet through deep blue, with gray occasionally occurring. Curly to kinky hair was common. If you remember your teachings, you will recall the most of the northern barbarians, and we of the Scarlet Brotherhood, are perfect specimens of unmixed Suloise blood. I learned about the Children's Chema Game in a paragraph I read today. It was a Suel farm children's guessing game, usually played around the fire when herding was done. The herders would divide into two teams. One team placed a chema (seed) into one member's palm. A blanket, cloth, or animal skin was placed over their hands. The chema was moved about from hand to hand among the team members. The cover was removed when the chema was hidden. A member of the opposing team touched one hand, hoping to guess correctly where the seed is hidden. If the chema was found, the teams switched roles. If not, the one holding the chema shouted, "Chemaaaa!" and a point was given to the hiding team. The game usually ended when ten points were acquired. "Citizenship Papers" were required to prove citizen status. On each sheet was the name of the individual, citizenship year, his house, and city of birth (any year 5094 SD or before). The paper was made of a rare local reed that made it difficult to forge. The "house", known in earlier times as a "tribe", was the family name (today called a surname). The waxy official seal of the Empire was stamped into one corner. This seal was a scarred faced man, eyes hidden by a grasped broad sword. Below the face it reads "OEDIUES TUO FUI DEUS" in bold letters, an ancient Suel motto translating as "Oerth was your god." Citizenship was usually granted to an individual as a reward for some service to the government such as military, political favor, large financial gift, service to country, etc. In some cases, citizenship was given to a house instead of an individual. Every member of these houses, both present and future, would be considered citizens. The granting of citizenship allowed one to live in any of the larger Suel cities. If not a citizen, one needed to have extremely different looking visitor papers which allowed only a brief stay. Citizens did not have to pay certain taxes either, and were allowed to pass between city districts with little hassle. Suel aristocratic Clothing consisted of loose pantaloons topped by a baggy blouse. Both were in solid but differing colors (top was one color, bottom another). A half-dozen or so emblems and tokens rounded out the outfit. Common folk usually wore the same style of clothing, but only one solid color. Sumptuary laws forbade non-aristocrats from wearing multiple colors. An old wives tale spoke to the pride of the average Suel. When an Oerthquake was felt, it was said by the Suel to be the souls of long dead Suloise champions marching off to war. Before leaving to Hunt it was common for a Suel to ask the god of beasts, Llerg, for his blessing. An offering in the form of clacking hard tree branches together, called "noise of the great hunt", was performed. Afterwards, the hunt was ritually celebrated and another offering was given to Llerg by burying the inedible parts of the dead animals. It was the Suel custom to celebrate the "Coming Out" of a new baby from its mother's nursery, usually two weeks after birth. The celebration was supposed to drive away the minions of Incabulous, who were said to make children sick. I cannot verify any true benefits from this custom, but apparently it was common. Aristocratic Suloise children called a Rainbow "Father's garment" because of its many colors like the clothing dad wore. They also said, "I will give it to Father. He will like it," as a sign of affection for their parent. Comets were seen by the ancients as good luck for one's enemies. It would have been rare for any Suel commander to order his troops to attack after such a sighting. I have listed a few Proverbs of those ancient days, because sometimes a direct translation is not useful if one doesn't understand the context: "Tell your story to Lendor." = I don't believe you "If you swear an oath alone in the abyss, still it leaks out" = No secret can be kept "No wise men leave a stream to drink from a pool" = Don't be a fool "The gold weights of the emperor are heavier" = He is cheating "The slave is naturally the guilty party" = He has been wrongly accused "War lies in wait on a narrow path" = Looks like an ambush "When in the brush don't quarrel with the ranger" = Don't distance yourself from that which you depend "A fish trap that catches no fish is brought back home" = Its not working so give up "The aurumvorax that kills is the one who does not roar" = Be silent to attain victory "We are little snails who seek refuge behind a Kara leaf" = We have no control over it. My research on Suel Basin geography is extensive. At any given time Suendrako housed nearly 1,500,000 residents within its 25 mile diameter. There were a handful of other large cities within the Suel Basin that had about 2,000,000 total population between them. Another score of towns had far smaller size with nearly 500,000 residents. With the rest of the population rural, that was an imperial population of around 20 million. This is about how many people died in the Rain of Colorless Fire. Most buildings appear to be constructed of a light-hued smoothed stone. Huge domed buildings dominate the skyline. A few onion topped towers at the city perimeter extend hundreds - perhaps a thousand feet into the air. Buildings and roads are linked on several levels by ramps intertwining in bizarre configurations. Immense aqueducts radiated from the city for hundreds of miles in all directions. Other than the alien curved multi-leveled architectural design, Suendrako was much like any walled city on the modern Flanaess. The city was broken down into these major walled districts: Merchant, Warehouse, Artisan, Government, Noble, Humanoid, Portside, Dweomercrafters, Temple, Garden, University, Foreign, and Laborer. The "Majestic Marketplace" was a bazaar at the very heart of the city where merchants trade their wares containing quite literally thousands of stalls, shops, booths, and tents containing everything from pottery to hedge wizards. The undercity was not easily accessible, but it was maintained and guarded. There were dozens of smaller districts too numerous to mention. Access to other districts could only be obtained by passing through the Majestic Marketplace or by an external city gate. Passing between districts through the Majestic Marketplace is only allowed by citizens. Demi-Humans and Humanoids were only allowed in the Humanoid District unless they are slaves accompanied by their owner. Laws within Suendrako were strictly enforced, but most city officials were easily bribed - a seemingly harmonious system. The most common salutation in Suendrako was "Empire for life!" which was usually accompanied by bringing the hand forcefully to the chest. Grasping of the hands in an "arm wrestling" position was a less formal greeting method among the average Suel. Brother Delekk, Goodmonth 20, 5681 Hesuel Ilshar