An excerpt from Ban Zhao’s Histories of the Western Hinterlands:
In the distant land of Dayuan, the construction of a pyramid and tomb complex had the effect of significantly reinforcing the local practices of the Symness religion. As is so common in these uncivilized hinterlands, the neighboring peoples reacted with unease…
From the Annals of the Oasis Kingdoms:
In that month there appeared before the council of Yiwu a traveller, one Pilka, who declared that her learning had shown her that the pestilence was not the work of Iriko demons and instructed the people of the city in a treatment for the disease.
From a report by a company leader in the Green Banner Army of the West:
As ordered, we have patrolled the northern front, dealing with the complaints of missing caravans. We spotted several bands of horse-riding nomads, but did not engage them, as we were on foot. We have seen signs that there is a larger group, but for now we have retreated to the watchtower at the lake.
The refugees report that the raiding nomads destroyed Seferihisar, a small town north of Yiwu, though the details are confused and I suspect them of exaggerating to play on our sympathies. Surely no nomads would be so bold as to challenge the Middle Kingdom again.
From Miran Cache #25: An extract from a letter to a merchant in Suojo, from her agent in Lop Nur:
I persist in my efforts to purchase the grain that we need. While the soldiers of the Green Banner Army of the West only provide escorts for the caravans of the Middle Kingdom, guards are readily available for hire here. Though there is much fear of bandits, do not concern yourself. The locals are much more experienced when dealing with the desert, and more reliable. We shall be safe in our travels.
From the Annals of the Oasis Kingdoms:
As the plague continued, the citizens of Yiwu drew up a complaint against certain foreigners, peasants, and unclean persons; decrying them for their unnatural behavior and accusing them of bringing down the wrath of Iriko demons.
An excerpt from Ban Zhao’s Histories of the Western Hinterlands:
Though usually returning to their pastures in the steppes, the horse nomads were nevertheless a common sight in the Oasis Basin. In the Budding of 115, a travelling artist wrote an account of the hospitality she received when she was overtaken by a band of nomads near Yiwu.
An excerpt from the letter of young scholar, writing to distant maternal relatives:
My mother is in good health and sends her greetings. I am diligently pursuing my studies at the Grand Abbey, where I am receiving instruction in the fourfold practices of Kusinne: The Path of the Well, listening to the inner voice; The Path of the Hearth: the way of right living, The Path of the Road, and The Path of the Book. I am also instructed in the manufacture of ink, and the making of paper…
As the days lengthen, the oases are noisy with the passing caravans. Beyond the desert, the green hills are rainbows, flowering with life. Changes planted, whether by design or chance, are beginning to take root…
A report from an Officer of the Middle Kingdom, on escort duty for Middle Kingdom caravans travelling between the Imperial waystations in Lop Nur:
We followed up on the reports of missing travelers. A few days journey north of Miran, three towers of blue marble still stand in the desert, casting shadows over ruins. Whatever hunts there was gone when we arrived, leaving behind gnawed bones stripped of flesh. We buried them and did not linger.
From The Precepts of the Kusinne Order:
“The Kusinne order believes that truth and love for one’s fellows results from disciplining the mind and body.”