Hammu Tibern, Vizier of the Shining Legion

Summary

Hammu came to renown as one of Sa-kemet‌'s most notorious raiders. Leading his rag-tag band up and down the length of the deserts, he struck all sorts of rich and well-to-do cities. Then, disappearing across the sands, he spread his newfound wealth with all sorts--poor, traders, nomads, and more. Divested of their gains, his gang proceeded onward. With every success, his fame grew, his followers became stronger, and Hammu struck at ever richer, hardened targets. For as destructive as their attacks were on property, Hammu's gang notably avoided conflict with both guards and innocent bystanders. Akin to aggressive thievery, a mystique surrounded them.   When Hammu's ambitions took him to the capital of Atenkhet, their raid on a prince's estate caught the attention of Aramix herself. In an all-too-famous scene, Aramix chased after Hammu, riding a wave of sand and light as only the pharaoh could. For as clever as he and his were, Hammu couldn't outlast her, and all his gang were rounded up in a matter of days. Brought to the Golden Plaza in chains, Hammu laid his case out before the pharaoh and the justice court.   Wealth, it seems, was not flowing as free as the waters from the Black Pyramid. A number of outer-lying territories, independent states, and nomad groups had found their trade goods evaporating. Inequal and unfair practices, lopsided deals, and malicious pressure were all to blame. How, Aramix infamously asked, was it then the fault of Atenkhet? For, as clear as sunshine, all of these areas were not their responsibility--they never avowed loyalty to Atenkhet. A line policy that for many centuries, was one at the heart of geopolitical issues in Sa-kemet.   Hammu simply answered that, if it were not Atenkhet to save them, then there would be no one else. Then, he turned upon her and asked, were they all so unworthy of Akenra's light? The theological debate that ensued was an old one, and ever typical: Atenkhet accepted all who accepted its doctrine, not those who refused it. To take responsibility for people who would spit in their face was unreasonable, if not dangerous in itself.   What followed afterward was a question that left Aramix, for once, without a retort.   If Atenkhet's traders and merchant businesses was so allowed to take from outsiders, but never to give back, then was that just slavery by another name?   And so, Aramix gave unto him an opportunity: if he had the power, would Hammu right these wrongs, and bring prosperity to the vast deserts? Would he swear, upon Akenra's name, to bring forth justice and order?   So it would be, Hammu agreed, and received upon himself a divine mandate to find the evils he espoused as corruption. With the might of Atenkhet's military and its judicial courts, he was to find any and all conspiracies unfair and vile. Thus, Hammu's greatness as a thief and his myriad connections transformed from shadows across the moons kissed night, to a righteous, burning wave that swept outward. It can be said that he never won a triumphant victory, nor felled a fearsome beast, or surmounted an impossibility. Hammu instead went through the gritty speckles of sand and dirt, following paper trails, chasing those who fled, and proving to all in no uncertain terms, their corrupt failings.   Earning the esteem of his new-found colleagues, Hammu's commitment to righteousness over doctrine set great friction with the priestesshood. Yet, Aramix has ever allowed it, giving him the tools and power he needs. In turn, he has utilized them with such flourish and skill, Hammu emerged into his own as a powerful political force. It can be of no surprise, then, his eventual appointment of Vizier to the Shining Legion, and an honorary seat within the Solar Triad. His great successes has earned him adoration wide and far, even as the nebulous enemy he seeks to hunt ever remains like a mirage on the horizon.