Hey folks!

I recently bought the sourcebooks for both Binsada and Tournen. I
thought they were both decent, but I am really interested in the plot
line introduced in the Binsada SB.

The high priest of Leira, had a "vision" that showed the regent of
Binsada standing at the foot of the Iron Throne. He took this to mean
that she was to conquer all of the old Anurean Empire and claim the
throne for himself. The SB does not make it clear whether or not the
priest really had a vision, or if he is making this story up in order to
advance his own desires. Even if he really did have a vision, it seems
that his interpretation would be risky at best.

Anyway, I think this is a really exciting idea because it provides an
"external" threat to the empire which my prompt neutral regents to form
alliances in order to stave off the attack of the Binadan Cavalry. Of
course, whether Binsada can fight its way throught the Harrowmarsh and
then make it through the mountains in either the Chimeron or Baruk-Azhik
in order to threaten Anuire is still to be seen. However, if they were
to conquer Sendoure, perhaps Zikala, and maybe grab some of the Sphinx's
land and part of the Harrowmarsh, they may be able to build up enough of
an infantry to make it through the mountains in safety.

Also the Binsadan SB portrayed Zikala as a hostile neighbor. Much of the
concerns of the Binsadan royal advisors concentrates on either the
expansion of the church of Avani, whose leader, evidently, is out to
increase her own political power, or with the Zikalan infantry. What is
the deal with that? My perspective on Zikala from the Cities of the Sun
was that it was a pretty nice place to be. The current Grand Vizier is a
little preoccupied with his magical pursuits, but is he really so much so
that the high priestess of Avani and his scheming uncle can threaten
neighboring domains with eminent military action?

Just a few thoughts!
Jonathan
a.k.a. Thak Stonehead