Sinta Articles

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“Queendom” Delegation Meets with the Karszekan

Forging the Future of Sezk-Hakh Lands and Greater Guzan

 

Approximately two weeks ago, a declaration was broadcast from the region controlled by the Sezk-Hakh clan acknowledging the Karszekan’s efforts in restructuring of titles and fealty under the Nikziran. The message also stated the intentions of Lazak Sezk-Hakh; that their domain will hereafter be known as Szekziran and they would also be adopting elected positions similar to the Karszekani. Crucially, nothing was said regarding the Szekzir’s intentions of fealty to the Karszekan and it has led to much concern and speculation in the minds of our readers at home and abroad. In the time since we reported the announcement very little has been said officially by way of response from Skalamar. High Speaker Sarnac repeated their stance that the matter was being debated but until an official position was determined they would not engage in speculation. It appears the time of waiting has ended and in dramatic fashion.

An official statement has been released stating that earlier this week a delegation from the Szekziran had been received in Skalamar and that they have been in talks with the Karszekan and other officials to forge the future of the “Queendom” and its place within the Karszekani. Spymaster Hizoni Izweski cited security concerns as the reason that the arrival of the delegation was not met with more ceremony and that every precaution was being taken to ensure the safety of the envoys present. Whether or not the venerable Lazak Sezk-Hakh is present has not been confirmed but, given the previous attempts at assassination and their advancing years, great prudence is shown in restricting this information. The released statement continues by announcing that the talks with Szekziran officials have borne fruit and that the minutiae of tithe, title, and other considerations are actively being discussed and drafted. While details of any arrangement are sparse, it is speculated that possible further wastes encroachment has brought the “Queendom” to the table and that any agreement may hinge on access to reclamation technology or Viridis resources. Access to the region’s aquaculture has been hampered in the years following the war but some are hopeful that improvements to the area and relations in general will provide a boost in available provisions both locally and globally.

Not everyone is as optimistic in regards to the outcome of this new collaboration. High Priest Azandar, as well as many others within the church, have made it clear that regardless of any political concessions made by the Sezk-Hakh leadership, the changes which have come about in the Szekziran due to the consequences of the war pose a real and present danger to the spiritual well-being of all Sinta who come in contact with them. “These Sinta would willingly discard their roles and aspects [of the great spirit] as one changes soiled clothes. Transcendence of the Sublime Barrier brings one closer to understanding Sk’akh but requires dedication and considerable contemplation”, said one church official we spoke with. “I am aware of the challenges they faced after the war, and you must do what you must to survive, but their time spent in isolation and warped duty has poisoned their spirits. Look at these ‘Healer-Protectors’ they venerate; blood thirsty Taa who would rather murder the sick than see them healed. Mark my words, Guzan will not be truly cleansed until the spiritual sickness is dealt with.”

It is expected that talks will complete within the coming weeks and, should things go well, a public demonstration of fealty by the Szekziran will take place soon after. As always we will keep you informed of updates as they become available.

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Szek-Hakh Delegation Shuttle Attacked

A Day of Hope and Promise Ends in Uncertainty

Earlier today, as the Szekziran envoys departed for home, a cowardly strike against their shuttle was launched as they left the safety of the city’s air defenses. As we reported, this diplomatic delegation was present at the Karszekan’s request to discuss terms of collaboration and fealty. Since then the self-proclaimed Szekzir, Lady Lazak Szek-Hakh, was confirmed to be present and negotiating with Izweski leadership personally. Secrecy of the visit was cited as due to security concerns and it appears those concerns have been vindicated. It is assumed that the presence of Szekzir Lazak is the primary motivator of the attack witnessed today, though as of yet no group has officially claimed responsibility.

Details of the members present only became public knowledge some hours ago as it was announced that the area known as the Queendom would be officially recognized as a sovereign region of the Karszekani. As part of the agreement, Clan Szek-Hakh was invested with control of the full Guzan region, doubling its effective domain size. A variable tithe of commodities from the region was also agreed upon; to be reviewed at a later date as the Szekzir works to improve the local infrastructure and output. To aid in this effort, Master of Rivers Hutay’zai has been tasked with increasing the Guzan region’s priority in reclamation efforts. So far no mention of Viridis resources have officially been allocated but it is surmised that this is primarily a logistical hurdle and sources say that Lady Szek-Hakh has shown continued interest in the promise shown by the Lords Verdant. An official denouncement of Si’akh practices in the region was also given while High Priest Azandar was present to bless the proceedings. Once all parties accepted the terms and the negotiations were completed, a short but respectable ceremony was held; oaths were sworn, allegiances given, and Szekziran Szek-Hakh and her entourage boarded their shuttle for the return trip home. 

The Lord’s Claws, Mizaru Izweski, released the following details of the attack in an official report:

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The shuttle departed Skalamar around dusk, escorted by two Hephaestus Gryphon-118’s from the local air regiment but once beyond the protection of the city’s automated defenses a number of ground-to-air missiles were launched from hidden positions in the countryside. Caught unawares, one of the Gryphons sustained multiple direct hits and was destroyed. The shuttle was also damaged but retained enough function to make a rough landing nearby and avoid further missiles. The second Gryphon remained in contact with the shuttle and local command, attempting to aid in the defense of the survivors as groups of armed terrorists advanced on the crash site. Given the lack of visibility due to oncoming night, interdiction proved difficult. After utilizing countermeasures to avoid a second volley of missiles, the Gryphon was forced to fall back, managing only brief and indiscriminate strafing runs against a number of advancing ground targets in the dark. Air and ground reinforcements were brought up from the city to relieve the shuttle and arrived approximately ten to fifteen minutes after the second Gryphon retreated to find the site secured and all aggressors neutralized. At time of reporting, casualties list one pilot, one co-pilot, two “Healer-Protectors” from the Szek-Hakh retinue, and eighteen hostile actors of unknown origin. The hand-deployed mobile launchers used in the attack have been seized and their manufacture and history is being investigated.

Szekzir Szek-Hakh has been reported as bruised but alive. All survivors were returned to Skalamar for treatment where they are expected to make full recoveries. The Karszekan has made plans to provide his guests a more secure, trans-orbital return trip home and has vowed to discover the source of the attack. Funerals with full honors are scheduled for the pilot and co-pilot of the downed Gryphon. The same has been offered to the fallen of the Szek-Hakh but it is expected that they will decline and instead bear their loved ones home. We will continue to bring you updates as the situation unfolds.

Further Reading:

• Growing Unrest Reported in the Vharzkan
• House of Medicine Affected by Continued Drop in Phoron Availability
• Optimistic Progress Reported by Viridis Oversight