Hi, I’m Colossal Elk, writing on behalf of the Elder Kings development team, and I’d like to welcome you to the Elder Kings 0.1.6 Developer Diary. Our first installment will visit the continent of Akavir and introduce one of its indigenous races: namely, the Kamal. You may know them best as the fearsome culture whose warriors once attempted an invasion of Tamriel in 3492, but the Kamal are hardly opportunists who only fight once in a while. Their culture and their beliefs are characterized by persistence and fearlessness, and these values serve the Kamal well, as they are constantly battling; sometimes with their neighbors, sometimes with themselves, and sometimes with their own homeland.This homeland bears the same name that they do. Literally, it translates to “Snow Hell” due to its frigid temperatures, brutal weather, barren soil and unwelcoming terrain. Much of it is encased in snow and ice year-round, especially in the winter months.Only a strong, hardy people could thrive here, but the Kamal are exactly that. Most Kamal practice the faith of the Four Winds, a religion defined not by worship or belief, but by action. The Four Winds religion asserts that the boundless wealth of the lands to the north could be theirs; they must simply take it. To this end, Kamal launch military expeditions whenever they can,against the peaceful Tang Mo. These campaigns most frequently occur in the warm summer months when food stores are high and the weather accommodates military mobilization. Usually, only small bands of raiders and adventurers go on the offensive, hunting for treasure and slaves, but every so often, a strong, ambitious king or queen musters the warriors to launch a full-blown invasion. Few have ever been able to make territorial gains, as brave Tang Mo militia fiercely defend every inch of their islands, and strong local navies ensure that no Kamal fleet can stick around for long. Yet the Kamal forces have never truly been vanquished, and their rulers are always planning future incursions. This otherworldly tenacity, alongside the inhospitable nature of their homeland, earned the Kamal the nickname of “Snow Demons;” a badge that they collectively wear with pride. Many Kamal see it as recognition of their ferocity, and it only fuels their desire to invade their Tang Mo neighbors time and again.The last Kamal Emperor, Djil Dir-Kamal, was a weak ruler who constantly faced insurrections and plots from his vassals. Many demanded greater autonomy and others attempted to conquer the throne. Djil spent nearly every moment of his reign wracked with frustration, and his realm disintegrated after his death.In 3370, centuries after his passing, the lands of the Kamal are still fragmented, with regular wars over slivers of frozen land and the ice-covered strongholds that dot the landscape.Many rulers battle for supremacy, including Fardash Karabozut*, reigning King of Ryzgaley and experienced necromancer…...Yoom Dir-Kamal*, head of House Dir-Kamal and leader of its ancestral homelands in Jadahar……and Uruku Shao Tsu*, an upstart Tang Mo conqueror who turned the tables on the Kamal by invadingTo most Kamal, this Tang Mo occupation is a horrifying turn of events, and some have begun to openly question whether or not the tenets of the Four Winds are true, and if the old ways really have any chance of bringing them success. Winter Wind cultism, once a seldom-practiced religion, is gaining traction across the island, especially in the mountains and highlands near the new Tang Mo state.Some rulers have followed the lead of their subjects in embracing this formerly-obscure sect, and in other circumstances, have taken the lead and established states formally sanctioning Winter Wind beliefs and rituals.Who will establish supremacy on the island of Kamal? Will it be the powerful Karabozut family? Will it be the rising Tang Mo House of Shao’Tsu? Will the Dir-Kamal sally from their strongholds and reinstate their rule? Is Winter Wind cultism on-course to dominate Kamal life across the island?Nirnian history is yours to make!-Fardash Karabozut: A wizened necromancer whose humble origins belie his great powers. He is currently the mightiest Kamal ruler, but his dynasty is very small, making succession tenuous at best.-Yoom Dir-Kamal: The patriarch of House Dir-Kamal, one of three living members of the family to hold land, and the only one with a title better than Count. He is a middling ruler in terms of skill and manpower.-Uruku Shao’Tsu: A Tang Mo from the north who put together an army of retainers, adventurers, mercenaries, and vigilantes, and overthrew a native Kamal dynasty to establish his own personal fiefdom. His vassals love him, but his subjects do not.A note: flags are still a WIP, as are trees on the in-game map. Both are planned for completion for the release of 0.1.6.