Plays of Gods and Men

In a waning age of Babylonian grandeur, the story opens in Thek, a lush jungle city ruled by King Karnos. We meet Tharmia, a proud noble who claims divine ancestry, and Arolind, a mysterious figure whose father's sword hides emeralds brighter than the sea. Their dialogue is witty as they plan to explore the bustling markets and hidden palaces beyond the walls. Meanwhile, courtiers Ichtharion and Ludibras discuss the king’s rare arrival, marveling at the exotic orchids and a lone butterfly that sparked his curiosity after years of exile in Barbul‑el‑Sharnak.

The arrival of the monarch sets off a ripple of anticipation; the courtiers speak of leaving the stagnant capital for the vibrant air of Thek, where the jungle spreads like a silvery sea. A hunting party forms, promising encounters with legendary beasts such as kroot and abbax, while the city’s sentries whisper about the fragile peace they hope to preserve. As alliances shift and ambitions surface, listeners are drawn into a world where myth, politics, and the wild intertwine, hinting at adventures that lie just beyond the palace gates.