A Wanderer's Welcome
The Dharakmeni Empire can be a deadly domain for those who are unfamiliar with its many foibles—particularly when dealing with that prickly pack of nobles that forms the ruling caste of their society. The empire’s noble clans are the backbone of the region’s structure—their relationships and machinations forming the provinces of the land itself, as well as dictating the swirl of ongoing politics. Indeed, the unwary and uninformed should proceed into this woeful web of deception and intrigue at their own peril. To offend a member of any one of the noble clans or get caught within the crossfire of their constant plotting and intrigue (either between two clans or within a clan itself) can have only one outcome—death.
But fear not, dear reader! As the Shining Kingdom’s foremost adventurer and most widely traveled devotee of the Keeper of Wonder, I will grant you a generous glimpse into the secretive society of the empire’s noble caste in the contents of this scroll. Unlike the various official guides available within the borders of the empire (which are little more than pro-imperial propaganda), I will offer an unvarnished overview of the history and background of the currently existing clans, which should assist you in navigating their dubious networks (relatively) unscathed.
A word of warning, however. I am assuming by reading this guide that you are a fellow adventurous soul. The Dharakmeni Empire is not a welcoming place for outsiders, or the faint of heart. The native commoners of the area provide little threat (other than a grudging suspicion for foreigners, no matter how friendly). In many ways, it is far safer to simply avoid interacting with the nobles in the first place, however this is not always an option. Then again, given the many dangers of the empire, it would be safer to avoid the entire area altogether. But no one understands better than I the call of adventure and the unknown. It is my hope that this guide will enable you to endure any unavoidable encounters with the nobles of the empire armed with as much accurate information as possible.
