Extracted from The Chronicles of Al Shir-Ma, written approximately 8 years before today:

The reputation of Al Shir-Ma as a home of magic and wonder is widespread, reaching even to the furthest reaches of the frozen far-East. Walking the streets of Al Shir-Ma you can hear accents from virtually every part of the enlightened lands.

The Travelers

People are drawn to Al Shir-Ma like moths to a flame. They travel from all corners of the world; traders, diplomats, scholars, soldiers and even ordinary folk seeking a better life. The dreams are as varied as the travelers but everyone hopes to find something special in the jewel of the desert. The journey is not easy, the desert is harsh, and many perish in the relentless heat, their bones swallowed by the shifting sands. The fierce desert tribes often raid lone travelers, so the most common form of travel to Al Shir-Ma is by caravan, where travelers group together to share the risk and danger of the long trek.