The hot sun beats down on you as you step outside the city walls of Ur. Stepping out from the shade of the Ziggurat, you hear the nearby rush of waves and see the waves of heat shimmer over the tidal flat. You gaze turns South and you contemplate your mission.

Through hostile territory and warring nations, lies Dilmun, and more importantly, the offices of the Alik Tilmun, the guild of merchants to which Ea-Nasir belongs. The name causes your face to swell with rage, your fists to clench, and your teeth to grit. Ea-Nasir: the villain. He promised to sell you copper ingots, and indeed you did pay him, but he never produced any ingots of suitable quality. Every servant you have sent to him has come back empty-handed. That man treats you and those who work under you with contempt. Who does he think you are?!

You calm yourself as you begin the treacherous march to retrieve either your copper or your money. Your ox remains calm, but your three servants seethe with the same rage that fills you. They volunteered to travel with you through enemy territory to see Ea-Nasir held true to his word.

Ezen, Kashbar, and Miri; each of these steadfast fellows braved these dangerous lands on your behalf, only to be sent away empty-handed by the treacherous Ea-Nasir. Treated roughly and insulted, they each have a reason to scorn the man, as much as you do. Now the four of you will travel to Dilmun and retrieve the copper that is owed to you or take your money back, by force if necessary.

The dusty road looms ahead. Although it is safe so close to the walls of Ur, to reach Dilumn you must travel through lands actively contested between the Akkadian Empire, Elam, and Bactria. Once you reach Dammam, you must secure a ferry to the island of Dilmun, the massive trade city where the Alik Tilmun—and more importantly—where Ea-Nasir can be found.

With a motion of your hand, the four of you set out across the land, the fertile plains ahead as you prepare for the ordeal that is to come.