In the year 221 the Nomads of Mukarrem were drawn together into a great clan in response to the insults and assaults they had suffered since the formation of the Concord. Ignored by the Senators who represented them, left destitute, and then in a final insult too great to ignore a large swathe of their best grazing land was sold without consideration to arcane wizards. The land was tortured by the magical experiments conducted and any who protested were cursed or slain.
Gathering together the most prominent tribes discussed what would be done. Eventually Magli Al'Mai, Elder of the Al'Mai a tribe of cattle herders and famed Shesti of the Mitricassa Rise in the East of Mukarrem, united all present to a great purpose. Magli would announce their grievances, and all joining the new Clan would step away from the Concord to focus on the defence of their traditions and their lands lead by the famed Al'Mai Shesti warriors. Magli was made leader of the Clan, and the Clan was named Al'Mai in honour of that leadership.
In 222 the Al'Mai declared their independence from the Concord, closing their borders and seeking to throw out any who would harm them, including the hated Idrian Cabal conducting their foul experiments. Their action was undeniably aggressive and bold. Some said it was treason. For nearly 2 years the Al Mai stood their ground against Concord and Cabal alike while engaging in careful diplomacy. Many amongst the Concordian Heroes chose to speak out in support of their grievances, and gradually it became understood that the Concord had betrayed the Al'Mai well before the Al'Mai declared their separation.
In 224 the Al'Mai begged the Concordian heroes to support them against the Idrian Cabal whose arcane experiments warped the land and challenged the divinity of the Spheres. Despite tales of such heresy only a few bands joining them they engaged against the Idrian at the Battle of the Glass Field and the battle was indecisive. As tales of the battle spread the possibility of Idrian heresy across the Concord the Al'Mai considered their options as they counted their dead.
With sympathy for their cause growing and increasing difficulties with dealing with the Idrian threat Magli decided to settle this matter directly with the leaders of the Concord in Passage and either secure agreement to their demands and rejoin Andash, or announce a new Nation and strive on independently.
Almost without fanfare the delegation to the Spring Summit 224 managed to secure concessions with the Senate and the Clan agreed to rejoin fully with the Concord, having seen their land reclaimed and the Concord granting their key demands. The Al Mai returned to Mitricassa, following the seasons as they have for generations, one tribe amongst many once more. The other tribes of the Clans returned also to their homes, swords put aside until future need would draw them out. The Clan Al Mai had served its purpose, like Lightning it had struck, succeeded, and ended. Dispersed now, but remembered.
The Al Mai are still respected by the other tribes, with right of the sheltered path granted their caravans, Shesti, and herds, and Magli is welcome to walk in any part of Mukarrem, safe on every path, warmed by every fire; her skill, wisdom, honour, and compassion remembered.
For players wishing to be part of the famed Al Mai, it is advised that you consider what role your character played in the Lightning Clan, consider if you were part of the gathering that formed the Clan in the last months of 221, if you joined them in the Battle of the Glass Field of Winter 224, and how your character carries those experiences. While the Clan has completed its purpose the Tribe continues and their story can now be yours to tell.
Notabe Al'Mai
There are some famous members of the Al'Mai who are well known within the tribe, at least heard of within any who were part of the Clan, and perhaps whose reputation is spoken of throughout the Concord.
- Magli El'Mukarrem Al'Mai: Calm, learned, and compassionate. The leader of the Al'Mai as Clan, and now as Tribe still, Magli is deeply respected across Mukarrem and beyond. Few are as admired as Magli but she shies from adulation, encouraging others to instead recognise all of those who aided in the Clan's successes.
- Kharas Al'Mai: The veteran leader of the Al'Mai Shesti was captured by the Idrian Cabal and died in their keeping. Memorials to his leadership can be found at Shesti training grounds across Mukarrem, and his sayings are often on the lips of the devotees of the Shesti arts.
- Nabilis El'Mitricassa Al'Mai: An engineer whose insight proved essential in the completion of Magli's Gift, and whose path from warrior to his current profession has been told and retold as a lesson about seeking the Journey best suited to your heart.
- Eshaan Al'Mai: An artisan and delver from Nazafezza and leader of a group of skilled and dextrous warriors, Eshaan was adopted by Magli in appreciation of their freely given aid at the Battle of the Glass Field and consistent support for the Al'Mai cause.
- Pathan Al'Mai El'Civisello: The wealthiest and most well travelled of the Al'Mai, Pathan joined the Clan at its formation and appears to have decided to stay with the tribe. He is known in most towns and trading posts of Andash. He sells meat, leather, and cattle as well as other resources found in the Mitricassa rise and buys bolts of cloth, grain, wine, olives, and other goods to take back to his people.