ALLAH’S BLESSING

Listen on the day when the Crier will call from near; the
day when men will hear the fateful cry. On that day, they will
rise up from their graves.
— The Koran, Surah: 50:37 [Qaf]
 My dearest friends-in-arms,
You know me. I am called Tarjiman220 and I am a translator of words and thoughts. I humbly offer this
collection of work to you and to any novice who seeks my help. A rift exists between our cultures, and I find we are
all the victims of each other’s worst misconceptions. I am an almost solitary voice of the Middle East, one of the
few heard in the West since I am among the fortunate with the Internet. I am therefore honored that Witness1 has
asked me to be the spokesman for my people. My duty is to present readers with an understanding of Middle
Eastern hunters — we call ourselves kiswah — and the specific challenges we face. This collection is part tour guide
for the uninitiated and part resource to pool our insights. In essence, to create a community through solidarity and
a network of alliances that allows us to share information, advice and resources.
At first, Witness1’s request seemed simple, even easy. The more I detail the hunt in the Middle East,
however, the more I realize that much more separates our two societies. I cannot explain the hunt, our Word, our
capabilities or anything else without a tutorial on our culture and history. Even describing what I believe is simple
is actually complicated, and for every question I answer two more arise to confound me.
My first dilemma is deciding what constitutes the borders of the so-called Middle East. If I rely on the
principles of language and call the Middle East the bastion of Arabic, then I exclude and insult my Iranian
brethren who speak mostly Farsi, or those in Israel who speak Hebrew. What of the Kurds or the Turkic tribes who
use a variety of languages but are in every right Arabs as well?
Clearly, language is not the deciding factor, so do I classify the Middle East as those countries
following the Islamic faith? Under these conditions, I have to include many African nations like Libya
and Sudan, or countries to the west like Pakistan. Also, what of Lebanon or Syria with their strong
Christian population, or Hebrew-predominant Israel? While Muslims are passionate followers of Islam,
I cannot ignore Christians or even Jewish kiswah who valiantly fight alongside me. They are as much Arab
as I and thus a part of the Middle East.
So, for myself, the Middle East encompasses a region that shares a common historical perspective and
geographic familiarity. I exclude Turkey because it has long fought for recognition as a European nation,
but include mention of Egypt because of its influence over Arab concerns. Now that that is done, it is time
to explore the real roots of this endeavor: Arab hunters, our concerns and our enemies, all of which are
uniquely “Middle Eastern.”
So I struggle to compile this body of work with the help of other Arab kiswah. Some tales come to us through
stories, others we obtain or even participate in directly, but every single word is an enterprise. We debate with our
wisest in dark Baghdad coffee shops. We participate in tribal wardances with a Bedouin family while confronting
nameless beasts in the Empty Quarter. We fight other hunters who follow a false prophet and we share salt with a
pious beast who protects Mecca from infidels. Each new tale or recounting I receive from fellow kiswah is like
reading a new adventure. I went into this undertaking believing we were far-flung and isolated. I know now that
fate brings us close together and that we are a far stronger community for our common struggle.
Through these testimonies and pages, I believe my fellow chroniclers and I understand, appreciate and even
learn more about our world and very roles each day. I meet brethren unknown to me before and discover our cause
crosses many borders, be they geographical or cultural. Once I might have frowned upon independent women, but
have since seen female kiswah fight with determination unknown among many men. Once I might have ignored
foreigners as Western barbarians, but have seen Hindu, American and British hunters fight diligently to protect
expatriates and Arabs alike.
Unfortunately, I cannot say that everything is milk and honey, or that other kiswah share my understanding
of different cultures. We Arabs are singularly individual as with anyone else, and fashioned by our own
misconceptions. I try not to judge or censor other contributors and tales here, so this compilation naturally serves as
fuel for ideological friction. Like Westerners, we possess a variety of theories and beliefs as to our origins, our
benefactors and the monsters we hunt. I warn you that some voices are uglier than others; they’re thinly disguised
excuses for barbarity. Again, however, I include all voices.
In all, there is a joy among those who contribute to this work. Our words live and they have an audience. If we die,
we no longer die alone, for our voices continue on through you. Our struggles and all our experiences are not in vain.
We, like you, lose family and friends because of our duties, see our homes fall, our lives shatter, our allies die and the
defenseless escape without ever knowing why. We don’t seek glory. We seek only the knowledge that we will not die
silently — that our struggle (our jihad) still echoes across this world.
First, I want to thank al-Amin208 and Fatwa243 who improve the English of some contributors and make this
simpler for me to compile. I know many of us would not sound as eloquent if they did not correct our contributions.
The greatest debt, though, goes to Witness1. I began this believing I did you the favor, but end owing you the debt.
Allah be praised for He has already lit your path into Heaven.
 THE WISDOM THAT BINDS US
Throughout this text, we rely heavily upon the Surah or chapters of the Koran for guidance. This is hardly
surprising, given that 90% of Arabs are Muslim and those who are not know enough about it to be informed. The Koran
unites most of the Middle East under a common language, Arabic, and inspires us with a religion that has brothers
in Christianity and Judaism. It serves as a binding force, so it is hardly surprising that we rely upon its words given
our uncertainty concerning our own existence. We also give you these words so you too understand our intentions,
ambitions, hopes and reasons for being. It is as much your guide into our hearts as our guide into Allah’s.
The Koran begins with: In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful….It is the most fitting
beginning, I know, for the words initiate the reader into a world of tolerance and understanding. This is important
for we kiswah, for without either quality, we cannot learn. Without tolerance we lack patience and without
understanding we lack faith. Therefore, if we cannot learn, we cannot grow. Given our seeming youth and naivete
about our nature and place in this world, ignorance is not a luxury we can easily afford. We are born into war, my
children, without generals and without frontiers. We have no choice but to learn. It is the nature of our struggle.
Many of my Western brethren fault me for relying on the Koran so extensively. They say I sound like a fanatic,
but since when is faith a matter of fear and not celebration? We kiswah call upon the Koran for strength and guidance
in a world that lacks these luxuries. With each newly interpreted proverb we also gain footing, a historical relevance
to our cause and a greater sense of ourselves. You may not believe the words of the Prophet Muhammad, but I include
them because understanding them means understanding us. They provide context for how we see the hunt and how we
pursue our duties. They are an introduction to Islam’s chosen and even to the nature of our opposition.
Finally, my critics say I use paragraphs from the Koran out of context, and they are correct. The Koran, however,
was written years after the Prophet Muhammad’s death and after the death of his companions who kept his words alive
through discourse and prayer. But we know that many paragraphs are out of sequence, duplicated elsewhere in the Koran
or standing alongside unrelated texts. The Koran is not a mere collection of words, but a guide to the heart — accordingly
left to the interpretations of the heart. It’s my heart that I follow when I bring the Koran to bear on our calling.
WHO WE ARE
Surah 2:1 [The Cow]: Alif lam mim. This Book is not to be doubted. It is a guide for the righteous, who have
faith in the unseen and are steadfast in prayer…
We faithful — Christian, Jew or Muslim — believe that God knows all and sees all. Islam says that all our
actions and deeds are maktub or “written,” and that only Allah reads from the book of fate and destiny. This
is an important facet of an Arab’s psyche, for it justifies our actions and course throughout life. If He knows our
life, our struggle, our death, then why worry about the inevitable? We concentrate on improving our condition,
knowing we cannot hide from Him. This truth strips away pretense, liberates our concerns and turns our focus
inward, on self-improvement. Beyond these “standard” interpretations, Islamic hunters embrace this precept
with particular fervor. If it is true, they reason, then is it not so that Allah foretells our eventual arrival within the
annals of the Koran? Can we not reason that Allah, who is All Knowing, imparts hidden messages and
testimonies within the Koran to guide us?
Westerners look upon Islam as a religion of strife, and the Koran as the instrument of war, but this is far from
the truth. Even in relation to our most feared word, “jihad” (a word synonymous in the West with terrorism),
Muhammad proclaims — The best jihad is [speaking] a word of justice to a tyrannical ruler. Islam teaches
respect, piety, compassion, tolerance, fidelity and charity — all those services we provide as kiswah. Do we fight
monsters to kill beasts or to protect humanity? We hopefully fight to guard the helpless. Thus we follow the tenants
of Islam in pursuit of our duty. Would it not stand to reason, then, that the Koran holds somewhere the lessons we
need to fulfil our obligations? This question strengthens many Muslim hunters.
Surah 36:1 [Ya’ Sin]: Ya sin. I swear by the Wise Koran that you are sent upon a straight path.
This is revealed by the Mighty One, the Merciful, so that you may forewarn a nation who, because of their
fathers were not warned before them, live in heedlessness.
The faithful kiswah interpret this text to mean one of two things. The more humble among us believe it a lesson,
saying it is our duty to protect the fellaheen (the unaware people around us) from monsters because we are they who
Allah forewarned. Another lot, more brash in their philosophies, believes this speaks directly of our kind. We are the
forewarning and the omen of things to come. We alone can advise our fathers and mothers of the evils plaguing them.
While I advocate both interpretations, the latter carries the danger of elevating us to the status of self-
appointed prophets. This is a true danger in Islam, in which the succession of prophets or the choice of a new caliph
(spiritual leader) is often the source of infighting and even heresy. Understand that Islam is the hub of Middle
Eastern life, and interpretation of the Prophet’s words is a philosophical sport. The Koran unites us as a book,
but once opened it divides our opinions and sets us at odds.
 OUR CAUSE
Surah 6:112 [The Cattle]: We have placed in every city arch-transgressors who scheme within its walls. But
they scheme only against themselves, though they may not perceive it…
And…
In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful…
Surah 36:7 [Ya’ Sin]: It is We who will resurrect the dead.
And…
Surah 4:78 [Women]: …But when evil befalls them, they say: ‘It was your [Muhammad’s] fault.’
Say to them: ‘All is from God!’
We must never forget that everything lives by Allah’s grace. There is nothing He does not know or cannot
do. This is often a troubling thought for Arab hunters, for if everything exists by His will, then who are we to
question our place in this world? Why are we even here if Allah tells us never to dispute His methods? Can our
cause exist with this self-doubt? Eventually, many of us come to our own decisions separately. This perhaps serves
to divide us in our goals.
Some of us realize we are not the judges of monsters. The supernatural exists and it always has because that is
the natural order of things (which we cannot fight anymore than we can reverse the flow of the wind). Instead of
judging, we are the protectors of the fellaheen. Our cause shouldn’t question whether creatures have a right to exist,
but whether they should harm others.
Some of our kind believe that evil survives only to winnow the faithful from the wicked. This is a
dangerous undercurrent among Arab kiswah, for they envision their duties as far beyond protecting the
defenseless. They see themselves as full Islamic warriors fighting the incursion of the unfaithful, or worse the
“taint” of foreign influence.
OUR ENEMY
Surah 72:1-15 [The Jinn]: Say: ‘It is revealed to me that a band of jinn listened to God’s revelations and
said: “We have heard a wondrous Koran giving guidance to the right path. We believed in it and shall henceforth
serve none besides Our Lord…’”
‘“Some of us are Muslims and some are wrongdoers. Those that embrace Islam pursue the right path; but
those that do wrong shall become the fuel of Hell.”’
Western hunters question and debate the presence of monsters, but it is enough for us to know that Allah wills
their existence to understand how they came into being. Unlike you in the West, we Arabs are close to the traditional
roots of our ancestors. Tales of the supernatural are a part of us. We read the tales of the jinni from the Koran or
from folktales, because they carry the certainty of truth. These creatures are as true as our ancestors are. We knew
them before our change.
We also know that not all jinn and monsters are evil. Like man, Allah gives them ears to hear His words
and the heart to follow His path. We therefore do not judge these creatures by appearance. We learn to
distinguish between the faithful and the heretics. We spare those who pray to Allah regularly and who offer
the alms tax, for He is merciful. While you may perceive your struggles to be against all monsters, we know
our war is against those who would harm the fellaheen. It is our respect for the akhirra (the supernatural) that
marks our hunt from yours. Remember:
Surah 2:190 [The Cow]: Fight for the sake of God those that fight against you, but do not attack them first.
God does not love the aggressors.
While this tenet admittedly proves difficult for our kind, many of us try not to kill wantonly those whom we
perceive as enemies. We must act with prudence, for Allah seeks warriors, not murderers. This belief also applies
to sparing children, women and men who are often the hostages of wicked creatures. I hope we know better than using
them to gain the advantage, for to do so risks the fires of hell.
Unfortunately, not all of us are so moderate in our views. Political hatred between the Palestinian and
Zionists, for example, sees ally and enemy defined on the grounds of nationality. I know of too many
fanatical hunters who wage wars against their political adversaries, using the same heavy-handed techniques
that earn all Arabs the unfair title of terrorist. It saddens me that some of our brethren lend their abilities
to Hezbollah or Hamas guerillas.
Surah 9:4 [Repentance]: Proclaim a woeful punishment to the unbelievers, except to those idolaters who have
honored their treaties with you in every detail and aided none against you. With these keep faith, until their treaties
have run their term. God loves the righteous.
 Again, we must avoid senseless and undirected violence. Not all monsters are our enemies and not all kiswah
are allies. We must respect those who respect us.
Surah 54:1 [The Moon]: Let them be. The day the crier summons them to the dread account, they shall come
out from their graves with downcast eyes, and rush towards him like swarming locusts. The unbelievers will cry:
‘This is indeed a woeful day!’
On a day of unremitting woe, We let loose upon them a howling wind which snatched them off like the trunks
of uprooted palm-trees.
These Surahs (chapters) trouble me, for I’ve heard these words before. A walking ghost named Carpenter
recounted a similar tale, and spoke of an evil storm that splintered the lands of the spirits and allowed the dead to
return from their graves. Some kiswah cry: If this is indeed true, then Allah’s judgment is upon the world and
we must act accordingly in these final days. I, however, believe we are Allah’s munadi, his criers, who demand
the dead to account for their actions. If that is true, some good may come of this storm yet.
OUR TOOLS
Surah 6:109 [The Cattle]: They solemnly swear by God that if a sign be given them they would believe in it.
Say: ‘Signs are vouchsafed by God.’
Or: Perfected are the words of your Lord in truth and justice. None can change His words.
A portion of our inheritance is the ability to read and impart messages within kufic script, a flourish of word art
that adorns our mosques and homes. The very fact that we alone can address and speak to one another through symbols
hidden in kufic bespeaks of Allah’s faith and purpose in us. He gives us the means to protect our words and our
identities from the unbelievers. Some faithful ask: If this is true, then why can the Jews and Christians read these words
as well? It is because they too are the children of Him, the one true God. They too are people of the book, and thus blessed
with the right to stand in Paradise. Never forget that the Koran is not just for Muslims, it is for those who listen.
We know that kufic code manifests only within the Middle East and portions of northeast Africa. Many
of us believe this is because we live in the cradle of the three monotheistic religions, closest to the holy cities of Mecca
and Jerusalem. Our Word is not the code you know; it is more complete and it carries our thoughts throughout the
region like the call to prayer. Perhaps it is even the call to prayer that acts as the source of transmission. Regardless,
some kiswah believe this means Westerners are unfaithful because the code does not reach them. I believe that it has
little to do with personal faith and everything to do with the expression of belief. You are not infidels or heretics, but
I do believe Western society is uncomfortable with the joyous celebration of religion. Your society ridicules belief and
hides it like a blemish. Thus, only a portion of your code exists because you worship God behind closed doors and in
hushed voices. Arabs, however, be we Christian, Muslim or Jew, trumpet our faith almost unanimously and earn
a greater understanding of the actual code.
Surah 2:239-240 [The Cow]: When you are exposed to danger pray on foot or while riding; and when you are
restored to safety remember Allah, as He has taught you what you did not know.
There is a practice called the taqiyya, which is neither an explicit concept of the Koran nor one that Sunni
Muslims use. It is a doctrine of the Druze and Shii Muslim as a means of protecting one’s religious beliefs or
very identity in a hostile environment. The taqiyya states that should a believer exist in a place that persecutes him
for his religious beliefs, then he may express his faith in private and is absolved from participating in the pilgrimage
to Mecca or from fasting. Although this bothers Sunni kiswah, many of us understand the advantage of the
taqiyya given how Ramadan diverts our attention and energies through daytime fasting and dusk-to-dawn
feasting. As result, some Islamic kiswah practice the taqiyya and forego fasting to protect the fellaheen with all
their strength and resolve. The authorities hunt some of us for our actions, and it is difficult to leave our country to
participate in the pilgrimage. To compensate for these unfortunate circumstances, many kiswah such as myself offer
more alms tax to the poor or fast for a few days in the month. Others, who call the jihad the sixth pillar of Islamic
faith, believe their very activities as kiswah compensates for their other duties. As with everything, however, this is
only proper in moderation. The jihad is no substitute for giving alms or prayer. We must balance our duties as
hunters with our obligations to Allah. I cannot say in what measurements, though. That is for each person to decide.
Surah 9:15 [Repentance]: Make war on them: God will chastise them at your hands and humble them. He
will grant you victory over them and heal the spirit of the faithful.
Many kiswah are understandably troubled by their gifts. Yes, we rely on our faith far more than Western
society does, but some kiswah wonder if they themselves are actually jinn, or if their gifts are Satan’s craft to
deceive the righteous. I can only say that I believe my gifts are from Allah. He gives us these abilities to
“chastise” and “humble” our enemies by our own hands. While some may be convinced that their lineage holds
jinn blood, the fact remains that everything is ultimately Allah’s design. The province of His will mandates our
gifts, even if there is something of the creatures within us.
 OUR END
Surah 84:1 [The Rending]: When the Sky is rent apart, obeying her Lord in true submission; when the earth
expands and casts out all that is within her and becomes empty, obeying her Lord in true submission; then, O man,
who labor constantly to meet your Lord, shall you meet Him.
Prophets and sages in all religions foretell the end, and in each legend and destruction myth the singular
truth emerges that it is the will of the singular God. If this is true, many of us wonder why fight since this
world’s evils do not truly control the course of human destiny? In the end, Allah judges and Allah decrees.
After all, does Allah not proclaim in Surah 29:7 [The Spider] He that fights for God’s cause fights for
himself. God needs no man’s help ? True, but what Western hunters should realize about us is that the
Koran’s passages are never an invitation to idleness. They are warnings never to doubt His power or His
word. We know that Allah demands we account for our actions on the day of judgment. We fight not because
we believe Allah ignores or forgets us. We fight as His instruments to prove ourselves to Him and to provide
an example for the unfaithful.
Yes, we know of the end. We will die. The world will vanish and the righteous will ascend into
Paradise. We do not refute this inevitability. Our quest is not in the resolution, but the journey itself. This
is our proving ground. We should never measure our lives by our destinations, but by the roads we choose.
Will Allah judge the man by his riches or how he became rich? Will Allah judge the man by his
knowledge or by how he acquired that knowledge? So it is with us as well, and when the reckoning comes,
Allah will not ask how many monsters we have slain or how many fellaheen we have saved. No, Allah
judges us according to our conduct along the way.
And the following is perhaps the truest reason why we fight. To understand a Muslim, you must know this
lesson. It is perhaps the only one you need discern.
Surah 4:74 [Women]: Let those who would exchange the life of this world for the hereafter, fight for the cause
of God; whoever fights for the cause of God, whether he dies or triumphs, We shall richly reward him.
 TM

BY MUSTAFA BASHIR AND LUCIEN SOULBAN

7
 CREDITS WHITEWOLFHOCKEYSPECIALTHANKS
Authors: Mustafa Bashir and Lucien Soulban. World of Chad “Give a Hoot” Brown (#14, Wing), for announc-
Darkness created by Mark Rein•Hagen. ing every near goal.
Storyteller Game System Design: Mark Rein•Hagen. Brian “Most Improved” Glass (#84, Goal), for intro-
Developer: Ken Cliffe ducing Batman to street hockey.
Editor: Michelle Lyons Matt “Jamoca” Milberger (#7, Wing), for being the
Hunter Roster Manager: John Meehan most likely to toss up Arby’s in the middle of a game.
Art Director: Pauline Benney Rich “Hanson” Thomas (#13, Defense), for stamping
Layout and Typesetting: Pauline Benney out the co-ed part of co-ed hockey.
Interior Art: Mike Chaney, Steve Ellis, Brian LeBlanc Mike “Two-Way” Tinney (#11, Wing), for becoming
and Steve Prescott the Jack of all Positions.
Front Cover Art: Durwin Talon Fred “Moonlighting” Yelk (#56, Defense), for being
the most likely to miss a game due to an open house.
Front and Back Cover Design: Pauline Benney

IWOULDLIKETOAPOLOGIZE
A wonderful artist named Eirich Olson appeared in
Hunter Players Guide. He was, unfortunately, not listed
in the credits. We are very sorry Eirich. Thank you for
your hard work and understanding.

© 2001 White Wolf Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without the written permission of the publisher is
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blank character sheets, which may be reproduced for personal use
only. White Wolf, Hunter the Reckoning, Vampire and World
of Darkness are registered trademarks of White Wolf Publishing,
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 TM

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER1:INALLAH’SHOME 20
CHAPTER2:BYHISBREATH 48
CHAPTER3:TOEACHHISGIFTS 58
CHAPTER4:BROTHERSBYVIRTUE 74
CHAPTER5:ALLAH’SSERVANTS 88
CHAPTER6:ABRAVENEWWORLD 108

9
 HUNTER:HOLY WAR

10
 PROLOGUE: DIRGE FOR THE LIVING

PROLOGUE:
DIRGE FOR THE LIVING
Does There not pass over man a space of time when his
life is a blank?
We have created man from the union of the two sexes,
so that We may put him to the proof. We have endowed him
with hearing and sight and, be he thankful or oblivious of Our
favors, We have shown him the right path.
— The Koran, Surah: 76:1 [Man]

When Allah speaks, how can you not listen? Yusif also bore his experiences proudly, from his
My world is hours away from dying and I am its hard-edged mouth to his bushy mustache. Yusif’s jut-
executioner. As a Muslim, I have always believed that my life ting brow cast his eyes in shadow, and an ugly rope of
was predetermined by Allah’s will. He knows all men’s lives, hard skin starting at his cheek crossed his nose and
from their greatest accomplishments to their greatest failings… ended above his left eye. The scar nearly split his face
all at the moment of their birth. It is muktub… so it is written. and restricted his expressions through tightened skin.
Yet, I cannot help but wonder why Allah chose me for this Still, it was testament to Yusif’s skill in evading death on
duty. Surely there are men holier than I? Worthier perhaps? many occasions. The scar was simply a trophy now.
I wonder what is written in the annals of my destiny. I wonder Majeed saw Yusif put his weapon down on the rug and
if I embark upon the final chapter of my brief saga as one of stand, but Majeed tried to remain occupied with cleaning
Allah’s kiswah — that black cloth that covers and protects the his gun, now stripped into a dozen pieces and scattered
greatest shrine and cornerstone of Allah’s throne, the Kabba, across an oily rag. The weapon looked far from menacing,
and from which we take our name. but come tonight it would sing a chorus of bullets.
A thin dagger of desert sun pierced the barricaded “I spoke to Ali,” Yusif said. He paused, waiting, but
window of the abandoned home, lighting its worn Majeed did not respond. “He says the Syrians are
interior. The filtered twilight swelled with the unmis- receiving another shipment. He can sell us some spare
takable orange hue of an impending sandstorm. This parts, but the cost will be much higher this time.
served the two men inside the home well, for the storm Someone’s killing off his Beirut suppliers.” Yusif paused
would cover their passage across the hard Negev Desert. again, but only silence greeted him. “Do you need
The first man was Fadi Majeed, a wiry, desert- anything for your gun?” he finally asked.
browned veteran of hardship. His peppered hair thinned Majeed simply shook his head and remained intent
on top and his face was a patch of rough stubble. His on cleaning.
eyes were mired in thought, and he didn’t see Yusif “Fadi,” Yusif proceeded, “You look nervous. You
studying him casually. When he finally noticed, Majeed aren’t worried about tonight, are you?”
cursed himself for looking so distracted and returned Yusif had been like Majeed’s older brother since
to cleaning his rifle. both their parents died in a massacre at a refugee camp

11
 HUNTER:HOLY WAR

over a decade ago. His question was meant in jest, but Yusif shook his head and prepared his own weapon
it stung Majeed a thousand different ways. Yusif’s words for the desert by wrapping plastic bags and electric tape
shamed him for more reasons than Majeed cared to around it. The covering would keep the sand out until
admit or share. Majeed shook his head in response, Yusif opened fire and punctured the plastic. Still, he
fearing his tongue would betray his heart. He concen- found his gaze wandering back to Majeed, who contin-
trated on his rifle. Yusif sat down beside him and ued cleaning. Tonight would tell the truth, Yusif knew
embraced him around the shoulder with one arm. — if Majeed had betrayed them as Ali had claimed.
“This is no different than before,” Yusif said. “To- Yusif put his gun down and stood.
night we avenge the death of a child. We show these “I spoke to Ali,” Yusif said. He paused, waiting, but
monsters that they cannot act with impunity. We are Majeed said nothing. Yusif bit his tongue. After the
Allah’s retribution. We are His Qadi, His judges and His assault against the monsters in the farming community,
executioners. Blood demands blood.” Yusif was injured terribly and spent weeks recovering
“I know,” Majeed finally sighed. “I just pray it from his wounds. It was perhaps the closest he’d come to
won’t be like that farming settlement,” he said braving death. Shortly afterward, he heard reports through his
a lie. “You nearly died.” network of allies that someone was betraying their cause.
Yusif nodded grimly but added nothing to fill the A cell operating in the town of Arnoun was destroyed.
awkward moment. “It’s nearly prayer time,” Yusif said. Yusif and his allies knew winged snakes were behind the
He paused again. “I won’t abandon you, little brother,” attack, but now they struck with pinpoint precision and
he added before returning to his corner of the shack. deadly timing. They struck with foreknowledge. One of
Majeed was grateful for the respite and the chance Yusif’s own was a traitor. No one knew who until Ali
at self-reflection. He did not normally indulge himself approached Yusif with his suspicions….
with personal thoughts and memories like this before a “He says the Syrians are receiving another ship-
mission, but tonight was different. ment,” Yusif continued, hoping to draw any response
I look at Yusif and wonder what his change was like. I from Majeed. “He can sell us some spare parts, but the cost
do not even know when it happened. Was he always like this? will be much higher this time. Someone’s killing off his
Or did this happen recently? I only know when I became Beirut suppliers.” Yusif paused again, trying desperately
kiswah, what I’ve heard Westerners call “hunters.” to read Majeed’s expression. Majeed refused eye contact,
which made it difficult for Yusif to determine his guilt.
I was praying at a mosque, thanking Allah for a great gift,
when the kufic script around me erupted into new meaning. To Ali was among the best weapons dealers in Lebanon,
most people, script is word art, passages from the Koran written if not the western Arab countries. Ali also led Yusif’s
in broad flourishes, angular lines and even maze-like designs. To cause. It was he who discovered that the traitor lay near
the uneducated it is an explosion of pattern. To Muslims, it is to Yusif’s own heart. It was Ali who accused Majeed. Yusif
the Koran in beautiful bloom. To the kiswah, it is Allah’s word wouldn’t hear the accusation, but it left the bitter taste of
and a means of communicating with others of our kind. That is truth. Ever since the attack on the farming community,
how I first came to know I was a “hunter.” Words within the Majeed was distant and sullen. Majeed argued with their
intricate script emerged, shifted and danced within the patterns. direction and how they treated the enemy. He ques-
I simply understood, and then I realized: To my left, a Sudanese tioned the need for righteous violence. That was enough
kiswah did not pray. He sought guidance in fighting a jackal- to condemn Majeed in the eyes of his fellows. Ali ordered
beast. On my right, an Iraqi announced his victory over a jinn. Yusif to administer the final test of loyalty.
Before me, the script announced: “Do you need anything for your gun?” Yusif finally
asked, trying a new line of interrogation without reveal-
I did as instructed, no longer in command of my actions. ing his true intentions. Majeed shook his head and
My world shattered like glass. remained intent on his cleaning.
And now, what seems like an eternity later, I stand in “Fadi,” Yusif proceeded, “You look nervous. You
this squalid shack with Yusif, my “older brother,” and I aren’t worried about tonight, are you?” Yusif pushed the
wonder what he thinks, if he knows what has become of me. concerned brother gambit, a trick that had worked in the
* * * past under less dire situations. Perhaps Majeed would
Yusif smiled and enjoyed the warm sunset against respond to kindness where bitter denunciation and guilt
his skin. The storm would soon claim the desert. And might fail. Again Majeed shook his head, but Yusif could
soon Yusif would know for certain about Majeed, though see he had struck a nerve by the way his brother furrowed
he had his suspicions. He need only to look at his his brow. He seized the opportunity and sat down next to
younger brother to see the weight of the truth in his Majeed, embracing him about the shoulders with one
posture. Majeed sat there distracted, unwilling to meet arm. “This is no different than before,” Yusif offered.
his gaze and speaking in only short sentences. He “Tonight we avenge the death of a child. We show these
cleaned his gun, but Yusif noticed Majeed had been monsters that they cannot act with impunity. We are
cleaning the same piece for the last hour. Allah’s retribution. We are His Qadi, His judges and His
executioners. Blood demands blood.”

12
 PROLOGUE: DIRGE FOR THE LIVING

“I know,” Majeed finally sighed. this duty of me? While I hear many of my brethren are at peace
Yusif was elated momentarily. Perhaps he’d finally knowing their actions are preordained and thus fate, I find no
broken through. He wanted to believe his younger solace in this. Were I able to look upon my choices and not take
brother was not the betrayer. Tonight was his final test responsibility for them, I would be less a man.
of loyalty. He was to kill a winged snake in the desert, I remember studying Muhammad’s first meeting with
to prove his worth to the cause. If he could not, then the Angel Jibril, in the caves. Thrice the Angel squeezed
Yusif would know for certain that he had indeed be- Muhammad about the ribs and thrice demanded he submit.
trayed them all to the enemy. Only when Muhammad stopped questioning Jibril, and
“I just pray it won’t be like that farming settlement,” finally submitted, did Allah’s wisdom fill his ears. That is
Majeed continued. “You nearly died.” Majeed stared at Islam, the way of submission to Allah’s word. My duty isn’t
Yusif’s scar, unable to meet the other man’s gaze. Yusif to deafen and blind myself with fate. My duty is to obey Him
saw through the lie and nodded grimly. His moment of in the way I know is right.
hope passed. Majeed had lied about many things, and if The evening sandstorm overtook the desert quickly,
he could now lie to Yusif, after all they’d been through, turning night’s imperial colors into a muddy swirl of
then he couldn’t be trusted. browns and oranges. Majeed and Yusif, their faces covered,
“It’s nearly prayer time,” Yusif said, “I won’t aban- shouldered their burdens and the storm quietly and plunged
don you little brother.” Yusif’s path was clear to him into its heart. They crested low-breast dunes and shallow
now. He would administer the test tonight, but Majeed valleys with their legs trapped calf-deep in sand until they
would fail and Yusif would kill him. He would tell Ali, finally found a rock outcropping. Majeed was glad to pull
however, that Majeed died for the cause and his virtue. his feet from the soft sand. He rested against a boulder and
He wouldn’t sully his younger brother’s name even felt the ache in his legs subside to a dull throb. Yusif, born
though Majeed had already done so. Yusif stood up and more to the wills of the desert, climbed skillfully up the
returned to his corner of the shack, his heart heavy for outcropping’s slope. He returned a minute later.
the realization. Both men remained silent. “We’re here,” Yusif announced. Without missing a
* * * beat, he scaled the rocks again and vanished. Majeed
It is said, “Allah knows all, so pursue your actions to their remained, distracted by the errant thoughts plaguing him
greatest conclusion, for it is already written.” My actions are these last few weeks. He tired of hunting and killing. He
clear but no less easy. Should I be honored that He demands tired of all the bloodshed. And yet tonight was the blade

13
 HUNTER:HOLY WAR

that would cleave his life into two very distinct paths. Majeed turned back to his weapon. “I see the monsters.”
The first was the one he knew for months now. He would Yusif followed the barrel’s line of sight to the
continue slaying monsters like the winged snakes that his approaching target. Suddenly the deep thrum of an
older brother despised so much. He would throw himself engine cut through the sandstorm.
into the cause with blind abandon, killing until killed. Majeed stared at his target. The so-called monsters:
The other path was of reconciliation — and betrayal. It a pair of Israeli soldiers driving a jeep. He could clearly
meant abandoning everything and everyone he loved, see the wings of the Sayeret Tzanhanim — the Winged
and bargaining with the enemy. Snakes, Israel’s elite paratroopers — stitched on their
Majeed sat there for a long minute, not knowing his sleeves. This was Yusif’s enemy.
path and not knowing that Yusif sat above him, study- “There!” Yusif hissed. “There are the Zionist mon-
ing his younger brother carefully. Yusif sensed the sters who killed our children.”
turmoil raging within Majeed. Tonight was already Majeed stared silently, his aiming dot focused on the
decided and now rested in the hands of destiny. chest of the driver, his finger resting lightly on the trigger.
Majeed finally willed himself to move. Whatever “I told you they’d be here… shoot them,” Yusif urged.
answer he sought, it rested at the top of this stone.
Majeed hesitated. If he pulled the trigger, he would
Yusif took up a position between two large rocks remain a warrior for the intifada, the resistance to drive
that protected both men from the wind and sand. the Israelis from Palestinian lands. There was a terrible
Majeed sat down heavily and took in the surroundings. price for making that decision: his soul. Yet, if he didn’t,
They were over three dozen feet about the desert floor, he became a warrior of a different kind, one whose war
with a commanding view of the terrain around them. superceded border and even religion. It was a war whose
Only the storm limited the breadth of their scope. sole general was Allah, and whose enemies hid in
“There,” Yusif pointed and drew an imaginary line shadows. It demanded a cruel price, as well.
across the desert below them. Majeed saw the faint trace of Now was the time of reckoning. Yusif sensed it, too.
a road under the moving sands and nodded. Instinctively, He pointed his gun at Majeed.
he pulled out his rifle from his worn duffel bag. He swiveled
Majeed brought his head away from the scope. “I’m
and came to rest on his stomach, the gun’s image-enhanc-
sorry,” he said. “I will not.” Yusif gritted his teeth and was
ing, hooded scope to his right eye. The desert blossomed
about to pull the trigger, but Majeed was quicker. Divin-
into artificial green with a red dot marking dead center.
ity surged through Majeed’s body and erupted in brilliant
It took Majeed a second to realize he was preparing light like the sun. Yusif screamed and fired wildly.
to kill once more, with little thought to his actions. “Is * * *
this all I am?” he wondered silently. “Does submission to
I never killed my first monster, the one praying at the
Allah preclude guilt or doubt?”
mosque, because I didn’t know how. It became easier…
“Do you see anything?” Yusif asked. Majeed was later, after I learned. The kufic script spoke and related a
nearly silenced by shame and shook his head, then wealth of information to any kiswah who would read it, but
added: “We’ll have to wait.” He did not see Yusif’s grip I always believed this was for Muslims alone.
tighten around his own gun. He did not read Yusif’s One day, I braved my first words and greeted all my
expression as the older brother screamed the thought, brethren through the script. They welcomed me with open
“Do not fail me. I have no wish to kill you.” arms and we shared our pain as brothers. I even befriended
* * * another soldier who understood my torment for betraying my
The sandstorm continued her angry dance across cause. He taught me to communicate for the benefit of one
the Negev, silencing the world with her howl and person alone and not to make each message a proclamation.
blinding it with her skirt of biting wind. Majeed, staring What a twist of irony when I learned he was Israeli and not
through his Russian-made scope, finally spotted the the good Muslim I thought him to be.
winged snakes moving through the desert, long before The two soldiers were at the far side of rock
Yusif saw or heard them. Now was the time. He had few outcropping. The burst of light and the brief staccato
seconds to make his final decision: left or right, rebirth of gunfire drew their attention, despite the storm. The
or betrayal. Either decision was a baptism in blood. lieutenant climbed while his partner, the jeep’s driver,
Majeed turned away from the scope to look at Yusif. covered him.
“The Egyptian Bedu,” he said tentatively, “believe that Above, Majeed kept Yusif under the watchful muzzle
dust devils and blowing sands mark the passage of jinni. of his rifle. Yusif lay stunned and bleeding profusely
If that’s true, this sandstorm must surely be the wake from a chest wound, but he possessed enough rancor to
from the dragon of all beasts.” spit Majeed an angry look.
“What the hell are you talking about?” Yusif insisted. “Traitor,” Yusif hissed. “You’d betray your own
Majeed recognized his older brother’s apprehen- brother to the Israelis?”
sion by how he gripped his weapon, turning his knuckles “Never,” Majeed said sourly. “You betrayed your-
white. “So,” Majeed thought calmly, “he no longer self. You betrayed me.”
trusts me. At least I’m not alone in deceit.”

14
 PROLOGUE: DIRGE FOR THE LIVING

“No! You’ve always been my brother, my own heart. With a gun trained on the two, he yelled down to the
I protected you… saved you. I was your father and your driver, “Wait there.”
friend. How could you betray your cause to these snakes?” There was a flicker of recognition between Majeed
“You showed me how to fight. But I no longer fight the and the lieutenant.
same war. This new war demands we become enemies.” “I’m sorry, Yusif,” Majeed said, “but you knew about
“What new war?” Yusif demanded, wincing from this patrol because I arranged it. This was my trap, not
pain. “What cause makes you spill your brother’s blood?” yours. I was hoping to catch Ali or the other tainted, but
“I asked myself that many times Yusif, and could instead they forced me to confront you.”
find no answer. I still can’t, so I ask you.” “So you did betray the cause,” Yusif spat weakly,
“You’re rambling, Majeed,” Yusif laughed. “Quit eyeing the soldier.
telling children’s riddles and answer me like a man.” “No, I never betrayed my cause.”
“I cannot!” Majeed shouted, “not without knowing “But these bastards… they’re just… using you.”
why you betrayed me.” Yusif hissed, his voice weakening against the storm.
“What are you talking about?” Yusif screamed, then “So did you. And Ali used you. I haven’t betrayed
collapsed back in pain. the dream of saving Palestine, but I won’t trade one
“A few months ago, when we attacked that farm, master for another. I’m sorry my brother, but I had to
you nearly… you should have died. That explosion…. save your soul. Now I know Ali is your master. I know
But you didn’t die. You recovered faster than anyone my enemies… and I know my allies.” Majeed glanced at
anticipated. At first, I was grateful. Remember? We the lieutenant.
both went to the mosque to thank Allah for sparing you. Yusif’s eyes fluttered and finally closed. Majeed sat
That’s when Allah showed me other things. He showed silently, praying.
me that I was fighting the wrong war. He showed me “I’m sorry,” the lieutenant finally offered.
that I faced greater enemies, real monsters. He forced “It’s small conciliation, Israeli,” Majeed responded
me to turn and face you, to see you as you truly were.” bitterly. “I betrayed my brother for a cause I barely under-
Yusif’s eyes widened, but he bit his tongue. Majeed stand. For an enemy whose sight I can barely stomach.”
caught the look and nodded. “I’ve betrayed my country, too,” the lieutenant shot
“That’s right,” Majeed continued, “I know about back. “Because of you, I’ve been using the Winged
the House of Abominations. I know there are monsters Snakes to fighting my battles. A dozen men are dead
and they are not the Israelis. More so my brother, I know because of my actions against the monsters. I’ve even
you’re their minion.” shed Israeli blood. All because I followed your advice
“You know nothing,” Yusif rasped. and attacked your targets.”
“I know you are stronger than a man should be. I “Then we are both cursed. At least you have a home
know you’ve survived because you feed from the blood tonight. I have nothing but the desert and the clothes
of monsters. I believed you a man of iron for escaping on my back.”
and surviving all those hardships, but it wasn’t true. You The lieutenant fished through a pocket and pro-
were simply an emissary of shadows. I… I no longer duced a Lebanese passport that bulged slightly with a
know you,” Majeed admitted. wad of American hundreds. “Here,” the soldier yelled
“Damn you!” Yusif howled. “You know me… you against the growing wind, “You can go anywhere from
always have! The ones I deal with aren’t the monsters. there, but I suggest you vanish. Contact me when you
They’re devout Muslims, like you and I. They want the find a place to settle and I’ll help you meet Christian or
Israelis out of Palestine. They want to return Jerusalem Druze hunters. They won’t try to kill you if they discover
to Islam. They support the intifada. The Zionists are who you are.”
the true monsters.” Majeed looked at the money and nodded in appre-
“I may dislike — even hate — the Israelis,” Majeed ciation. The lieutenant turned to leave, but Majeed
responded, “but I’ve seen real monsters, Yusif. I’ve smelt called after him. “Israeli, I am curious about thing —
their unholy breath and seen them scurry like rats from something we’ve never discussed. How did you respond
Allah’s power. If you were pure, my gifts wouldn’t have to me in the mosques? I thought only Muslims could
blinded you and made you miss me. You’re becoming one read Allah’s script?”
of them and it won’t be long before Ali turns you into a “I can read it as well,” the lieutenant admitted.
monster like himself. Then you’ll be lost to Allah forever.” “Don’t ask me how or why, but I can. I don’t believe in
The clatter of rocks alerted the pair to the presence your God, Arab, but I wish he’d stop talking to me.”
of the Israeli lieutenant. He was a middle-aged man Majeed nodded grimly and thought, When Allah
with chiseled looks, a hardened body and bearded face. speaks, you cannot help but listen.

15
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

16
 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION:
IN THE MIND OF ARABS
It was to manifest the Truth that We created the heavens
and the earth and all that lies between them; We created
them to last for an appointed term.
— The Koran, Surah: 46:2 [The Sand Dunes]

Mention the Middle East and the imagination clashes exclusively the Storyteller’s since it deals with the
with images derived from pop media. Arabs are the mechanics involved in running uniquely Middle East-
camel-riding knights of Persian fairy tales or suicidal ern hunters. At the heart of Hunter: Holy War is an
terrorists who plague Western sensibilities. They’re the exploration of the unknown that runs deeper than that
height of chivalry or the basest of killers. They’re the theme is touched on in other Hunter supplements. By
most pious of sages or maniacal of fanatics. Entertain- reading Chapter 6, players threaten to demystify stories
ment mediums paint Arabs in sharp contrasts, because set in the Middle East. Leave the number crunching to
their conceived fame and notoriety encompass two soli- the Storyteller and simply enjoy the ride.
tary periods in Arab history: Islam’s Golden Age, when
the religion stretched from Moorish Spain to India’s PURPOSE
Pindus Range, and the Oil Age, when Islam controlled Hunter: Holy War serves players and Storytellers
global trends on the value of crude. This sourcebook deals alike in a completely unique way for a Hunter book.
with those aspects of Arab culture, life and history that The imbuing has already been established as an inter-
have somehow slipped through time’s cracks. national, and thus multicultural, phenomenon. Despite
Hunter: Holy War explores the Middle East from the grandiose stage set against the world’s backdrop,
the point of Arab imbued, meaning that it is a street- however, the imbuing always returns to the funda-
level look at 14 countries and the religions, languages, mental struggle of one person against a seeming industry
history and terrain that bind them. It is this set of factors of inhuman opposition. To portray that person, be she
that qualifies the Middle East as a unique and strange a player’s character or a Storyteller’s creation, that
beast to the uninitiated. This sourcebook, however, individual’s cultural mores and outlooks must play a
hopes to illuminate a culture through the eyes of every- part. They dictate how the hunter carries out her
day people who find themselves in unique circumstances. duties given her surroundings and how she views
While certain stereotypes are inevitable, the majority herself. Culture even influences how her imbuing
of imbued presented herein are surprisingly similar to manifests or how her edges mimic local folklore, my-
people all over the world. thology, beliefs and religions. It’s as if hunters are
This book is a resource for both players and Story- chosen and empowered in terms that they might
tellers, with exception to the last chapter. Chapter 6 is understand, based on who and what they were before

17
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

being imbued. The Heralds enhance people in ways Chapter 2: By His Breath discusses how Arab
that the imbued can grasp thanks to their own experi- hunters see their origins against the context of Islam,
ences — and limitations. To understand a hunter, we and how their beliefs differ according to their interpre-
must therefore understand her culture. To understand tations of the Koran.
a culture, we must understand its religion. Chapter 3: To Each His Gifts covers the specifics
Perhaps this understanding of hunters through their of the hunt itself, from the moment an Arab is chosen
origins is doubly important in the Middle East. It is the recognize the supernatural to the manner in which they
birthplace of three different major religions. It possesses contend with such beings.
a cultural structure that captures the fancy of writers and Chapter 4: Brothers by Virtue explores the mindset
travelers worldwide. It is a crossroads that has distrib- of Middle Eastern hunters, discussing their views of
uted hundreds of civilizations and empires to different themselves and others against local and international
reaches of the world, and it has seen some of history’s contexts, and seeks to divine the ultimate purpose and
greatest federations rise and fall. fate of all.
Regardless of the far-reaching effects the area has Chapter 5: Allah’s Servants presents the mechan-
had on the world, however, people still understand ics to help players generate uniquely Middle Eastern
very little about the Middle East. It appears to be a hunters based on information established in the preced-
political bog that seemingly drowns reason and swal- ing four chapters.
lows logic. It is a land of stereotypes where thousands Chapter 6: A Brave New World is strictly for the
of fervent commuters drive around with explosives in Storyteller, detailing rules and systems for running a
their backseats, or who strike oil while pitching Middle East-oriented Hunter game.
tents. Hunter: Holy War hopes to overcome these
unfortunate perceptions while retaining the Middle SOURCE MATERIAL
East’s exotic flavor. The Middle East is an admittedly labyrinthine — if
The Middle East’s true wealth lies in its history and not intimidating — subject to tackle given the com-
diverse cultures. This book draws upon the region’s rich plexity of its internal mechanisms. Hunter: Holy War
tapestry to create characters and to fuel entire chronicles. is a distilled primer into the region that doesn’t rely on
Beyond adding another stitch to the international flag, archetypical (and sensationalist) terrorist movies such
this resource shows how the unique nature of Arabs and as Navy Seals or True Lies. Unfortunately, the Middle
Islam opens new facets to the hunt and reveals some East and horror are rarely two subjects that are inter-
potential secrets found nowhere else in the world. twined. The region’s geopolitical situation — and even
Storytellers can feature stories and chronicles set in the the strength of its natural resources — play greater roles
region or can introduce visiting Arab hunters to far- in contemporary fiction than in horror.
flung, established settings. Players can create Middle LITERATURE
Eastern hunters with an understanding of their culture,
as residents of Arab nations or as émigrés. And this book The majority of Middle Eastern books listed herein
serves as a guide for foreign hunters planning to visit the are research-oriented and have nothing to do with
area, with an overview of uniquely Arab outlooks, fiction. While this may seem dry, these works present
traditions and obstacles. valuable insight into history, cultural mindsets and the
effects of the 20th Century on the Arab psyche.
Hunters are not a solely North American or West-
ern phenomenon. Networks of information interconnect • The Koran is the voice of the Muslim people and
worldwide society on multiple levels. Instead of forcing the impetus behind many of their actions. Understand-
hunters to visit the mountain, technology brings the ing the Koran is often the first step in understanding
mountain to hunters. This also means the world is no Muslim Arabs and the roots of their struggle.
longer silent. The Internet ensures that many imbued • Arab Folktales (translated and edited by Iner
have voices. Now it is simply a matter of understanding Bushnaq) offers traditional Islamic tales from across the
everyone’s language. Hunter: Holy War is the Rosetta Middle East without relying on the popularized One
Stone of the Arab hunter’s world. Thousand and One Nights brand of storytelling. Most
interesting are the anecdotes scattered throughout con-
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK cerning the role of storytellers and the importance of
Hunter: Holy War falls into six distinct chapters. tales on Bedouin society. These stories are more alle-
The last chapter is for the Storyteller’s eyes alone, with gorical and far less magical than One Thousand Nights,
rules and tools for simplifying uniquely Middle Eastern but they do contain mention of the supernatural and its
hunter concepts. influences on everyday people.
Chapter 1: In Allah’s Home begins the tour of the • The Arab Mind by Ralph Patai. Although dated
Middle East by discussing the different cultures through- since its release in the 1960s, this book still offers key
out the region, along with a guide of the major countries observations into the Arab frame of reference and
from the viewpoint of local imbued. experience. It is a great primer concerning the Middle

18
 INTRODUCTION

East’s common man in relation to the Koran, history oil minister Zaki Yamani does offer insight into the
and contemporary politics. power of oil as a weapon and its unmistakable influence
• Aramco and its World, by Paul Lunde and John on Middle Easterners.
A. Sabini, focuses primarily on the history of Saudi FILMS
Arabia, material of cultural relevance to Islam, and on Good movies about the Middle East are difficult to
the history of her oil-mining operations. “Aramco” find unless they deal with Egyptian relics or terrorist
actually stands for The Arabian American Oil Com- groups. The fact is there are few Western films that treat
pany and is a chief employer of American and British the Middle East in a non-partisan or non-homogenized
expatriates (and their families) working along Arabia’s fashion. They cast Arabs as the threat, as the backdrop
eastern coastline. for scenes or as dopey sidekicks to valiant Westerners
• Fabled Cities, Princes & Jinn by Khairat al-Saleh. trying to protect silly Arabs from mystical dangers they
Like Arab Folktales, this book offers a wealth of stories obviously can’t handle.
and background outside the already common stable of For an accurate visual reference to the Middle East,
Arabian tales. Even more impressive is that it covers go to any major video rental chain and check out their
myths of supernatural beings and magic from pre-Is- Documentary section, or watch the Discovery Channel
lamic folklore (a difficult feat given that little survived or TLC. There is far more to gain from these educa-
the Islamic purge of “pagan” thought and idolatry from tional films than relying on True Lies, Executive Decision,
that period). or Navy Seals. Movies such as The Mummy, Raiders of the
• A History of the Arab Peoples by Albert Hourani. Lost Ark, and Three Kings do offer some glimpses into
This is one of the bibles of Middle Eastern studies, with the Arab world, but offer very little in the way of
a wealth of information on the post-Islamic world. exploring its cultures. While this is also true of Indiana
• Islam: The Straight Path, by John L. Esposito, Jones and the Last Crusade and (shudder) Mortal Kombat
presents an excellent and easy-to-read overview on 2, these two movies are noteworthy if only because they
Islam itself, including its chief tenets, the major fac- offer glimpses of breathtaking Petra, the ancient
tions, Islamic thought and obligation, and its history. Nabataean city carved into Jordan’s mountains. Oddly
• Jihad: The Origin of Holy War in Islam, by Reuven enough, Malcolm X contains a significant segment on
Firestone, dismisses the accepted Western version of the man’s travels through the Middle East as a Muslim.
jihad as simply meaning war. He studies the phenomena It offers some rare shots of the sacred Ka’bah and Mecca.
of the jihad (struggle) in the context of Muhammad’s Of Western films, the ones that earn some distinc-
teachings and as a means to triumph over personal tion for their portrayal of Arabs include The Siege and
adversity. He brings reason back to the word and offers Lawrence of Arabia. The former deals with the threat
it in conjunction to compassion and integrity. of terrorism on American soil. While panned by cer-
• The Middle East by Bernard Lewis. Another tome of tain Arab groups, it does stress the point that terrorism
work on the Arab people, it details the Middle East is an embarrassing and minor segment of the Middle
beautifully as both a historical and cultural phenomenon. East. Lawrence of Arabia is a perhaps the pick of the
• The World’s Most Dangerous Places by Robert litter and an excellent look into the formation of
Young Pelton. A fun and insightful romp into the Saudi Arabia and the efforts of T.E. Lawrence to hold
world’s nastier hotspots, this book offers interesting the British to their promises.
information on regional terrorist groups, drug cartels True adventurers can always visit local Arab video
and ruling despots. stores and rent some of the higher production flicks to
• Yamani: The Inside Story by Jeffrey Robinson. gain a sense of the contemporary Middle East through
While this may appear an unusual selection, this semi- Arab eyes, though the chance of finding subtitled
autobiography of Saudi Arabia’s former chief and savvy films is low.

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 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

20
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

CHAPTER 1:
IN ALLAH’S HOME
It was He who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and then mounted
the throne. He knows all that goes into the earth and all that emerges from it, all
that comes down from heaven and all that ascends to it. He is with you wherever
you are. Allah is cognizant of all your actions.
— The Koran, Surah: 57:4 [Iron]

By: Tarjiman220 Hope123 — Many of you already know our resident

Although you may see my name here more often expert on Israel. She is also our strongest advocate of
than those of other writers, my voice is only made female hunters in the Middle East. Unfortunately, many
stronger by the words of others. I think it only fair that traditional Muslim hunters ignore her advice because she
you meet my collaborators as much as privacy allows, for is Israeli (proving ignorance is our greatest enemy).
they are the voice of the Middle East. They are the stories Jibril — Jibril is our eyes and ears in Syria and
of their countries and the utterances of those kiswah who Jordan. He also acts as a lynchpin for Syrian hunters,
could not directly contribute to this endeavor. offering advice and help whenever possible without
al-Amin — This Lebanese teacher lives up to his concerning himself with the personal risks involved.
name of “The Trusted One” and represents the best Muezzin318 — Few kiswah understand sacrifice as
educated among us. His insight into Beirut proves im- well as Muezzin, the caller of prayers. A fellow Saudi, his
measurable, as does his understanding of Christian Arabs. experiences transcend all nations, save one: that of
Fatwa243 — Fatwa is our resident firebrand and a Islam. He too represents us to Western hunters, and I
good reminder that we do not all share the same opinions. can ask for no finer ally in this endeavor.
I thank him for helping me translate some contributions Muru’a — Muru’a is the Bedouin code of chivalry
into English without changing the spirit of their voices, as exemplified through the traits of bravery, self-sacri-
as well as for his perceptions into Egypt (adding to fice and loyalty. We often forget we fight a war, but
Jager51’s already insightful contribution to hunter-net). Muru’a is our reminder of the battle and the sacrifices
Globetrotter — Globetrotter is an expatriate hunter we must endure for the cause. I thank him for making us
who travels the Middle East extensively. In fact, her base better men (and women) and for his lessons on Iraq.
of operations is Bahrain — her home for a decade. She is Omeed — Omeed represents the changing face of
so fluent in Arabic and so well versed in our customs that Iran. Blessed with many viewpoints, be it of Iranian and
I often think Allah must have given her an Arab’s heart. British culture or Muslim and Christian society, it is
unfortunate he cannot partake of hunter-net. We would
Hajirah252 — Although his words appear in later benefit from his understanding of all cultures.
sections, his contributions bear the wisdom of our
experience. Like Jibril, below, he is a beacon to the lost, Wildcatter184 — This British expatriate is among
an Imam who guides others through Allah’s words and the few hunters who moves comfortably between the
by virtue of his own actions. Arab and Western worlds. He helps us build many

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 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

bridges with foreign hunters and voices their concerns Ikhwan al-harb: While it literally means the “brother-
well. He knows Kuwait and Saudi Arabia best. hood of war,” this is a communal ceremony developed by
KISWAH LEXICON many Bedouin to include their families in the hunt. We call
While we use these words in the normal course of it the “wardance” and it binds and strengthens our spirit.
life, I encourage the other chroniclers to use English Jahiliyya: Time of Ignorance or a period of idol
when they can (such as interchanging between kiswah worship before Islam.
and hunter) for two reasons. It helps facilitate your Jihad: “Jihad” means exerting the utmost effort,
understanding of the text and it reminds our Western power or attention in dealing with a problem. In the
compatriots that we are not so different. classical sense it means resisting the machinations borne
Adites: One of four principle supernatural peoples from three archetypical sources: a known enemy, the
we believe exist, each one bearing the name of a race that devil and one’s self. For hunters, it is the very struggle of
Allah vanquished in the Koran. A nation of giants who our lives against monsters; it is “the cause.”
once ruled Ad, Adites built a lofty city and turned to the jinn: Allah created these creatures from smokeless
worship of three beings (Sada, Samuda and Hiba). Allah fire, unlike humanity who He created from clay. Jinn
cursed them with drought and eventually drowned their have the same capacity for good and evil as mortals do
city in sand. For their thirst, we name them after v*mp*r*s. and are not devils as some texts portray them.
akhira: The “other world.” A reference to the jiran (singular — Jar): This means dependents and
supernatural world or its inhabitants. normally applies when a strong tribe protects a weak one.
al-Ghariyyan: Meaning “blood-stained.” It is one In our terms, jiran refers to the people we must protect from
of our terms for “the imbued.” hostility. In Western argot, they are your “bystanders.”
Amalikites: The second of the supernatural races, kiswah: The black cloth covering and protecting
the Koran mentions these giants who dwelt in Mecca, but the holy shrine Ka’bah. A reference to hunters who
who vanished from existence. We both call them spirits. protect fellaheen by “covering them” from harm.
Bayt al-Shan’a: House of Abominations. This term maktub: “It is written.” The belief that because
refers to places of “infestation” or simply to the condi- Allah understands all, He already knows each and every
tion of the world. person’s actions throughout their lives and how we will
dam batlub dam: “Blood demands blood,” or retali- die from the moment of our birth. Many fanatics use this
ation for the death of others. belief to vindicate their actions, claiming it was already
Dar al… : “House of….” Some hunters identify written or predestined. They therefore follow Allah’s
themselves according to Islam’s “six” pillars of devotion plan with the fervor that befits the faithful.
(Jihad, Zakat, Haj, Salat, Ramadan, Shahada) and precede Midianites: The third race of the supernatural,
their pillars with “Dar al,” as in Dar al Jihad. These titles taken from the Koran as “the forest people.” Allah
simply imply they acknowledge that they belong to a vanquished them as well. You call them shapechangers.
fellowship of like-minded kiswah. mujahidin: Allah’s (or holy) warriors. These kiswah help
dhimmi: Means “protected,” or people of the book enforce other hunters who grow careless in their actions.
who also believe in the one God. To many Islamic kiswah, taqiyya: An Islamic precept whereby a person can
it means foreign hunters or those of Jewish or Christian hide his religion or practices if in hostile territory.
faith. This, of course, is a positive view of other hunters. Kiswah may invoke taqiyya to protect their activities
dunya: Life in this world. The normal or mundane. and themselves.
fard: Religious duty or the hunter’s responsibility to Thalmudites: Another race vanquished by Allah.
combat evil and protect the fellaheen. We now call the walking dead by this name.
fatwa: “Religious decree,” which we use to describe thugra: “Monogram” or “insignia.” Description of
our capabilities as divinely inspired. Not to be confused the Word-style tattoos made from henna that some
with the contributor who goes by the name Fatwa243. hunters interpret as the source or means to their gifts
fellaheen: Normally a peasant or farmer who tills from Allah or the Messengers.
the soil. Arab hunters use this word to describe those was’it: Kiswah mediators who neither arbitrate nor
unaware of the supernatural. judge. They simply help both sides reach an understand-
gweilo: This term comes to us from Filipino hunters ing without losing face. They are especially necessary
who worked in Hong Kong. It’s apparently derogatory for when hunters of differing beliefs come into conflict.
white people, but also means “ghost.” We use it to mean
an expatriate who vanishes underground in the Middle
East, who dedicates himself to the calling and abandons
THE CULTURE OF ARABS
all ties, becoming a ghost to our society and his own. By: Tarjiman220
hija: An insulting poem or verbally cutting an Mention the Middle East and people are suddenly
opponent to the quick. It is also one of our gifts that uses experts on our history without ever understanding our
words to injure the adversary. hearts. We are not simply camel herders or monarchs

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 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

living off the profits of oil. We are a fervent and friendly offer of sanctuary. Kiswah have gone to great lengths to
people, given to debate because it stirs our soul, and secure homes away from prying eyes. Too many visitors
given to hot tempers because Allah endowed us with or a guest who stays too long invites scrutiny from
passion. Culturally, we find strength and joy through neighbors and possibly the local authorities (especially
many things, but none are as strong as our concepts of in Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Iran, where the military
family, hospitality and the arts. or religious authorities hold sway).
Family — Our sense of family stretches back centu- Another rule of hospitality is offering guests food to
ries, when harsh life afforded us few allies. Our greatest warm their bellies. This generosity’s joy comes from
strength was blood, those we could rely upon without cooking and from the celebration of a great meal. It is
question or fear of betrayal. Our parents were our teachers, the manner in which hosts demonstrate their “wealth”
our siblings and cousins were our closest friends and our (in food, everyone is the richer). Bedouin chieftains
children were our legacy in a time when the spoken word pride themselves on philanthropy and often slaughter
alone carried the weight of history. That tradition lives on the largest calf in honor of their guests (livestock is a
in the Middle East. It is not uncommon for parents and sign of wealth among the Bedu).
grandparents to live with their married children and for Times and practices change in cities, however and a
children to support their elders. This, of course, has proved full refrigerator is as acceptable as offering fresh cattle. The
a source for no end of difficulties for Arab kiswah who must practice of feeding (if not over-feeding) guests remains
sometimes abandon their homes to keep loved ones safe. integral to Arabic tradition. Food, like song, is a celebra-
But this is a matter for later discussion. tion and at no time is this more evident than during the
The father and mother are supreme in judgment holiday of Ramadan. We fast during daytime. But when the
and wisdom. They are responsible for their children’s sun sets and the cannon echoes across the city, every home
actions even when their daughters marry and bear the becomes a feast for family and friends from dusk till dawn.
name of another. If a husband accuses his wife of I mention this because it is not uncommon for more
infidelity, it is typically her father who must punish her, traditional Muslims to invite the less fortunate to their
not the married man’s family. It has been so since tables to share in the celebration. Many kiswah survive
Mohammed’s time and it continues in the cultures of through this charity. The authorities hunt them. They
traditional Muslims. We refer to our closest friends and must abandon everything and everyone they know, but
peers as “uncle,” “brother,” “father,” “mother” or “son” they can never escape their own nation’s borders or even
according to their age. We even call children by the find new homes. Thus they live and sleep like beggars in an
father’s name (ibn or “son of…”), while the parent takes alley, accepting charity from others. Ramadan is one of the
their child’s name (abu or “father of…”). While this few times these hunters receive a rich meal for their
may sound unusual, these terms of fondness demon- troubles. Food is a wealth all Arabs share.
strate the importance of family in our lives. I know many Westerners find this following custom
Hospitality — Another tradition surviving from the troubling (“suicidal,” I believe Cabbie22 once said). It is
days of our nomadic ancestors is that of hospitality. It is a where the host promises his guest’s safety regardless of their
legacy far older than Islam itself and it influenced how we common history. The two may be mortal enemies, but the
treated others (a Muslim must have been — and must be request for sanctuary is too compelling to ignore. In
— hospitable, friendly, generous and proud). The desert promising asylum, the host and his family agree to protect
was a harsh master and dying by the elements was too cruel the guest while he remains under their roof. Additionally,
a death. The Bedouins found no nobility in allowing others should anyone attack the guest while in the host’s home,
to suffer the torture of the sands, be it heat or thirst, so they the host defends him, fighting at his side if necessary.
created the rules of hospitality for which Arabs are renown. There are even those who take the custom to heart and
It is important to remember this tradition, for many Arab shelter monsters. This is a matter of personal choice and I
kiswah embrace the laws of hospitality for the sake of for one provide protection to only ins (mortal people).
solidarity. It is also important that Westerners understand Some hunters, however, promise safekeeping only if the
this code, for it places as much obligation on the host as it guest shares salt with them — an ancient custom said to
does the guest. Such respect is the least Westerners can bind the two together in solemn oath. At first I thought
anticipate from many Arab kiswah. this a weak deterrent of betrayal, but I have since learned
The first rule of hospitality says that a visitor, that these kiswah have the power to bind their visitors into
whether stranger or mortal enemy, can expect a host to a pact. Should the guest break his word, his flesh explodes
offer him a place to sleep without fear of betrayal. This into righteous flame and consumes him.
courtesy extends for three nights, while the host asks Just as the host has responsibilities, the guest also has
little in return. After the three nights, while the guest obligations. I’ve mentioned that the guest should never
is not forced to leave, custom dictates that the visitor stay longer than three nights. Additionally, the guest must
must not take advantage of a host’s kindness. In turn, never take advantage or betray his host’s trust. Word
the host is no longer required to offer special treatment. among kiswah travels quickly and we learn who to trust and
Kiswah have adopted this practice, though it is espe- who to turn away. Another custom from our oral roots is
cially important that visiting hunters never abuse the the recounting of stories. The guest was expected to
23
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

entertain his host with tales of his journeys and with news played centuries ago. These rare pieces may hold ancient
from abroad. This tradition survives among hunters simply warnings and even the voices of the past addressing we
because we are much like Bedouin tribes separated by great kiswah. They are like ancient record players or the voices
distances. When kiswah play host to one another, they of ghosts. Unfortunately, not even the faithful memory of
recount their battles and exploits as a means of keeping the Bedu has kept these lessons from slight changes and
their legacy alive, and in hopes of learning something new corruption. The recordings are fragmented and frustrat-
about our condition. Stories hold power and their recital is ingly incomplete thanks to their transmission through ins.
a means of sharing that gift. Unlike kiswah, who possess an ear for both the music and
The Arts — Speak of the arts and Arabs delight in its hidden messages, fellaheen musicians know only their
telling you about our music, poetry and paintings. To instruments’ cadence. How can they transmit something
understand how our gifts and comprehension of the perfectly if they cannot hear it or even know it exists? Each
Word works, one must first understand our interpreta- minor deviation or fluctuation is a lost word, like a fallen
tions of the humanities. To begin with, our art is water drop that smudges one word in a written sentence.
decorative and not representational. The Koran ex-
pressly forbids creating images of man, animal or Allah,
because He is invisible and infinite (mind you, times
THEMIDDLEEASTASRELIGIOUSENTITY
change and artists now draw upon European influences By: Tarjiman220
because they have few Arabic predecessors to guide Allah be praised, for the Middle East is the cradle
their hand). Because of this proscription, Islamic art has for three major religions dedicated to Him alone, and
developed into elaborate floral script and intricate countless movements that invariably follow the One
geometric patterns. Traditional artwork possesses three God. If you find more information here on Islam than
general forms: vine art, geometric and Koranic script (in Christianity or Judaism, it is because the Middle East is
which language and its placement is significant). 90% Muslim (this number varies, with some nations
“Why is this important?” you ask. Because we kiswah boasting higher or lower percentages than others).
are capable of a kind of communication akin to your code. The schism between the three religions often con-
We can convey meaning through a language hidden fuses my Western compatriots, but I shall endeavor to
throughout the infinite geometric patterns and Koranic
(or kufic) script that adorns our mosques, buildings and
artwork. We can communicate through the script merely THE FORCE OF LANGUAGE
by tracing our fingers over the relevant kufic symbols, thus By: Wildcatter184
relating messages to one another over great distances. The Tarjiman has already mentioned the impor-
style of script (be it muthanna, raq’ah or diwani) or its tance of words for Arabs, but I don’t think he did the
location is unimportant, for I have heard of women who notion justice. Words are mythology. They carried
communicate through henna tattoos adorning their veiled Arab history and later united under Arabic, the
forms; it only works, however, with those patterns carrying language of the Koran. I can’t stress enough how
the Koran’s words. Perhaps this is why few Westerners important words are to these people. Take Saddam
know of it, for the further one travels from Mecca and Hussein or the late Ayatollah Khomeini. Western-
Jerusalem, the more difficult it is to read and send messages. ers probably chuckle at these men’s “America is the
Call it an arcane Internet if you wish, but because devil” speeches, but you underestimate the speeches’
language is a celebration of wit and imagination here, our impact. For Arabs, words are action. Repeating the
form of communication is rich and evocative. We can send same phrases expresses intention. It took me a while
messages and communicate without ever fearing capture. to realise that simply saying “no,” meant “perhaps”
Fellaheen and monsters alike are not privy to our code, or to these people. It isn’t until you say “no” a dozen
at least so we believe thus far. They merely see the original different ways that they realise you’re serious.
verse from the Koran and are oblivious to other powers. People underestimate Arab words and the abil-
I believe we can even use our music as code. Tradi- ity to express them. Westerners use phrases to relate
tional Arabic songs use repetition without changing the a concept, but Arabic is a language of emotions.
rhythm or emphasis and without highlights or dramatic Instead of saying, “we missed you,” they might say
turns. It is not representational and it consistently bor- “you made us desolate.” Is it any wonder that local
rows elements from heritage. The composer’s goal isn’t leaders are swift on rhetoric? Or that Arabs seem so
originality but to refine existing songs. As result, some easily fired up at rallies? It even applies to kiswah in
kiswah, especially those of Nubian or Egyptian extrac- the form of the hija. This was initially a cutting poem
tion, are said to hide their stories and legacies within their or insult levied against opponents, which was far
music. Fellaheen listening to the instruments might hear more damaging than actually attacking. A person’s
one thing, but hunters perceive the author’s true intent. honour often rested in his ability to respond. Now,
Perhaps even more frightening is that some pieces some hunters have managed to turn the hija into the
sung and played by Bedouin are untouched from those ability to harass and confront monsters.

24
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

settle how Judaism, Christianity and Islam all differ and may yet see Christians escape for the liberal sanc-
according to local perceptions. Simply put, Jews follow tuaries of Australia and America.
the Old Testament or Torah, while Christians added to Lebanon boasts the third largest Christian popula-
that through the New Testament. Contrary to popular tion, thanks to her million or so Maronites. Following
accounts, Muslims believe in both books and in the WWII, the Maronites convinced the departing French
Prophets Moses and Jesus. Islam holds, however, that to put them in power, thus creating a new country while
the Jews failed by not recognizing Jesus as a new prophet ignoring Shiite wishes to unite with Syria. This rise
and that the Christians were wrong for elevating a caused no end of conflict between Muslims and Chris-
prophet to the rank of Son of God. Islam was born from tians, since the minority Maronites held political power
the teachings of Muhammad, the third prophet, who over the majority Shiites. The result was the 1958 Mus-
gave us the Koran, the final chapter in the trilogy of lim uprising and the 1975 Palestinian-backed civil war.
religious books. It is for this reason that Islam treats The latter threw the country into a chaos it has barely
Christians and Jews as dhimmi, as protected people of recovered from, and created a haven for monsters. While
the book. Unfortunately, while we respect Jews, many peace slowly returns to Lebanon, old grudges die hard.
Arabs dislike Israelis (except for those in Jordan and Maronite and Shiite hunters fight one another as often as
Egypt, who recognize Israel’s sovereign rights as a na- they battle creatures. It is rare for either faction to protect
tion) and claim they hate Zionists, not Jews. I, however, any fellaheen who do not share its beliefs.
refuse to embroil myself in the semantics of this state- Beyond these groups, the Christian populations across
ment. I, or rather we, have greater things to worry about. the Middle East drop considerably. Jordan and Iraq’s
CHRISTIANITY Christians account for 6% and 5% of the people, respec-
tively, while Israel stands at 2.4%. In Iran, it falls below 1%,
By: al-Amin though many Christians claimed to be Muslim in official
Salaam, my friends, and praise Tarjiman220 for documents to avoid persecution. Saudi Arabia states that
making this possible. In addition to being an instructor, only Muslims can be citizens and claims to have no
I am a Christian Arab, one of a group slowly dwindling Christians in its population. But the Saudis fail to mention
toward extinction for no fault other than declining the ostracized tribes of Christian Bedouins who survived
birth rates and an exodus of Christians to the West. oppression at the hands of other Bedu, or the thousands of
Christianity began in the Middle East thanks to the expatriates working within enclosed communities. This
teachings of Jesus. It quickly outgrew its cradle and spread unfortunate segregation creates a breed of nationalist
to Rome, only to return as the Crusades and Colonialism hunters who protect their own, be they American, Euro-
over subsequent centuries. In all three cases, Christianity pean, Pakistani or even Filipino. Wildcatter184 and
had enough influence to create enclaves that survive to Globetrotter are rare exceptions to this trend.
this day — peacefully coexisting with their Muslim
neighbors. The Egyptian Copts comprise the largest sect ISLAM
of Christians at 13% of Egypt’s population. They’ve lived By: Tarjiman220
in the region since Mark the Apostle’s missionary work, If Christianity is a facet of Western existence, Islam
and even held the status of state religion in the 4th is the hub of Arab life. Five times a day, the call to prayer
Century. They eventually split with the Byzantine issues across the city. Five times a day, devout Muslims
Church, forming an orthodoxy of their own. stop their cars in traffic and pray by the side of the road.
Despite this illustrious history, the recent past holds It is this unyielding observance to Islam that Western-
little such dignity for the Copts. Following WWII, ers find curious, if not frightening. But if fear is born of
Muslim fanatics marked the doorways of known Jews ignorance, then allow me to quell your apprehensions.
and Christians with animal blood. Sometimes they did Islam is essentially submission to Allah’s will, and
it to ostracize neighbors, but some families did not the third revelation of His wisdom following Judaism
survive the night. A friend of mine once related stories and Christianity. Allah sent the angel Gabriel to teach
of his childhood, in which his vigilant mother checked the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet, in turn, spread
their doorway every hour and constantly washed or this knowledge to the Arab tribes. Despite appearances,
painted over the blood. Unfortunately, the practice we too believe ourselves the Children of Abraham and
continues; it slumbers and reawakens every decade or so we too believe in the Prophets Moses and Jesus.
for brief periods of time. I know of at least two Copt THE PILLARS
hunters who primarily defend “their people” against Although we follow the teachings of the Koran, our
monsters and Muslim extremists. principle beliefs are the Five Pillars, and they guide our
The second largest community of Christians lives daily actions. More than rules, they unite our people.
in Syria, but it represents a mix of Catholic, Orthodox While I intend no disrespect to my Jewish and Christian
and Protestant influences. Thanks to the migration of allies, I believe Islam is a religion of solidarity and
Christians from the country to the city, our numbers compassion, and the singular reason why Muslim kiswah
drop steadily. Syria has already seen an exodus of Jews provide for one another like no other. The pillars are
to Israel (at President Hafez al-Hassad’s “insistence”)

25
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

not simply instructions telling us how to behave as is a great service to the cause. Most kiswah simply hunt
individuals. They teach us how to act as a community. at night, following the feasting and indulgence. To
Islamic kiswah are therefore fortunate to come into an combat loneliness, one hunter in Syria opens his home
existence already borne up by many shoulders. each year to those kiswah wishing to spend the festival
Shahada — The first pillar is our most basic tenet, for among friends. I hear this has become quite the celebra-
it is the declaration that there is no other God but Allah. tion and I may visit it myself next Ramadan.
An honest and genuine belief in this statement makes Hajj — Once in a Muslim’s lifetime, he must make
one Muslim, after which the remaining pillars become the pilgrimage to Mecca if finances and health allow.
obligation. Knowing this means one is never alone. Many of us, knowing this may be our last year on Earth,
Salat — The salat is the call to prayer when Muslims often fulfil the pilgrimage as soon as possible. This way
face Mecca and pray at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, dusk we continue fighting for the cause without fear that we
and evening. While it is common to see Muslims suppli- will not enter Paradise for neglecting our obligations.
cating themselves, some countries such as Lebanon and I also wish to praise Allah for those of us who have
Syria do not make it obligation. In places like Saudi partaken of the hajj and now help less fortunate kiswah
Arabia and Iran, restaurants and stores might make make the journey themselves. I occasionally sponsor a
customers leave until prayer’s end (even in the middle of kiswah’s pilgrimage when I can afford it, and I know of
a meal), a prayer screen interrupts television programs for a Saudi sheik who hunts very little, but who pays for
fifteen minutes, traffic stops and cities grow silent except hunters wishing to make their first hajj.
for the call itself. Because of this, hunters do well to Jihad — While unofficial, the Sixth Pillar is a Muslim’s
curtail their activities during prayer time in these places. duty to struggle against adversity in its many guises. Jihad of
Never kill a monster while it performs the salat and never the heart is a battle against one’s sinful inclinations while
hunt in those moments, either. The former reason is self- jihad of the tongue not only means forbidding evil, but
evident, but the latter is more practical than pious; this is standing up for good. Jihad in the context of fi sabil Allah
when kiswah are likeliest to draw attention from religious means furthering or bettering Allah’s kingdom on Earth
authorities such as Arabia’s mutawa (pious men sanc- through peaceful advancement. Jihad al-sayf is the jihad of
tioned by the government to uphold morality). the sword or of warring on behalf of Islam.
Zakat — Better known as almsgiving, the zakat is a Islamic kiswah often rely on the jihad as a substitute for
religious tax that all Muslims must pay at the end of each other pillars that they cannot pursue. Indeed, for many
year. The money goes to the poor, the elderly and the hunters, this is the only struggle they know — and therein
infirm as charity. lies a danger. Like all things in life, man cannot live by a
Sawm — The ninth lunar month of the Islamic single code any more than he can subsist on honey or milk
calendar is a time of fasting known as Ramadan. From alone. These Muslims believe the Pillar of Jihad is now their
dawn till dusk, an Arab cannot partake of any indul- singular pursuit and they ignore the rest because it is easier.
gences, be it food, drink or bodily pleasures. When the This is the mark of the fervent who becomes dangerous to
cannon sounds at sunset, however, the feasting begins monster and ins (normal people) alike.
and every man’s home becomes a palace of food for THE SCHISMS OF ISLAM
friends and the unfortunate. This lasts until dawn, when I speak of our solidarity as Muslims, but we are not
the cannon sounds again and fasting resumes. Ramadan a united front. Islam encompasses many different phi-
is a time of abstinence, devotion, perseverance, self- losophies, the chief among them being the Sunni,
reflection and forgiveness that lasts until the new moon. Shiite and even Sufi (although most Muslims discount
Then it becomes id al-fitr or “The Festival of Breaking the last as heretics). The first two factions formed early
Fast.” Much like Christmas, the id lasts for a few days in our history, when the death of the Prophet Muhammad
and is a time of celebration and gift giving. split us over the choice of his successor, the next caliph.
For kiswah, the id is a difficult time that often takes The faction that became the Sunni advocated that
us from our families and friends. Ramadan is very taxing Muhammad’s scion should be the one best suited to lead
on the body and many hunters discover that they Islam regardless of his blood relation to the prophet. To
cannot continue the struggle properly when hungry. them, the successor was simply the custodian of Islamic
Others who are forced to abandon loved ones to keep religious law. Those who became Shiite said the next
them safe find this month lonely and disheartening. We caliph should be of Muhammad’s blood, as the inheritor
are forever with hope, though, and often help one of the prophet’s wisdom and divine guidance. It is
another in this time of struggle. Some hunters replace perhaps ironic that a political matter cracked the reli-
fasting in favor of other pillars such as relying on the so- gion that would eventually unite the Middle East under
called Sixth Pillar Jihad to fulfill their obligations. a common philosophy.
Others who are not comfortable fighting often assume Since that time, Muslims count the following fac-
the fasting of Ramadan on behalf of others, extending tions as major movements within Islam.
their own sawm for months at a time. Their sacrifice to
protect the moral integrity of their fellow al-Ghariyyan Shiite: Since their split, the Sunni and Shiite have
developed significant differences in philosophy. At

26
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

their heart, the Shiite believe that further interpreta- This is not to say indecision paralyzes us. Merely that we
tions of Islam and the spiritual evolution of Muslims spend too much time debating and not enough time
comes from a divine guide known as the Imam. These acting. For this I envy the Shiite their certainty of action.
holy leaders draw their lineage from Ali and Husayne,
two men related to the prophet himself. Because the JUDAISM
Shiite have suffered throughout history, they (perhaps By: Hope123
romantically) believe themselves an oppressed and os- Shalom. Despite Tarjiman’s willingness to make my
tracized group of faithful trying to restore Allah’s rule on words better, I begin on what you call a “sour note.” The
Earth, while trying to repair Islam itself. Muslims claim their hatred distinguishes between Zionist
Shiite hunters can threaten the cause by seeking and Jew, between politics and religion. But I ask how a
answers from fellaheen holy men and revealing their bullet knows the difference between the two or how a
belief in monsters. They swiftly find themselves in bomb distinguishes one from the other? I do not say this to
prison or an asylum for their dedication. Other Shiite insult Tarjiman. I direct it toward those of us who would
kiswah who are neither naïve nor brash take to the cause rather kill my people than save lives. I do not intend these
well because it suits their self-image as the religious words as accusations or in anger. They are a plea for unity.
downtrodden. The Shiite are the political minority in When you speak of the Jewish people, you immedi-
most countries, with Iraq, Iran and Bahrain being the ately think of Israel, and with good reason. Of the world’s
exceptions. The notion that they must struggle to 15 million Jews, five million live in Israel, with more
achieve their means is a familiar and even welcome way arriving each year. In fact, following the Soviet fall,
of life. I must also say many Shiite embrace the fard as 700,000 Russian Jews flooded into their new homeland
soldiers and act as though they fight a war. If they know and now represent 15% of Israel’s Jewish populous. The
what must be done, they do it. Arab countries point to such numbers and say we build an
Sufi: Sufis are not content to merely obey Allah. They army to overrun the Muslim world, but they don’t realize
want to understand Him as well and transcend their they contributed to this flood of refugees. President
physical selves to become one with Him. The only way to Assad, for instance, “politely” suggested that Syrian Jews
do this is to return to the simplicity of life from the days of leave his country, and he was not alone. Iraq, Iran,
the Prophet Muhammad himself. The Sufi movement Lebanon and many other countries pressured their own
borrows from many beliefs and groups such as Christian citizens to leave, just because they were Jews. What did
hermits, Buddhist monks and Hinduism, going against the they expect? That the Jews would simply vanish into
Sunni acceptance of a religious authority. They practice Europe? Of course not! They came to Israel to find a new
the ecstatic worship of Islam and non-violence, and live in home and we welcomed them with open arms.
poverty (detaching themselves from the material and thus THE DOVE AND THE HAWK
sinful world). Sufism is the “Zen” of Islam. We have a saying that goes, “Two Jews, three opinions.”
Sufis embrace the cause with great difficulty. While Better quoted perhaps is Chief Rabbi Kook who
some eventually become spiritual advisors and holy guides once asked: “Who is a Jew?” The Jewish people appear
(serving hunters with an unappreciated wisdom), their shattered. At the heart of the dissension are moderate
ability to brandish weapons or turn words into weapons Ashkenazi Jews of Eastern Europe who oppose the more
horrifies others of their kind. Since everything, including militant Sephardic Jews. Other splits divide Arab Jews
the Devil, is from Allah, a Sufi must decide whether from the Europeans and the religious from the political.
Allah tempts him with power or if a war truly exists. We never once believed, however, that these divisions
Sunni: The Sunni account for nearly 90% of all would degenerate into violent infighting until an Israeli
Muslims across the world and are the political leaders of Jew murdered Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The assas-
Islamic history. Where the Shiite follow the Imam for sination chilled us. How could such a thing happen? We
guidance, the Sunni follow the caliph as the political still ask ourselves that question, but perhaps I can clear
(but not religious) successor of Muhammad. The Sunni some of the confusion with a quick historical lesson.
also place the interpretation of Islamic law and the Judaism draws from over 3,000 years of history, but
development of faith in the consensus or in the hands our political drive for a homeland is far more recent. It’s
of the ulama (religious scholars). called Zionism, but it did not originate after WWII, as
Sunni kiswah work best within a collective, and many believe. Zionism was born from the lips of Nathan
while I am proud we cooperate with one another easily, Birnbaum in 1885. He demanded a restoration of our
I recognize our faults as well. Our faith in the consensus homelands in Palestine. Birnbaum, and later his succes-
makes us prone to over-think situations and debate sors, met with opposition, especially from Orthodox Jews
endlessly on the nature of our existence. Some kiswah who believed Zionists were trying to bring about the
need to understand their nature before they can contrib- Messianic Era in which a new prophet would lead us. The
ute to the cause, because their faith in their nature as notion of Zionism did not truly take hold until after a
hunters rests in unified opinion. But there is no unified series of events that began with the Balfour Declaration
opinion. Everyone has beliefs and few people share them. of 1917 (when the British promised to support the Jewish

27
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

movement for a homeland). The British then took man- tive title, but if you want to get anywhere here, drop the
date of Palestine in 1923 to help her toward pretense and remember you’re a target to many Arabs.
“independence,” but it was a feeble excuse for colonial-
ism. In 1939, the British revoked the Balfour Declaration QUICK SURVIVAL GUIDE
because of Arab pressure, and the British limited immi- If my warning doesn’t frighten you off, you should
gration heavily. This act condemned millions of Jews to know what you need to survive here. First, keep your
death throughout Europe, a fact we as a race never forgot. opinions to yourself and don’t act like a damn tourist.
The Holocaust turned into what I can only call world Smile at people, say shukran (thanks) when offered some-
guilt at our plight. In 1947, the United Nations agreed to thing and don’t carry your bags around. Look like you
partition Palestine between the Jews and Arabs. When belong here. If you look like a tourist (which can’t be
the Arabs refused us our homes, the State of Israel forcibly helped sometimes), every suq (bazaar) vendor and beggar
claimed its birthright; we were no longer victims of the in a ten-block radius will target you for a sale or for alms.
world. Since then, Zionism represents the will of Israel to In more oppressive countries like Iraq, you’ll draw the
remain a nation despite Arab pressure through diplo- attention of the local authorities (if informants aren’t
macy and often violence. Zionism is an umbrella for already following you like vultures). If you know your
differing philosophies, though, not a united front as the country has diplomatic problems with an Arab nation,
Arabs claim. Some of its more radical supporters say God don’t visit unless you can actually blend in. Americans
promised us the lands between the rivers Nile and aren’t welcome in Iraq, and Iran’s still debatable. Give
Euphrates, while others wish to return those lands we local hunters enough credit to handle whatever crisis is in
took from Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. As I said, we are their backyard and play hero for someone else.
divided in opinion, but not as a people — at least not yet. If you dislike hot temperatures, avoid the summer
months. Even then, hydrate yourself constantly. It’s em-
OUR POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY barrassing and dangerous when a hunter can’t continue
the mission because of dehydration or low salt. Foreign
By: Fatwa243 hunters (and this includes Arabs visiting other countries)
The “Middle East” is a recent fabrication of Colo- should pack strong medicine (to handle potential bowel
nial influences (Turk, French and British) and events problems), toilet paper and a filter to process water (unless
following World War II. Before the Second World War, you can afford the highly priced bottled water). Jordan,
only Iran and Saudi Arabia existed and were free of Syria and Yemen, for example, don’t have the safest
occupation. While the geopolitical history of the region drinking water unless you lodge at a fancy hotel, and
is as ancient as humanity itself, many countries cur- Lebanon’s public restrooms are without toilet paper thanks
rently in the area have existed for only 50 years or so. to constant theft. If you plan a countryside excursion, carry
This is important, for while Arabs are nationalistic, iodine or rubbing alcohol, and research the location of the
we are much prouder of our legacy as Arabs (which dates nearest hospital. We have our share of monsters and even
back to Biblical times). If you want to understand why natural animals afflicted with rabies.
the Middle East is in turmoil, it’s because most major If you travel to multiple countries, study them in
policy-making decisions affecting the region are prod- advance, especially when it comes to visa restrictions.
ucts of external influences. Foreigners, including the The Middle East is not a big happy family with universal
Colonial French and British, demarcated most Arab laws across the board. Some countries take weeks to
borders before pulling out, leaving us to clean up their process a visa. It’s a matter of hours in others. Some
mess. The majority Shiite in Lebanon wanted to be part require a letter of introduction, while a few (like the
of Syria when independence came, but the minority United Arab Emirates) demand that someone sponsors
Maronite Christians convinced the ruling French to your visit. You can’t get a visa to enter Libya from Egypt,
leave them in power of a separate country. More friction for example. Iraq and Saudi rarely, if ever, issue visitor
erupted with Israel’s formation (which is still a source of visas, and the borders between Iraq and Iran are closed.
prolonged regional conflict) and with the scramble by Most countries refuse you entry outright if you have an
foreign countries to capitalize on our oil reservoirs. If it Israeli stamp in your passport. Getting into a Middle
weren’t for “black gold” the world would have left us to East country from any other requires a Byzantine-level
be another Third World statistic. understanding of the local bureaucracy and the current
Visiting hunters should bear all this in mind. We are political climate. Plan your itinerary in advance.
congenial and friendly as a people, but we also know the Anyone bringing equipment should make sure it
West sees us as backward and as an exploitable commod- isn’t contraband or restricted in your host environment.
ity. We aren’t stupid and any expatriate hunter coming Iraq, which suffers under a technology embargo, would
here to “help the savages” should stay home. We don’t love to get its hands on a decent laptop computer (there’s
like foreigners telling us how to operate and we despise a reason why no Iraqi hunters surf the net). Cameras and
the way Americans and the British act smug and superior video recorders are okay, but most countries won’t let you
around us. Tarjiman220 may talk about community, photograph anything remotely strategic, including bridges
fellowship and the “Band of Forty,” our so-called collec- and buildings. Don’t forget to carry electrical adapters

28
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

specific for your needs, since outlets vary in pin design arrival near the middle of the month, on Ramadan, at the
and voltage from country to country. Additionally, while height of the day (when it’s hottest). Custom officials,
local authorities might overlook someone carrying a like everyone else, are fasting (which also precludes
dagger (if it’s traditional to the region), carrying firearms drinking water). That means both their tolerance and
is illegal, as is entering a country with electronic surveil- energy levels are low. More often than not, the guards are
lance equipment. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Israel, Egypt and so exhausted or tired that they wave travelers through
Syria, in particular, are security minded and extremely with only a cursory examination. This is especially true at
fearful of revolutionaries, spies and dissidents (and you, border crossings where custom officials work in the open.
my friend, are their first choice for all three). My second technique is bribing a truck driver to
If you bring in any “shiny toys,” make damn sure you smuggle material in his rig. This approach is especially
can part with them. It isn’t uncommon for border guards useful when sneaking contraband through Syria or
or airport security to confiscate gadgets or personal Arabia’s main border crossings where the backlog of
items for themselves. Don’t fight them. Offer your waiting vehicles extends for miles. Officials in this case
property with a smile. It may sting, but they’ll likely let eagerly clear the traffic and don’t search properly. This
you through quicker and ignore questionable items. tactic is tricky, though, since some truck drivers work
That said, it also means you can easily bribe said officials for the local crime syndicates (the strongest being in
to look the other way with new cameras or watches. Just Israel, Lebanon, Egypt and Turkey) and demand a high
look for which guard searches the most bags and pay price or a piece of your profit. (After all, nobody
attention to whether he’s assessing the contents or smuggles goods without expecting returns).
actually looking for contraband. It’s vitally important My third approach runs much along the same lines
that you don’t offer money. That looks like a bribe and and involves a safer route if you’re Arab. Bedouin tribes
it will insult the guard’s honor. By offering a trinket, may stick to certain regions, but they have no qualms about
both he and you can justify it as a friendly gift (and crossing borders in the deep desert, far from prying eyes.
Arabs love exchanging “gifts”). The other payment They’ll ferry people into a country in exchange for money,
method is to just leave the bribe at the top of the suitcase weapons or appliances. This is often the simplest way to
and let the guard take it. Most often, they’re too busy move between Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia unnoticed.
pocketing the “gift” to search any further. Finally, dress conservatively. The region may be
Three smuggling techniques I use require some plan- hot, but most countries have a dress code. It means no
ning, but they’re effective. The first is arranging your shorts unless you’re in a coastal region such as Lebanon,

29
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

Turkey or Israel. Women should always wear skirts that regional countries that allows the sale of alcohol outside of
extend below the knee or they should wear full-length hotels, in coffee bars and discotheques. While this is good
jeans. The demands are even more conservative in for the occasional drink when the nerves call for it, it also
countries like Saudi Arabia and Iran. Foreign women creates a social environment that draws out the supernatu-
don’t have to wear the black chador that covers you like ral. I’ve bagged a handful of creatures lurking in the back
a tent, but they must have a full-length skirt, socks and corners of the dark caves they call local bars. The other
a headscarf or a long jacket over their jeans. Addition- advantage of Bahrain’s progressive outlook is that during
ally, no light blouse or shirt that dips below the neckline festivals (Muslim or Christian), Arab or expatriate revelers
and reveals too many curves. from nearby Saudi Arabia and Kuwait flock there to
For men, full slacks are a must, though you can wear celebrate in true fashion. Monsters follow as well and hide
short-sleeved shirts. The only place this isn’t proper is in in the crowds. Many Arab kiswah know this and come to
holy sites such as mosques, where decorum demands Bahrain to help local hunters with the small deluge.
conservatism. While these regulations may seem stifling, Despite Bahrain’s tolerant attitude, don’t mistake
it’s a disguised godsend. Arabs won’t blink twice at well- this place for New York. Bahrain is still 70% Shiite,
covered tourists, despite the heat, meaning hunters can even though the monarchy is Sunni. Some laws still
carry small weapons or equipment beneath their cloth- apply. They still follow the Five Pillars and the dress
ing. Women in particular can blend in with locals by code is conservative.
wearing the chador, which covers everything except the THE AUTHORITIES
hands and eyes. While Arabs in some countries hover Comparatively speaking, Bahrain is one of the
around female tourists like black flies, they ignore “con- safest Middle Eastern countries, though bombings and
servative” women. If anyone treats you suspiciously and arson attacks in 1996 and 1997 protesting the foreign
approaches you, scream. This will embarrass the man and labor force increased public security and government
bring everyone’s attention to him. Most men quickly crackdowns. The authorities won’t look at you twice
back away rather than have their honor or intentions because of the many foreigners living here, unless you
questioned. Actually, I’ve seen some female kiswah use act strangely. None of the attacks ever target tourists
this technique against monsters effectively, as well. It and the authorities look for Kuwaiti troublemakers, not
doesn’t work all the time, but some monsters are “pious” visitors. This means you can walk around virtually
enough to be shamed. unmolested, though open fighting and attacking mon-
BAHRAIN sters will likely bring in the authorities. They’re prepared
for trouble, and the island isn’t large enough to cause
By: Globetrotter
any significant delays in arriving on the scene.
If you’re traveling to the Middle East for the first
time, oil-rich Bahrain is your oasis. It’s the only island GENERAL NEEDS
nation in the region and is very progressive for a mon- As I said, Bahrain is a perfect beachhead into the
archy (and compared to other Arab states). It is roughly Middle East. It has an Internet provider through BATELCO
the size of Singapore, with a population of 620,000. and an Internet center in the capital. More importantly,
Strangely enough, half this number is under 25 years Bahrain is perfect for hunters looking for capital and
old, while nearly 60% are foreigners. The local work universal currency. Many hunters starting up, or those
force includes Filipino, Pakistani and Indian shop own- forced to leave their homes, often come here to purchase
ers, as well as Western businessmen. The situation is so well-priced gold and local pearls. When they travel, they
lopsided that there’s friction against the ruling family sell the gold or pearls to local merchants for cash, protect-
because local men can’t find employment. ing themselves from different currency rates. The trick is
Bahrain is the best start for foreign hunters intending to knowing what to look for in terms of quality. Fadhel
enter the Middle East. You can obtain a two-week visa upon Emporiums on Palace Avenue in Manama is a good start.
landing at Muharraq Airport, unless you have an Israeli A local hunter saved the Pakistani owner once, so he’s
stamp on your passport, in which case it’s back the way you been helping our kind ever since by selling us top-grade
came. Fortunately, I have dual citizenship and keep my pearls and gold at reasonable prices. Simply ask him “Do
Israeli sojourns limited to my second passport. You can you hear thunder?” and he’ll help you, even if he doesn’t
extend your stay through a five-year, multiple-entry visa by fully understand what is happening to the world — he is
going to General Directorate of Immigration & Passports in still fallaheen. Don’t try to haggle him down. He’s already
Manama (Bahrain’s capital, which translates as “Sleeping doing us a huge service and he has a short fuse.
Place”). You can’t obtain visas to enter Kuwait, Saudi The King Fahd Causeway links Bahrain and Saudi
Arabia or the United Arab Emirates unless you’re a Kuwaiti Arabia. This is one of the best means to sneaking into
citizen (additionally, Qatar does not maintain an embassy Arabia, though finding a truck driver to smuggle you
here due to a dispute over Hawar Island). over could be problematic. On the down side, if that can
Almost everyone in the Manama speaks English, so be said, Bahrain isn’t a political hotbed. Finding fire-
it’s easy to travel around. Two local papers are entirely in arms is impossible. The local suqs (bazaars) sell cheaply
English, as are several radio stations. It’s also one of the few made swords and flashy daggers for tourists, but finding

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 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

anything sturdier requires some legwork. Also, nobody Qatar — Qatar is a quaint little nation and another
plays baseball here, so no bats except for the flattened decent ingress into the Middle East. I prefer Bahrain,
cricket kind (which is actually easier to hide beneath even though Qatar is very progressive and allows women
clothing than your American kind). to vote. Despite its size, Qatar is slightly more populous
THE WORLD OF AKHIRA than Bahrain, with 640,000 people, 80% of which live
I won’t lie and say all Bahrain is safe, but it is more in the capital of Doha. Qatar is the quietest Arab nation
secure than most. Akhira (supernatural) activity seems to and frankly, it’s a disquieting place. Nothing seems to
be sporadic and increases with the influx of tourists. Most happen here. The citizens boast no hunters that I know
monsters apparently prefer the old portions of the city, of, and I have yet to see any true supernatural threats
several blocks in from the shoreline instead of the new like v*mp*r*s or skinchangers. I’ve only encountered
Government Avenue. Since Bahrain is the largest in an one shambler and she was killing a rapist. Frankly,
archipelago of 33 islands (including the Qatar-disputed Qatar feels like a sleeper village. It has a wholesome,
Hawar Islands), there are small fishing villages where nothing-wrong-here air. I wonder if it’s genuine or a
some jinn reputedly dwell. I’ve spoken with pearl divers disguise for something unthinkable.
who told me they see things in the deep sometimes, like
an oil-slick cloud that burns the flesh, or a shark with legs.
EGYPT
By: Fatwa243
It isn’t unheard of for some divers to never surface. In fact,
one fishing village often throws freshly slaughtered fish When I first saw Jager51’s write-up on Egypt, I
into the water far from their divers and shore fishermen. asked myself, “Why is he writing about a nation he
They say it lures the beasts away. The last hunters who barely understands?” The relevant data was accurate,
went diving with spear guns never returned. but I’m tired of foreigners (that would be you) treating
my country like Disney Africa. Outsiders have taken
SAFE HAVENS our culture and our heritage for granted for far too long.
Another reason why Bahrain is an excellent start-up Our history started strong with the pharaohs, but we
point is its fairly modern and clean medical care. Hospitals fell into 2,200 years of subjugation at the hands of Greeks,
likely report suspicious wounds to the authorities, so if you Romans, Turks, French and British. When each of them
stay at a top-end hotel such as the Sheraton Bahrain or left, they stole portions of our legacy and left Egypt in so
Diplomat, rely on the in-staff doctor. Just claim a local much chaos that we proved easy prey for the next wave
attacked you on hotel grounds and the concierge will of conquerors. Maybe it isn’t our history that attracts all
probably hush matters up and buy your silence with free these damn monsters. Maybe it’s the mess everyone else
medical services and possibly a week’s free stay. leaves behind. Personally, I think the supernatural exists
If you don’t have this option, go to the American because humans keep stealing the legacy of other people,
Mission Hospital off Khalaf al-Asfoor Avenue between leaving them weak and directionless. Hunters are the
midnight and 7:00 AM. This is the oldest and smallest solution, but not in the way everyone believes. We’re
hospital in the area, and it has decent facilities. The here to protect our respective cultures from exploitation.
nurses can patch up most wounds quietly and discreetly We’re history’s guardians.
if you slip them $50 American (approximately 19 Don’t get me wrong. I’m just as angry with our
Bahraini Dinars). government as I am with tourists. Egypt earned indepen-
Old Jetty — North of King Faisal Highway is Bahrain’s dence in 1952 and was instrumental in forming the
old jetty. Follow the west pier until you hit an abandoned Pan-Arab League, but Sadat screwed up by signing the
building marked Uthmanni Ltee and go around back. Camp David Accord with Israel. Did he deserve to die for
There’s an old boarded up shed with a hole near the recognizing Israel’s right to exist? No, but I don’t blame
ground through which you can crawl. It isn’t much, but the Muslim Brotherhood for assassinating him, either.
it has a cot, some non-perishable canned goods and basic The West can say whatever it wants to about Israel, but
medical supplies. On the third Wednesday of every the fact is that British-supported Zionists displaced an
month, at 1:00 AM, a fishing boat called a dhow pulls up entire population of Palestinians who refused to surren-
alongside the Uthmanni Ltee pier. It can smuggle up to der their homes or land. Now, before you start hissing at
three passengers into Arabia. The boat is rarely there for the PLO or my statements, ask yourself why Britain didn’t
more than a few minutes. It’s marked with one of your offer the Jews Ireland, or the U.S. didn’t give them Rhode
foreigner hunter glyphs, but the captain doesn’t talk. He Island. It wasn’t “right” to screw over their own people,
just takes whatever you’re willing to offer and drops you but it was fine to screw over the Arabs!
off near al-Khubar (which rests just outside Arabia’s Westerners think they know what’s best for us, but
largest expatriate compound/city, Dhahran) look at the political minefields you leave behind. If it
NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES weren’t for outside interference and the West playing
As an island, Bahrain has few immediate neighbors the bully, the Lebanese War wouldn’t have happened.
beyond Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Bahrain is currently in The Six-Day War wouldn’t have happened. The Iran-
contention with Qatar to the south over the Hawar Iraq War wouldn’t have happened. The Gulf War
Islands. The friction is more a chill than outright fighting. wouldn’t have happened. I can trace every one of those

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 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

conflicts back to Western intervention, starting with death of others. Nothing like a little girl holding a doll
colonialism and ending with oil interests. By signing the packed with C4 to make you question your own values.
Camp David Accord, Sadat validated every action the GENERAL NEEDS
Americans and Brits did for their own benefit. You’re fortunate. Egypt is a “liberal” country. Few
Still wondering why Muslim terrorist activity is on the items are illegal, except firearms. You can pick up
rise in Egypt despite the government’s attempts to crack whatever you need at most stores or flash some Egyptian
skulls? It’s because Egypt, rather than acting as an Arab pounds at a bazaar like suq Mansour in Cairo or suq
superpower, plays sidekick to the West and ignores its own Nokrashi in Alexandria. Thieves might rob you or
people. We are a nation of 65 million living in cities close peddlers might offer you contraband. Either way, you’ve
to bursting. Visit Cairo and see how a city built for a few met someone with contacts in the local black market.
million deals with a population topping over 14 million. The other option is visiting the Shooting Club in
People squat in graveyard mausoleums and on rooftops. Cairo’s Agouza District. If you’re lucky, you’ll meet a fat
Instead of offering relief, the Egyptian government wastes old German named Dornier who hosts private gun shows
money on events like an opera at the Pyramids to fill the for paying customers. Convince him and he’ll introduce
already overcrowded cities with tourists. And when stu- you to some of Egypt’s prominent gun and drug dealers.
dents protest the unemployment rate or overcrowded Here’s the important part: You’re dealing with the big
conditions, the government responds brutally and swiftly boys now — you may even see a monster or two in their
so that the Western media never hears about the event circle. Don’t confront guests at a gun show. Dornier is the
(and tourists aren’t frightened away). last man you want to annoy (if you escape alive).
So now you’re wondering why I’m helping write THE WORLD OF AKHIRA
this guide, right? I can’t stop you from coming here, but
Jager51 was right about a couple of things, includ-
I sure as hell can prevent you from screwing things up.
ing the monsters. We’ve got some old things lingering
Welcome to Egypt. Stay out of my way.
in the ruins and shadows, and they’re nasty enough to
THE AUTHORITIES extinguish you one nerve at a time. Don’t come here
Egypt isn’t as safe as it used to be, so stick to the looking for an exotic Egyptian safari. If you’re willing to
major cities such as Cairo. Groups like the Muslim fight in the trenches, we welcome your help. It’s a fact
Brotherhood aren’t worried about mowing tourists down, of nature that when a local ecosystem explodes with
so avoid the major draws like the Pyramids, too (and not wildlife, the predator population increases to match.
because terrorists might hit those locations). Your prob- Cities like Cairo and Alexandria have several million
lem is Egypt’s General Directorate of State Security prey too many and the monsters flock here in droves.
Service. They keep agents and armed personnel at Jager51 can have his grand conspiracies; I’m con-
major sites to protect Egypt’s valuable tourist trade. If cerned about the street-level threats. One disturbing
they see anyone looking suspicious, they’ll pull you in trend we’ve noticed is building hoppers. We’re not sure
for a two-fisted interrogation. If you’re wanted in Israel, what these beasts are, but they take an entire apartment
Europe or the U.S., they’ll know courtesy of an informa- building hostage for weeks on end, squatting in the
tion exchange program with MOSSAD and INTERPOL. apartments and slowly torturing and killing the tenants.
Like Jager51 said, avoid carrying around weapons. When enough people vanish that the police investi-
You’ll get into trouble. The police are bad enough, but gate, the building hoppers move elsewhere while the
if the Egyptian government considers you a threat, kiss government hushes up matters to protect its vital tourist
your ass goodbye. The American government has few trade. Building hoppers always seem to be one step
allies in the Middle East. If it’s a choice between burying ahead of us and two steps ahead of the police. There’s
you in a crocodile pit or raising an international stink evidence of cannibalism and missing blood among their
over your arrest, let’s just say you’ll make some hungry victims, so we think it might be different monsters
luggage very happy. working together or a kind we haven’t encountered yet.
Another danger with the authorities is they may be SAFE HAVENS
fellaheen, or normal, but somewhere up that corrupt food Safe houses and havens change rapidly thanks to
chain are servants of the monsters. If they even smell a careless hunters overusing locations or leading mon-
hint of what you’re really doing in Egypt, they’ll come sters back to them. The sites Jager51 mentioned are still
after you. Two kiswah allies of mine left the country safe from what I’ve seen, but they’ve been on hunter-net
because these jokers pulled out all the stops to catch for so long that I’m not sure who else knows about them.
them. They even strapped explosives to my friend’s These areas are also safe. I can afford to lose them.
mother and conditioned her to blow herself up when
Cairo — 247 Nagm al-Din Street in al-Husayneyah
she saw him. He barely escaped, but saw his mother
District. On the locked rooftop of this apartment build-
commit suicide trying to kill him. That’s the scary part
ing (the key is hidden in a carved groove atop the
about these bastards. They’ll never attack you directly,
rooftop’s doorframe) is a “maintenance” shed. Like
but they will send children to kill you. It’s a simple
many other buildings in overcrowded Cairo, these apart-
message, too. Die quietly or you’ll be responsible for the
ments are pre-WWII and still rent controlled. Up to six

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 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

generations of families live in these complexes, paying over 70 million people. I also believe we have the greatest
as little as 30 Egyptian pounds a month for rent ($12 diversity of hunters on ethnic and religious grounds. In
U.S. or so). That means the landlords make no money addition to Christians and Jews, who add up to 1% of the
off a “generation” building, so they ignore its upkeep. populace, Iran is the Zoroastrian center of worship and
That’s the case here; the rooftop maintenance shed has about 300,000 Bahai worshippers (persecuted be-
hasn’t been used in at least two years. I’ve cleared it out cause Islam considers them heretics). We also draw
and stocked it with basic medical supplies so you’ll have hunters from Persian, Azaris, Turkmen, Kurd and Lors
enough space to sleep and tend to minor wounds. stock, but distances rather than beliefs keep us divided.
Cairo — Unit 4 Haret Oweis in Al-Giza District. Iran is safe if you’re a tourist. That means hunters can
Just north of Cairo University (above Abdel-Salam Arif enter the country easily, though you must secure your visas
Street) is a block of buildings separated by alley-sized before arriving at our border. You cannot obtain multiple-
streets. At Unit 4, go around the east corner and down entry visas unless you work here, but extensions are possible
the alley. You’ll find a pile of garbage blocking a side door, and relatively easy. The Iranian government desperately
but there’s just enough space to slip by if you don’t mind wants to bolster the local economy, so customs often ushers
getting dirty. The door is unlocked. Go in, down the stairs tourists through with little trouble. That’s good news for
and into a hallway. The fourth door on the left is storage hunters sneaking in contraband, though visitors should be
space and is unlocked. You can barricade the door from careful with magazines and videocassettes. Customs confis-
the inside and crash on the pile of rugs. We’ve also left cates anything it believes undermines moral integrity,
some canned provisions and a first-aid kit, but don’t leave including pictures of woman not properly dressed, public
any trash behind. That’s what the pile outside is for. acts of affection like kissing and hand-holding, or anything
depicting the use of alcohol or drugs. This means they scan
IRAN videotapes for any hint of impropriety.
By: Omeed Not everyone speaks English, but many people in
Forget what you hear about Iran. It’s probably major cities, hotels and restaurants understand enough
wrong (knowing how the Western media portrays us). to help you. We even have English newspapers —
You may find this surprising, but Iran is very safe. In fact, though they admittedly espouse anti-Western views —
it’s one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East. and English street signs, while hotels have satellite
The locals respect women and treat them well if they dishes with American programming. Unfortunately,
follow local customs. Women receive the same educa- while Tehran has Internet centers, Internet service is
tion as men and we have many female doctors, family costly and difficult to obtain.
judges and parliament members. Iran is a democracy (and, ironically, the most stable
Iran was one of two countries that remained inde- one in the region), with its own presidential elections.
pendent from French and British interests following The last few presidents, while clerics, advocated closer
WWI. The Russians occupied us briefly during WWII, relations with the West. This struck a nerve with older
even though we stayed neutral, and we managed to revolutionaries, but reformists have powerful allies who
convince them to leave once the war was over. After- protect them. Islam and Iran do not fear democracy. We
ward, Shah Muhammad Reza assumed absolute control fear a disease called Western decadence. More so, we
and pushed Iran toward aggressive reform. He improved want the CIA and MI6 to stop intervening in our affairs.
the education system, gave women more rights, mod- We fear the British more than the Americans, because
ernized health care and provided for the needy. MI6 is far more sophisticated and underhanded in
Unfortunately, the Shah squandered the country’s re- sabotaging our affairs.
sources during the 1974 Oil Crisis by stockpiling weapons THE AUTHORITIES
we didn’t need and shooting up inflation. People were
Iran has several different police divisions, many of
unhappy. The conservatives demanded a return to the
which act properly and justly. Don’t think of bribing them.
traditional ways while the liberals wanted further re- They’re efficient and methodical, perhaps more so than in
forms. It all ended in 1979 with the shah’s overthrow at
the majority of Arab nations. If you dress well and respect
the hands of the beloved Ayatollah Khomeini.
local customs, the police ignore you at the very least and
Since then, Iran has suffered the Iran-Iraq War and help you if you need it. The authorities will search you in
from friction with America over the Tehran Embassy certain public buildings, the airport and in train stations.
incident that brought about an embargo. We recently This is perfectly normal for everyone, but be wary. Don’t
sought more worthwhile alternatives of political nego- carry weapons or questionable equipment unless you’re
tiation, but the process is slow. Nor are we the richest driving somewhere or walking. Roadblocks and car searches
country in the world thanks to plummeting oil prices are common near the borders. Prepare for the worst.
and a decrease in demand for Persian carpets. But we are
The most dangerous police are the monkeraat, a sort
friendly. Travelers, especially hunters with small pock-
of religious and moral authority that ensures the virtu-
ets, can easily afford a visit.
ous conduct of all citizens. They arrest people and
Iran, the truest Islamic nation and defender of the administer lashings to anyone breaking proper codes of
faith, is three times larger than France (or Arizona), with
33
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

conduct such as speaking on a telephone during prayer billion U.S. dollars to support “freedom fighters” in the
time or holding hands in public. They care little for Bekaa Valley of Lebanon. The copies are nearly unde-
tourism since they follow Islamic law, not the relatively tectable since they’re on the same paper as the real stuff,
progressive actions of our presidents. but it’s said the zeroes in the forgery have flattened tops.
The people dislike the monkeraat for its heavy-handed Iranians might not accept $100 bills unless the money
rigidity and have even attacked officers. I would not is newly minted.
normally condone such violence, but I believe several Iran is a tough place to find equipment if you’re an
monkeraat serve the blood-drinking Adites. Our attempts outsider, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There
to deal with these officers result in government crack- has been a rash of men posing as plainclothes police. If
downs and arrests. More hunters have reputedly died at anyone demands your identification and is not in uni-
the hands of local authorities than by monsters. form, ask him to take you to a hotel or police station and
If you think you’re protected by virtue of being offer your papers there. If he refuses, make a loud public
foreign, you’re foolishly mistaken. One American hunter spectacle to scare him away.
was escorted out of the country, but died of a “heart The alternative is to confront the imposter and offer
attack” on the plane ride back West. We believe the him money in exchange for whatever contraband you
akhira reached the hunter after he left and waited to kill need. These men generally know where to sell stolen
him to avoid any complications from an American documents and know someone who can help you. This is
dying on Iranian soil. This tells me the monsters have a especially useful if you need forged papers. The other
firm grip on my country’s heart. option is to hang around the lobby of an expensive hotel
If the authorities arrest you and the akhira realize like Laleh International in Tehran and look bored. Iran
you’re a danger, they don’t have to kill you immediately. has a well-developed drug network. Someone might
They can quietly issue a fatwa, or religious decree, for approach you eventually, wondering if you’re looking for
your assassination — days, weeks or months after you’ve “excitement.” If you’re lucky enough to find a drug dealer,
left Iran (and there are enough fanatics in the world to you can probably buy more than Egyptian hashish or
come after you). Afghani opium. Be ready to pay through the nose.
GENERAL NEEDS Purchasing firearms in Tehran is tricky business,
Carry U.S. dollars. They’re the lifeblood of local unless you steal from well-armed locals or you’re fool-
tourism and they grant you preferential treatment. Just ish enough to visit our eastern or southern regions.
be sure they’re not counterfeit. In 1989, Iran forged 10 Thanks to our proximity to Afghanistan and Pakistan,

34
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

these two areas serve as major routes for drug and gun men bear the Adites’ mark. Tehran kiswah, myself in-
smuggling. You can possibly purchase Soviet-grade cluded, scout at night when the underground is supposedly
weapons and equipment from regional tribes in league empty, but we cannot map it out properly. The tunnels
with these operations, but they might sooner kill you seemingly shift or are even sealed up from one night to the
than deal with you. next. We already slew one deformed v!mp!r! and chased
Afghanistan is part of a new drug trade with Russian away a Thalmudite (those you call the walking dead). In
and Turkish backing. The Turkish opium lords, the return, they killed three of my allies and subjected one to
Kurdish PKK, sell drugs to the Sicilian Mafia. The PPK such mental horrors that she’s now mad.
uses networks of Kurds to help pipeline its caravans SAFE HAVENS
through Iran and into neighboring Azerbaijan or Arme- Iran is blessed with many safe havens thanks to jiran
nia. Now, before you think all Kurds are drug dealers, (bystanders) we’ve saved or to allies who ensure our well
they aren’t. The Kurds fight an ugly war with Iraq and being. You will discover that after saving someone’s life
the Turks repay their services using Sicilian drug money here, they are indebted to you, assuming they under-
to buy weapons for their allies. Thus, the Kurds are well- stand what has transpired. This sometimes means offering
armed. Many local hunters survive using these you sanctuary or food. Never abuse this relationship and
underworld contacts to procure weapons, equipment never tell them about your nature. They live longer that
and safe passage into other countries in exchange for way, and they can’t understand the truth.
their “services.” These unscrupulous kiswah have prob- Tehran — Mellat Street. North of the low-priced
ably murdered more people than the monsters have. Asia Hotel is the Shiraz Hammam, a public bathhouse. If
Finally, don’t think of approaching or robbing any you stay till closing at 10:00 PM, offer the old custodian
convoy. Drug and weapon smuggling is major business $10 U.S. He’ll let you sleep there for the night on one of
and convoys include tank columns and APCs, merce- the cots. He’s a jar indebted to us, but he doesn’t know of
naries who could teach us thing or five about fighting. the cause. In the morning, he’ll return with taftun bread
The reason for all this protection? The government’s (unleavened bread as large as a rolled-up newspaper)
war on crime is literally a war, and Iran invests its armed filled with fresh fruit, steamed rice or even kebab (meat
forces to stop the heroin trade. strips). If you’re in need of medical supplies, pay him a few
THE WORLD OF AKHIRA extra dollars to run to the local pharmacy.
Monsters are everywhere for the hunting in Iran. Your
problem remains the authorities, however, and not the
IRAQ
akhira themselves. Iran is law-abiding, despite news photos By: Muru’a
showing angry men firing rifles into the air at public While I appreciate the concern of outsiders for the
demonstrations. The police are a visible and strong pres- plight of the locals, I ask foreign hunters to stay out of
ence and will make your life miserable if you don’t exercise Iraq. We have little patience or time to educate and care
caution. That said, hunters should stay in Tehran, which for visitors. The anarchy here creates an environment of
seemingly attracts its share of monsters because of pollu- fear, and the akhira nestle deep within the government’s
tion and overcrowding. Beware the following: breast. If being a hunter means defending the people,
Demonstrations — Iran throws the occasional dem- you’ll eventually find your cause shifting to the liberation
onstration to keep nationalism fueled. This is when you movement and anti-Iraqi activities. After all, how can
see many people gather and fire weapons. Many monsters you fight one monster and not fight them all?
gather alongside them, chanting anti-American slogans. Iraq’s plummet saddens me, for she was once the
If you see a demonstration underway, quietly leave. You cradle of civilization and the heart of the Fertile Cres-
aren’t safe and you aren’t welcome. Additionally, several cent. A slow madness follows her history, and our political
members of Iran’s vaunted Revolutionary Guards, who climate grows more deranged each passing month. After
normally attend such rallies, are suspected blood minions WWI, Iraq went from Ottoman rule to British control,
of the Adites. Don’t ever fight them alone. In addition to but that ended with its independence in 1932. The ruling
their power as minions, the Revolutionary Guards are monarchy fell in 1958, leading to turmoil and coups until
dedicated to the Ayatollah beyond reason. During the 1968 when the Ba’ath Party assumed power. The socialist
Iran-Iraq War, they walked through minefields to clear a Ba’ath already ruled Syria and they trafficked regularly
path for the army and to prove their loyalty to the with the Russians to protest America’s support of Israel.
Ayatollah. They are willing martyrs. The following year, our troubles with Iran began in a
Underground — Tehran is building an underground cycle of strife and conflict that sees no resolution to this
subway system, but the process is slow going and there is no day. Matters appeared peaceful enough in the late ‘70s,
projected finish date. According to what we’ve seen, the when Iran and Iraq reached a tentative peace agreement.
entire project is in upheaval, with work details digging in The oil boom fueled our economy then, and Kurdish
chaotic directions and no two blueprints matching ex- became an official language in recognition of the Kurds’
actly. At night, we hear crews tunneling but we never find importance in Iraqi society. Then, in 1979, Saddam
them. Even worse, several construction workers and fore- Hussein came to power and the Iranian Revolution
ousted the shah.
35
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

The rest is history weeping. Hussein rightly feared contraband. The Iraqi police can kill you and there is no
that the ruling Ayatollah Khomeini would inspire revo- American embassy to protect your rights here.
lution among the majority Shiite sect in Iraq. He Many Iraqi hunters join the Supreme Council of Is-
initiated one of the longest wars of the 20th Century, in lamic Resistance in Iraq (SCIRI) or smaller resistance cells.
which Iraqi’s oil-backed (and thus American-backed) The fight against akhira is the very liberation of Iraq from
military power received the ecstatic devotion of the Hussein’s hands. There’s also the unfortunate truth that
entire Iranian people. The eight-year war stopped with many Iraqi kiswah join these groups only to kill the monsters
a UN peace initiative, but the Gulf War and crippling more easily. Instead of hunting alone, they can sometimes
American-sponsored sanctions broke the back of a direct the SCIRI against mutually beneficial targets. Thus,
weakening country. they hide the assassination of one corrupt person of conse-
Since then, Iraq has become the richest poor coun- quence through the cell’s anonymity, instead of drawing the
try I know. Her oil reserves surpass that of the Saudis, police’s undivided wrath on their heads alone.
but according to the UN, Iraq can sell only $10 billion The actions of one man are the actions of a lunatic.
American on condition that it pays for food and medi- The actions of many are a cause. Within groups, we
cine for its people. How much money do you think become faceless warriors with allies. The risks are too
actually comes to us? Hussein lives in opulence, rebuild- great alone. What choice do we have when we must
ing his over 72 palaces whenever America teaches him fight our very government?
a lesson by bombing us. Meanwhile, the dinar plummets Finally, some hunt alone in Baghdad, but their
and our children die from malnutrition. Hussein ex- methods are questionable. They ambush monsters wear-
ecutes thousands of his own officers and dozens of ing uniforms by using car bombs, knowing the Iraqis will
relatives whenever fear grips his breast, and he slaugh- blame Iran. Iranian Intelligence is eager to kill members
ters Kurds and Ma’dan Marsh Arabs by the thousands. of Mujahadeen-e-Khalk (MKO), an anti-Iranian resis-
Tourism is a forgotten word and Westerners cannot tance cell comprised of former Iranians. MKO hopes to
obtain visas for entry unless they are journalists, with instate a woman, Maryam Rajavi, as President of Iran
the Red Cross or using non-American passports. when the Ayatollahs fall, but Iran retaliates by assassi-
Avoid Iraq. If you cannot, remember this advice: nating the group’s visible members. When the MKO
The Iraq-Jordan border is closed because Jordan was the formed following the Shah’s fall, it numbered 50,000.
second nation to recognize Israel. Avoid the Iraq- After an aborted attempt to reclaim its country forcibly,
Kuwait crossing points, because guards detain and delay members dwindled to 20,000, with Iran killing 5,000
visitors for the joy of annoying them. Also, do not sneak and capturing 25,000.
across the Iran-Iraq frontier. Both sides have planted What does this have to do with Iraq’s authorities,
over 25 million mines along the border. My military you ask? MKO operates from Baghdad, a fact that
friends say Iran’s saturation is 25 mines per square mile, doesn’t escape Iran. The Iraqi government supports the
while Iraq’s is 60. If you must, ask locals to guide you and MKO as both an ally against Iran and as a propaganda
leave either early at night or late in the day. Soldiers coup. The Iranians, in turn, send assassins to kill mem-
place most mines overnight and the first casualties bers of MKO using car bombs or anything else heavy on
occur between 9 and 10 A.M. when traffic gets under- collateral damage. This turns Baghdad into an unoffi-
way. Allow others to lead and walk in their steps 100 cial war zone between Kurd terrorist attacks and Iranians
feet behind. Most mines wound rather than kill, but targeting expatriates. Naturally, the authorities are al-
they use ball bearings and debris to shred victims’ legs. ways wary of attacks against their MKO allies and
If you find a minefield, walk backward and don’t take themselves, leaving unscrupulous hunters to take ad-
the risk. Don’t try to dig up mines to use them against vantage of the crossfire.
the other side, either. The new models are too sophisti- The other problem with the MKO is that one-third of
cated for our heavy fingers. its members and two-thirds of its officers are women. Many
While the Syrian and Arabian borders are open female kiswah want to join the MKO because they believe
(and the large expanse of desert makes sneaking across it empowers their cause as women. Unfortunately, they
easier), travel is best at the Turkish border where traffic support our enemy, the very government we fight against,
is heavy, but orderly. In either case, if you cross the and they widen the schism between the genders. The result
borders with papers, you must provide proof that you are is a battle between philosophical and political agendas,
free of AIDS and have had a Yellow Fever vaccination with that against the monsters taking lesser importance.
within the last six months. If you manage to cross the
border, it’s wise to head to Baghdad or Basra. Avoid the
GENERAL NEEDS
UN-protected Kurdish Autonomous Region to the You need what we cannot offer. Inflation sends
north, since Iraq’s eyes are everywhere there. costs soaring well above reason. You’d be an ill-prepared
fool to arrive without your own equipment, such as
THE AUTHORITIES batteries, maps, chargers, flashlights, cameras, film,
Expect the police to search, follow and harass you, water filters and hiking equipment. For food, conduct
so for the sake of Allah, do not carry weapons or your shopping between 8:00 and 9:00 AM, when shops

36
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

open. They close by noon or when their shelves are More so, we cannot attack them directly and must kill
empty (which is far more common these last few years). from behind the veil of “freedom.” If we confront these
Bring your own medicines; pharmacies lack even the monsters alone and armed only with our abilities, we
most common drugs. become common criminals. By using the tools of politi-
Many of us join groups such as the SCIRI, the cal warfare — what you call terrorism — our actions
outlawed Shiite Dawa Party in Basra or even the CIA- become the products of a movement and we are sud-
backed Iraqi National Congress to obtain supplies or to denly faceless.
provide for our families. These are not services you can If you wish to survive here, adopt our practices.
simply purchase, though. Calling upon these move- Iraq’s monsters hide within or behind important people.
ments means volunteering your life for their cause. If While it is simpler to slay the common beasts, doing so
you are skillful enough to find the black market, be means we never touch those in real power. If we can
warned that you will pay for their services and their attack the head of the dragon, why pick at its tail? It is
silence. Iraq is a web of informers. Nothing protects you the reality of our lives.
from their barbed tongues. I advise against dealing with SAFE HAVENS
these criminals. Use American money or barter with Many local hunters fight for the liberation of Iraq.
medicines and drugs if you must. Those who oppose us work for Hussein’s regime. Politics
I beseech you, we are in desperate need of whatever touches everything here. Telling you where to find our
provisions you can offer and we can offer you far more in safe havens betrays our struggle to those kiswah who
return. If you truly wish to help, go to the Polish Embassy oppose our efforts. I am sorry, but I can offer only one
in the Masbah Quarter of Baghdad. It represents Ameri- sanctuary that remains neutral in this conflict. Neither
can interests in Iraq. Ask to speak with attaché Terrance side touches this place.
Podynzsky and tell him you wish to help in the relief Baghdad — Sharia Haifa Bazaar. Behind the Saddam
effort. Say no more than that, for Hussein’s ears are Art Centre (if you can swallow that bitter irony) is a
everywhere. Terrance will take care of the rest. bazaar that includes the Attabeg Café. It is an old
THE WORLD OF AKHIRA establishment with a simple unadorned door announc-
Sometimes I think the akhira control everything in ing its presence between two floor stalls. Finding it may
Iraq. When I see thralls to Adites and walking dead in prove challenging, but inside is sanctuary. The owner is
such positions of power that they stand behind Hussein Talib Sama’a, a hunter who lost his leg to a Midianite (a
himself and smile for the cameras, it sickens my heart. shapechanging jackal). He no longer hunts (he barely

37
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

started when he was maimed), but the old basement recognize each other’s sovereign rights. Our own gov-
bomb shelter of his humble coffee shop is open to ernment shifts between moderates and hard-liners,
anyone who needs some food and a place to sleep. Talib sabotaging a desperately needed peace initiative with
cannot provide much, but he does his best without the Palestinians who account for 15% of Israel’s popu-
involving himself. lation. Civil unrest is a constant threat between agitated
NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES Palestinians who attack settlements and buses and frus-
It is ironic that I must cover Kuwait as well, seeing trated Jews who retaliate with equal venom. At the
as how Iraq’s current woes stem from its invasion of that heart of this struggle lies the war to reclaim Jerusalem,
tiny nation. The world hailed the international force a city holy to all three major religions of God.
that drove Iraq from Kuwait as the savior of the op- If political and ethnic tensions are not threat enough,
pressed. I will tell you, though: the United States we have our share of monsters reveling in the chaos and
wouldn’t have interfered had Saudi Arabia not felt seemingly aggravating the already unstable situation. Still,
threatened. Kuwait was spared by virtue of its proximity Israel is easy to reach from the West, especially for Ameri-
to America’s ally. cans. The United States gives us two billion dollars a year
Kuwait — Following the Gulf War, Kuwait’s atti- to spend on our defenses, in addition to three billion dollars
tudes have become more liberal. While no one wears each year in the form of various relief programs and aide
mini-skirts yet, women do not need to wear traditional packages. You need only a passport to enter Israel at places
clothing as long as they dress moderately. Although like Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, unless you’re Middle
women can now vote in various elections, Bahrain Eastern or African. Upon arriving, you can also ask the
remains far more moderate. Unfortunately, Hussein custom official to stamp your entry permit and not your
smashed Kuwait like an eggshell, leaving behind confu- passport. This allows you to travel to other Arab countries
sion and destruction that took months to repair. We’ve without the “Israeli Stigma” in your documents. Just be
heard rumors that during that time there was a migra- careful. Upon entering Jordan or Egypt from the Israeli
tion of sorts into Kuwait, an influx of nomadic monsters border, customs officials mark you with entry stamps
that hid in Kuwait City and watched while people indicating that you visited Israel. To circumvent this, you
rebuilt around them. can try and place a false page in your passport after other
used pages and throw it away after it’s stamped.
ISRAEL When traveling in Israel, carry enough money so
By: Hope123 customs doesn’t consider you an undesirable seeking
Welcome, my friends, to a country that doesn’t exist. employment, and carry some proof of your intent to
You won’t find Israel on any map — at least not any Arab leave the country. Otherwise they can deny you entry.
ones. They still call the region Palestine. It is perhaps If you pass without trouble, Israel awaits. I suggest you
wishful thinking that one day they will make that true visit Tel Aviv, while avoiding the Occupied Territories
again. Until then, we are surrounded by enemies. along the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Also, stay out of
Israel is as old as the covenant between God and East Jerusalem. Angry Palestinians hold these areas and
Moses, but the Israel history recognizes is a product of are not above stabbing or kidnapping you. Driving is not
the 20th Century’s most grievous injustice — the Ho- a safe method of travel, either. People in these territo-
locaust. When Jews fled from Nazi Germany, they ries throw rocks at your car and there are three deaths
found little sympathy elsewhere, especially among the every 100 million kilometers because of bad drivers.
Palestinians. Still, with Germany’s defeat, international THE AUTHORITIES
pressure forced Britain (which ruled Palestine at the If you believe the Arabs are paranoid, you have not met
time) to allow unrestricted Jewish immigration to the the Israeli police or military. Israel spends 20% of its budget
region. The Arabs protested. Britain tried solving the on defense concerns alone — we are what the U.S. would be
dilemma by suggesting that Palestine be partitioned like if it were under martial law. At border crossings, the
into two new states. authorities question your visit vehemently and search through
When they could no longer handle the problem, everything you own. The police are well armed and very
the British turned the matter over to the UN, which suspicious of visitors with cameras and video recorders. Even
advocated creating a Jewish homeland within Pales- journalists must submit their footage to the censor’s office, so
tine. The Arabs refused, Britain pulled out and the you can imagine how they feel about strangers snapping
Jewish people seized control in 1948. Since then, we’ve pictures of anything not remotely historical.
held Israel (despite three campaigns by Arab forces to I warn you not to carry weapons in Israel, for the police
root us out) and even gained territory from Egypt, have a sixth sense for these things. The government trains
Lebanon and Jordan. them to spot potential assassins who might attack a busload
Israel managed to forge treaties with her neighbors of passengers or open fire on a school. They scrutinize
Jordan and Egypt, and now works towards reconcilia- everything, for the cost of peace isn’t vigilance, it’s para-
tion with our old rivals the PLO. But still, we struggle noia. Nationalities mean nothing to them. Even if you are
against fanatics, both Jewish and Arab, who refuse to an American with an Arab surname, expect the police or

38
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

even the secret service Shin Bet to keep watch over your while, their actions create more restless spirits and more
every move. If they arrest you on suspicion of subversive walking dead to harm the fellaheen.
behavior (including anything related to the hunt), they SAFE HAVENS
will hold you without allowing you contact with your Universal safe havens are difficult to find in Israel,
consulate, relatives or allies for some time — usually long since few people are actually neutral. Most hunters,
enough to conduct grueling interrogations. including we Israelis, rely on networks within our own
We’ve also heard a frightening rumor that Shin Bet communities. The Jewish people alone fall into several
knows we exist. Police recently arrested two hunters I groups: the Russians, the Ashkenazi from Central and
knew remotely. Observers watching the jail said agents Eastern Europe, the Sephardi who date their lineage
from Shin Bet took the hunters into custody after drugging back to 15th-Century Portugal and Spain, Oriental
them (even though they were already handcuffed). I fear Jews originating from Muslim or Arabic countries and
the implications of this revelation, for it could signal the Ethiopian Jews. These groups do not always get along,
government’s attempts to press us into their service. and language is certainly a great barrier since many are
EQUIPMENT NEEDS still first-generation refugees. As result, hunters from
Finding and buying equipment in Israel might prove these groups and from among the Arab Muslims, Arab
troublesome unless you are adept at improvising. Fortu- Christians and Druze all protect their own people.
nately, we have widespread Internet access, meaning you When one group announces a safe haven, the others
can contact other hunters and share resources over the sabotage it (even, in one instance, going so far as to
net. If you wish to risk black-market avenues, avoid the mine the location). Some of us struggle to change this
Palestinians as suppliers. They do not appreciate requests situation, but until then Israel has no true safe havens.
to purchase weapons when they are often limited them-
selves. Israel has a thriving criminal element, however,
LEBANON
the strongest being the Israeli Syndicate and the Red By: al-Amin
Mafia — which arrived with the Russian refugees. The When I hear friends and family tell me Lebanon is
latter is the most dangerous in my mind for many reasons. reclaiming her former glory, I cannot help but grieve
It hides among 700,000 Russian émigrés and draws re- quietly. Nearly 30 years of intermittent war blinds us to
sources from frightened Jews who now constitute 15% of many things — a condition a psychologist friend calls
our population. Second, many Mafia members served prolonged war-trauma disorder. We try and explain the
with Soviet forces and still have allies in East Germany horrors we’ve seen by creating our own unique rationale.
and Russia’s military. They possess weapons and drugs — A mortar attack destroys a building and the only thing
enough, politicians fear, to destabilize Israel. The Rus- neighbors can say is: “They lived on the wrong side of the
sians are also heavy handed and ruthless, torturing and street. Everyone knows that side is bombed more often.”
murdering anyone in their way. Finally, Red Mafia lieu- Thirty years of struggle and strife with ourselves, with the
tenants and other high-ranking members are supposedly Syrians and with the Israelis has made my people blind to
marked. There is the taint of rots about them, or some their reality. This makes Lebanon a utopia for monsters,
other supernatural influence that pollutes their blood. for we willingly justify any event or tragedy in the
THE WORLD OF AKHIRA quickest and most convenient terms. We stopped asking
questions because nobody had answers.
Egypt claims her share of ancient threats, but Jerusa-
lem draws many creatures as well. In the Old City, where Beirut was once the Paris of the Middle East thanks
Christian, Jew, Muslim and Armenian Quarters lie shoul- to Western influences and the city’s location as a geo-
der to shoulder beneath the silent gaze of the Dome of the graphic hub with Europe. During WWII, Lebanon earned
Rock, the shadows move, walls weep and the stone angels independence from the French, but the power remained
in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre turn their heads with well-educated Christians, not with the Muslims
when you aren’t looking. In the streets around the district who wanted the country to join Syria. This tension
of Haram ash-Sharif, in the city’s Muslim Quarter, hunt- served as catalyst for innumerable conflicts, but not
ers say they cannot communicate through the kufic script before Beirut followed the Western models of culture and
found in the Mamluk’s architecture. It supposedly plagues society — she was a city of three languages (Arabic,
them with words they do not understand and robs them French and English) and 17 different religious sects.
of their sanity. There is a living sorrow engulfing the city, When the Muslims revolted against their lack of
and it stirs religious tensions. representation in the government decades ago, they
In the Occupied Territories, Palestinian and Israeli dragged local Palestinian refugees into the conflict.
kiswah war against one another and rarely help anyone The Christians asked for Syria’s help, and eventually
outside their community. When there are deadly riots Israel embroiled itself in the war when Hezbollah
or protests, there is a fair chance the victims will return fanatics launched attacks against the Zionist State
as rots or shamblers. Instead of stopping them, hunters from southern Lebanon. We’ve now seen 30 years of
direct these creatures against one another. The war of conflict and periodic fighting, but the Lebanese are
politics and religion are all that concerns them. Mean- tenacious if nothing else. The country is still more
West than East — with Internet cafes, fashion-minded
39
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

citizens, nightclubs and all the latest American films the militias in the early ‘90s and created a new police
— and would be a perfect beachhead for us into the force — though old rivalries and vendettas still exist.
region were it not a political minefield. Outwardly, Lebanon’s police are much like their North American
Beirut rebuilds from its own ashes with Syria’s help, counterparts. You have nothing to fear if you don’t break the
becoming a new Paris, but I can only wonder how the law. Lebanon’s police carry fully automatic weapons because
last few decades have taxed our very souls. they are a paramilitary force. All Lebanese hunters can tell
Entering Lebanon is simple, whether you request a at least one tale about fighting monsters only to find
visa from Beirut airport or arrive at a border crossing themselves under fire from well-armed Gendarmes. While
(though I recommend obtaining your visa beforehand). we hunt only monsters, the police are never certain if
Like most Arab nations, Lebanon refuses anyone with an another political skirmish has broken out. They shoot to kill.
Israeli stamp on their passport; your best option is flying EQUIPMENT NEEDS
into Lebanon or using the northern border with Syria (but We have nearly every luxury found in the West, and
expect to pay bribes). To the south is Israel and the what you can’t obtain legally is on the black market.
Palestinian Territories, while the west holds the Bekaa Finding weapons is particularly simple thanks to the
Valley. The Bekaa Valley contains beautiful Roman monu- conflicts in the 1970s and ‘80s. I had a friend who
ments and archaeological sites, but far outside the city of gathered the guns and unexploded mortars scattered
Baalbek are training camps for Palestinian Hamas and around his apartment building. He had a large collec-
Islamic Hezbollah who fight against the Israelis. While tion — until the Israelis bombed the Muslim half of
tourists are not in danger here, hunters are in peril. I’ve Beirut and killed him.
heard reports from regional kiswah who say the training Beirut’s black-market trade is extensive and easy to
camps have their share of akhira-touched guerillas. Attack- find. It ranges from hashish dealers who sell drugs at the
ing them is to hazard death, and they notice strangers. American University of Beirut to weapons sellers with
THE AUTHORITIES connections to Bekaa Valley and southern guerillas. If
Lebanon’s police are a paramilitary force slowly you are truly desperate for weapons or anything else,
regaining power (we wonder where Lebanon’s army visit Antoine’s Café on Hamra Road (Rue 31). It serves
ends and Syria’s “peacekeepers” begin). When fighting a very rough clientele, and many people there either
erupted between Christians and Muslims, the police hope to buy or sell something. Be warned, though: Few
shattered into factions who allied themselves with the “tourists” visit there — someone may follow you to
different militias. Thankfully, the government disbanded uncover your agenda.

40
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

Your best hope is finding a local hunter through the improper, but she does have a “guest shack” behind her
Internet who can act as your liaison to the underworld house for travelers. She provides a warm bed and will
(some are even blatant enough to advertise their ser- offer you traditional Arabic food. Don’t take advantage
vices through the kufic script). Even before we became of her hospitality for too long and don’t lead monsters
kiswah, many of us dealt with the black market, purchas- there. Many kiswah, including two regional women,
ing generators when the city rationed electricity, medical love Mrs. Dajanni as a mother and protect her fiercely.
supplies when the hospitals turned patients away and
weapons to protect our families from bands of squatters SAUDI ARABIA
who took over “empty” apartments. By: Tarjiman220
THE WORLD OF AKHIRA Salaam, guests, we now speak of the country very dear
Though it pains me to admit it, mental scarring from to my own heart. Westerners believe oil makes Saudi great,
over 30 years of fighting has created a psychology of but they forget that our history predates the Roman
acceptance among the Lebanese that allows us to accept Empire. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam and is the corner-
most horrors. We ignore horribly mutilated bodies be- stone of Allah’s throne on Earth in the form of our Holiest
cause we’ve seen car-bomb survivors or the torture victims Shrine — the Ka’bah. Even without Islam and oil to
of different militias. We ignore the screams at night, inflame her eminence, Saudi was one of two nations to
because screams are the only thing we’ve heard the last remain free from British and French influence following
few decades. This means monsters walk about uncon- WWI. At the time, the hoary Ottoman Empire ruled the
cerned with being caught. But it also means you can hunt Middle East with a waning fist, but hoped to re-ignite its
at night fearing only the beasts and authorities. Beirut, in legacy by allying itself with the Axis powers. The British
particular, has an active nightlife with discotheques and appealed to Mecca and convinced the young Sa’ud Empire
bars, so you’re never out of place out at night. to revolt against the Ottomans. After the war, the British
did not oppose then Sa’ud patriarch Abd al-Aziz from
I once spoke with an Adite that claimed it suffered
consolidating the former Ottoman territories in the Ara-
during the war, as well. The bombings, rocket attacks and
bian Peninsula under his rulership. In 1932, Saudi Arabia
strife killed many its kind, driving the more ancient to
was born (though I wonder — had the British known of
such places as Baalbek, Sidon and Tripoli. These older
beasts supposedly support the various guerilla move- Saudi’s true wealth, would they have let us go so easily?).
ments in Bekaa and southern Lebanon, directing the Since 1938, when Saudi Arabia discovered it pos-
groups for their own private means. Younger creatures sessed enough oil to compete in the international market,
made their homes in the ruins of Beirut and fed from the it has remained one of the greatest oil-producing na-
milk of human misery as mercenaries. This worries me, tions. It is also infamous for being difficult to visit if you
for the monsters born of Beirut came into their hellish are not Muslim. To enter, you must either have a
existence learning to fight as we do. Why kill an oppo- sponsor (a service I cannot offer), a transit visa (valid for
nent with fangs when you can use car bombs, fanatics or three days), you must become Muslim (through the hajj,
Russian assault rifles? Learn this lesson quickly, for the or pilgrimage visa) or you must sneak across the border.
monsters of the Middle East might be like any other, but There is enough open desert and shore to accomplish
the beasts of Lebanon have fought wars. the last, but I do not recommend it. Saudi Arabia is wary
of Iraq because of the Gulf War and of Iran because
SAFE HAVENS Saudis fear the Ayatollah. Thus, we monitor the north-
It is easy to find yourself hunted by both police and ern border and eastern shoreline carefully. That leaves
monsters in Lebanon, so take note of these locations. the less-defended border along Jordan or the hope that
American University of Beirut (AUB) — Rue Bliss. you can find someone to smuggle you across.
Situated in Beirut’s Hamra district, the AUB’s campus is If you do manage to enter, welcome. Saudi Arabia
beautiful with its open expanses of green and the Mediter- is among the safer countries for Westerners because of
ranean shoreline to the north. Along the campus’ southern the many foreign oil and telecommunication compa-
edge is the Penrose Men’s Dormitory, which is shaded by nies here. Expatriates have been part of Saudi since they
trees. Follow the western wall until you reach the fifth first discovered oil, and very few factions actively seek
window from the southwest corner. The window is un- to excise Western influence.
locked, allowing you to slip into a maintenance room with Still, do not come here unprepared. Know where
medical supplies, canned food and a blanket. It isn’t you need to go and learn the requirements of our five
opulent, but it’s safe if you use it at night. provinces. Find someone to forge your entry papers or
Baalbek — Rue Abdel Halim Hajjar, Unit 8. Just plastic identity cards. This is especially important in the
one block west of the Ash-Shams Hotel is a private Eastern Province along the Gulf, where our principal oil
residence belonging to Mrs. Dajanni. Her son was a fields and expatriate compounds are located (Wildcat-
hunter who died while protecting her, so she knows ter184 discusses this in greater detail). If you can, avoid
something of the cause — at least that there are other the Al Hijaz Province along the Red Sea’s mountainous
things to out there to fight than man. She cannot host coastline. It holds the principle cities of Mecca, Medina
strangers in her home (unless they are women) for it is and Jiddah. Few foreigners work out this far, and Mecca

41
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

is open to only Muslims. Jiddah, a massive port city, is

very industrial and perhaps the easiest place to hide if
you know people there.
The Northern Frontier and Central Province are
THE FOREIGN COMPOUNDS likewise risky. Both are open deserts with scattered
By: Wildcatter184 towns. The locals will notice you immediately and the
By now you’ve heard Tarjiman or others use authorities will question you. Your best hope in the
“compound,” “camps” or “expatriate” and you’ve Central Province is Riyadh, the capital of Saudi, where
wondered what they’re talking about. Westerners enough foreigners live and work for you to slip in
working abroad are called expatriates. Filipino, In- unnoticed. Obey the local customs and it is unlikely
dian and Pakistani workers are simply called by their that the authorities will demand to see your papers.
nationality (sorry, chaps). That leaves the fifth province, the desolate Ar Rub
“Compounds” are enclosed camps where expa- al-Khali, the infamous Empty Quarter. This vast desert
triates live and work. They range in size from an expanse is the size of your Texas, with a permanent
outpost to a small city. The Saudis created these population of zero. On maps, it is a blank space of solid
barbed-wire enclosures to “protect” us from the desert color, but this belies the dancing desert of shifting dunes
wilds or from unscrupulous Bedouins. Truthfully, I and liquid sands. Even technology fails to tame her.
think they’re protecting their own arses from deca- Leave this land to the Bedouins, for the Empty Quarter
dent Western influences, since any animal with the offers no mercy. If it fails to kill you, the wild monsters
tenacity to survive in the desert can burrow under the plaguing its nights will finish the job.
fence. Despite how it sounds, the compounds are Despite the great tracts of sand dividing many
actually oases of civilisation. The Saudis provide real communities, Saudi Arabia has one of the best-devel-
free-standing homes for families and apartments for oped telecommunications networks in the Middle East.
bachelors, manicured lawns, company cars, sports And yet, the lines of communication are not always
fields, schools (for expatriate kids based on the British safe. Saudi uses the latest American technology and
school system), one movie theatre per compound, a many foreigners report hearing odd clicks over their
cafeteria or mess hall, a grocery store or canteen and phones. One hunter foolishly shared information in a
at least one swimming pool. The smallest compound phone conversation and found his line disconnected
houses as few as 10 to 15 families, while the largest is within minutes. He fled immediately. The police were
Dhahran, a city built for several thousand expatriates at his door within the half-hour. Few Saudi kiswah
and their loved ones. conduct their business over the phone.
While it’s not the ideal setting for most people, Internet services are almost nonexistent, and are
there’s money here for the taking if you’re willing to difficult to obtain because the Saudi government fears
make sacrifices. Sure, the law requires men and women the web’s potential for moral decadence. There is a way
use separate entrances or to sit in different waiting around this, however. Next to the Dhahran expatriate
rooms, but when the government taxes you only 5% of compound is the Dhahran Marine Base and American
your income no matter how much you pull in, I’ll gladly Consulate. They possess Internet connections. Appar-
avoid women. I came to the Middle East after the Gulf ently several marines will download and transmit
War when Saddam left 732 rigs burning. At over $700 messages if you provide them with a floppy diskette and
U.S. a day, working for the Kuwaitis then the Saudis, $100 dollars (325 riyals or so) each time. I do not know
I could retire now if I weren’t so damn greedy. their identities, but I believe Wildcatter184 can con-
Most compounds are in the Eastern Province tact them directly.
and are the best places for visiting hunters can hide. THE AUTHORITIES
Getting into the camps is a problem, though, be- Saudi’s monarchy lives in constant fear of a revolu-
cause the Saudi government issues plastic tion. The country owes its birth to the Bedouin tribes
photo-identity cards to all workers. If you want that united under the conservative Wahabbi move-
access to a camp, you need an “I” level card. If you ment and bespoke of a return to a fundamental Islam.
want entry into the telecommunications hub in With the discovery of oil and the flood of foreign
Dhahran, get yourself an “F” through “D” card. The companies, the Saudi government walks a fine line
cards aren’t high tech, so obtaining forgeries is fairly between keeping pace with American sponsors and
simple. Abid Hamid, who runs the Shahafi Photo- retaining the traditional values of Wahabbism. Ini-
copy Centre in Khobar (a mid-size Arab city 20 tially, the government followed in Iran’s steps of
minutes outside Dhahran), charges 1,500 riyals Westernization, but when the Ayatollah Khomeini
(about $400 American) to create a forged plastic ID overthrew the Shah, Saudi returned to more moderate
card. Passports and visas cost much more. ways to appease the conservative Shiite sects. One
result was the mutawwa, religious police who bear much
in common with the Iranian monkeraat.

42
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

While the mutawwa do not carry firearms, they dot the desert. Whatever fate befell them was enough
have the government’s full blessing to enforce standards to keep angry spirits around. Ibn-Yousif is a kiswah
of religious integrity. Their threat disturbs many West- who protects the locals from the growing incursions
erners who still adjust to life here, but expatriate of akhira crossing the Jordanian border. While he
compounds offer refuge because the mutawwa cannot remains a businessman and sells only small arms,
venture there. The ordinary police can, though. other kiswah knows he is fair.
EQUIPMENT NEEDS THE WORLD OF AKHIRA
Saudi Arabia is the land of plenty. Food and medi- A Western colleague once asked why, if we know
cines are abundant and cheap no matter where you are, where our greatest perceived threats lie, we do not deal
and we have the latest electronic devices (except for with them immediately? If we organized our efforts, the
technology that the government fears people can use paranoid Saudi government would believe us revolu-
against it). Thanks to Arabia’s deep pockets, hospitals tionaries and turn the military against us. While the
are well maintained and free, as are most essential Iraqi hide their activities behind a cause, we must do the
services. Again, though, you need identity cards or opposite and conduct our efforts alone or in very small
passports to enjoy these amenities as expatriates. groups, lest we raise suspicion.
Finding firearms is difficult for several reasons. Our greatest known threats currently reside in
Chief is Saudi Arabia’s fear of revolt, which was vali- three places.
dated when 300 extremists seized the Ka’bah and Grand The Empty Quarter — This desolate region was a
Mosque for 10 days in 1979, killing 250 worshippers in corrupt paradise before Allah smote the people of Ad,
the process. Since then, the government has enforced turned their gardens to dust and drowned their capital
strict constraints on firearms, even limiting police offic- Wabar in sand. Since then, the monsters of Ad are said
ers to six bullets each in one period, according to rumor. to lurk beneath the desert, but whatever awoke us to our
Where there is a will, there is Muhammad ibn- destiny as kiswah also awoke their evil. While this ex-
Yousif, a weapons dealer in the town of Al Jawf (125 panse remains far from the government’s prying eyes, we
miles south of Jordan’s border). The town straddles cannot approach it without the help of the local Bedouin.
an old caravan route that once belonged to the Hunters who have survived their journey there claim to
ancient Nabataean Empire, which controlled local have seen some tribes of Bedu serving Adites that burst
trade in the centuries before the Prophet Jesus. I from the sleeping sand every night. Another survivor of
mention this because ruined Nabataean outposts still a doomed expedition saw a dune made of spiders sweep

43
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

across his encampment and leave nothing behind but card and legitimate visa, because he does not want any
white bone and tattered tents. hint of impropriety if the police search his home. He
Nabataean Ruins and the Jordanian Border — knows a little of the cause, but will not interfere in your
Two thousand years ago, a trading people known as the business or ask any questions. He’d prefer not to know
Nabataean ruled the region now called Jordan and built anything. As a doctor Mitchell, can also tend to your
outposts along their trade routes. Now their once grand wounds.
city of cliff stone is lost to the ages, but their legacy lives Jeddah — Al-Qabel, at the Zahab Street Overpass.
on in ruins and whispers. The Bedouin always believed Just before the juice stand is an old sewer grate hidden in
the Nabataean sites haunted and with good reason. the alley between two old buildings. Lift it and you’ll enter
They are. It is as though an entire nation became ghosts Jeddah’s ancient and now dry sewer system. Head east,
and refused to lie silent. They wandered the deserts, then turn left at the second junction and left at the next
angry and hateful. one after that. That main line would have brought you
Now that the dead are awake, the Nabataean directly to the Red Sea had the Al-Faisalia Plaza construc-
“shamblers,” those we call Thalmudites, return to those tion not collapsed the tunnels. Smugglers once brought
places they remembered in life, when the world pos- goods off docked ships past Jeddah’s Harbor Authority
sessed different borders. They cross the Jordanian frontier through this network. Now, the east-west line is aban-
into Arabia, following the ancient trade routes and doned and contains a maintenance room where hunters
bringing misery with each step. Hunters such as can hide. In it you’ll find a first-aid kit and three cots.
Muhammad ibn-Yousif in Al Jawfa protect the borders Interconnected tunnels are dead ends since the surround-
to the best of their ability, while others like Abu ing construction all but destroyed the old sewer lines. That
Qutayba, leader of the Sabah, guides his Bedouin tribe means there is only one way in or out, so be careful.
across the sands of Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia, NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
stalking monsters with his entire family. There is no Saudi Arabia shares borders with many smaller
greater honor than performing ikhwan al-harb (brother- countries, but I thought it prudent that you should
hood of war) or the communal wardance with his tribe benefit from the observations of other writers in the
in combat. This shared gift allows us to fight alongside cases of Qatar and Kuwait. The privilege of discussing
one another as one body, one mind. the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Yemen still falls
Khobar Towers — The Saudis have always provided to me, since these countries constitute the southern
for the Bedouin, and that has included building them four crescent of Saudi’s peninsula.
apartment towers in Khobar. This enclosed complex Oman — I love the Omani people, but I must say
shares an enormous underground parking lot and its own they have a very unusual country. Oman is traditional
stores and shops. The Bedouin, however, refused to move by the standards of Bahrain or Lebanon, but it allows the
into the apartments for fear of losing the open sky, and so Indians to maintain a temple to Shiva (this is almost
the buildings sit empty and abandoned. It is a foreboding unheard of among Muslims, who learn that polytheism
and decrepit part of Khobar’s skyline. More so, behind its is anathema to Allah). The landscape itself is moun-
boarded windows and chained gates is a sanctuary for tainous and beautiful, but oddly placed borders with the
monsters (rots at the very least) and droves of mortal United Arab Emirates (UAE) have created three Omans
slaves. We cannot attack it openly. The authorities separated from each other geographically. The largest is
obviously know enough to ignore it. And there are too Oman proper, which maintains an open border with the
many beasts within to attack it as fallen compatriots have UAE and Saudi Arabia. The second Oman is the quiet
discovered. Nor can we burn it down without killing the Musandam Peninsula to the north (at the Arabian
hostages and slaves. The only choice left is what we’ve Gulf’s Strait of Hormuz). The third is Madha, an island
been doing for the past few months. We sneak in occa- of territory within the UAE itself. They are all part of
sionally during daylight hours when all are asleep and the sultan’s territory and under the influence of the
rescue what children we can find. country’s Consultative Counsel. I hear this geographic
SAFE HAVENS puzzle creates an unusual situation in which the smaller
We have our share of monsters and we have our share “Omans” are actually enclaves for rich Arab akhira,
of hope. This is how it should be. Once you are familiar while the wilderness of Oman proper is a haven for
with these places, you will discover more on your own. monsters of the mountains.
Dhahran — 12 Falcon Court. This is a quiet The United Arab Emirates — The progressive
neighborhood of apartment homes linked together UAE is a league of seven affiliated nations and is
around a large courtyard. House #12 belongs to an exceedingly pro-West by any Arab standard, even by
American expatriate ally and doctor named Mitchell Israel’s. While Globetrotter expounds the virtues of
whose family lives in America during the school year. Bahrain, I believe the UAE is a far better starting point
He takes on boarders for a couple of weeks at a time, for visiting hunters. The two principal cities, the capital
except for June, July, the beginning of August and at the Abu Dhabi and Dubai are both bastions of Western
end of December. You must have a passport, identity architecture and aesthetics. In fact, Dubai hosts the best

44
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

nightlife of any Middle Eastern country save for Leba- outsiders, the Syrian people are genuine and sincere. If
non, and the price of gold is astoundingly cheap (the you ride public transports or taxis, you will share your
UAE is equivalent to a duty-free zone) for hunters ride with Syrians — most of whom engage you in
bypassing the exchange rates in other countries. With conversation since English is our second language (older
over 1.5 million Asian workers residing in the UAE, generations also know French). Don’t be surprised if a
you might also expect some hunters from the Far East to Syrian invites you for tea, dinner, to meet his family or
protect their people from harm. Fortunately, there does to watch television after speaking with you for only a
not appear to be a central threat or prevalent danger few minutes. This offer is rarely anything more than a
from monsters there, so hunters may not need to worry friendly gesture. It isn’t uncommon for such hosts to
about avoiding this location or that neighborhood. invite you to stay for a few days and expect nothing in
Yemen — My heart cries for Yemen. It is one of the return save for a civilized guest. This is the code of
poorest nations in the world, but it still struggles desper- hospitality in its purest form. While Bahrain can accli-
ately to pull its own people from the mire. Yemen’s mate you to the Arab world, Syria helps you understand
northern and southern halves, the latter of which was a the Arab people. Don’t be scared to question a host
socialist government, reunited recently. Despite at- about our customs, politics or geography. Sharing in-
tempts to create a democracy and move toward social sights about our own culture delights us.
enlightenment, the country is near destitute, with little I admit, Syria is not entirely faultless, but at least I
money for badly needed programs. It has among the can lay this blame at the feet of our government. Obtain
lowest literacy rates in the Arab world and suffers from your visa from your birth country well before arriving or
occasional riots when finances force the government to customs will turn you away. Internet providers are
lift its subsidies on wood and food. Yemen’s politics rely outlawed here and using adapters to dial long-distance
greatly on tribal coalitions and alliances, but are also is illegal. This does not mean it isn’t possible, just that
easy prey for influential or rich monsters. Local hunters the government will arrest and deport you. Syria is also
find themselves sorely outmatched by akhira who reput- home to different terrorist groups including the radical
edly pay the government large sums of money to maintain Hezbollah, the Popular Front for the Liberation of
private estates and palaces away from public scrutiny Palestine (PPLP), Hamas and the PPK. While our
and free from police meddling. One hunter who re- countryside is open to tourists, avoid the regions far
cently vanished (May Allah bless his way) told me that south of Damascus such as the Duruz mountain range
the Wadi Dahr palace outside the capital of San’a and those villages bordering Jordan and Israel. The PLO
always throws qat parties for Yemen’s political and once maintained camps there with Syria’s consent.
social elite. (Qat is a chewable narcotic that’s more With Arafat pursuing more respectable avenues of
popular locally than cigarettes.) The palace is a fortress liberation, these guerilla camps now belong to the
and the in-staff security all appears to be mortals en- Palestinian, and devoutly Islamic, Hamas, the PPLP
slaved to Adites. It isn’t uncommon to see guests leaving and Hezbollah. Along the northern border with Tur-
in similar straits. key, enclaves of Kurds support the PPK movement by
fighting the Turkish government for a new homeland.
SYRIA Syria continues to deny the activities or even presence
By: Jibril of these groups, but they sufficiently hamper Syria’s
Having studied and completed university in the diplomatic endeavors.
United States, I have an understanding of both cultures THE AUTHORITIES
and can say that my homeland Syria has earned an I know Americans don’t take Arab military prowess
undeserved reputation in the West. Syria once included seriously, and perhaps initially for good reason. Syria
Lebanon, Israel and Jordan. After WWII and liberation has always been a military state, however, so never
from Ottoman and later French occupiers, Syria lost forget that the police are well-armed and well-trained
those lands. For nearly a decade, we suffered coups and soldiers. I’ve heard that, thanks to Syria’s former con-
strife until the Ba’ath finally assumed power in 1954. tacts with the USSR, many of our newest military
Since then, the Ba’ath Socialist Party has treated Syria trainers are former members of Russia’s feared GRU.
well, despite a tumultuous and bloody 1960s filled with
Thakfully, Syria’s relations with the West are im-
overthrows and revolts.
proving. We’ve never held entire embassies hostage, so
Westerners never forgave us our “flirtations” with even the authorities bear no hostility or suspicion
the USSR or Communist advisors. But times change toward visitors. Do not walk around with weapons,
and while Syria is still a military state, it is the friendliest which the government restricts heavily, but neither
Arab country. In fact, Christians compose nearly 13% should you fear being detained or searched for no
of the population. The head of state is Muslim, but Syria apparent reason. That said, you are in a military state
has no official religion. and the authorities can misinterpret your pursuit of the
We fought Iraq in the Gulf War, lessened our cause as an act of sedition or terrorism. The Syrian
military stance toward Israel and now try to attract government is particularly vigilant, because of the pres-
tourists. Unlike Iranians, to whom visitors are still

45
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

ence of the Hamas, Hezbollah and PPK and because of know and respect her, but she is also horribly disfig-
potential retribution by Turkey or Israel. ured. She somehow survived her own suicide bombing,
EQUIPMENT NEEDS but not before the explosion wiped her features clean.
Finding common equipment such as medical or Many of us suspect she once served Adites, but she is
camping supplies is easy. The difficulty is in procuring more useful alive than dead. She negotiates the sale
weapons or Internet access. You can solve the latter of weapons and contraband, but be warned that she
problem by sneaking in a laptop, a RJ-11 telephone often haggles for higher prices in order to force you or
connector and a two-pin round adapter for a 220-volt anyone else into buying weapons through favors.
plug. Just be sure you’re ready to lose this equipment if These obligations include smuggling and potential
your bribe attempt fails (which is rare). If you are outside mercenary work.
a major city such as Damascus or Aleppo, you can’t call THE WORLD OF AKHIRA
your Internet provider since you must make the call If I were to chose one place where evil infests, it
through the operator who phones you back when the would be the Old City of Damascus, where the streets
line is open. wind like a dancing dervish and the lanes are so narrow
As for weapons, finding and dealing with the Syrian that overhanging rooftops connect to create alleys of
black market is a tricky venture. You need American darkness. We’ve heard rumors that mortal blood cults
money to complete transactions. The Syrian black and ancient walking dead make homes in buildings long
market relies heavily on the Turkish Mafia (the second forgotten by history. More upsetting are the allies we
largest in the world after the Italian). Syria only benefits frequently lose in the city’s heart and the rumor that a
from its northern neighbor because of its proximity to plague of ants ate one hunter’s insides out while he still
the drug and weapon pipeline originating in Afghani- lived. At best, all we can do is deal with the seemingly
stan and cutting across Iran before hitting southeastern abundant number of mortal slaves that serve Adites in
Turkey. If the Syrian black market is lucky enough, it Old Damascus.
sometimes profits from a redirected caravan that reaches Another place that is less dangerous, but for some
Ain Diwar or Hassake in northeastern Syria. strange reason draws creatures such as shamblers, is the
In this case, the woman to speak to is Selma cloth market of Khan al-Jumruk in the Aleppo’s old
Mahra, a supposed lieutenant in Turkey’s PKK and a district. Southeast of the Great Mosque, this suq (also
former member of the Kurdistan Free Women’s Union called bazaar and khan) dates back to the Ottoman
(a female suicide-bomber group). People in Ain Dawar period and is a labyrinth of alleys and stalls. The high-

46
 CHAPTER 1: IN ALLAH’S HOME

vaulted ceilings and thick support columns create a there is an overgrown sidetrack where an abandoned
dark interior, and the flood of people makes it prime and rusting train cab sits. The doors are chained and the
hunting ground for creatures looking to feast on the windows are boarded up, but underneath the cab is a
helpless. If you’re new to the city, you can also find hole in the floor that you can crawl through. The
other hunters here. Just pay attention to the graffiti or accommodations are sparse. A pile of smelly seat cush-
hand-painted signs and you will encounter familiar ions makes an acceptable mattress. I also ensure that the
Western symbols. first-aid kit and canned foods are well stocked.
SAFE HAVENS NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES
As a foreigner, you have many options for sanc- Syria shares her borders with many countries, in-
tuary, including invitations off the street. If you cluding Jordan. Relations between our two nations shift
need to sleep or you’re hungry, take a bus ride and constantly, but there has been a recent push toward
you might be lucky enough to receive an invitation mutual understanding. That said….
from a local. Do not, however, abuse this privilege Jordan — Avoid this place like the plague. Hunters
by overextending your welcome or by leading mon- along her southern borders all report a trickle of mon-
sters to your host. sters passing through. Within Jordan itself, the life span
If you’re being followed or are injured, try the following. of kiswah is shockingly short and brutal, but whether it’s
Aleppo — Khan an-Nahaseen. This suq borders because the local akhira are organized or because they
Khan al-Jumruk on the east and is even more of a actually run the small country remains unknown. If you
maze than its neighbor. Western hunter markings do journey there, restrict your travels to the capitol
lead you deep into the bazaar until you find an old, Amman, where it is safest, and avoid the southern half
white Suzuki van almost wedged between two perma- where our kind vanish quickly.
nent stalls. It serves as a makeshift booth for the Jordan itself is quaint enough, but has always wa-
owner. If you squeeze past the van and neighboring vered between a pro-West/Israeli stance and an
stall, you’ll find a doorway out of sight from the suq’s anti-West outlook. I believe the reason for this confu-
foot traffic. Inside is a small room with bandages, sion is twofold. Jordan is caught firmly between Israel’s
iodine and a smelly hole in the ground that serves as flank and its neighbors Syria, Saudi Arabia and Iraq. If
a toilet. If the stall’s owner knows someone is resting a full war erupts between Arabs and Zionists, Jordan
in the room, he’ll leave you some fresh bread, fruits knows is the staging ground. Furthermore, 75% of
and water in a basket under the van’s hood (the Jordan’s population were, within three or four genera-
engine block is missing). tions, Palestinians. They sympathize with the PLO’s
Damascus — Halbouni Street. At the Hejaz Train plight but they can never truly “understand” the suffer-
Station, along the track closest to Halbouni Street, ing of their homeless brothers and sisters.

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CHAPTER 2:
BY HIS BREATH
Alif lam ra. These are the verses of the Wise Book: Does it seem strange to
mankind that We revealed Our will to a mortal from among themselves, saying:
‘Give warning to mankind, and proclaim good tidings to the faithful: their
endeavors shall be rewarded by their Lord’?
— The Koran, Surah: 10:1 [Jonah]

By: Tarjiman220 dozens, each as different from the other as each of Allah’s
A Sufi mendicant once told me of four blind men breaths. We drew together, men and women, Muslim,
who encountered an elephant for the first time. The first Christian and Jew alike all for a single purpose: fraternity.
man grabbed the tail and said the elephant was long and This great conference was a call for unity and purpose
limp like a rope. The second man touched the elephant’s of expression. It failed. Yet it was also successful in a
foot and said it felt thick and callused like a palm tree. The manner we never anticipated. We hoped the conference
third touched the elephant’s trunk and said it was round would serve as a rallying point, but our greatest hurdle was
and moved like a snake, while the fourth touched its belly understanding who we were and how we came to exist as
and said it was as great and as wide as the heavens. kiswah. It seemed imperative to everyone that to formu-
Salaam, my friends. I welcome you as late witnesses late a consensus of opinion, we should at least realize
to a great event that transpired across the Middle East a where we came from. Even in a region seemingly united
few weeks ago. It was the first time the kiswah made a under a banner of Islam, we disagreed on principles of
concerted effort to join together at a predetermined time faith, politics and sadly on principles of ignorance. Within
(12:00 noon) to unify our voices and make all our those disagreements, however, came insight and new
opinions heard. Using the kufic script adorning our world, conjecture as to our existence and our role in the world.
we gathered in Baghdad’s hammams (baths), Tehran’s What you are about to read is a privilege. Never forget
mosques, Amman’s madrassas (schools), Riyadh’s muse- this. I initially hoped to show Western hunters that their
ums, Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock, Damascus’ Umayyad eastern neighbors could reach an appreciation and under-
Mosque, Cairo’s Ibn Tulun Mosque and the great Ka’bah standing of one another. I hoped to present us as a unified
herself in Mecca. Others, like the Bedouin kiswah or those front. Sadly, that unity is a lie, but this simple truth also brings
living in villages spoke from their homes through kufic us all closer together. We are no greater or lesser than you.
script engraved on metal plates or inscribed atop book I present you highlights of the information several
pages with elaborate flourish. others and I managed to transcribe by the conference’s
To those fellaheen sitting or standing close to us while ends. I do not agree with many theories, but I am not a judge
we communicated and listened, we appeared the odd and of people’s hearts. That falls to Allah. I therefore bid you
displaced Muslim devotees who meditated intently upon take and reject of this what you will. After all, we are all
the words of the Koran. Had they seen across the Arab blind men. It is perhaps in the listening that we may
world, they would have known we numbered in the understand what neither sight nor touch alone affords.

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ORIGIN THEORIES Hasan of Basra: Hasan is among the eldest and most
revered of the Sufi saints. He was a gifted orator. The
Mutazila credit him as the founder of their movement.
For some, it is enough believing Allah is supreme to
know that He created everything within the world. Evil The Mutazila, in turn, believed Allah did not control the
exists for its reasons, as do we. I ascribe to this faith, but I actions of all, for that dismissed the notion of free will.
do not think it precludes questioning why the world is as Instead, Allah created the good and just, leaving human-
it is. Blind faith is a disservice to Allah, for He gave us the ity and jinn responsible for their own fates. These hunters
ability to reason through our doubts. By simply believing do not hold Allah responsible for their condition.
that evil lives because Allah wills it is the same as Ribe’a al-Adawiya: A female saint and a renowned
accepting its presence as meritorious. Obviously, we celibate, she endured slavery as a child before finding her
cannot, for then evil is always justified in its actions. way through Islamic mysticism. She represents the pious
Everything in Islam, from our laws to our pursuits, women who spoke at the conference. (Allah praise their
remains open to debate and public deliberation. The Sunni ability to endure their less-chivalrous brethren.)
built their sect on the precept that the community decides Somnun: This saint was an authority on mystical
religious practices and the formation of laws, and we must do love before others denounced his work. He represents
the same. My colleagues and I pieced together the following those hunters who believe our answers lie in alliances
excerpts from the conference with this precept in mind. In with the pious among the monsters.
many cases, we could not discern the origin of certain While we do not change the spirit of these groups
thoughts. Each argument or point possessed its share of words, we have shortened sentences or compiled them
supporters, and eventually each outlook hosted a chorus of together to fit into specific categories. This way the
voices from multiple writers. We combined these voices into different arguments do not confuse you, the reader.
one and named them after Muslim saints and mystics for the
sake of facility, so you rarely hear a single voice. You are about THE NIGHTLY VISITANTS
to read the dissonant echoes of a fractured chorus. (WHO ARE THE MESSENGERS?)
‘Abd al-Latif: While neither a celebrated Sufi mystic Hasan: How can we claim one voice, one action,
nor saint, ‘Abd al-Latif was a well-known legal and when we still do not see who speaks to us? To fight against
medical scholar in Baghdad who extolled the virtues of the enemy we must know our generals, but that fact eludes
scientific acumen during Islam’s Golden Age. We lend us. Why are we here? Who charged us with this duty? We’ve
his name to those following the sciences rather than agreed to call them the Nightly Visitants as quoted within
religion (even though ‘Abd himself was a pious man). the Koran, but that brings us no closer to the truth.
Ahmad ibn Harb: Ahmad “son of War” was a Ahmad: True soldiers need no generals to recognize
traditionalist and a warrior of the jihad. He represents our the enemy. The enemy makes himself apparent by his
brethren who do not question their duties, but who fight
actions. And by my just struggles, I am apparent to Allah.
with unswerving loyalty and a disregard for the defense-
less around them. Al-Fozail: Indeed warrior of faith, your words ring true.
Al-Fozail ibn Iyaz: This former bandit later recanted Does the Koran itself not say in Surah 22:39: Permission to
his sinful ways and earned great attention as an authority take up arms is hereby given to those who are attacked, because
on the traditions. He was a fearless and outspoken orator. they have been wronged. Allah has power to grant them
He represents those hunters who still fuel their arguments victory…. Does this not imply that Allah, as author of these
with words from the Koran. Islam proved their beginning words, is in fact our creator? We became kiswah because we
and it will serve them in their last days. recognized evil and struggled against it. We affirmed the
jihad through our actions and Allah granted us the power to
Beshr ibn al-Hareth: Once a student of the traditions,
he turned his back upon the accepted teachings and lived fight. We look to the sun and moon, hoping to find the
as a pauper and beggar, learning from meditation and life cause of our condition, but the answer lies before us all.
around him. The Beshr kiswah represent those who turn Hasan: An interesting argument. Allah helps he who
their backs on the traditional interpretations of the Koran helps himself. But even this statement is problematic if I rely
and educate themselves through their experiences. solely upon the Koran for my arguments. What is your answer
Dho ‘l-Nun al-Misri: One of the truest Islamic mys- for Surah 4:34? It says women are subject to men’s will, yet
tics, he was a master of alchemy and magic, and understood here fight alongside us as proven equals. What of Surah 33:33
the ancient language of the Egyptian pharaohs. Although (women’s sole duty is to stay home and protect their honor)?
imprisoned for heresy, he eventually earned his freedom By your reasoning, Allah gave them power too, but the
and sainthood. The Dho ‘l-Nun believe the secrets to their Koran states otherwise. Surely this is proof enough that the
existence lies in the Jahiliyyah (the Time of Ignorance) Koran alone cannot provide all answers. If it could, then
before Islam’s birth, when the tribes worshipped idols. what of free will and our ability to chose our destinies?
Al-Hallaj: Al-Hallaj, a believer in reincarnation and Al-Fozail: Perhaps their gifts are not from Allah.
a well-traveled mystic, is still controversial to Islamic Perhaps women’s powers are of Shaitan?
thought even after his execution for heresy. It is only fitting Ribe’a: Nonsense! I cannot tell you who the Nightly
we named those with the most disputed theories after him. Visitants are, but I will tell you as a woman that I heard

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the same voices and read the same words as all of you. If ‘Abd: From religion to flights of fancy? Can you
my powers are of Shaitan, then you share my shame. sabotage our efforts at reasonable dialogue any further?
Al-Hallaj: Perhaps then all our powers are of the Dho ‘l-Nun: Listen for a moment and remember our
Devil. Doesn’t the Koran say Shaitan will sow discord among heritage. Remember the Middle East is far older than Islam.
you? Isn’t that what’s happening now with all this dissent? Al-Fozail: Yes, we call it the Jahiliyyah (the Time of
Ribe’a: That is not what I meant. No, I do not Ignorance) for good reason. Pagan worship, infanticide,
believe we are of Shaitan, either. The Koran says Allah dishonoring of women. Islam did well to wipe away all
honors His promises, but Shaitan honors none of them. knowledge of those dark times.
These powers were never offered to us. We had no Dho ‘l-Nun: But that’s not true, is it! We kept certain
choice. Neither did anyone promise us anything for our traditions from the Jahiliyyah alive. The Bedouin customs
troubles in return. They came to us as duties and obliga- of hospitality and the folktales are still with us. What if we
tions and only Allah can make such demands. We put ignored other truths? Ancient customs tell us of the maskh
into them what we believe, nothing more. (humanity’s ability to take the likeness of animals, trees and
Somnun: What of jinn? We look to God or Allah or even rocks). What of the Bani-Sakhr tribe, the “Children of
Yahweh for answers, but what if our powers come from the Rock,” who were descendents of a mountain? Or the
the very creatures we fight? tribe in southern Yemen whose members could become
Hasan: How so? wolves? What if we are offspring of those tribes and thus
Somnun: The Koran says that jinn and spirits, like supernatural ourselves? What if our Nightly Visitants are
mortals, are capable of sin and redemption. Unlike Chris- nothing but the whispers of our ancestors?
tians, we do not believe in an “Original Sin” that Adam Al-Fozail: Heresy! Allah alone is the voice of our
passed down, which means all creatures are responsible for hearts. To suggest otherwise is to worship false idols!
their actions. Taking this argument a step further, we know ‘Abd: This is ignorant. I don’t deny anyone his
not all monsters are our enemies. Some bear us no ill will at spiritual explanation for the Nightly Visitants, but I can’t
all and have in fact helped us in our cause. So, if this is true, accept anything that I can’t prove. It’s a matter of science
might it also reason that some invested us with their power that certain organs become vestigial after a time, like the
to help them fight those who would commit evil? Maybe the appendix and little toe, while others grow more promi-
Nightly Visitants are in fact possessing spirits or jinn? nent. We might be seeing a new phase of human evolution.
Dho ‘l-Nun: Or maybe we are jinn ourselves? The Nightly Visitants might be nothing more than the

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ego playing mediator between the reality of our existence Beshr: I do not question the existence of akhira any
and our personal views of the world. more than I question Allah. I fear, though, that we emerged
Hasan: I believe in faith as a guide and science as a tool. because we are witness to a new Jahiliyyah, a return to pagan
But if science is such a vaunted quality in your life, then ignorance. While the West is not inherently evil, for
please answer me this: How are you communicating with example, we absorb her worst qualities. We prize income
us right now? Is it through the Internet? Or are you willing over hospitality and global politics over piety. We do not
your words through Islamic script? Why is it our thoughts follow Allah as we once did. We disrespect women’s honor
work through only Arabic script and not Hebrew or Latin and we embrace materialism. Perhaps we are not hunters
text? I know foreign hunters reading this right now, without but keepers of Allah’s intentions for the different religions
understanding Arabic. Does science account for that? I of the one God? Perhaps, as others claim, we are bulwarks
doubt it (which sadly means our opinions of our origins are against infidels and the unfaithful. We counter the return
everywhere and nowhere at once). to ignorance and the renunciation of values.
Dho ‘l-Nun: Our answers lie trapped beneath the
THE ORIGINS OF THE AKHIRA AND OUR PURPOSE sands of the Jahiliyyah, when the Bedouin worshipped the
By: Tarjiman220 stars and stones, the sky and water. Before Muhammad
As you can see, the discussion on the Nightly Visitants brought Islam to us, there was a Bedouin chieftain named
caused great debate. The origin of monsters was no less Amr who ruled over Mecca. Upon the advice of a jinn, he
eventful. We could not discuss the akhira without wonder- rode to the shores of Juddah where he found great and
ing what tied us together, and thus the truth of our purpose. ancient statues washed upon the beach. He brought them
This created two entirely different arguments and sent us back to Mecca, placed them around the city in a giant ring
into a chaos that nearly unraveled our efforts to communi- and summoned all the tribes of Arabia. From each chieftain
cate. What we include here is a summarized account of he demanded an oath to the new gods and then allowed
theories supported by the main groups. We could not follow each tribe to take one statue back with it. That is how
some arguments, which often digressed from their original idolatry spread across the region according to the legends.
points (or died when too many voices fought to be heard). You wish to know where the akhira come from? Many
Instead, we present these views as statements of belief for of us know they are descendents of those tribes who never
each group after compiling their best and chief articles. forsook the idols or false gods Amr gave them. Somewhere
Ahmad: Our course is set by another, so why do we across Arabia, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt and Palestine are
waste our breath debating our al-Ghariyyan, our gifts or these buried idols, protected by bands of their most faithful.
the nature of our enemy? They exist whether we ques- To truly vanquish the monsters, you must find and destroy
tion them or not, so we should fight now and seek our their totem gods. We know this because some of us glimpsed
answers when we arrive in Paradise. these ancient stone giants resting in Arabia’s Empty Quar-
Our greatest folly lies in our choice of enemies. We ter or within hidden ruins beneath Jerusalem. Both times,
struggle to save the fellaheen, but they have nothing to fear they were too well guarded to approach.
if they lead exemplary lives. Allah rewards the faithful with Al-Hallaj: Might it reason that if Allah created
Paradise and the unfaithful with the fires of Hell. The man from clay and the jinn from smokeless fire, that He
Koran (Surah 9:123) says: O you who believe! Fight the created the others from different elements? When we
unbelievers who are near to you and let them find ruthlessness in destroy an Adite he becomes spent ash. It makes sense
you, and know that God is with those who fear Him. Our that these creatures were born of the cold hearth and
enemies are unbelievers, not simply akhira. Our struggle is from fires long spent. Others like Thalmudites might be
against heretics, whether they are ins (mortal), jinn, fellaheen, spirits who found black loam, the soft clay Allah used to
kiswah, Christian or Jew. We shall spare none in this war. make us, and inhabited it to form new bodies.
Al-Fozail: The Koran tells us all we need to know of Hasan: We speak of these creatures’ origins, but you do
the akhira and their origins. Allah fashioned the world not need to know your enemy’s mother to know he is your
according to His wishes and He creates new creatures with adversary. Monsters exist in varied forms and with different
each breath. Who are we to question why these creatures agendas, and the Koran, Bible, Torah and countless other
live? Do we demand answers of the lion or the dove? Do books speak of their existence as pre-dating ours. Maybe we
they demand answers from us? The Koran says that all men should take lessons from our Western compatriots and ask
and jinn are born with the ability to think and the capacity what has changed that demands our presence here. If we are
for piety or sin. We do not question their existence because to believe folklore and legends, the akhira have always lived
it would mean we question Allah’s work. Neither do we alongside us and they never followed any doctrines of unity.
judge them, for that is His right alone. We do, however, Perhaps we are the new monsters of the world. Perhaps it
protect the fellaheen from harm. And if that means killing, is we who are out of place.
so be it. Surah 4:75 says: And how should you not fight for the Ribe’a: I believe the Westerners rightly question
cause of Allah, and for the helpless old men, women, and “what changed?” If akhira always existed, then what
children who say: ‘Deliver us, Lord, from this city of wrongdo- necessitates our presence here and now? The Koran says:
ers; send forth to us a guardian from Your presence; send to us Let them be. The day the crier summons them to the dread
from Your presence one that will help us’? account, they shall come out from their graves with downcast

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eyes, and rush towards him like swarming locusts. Perhaps it duty? Well that depends on who blessed us with these
is not the monsters that are different, but the coming of abilities. Who gave us these powers? Ah, well that
judgment day that demands our presence. Perhaps the depends on who we are. The cycle of confusion begins
end is upon us and the dead grow bold or swell in ranks anew with no question answered specifically.
because we stand on the cusp of Allah’s reckoning. It is difficult being atheist in the Middle East. Evidence
Perhaps then we are the munadi (the criers) who demand of all three religions abounds in daily life, and our expres-
an accounting for the action of the supernatural. sion of faith is a public celebration. Ergo, Arabs generally
Somnun: The Bedouins maintained a tradition of approach the process philosophically and debate the impli-
mediators to help conflicting sides settle disagreements cations of our existence according to religious perceptions.
peacefully and without losing face. We call ourselves war- Since the formation of Islam, all Arabs (regardless of faith)
riors and hunters, and these roles may be necessary sometimes. have been forced to interpret Allah’s (God’s) meaning and
But we must also play mediators between the akhira and the wishes. The Koran serves as guide and it demands unyield-
fellaheen, for even great warriors like Saladin understood ing devotion, but that does not exclude interpretation of
when truces and alliances were preferable to confrontation. Muhammad’s words. We know we must obey, but we must
first understand the intent of those words. This is why our
AL-KISWAH: THE HUNTERS arguments seem circular, with the existence of ourselves
By: Tarjiman220 tied into duty and into the very nature of our enemies.
We are divided when it comes to identifying our- AL-GHARIYYAN: THE IMBUING
selves. Some Arabs, particularly those in Lebanon and We call the moment of the change al-Ghariyyan, or
Egypt, rely on Western models for definition, while blood-stained, for once the Nightly Visitants awaken us
some Zionist hunters name themselves according to the from our world as fellaheen, our hands are never clean
Sefirot (or emanations of God). Because the Middle East again. For many, the voices of the Nightly Visitants
is overwhelmingly Muslim, I use our most common warn us of the akhira. The remainder are not so fortu-
definitions to spare our Western allies the confusion. nate; a quiet awakening does not befall them. Fire or
I won’t lie to you my friends; our arguments con- light surrounds them like a cape or winds whip into a
cerning ourselves, our enemies and even the Messengers fevered pitch, tormenting the poor subjects.
are tied together in one fantastic, convoluted knot. Our imbuing is much the same as yours in the West,
Who are we? Well that depends on our duty. What is our from what I interpret, save that I’ve heard more instances
of violent and overt manifestations of the change among
ISRAELI SEFIROT our kind than among you. At the heart of al-Ghariyyan are
By: Hope123 three principles that form the foundations of our out-
Some Israeli hunters draw their names from their looks. They dictate what we wish to gain from the cause.
religious heritage. I don’t follow this practice unless From there we fashion our purpose, but rely upon the
speaking with Sefirot hunters, in which case I respect Koran for guidance and assume a role following one of the
their wishes and naming conventions. The Sefirot take six pillars of Islam that best exemplifies our actions and
their name from Sefir Behir, the book of brilliance and choices. These are not names, as hunters understand
a form of Judaic mysticism. One of its tenets is the them, for we are all simply kiswah. Instead they are
Sefirot, or the emanations of God’s inner being. It is like designations or statements of our purpose as we believe it.
a tree, with God or Keter Elyon (Supreme Crown) at CLEMENCY
the top of the tree. There are ten Sefirot with different By: Jibril
names and functions according to interpretations, but Allah is merciful, so why aren’t we all as patient as
some Israeli hunters choose the following: Him? Those of us who want to understand the akhira
Din: Meaning “Judgment,” it describes those remember the Koran and every Surah within that be-
who decide a monster’s guilt or purity. gins: In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the
Gevurah: Meaning “Power.” Warriors draw on Merciful…. Our al-Ghariyyan comes with a light that
this name to signify their strength. envelops us and warms our souls, whether others see it
Hokhmah: This describes the quality of “Wis- or not. It destroys the shadows of doubt and in the
dom,” a trait exhibited by our prophets and dreamers. moment of the becoming wipes away all hesitation.
Nezah: “Lasting Endurance.” An appropriate At the heart of this philosophy is the knowledge that
description of hunters who protect humanity from we must pursue our duties with open hearts and an under-
monsters and their fellows who have gone astray. standing of our supposed enemy. This is why we choose the
Rahamim: Also called “Compassion.” It is a Salat (Prayer) and the Zakat(Almsgiving) as our pillars of
logical name for those who convert the beasts. strength; they both bespeak of forgiveness and compassion.
Those drawing upon the Salat (Prayer) for guidance believe
Tiferet: This proved a difficult choice, but we can convert or save the monsters. Whenever we pray,
eventually “Beauty” seemed appropriate for hunters we admit to Allah’s greatness and our devotion to Him. We
like myself. We seek the beauty in all. remember that Allah alone judges us all and that we must

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treat one another as equals beneath His eyes. Thus, there So-called fervent hunters rely on three pillars to
are no monsters. There is only action and purpose. Unfor- strengthen their resolve and focus their sense of purpose.
tunately, some of our more fervent brethren believe this They are Ramadan (Fasting), Haj (Pilgrimage) and finally
precept allows them to interfere in the lives of fellaheen and Jihad (the Struggle). These are arduous paths requiring
even foreign hunters, for the true significance of their duties dedication of faith over mind. In the end, we emerge better
lies with the intent of others. men for our commitment to our cause and to Allah. Perhaps
Those who follow the Zakat (Almsgiving) for strength that’s why al-Ghariyyan is consecrated in fire. Sometimes our
are friends to the world. It represents their naivete and the heart is the furnace fueling our passions and forging our
notion that they do well for others without knowing who strength, while other times it is a baptism of flame that erupts
or what they help. The Zakat is giving alms without from our very skin, scouring away uncertainty. I have even
question and without judgment, much the same as help- heard of some hunters unworthy of their al-Ghariyyan, who
ing anyone regardless of cost. These hunters are dangerous burned to death in infernos of their own making.
because they have no true enemy. At their extreme, they Hunters who call upon Ramadan or the Pillar of Fasting
can actually join with monsters to fight us, believing to bolster their resolve protect humanity first and foremost.
themselves champions of the oppressed. There is a thin Fasting is a time of great sacrifice and introspection. A
line between goodwill and blindness. follower of Ramadan embodies these strengths, sacrificing
ASPIRATION personal well being to ensure the safety of others, regardless
By: Omeed of the rigors of his duty. Pursuing this path is a proactive
Being aspired means you adhere to one philosophy choice, because defending someone means you must be there
alone: there is “no God but Allah, and Muhammad is His before something hurts them. Likewise, fasting means ac-
Prophet.” Everything else is conjecture; beyond this truth, tively seeking out that arduous path and staying the course
we are truly ignorant. Those of us on this path say their al- day by day, week by week. The danger in this, of course, lies
Ghariyyan was like a chattering wind that blew away their in giving too much of yourself. These hunters can suffer from
conceptions and filled their heads with new thoughts and starvation because they’ve forgotten how to feed themselves.
realizations. If you truly listened to the wind, you’d know it Other hunters are careful while pursuing their duties and
wasn’t a gust of air, but the breath of a thousand voices from rely on the Pillar of Haj (Pilgrimage) to draw their purpose.
the past. Sometimes they speak for our ears alone. Other Their participation in the Haj demonstrates their ability to
times, they’re like a storm centered on us. Always the winds plan and make decisions according to informed opinions. Like
are the voices of the past and they tell us we’re not a new the pilgrim, a hunter of this pillar recognizes that he doesn’t
phenomenon. We’re simply a new generation. If that’s travel alone. He bases his judgment of other travelers on
true, then we might not only be seers of the future. We individual merit, not racial misconceptions. The Haj is a
might be links to the past, helping hunters remember where gathering of Muslims from across the world, be they blond-
they’re from. Now if only the voices could stop talking in haired Europeans or dark-haired Asians. They travel with one
unison, I’d understand them. Until then, we serve other another, share their meals and pray to the same God. The
hunters by giving them direction and answering their kiswah of this path does not make uninformed decisions
frightened questions. We’re almost the new prophets of this concerning other people, and he plans his steps carefully. But
existence, filling a niche that religion has left empty and these arbiters can go too far by wasting their time planning and
Allah left unanswered. judging. They can be so concerned with making the right
Hunters relying on the Shahada (Profession of Faith) decisions that they never accomplish anything.
know Allah is our only anchor in the world. It is our one Every war needs soldiers who sometimes act instead of
truth, our one certainty. Understanding this means we deliberate. Hunters with the Pillar of Jihad are such people.
can face all other obstacles knowing nothing can ever They’re warriors with intention in action and the force of will
surpass the Shahada. It allows us to explore the theories given a blade. Don’t mistake this determination for blind-
and frightening realizations that other kiswah are afraid to ness, though. No hunter wins wars without understanding
admit or confront. And yet, the danger of this realization the situation and assessing the challenges before him. There
is staying too close to the anchor itself. If this is our only must be struggle, but your war should always be just.
truth, some say the world itself is illusion. They ignore all Many warriors of Jihad such as myself fight a three-
other concerns around themselves because the only mat- pronged battle. The jihad against the enemy is our most
ter of consequence is Allah. obvious function. The jihad against the devil is to maintain
FERVOR your devout intention and action. And the war against
ourselves reminds us to resist the most obvious decisions
By: Fatwa243
and to plan. The hunter who fights without direction or
Call it religious fervor if you want, but Arabs are care for those around him is a barbarian. Take the Crusad-
passionate about many things. Islam itself demands we ers. When they conquered Jerusalem they celebrated God’s
show dedication to Allah through expressions of faith so-called faith in them by raping women and slaughtering
that Westerners have trouble understanding. They be- children. Where’s the victory in despoiling your own gains?
lieve this makes us fanatics, but I call it having a sense A wise soldier knows when to defeat opponents through
of direction and moral grounding. force, piety or even through simple words. Unfortunately,
54
 CHAPTER 2: BY HIS BREATH

WHERE ARE THE BLEEDING SAINTS? are accompanied by poetry. Nobody knows how to play
these pieces properly and we cannot record them ourselves.
By: Wildcatter184 We don’t even know where to start. Was this a kiswah
Some of us back home are said to willingly sacri- ability we forgot, or is witchcraft involved? All we can do
fice themselves for the benefit of others. Supposedly is collect the songs like shards of a shattered dish. We have
they have their own capabilities, too. I call them no glue to piece them together. The seeming messages in
saints, but sorry chums, the Arabs don’t consider saints this music might be the only evidence of our past, and the
a unique brand of kiswah. Islam admires saints because meaning is infuriatingly incomplete. Because traditional
it means they had the religious stones to hurt or kill Arabic music relies on a unique quarter-note composition,
themselves for the faith, but they aren’t a separate too many variations have corrupted the original message.
brand of people. Every hunter has the ability to martyr If a song speaks of anything beyond the odd personal
himself for the cause. Kiswah of the Jihad can sacrifice victory or the haunting recitation of personal tragedy, it is
their lives by holding off a horde of beasties while their that we are not alone. I believe the kiswah exist like waves
friends escape. Those who follow Ramadan become against the shore. We are never constant, but emerge when
saints when they lose themselves in their roles, while our people need us the most. Perhaps we lived amid Islam’s
Salat hunters earn that mantle when they assume Golden Age, when the legendary Talib worked alongside
responsibility for the sins of others. Everyone can be a mystics, poets and sages to preserve the legends of the jinn for
“saint.” You’ve just got to have a strong enough will posterity. Before then, maybe we existed in Biblical times as
(which, by the way, makes you a good Muslim, not a recounted by the legends of the mighty Samson and the wise
hunter). Some Arabs believe that the fervour to Solomon who conquered and vanquished 72 evil jinn.
become a saint even grants certain capabilities. Perhaps centuries — even millennia — separate one genera-
tion of heroes from the next. We simply don’t know.
some kiswah of the Jihad act more like Crusaders than We may never profit directly from the advice of our
Muslims. To them, the enemy falls into easy categories predecessors, but that might be for the best. Perhaps their
based on geography, politics, religion or even gender.
HISTORICAL RELEVANCE THE VOICES
By: al-Amin
By: Tarjiman220
Are we unique to the current day or are we part of a long
line of hunters who emerge every few centuries to fight the While I cannot share everything al-Amin and I
akhira? Before we all treated the ancient legends and myths discovered through our musical research, the following
as fables, but can we afford that luxury now? All mythologies is a good start. It is the best account I can make of the story
speak of great hunters, warriors and sages who, on the merit imparted implicitly to me through the song we heard. It
of their extraordinary strength or ingenuity, quelled the is relatively complete compared to the solitary word or
supernatural. These tales could certainly suit our own ex- sentence extracted from some songs, but even with our
ploits if we were exposed to the fellaheen of today. success, you see the shortcomings of our discovery.
I do believe we possess a history, if not ancestors, from The tears fell [unknown] roses, quenching no blos-
which to draw inspiration. I also know that our proof lies som, [unknown] stone heaven unbroken [unknown] for
within the ancient songs of the Bedouins. Tribal music roots of flowers without sunlight… never [unknown]
relies on repetition and refinement of existing models, sunlight again… am I forgotten in this manner… no
meaning that many of the songs played centuries ago still [unknown] than spent arrows upon the battlefield?… No,
survive relatively intact to this day. The music of the I am the torch [unknown] [unknown] world of worms. I
nomads of Jordan, Egypt, Syria and Saudi Arabia does not am his blade [unknown] divine [unknown]… let the afreet
change rhythm or emphasis. It is purely creative and not [Tarjiman: A type of terrible jinn] come [unknown]
representational of anything. Like kufic script, however, [unknown] [unknown] him [unknown] [unknown]
the music carries the message of the musician, even his way… I am caretaker [unknown] [unknown] warrens
original voice, in the form of a mystical recording. Tarjiman beneath this happy Roman [unknown] [unknown] Felix
and I discovered this a few months ago when listening to [?]… I hunt alone, I hunt with [unknown].
Bedouins play an old piece. We heard a broken and Segments of this song are incomprehensible, but I
disconnected voice droning through the mismar (a twin- believe I understand a portion of the text. The reference
piped clarinet), the tambourine-like daff and the stringed to Roman, happy and Felix might relate to the Saudi
rebab. Nobody else seemed to hear it. We spoke to the peninsula. The ancient Romans called it Arabia Felix or
musicians, who must have thought us mad, but they agreed “happy Arabia” (possibly because it was inhospitable),
to vary certain notes until the voice emerged stronger. It though I’m not certain the word is actually Felix. Whom-
was still broken like a cup, but a voice spoke of its battles ever hid the message within the song might speak about
against the supernatural and its struggles against the jinn. the reputed rivers beneath the Saudi sands, said by
We now listen to the vast repository of Bedouin music, Bedouins to link large oases together. If these rivers exist,
but encounter the odd scattered revelation only in Sufi we’ve never found them.
compositions designed to play with repeated notes and that
55
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

words or even actions no longer hold merit in this age of

telecommunications and the Internet. Maybe their truth of
“an eye for an eye” is no longer necessary in an age when we
seek global enlightenment. Perhaps it is Allah’s way of
teaching us that yesterday’s truths are best left to yesterday.
I, for one, am intrigued to have learned that we might have
existed before in other forms, but it does nothing to still my
seeking mind. I am no different for it. Why would I seek
answers in a past that holds no relevance for my future?
GOD’S CLEVER LIES
By: Tarjiman220
The following claim came from the great convention that
brought many of us together. You already know we believe
Allah gave us these powers, but I thought it unfair to present
one viewpoint alone. All voices have a place here. I cannot
play judge for what I believe is right or wrong. Although many
kiswah disregarded this next argument, we listened because the
thought behind it was foreign to our experience (if not
troubling in its assertions). Alas, I cannot attribute it to any
writer, for it emerged from amidst a sea of conflicting thoughts
and statements. I therefore list it under the voice ofDho ‘l-Nun,
or those who subscribe to outlandish beliefs.
Dho ‘l-Nun: Maybe it is simple for you to accept that
Allah brings you these gifts because you do not have to
question your reality. What do you fear? Are you afraid
your power comes from something not of Allah? Are you
afraid you are harbingers of a new faith or even of a new
God? You cannot tell me the thought doesn’t plague your
hearts already. I can tell it does by how quickly you dismiss
any argument refuting Allah as your benefactor.
What would you do if you discovered you were the
prophet of a new religion? I acknowledge Islam as Allah’s third
revelation following Judaism and Christianity, but who says it
ends there? What if we are the heralds of a fourth or fifth
revelation, a contemporary testament to bring the world into
the age of technology? Worse yet, what if we are the execution-
ers of a frightened faith unwilling to make way for its successor?
Given our talent for destruction and murder, it is entirely
possible we are nothing more than slayers killing the acolytes
of a new belief or the potential parents of a next prophet. And
what better way to do so than make us believe we see depraved
monsters. You cannot tell me these Nightly Visitants haven’t
already crafted illusions for our benefit alone with such words
as “THEY DO NOT LIVE” or “IT KILLS.” If Allah truly
speaks to us, we would know it is Him beyond all doubt. Still,
we question and we wonder about the Nightly Visitants. This
alone says it is not God, and we should have realized it when
we all heard different things. Why say “ABOMINATION
WALKS” to some and “IT IS IN PAIN” to others?
Perhaps the voices say different things to confuse us
and make us bicker. Our myths already tell us that jinn can
craft illusions to fool the wisest men, and what better way
than playing on our vanity. “Allah chose me to make the
world better.” “Allah gave me strength to fight monsters.”
Allah does not confuse his followers. When He spoke to
Moses and Muhammad, they knew it was His voice and
His miracles beyond any doubt. We, however, have

56
 CHAPTER 2: BY HIS BREATH

nothing but skepticism. Something plays with us. I fear When calligraphers combined these patterns with the Ko-
we are the true monsters of this world. ran and turned entire Surahs into artwork, the basis for the
You may refute what I say, but I am not alone with these language of kiswah emerged. In turn, this script art evolved
suspicions. Some of us already fear something wrongly guides into different forms. Some use angular lines to create com-
us to destroy good and spare evil. We fear we are agents of an plex geometric patterns. Others mirror forms, so one design
entirely new but false God. Worse yet, some among us may is a reflection of its other half. A few more rely on imaginative
have probably already embraced this thought and operate in figures to mimic the appearance of certain animals or objects.
hidden cults. Their worship varies, but I hear some fall upon I truly wish I could explain how we communicate
the pagan influences of the Jahiliyyah and worship the ancient through our script or why certain styles work better than
Gods Hubal, al-Ussa, Ya’uq and Nasr. Another group believes others, but I cannot. All I know is truly complex scripts, the
in a truly alien precept, thanks to a British hunter in the region. lines of which overlap and fall into grand flourish such as in
They follow a strange fusion of alchemy (based on the treatise angular kufic (which appears as a verbal maze or even
of the Book of Ostanes that speaks of the virtues of different snowflake), in muthanna (the mirrored form of elaborate
planets) and the London-based Aetherius Society (which writing) and in the condensed lines of royal diwan or even in
believes in “Masters” or powerful spirit messengers dwelling on thuluth (animal-form script), all transmit our mind and will.
such planets as Venus and Mars). This bastardization of faith I once spoke with a fellow hunter who claimed his
coincides with the Aetherius Society’s beliefs that members awakening was far in excess of others’ experience. He claimed
received vivid messages from their Masters as instructions, to have received revelations from Allah at his change. He said
presumably like our al-Ghariyyan. These hunters draw follow- it was not the formation of the Islamic language that laid the
ers and worshippers from Aetherius who believe them new foundations for our means of communicating, but the discov-
prophets of these alien spirits. ery of paper. During Islam’s Golden Age, our burgeoning
Consider this carefully brothers and sisters. Is some- empire spread its wings from Spain, across North Africa and
thing using us to bring about a new Time of Ignorance? past Pakistan. Following the Battle of Talas, Islamic forces to
Are we hammers to shatter Allah’s mirror? Perhaps we the East captured a Chinese paper maker and discovered how
fear the voices are not Allah’s or those of His angels, to mass-produce paper. They took that secret back to Baghdad,
because if they were, we wouldn’t suffer through these where scholar houses — including the House of Wisdom —
terrible doubts. Perhaps we already know the answers. processed and distributed knowledge and texts translated from
We just fear the questions more. Hebrew, Latin, Indian and Greek. My ally claimed that paper
was not the only secret taken from the Chinese. The papers
HUNTER CODE and texts included Chinese calligraphy in a complex pattern
By: Muezzin318 of symbols pregnant with meaning beyond what was written.
Allah w’Akbar. Allah is truly great and merciful, for he The first Arabs exposed to these words, he claims, understood
gives us a tool like no other. The language of all Muslims is their meaning and became the first kiswah. They worked with
indeed a diverse chorus, but Arabic (the language of the Umayyad- and Abbasid-dynasty artists and calligraphers to
Koran) alone brings us together. I hear Christian hunters incorporate the symbols into the growing artwork of kufic
wondering why their religion is not as equally fortunate as script to preserve its use (a gift seemingly beyond our capacity
ours, but their Church long abandoned their original to duplicate). They never realized other Muslims would
tongue of Jesus (Hebrew) and even that of Latin. Perhaps, engrave this “Holy Geometry” on vessels and upon the onion
had they kept their roots, Allah would have also blessed domes of the mosques, thus serving as ancient lines of commu-
Christians with a means to understand one another. nications. I am unsure if any of this idea holds merit, but it is
More than a method to understand His words, Arabic an interesting theory.
is our poetry, our history and our art. It is greater than a We also wonder why our ability to communicate through
language of the faithful. It is the food of our souls. Arabic kufic script remains regional and does not extend beyond the
originates from the script of the ancient Nabataeans, Middle East. I believe it is because this region is a three-fold
whose ghosts still haunt us to this day. It currently cradle of Allah’s faith. Christianity, Judaism and Islam all
includes 28 letters with up to four different forms apiece. began here through prophets of the desert, and the ancient
The Koranic script of Iran and Pakistan possesses more centers of faith act as a grounding nexus. Mecca is Islam’s
letters to accommodate that which Arabic lacks, but we holiest city because it holds the greatest shrine of the Ka’bah
all share similar standards across the Near and Far East. itself, the base of Allah’s throne on Earth. The second site is
The two traditions that turned our tongues into art were Jerusalem, the holiest city of the world and the reputed site
our penchant for calligraphy, a trait we share with the where the last war would take place before Judgment Day.
Japanese and Chinese, and the laws forbidding us from For Christians, it is where unbelievers tried and executed
creating representational artwork. Early Islam prohibited Jesus before he rose again. For Muslims, Muhammad as-
artists from recreating images of humans, animals and even cended to Paradise where the sacred Dome of the Rock now
of Allah for fear we would return to the veneration of idols. stands. For Jews, Jerusalem is their ancestral home, the
Instead, we found inspiration in geometry and in the words capital of their promised empire. Is it any surprise the word
of the Koran. What the West calls “arabesque,” for example, is strongest here, where the three main religions of God
is geometric forms or floral patterns we use to create designs. intersect with the force of millions of faithful?
57
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

58
 CHAPTER3 : TO EACH HIS GIFTS

CHAPTER 3:
TO EACH HIS GIFTS
You see many among them vie with one another in sin
and wickedness and practice what is unlawful. Evil is what
they do.
— The Koran, Surah: 5:62 [The Table]

BRING THE THUNDER Arab kiswah, you must stand alongside us and face what
we face. You must grasp how we carry out our hunt and
realize it is vastly different from how you in the West
By: Tarjiman220
operate. We are bereft of certain luxuries, but we also
From Surah 2:18 (The Cow) …Or like those who,
possess unique advantages. Understanding these differ-
beneath a dark storm-cloud charged with thunder and lightning,
ences adds another weapon to your arsenal.
thrust their fingers in their ears at the sound of every thunder-
clap for fear of death (God thus encompasses the unbelievers). Your largest concern as a hunter in the Middle East
is understanding local perception. You must give fore-
Bring the thunder, my children. Bring it crashing
thought to how others distinguish your conduct, and how
down upon the heads of those who would harm or oppose
that insight alters your course of action. Will the authori-
you. The thunder should echo in your every step, for it is
ties mistake your behavior for the antics of a petty
His voice. Your actions carry with them the divine retribu-
criminal or will they believe you a terrorist and state
tion of His cause. Your every movement must bear the
agitator? Are you attacking someone who belongs to a
certainty of thunder lest you fall to the heart’s killer: doubt.
distinct political or religious group? Your fight with the
Let us assume for a moment that we do not question supernatural could unwittingly create a social backlash
our purpose or the presence of beasts in this world. Let us and trigger an unintended feud. Think of the ramifica-
assume we recognize good by its merits and evil by its tions of a Christian seemingly attacking a Muslim in
actions. When we hunt, we must believe we understand Beirut, or a Palestinian fighting a Jew, or an Iraqi assault-
these questions in our own breasts, lest hesitation rip our ing anyone in Baghdad. The public does not believe in
beating hearts from our chests. “Bring the thunder” is not monsters, so its immediate response is to see the attack as
just an aphorism to inspire others. It is a personal rallying religious hatred, clan enmity or even political dissatisfac-
cry from which to draw inner strength and remember that tion. Know when this misinterpretation works in your
we must act like thunder: bold and certain. favor and know when to avoid the threat entirely.
Bring the thunder and recognize the world you This is perhaps the single greatest truth I can impart
enter is unlike any other. We have tried to prepare you before you explore the reality of hunting in the Middle
with insight into who we are and how we think, but East. Understand this lesson well and you might survive
experience is the sole teacher of merit. To understand in my part of the world.

59
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

KNOW THY ENEMY different manners in which we combat or deal with the
restless in the Middle East. I have transcribed them as
best I can, but the spirit of the author is still there.
By: Hajirah252
We face an enemy without understanding its true By: Sedat
strengths or many facets. We kiswah speak of Adites, Hajirah asked me to give testimony of my hunt, so I
Midianites and Amalikites as though we know what the offer this to my Western allies whom I’ll likely never meet.
beings are, but in truth we know nothing. We simply I work as a paramedic for the Red Crescent, the Middle
hang names on them from fables as some means of East’s Red Cross, and I own an ambulance which local Red
identifying them, yet we know so very little. And then Crescent chapters help me stock with medicines for emer-
there are those creatures that simply defy all accounting. gencies. I also realize that knowing where and when to
Not even legend can contain them. And yet, if you are to hunt is critical. My job is to offer humanitarian assistance
know what we face in the Middle East, we must share in war zones or as disaster relief, which means I have
what we do know, even if it can be held in one hand. traveled to nearly every Arab country. Frankly, these are
Our greatest obstacle in understanding our enemy the best hunting times. When war or disaster strikes, it
lies with the inconsistencies of myths and stories. At throws the local authorities into chaos and occupies their
first, we thought of simply calling akhira “jinn” after the attention. This is also when I see the greatest number of
spirits of smokeless fire, dhabi after the jackal-beasts that walking dead emerge from among the victims.
prey on desert travelers, ghuls after the cannibal mon- With the Turkish earthquake that killed 17,000, the
sters of the graveyard, all of which came from our earthquake in Afghanistan and India, the drought in
various legends. We soon learned, though, that few Iran, the Iraqi-Kurd conflict, cholera outbreaks in Syria
enemies fit these molds. Many of us feared (and still and Israeli rocket attacks on southern Lebanon, we have
fear) that by identifying akhira according to classic our hands full, either helping victims or destroying the
interpretations, we deceive other hunters into believ- walking dead that appear with increased frequency. We
ing these beasts also possess classical weaknesses. Legends visit the mass burial sites where unidentified victims are
claim one blow kills a ghul but two bring it back, or that processed. We may not encounter akhira immediately,
if you compliment a monster and call it “mother” it will but a local worker might relate a story of a victim
treat you kindly. I know of several Bedouin hunters who “mistaken for dead” who left under his own power.
lost their lives following these suppositions, not only The dead are strong and seemingly oblivious to pain.
because they believed them but because the monsters To fight them, I have reinforced the front of my ambu-
used these legends against us! lance with an army truck fender. I run akhira over when
Once we realized that our presumptions of monsters I can. If anyone sees me, I merely tell the authorities I saw
were trapped in past perceptions, we tried changing them the man looting from a nearby store or home. The police
into the fallen races of the Koran. Their inclusion here turn a blind eye to killing looters in times of emergency.
does not mean everyone uses these identifications or If the situation prohibits me from such action, I rely on
understands the basic distinctions we’ve established. local (and well-armed) soldiers to help me. I find an army
That means many among us still battle jinn and ghuls and jeep or anyone else with a military vehicle and point
call them as such. I have also met hunters who claim they them at the monster with accusations of looting. When
can force these creatures back into their mythological they confront it, I reveal a glimpse of the creature’s true
roles and slay them using their classical weaknesses. I nature through my gift and frighten them enough to open
have yet to see proof of such deeds, however. fire with their heavy weapons. If the creature is about to
The following supernatural “species,” as best as we overwhelm them, I intercede as best I can.
have identified them, bear the names of fallen races — In this fashion, I appear the hero and not the
giants from to the Koran who became too arrogant for their aggressor. This is a useful technique even outside of
own good. Many Muslims realize the people of Ad, Midian, disaster zones. If you call the police or military’s atten-
Thalmud and Amalik were probably tribes that worshipped tion to something, then help them put it down, you
pagan gods and died before or during the arrival of Islam. protect your involvement in the situation as strictly
The Koran turns them into object lessons, and we try to humanitarian. Often, the police or military allow you to
turn them into monsters to continue the lesson. Then slip away quietly, partly out of gratitude, partly because
again, maybe there was truth to these people’s existence. you shamed them by helping them and partly because
Maybe they were the giants of old. they do not understand how you accomplished acts or
how you made events transpire.
THALMUDITES By: Fatwa243
By: Hajirah252 I hate the walking dead, because it’s hard as hell to
My fellow kiswah possess skills in fighting the walk- stop them. One technique a friend and I use involves a
ing dead, thanks to their jobs or where they live. The length of piano wire, tied on either end to a thick shaft
following are not my tales. Instead, they come from of wood or a metal bar about six inches long. After
various sources (with their assent) and represent the locating what you call a rot or shambler, we follow it in

60
 CHAPTER3 : TO EACH HIS GIFTS

HUMANITARIAN SERVICES
By: Sedat
I became kiswah while providing disaster relief
during Turkey’s recent earthquake; my partner be-
came jar — a witness to the supernatural — then as
well. Since Turkey, we travel together in our ambu-
lance and can reach most disaster zones in under a
week. The local authorities always let us through
without stamping our passports, and we are invisible
thanks to the deluge of relief workers. We hunt with
near impunity.
Foreign kiswah wishing to hunt in Middle East-
ern countries can benefit by joining the United
Nations Volunteers or the Red Cross/Red Crescent
Volunteers. When either war or disaster strikes,
which is often, offer help at the border or petition the
local chapter of your organization. They expedite
your entry into the afflicted region, often with few
questions, since they are always short-handed. While
helping victims, you should find plenty of predators
to eliminate. The supernatural seems drawn or fueled
by misery. One warning, though: Fulfill your duties as
a volunteer first. If you give the Red Crescent a bad
reputation for your actions, you make it more difficult
for others hoping to help the needy.

two cars until it’s alone or on a relatively quiet street at

night. We then toss the length of piano wire between
the two cars and loop each end around the open door
frame. Shut the door, and that holds the wire and bar in
place. Then we drive at the walking dead, headlights
blazing so it doesn’t spot the wire. Damn thing doesn’t
really react in most cases because the two cars are
passing on either side and Egyptians are crazy enough to
drive this way normally. We guillotine the bastard at 60
to 80 kph. If it goes down, we run out, douse it with
gasoline and light the match. If it’s still up but hooked
on the wire, we pass on either side of another vehicle
and smash the thing into the back of someone’s car.
That snaps the wire in most cases.
Two things to remember in this drive-by guillotin-
ing are to always wear hoods so nobody sees your face,
and to always switch plates with other cars so the police
don’t trace you. It may not work all the time, but we’ve
killed our fair share of the dead this way.
AMALIKITES
By: Hajirah252
These words come to me with the blessing of Abu
Qutayba and Yammah Selma. Abu Qutayba leads a tribe
with the Sirhan Clan of Saudi Arabia. He travels with his
Bedouin kin across the deserts of Jordan, Syria and Saudi
Arabia, hunting monsters in the wilds of the Middle East.
He’s also indicative of kiswah who “conscript” their own
families to fight the supernatural. Yammah Selma, in
turn, is a wise woman from one of many tribes belonging

61
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

to the great Bedouin clan, the ‘Aneza of Syria. Yammah demanded that the government improve their condition.
means “mother,” but it is also an exclamation of fear. In Syria’s President, Hafez al-Assad, retaliated by sending in
the case of this old sheikha or wise woman, she warrants soldiers, tanks and bulldozers. The military murdered the
her title. I sat in her tent long into the night, drinking entire village and flattened it into the earth. Today,
sweet tea with mint, eating salted melon seeds and there’s no proof that it ever existed, and nobody knew
listening to her wisdom with the other female hunters about the atrocity until two years after the fact.
who’ve sought her help. Hers is a remarkable existence, Spirits seeking retribution for their murders now
for she claims she was kiswah long before any of us. haunt Hammas. From what I’ve seen, they’re like a cloud
By: Abu Qutayba of wasps, acting as one and overwhelming anyone foolish
The greatest weapon a kiswah possesses is his family. enough to stay the night. After the spirits slaughtered
Even before the Prophet Muhammad and into today, the several soldiers, the military stopped sending patrols to
tribe is family and the tribe shares responsibility. Because investigate the complaints and disappearances of travel-
of this, a feud against one is a feud against all. It is only ers. The army now turns a blind eye to the region, and we
right that kiswah inform their kin concerning any enemy can do nothing. Hammas is a nest of angry hornets. It
who might murder them in retribution. This is why I hunt remains an open sore in Syria until we’re strong enough
with my tribe, for if my conduct condemns them, then at to gather an army of kiswah against the spirits.
least they deserve to face the enemy on their feet. I can only treat Hammas as a lesson about under-
My family and I protect the northern territories of standing the nature of our opposition. Had I not known
Arabia, Syria and Jordan, where ghosts plague the ancient the history of this village, I would have wandered in
routes and oases of the Nabataeans. They move across the blindly, not realizing what fate awaited me. One trick for
desert, forming dust devils and storms in their wake, but they kiswah, foreign or domestic, is that all Arabs, especially
do not frighten us. Fear is their milk and honey, and knowing the Syrians and Lebanese, are a chatty people. If you want
that allows us to rob them of nourishment. Instead, we make the unofficial history of any region, neighborhood or
homes of their ancient ruins and wait at night, repeating even building, ask the locals. They gladly share any gossip
their names. There is power in this, for like jinn and ghuls, they know (over coffee and Arabic pastries), including
they dwell just within earshot and know when someone strange occurrences, murders and rumors of ghosts. Even
speaks ill of them. We call them by recounting stories of their in this age of television, Arabs are still avid storytellers
misdeeds, and with tales of magic. When they attack us, we and are often receptacles of decades worth of local
perform our wardance and fight their evil together. “unofficial” history, thanks to their parents and grand-
This is the only way to battle ghosts, for they do not parents. If you suspect a creature infests a location, talk to
fight alone. They possess a legion of cohorts, so why the locals and see what insight they offer. They might
struggle without the benefit of others? These creatures know who haunts a place and how that person died.
wallow in misery and fear. A man without family is bereft Knowing that goes a long way toward diminishing risks.
of his greatest strengths and subject to the spirits’ poisons.
When you fight alone, there are times when death seems
ADITES
welcome, even pleasurable, compared to the hardships of By: Yammah Selma
life. It is easy to surrender knowing misfortune ends with Leave men to rule the day, for this is the time Allah
you. But when you fight with your family and see your demands they provide for us. Nighttime has always
uncles and brothers in danger, then death is no longer belonged to women, for only we can speak of the
appealing. You continue fighting with every pinch of clay supernatural in these hours without drawing its atten-
Allah fashioned to create you, because you cannot envi- tion. It is appropriate that we fight the jinn and the ghul
sion or accept that death awaits your family. This is the beneath the moon, while leaving the men to fight those
way it should be. Perhaps this is why we band together, beasts that do not fear daylight.
whether with family or allies, because we seek strength Of all the walking dead, the ones best left to us are
outside of us. We must care for someone other than those that flush their cheeks with warm blood. Remem-
ourselves. If it cannot be family, then we form new tribes ber that once before, they too were living. They
with other kiswah. In turn, this strength of unity robs remember Allah’s laws and they remember what it
ghosts of their ability to frighten us while we rob them of means to be pious. Because of this, you can use their ird
nourishment. By strength of will, we help kin understand (“sexual honor” or a man’s responsibility to protect a
that there are other evils out there beyond man and jinn. woman’s integrity) against them. As ghul who feed on
By: Jibril blood, they may not believe in ird, but their memories as
Sometimes it’s simplest to leave angry spirits alone, Muslims are enough to give them pause. Strike in that
as I recently discovered. About eighteen years ago, there moment, for you do not have a second chance.
was a large village on the border with Lebanon called When you confront a ghul, bear these lessons in mind.
Hammas. It was an old community with few amenities in You must be circumcised and chaste, for Allah does not
the way of clean running water or electricity, but the protect women who fail to safeguard their honor and
villagers knew that others enjoyed these luxuries. So they reputation. You must always fight alongside other women,

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their sleeping daytime with an unceasing lion’s roar.

SATIH Mecca is also safe from infidel Adites and in fact pro-
By: Muru’a tected by Thalmudites who embrace the words of the
Not all legends are fables. I hunted after a beast Prophet. In turn, Allah halts their decay and keeps
whose very identity remained a mystery until only them in a state of balance so they do not rot further.
recently. This was when I uncovered a myth from The words of this Adite hold true with another confes-
the Jahiliyyah (Time of Ignorance) concerning a sion: They cannot enter mosques, because the ground
sage named Satih who was boneless except for his burns their hearts and boils their blood. If you seek sanctu-
skull. I do not know whether my monster and this ary from an Adite, find refuge within a mosque. Allah’s
Satih are one and the same, but the similarities are power is great within its walls and only faithful Adites can
too great to ignore. enter. If they are truly pious, they will not fight you there,
This modern “Satih” is nothing but a sack of thin but neither should you instigate combat. The Koran
skin. You can see straight through it like the frail clearly states in Surah 2:191 — “…but do not fight them at
carapace of a grasshopper. Its body is devoid of bones the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. But if they fight
(except for the skull, which shines clearly through you, kill them. Such is the reward of the unbelievers.”
gossamer flesh), organs, muscles or even blood. I
have seen this Satih in two forms, the first with its MIDIANITES
body folded beneath its skull like a pillow. It spoke to By: Tarjiman220
a cult of pagan worshippers and offered them hereti- I’ve confronted shapechangers and wizards before,
cal advice. In this fashion, it is a mouthpiece for the and often feared for my life before their terrible arts.
pagan gods and it speaks in many voices depending Their power to change form and cast spells is dreadful,
on whether one seeks answers from Al-Lat, Al-Zuhara, indeed, but they seem the most human of our enemies
Hubal or Wadd (all ancient tribal deities). and the most familiar with mortal customs. Do not let
Its second form, which is far more dangerous, is this deceive you, for these wizards can cast spells, take
when it uses a decapitated corpse as a vessel (it often the form of towering wolves and dogs and even control
uses the bodies of executed criminals). Its skin be- the insects and snakes around them. A few even corrupt
comes a glove for the rotting body and its skull sits animals to serve as their minions and impart the beasts
atop the severed stump of the corpse’s neck. It is a with powers while rotting their flesh. In this fashion,
chilling sight made more frightening by Satih’s ability perhaps the Midianites are truest of the jinn.
to unmake its enemies mentally or physically by Never confront these beasts alone and always carry
speaking to them (in a woman’s voice). I believe this weapons against them. If you cannot procure weapons,
power comes from the star-goddess Al-Zuhara, who you’re better off avoiding them at all costs. Some of my
according to legend learned the true name of Allah brethren advocate tricking the military or local tribes
and ascended into the sky to become the constella- into confronting these akhira, but I cannot condone this
tions. I believe Satih uses Allah’s name to drive her flagrant disregard for fellaheen lives. Your best hope lies
enemies mad or to kill them by uncreating them. in ambushing Midianites before they can react.
Satih currently hunts and kills Islam’s wisest You must also fear the mortal allies of these fallen giants.
philosophers, sages and holy men in a quiet cam- It appears several tribes across the Middle East pay tribute to
paign of terror against all Muslims. I’ve have tried to these creatures for protection and receive it in return. It is an
stop this creature, but it travels through the Middle ancient tradition among Bedouins by which large clans
East protected by a cult of devout mortal acolytes. defend small ones in exchange for money or livestock. The
tradition also survived in the form of a religious tax when
ancient Islam required that Christians and Jews pay a tariff
for it is improper to associate with men who are not to safeguard their right to worship God in their own churches
husband, brother or father. Use your gifts and your ird as and synagogues. It appears that several Midianites still turn to
your shield, but always carry with you wood from the this practice of protection. I myself attacked a shapeshifter
pomegranate, cedar, banana or palm tree that is sharpened only to flee from a tribe of angry Bedouin. This is a reminder
to a point. Because these trees are in Paradise, plunging that not all enemies are monsters.
them into the black heart of a ghul often paralyzes it with By: Hajirah252
fear of Allah’s retribution. You may then burn the beast I do not know who spoke the following words, for
afterward with hot embers or may leave it to the sun. they appeared late one night while I spoke with Tarjiman
By: Hajirah252 using the kufic script. Between the two of us, we remem-
Praise Allah for his beneficence, for he provides us bered what was said, but before I present it, you should
with a haven from Adites and protects His faithful. I know that we consider spiders good luck. According to
know this is true through the words of a faithful v*mp*r* Islamic folklore, when Muhammad fled to Medina from
who says that Saudi Arabia is anathema to their kind. Mecca, he hid in a cave to avoid his rivals. A spider
They call it “The Keening,” and say the sun troubles covered the cave entrance with a web, fooling his

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pursuers into believing the cave was abandoned. Since

then, the spider has held special status for us.
By: Unknown
KNOW THYSELF
By: Tarjiman220
You think you understand this world and all its Regardless of your belief, whether you profess that
glory? You sleep and dream the slumber of fools! I was Allah, Shaitan, jinn or ancient gods did this to us, a terrible
like you, blind and oblivious to my place in this duty has fallen upon our shoulders with no warning or
world. I slaughtered indiscriminately and reveled in regard. It strikes us with the irrefutability of a terminal
the blood of those I believed guilty. I was so blind. illness, but we do everything in our power to believe that
Somewhere in my heart of hearts, I knew what I did nothing has happened to us, that we are still who we always
was wrong, but I didn’t realize it until I stumbled were. Yet, here we are, gifted whether we wish it or not,
upon the Mosque of Webs. seeing akhira whether we want to or not, and fighting for
For weeks, I’d been stalking a killer who drained our lives regardless of our hopes of yesterday.
his victims of their blood and encased them in a It’s funny in a way. Many kiswah consider their
cocoon of spider webs. Slowly, I realized these so- capabilities a curse for reasons other than what you
called victims were nothing more than killers and might suspect. We do not believe in Christianity’s
idolaters themselves. They took women and dishon- Original Sin, under which we are born bearing the
ored their integrity, they murdered and stole from weight of Adam and Eve’s actions. Instead, we believe
honest people, and they worshipped gods other than Allah cursed Adam with manual labor. Where Paradise
Allah. By the time I found the culprits, I had little once offered him a life of luxury, Allah turned Adam
intention of killing them. They were pious Muslims mortal and forced him to work for his fruits. Since then,
like myself and, I discovered, the holiest of creatures Arabs have held an ingrained suspicion of anything
— spiders. Are you surprised? Did Solomon not say requiring one to sully his hands with soil and sweat
ants possessed a kingdom not unlike man? There are (hence why we inadvertently use fellaheen or “tillers of
more nations than our own and I choose another the soil” to mean ignorant or backward — and the
allegiance, one humbler and more devout than ours. people who don’t know the truth). Some contend this
I have now begun recruiting other kiswah and outlook is simply a reaction to working beneath the hot
fellaheen to the spiders’ cause, ridding the world of Middle Eastern sun, but in any case it explains why
sinners and heathens. We recognize the true monsters Arabs (mostly those of the Arabian Peninsula) rely on
and we struggle justly. We fight alongside the spider- foreign workers for their manual chores.
people, killing the undeserving and protecting Allah’s Since we as kiswah must now toil to serve the Middle
holiest creatures, be they ant or man. I tell you this in East’s people and protect them from the creatures, some
the hopes you will join us. If you refuse, then we know of us believe being kiswah is Adam’s curse inflicted upon
you cast your allegiance with our enemies and must pay. us. Where we once lived comfortably, we are suddenly
By: Hajirah252 beset by hard labor, tilling the harshest and most barren
This isn’t the first time I’ve heard of the Mosque of earth of all. Of course, many of us know there is no such
Webs. In fact, I believe I’ve seen it in visions… and I am curse and we work for the gratification of self-worth and
not alone. I know of a few kiswah who report seeing the to save our loved ones. But others still view drudgery and
place in their dreams, but we cannot agree on its location. toil as a fate unworthy of their standing. As testament to
I believe it is within the heart of ancient Damascus, while our spirit, however, almost all kiswah silence their com-
others point to Cairo, Baghdad, Alexandria and even plaints and bear their duties honorably. And yet, I also
Mecca itself. Our visions are the same, however. Each know of at least one rich Saudi and one Kuwaiti who pay
time, we see an ancient mosque, perhaps once beautiful Filipino, Pakistani and Thai hunters handsomely to fight
with an ornate onion dome, golden minarets and marble the cause for them, as though this was simply a manual-
floors. Now it is a bleak place, hidden behind a tight maze labor issue. Many of us find this behavior sickening, but
of ancient streets, and shut away with a sealed gate, cannot deny that such practices occur. As a Western
darkened windows and spider webs as thick as jungle expression states: It takes all kinds.
vines that cover it like a net. People hurry past, not seeing
it or ignoring what their minds scream cannot be there. BEFORE US THERE WAS US
They apparently forget its presence a footstep or two Regardless of piety or sense of familial bonds, irrel-
later, but the mosque never leaves. The most terrible of evant of past accomplishments or failures, the imbuing
all terrors are the thousands of tiny spiders covering the makes us all equal through our common ignorance. For
place, which run in and out of its darkened windows like one brief moment, we are brethren and sisters in confu-
insects skittering into a corpse’s mouth. sion. Then we reclaim our individuality by how we
I wish I knew where it is or could relate the over- contend with our new existence. Most often, we must
whelming sense of foreboding that issues from the place, deal with our past lives, for therein lie our greatest
but I cannot. Even if I could find it, I doubt I’d have the concerns. Rather than simply take my word on faith, hear
courage to enter, whether alone or with a host of allies. these testimonies and know that I echo the pain of others.

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FAMILY familial obligations — that their cause is more important

By: al-Amin than their connections to their loved ones — but this is
I believe Lebanese, Iraqi and Iranian kiswah enter a dangerous course. Assuming the family listens and
the cause with the same advantage, if it can be called doesn’t hospitalize the hunter, he has just changed their
that. We’ve already known a life of war and hardship, so perception of the world, even if just for the little that they
our condition changes little upon becoming soldiers on can understand. Consider the impact of the hunt on us
a different front. This is simply a new threat to our for a moment. We confront the supernatural with mini-
survival, and we fall back upon old practices such as mal instruction, innate weapons to keep monsters at bay
stockpiling food and medical equipment, staying away and with some wherewithal to remain sane. Our families
from windows, keeping the lights off at home, and most have none of these assurances, yet can be subjected to all
importantly, remaining close to family. the frightening burdens of truth, even if they can’t
If we’ve learned one lesson from past strife it is that actually grasp the enormity of the truth. Just a glimpse at
loved ones are important, even necessary for our sur- the horrors can drive them mad. Why sacrifice them
vival. Lebanese, Iraqi and Iranian kiswah may not unnecessarily? Just for the sake of not being alone?
approach the issue with the same dedication as those To me, anyone who dreams of using the wardance on
who bring their families into the wardance, but we still loved ones is an even greater fool. They expose fellaheen
live and rely on parents, brothers, sisters and even to grievous mental and physical danger, all for the sake of
children. It stabilizes our sanity and reminds us we do unburdening their isolation. We are supposed to protect
not fight alone. Nobody survives a war on his own. the fellaheen. No, I believe it would be better to vanish
Conversely, it is not uncommon for Arabs to live with from our families’ world than try to confront them with
their families, even after marriage. In war, this becomes a truth that can only overwhelm them.
increasingly prevalent since families flock together for WORK
mutual protection, support and socialization. If a By: Fatwa243
relative’s house is bombed, you cannot refuse him a roof. You have been shown that monsters walk the
If there is fighting in your brother’s neighborhood, you world. Your world has been ruined and you wonder what
must play host to his family. It is the way of Arabs. to do. You have a job and a home, and you don’t want
So if family is important, how do we protect them to part with either. They help define who you are — or
while still fulfilling our duties? We cannot usually who you believed yourself to be. Thankfully, the Middle
reveal to our beloved what it is we have become or what East offers one blessing to help kiswah maintain some
we know about the world. Our families would not semblance of their lives and minds. In our restricted
understand and would think us mad. Alternatively, society, we can’t usually afford to hunt in broad day-
they would seek to become involved in a conflict they light. Allow me to explain. The Middle East is a powder
cannot understand and would be harmed or killed. keg of political and religious tension. Most public at-
Some of us simply maintain contact with our fami- tacks are bound to draw police fire (the only time
lies from afar, for comfort, but keep quiet about our Middle Eastern authorities yell “stop” is when telling
expeditions. This is perhaps the best solution in the their men to cease firing). Some of us believe that the
end, because nobody is at risk. In these situations we monsters can prowl without being seen and by tricking
remove all addressed envelopes, address books, family fellaheen into forgetting the creatures’ passing. Thanks
pictures and even phone numbers on speed-dial from to Allah’s blessing, our minds are no longer clouded and
our homes. If we can survive without identification, we we see. And yet, our fellow people still do not see. So
hide important papers in a safe-deposit box as well. The when we act against the beasts in the street, who do
less connecting us to our loved ones, the better. onlookers see and remember? Us. It doesn’t matter if we
Some kiswah dare to live with their families, which are trying to help them. We’re suddenly scapegoats.
means loved ones can scrutinize the hunters’ activities, Save a baby from a ghul and witnesses tell police you
and trouble may be led back to the home. If moving out kidnapped the child after killing her mother. You can’t
is impossible because a kiswah is married, owns his house win, so you might as well turn things to your advantage.
or provides for his family, one option is to lie. Some The first thing Arab kiswah realize is that it’s better
hunters claim they’ve found nighttime employment to hunt at night; it’s easier to hide from the authorities,
and blame all bumps and scrapes on accidents at work. there are fewer fellaheen on the streets and it’s too dark
This is a short-lived solution when the household sees to identify you properly. Also, why hunt during the day
no extra money from this supposed job (and trust me, when temperatures dehydrate you quickly? Because the
they are nosy enough to notice). A rare few live in heat soars between 12:00-1:00 PM through to about
politically charged homes and claim membership with 3:00 PM (5:00 PM in Persian Gulf countries), most
movements like the intifada or Hamas. These supposed stores and private businesses close for the afternoon and
connections explain injuries, weapons and poverty. stay open late at night.
A very select few among hunters confide in their If you absolutely must answer Allah’s call by day, it
families. They believe doing so liberates them from can be done when the sun is highest and many people

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seek shelter. I’m even told it’s easier to track the walking
dead by their stench during the high temperatures of
midday. Just be sure to stock up on water and salt tablets.
Heat exhaustion is a silent killer.
What does all this have to do with a job and your
home? Simply this: Most Arab kiswah, knowing it’s
suicidal to hunt by day, maintain their jobs and homes.
Pursuing the cause is best done at night, during their free
time. Sure it’s difficult, but the alternative is even more
so: no income, forced to abandon your residence, being
transient in countries under heavy police supervision,
and relying on handouts. The first piece of advice we
offer new kiswah aside from “don’t involve your family”
is “keep your job.” It may be boring and trivial after your
nocturnal experiences, but it offers stability, it reminds
you who you fight for, it puts food in your mouth, it
keeps you strong and the hunt doesn’t become your sole
purpose. That’s most important; few hunters survive by
living for the cause alone.
EXTREME MEASURES
By: Sedat
As a paramedic, I’ve seen my share of stress-trauma
victims. The Nightly Visitants may offer us strength
against the supernatural, but at what price? Despite our
accomplishments before — friends, family, home, job,
religious fulfillment — nothing prepares us for our
change or for the first few weeks afterward. Alone and
frightened, we fall back into familiar patterns to make
sense of our lives. I, for example, distracted myself with
work until I could deal with the psychological ramifica-
tions of my existence. Others withdraw or worse, try to
share their experiences with fellaheen such as priests,
imams or rabbis. At best, these people think kiswah suffer
from anxiety or stress. Worst is when they believe you
insane and send you to an asylum (fortunately, based on
the Islamic models of compassion, Arab health care
stresses the ethical treatment of patients and tries to
help the insane, not exclude them). The worst fate I’ve
heard is from hunters of uneducated, rural or even
nomadic families. I’ve met hunters who were forced to
fight against even their own friends and family because
those people believed the kiswah possessed and tried to
capture our brethren for their own good.
Eventually, most of us manage our state in a variety
of ways, from the practical to the emotional. Most of us.
I’ve heard some hunters who spiral out of control. They
embrace the most extreme methods in some twisted logic
of right and wrong. Supposedly one kiswah in Syria
slaughtered his entire family “to keep them safe” and
burned their bodies so they wouldn’t return as walking
dead. Another man hid his family in an old bomb shelter
in the Egyptian desert with enough canned food and
books to last for years. He then buried the shelter beneath
the sands to keep his loved ones imprisoned, hidden and
safe while he fought the akhira. He confessed this to one
of us while suffering from a grievous injury. He died before
he could reveal where he had imprisoned his family.

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Rumors allege many things these days. A woman past. The Middle East maintains strong connections with
walked into an Iranian mosque with a handgun and Western powers like the U.S. and Britain. Saudi Arabia,
opened fire on the script-carvings, because she believed Jordan and Lebanon maintain extradition treaties with
the words haunted her. A hunter threw a party for his the superpowers. If you vanish, the authorities will spot
friends and gassed everyone including himself with car- your passport across the Middle East, North America and
bon monoxide from a hose leading from his car’s exhaust Europe. Egypt, Arabia and Israel also share data with
into his home. According to the suicide note, “their souls INTERPOL, meaning if you’re a criminal in one country,
were in danger.” A teenaged Syrian kiswah reputedly you’re a criminal everywhere.
killed the girls in his class because they distracted him If you’re determined to become gweilo, remember
from the cause. These stories flourish with the suspicious these three rules: plan, plan, plan. That means take the
fertility of gossip and rumor, but I cannot deny the stress time to acclimate yourself to your new existence, consider
on the faces of my comrades. Most of these war-weary, all the hardships of being a drifter and the ramifications of
hollowed-eye stares come from our newest members, who abandoning your life, and make sure you’ve secured your
have no guidance or mentors to teach them the way. I resources well beforehand (in other words, don’t improvise
can’t help but wonder how many kiswah we’ve lost to or enter this blindly). Finally, hold onto your old life as long
suicide or asylums or to their own uneducated mistakes. as possible. Going rogue should be your last option when
The greater question is how can we reach them in their your back is against the wall and you hear police sirens
earliest and most dangerous hours? Is this perhaps our approaching. Prepare everything in advance, so when you
weeding process, whereby the Nightly Visitants see who become gweilo, a safety net and new identity awaits you.
is strongest? I dread the answer. That means liquid assets, contacts to take you over borders,
FORIEGNERS AND DISAPPEARING a new passport and ID cards, safe houses and supply caches.
By: Globetrotter I can’t tell you if anyone’s gone underground suc-
Sorry, but if you’re an expatriate hit with al- cessfully for long. I’ve heard of only three expat hunters
Ghariyyan while living here, you’re in it deep. Saudi who went gweilo and they all vanished. Maybe their
Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait (just off the top of my efforts proved a rousing success, but they might also be
head) provide subsidized homes and apartments for in shallow desert graves. Proceed at your own risk,
foreign workers (mostly Western) like doctors and because you’re pioneers here.
engineers, while labor usually gets the short end of the
stick with poor accommodations. In either case, you’re
on record. You can’t move without informing the hous-
THE HUNT
ing bureau and you can’t hide unless you go underground. By: Hajirah252
Knowing the truth is bad enough on its own. But us No doubt, the other contributors for this pandect of
expats have to be doubly careful. If you’re here with family, uncertainty have offered a wealth of information concern-
do everyone a favor and move back to your country of ing the hunt. I hope I am no less insightful with my
origin. Your spouse and children don’t need this grief, observations. There are many problems associated with
especially if you place them in danger. If you want to send becoming kiswah, outside the mortal dangers of the cause
them off and stay behind because your job pays well, know itself. How we deal with friends, family and indeed with our
your limitations. If you’re convicted of any crime, you’ll be lives dictates our actions in all things to come. Compassion
shipped back (and lashed in Saudi or Iran to remind you of breeds compassion. Misery begets misery. Our responses
your visit). If you miss too much work, it’s the same deal. may differ, but the hunt remains the same — or does it?
If you want to hunt without worries, relatively speaking, In leaving our existence open to interpretation, the
then your options are to be extremely careful or to become Nightly Visitants leave us to answer our questions alone
gweilo. That’s Chinese for ghost, but it’s also derogatory for and to pursue our duties with scattered intentions.
white foreigners. Some Filipino hunters working in Hong Perhaps Allah tests us with offers of power or perhaps we
Kong picked up the term from a monster there and adapted bear multiple fathers: Allah for the righteous, Shaitan
it for expats who went underground in another country — for the wicked and jinn for the unbelievers. The fact
becoming “ghosts.” We considered using the Arabic de- remains that we are a broken force.
rivative ruh, but realized it might be confusing if we On one side stand those kiswah who remain noble,
identified ourselves with the enemy. despite the temptations heaped at their feet. They fight
Becoming gweilo is easy. Staying one is hard. You the akhira and judge the supernatural by their actions, not
need liquid assets that don’t rely on banks (gold, pearls, appearance. On the other are hunters who believe they
US dollars). You need friends or at least allies to shelter follow personal destiny. As long as they have the power,
you without question. You need false documents if you they perform Allah’s work. This “right” excuses many
intend to vanish, because your old passport is now flagged. horrors. Those in the middle believe our struggle is
And you need to keep moving. Understand that you Islam’s answer to the Christian Inquisition and they see
can’t go back home and reclaim your identity, ever. this as opportunity to cleanse Allah’s house of both jinn
You’ve effectively committed suicide. Your former life is and fellaheen they believe are evil. It is no longer a war

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against the preternatural, but a fight against a conceptu- someone will recognize us. The real problem rests in
alized enemy, whether by destroying wicked men and avoiding the authorities, which may or may not know of
women or removing the influences of the colonial West. us, but isn’t that always the case?
Such is free will in undisciplined principle. This same principle of turning disadvantages into
CLEMENCY — THE CORRECT TOOLS advantages applies to everything we consider a drawback.
We don’t know who or what we are? Good. Maybe Allah
By: Jibril left that to interpretation so we’d support the cause by
Everyone shares how they carry out the hunt, but I’ve whatever standard seemed right to us. We leave our lives
seen few kiswah consider how they wish to conduct behind? That means we don’t have to worry about
themselves or how they hope to succeed before they pick drawing loved ones into the conflict. We live a nomadic
up their first weapon. We seem to fall into our decisions, existence? A moving target is harder to kill than a
arriving at them as each predicament arises. We never ask stationary one. We don’t have the proper weapons to
ourselves the hard questions until they’re before us. Are fight the beasts? We are the weapons. Maybe we should
we willing to kill fellaheen if the situation demands it? stop focusing on finding guns and worry about honing our
How many are too many deaths? Do we hunt with no personal skills. Besides, guns draw attention to us, making
regard to the nature of our adversaries or ourselves? us an enemy to man and beast alike. Maybe by concen-
Questions demand answers, but the easy ones are trating on subtlety, the authorities might leave us alone,
never worth asking in the first place. More so, can we too. The police are still after you? Well, maybe that’s a
spare the time for soul-searching? Perhaps we should warning to the rest of us not to be so stupid.
formulate our answers in the crucible of battle. After all, It’s truly amazing how much easier the hunt be-
no theory is sound until tested in critical moments. comes when you treat everything as a benefit and
What’s the solution? Permit ourselves our questions, nothing as a hindrance. It doesn’t mean underestimat-
carry them in our hearts and act without wavering when ing your opponent. It means squeezing the potential out
we must, even if the task is unsavory? No matter what, of every situation.
hesitation kills. Perhaps there is always tomorrow to THE GREATER CODE
reconsider your actions and ask God for forgiveness.
By: Tarjiman220
TURNING DISADVANTAGES INTO ADVANTAGES You’ve heard mention of our word in the form of
By: Fatwa243 kufic script. You know it adorns our mosques and some-
If you are kiswah, the first thing you should know is how allows us to speak with one another. Yet, I still
that your greatest tool is cunning. Knowing this means sense we have not explained it properly, if only because
there’s no such thing as a disadvantage — only unreal- it remains a mystery to us.
ized potential. Some Arab hunters complain they don’t In Iran, there is the earliest expression of an exquisite
have access to the Internet, or that they live in a country art form combining science and design on the surface of a
where a political office censors the news. Little do they centuries-old tower. At certain times of the day, the carved
realize that those “weaknesses” are actually blessings. and raised designs appear ornate, but hold no significance
In the US, when the police are subject to scandal, to the questioning eye. When the sun hits certain portions
everyone knows about it. It’s on the news, because news of the tower just right, the play of light and shadow across
agencies are responsible for their own conduct. That its surface reveals a prayer to Allah. While breathtaking in
gives them carte blanche to air anything they want to as ingenuity, there is nothing magical in its existence. It
long as it’s newsworthy. Not true here. The Middle East simply combines contrast with sculpture to create a mes-
knows its own abuses and corruption every day and it all sage. Perhaps this is the best way to describe our Word. It
goes unreported. If someone witnesses, reports or even is more than simple lines of interlocking kufic script. It
records an abuse of power and delivers the record to a includes the empty spaces between words. Understanding
television studio, they collide with censorship. Most our code entails studying the script as a whole, contrasts
news agencies in the Middle East must submit their and all, rather than focusing for individual patterns. Oth-
material to a government agency for “approval.” Guess erwise, it’s like trying to discern the nature of a complex
what never airs and guess whose material vanishes? sentence by studying one word.
When fanatics attacked the Ka’bah in Mecca, for ex- Our code is not rooted in Arabic save for using kufic
ample, Saudis didn’t hear all the details until after script as a medium. It’s only vaguely similar to the
international agencies covered the incident. Western Word of simple geometry. Where your code is
I’m sure that’s why neither we nor the akhira appear singular and two-dimensional, ours possesses depth and
on news programs or in newspapers. That’s a good thing, seems more a full branch of patterns than the twigs of your
because it means we can hunt without becoming the designs. We read into the script rather than from right to
enemy of the state. The public doesn’t know about us left (you read and write English in reverse of Arabic),
and if the authorities censor the news, they won’t tell because each symbol imparts a flurry of meanings and
anyone they’re after us (the best lie is the one never intent. It is more emotive than literal, though we some-
told). This way we still interact publicly without fearing times grasp actual phrases and specific words (addresses,

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numbers, names) when they are important to the message’s victories by the men and women they do not harm? Isn’t
meaning. The true tragedy of this means we cannot that like beating one child so the rest do not suffer?
duplicate the code with our own hands. We can read and I know some hunters who believe their war a holy
even speak through it using a form of quiet meditation, cause and their means justifiable because everything is
but we must rely upon the Western Word to impart preordained in God’s eyes. Follow this logic: “God (or
written messages. This is why Western hunters find Allah) knows and sees all, including the course of our
familiar codes scrawled in graffiti above doors and alley- lives down to the individual action. He knows how we
ways in the Middle East. It seems we kiswah understand will use our gifts, and that includes using the defense-
both means of communication inherently upon being less to our advantage. If He does not want us to fight
changed, though we don’t know how. Our Word, while the cause in such a manner, He would leave us igno-
perfect for transmitting thoughts and intentions, cannot rant like the fellaheen. Yet, knowing we must use the
preserve the message any more than the wind sustains our defenseless to accomplish our tasks, He gives us these
voices for long. We cannot recreate it, either, because we gifts anyway, obviously signifying He approves our
understand our Word in contrasts, not simple lines. methods!” How someone can twist God’s message into
You already know we believe Allah gave us the this monstrous philosophy is beyond me, but some
script as a gift and that it is limited to the Middle East hunters subscribe to the belief.
because of Holy Mecca and Jerusalem. I believe there is Another justification for using the harmless is
more, however. I recently spoke with Violin99 con- more politically charged. Some kiswah retain old ha-
cerning his treatise on a hunter named Fyodor. While treds and grudges simply because they still live in the
we disagreed on many points, Violin99 proposed an same environments they’ve always known. It takes a
interesting possibility based on the eclectic opinions of strong will to abandon everything you once held dear
his mentor. What if the code was Islam’s attempt to and forge a new path, but I believe that when you are
fortify the world and imprison the deadliest of akhira? willing to start anew, you’re also willing to reevaluate
Unlike the unwieldy architecture of Stonehenge or the your philosophies. I am not such a woman, for my son
Giza Pyramids, the code might be Allah’s stamp, an and husband anchor me to my world in all the best
Islamic mandala spread through the light of knowledge. ways. Others are the same, but their anchors continue
The hub is therefore our most sanctified cities, with the feeding them animosity and reminding them of who
code distributing the power of the faithful throughout they were, not what they can achieve. This is particu-
the Middle East using mosques as pinions (creating a larly deadly when old routines include hatred or an
web of “power lines”). We know the Jahiliyya was a active vendetta toward a group of people (Palestinian
period of darkness and pagan benightedness. Might the versus Israeli, Kurd versus Iraqi, Turk versus Greek,
code be the prison bars to keep the “Time of Ignorance” Arab versus Westerner). How can we face a new threat
at bay? Was it more than an era, but a directed and when we cannot lay our old ones to rest?
driving force meant to suppress humanity’s faith and
ideals? I can certainly see Violin99’s argument, even ASPIRATION — PLANNING THE WAR
though I disagreed when he said the code was a prison By: Hajirah252
to keep a greater evil contained inside the Middle East. Hajirah, my acolytes say, what tools do we need to
He called it “The Second Sign.” hunt? I say, you need what the situation demands. Yes,
NOBODY IS A TOOL tools exist without judgment and in fact serve as the
By: Hope123 medium for our message. If we use fire in anger, it burns.
I hear hunters speak of the defenseless like they’re If we use it in kindness, it warms. If we use it together,
tools in the war. This attitude frightens me. I look for it illuminates. It’s true our tool remains the same, but
reasons why this happens, but few answers make sense. Is our purpose for it does not. The danger is believing that
it a result of war? Iraq, Iran, Israel and Lebanon have seen each situation relies on the same apparatus that served
terrible conflicts for over two or more decades, and it you well the last time. That is laziness. If you do not
leads me to believe that this tension creates an environ- know what you require in a situation, you didn’t plan
ment of acceptance. When anyone can die crossing the properly. Shortsightedness serves no one. While we
street thanks to a stray bullet or errant shell, life loses cannot prepare and provide for every contingency, we
value. We understand people perish in wars all the time. should at least plan for the expected.
It’s never about death, but a matter of acceptable losses. These words are especially important to help you
When I hear about an attack on a bus that kills choose your fights. We could tell you how to find evil,
several passengers, I often catch myself being thankful for but the truth is it finds us all too easily. We do not lack
those who survived and give little thought to those who a choice of opponents; we simply don’t know who’s
died. Is this the trick? Do hunters like Abu Qutayba, most dangerous. Our greatest mistake, though, lies in
Sedat and even the man Fyodor mentions in Bur Dubai our impatience, in our desire to kill that which we know
risk the lives of the defenseless, or even kill them, is unnatural. What does that serve? Does acting impetu-
believing they fulfill an overall good? Do they count their ously help the cause? Or does it serve our own egos?

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FIND OTHER HUNTERS Hospital and the Hotel-Dieu de France. They inform
By: al-Amin me when they treat someone (either victim or hunter)
Never fight alone. Each hunter possesses a unique set for unusual injuries. Posing as a reporter for The Daily
of abilities that serves he and his comrades in battle. Star, I “interview” the victim if I can reach him,
Some may act as artillery pieces (staying back and provid- determining whether the person or event elicits my
ing ranged assistance), while others are foot soldiers, who interest. When you hear the news saying people were
function best when toe-to-toe with their adversary. Yet, hurt, but reports are sketchy or odd, check local
how do we find one another? There was nobody there to clinics or hospitals. You sometimes stumble across an
welcome us, because we are the first as far as we know. injured kiswah or akhira.
That doesn’t have to hold true for new hunters. They • Place the Signs — There is a utilitarian simplicity
shouldn’t fear alone. It’s our responsibility to show them to the Western code, often making me wonder if the
the way and protect them in the yawning nights that kufic script is our cryptography and the Western symbols
would kill them for their inexperience. our street signs (one-word directions). I find them useful
I’ll dispense with the most common advice on locat- tools, especially when disguised as political declarations
ing others through the the kufic script adorning our to steer other hunters to me.
mosques and art. That seems the easiest way to reach our UNDERSTAND YOUR ENEMY
brethren and sisters, but it’s not always effective. Some By: Muru’a
hunters encounter the code easily, while others never You see the beast or ghost that hides as a man. He
fully understand its possibilities. I know several kiswah walks upright and without a shred of monstrosity be-
who deliberately ignored it, either because they thought traying his demeanor. He seems comfortable in the
they were mad or suspicion of it silenced their tongues. I world of humans and does not appear dangerous. So how
cannot blame them. The kufic Word, while a blessing, is does it serve you if you attack him? You jeopardize the
a tool useful only to those willing to know it. Even I stayed fellaheen around him and yourself, all for a jinn who
quiet after my al-Ghariyyan. Other kiswah who commu- might simply vanish or tear you apart like paper at
nicated through it were nameless words and less real to another time. He might even be pious, like the walking
me than the monster I killed. dead who protect Mecca. Patience, my friends, that’s
That said, it’s our responsibility to find and mentor the trick to winning while ensuring your survival.
new hunters who believe themselves alone. Speaking to From my experience, jinn, monsters, the walking
them through the code is not the answer. I suggest the dead, akhira or whatever else you call them all share a
following methods, instead. But be warned: They re- common trait, with yourself and with me. I believe we all
quire diligence and patience. possess a motive or reason for existing in a daily routine.
• Street Gossip — We’re like newborn infants in We all have places to go and it always pertains to our
that we rarely arrive into our world without terrible fuss immediate surroundings. Even the free Bedouins chart
and thunder. Sometimes we wait patiently for the their course in familiar deserts. Very few people or crea-
proper moment to strike. Other times we simply act. tures are truly nomadic. Everyone needs to do something
The end result is that we make noise. Knowing this, or be somewhere. If you can understand where and what
experienced hunters should foster closer ties with vari- that is, you comprehend your adversary.
ous neighborhoods so that when such events occur, we This is not North America, where rapid transit
know about it immediately. Don’t rely on the television allows for comfortable travel everywhere. Certainly we
to relate unusual occurrences. It seems strangely quiet have buses, taxis, trains and cars to take us where we
about our activities. Gossipy neighbors serve as better need to go, but we shop and we conduct our business
sources of information — telling us about a recent close to our homes for the sake of convenience or
skirmish, police visit or outbreak of violence — and may familiarity. The supernatural is the same way. If it lairs
inadvertently steer us toward a hunter. somewhere, it often remains close to its home or point
• Religion — No matter how far a man ventures from of interest. One of the only times this isn’t true, from my
God, al-Ghariyyan draws him back, even if only for a experience, is when a creature hunts, stalks or scouts.
moment. The nature of the Nightly Visitants and the Then it might venture to other parts of a city. Even
existence of akhira throws our beliefs into question. I then, it might rely on some conventional method of
know few kiswah who can resist traveling to a church, transportation, making it easy to follow.
mosque or synagogue at least once to ask “why” or “how.” If you see a supernatural creature, take a moment to
The nature of our experience also drives us there for study its actions in the context of its surroundings. This
simple solace, as a reminder of the simplicity of our past tells you much about its intentions. If it strolls and
lives or to gaze at the building’s artwork. I frequent the wanders about streets, there’s a good chance it nests
local mosques and churches, studying those entering and nearby. Ask yourself: Does it appear familiar with the
leaving. I’ve met two kiswah allies in this fashion. area or people? With whom does it associate? Does it
• Medical Care — I am fortunate that I have appear in the day or night? Does it walk with purpose or
contacts within the American University of Beirut wander around ignorant of time? (If it walks with

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purpose, wherever it goes bears some significance in the By understanding your adversary’s patterns, you
creature’s life.) Does it appear bold, furtive, humble? might comprehend it better. If you can glean where
How does the creature study others? (Predators, even it lives or its daily routine, then you possess one
when they aren’t stalking, often cast avaricious glances advantage in the hunt. You have time to choose your
at their favorite prey.) What does it do during prayer tools for the job and can set up an ambush where it’s
time? Does it merely parrot the actions of the faithful or most convenient to your intended task. Knowing the
does it truly prostrate itself to Allah? battlefield in advance allows you to establish escape
Young kiswah often wonder why we resort to such routes, hiding spots, plans of attack and even booby
surreptitious maneuvers when some of us possess the traps, if necessary.
power to question these creatures directly about their ROBBING THE UNDEAD
ways? I know far too many hunters who rely solely on By: Omeed
their divination or insight or ability to demand answers. I don’t advocate this style of hunting, but I know
They confront monsters directly and insist on informa- a group of kiswah who claims it works well on anything
tion, then they wonder why the akhira react negatively. but Amalikites (ghosts). They pickpocket a target,
You would be adversarial and belligerent, too, if a com- hard, either by slamming into it from behind or by
plete stranger stopped you in your tracks and demanded running past and grabbing anything available. Then
that you account for your existence. Remember that we they bolt for the closest alley where their friends wait
prize the notion of “face” as greatly as the Japanese or with weapons. The akhira usually gives chase, anger
Chinese. Remember that you can force akhira into a fight clouding its judgment, not realizing that a trip wire is
because you question their honor. Know when this serves strung across the alley and several covered boards with
as a deliberate ploy to goad a beast into battle, but also spikes pointed up await. Then they attack the beast.
realize this action should be a last step, not your absolute These kiswah claim they can set up everything in under
and most critical tool of analysis. By using your gifts too three minutes and that they’ve killed several akhira
early, you may alert monsters to your existence, forcing this way. But they also admit to grievously hurting a
both of you into unnecessary conflict. If you employ your normal person who thought he was helping out a
powers near the end of your investigation, you already robbery victim. The strategy seems haphazard and I
possess some forewarning of the subject’s nature and its told them to change their tactics. Somebody will
likely reactions. Use your abilities only if you’re ready for eventually figure out their tactic and turn the tables on
a confrontation. them. I doubt they’ll listen, though.

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FERVOR — CARRYING OUT THE BATTLE Many kiswah answer the call believing they can emerge
intact, without sacrificing anything of their lives. Per-
By: Tarjiman220
haps that is even true, if they acknowledge that the less
Everyone speaks of planning and determining the they relinquish the more fellaheen suffer. Is that fair? No,
inevitabilities of Allah’s mission, yet it all flies out the this life isn’t fair, which is why we call the next Paradise.
window in the heat of battle. I think preparing is a good As a hunter, you must decide which Eden you’d prefer:
thing to minimize interference from authorities and to the one of your choosing or the one of His making.
help prevent tragedies, but I also know that if you plan too
You learn this lesson quickly in Iraq, far quicker
much, you’re less prepared for the unexpected. Knowing
than anywhere else in the Middle East. Can you sacri-
even your adversary’s tribe is little help since we often
fice your ideals for your reality? Tarjiman, al-Amin and
deal with individual beings. They make decisions just as
the others tell you how to act in this war. They say your
we do and appear just as unpredictable. I have never seen
journey is far more important than your goal. That’s fine
two walking dead react exactly the same way. Could this
if you aren’t starving, or weaponless, or alone or aren’t
mean the enemy is also scattered and driven by motiva-
blessed with their luxury to philosophize. We are hun-
tion? I’m not sure, but I do know we must fight our battles
gry, alone and weaponless. Facing this reality means you
in quick strikes and end them or die.
must continue the fight by making sacrifices. Allah
I don’t believe this a war like so many claim, but a understands this, or else His title of All Merciful is
guerilla war. If Allah truly wanted an army, He would meaningless. Where do you stop, though?
have created a legion of us and designated a hierarchy.
Some kiswah were members of a “liberation front” (a
Instead, we’re scattered, remote, few and afraid. This
much prettier name than “terrorist group”) before al-
tells me I’m not a soldier in some grand battle. I’m
Ghariyyan. They might be involved with al-Quds trying
fighting a handful of small skirmishes against the un-
to remove Western influence from Saudi Arabia, or in
worthy, perhaps even dueling against one opponent or
the Hezbollah struggle against Israel. They might be one
a small group of them. Maybe this is Allah’s way of
of the Kurdish PPK fighting for a homeland, members of
saying war is indiscriminate, so we should be, too.
the Islamic groups seeking to topple Egypt’s Zionist-
Maybe we’re scalpels to Allah’s blade, cutting the can-
friendly government, one of the Hamas who seek a new
cerous from the healthy tissue? Regardless, we can afford
Palestine, or among the Zionist Kach and Kahani Chai
to fight only one battle at a time and survive the course
who fight for Israel, regardless of Israel. These hunters can
from day to day. Perhaps our blessing is the ability to
claim their motives are noble and selfless even while they
consider each action before we commit it.
perform despicable acts, because they support a cause
BEASTS OF BURDEN they believe with their hearts. Others hunters, however,
By: Abu Qutayba do not have the luxury of idealism to justify their actions
I recently met with other Bedu kiswah from among and must find employment with Arabian slave traders,
the Bani-Sakhr tribe. We shared many secrets beneath the PPK heroin pipeline, the Israeli and Lebanese Mafia
the smiling sun. I told them of the wardance so their or numerous black-market profiteers to supply and back
family might partake of the cause and they spoke of the their causes. These kiswah seek to do good, but must
ancient whispering ways, which they claimed allowed condone performing some evil for the greater good. I
them to command animals. It is no secret that the cannot tell you whether this is right or wrong, for the
Bedouin have always walked with the four-legged beasts answers are not often simple. They always depend on
from before Muhammad. We measure prosperity by our personal values. Maybe you can accept the murder of a
camel herd, our food by our sheep, our drink by our goats fellaheen because he didn’t pay your boss drug money, but
and our hospitality by the biggest ewe we slaughter to can you endure the sight of women or children shackled
honor our guests. Such accounting says that we are into prostitution or slavery? Is your personal war against
skilled enough to survive the desert and to fatten our the akhira justified then?
livestock on nothing but the sand and wind. The Bani- In exchange for our services, we can procure weap-
Sakhr claim that they and some kiswah living within the ons, equipment and even the support of allies, but is it
cities can instill their dogs with their own courage, thus worth the pain and suffering? Compromising one’s self
teaching them to fight at their side. Where once these is a danger when allies are no longer your tools but your
loyal companions betrayed us to the akhira out of fear, masters. Your pursuits have turned truly selfish when
they can now supposedly face down the most hideous they add misery to the world rather than diminish it.
beasts. Can this be true, or are these Bedouin in fact
harsh taskmasters who beat their animals into a frenzied THE RIVER AT YOUR BACK
hatred so they attack anything? By: Yammah Selma
DEALS WITH THE DEVIL Sometimes it happens. Your back is against the
By: Muru’a river and the only escape is forward, where your enemy
How important is your cause? Is it worth your family, lies. There is naught to do but thank Allah for this
friends, home, luxuries, morals or your very integrity? chance to prove your worthiness, dig your heels into the
sand and fight with His name on your lips. In these

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times, only Allah and the gift of His beneficence may before confronting the ghul. You should know better. If
save you, so know which of His powers to call upon to you find yourself in this predicament, draw upon another
serve you best. In these days of war, I have seen many animal’s power, for the fox’s only benefit now is eluding
pass beneath my tent, each displaying the heart of one the hounds at its tail, and perhaps licking its wounds.
animal or another. Know your heart and may these • Dog — Of Allah’s blessed creatures, the dog is the
words carry you to the next morning. most honest, loyal and perhaps our most ancient ally.
• Falcon — Since before Muhammad, the falcon is Those of this merit are equally protective of the fellaheen
only second to the camel in nobility and as a harbinger and confederate alike. Like the saluki who watch our
of longevity. Those who carry its gifts are like a bird tents at night and keep the darkness at bay, so too do
riding the winds, hiding against the sky, blinding oppo- these two-legged greyhounds protect us with their wards
nents who must stare into the sun to find it. Those from and burning touch. Those of this house serve best when
House of Falcon should let their spirits soar and either they can protect their allies. I have even heard of those
vanish from sight, as though high in the cloud, or blind who mark the ghul in such a manner so that their own
their opponents with equal fury to those who would dogs may later track the beasts down.
foolishly gaze at the sun. It is in these moments of your • Eagle — The keen-eyed eagle watches from the
enemy’s confusion that you can either slip away, or wait clouds, flying closest to Allah’s feet and judging those
to attack again when the advantage is yours. Should beneath. For the unworthy, it dives and plucks the offend-
others fight by your side, then surround them within ing creature from the earth within its talons and returns to
your wings if you can and serve to protect them. the sky where Allah passes judgment. Fear the scrutiny of
• Dove — To the dove, there is always hope. Did these kiswah, for their gaze pierces the soul and impales the
Noah not send it out to find land, to find hope that there ghul to the ground. Those of you calling the House of Eagle
was indeed a place where the olives were still plentiful? yours, know that few creatures can withstand your sight if
Those of this house always seek peaceful recourse, even you are righteous and just. Never fear the river at your back,
a way to bring reconciliation between themselves and for your direction is forever forward, toward the ghul. You
their adversary through Allah’s word. The dove is white never serve your heart by shying away from your duty. Your
for a reason, for blood rarely touches its pristine coat. To power demands eagle-eyed certainty.
these kiswah, I say that Allah gives you the chance to • Lion — Once, our ancestors believed the lion
bring hope to empty lives. You are the mouth for His knew evil spirits and never feared their actions. Travel-
words. Save yourself then by offering your opponent ers moving through the lands of a pride would call out
salvation, for Allah is merciful. If your words do not affect to the beast, begging it for safe passage. The lion
it, then distract the creature while those of sharper fangs exemplifies courage, so it is no surprise that kiswah who
and tongue mete out justice to the infidel beast. share its heart are never fearful. You should relish the
• Fox — This cunning creature knows it cannot battle and leap upon your prey with a throaty bellow;
outfight its adversaries, so it outthinks them. Those from the roar of the river at your back is nothing compared to
House of Fox, like myself, possess sight beyond mortal the thundering of your heart. Any moment you press
reckoning and are blessed with an estimation of what is the attack, you possess the advantage, for few oppo-
to come. We are soothsayers and seers who divine the nents expect their prey to possess teeth, much less turn
future. It is the foolish fox who fights the enemy with her and fight with courage. They must and will falter. Then
back to the river. You should have fought your battle long they are yours.

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 CHAPTER 4: BROTHERS BY VIRTUE

CHAPTER 4:
BROTHERS BY VIRTUE
We have created you from a male and a female, and
made you into nations and tribes, that you might get to know
one another.
— The Koran, Surah: 49:13 [The Chambers]

By: Tarjiman220 and terminology rely on the cooperation of everyone.

How many labels do we ascribe to ourselves? Do we I know my enemies will never allow me that ideal out
use one cloth to sew together the sum of our identities, of spite or pride.
or do we more likely describe ourselves according to the Read these words and realize that each is a grain in
situation? I am Saudi to the American. I am a son to my a handful of sand. However other contributors or I
parents and brother to my brother. I am a translator to identify our brethren or our agendas, we do so blind to
my employer. I am hunter to monsters and I follow the any greater truths to our existence. These are our best
Pillar of Salat, to those hunters who believe they under- suppositions and they change with each situation and
stand my obligations. each person. Some hunters are comfortable with West-
Perhaps I oversimplify matters. The truth of the ern-held beliefs and axioms, while others identify
situation is that our identities are the product of themselves according to historical or cultural heritage
others’ perceptions. We are friends to people we (“I am Lebanese,” or “I am Jordanian though my father
never intended and enemies to others by virtue of was Palestinian”). Few people hold the same truths,
philosophy or even mere existence. This truth has a and if they do it is because of efforts such as this to
dangerous aspect among kiswah who share a mixture create a standard.
of ideologies, whether spiritual, analytical or politi-
cal. There is no escaping the fact that we cannot
make one friend without the counterbalance of cre-
THE THREE PATHS
ating one enemy. Perhaps worse, in this balance we Clemency, aspiration and fervor. These three words
do not know who assumes the roles of our enemies or impart far more significance than their dictionary mean-
even our allies. There are hunters who would see me ings. They seemingly encapsulate our varied beliefs
dead for writing these words and there are monsters succinctly. I am not so naïve as to believe that they are
who might applaud my actions for their own reasons. the sole qualifiers of our lives, but they are the basis on
So what am I left with outside confusion and uncer- which we build our identities as kiswah. They resonate
tainty? I am left with a need to categorize everyone with the truth of our being and our intended direction
into neat little parcels and create a universal method in the cause. They are our core philosophies in how we
of identification. I am left with doomed ambition, for interpret the Koran, in our actions and in our conduct
the hopes of uniting us under a common language — or so I hope.

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ASPIRATION there are fewer rewards of significance. The latter, the

trailblazers, brave new directions in places where forests
By: Hajira252
of thorns and brambles wait, but both they and their
Some say we are prophets of the war, the Imams or followers emerge stronger for the experience. But these
holy men of the cause. Islam has no priests, but it relies second kiswah can be too thorough and create in their
upon Imams to perform prayers and to act as sages. acolytes naught but sheep and lambs who follow blindly.
Kiswah often look to us to solve their dilemmas and I’ve seen this happen too often in those who would call
answer their questions because we are supposed to themselves prophets and who would demand holy wars
possess insight. When we still their panicked hearts, against all “evil.”
they hail us as holy and wise, but when we cannot
answer their questions, they cast us down as heretics and OUR ATTITUDES TOWARD OTHERS
false prophets. • Clemency — Like the wise Suliman (Solomon)
I cannot tell you what those of aspiration do or know, who led his army around an ant-hill rather than trample
but I can tell you about myself. The future distracts me the industrious and humble insects, those of clemency
and sets my sight so far ahead toward the horizon that I remind us to look at our feet once in a while. Without
often miss the sharp stones at my feet. Thoughts I barely them, the distant trumpets would draw us forward and
fathom plague my waking days, and dreams I have no we would forget for whom we fight and why. Now, if
wish to share plague my fitful nights. For these troubles, only we could convince them to look up once in a while
others call me a seer, a wise man and perhaps even holy and not protect every insect in their path.
in my madness. Many hunters beg of my company and ask • Fervor — Every nation needs its Saladin, a
that I relate some mysterious truth. They buy me plane warrior willing to forego personal peace for the security
and train tickets so I can grace them with some nugget of of his people. Kiswah of this stock neither look forward
wisdom. The truly lost seek me out and follow me around, nor at their feet. Their enemy encompasses the whole of
as though I am some messiah. One group of hunters their vision and anything in between them and their
already wishes to kill me because they believe I invite this adversary is an obstacle. While this perspective is good
“heresy,” this adulation. I do not. “I am only a man!” I for fighting wars, it limits their awareness to the dangers
scream to those kiswah who dote on my every word. They around them. Perhaps that is why they rely on us and
whisper back, “So was Muhammad.” despise us in equal measure. We warn them of the
I can resist such temptation for only so long before I dangers of too narrow a vision, but that sometimes
too contemplate their words. And I am not alone in this means we become the obstacles.
ordeal. I know of kiswah who succumb more readily to DANGERS OF HUBRIS
such adulation. It is easy to offer advice when the answers As aspired, it is easy for us to renounce the physical
seem so obvious to us. Unfortunately, our eloquence is world entirely and seek self-enlightenment. The call
inadequate to encompass what I believe is the truth. grows stronger with experience and age and eventually
Invariably, while trying to help others, we confuse those becomes too powerful to ignore. We are still young. I
questing souls who seek us out. Others of us hide this know of only two kiswah whose perceptions and under-
shortcoming behind a mantle of enigma and mystery, standing soars above the clouds. While a soaring eagle’s
playing the cryptic wise man who wraps his answers in vision encompasses the world along the breadth of its
riddles. In this fashion, we slowly lose our perspective to horizons, few people can hear or understand its call.
the honeyed words of our followers. After all, the Middle Such are the aspired who soar above our understand-
East spawned three major religions from the words of ing, for they become too distant to hear or too foreign
three different humble men. Why not four religions or a for us to understand. Isolated by their perceptions,
fourth prophet? Isn’t this how all heresies begin? these keen-eyed eagles eventually settle upon a remote
PURSUING THE JIHAD aerie and grow detached from their fellows, if not
We face a two-fold enemy, the one outside our- humanity itself. They become the hermits and monks
selves and the one inside ourselves. We may not covet of the desert, the Sufi mendicants and Dervishes ec-
the role of mystic, wise man or Imam, but the fact static who exist in a hole of self-concern and
remains that we may be suited for the job. We may take exploration. They become anchorites.
our duties lightly and merely act as guides for other I believe the greatest threat lies with those who refuse
kiswah or we may be serious and blaze new ways where to insulate themselves. They represent a danger borne
none existed before. One seeks out those paths already equally from the importance of religion in the Middle
traveled while the other becomes the road itself. Both East and from the beliefs of kiswah. I met one such aspired
are meritorious endeavors, but both carry grave risks for in Tadmur who perceived matters so clearly that, to him,
ourselves and for those who would follow us. With the his ideas seemed the absolute truth. There was no road
former, we uncover already existing paths and allow but his road. When he spoke to others, he shared his
others to traverse those avenues with which they are beliefs with such force and vigor that others believed it
most comfortable. We may encourage and direct, but could only be reality (I nearly fell myself, until I remem-
we never force. This also means that with fewer risks, bered my own truths and resisted his alluring tales). His

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experiences as a Muslim and his knowledge of the Koran their resolve (whereupon they set out to explore them-
provided him with ammunition to draw other faithful selves and the world) or their minds (which is when
men and women into his cult, as well. He believed someone puts them down like a mad dog).
himself a new prophet sent to reinterpret the Surahs, Another lot, of whom I have met a couple, seem-
which he did freely. He endangered the cause by sharing ingly lose their very identities. They search for guidance,
tales of the jinn with fellaheen and threatened to bring the for someone to tell them what they see. If their former
thunder down upon his own head. world was a lie, what do they believe now? “Perhaps this
He is still at large, his influence in Tadmur grows is madness?” they say. “Perhaps Allah punishes me for
and it is near impossible to extricate him without not having enough faith in Him.” This kind easily falls
harming his naïve followers. Eventually, the Syrian to manipulation and deceit at the hands of others
government will notice his cult. When they try to because they want to believe something. I know one
remove him from power and encounter stiff resistance, kiswah who works for the akhira because they provide
they will send in the tanks and bulldozers again. It is him with answers he wants to hear. Imagine an aspired
therefore our responsibility to remove him before he who doubts himself so greatly that he relies on others to
endangers the cause. interpret his own sight.
PHILOSOPHICAL CONFLICT CLEMENCY
While I thank Allah for providing me with a virtuous
By: Hope123
heart and strong morals to see me through these trying
times, I also know of some hunters whose beliefs collide Clemency, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, char-
violently with the nature of their existence. Being as- ity, humanity. I know of no better place where these
pired means suddenly understanding truths never believed words are more sorely needed than in Israel and the
possible. The world becomes open to personal interpre- Middle East. I believe I possess these traits, and like
tations and Allah presents Himself in the most unlikely many kiswah struggle with far more than just the cause.
vessels. In short, this is not a world for the stubborn I serve the “cause” beyond fighting and see the suffering
hearted. Yet faith in Islam, Christianity or Judaism breeds of humanity at its own hand. The Middle East is a series
many people who believe a specific way — who think of open wounds (some dating back centuries, others
they know the world. I have seen several such individuals spanning the history of religions) that refuse to heal.
become kiswah. I have also seen a few stumble when the Actually, “refuse” implies the wounds never close. People
world that God promised them in the Bible, Koran or here won’t let the injuries heal. They pick at and reopen
Torah was not the world they discovered. their grievances and feuds, deliberately hurting them-
selves because it is easier to hate than to forgive.
The nascent Kharijites, for example, were a sect of
radical Muslims who were absolute in their judgment. I look around me at the bomb threats, the gunfire,
Life existed in states of black and white for them, and the angry mobs; I see only my son. I don’t want him to
anyone who was not a true Muslim was the enemy. They experience this world, this hatred. I believe many hunt-
demanded virtue and prohibited evil. Acts were either ers who follow the dictates of compassion feel the same.
righteous or taboo. The Koran was not open to interpre- They see their loved ones and their friends struggling,
tation and only Allah sat as judge. While the Kharijite trying to survive the rigors of old hatreds, repressive
movement is now a shadow of its historically violent regimes and the toil of daily life. We tire of the war and
birth, the fanatics are inspiration for terrorist groups therefore pursue the greater good, hoping to bridge the
such as Takfir wal Hijra in Egypt. They exist in a state of misunderstandings between us and to protect human-
absolute certainty. ity, one person at a time. This is difficult, because we
walk a thin line between sacrifice and suicide.
It is not uncommon for someone of Kharijite-like
doctrines or beliefs to become aspired. Where they once We recognize the world is in pain and is suffering
lived life in absolute terms, they suddenly discover a and we want to help. We must help, because nobody
myriad of truths exist. How they react to such realizations else will. There is such a thing as feeling too much,
differs, but their road is the most difficult of all kiswah. though, and I know we sometimes cross boundaries.
Not only is their world different, but they can no longer Some of us empathize with others’ pain to the point of
ignore what they see. There is no commonality with their feeling sick. I have even heard of some hunters who
friends and loved ones, people who shared and partook of manifest the wounds of other people. Still, if feeling
their former philosophy. They are truly stranded and pain is the only way to understand someone else’s
isolated. Those who cannot handle their new sight blind plight, I welcome this cursed intuition.
themselves with the same intensity as before. There is I believe we are the conscience of kiswah, a re-
power in self-delusion, and they throw themselves into minder of whom they fight for and why they fight. Most
their old lives with abandon, becoming mindless avatars kiswah think they must “prohibit” evil to complete their
of who they remember themselves to be. Their shame, duties, but I believe we must protect the helpless first
however, is a private war that eventually claims their and foremost. To forget this is to forget one’s own
hearts. Something gives under the pressure, cracking frailties and condition. We keep our brethren and

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sisters anchored to their own humanity, no matter how supernatural exists much the same as us. They love and
empassioned they become. I guess we see ourselves as hate, venerate and fear many of the same issues that
the proverbial candle in the window, leading the lost humanity does. I believe them affected by fate and
home, reminding them that someone still cares. We are circumstance. Despite what some hunters say, I truly
the bridges between so many extremes. think they too are victims of this world’s whims. Many
PURSUING THE JIHAD kiswah liken them to animals, but even animals love and
Those of us who follow clemency are more than care for their mates and offspring. Who’s to say the
simple protectors in the Middle East. We are engi- supernatural are any different? Armed with this belief,
neers, building bridges of peace between different we strive and hope to convert the redeemable, knowing
factions. We serve as intermediaries for philosophical there can be no war without enemies, no obstacles
misunderstanding, trying to settle the differences be- without bridges.
tween hard-liners and moderates, Arabs and Israelis, OUR ATTITUDES TOWARD OTHERS
men and women, humanity and monsters. But this is • Aspiration — For a group of kiswah so blessed
more a self-appointed title than our official designa- with insight and wisdom, I wonder how they can be
tion. The Middle East proceeds upon millennia of so blind. They talk like generals sometimes, speaking
tradition and misconception, and few kiswah ask for in conjecture and theory, planning their moves so far
our intervention. Instead, they treat us like meddlers, in advance that they often overlook the moment.
nuisances and, in some cases, traitors when we seek to Their insights are invaluable, but I often think we
help monsters. But there can be no other way. We may lose them to their goals. We work hardest to keep
cannot build peace for some and subjugate others. them grounded.
Peace comes to everyone or no one. If we don’t fight to • Fervor — In some ways, I think we understand
restore harmony for everyone, then why do we bother? them more. While the aspired speak of causes in the
The Middle East is already a powder keg because abstract, these warriors deal in the present and the
countless nations enforce stability at a cost to someone’s tangible. Unfortunately, we seek to act and they only
freedom. These “achievements” prove hollow victo- react. They lash out at the strange or at whatever hurts
ries and the source of countless struggles. them, never pondering or investigating the situation
Bearing this lesson in mind, many of us seek an fully. The Middle East’s history is filled with the fervent.
understanding with our so-called enemy. I believe the Look at what that’s achieved.

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DANGERS OF HUBRIS community. She hides her religion from other Muslims.
I once met a hunter, a Muslim who nearly died She lies to almost everyone she knows, except to two
stopping a skirmish between Israelis and Arabs on the others and myself. She understands her duties as kiswah,
West Bank. He moved among the mob, healing the but she acts with a hundred hesitations. She knows she
injured while ignoring the blows that rained upon him. might die, but if anyone discovered any of her secrets,
I believe he represents the danger of crossing the line she could lose her community’s support, which is a very
between sacrifice and suicide. This same hunter is now important facet of Middle Eastern society. How does
bedridden, near death because he gives others his she handle abandoning every precept she holds dear in
strength to fight the rigors of their lives. The locals the name of the calling? I have no answers for her, for
believe him a saint and visit him constantly, asking him I often wonder what would happen if I lost the love of
to heal or strengthen them. He turns no one away, even my husband or son. I can’t conceive such loss.
if he remains ill for helping them. Many like Anna who believe in clemency but are
I’ve heard of another hunter who truly believes limited by their environment often remain within their
herself a saint of monsters. She plays an apostolic role, communities, protecting them as much as possible. This
deliberately seeking out monsters to redeem them. In is understandable, but dangerous because they live
presenting herself as divine, she manifests a “Holy Nim- between worlds, partaking of neither. Anna cannot
bus” (an ability I am familiar with), which keeps the support or receive the support of other hunters, because
supernatural at bay. Few monsters can approach her with her community prohibits contact with others or be-
the intent to harm her, though I hear she wields a cause she’s afraid someone will eventually uncover her
powerful flashlight whose beam burns like an open flame. secret. She is no longer part of her own sect either, for
In both cases, these two hunters’ intentions are altruistic, her actions and very nature set her apart. I mourn
though their methods exceed even the extreme. hunters from the many different sects, such as the
I’ve also heard of a third instance, however, in Druze, Yezidis, Bahai and our own Ethiopian Jews.
which altruism doesn’t apply. There is a hunter who so Their beliefs or languages frighten enough ignorant
thoroughly believes in the righteousness of his cause people to ostracize these individuals. Many such hunt-
that he thinks others are capable of the same sacrifices. ers remain isolated and die terrible, lonely deaths.
If he is willing to sacrifice himself in suicide attacks, he
believes others should follow him willingly. He never
FERVOR
warns his victims of their noble sacrifice, though. Upon By: Fatwa243
finding a victim of supernatural malice, he booby-traps We’re at war. “How do I know?” some hunters ask
the person’s home or car and destroys monster and me in an attempt to draw me into some argument of
victim in the same stroke. He supposedly justifies his circular reasoning. That’s when I raise a smoldering
actions by claiming that victims would have willingly wooden club and smash large stones or building blocks
martyred themselves if they were truly put to the test. and reply, “Allah didn’t give me this gift to make more
PHILOSOPHICAL CONFLICT sand.” Powers like that tell me what I have to do, and
One religious sect whose members are present what other kiswah say we fervent are good at doing.
throughout both Israel and the Arab world is the secre- We’re the most effective hunters and the most
tive Druze. While considered heretical by both Shiite outspoken advocates for the Jihad of the Sword. Maybe
and Sunni, this group follows Islam and maintains that’s because we don’t stand around debating our
puritanical practices. It does not demand the Islamic nature. Maybe that’s because we leave the questions to
Pilgrimage or Fasting outside its communities, how- Allah and serve Him with the tools He gave us. The
ever, because other Arabs distrust the Druze. Essentially, fervent know there’s a war out there, and we know we
they practice the Taqiyya to protect their faith when must act now if we’re going to win. I don’t doubt that
living outside their communities. They are also the only some monsters are “good” or righteous, or that we have
“Muslims” allowed to serve in the Israeli Army. They to protect the fellaheen, but many kiswah use these
believe in reincarnation, are “xenophobic” (they don’t arguments to forestall the inevitable. Actually, I think
accept converts) and always supposedly speak the truth they dawdle in the hopes that we will perform their dirty
among their people. deeds for them. Whatever does the job.
I have met a Druze hunter who operates within her Being fervent doesn’t mean being stupid. It just
community. She must keep her activities secret. Her means we’re willing to make the necessary sacrifices to
community requires solidarity with little outside con- fulfill the cause. We don’t charge into battle because we
tact, but her very actions as a hunter require her to rely can’t think of anything better to do. We do it because
on outsiders. She must even cooperate with others who it’s often the last thing these smug bastards expect from
would consider her a heretic if they knew the truth humans. The others debate the nature of monsters, but
about her religion. we’re the ones who judge them and determine who’s
Anna (not her real name) lives with too many good or evil, one akhira at a time. The others talk about
secrets. She hides her nature as a hunter from her protecting the fellaheen when we’re the ones standing

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between the ins and the bloodsuckers. They talk about DANGERS OF HUBRIS
the cause, but we’re the ones fighting it. Being fervent Some hunters embrace the cause, becoming its self-
has nothing to do with mindless action and everything appointed and supreme wardens. The results of this
to do with being the hunter willing to stand in harm’s psychotic path vary greatly, but none are worthy from
way. We aren’t afraid of getting our hands dirty or everything I’ve heard or seen. Fervent hunters at their
bloodying our noses. It’s a fact of our existence. extreme are a terribly violent lot. One, who we recently
PURSUING THE JIHAD killed, waged the war regardless of cost to the fellaheen
We are the warriors of Jihad al-sayf, or Jihad of the or even to other hunters. All that mattered to him was
Sword. We’re probably the most diverse of kiswah, the continuation of the struggle, the bloody sword of the
running the gamut from full-fledged warriors to media- Jihad, whether it meant bombing a building to destroy
tors to protectors. Many of us believed in a cause and an akhira nest or murdering anyone who came in con-
stood by our principles before the al-Ghariyyan, so we’re tact with the supernatural.
not inexperienced when it comes to confrontation. The Another kiswah who I’ve heard of survives in Amman
main problem is that many of us refuse to abandon old and deems himself magistrate of his own kind. He oversees
habits. Having principles and beliefs is fine, but when
your politics tell you to slay infidel foreigners with your
potent abilities, we have a problem. I despise the Zion- POLICING OTHER HUNTERS
ists and won’t lift a finger to save an Israeli in uniform. By: Fatwa243
If I see a defenseless Jew fellaheen being stalked or The Middle East has longstanding traditions of
hunted, however, I will save them. Let the governments using arbiters or mediators to solve disputes. It
rot. I’m here to save lives. allows both sides to save face during negotiations
The fervent also bear the task of policing each other and to retreat from a conflict without appearing
when we can, because some fanatics pride themselves weak. It’s also probably why American negotiators
on hurting foreigners or minorities. Thanks to Tarjiman fail so badly at settling conflicts in our part of the
and a few others, the fervent play UN to our own people world. Tarjiman, with the help of a few supporters,
in unofficial roles as was’its (mediators) and mujahidin has sponsored the role of was’its to help “police” our
(Allah’s warriors). These are unofficial titles, but we try own kind and stop internecine fighting from break-
to force other hunters to respect these positions as ing out. These arbiters adjudicate questions of
legitimate. I can’t say it’s entirely successful. Old ha- conflict within the kiswah community, helping bridge
treds die hard and many kiswah don’t support these the gaps between opposing philosophies.
groups, but we’re gaining enough supporters that it will When someone steps out of line, another group
hopefully be worthwhile in the end. of hunters called mujahidin goes in and prohibits evil
OUR ATTITUDES TOWARD OTHERS (“evil” including harming fellaheen, exposing the
• Aspiration — I think the word “aspired” says it cause unnecessarily and hunting other hunters with-
all. It means they hope to accomplish something with- out a legitimate reason).
out actually making concrete strides toward it. It’s like The problem with this approach to solving our
the dreamer who tells you what he plans to do, but who differences, and the reason why many kiswah don’t
never actually does it. Talking about it apparently recognize was’its and mujahidin, is that they don’t
makes him feel like he’s accomplished something. It’s believe anyone has a right to police or monitor their
easy to fall into that trap with Arabs. The more eloquent activities. No one ever thinks himself a villain. We
the speaker, the likelier people believe his words to be all have legitimate reasons or grievances for our
true. Some of these fools become prophets for kiswah actions, whether other hunters agree or not.
who fall for their rousing speeches of a better tomorrow. As much as I’d like to give Tarjiman credit for
That’s when the cause truly suffers. Don’t get me wrong, the idea of creating these two roles, he isn’t the first
a properly motivated leader can take armies to victory kiswah to encourage them. The same tightly knit
or men to revelation. Most, however, don’t. groups that complain about our methods of policing
• Clemency — I’m tired of their incessant nagging also practice self-enforcement rigorously. Out of all
and complaining about settling matters peacefully or the factions, I’d say Tarjiman’s was’its and mujahidin
saving the supernatural. I’ll admit, maybe there is are the fairest. This doesn’t mean they’re the only
reconciliation for us in the future, but right now we hunters handing out their brand of justice. Some
have to grab akhira attention. If these creatures wanted kiswah belonging to Hamas have no problems kill-
to coexist, there would be no need for hunters. Yet, ing Israeli settlers or dealing with Palestinian traitors.
here we are. So, we fight and listen to our brethren’s The same applies for Kurd hunters operating in Iraq
hypocritical sermons. They ask us to meet them half- and Turkey, and Zionist hunters living in besieged
way in the cause, but I don’t see them budging. When kibbutzes. The Middle East is so torn apart that
they’re willing to stand on the battle lines with us, everyone polices everyone else, sometimes for the
maybe I’ll consider their words. wrong reasons.

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other hunters and kills those whom he believes commit I’ve spoken with a couple of fervent Sufis who acted
the slightest infractions. We can’t reach this madman due more like the aspired than warriors. They sit around debat-
to the blanket of shadows that smothers the Jordanian ing if Allah tests them or wonder if this is fate’s cruelest joke?
countryside. This is not the only situation in which a I have no answers for them, but I do believe that being
kiswah has become an avenging angel. I hear that some fervent doesn’t mean you embrace violent ideals. As the
hunters in Afghanistan and Iran fight a deadly fervent name implies, being one of us says you are dedicated to
imbued who follows ultra-orthodox beliefs. He kills for- whatever cause you pursue, in which case it makes perfect
eigners, improper women and those of Bahai faith because sense that some Sufis, Bahai or simple pacifists join us.
they are “enemies” of Islam. The trouble I see is that some The other option is that these particular hunters deny
hunters who call themselves fervent also believe them- their natural warrior instincts because the senses frighten
selves protectors of their own. They forget that everyone them. Either way, it’s a problem when they can’t accept who
deserves refuge, not just “their people.” The more dedi- they are. Many of them retreat into meditation or seclusion,
cated they become to the cause, the more narrow-minded believing Allah tests them or hoping abstinence will help
they become. It isn’t a large step from disdaining one group them control their passion. It’s a dangerous course, because
or another to treating them like an enemy. these lost souls can easily become our enemies. If they think
PHILOSOPHICAL CONFLICT they’ve been offered temptation to resist it, how do they see
Saladin was perhaps our greatest general, but the us, who embrace what we are? Do they think we’ve surren-
man had a wicked streak. He used to round up pacifist dered to our vices? Once they believe we’re evil, how long
Sufis, give them blades and force them to fight under will it be before they decide they’ve been given their gifts to
threat of death. I heard he used to howl in laughter fight us? We already encounter some kiswah who follow
watching these mendicants and philosophers try to something called the Mosque of Webs, and others who
wield swords or hurt one another. Sounds pretty funny follow false prophets. How many of them were initially like
to me, too, actually, but it’s an interesting example of Sufis, denying their existence, believing it all a test?
how certain people aren’t cut out for their roles. Sufis
shy away from material goods and conflict. They seek to
transcend the temporal world through spiritual purity.
THE BAND OF FORTY
They’re the last candidates anyone wants as kiswah, By: Tarjiman220
much less as fervent warriors whose very nature de- We Arabs are social creatures. We love speaking
mands their participation in the jihad. and recounting tales, haggling, debating and interact-

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ing with our peers. There is community in our interac-

tions, religion, artwork and even in our worship. We
CROSS-BOUNDARY GROUPS
The Band of Forty is our hope to unify all kiswah
pray together, in public and without shame, and part of
under a common banner, but we face many obstacles.
our supplication is to shake hands with the person
Some are facts of geography or politics while others are
seated next to us. We are of the ummah, a universal
matters of language or tradition. The great conference,
community of Muslims. Our unity lies in the words of
for example, proved that simply reaching any common
Allah and the holy language Arabic. This was not
ground requires much work, but it also inspired the
always so, however.
formation of the Band of Forty. With the support of many
Once, the spoken word provided the root of culture kiswah, including the chroniclers of this document, we
and transmission of the Koran. By the 20th Century, the now boast a small network of hunters. Perhaps we are not
Middle East consisted of scattered island nations iso- more numerous because of the following issues.
lated by colonial rivalries between the English, Turks
and French. European languages acted as the tongues of ISSUES OF LANGUAGE
states. Regional Arabic dialects were nearly incompre- Arabic is widely spoken throughout the Middle
hensible to their very neighbors. Our sole commonality East and is so prevalent that many hunters in countries
was Islam. Radio and newspaper breached the colonial with different state tongues such as Israel (Hebrew),
borders better than any army could by transmitting the Turkey (Turkish) and Iran (Farsi) speak it as well. A
language of the Koran, Arabic, so that all listeners language barrier still arises, though, because the Band of
would understand the news. Arabic became the com- Forty welcomes all into its ranks, including European
mon voice of the Middle East, with remnants of European expatriates, diverse Iraqi and Iranian tribesman of
argot and regional dialects helping paint an odd linguis- Kurdish and Turkic stock, and Asian workers who don’t
tic mosaic. The result was Arab people united through understand a word of Arabic. Where Arabic fails, edu-
language, religion (somewhat) and a common history cated Arabs speak English and French, thus bridging the
born of Islam’s Golden Age and colonial domination. gaps further. Still, many expatriates are reticent to join
This legacy of experiences shared through faith and us, indicating that the barrier of language is deeply
language unites Arabs and brings us closer together. We rooted in other fears.
have a common imperative to belong to something North Americans and Europeans face animosity
greater than ourselves, whether it is family, community here on several levels, the first of which reaches back to
or religion. The same applies to kiswah all of whom have the colonial years. Westerners were the Middle East’s
a mutual experience through al-Ghariyyan, but who more recent invaders (albeit 50 years ago) and some
lack a common history to fuel their purpose or to impart Arabs begrudge them this fact. Others blame Western
pride. We therefore seek to create a common heritage civilization for the moral decay of the Islamic people, or
that brings us together: The Band of Forty. they believe foreigners are resource predators and would
It is tradition here that any number verging on “many” prefer to see them barred from the Middle East or even
becomes forty. The flood that lasted forty days and nights, killed. While the Band of Forty tries to rise above such
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, the band of forty who took pettiness, the fact remains that Western expatriates
Riyadh from the Rashidi governor. All these tales mean to believe we still bear such grudges. I cannot blame them,
say “plentiful” or “too many to bother counting.” We especially with the Beirut kidnappings in the ‘80s and
kiswah therefore gather within what we call the Band of ‘90s, Osama bin Laden’s terrorist attempts to drive
Forty. That number signifies a sense of history and legacy, Westerners from Saudi Arabia, and the recent fanati-
connecting us to countless ancestors and predecessors we cism in Egypt. Westerners fear us and the language gap
have yet to uncover and know. It speaks of all the allies and does nothing to alleviate their concerns. So, they stick
friends who will join us in our future journeys and those to their communities and protect other Westerners,
we’ve lost along the way. It signifies that we hold no leaving Wildcatter and Globetrotter to play intermedi-
specific nationalities, colors or experiences within our ary on our behalf.
gathering of confederates, just a loyalty to one another and The opposite problem holds true for Asiatic hunt-
the commitment to work toward a common goal. ers. There are some hunters from the Philippines and
The Band of Forty is our best hope for a unity that India in the Middle East. These two countries alone
has yet to exist among us, a day when all kiswah will provide the region — especially Saudi Arabia, Bahrain
belong to a single body. Know that any foreigners or and Kuwait — with a huge domestic work force, creat-
women who encounter the Band of Forty have nothing ing near-invisible ghettoes of Filipinos and Indians.
to fear from our membership. We allow all to participate These hunters are virtually blessed by their relative
on the basis of our common struggle. Joining our com- anonymity within Arab society, allowing them to move
munity also entails that you leave old rivalries, political where American and European hunters cannot. They
enmities and even misconceptions behind. Within the work in hospitals, power stations, drilling facilities,
Band of Forty, there are no women, Jews, Arabs, Filipi- homes and anywhere else that needs affordable man-
nos or Westerners. There are only kiswah. power. Because of their “low-status” treatment at the
hands of Arabs, these people remain within their own

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communities, protecting their own kind from super-

natural threats. Actually, I understand their reasoning
in this matter. Many support their entire families back
home and cannot afford to lose their well-paying jobs
(and often state-paid apartments). They are replace-
able, thanks to the many seeking work visas, so they
work hard in the day and try to ignore what they see
around them. At night, they return to their communi-
ties where they feel welcome and uninhibited. It’s only
natural that they would protect their own people in-
stead of helping Arabs who mistreat or ignore them.
ISSUES OF RELIGION
Many Arabs can accept Christians, Zoroastrians and
even Jews among them on the basis that we are all people
of the book. The problem with religious barriers does not
always stem from these faiths, though, but from Islamic
heresies that many Muslims grew up hating. I find myself
embarrassed by this admission, but the more I tried to
learn of the “heretical” beliefs, the more I realized how
little I understood them. In my ignorance, I was willing
to call them enemy. Now, in my greater ignorance, I
realize I have no right to call them such. Over the
centuries, the struggle to create a centralized and legiti-
mate line of succession for the leader of the Islamic
people did more to fracture our religion than heal it. The
Shiite alone split into Zaydi, Ismaili and Imami. The
Ismailis, in turn, formed such groups as the infamous
Assassins of the Crusades and the Lebanese Druze.
For one reason or another, Islam does not condone
movements like the Druze, Yezidis, Bahai or even the
Sufi. The Sunni distrust the Druze for their supreme
secrecy and because of their practice of hiding within the
Sunni community. The Druze are also the only “Mus-
lims” required to serve in the Israeli military, adding to
our further distrust of them. Yezidis, in turn, are often
mistakenly called demon worshippers for their refusal to
accept certain Shiite laws. The Bahai, formed from the
Babism movement in 19th Century, are widely con-
demned and persecuted in Iran because they claimed that
a successor of their founder Mirza Husayn Ali would be
“He Whom God Shall Manifest” (they also advocate the
merging of all religions). Sufism, in turn, seeks physical
transcendence and advocates becoming one with Allah,
which flies in the face of many Islamic beliefs.
Upon al-Ghariyyan, many kiswah condone these so-
called heresies, because they have greater concerns now
or because they understand what true apostasies mean.
Many of us realize that if these splinter faiths were truly
evil, they would be affected by all our abilities (I know
kiswah who have tried to brand these fellaheen or hold
them at bay with their light, for example). And yet,
others who espouse more fanatical viewpoints still hunt
these fellaheen acolytes down, believing them the en-
emy. We’ve tried stopping such abusers, but eventually
discovered that the Druze in Israel and Lebanon, the
Bahai hidden throughout Iran and the Yezidis who are
strongest in Yemen all have their own hunters to

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protect them. Indeed, the treatment of the fanatics by change, though, given the impending threat of oil short-
equally determined Muslims only fosters an environ- ages when OPEC’s coffers run dry and the Arabs can no
ment of distrust. Many kiswah belonging to heresies do longer dictate policy. Many Arab nations are trying to
not trust us or seek vengeance against all Muslims for advance themselves and change their economies, if only
their people’s suffering. This leads to greater friction because they fear becoming Third-World countries. By
and further distrust within the Band of Forty and with improving conditions for women now, they have a better
kiswah whom we would have join us. chance of appealing to Western investors.
RESTRICTED REGIONS Even if certain parts of the world don’t change, the
The Middle East is a network of political and social same doesn’t hold true for hunters. The imbuing is a life-
borders, forcing most kiswah into regional groups of like- altering experience. While hunters can retain old
minded individuals. The Band of Forty hopes to prejudices and outlooks, necessity can demand that
transcend these boundaries, but reality often kills hope. they be relinquished. Many kiswah quickly accept women
Our only tools for bypassing various borders are kufic in their ranks when they see us hold our own in a fight.
script and the Internet, but they still limit the spirit of In fact, Bedu tradition says women command mysteri-
our cause. How can we rush to the aid of an ally when ous powers, lending credence to our presence in the
Iraq does not readily allow citizens from Saudi Arabia, struggle as both warriors and wise-women. Whatever
Kuwait or Iran to cross her borders. Or when Israelis are misconceptions most male hunters have before the
not welcome in many Arab countries. Or when Arab imbuing generally vanish and may turn into mutual
travelers in Israel are supervised carefully? respect afterward. Women like Hope123, Yammah Selma
Dozens of limitations impede our hopes, thanks to and countless pioneers are to thank for this growth.
the tensions that bind the Middle East so tightly. HENNA TATTOOS
As I’ve mentioned, the Bedouin believe that only
ATTITUDES TOWARD WOMEN women can tell magical tales without incurring the wrath
By: Globetrotter of the supernatural, because they possess “powers.” Nor-
Personally, I’m glad I wasn’t a hunter 10 years ago or mally, I’d dismiss this as drivel or superstitious nonsense,
even earlier when reforms were almost nonexistent. but the fact is there may be some truth to the belief. Islamic
While the Middle East’s attitudes toward women im- culture’s differences between men and women are so acute
prove slowly (almost crawling in some places), there’s a that the two sometimes exist as separate societies. I’ve
fundamental shift among some groups for more radical heard that in places like Saudi Arabia or among Bedouins,
change. The Iraqi-based Mujahidin Khalq Organization some female hunters reputedly bear or manifest abilities
(MKO) maintains a 35%-female membership, and women that are unique from their male counterparts’.
comprise 75% of its chief officers, including its leader One such tale that I’ve heard deals with henna
Maryam Rajavi. The Kurdistan Free Women’s Union tattoos. Arab women have worn the intricate designs
(YAJK) and the liberation army/drug barons of the PPK for centuries, painting their hands and foreheads with
both rely on female suicide bombers to fight for a Kurdish red henna and black kohl. Since Islam required women
homeland. Not even Israel discriminates on the basis of to cover themselves from head to foot, chained jewelry
gender (or sexual orientation) in its standing military. and henna were the only ways they could express
All this obviously flies in the face of the traditional individuality or “beautify” themselves. Seemingly as
Islamic notion of ird, or sexual honor, which established result, female kiswah raised in this restricted environ-
the precept that a man’s job was to protect a woman’s ment are able to manifest their gifts through their
honor and a woman’s job was to safeguard her own virtue. jewelry and tattoos in a myriad of startling fashions.
While fundamentalist sectors of Islam desperately try to I visited with the venerable Yammah Selma, the
preserve this tradition, the wider Middle East struggles to Bedouin sheikha, or wise-woman, who trains female
join the rest of the world in the 21st Century. Thanks to hunters. I witnessed what no man is ever allowed to see.
pressure from Western society and the realization that it Yammah Selma’s best students showed me a stunning
cannot remain isolated in an age of global economies, the array of tricks. One caused her almost gauntlet-like kaff
Arab region is changing faster than fundamentalists (a collection of chains, bells and rings that cover the
would prefer. Satellite-television and the Internet pipe in back of the hand) to erupt in flame. She broke steel with
equality 24-7, while more families send their daughters her hand. Another used her kirdala (a choker with a row
abroad to study in the respectable universities of liberal of weighted pendants) like a flail, ripping through taut
Lebanon, Europe, Australia and America. Many women cloth with the toss of her head. Others caused their
return with degrees, a taste for freedom and the self- henna tattoos to explode into blinding light or to burn
confidence to stand up for their rights. like fire. They also claimed they could transfer their
At the forefront of the fight against emancipation is henna tattoos to enemies by touch, allowing them to
Saudi Arabia and Iran. While Iran improves slowly, track beasts to their lairs or to deny the creatures their
Saudi Arabia enforces segregation in public places and powers. I cannot confirm if this last claim is true or not,
even prohibits women from driving. That’s bound to but it seems amazing.

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AN END TO WAR fronts and stop him from ever concentrating in one part
of the world.
I will also share with you a truth I hold dear, a truth
By: al-Amin
I hear many kiswah claim that the end to our efforts that changed my heart. Before al-Ghariyyan, I hated
will coincide with the end of the world. The signs are all Westerners with a spiteful passion, believing myself
around us in whatever faith you profess, they say. This superior. Then, upon becoming kiswah, Allah revealed
battle is the final war, when we, as God’s servants, reap a truth to me. He showed me the world, draped in its
the risen dead and prepare for judgment. I do not simplest blues and curled whites. That’s all I saw.
believe this. I do not believe God gave me the tools to That’s all I needed to see. Afterward, I realized that
help change the world knowing it would make no each continent, each culture must hold some vital
difference in the end. We must be here to change clue to our origin and purpose. After all, we Arabs
something. We must be here to help right the world. possess a unique thing in our kufic script, a language
Nobody fights the jihad believing they cannot win or unlike any other (and not surprising given our passion
that there is no goal worth achieving. for words), while Westerners bear the spirit of revolu-
tion, the ceaseless energy to uphold what you call
Indeed, I hear others talk about the sacrifices they’re
“inalienable” rights.
willing to make, including suicide bombings in the
name of the cause. For many Arabs, this struggle isn’t Perhaps Allah scattered His wisdom in many people
simply against the supernatural. This is their “ticket” to force us to work together and understand one an-
into Paradise, a chance to prove their worth to Allah. I other. Perhaps we seek clues still hidden across Australia,
foresee two dangers on this path. The first is that each Asia, Europe and South America. Scoff if you will, but
kiswah’s death robs us of another teacher or perhaps I believed in this enough to visit the Temple of Lord
some insight into our existence. Needless suicide only Shiva in Oman. It is the only recognized temple in the
diminishes our resources in this cause, and for what? I’ve Middle East I know of that belongs to a polytheistic
never seen the supernatural gather in some large enter- faith. I spoke to a Brahmin kiswah who claimed hunters
prise or at least in great enough numbers to justify such were avatars of the Vedic gods and that each hunter
suicidal action. They almost appear as scattered and lost bore the potential to become aspired, fervent and for-
as we are, so at best we sacrifice one chess piece for one giving, depending on the situation. He then seemed to
of theirs. This is madness. manifest multiple illusory, glowing arms like his Lord
Shiva. Is this hunter’s lesson another we have yet to
The second danger with absolute commitment is
learn, but dismiss because Asian worship is different
that many kiswah realize the supernatural exists across
from ours? Is it the Nightly Visitants who withhold their
the world. Wiping out or defeating the akhira here may
secrets from us or is it our own ignorance?
draw in more from elsewhere. The struggle might have
to be a coordinated labor. Hence, such efforts as hunter- I still believe in Allah, but I also believe He speaks
net and the Band of Forty. in different voices and in different tongues. We should
learn to hear them all. Perhaps then we can hope to win.
Some fanatic kiswah, however, wish to take this
war a step further and launch their suicide tactics CLEMENCY
worldwide. They claim that hunters of other nations By: Jibril
are not as resolved in dying the “righteous death” as The others speak of war, but I see no victory in
they are, so they plan to show by example. They death. Nor do I believe that destroying monsters is the
eagerly speak of visiting other countries — especially answer. By virtue of logic, we can no more eradicate
North America — and continuing the war by draw- them than they can us. Our history is proof that the
ing fellaheen terrorists into the fray and creating wholesale genocide of a race or ethnic group eventually
suicide bombers to attack monsters. I fear what their fails — and for good reason. Aside from such an effort
actions may do to East-West relations, my friends. I being inherently wrong, the universe establishes enough
fear because I’ve heard some Middle Eastern hunters checks and balances to prevent such things from hap-
are already in North America, ready to fight the war pening often (not always, but enough times). If God
their way, regardless of the cost. meant for us to be holocaust-mongers, he would have
ASPIRATION given us the tools for wholesale slaughter. Instead, our
powers are surgical at best and not entirely destructive.
By: Hajira252
I am an Arab and a Muslim. I wear these titles as I take my lessons from Islam’s Golden Age, when
proudly as a general bears his medals. But even I recog- Damascus and Baghdad served as seats of learning. Back
nize that the Arab world cannot win this struggle alone. then, we collected knowledge from across the known
Our war is international, not simply limited to our world, including India’s advanced understanding of
region. Were any of us to fight alone, we would scatter astrology, Greece’s mathematics, Rome’s architecture,
ourselves unnecessarily and lose through attrition. By China’s papermaking and Egypt’s chemistry. We intro-
uniting together, we occupy the enemy on multiple duced new fruits and vegetables into the European diet

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and employed revolutionary surgical techniques while Lebanese seem to ignore their predicament, like sheep.
stressing the need for cleanliness. We discovered a I fear our society will eventually accept the presence of
treatment for the bubonic plague. We even treated beasts and grow soft in the fight. That is why I recite
insanity compassionately and as a disease, not as an Surahs from the Koran with my children every day, in
indication of possession. the hopes that their duties to Allah will keep them
I often wonder if we’re actually doctors tasked with keen-eyed and strong. Where others falter, the alert will
healing humanity, as Arabs were in our bygone days? lead by action and example. There is no other way.
We could misinterpret the scalpel as a weapon, not a
tool of healing. What if we’re humanity’s physicians or
some complex system of antibodies? Regardless, the
THE END TIMES
duty falls to us to diagnose the world’s symptoms and By: Tarjiman220
understand the disease, much as Islam’s physicians It is said that a soldier’s very purpose is to ultimately
advanced the comprehension of medicine in their time. destroy a need for his own existence. In all likelihood,
This doesn’t mean killing or converting monsters, but when we win, it will mark the End Times when Allah
healing them. Simply wiping the supernatural out serves judges the guilty and rewards the good. I fight to help, but
no purpose and brings us no closer to the truth. Under- I think I also hope to improve my standing in the afterlife.
standing the akhira and why certain portions of them are What awaits us in the final accounting? I know I
malignant, while other aspects are seemingly benign is fight believing it is for the greater good and that I
crucial to surviving and thriving. It’s the key to coexist- secured my place in Paradise. But my all-too-human
ing and learning. That’s why we can win this struggle heart and questioning soul wonder if I’m wrong. An
only by grasping the nature of our so-called adversaries ancient writer, Omar Khayyam, shocked, thrilled and
and exploring that nature. When it’s evident that eventually changed society’s views with his poems.
“treatment” or alliances are out of the question, we can Unlike others who derived their inspiration from the
rely on our surgical tools to excise the bad in the hopes greatness or beneficence of Allah, Khayyam questioned
it makes the patient stronger. life’s seeming futility, the joys of hedonism and the bliss
FERVENT of existing for the moment. He believed we are worse off
than embers flickering at the edge of a campfire, for we
By: Abu Qutayba were aware that we were dying. It is funny that his
I do not question the existence of the jinn any more words, not the Koran’s, come to mind now. Perhaps it is
than I dare demand Allah to explain His actions. They because someone once said something about “the
exist and I will not deny them this right as long as they unexamined life.” Omar, in turn, once penned of God:
uphold their integrity as pious Muslims. The fervent, as But helpless pieces of the Game He plays,
some refer to other warriors and myself, can believe in Upon this checkerboard of Nights and Days.
the struggle to prohibit evil in all its forms. We also Hither and Tither moves and checks and slays,
recognize this is a never-ending struggle. I know of no And one by one back in the closet lays.
warrior who fights believing he can end all wars, or no If understanding Allah is so far beyond our capacity
doctor who works to end all illnesses. We may hope for to reason that we must obey and not question, I often
such dreams eventually, but it will not occur in our own wonder if the answers that await us are terrifying in the
lifetimes. We fight and struggle to ensure our children reckoning. What if we are pieces in a majestic chess
grow strong and virtuous through our efforts. We fight game, no more important than our roles as pawns, rooks
and struggle in the hope that they will take our place or knights? If Allah knows all, does He not shape the
when the time comes. We also fight and struggle to earn course of things to come? Are we therefore important to
our place in Paradise. After all, it is Allah, not us, who him as individuals or as pieces? The questions terrify me
ultimately deals with sinners. We should merely protect enough to stop asking. Faith, after all, is not knowing. If
the fellaheen and stop the wicked. this ignorance is the truth, then we humble men and
Our extended struggle does give me cause for worry, women are Allah’s most pious servants.
though. I fear the “Lebanon languor”; a protracted war Salaam a’laykuum. May you bring the thunder,
might lead to complacency in the same way some my friends.

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 CHAPTER 5: ALLAH’S SERVANTS

CHAPTER 5:
ALLAH’S SERVANTS
Recite In the name of your Lord who created – created
man from clots of blood.
Recite! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One, who by
the pen taught man what he did not know.
— The Koran, Surah: 96:1 [Clots of Blood]

As far as the imbued know, they are an interna- and awareness rather than force one agenda and set of
tional phenomenon. At least, contact has been made tools on all of the chosen.
among the chosen from across the world, thanks for the Thus far, Hunterhas addressed a general perspec-
most part to the Internet and web sites such as hunter- tive on the mission, on the edges that the imbued
net. Rather than inspire solidarity and draw common display and on the ways hunters interpret their mission.
lines, however, communication among such widespread The game’s sourcebooks have illustrated a common
people has quickly led to a pervasive confusion about denominator of how the hunt is carried out across the
exactly who and what hunters are and what they’re world. Yet those same books have alluded to cultural
supposed to do in the world. All have different perspec- and regional differences in the calling, whether in ways
tives on their origins and intentions. All have different to use powers or in the appearance of otherwise un-
ideas about how to deal with monsters. And, most known capabilities. This chapter details the unique
perplexing, the world’s imbued claim to demonstrate a rules behind the hunt as carried out in the Middle East.
wide range of bizarre and inexplicable capabilities, even
among those whose outlooks on and beliefs in the hunt
the run similarly. BEING KISWAH
The rainbow of interpretations and manifestations Your character, as one of the kiswah, is in many
of the calling would seem to be based on each individual ways similar to a Western hunter. Both have caught a
and what he brings to the mission. All imbued had lives, glimpse of the real world around them, the one most
faiths and lifestyles before. Now that they’ve been people don’t know about or don’t want to know about.
changed and offered no instruction on what to do or They both have goals and aspirations and both are
what to be, all they can do is draw from their past forever changed by the calling. The game’s “normal
experiences and value systems for guidance. The result people” theme applies just as well in a Middle Eastern
is a different answer to the call for almost every culture, setting as it does anywhere else in the world. Most
country and religion to which people belong. And characters are street vendors, students or waiters, not
given different worldwide understanding and even uses special military operatives or “Arabian Night” war-
of some seemingly familiar powers, it would appear that riors. They are real people caught up in a struggle that
the Heralds adapt their gifts to each recipient’s talents they do not fully understand.

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A Hunter game set in the Middle East does have hunters are Muslim. How do we get into such charac-
a flavor all its own, though. Most Arab countries are ters’ heads without doing exhaustive and extensive
described as “developing,” a euphemism for the Third research into their faith and cultural experience? In the
World. Computers exist and are in broad use by com- real world, people study foreign cultures and mindsets
panies and schools, but few people own them. Many for years to immerse themselves into those environ-
own cars, especially in large cities, but people often ments. But we want to start playing at some point, right?
prefer to walk rather than drive simply because they The big thing to remember is that hunters, whether
were brought up that way. Family values are much Western or Arab, are human. They’re fragile, fearful
stronger than those of the West. Children often live and paranoid. Although Middle Eastern absorption of
with their parents until marriage, and may not move and respect for folklore may make the supernatural
far even then. Families stay close, both geographically world easier to accept than it is in the pragmatic and
and emotionally, and most people can trace out their secular West, hunters there still have no more inherent
family trees to cousins several steps removed. Political understanding of the real World of Darkness than do
correctness has not run rampant as it has in the West. other imbued. The kiswah are ignorant of the greater
Racism and sexism are common, though many men see truth. More importantly, they know they’re ignorant.
themselves as women’s protectors. They can slap the label “jinn” on a supernatural crea-
In this unique society, a variety of hunters have ture, but that doesn’t mean they have any idea what it
sprung up to hold back the night. Some allow their really wants or how to make it go away.
vigor to guide them, while others envision a better Playing a Muslim kiswah is, at its core, not that
future. Still others walk the path of peace. The different from portraying a hunter of any origin or faith.
personalities and character types found here are as The character is still human, she still risks her life on the
varied as those that populate the West. Kiswah may hunt, and she upholds some things such as family that
seek to attack, protect, destroy or aid on the hunt are important to her, and she is willing to sacrifice other
according to their personal views on the calling and things such as wealth for the cause. In terms of religion,
on the world in general. Muslims are no different from anyone else of faith. A set
This chapter contains new rules for running a game of core beliefs is meant to guide them through their
with Middle Eastern hunters. It includes hints on play- spiritual and mundane lives. Some people adhere to
ing a character from what may be a very different these tenets strictly, while others can dismiss their
culture, it offers modifications to the character-creation relevance. Some obey the Koran to the very letter,
process that help you design people who are true to the while others apply an interpretational reading, using
region, and it provides a description of the unique their own experience to construct a personal meaning
Middle Eastern hunter code. This chapter helps you for their faith. Still others pay lip service to Islam and
introduce your Western characters to the Middle East- rarely follow any of its primary tenets, let alone try to
ern world, transport your kiswah to the West, or to play incorporate religion into their daily lives. We can all
in a chronicle based on Middle Eastern hunters in their sympathize with these outlooks here in the West.
native land. There, just as here, it’s important to decide how big
an influence religion has on your character. Differences
ROLEPLAYING KISWAH in observation can be subtle. A woman who lives
conservatively and who is quiet and demure may not be
Roleplaying is a predominantly Western pastime. religious at all, while a street punk might make all five
For the most part, it’s enjoyed by middle- to upper-class prayers every day. Nobody wears a patch on her arm
young men. We comprise a specific world demographic declaring her faith, how seriously she takes it or what
and we typically have a number of traits in common — form her worship assumes. The external appearance of
educated, affluent and raised on Judeo-Christian prin- your character’s beliefs has to do with her personality. If
ciples. That’s largely the context we know in life, and she thinks of herself as devout, does she pray daily and
that’s often the perspective from which we create and wear a head covering? Does she reject conservative
portray our characters. While authors write what they dress as old fashioned and speak her mind whenever she
know, we typically roleplay what we know. feels like it? Does she worship and give alms in private,
So, when a sourcebook comes along that’s dedi- but leaves the trappings of religion at home when she
cated to possible characters from another part of the ventures into the world?
world, we’re challenged to depict those people realisti- At the same time, people can act faithful only for
cally. Our characters have a different frame of reference appearance’s sake. Does your character carry a masbaha
than we do. Their part of the world, upbringing and (similar to a rosary) around everywhere and mention
values can be extremely different than ours. Playing a Allah’s name constantly? This same character might
character with a foreign religion, for example, can be never pray or fast. Does she pretend to be a true believer
difficult enough without having to deal with a separate while rejecting or ignoring the faith in her heart? She
cultural backdrop, as well. Many of the Middle East’s might have decided that prayer and fasting are unim-

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portant — that she can live best by performing small everyone for three blocks in any direction, unless they
acts of kindness and acting devout to encourage others live in a crowded city. Their sense of community is
Muslims. The character’s outward appearance and in- extremely strong, and a threat to a neighbor is a treat to
ner feelings make sense to her, while someone else who oneself. Be sure that you establish your character’s
hears her opinions on faith could call her a hypocrite. priorities and goals along with her personality, since
She might, in fact, lie to the world about how important these define her identity as much as her faith does.
religion is to her; her friends and family call her devout With all these ideas set down, you have a solid start
while faith, in fact, plays no role in her lifestyle. Each on how your kiswah character carries herself and treats
Western person and character also exercises her faith others. Now add in the details of her upbringing and
(or chooses not to) according to her own values. cultural experience. Does she come from a conservative
During character creation, decide how comfortable family where everyone is expected to follow the party
your character is with religion. This is her personal line? Perhaps she grew up in a family to whom appear-
feeling; what everyone else sees comes later. Does she ances were important. This can affect how she presents
pray daily? Does she fast during Ramadan and give alms? and expresses herself. Does she make it a point to wear
Is it enough to think of herself as a Muslim and to hold the best clothes? Is she a showoff, talking about her big
faith in Allah in her heart? house and expensive car whenever an opportunity
How does your character feel about expressing her arises? Your character could have grown up to a family
faith? Some people wear religious jewelry and clothing of farmers. This origin might give her a completely
associated with a particular faith, while others walk different set of values and sensibilities. Does she think
around in jeans. If she prays, does she do so in public? it more important to say as much as possible or to try to
Will your character pray in a mosque if she can’t get limit her speech to what’s important? Is she more
home in time? Does she make it a point to pray at a impressed by material possessions or a work ethic? How
mosque with the rest of her community? People can lie does this value system tie in with her religious beliefs
anywhere on a range from those who enjoy starting and self-image?
religious discussions to some who categorically refuse to Remember that the bottom line is this: Your Middle
go into the subject. Where is your character in terms of Eastern character has a personality before she has a
her public actions and what she is or isn’t comfortable creed, and that personality may be markedly different
talking about? Religion, along with politics, is a favorite from anything seen in the West. Although priorities
subject of the Arab people. Those who are uncomfort- such as family, wealth and faith are found everywhere,
able talking about either can stand out in a social Arabs have a different way of expressing them. It is this
setting. A character’s way of expressing her faith may personality that determines your character’s way of life
influence the makeup of her social group. Fundamen- and her style in pursuing the hunt. Given that a char-
talists may choose to associate with those like them or acter holds her family’s safety above all, does she stay
may purposely associate with the less devout in an effort with them for their protection or leave, hoping to take
to bolster others’ faith. Meanwhile, the non-religious any trouble with her? Hunters the world over face
often shun those who openly express their beliefs, challenges like this, but Middle Easterners are in a
feeling that the subject is best left for private discussion. unique situation. Travel is more difficult and jobs are
Finally, think about how your character views people harder to come by. Technology is limited and theft is
of other religious persuasions. Does she think of spiritu- quickly noticed in any community. In many cases,
ality as a personal choice or is everyone else clearly stealing just to save one’s own hide is unthinkable and
wrong? How tolerant is she of others? Many — if not kiswah must find other means to survive.
most — religions include the tenant that the faithful As you can see, playing a Middle Eastern hunter can
should accept those of other beliefs in spite of their be very different from playing a Western one. At the
differences. Amazingly, some of the most “devout” heart of your character is a person with different beliefs,
members of these faiths are the ones who curse members biases and values. She may or may not be spiritual, she
of drastically different religions. In fact, many different might appreciate appearances and she has a way of
factions exist even within a single faith like Islam. Some presenting herself to the world. When you start building
people are able to accept those who fall under the broad your character’s concept, think about her inherent
definition of Muslim, while others say that those who beliefs and what she upholds as important. Then decide
do not share their exact beliefs are heretics. The same her more superficial qualities: her lifestyle, appearance,
is true of Christians and Jews within their own sects. sense of community and job. Although religion is im-
Religion aside, Arabs do tend to have different portant, it’s only one facet of your character. Her
hopes, dreams and cultural norms than Westerners. A religious beliefs come out in how she lives and addresses
job is never just a job. It’s a point of pride to support the world and underlie her personal choice of lifestyle.
one’s family and to bring dignity to one’s name by being When you’ve incorporated your character’s religion
an upstanding member of the community. Neighbors into her personality, you have a much easier time
are themselves a kind of family, and most Arabs know playing her.

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CHARACTER CREATION The Martyr edge path is still available to characters

of the other creeds, however. Kiswah of the other two
primary Virtues — Zeal and Vision — can acquire
The process for creating a kiswah character is the
same as that for any Hunter character. It begins by Martyr edges as follows: At least one point in Mercy
defining who the person is and by establishing her must be dedicated to manifest the edge, but any others
personality and motives. Kiswah creeds are marginally required may be from your character’s primary Virtue.
different than their Western counterparts, but the basic For example, you want your Mudafi (Defender) to
Virtue structure of Mercy, Vision and Zeal is the same. manifest the level-three Martyrdom edge. You must
The major difference is that the kiswah do not recognize spend one point of Mercy to do so. The other two points
the general concepts of Martyrs as unique individuals required to rise from level two to three may both come
within their ranks. All Arabs are assumed — expected from Zeal, one from Zeal and a second from Mercy, or all
— to be prepared to sacrifice for their religion or cause. three can come from Mercy. Characters still cannot
The tenets of such a lifestyle are therefore spread among acquire an edge outside their creed path of a higher level
all people, and the possibilities of the Martyr creed are than the highest edge they have in their creed path. So,
available to all kiswah, as is explained later. to acquire the level-three Martyrdom edge, your Mudafi
must have at least a level-three Defense edge.
You can also select edges from the standard sets in
the Hunterrulebook or in any of the creed books for Merciful kiswah — the Uutafa’ (Redeemers) and
your character, no matter what his creed is. Middle ‘Awlad (Innocents) — may choose a Virtue other than
Eastern hunters have manifested certain edges rarely Mercy with which to acquire Martyrdom edges. At least
found outside the Arab world, however. one point of Mercy must still be spent, though. An
Uutafa’ player may spend Vision in addition to Mercy to
There are also a few differences between certain
acquire a level-three Martyrdom edge, for example. She
Abilities applied in the Middle East and in the West,
could spend one Mercy and two Vision, two Mercy and
and your selection of starting Backgrounds and Abilities
one Vision or three Mercy points.
is somewhat restricted.
The choice of a Merciful character’s “supplemen-
Let’s go through the process step by step.
tary” Virtue from which points can be drawn to acquire
STEP ONE: CHARACTER CONCEPT Martyrdom edges is usually permanent. One of Vision or
Choose your character’s concept. As always, this Zeal must be chosen. Thereafter, points are not usually
can be almost anything. We recommend that you drawn from the other Virtue to acquire powers from the
keep both Hunter’s “everyday people” theme and the Martyrdom path. This choice reflects part of your
Middle Eastern setting in mind. “Displaced Refugee” character’s philosophy on life and the hunt. Zeal suggests
or “Electronics Repairman” might work well, while an inner toughness and willingness to bear down, com-
“Media Tycoon” is a slightly more unusual type of bined with your character’s inherent compassion. “Tough
character and might not suit your game’s focus and love,” if you will. Those who resort to Vision are typically
environment very well. willing to look beyond misconceptions to seek higher
Next, decide on a creed for your character (or your truths in their quest to help people and beings.
Storyteller may assign one to you based on your A Merciful character who undergoes an extreme
character’s reaction or motives at the imbuing). Creed perspective shift during the course of a chronicle — say,
should reflect your character’s philosophy and way of an Innocent with Vision as his “secondary” Virtue who
thinking; it’s the “why” behind what she does. Re- is wronged horribly and becomes more violent thereaf-
member that assignments are broad categories and ter — might be allowed to change supplementary Virtues.
there is room for a lot of different kinds of people The choice is ultimately up to the Storyteller. The
within each. Two Mudafieen (Defenders) might react change depends on how the character would use Mar-
totally differently to the same situation if they have a tyrdom edges thereafter. If they’d be applied to stop
different Nature or Demeanor. Also, don’t let your creatures aggressively, a shift to Zeal as a complemen-
choice of creed pigeonhole your character’s identity. tary edge might be appropriate. If Martyrdom edges
It’s the personality that dictates the creed, not the would now be used to suffer personal loss to give others
other way around. insight, a change to Vision as a supplementary Virtue
Creeds for the kiswah are similar to those of their might be right for a primarily Merciful character.
Western counterparts. The major difference is that THE CREEDS
there are no Martyrs, per se, in the Middle East. Thanks The following are the Middle Eastern interpreta-
to the devotion Arab imbued bring to the hunt, any one tions of the creeds. As in the West, these groups are not
of them can give their all for the cause. It’s part of their formally recognized institutions or societies. They sim-
upbringing, culture and religion. Although no kiswah ply reflect common patterns of thought, beliefs and
are considered pure Martyrs, all Middle Eastern hunters goals on the hunt. As in the West, each creed has
martyr themselves to some extent. So, you can’t create various names by which kiswah tend to refer to people
a character of this creed. with these mentalities.

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Pillar of Hajj: Hukama’/Hakeem (Visionaries) —

SAMPLE CHARACTER CONCEPTS These kiswah are often educated, but some can be found
Taxi Driver — You spend your days in an old, who have little or no formal schooling. The single bond
hot car driving people from one end of town to between Arab Visionaries is that they try to think
the other. That suits you fine, because you can beyond the immediate situations they face and look to
earn a living without having deadlines or a boss the long-ranging effects of the decisions they make.
looking over your shoulder all the time. Of course, However, many get caught up in making choices that
you still have a boss; the only way to be competi- benefit them yet hurt others. For example, as a hunter,
tive was to join up with one of the transport a Hakeem is better suited to fight the forces of darkness
companies in town. “Company” seems like an than a normal person is, but does that oblige her to place
awfully big word for seven people with five cars, her own safety over that of the defenseless? The Hakeem’s
a tiny office and a phone line, but it’s nice to get foresight becomes a curse on those rare occasions when
to know people around town. You have the most the only way to help those she cares about is to sacrifice
interesting conversations with strangers, and you some or to cause them harm. Hukama’ rarely have a hard
don’t have to listen to the annoying ones for more time figuring out their options and laying down long-
than a few minutes. Besides, it’s as good a way as term plans; living with the consequences and trying to
any to put your kids through school and to keep keep from sacrificing too much is where they run into
food on the table. trouble. Some say that a Hakeem’s greatest failing is
Shopkeeper — Dad used to sell trinkets regretting what had to be done.
and souvenirs to tourists, but you decided to Pillar of Jihad: Muhajimeen/Muhajim (Avengers) —
turn the place into a leather-goods store. You’re As with their Western brethren, the Muhajimeen have
lucky to have a shop near the middle of town; generally had some crime committed against them by
the late-afternoon rush usually brings in enough the supernatural and seek revenge. They tend to be
business to cover the whole day. Haggling can
even more reactionary than their foreign counterparts,
be downright fun, especially when you know
however. Living in a harsh world where family is su-
you’re going to turn a profit no matter what.
You had a hard time starting out, but then you preme and the government turns a blind eye to any
found a quality supplier and managed to get crime that doesn’t concern it, Muhajimeen live by two
word out about your shop. Tourism fills the laws: act on behalf of your own and return every insult.
pockets, but doing business with regulars is The largest moderating factor in a Muhajim’s life tends
much more satisfying. to be her family. Although these Avengers can lose
themselves in the hunt just like anyone else, family
Citrus Farmer — A few years ago, you bought
unity is so ingrained into these kiswah that they can
a few plots of land near your house and combined
them into an orchard. Even though it took several sometimes be brought back from the edge by those they
seasons for the new trees to come in, this has been love, even when other hunters have long ceased to care.
your best year for lemons yet. You make the weekly Pillar of Salat: Muhakimeen/Hakam (Judges) — In a
trip to the hisbah vegetable market and get what world where religion and tradition are at the forefront
you can for your harvest. Lately, it’s been harder of society and culture, extremism runs rampant. Those
and harder to make ends meet thanks to who see it as their place to decide who acts correctly
longstanding debts, and you’ve been raising a few according to their set of values can become Muhakimeen
chickens and rabbits to keep meat on the table when imbued. Deciding which monsters should live
without paying extravagant prices. Your family and which should die comes naturally when you’ve
pitches in and your youngest boy is turning out to spent much of your life passing judgment on others. As
have quite the green thumb. usual, there are many ways to interpret the role of Judges
Student — School is a pain, but you try to in the hunt. Some evaluate monsters and let others
remind yourself that your parents couldn’t afford carry out the sentence, while some Muhakimeen take
to get much of an education when they were matters into their own hands. Once in a while, every
young. Next year, you’ll take the tawjihi exit exam, Hakam turns her watchful eye to her companions.
which will tell you if you can go to college and Although most realize they survive night to night
what you can study. And yet, you’re not sure if you thanks to their comrades’ help, a Hakam may decide
want to spend four or five more years in school that a particular kiswah is unfit to be part of Allah’s army
when you’re able to make a small salary as a car and either tries to talk her into changing her ways or
mechanic right now. Even if you do score well, decides the ally’s fate for her.
where are you going to get the money to move Pillar of Sawm: Mudafieen/Mudafi (Defenders) —
away and pay for tuition? You aren’t sure whether Middle Eastern Defenders sometimes concentrate their
to keep going and hope Allah shows you a way or energies on protecting a charge or place, as do Western-
to quit now and try to make enough money to send ers. Most, however, spread their protection among
your little sister to school, instead. people, places and ideas they consider to be of supreme

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value. For example, a teacher’s priorities may be divided amenities for the elderly or handicapped that are com-
among guarding her home and family, the school at mon — even the law — in the West. All this means
which she teaches and her students. As a result, the Middle Easterners are relatively hardy. When creating
Mudafieen often spread themselves very thin, having a kiswah character, you must assign at least two dots to
great difficulty prioritizing which of their charges is Stamina, in excess of the one you receive automatically.
most important. These kiswah can be caught flat-footed These Stamina points are still drawn from the pool with
when forced to decide whom to protect and whom to which you have to spend for your character.
abandon. The stresses of the hunt mount more quickly Appearance — Foreigners in the Middle East stand
on the Mudafieen than on perhaps any other creed out like a sore thumb. The locals have a walk (literally)
members due to the losses they can suffer when they and a look to them that outsiders can rarely duplicate.
can’t protect everything they hold dear. Their typically Even though skin color can range from black to albino in
stoic nature, however, make them very good at hiding the Middle East, it generally has a certain quality unique
their pain. to Mediterranean people. This does not mean that kiswah
Pillar of Shahada: ‘Awlad/Walad (Innocents) — are necessarily more or less beautiful than anyone else.
Unlike Western Innocents, those of the Middle East are But you should make a note next to Appearance that your
rarely dismissed as foolish or childish. Rather, other character can blend into the Middle East. Characters
kiswah do their best to protect these people, recognizing with foreign origins are unable to do so. Even those
that they represent the best qualities of humanity. This outsiders who have spent years in Arab lands are distin-
intervention is infuriating to regional Innocents, who guishable, and the way Storyteller characters interact
usually want nothing more than to do their part in the with your hunter is affected by whether they think she is
hunt. They hate being made to feel helpless and being a local or not. Merchants target foreigners as marks and
talked down to. Many an ‘Awlad has gone off on her own try to take advantage of them, and people in the street
to prove that she can make a difference, only to find may not treat your character seriously (+1 difficulty on all
herself rescued and chided by her friends. This treat- Social rolls when a foreign character tries to convince a
ment further irritates these people, and episodes of local of something).
“running away” are often repeated. ‘Awlad are often
stuck in an ongoing struggle to prove their worth both STEP THREE: CHOOSE ABILITIES
to their allies and to themselves. The Abilities available to the kiswah are the same as
Pillar of Zakat: Uutafa’/Aateef (Redeemers) — These those for any hunter. There are a few unique features to be
hunters are in many ways akin to evangelists. Though aware of when creating a Middle Eastern character, though.
they do not necessarily preach religion, they believe Intimidation— As with any pair of cultures, Arabs
that the way of moderation is essential to the world and and Westerners have different definitions of what is
that it is their duty to show humanity and the supernatu- “intimidating.” While the latter are often impressed by
ral the way to coexistence. Unfortunately, as they see a large build and an emotionless face, a quick, sharp
more of the “real” world, the Uutafa’ can become jaded tongue is often enough to earn respect in the Middle
about their ability to affect real change. Some bemoan East. Additionally, physical intimidation can take many
their fellow hunters’ inability to treat the “monsters” different forms, some more effective in one society than
around them fairly, while others turn against fellow another. Gesturing and yelling are normal parts of a
kiswah to help those creatures they believe to be worth heated debate in the Middle East, while picking up a
saving. The hunt can be very confusing for an Aateef, potential weapon or invading a character’s personal
and her conscience can easily drive her around the space are immediately considered hostile actions. As a
bend, if she survives that long. result, kiswah are at a disadvantage to intimidate West-
ARCHETYPES erners, while visitors can have the same problem. A
character attempting to use Intimidate on someone
For a list of Archetypes, see p. 97 of Hunter: The
Reckoning
, or the various creed books. from the other culture loses one die from the pool. This
penalty does not apply when the character tries to
STEP TWO: CHOOSE ATTRIBUTES intimidate someone from her own culture.
With your character’s concept established, decide Expression — Islam is a required course in the
on how to rate her Attributes. There are two important public-school systems of all Arab countries, and in most
distinctions to be aware of between kiswah and Western private schools. One component of learning about the
hunters. faith is instruction in the proper, melodic reading of the
Stamina —The Middle East environment is harsh. Koran. Students can also learn calligraphy and a variety
Although most Arabs live in towns and cities away from of other art forms. Although it is not required, most Arab
the swirling sandstorms of the desert, temperatures characters should have a dot of Expression. Not having
routinely exceed 100-degrees Fahrenheit. People do a this point probably means the character was taught these
lot of walking, and in some countries a five-minute skills but only acquired enough knowledge to pass her
drive is considered a waste of gas. Few buildings have classes, and then forgot what little she learned.

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Streetwise— This Talent implies more in the Drive— Although the Drive skill works the same
Middle East than it does in the West. First, Streetwise as it does in the West, driving in the Middle East is quite
is used to determine how easily a character can find different. Drivers are much more aggressive, and many
public transportation, in the form of a taxi or “Service” roads have no speed limits. Any Western driver in the
car. You choose a destination, then roll Wits + Middle East has an effective rating of one dot below
Streetwise, difficulty 7. The number of successes achieved normal. The opposite is also true; Arabs take the same
determines how fast and cheap the transportation your penalty when trying to drive in the West. A foreigner
character finds is. The exact interpretation of the roll is reduced to zero Drive is left trapped at the side of the
left to the Storyteller, taking into account the size of the road, too afraid or confused to pull into traffic.
town the character is in and how remote her destination Firearms— Middle Eastern hunters should never
is. No successes mean your character doesn’t find a way start with more than one dot in Firearms. Guns are
to get where she wants to go. In general, a single success difficult to find in most Arab countries (outside the
means the character arrives within a few hours, while military) and are illegal in many. Sport hunting is all but
paying a little too much. Three successes get the char- nonexistent. Even if a character is able to obtain a
acter there quickly and at a reasonable price. firearm, she has nowhere to practice with it. The maxi-
Streetwise also represents your character’s skill at mum starting Firearms rating for Middle Eastern natives
barter. The cost of most items and services (excepting 1, and freebie points cannot be used to purchase any
cab fare, groceries and government exchanges) can be dots in the Skill beyond the first. Spending experience
haggled up or down. When trying to agree on a price, points can still advance a character’s score during play.
make a resisted Wits + Streetwise roll, difficulty 7,
against the same made by the Storyteller for your STEP FOUR: CHOOSE ADVANTAGES
character’s opponent. The difference in the number of As usual, advantages help flesh your character out.
successes achieve by the winner is multiplied by 10. The Virtue points and edges are chosen normally, and a
result is used as a percentage that modifies the cost of character’s first edge manifests at the imbuing. Back-
the item. For example, a character wishes to argue the ground selection is also the same for Middle Eastern
price of a lamp (which originally costs 30 Dinars) with characters, with the following exceptions.
a shopkeeper. Dice pools are rolled for both. The player Arsenal —Kiswah cannot start with any points in
gets three successes and the Storyteller gets only one. Arsenal. Although a character may begin with a single
The character wins by two successes, so the cost of the firearm and a small supply of ammunition at creation,
lamp is reduced by 20%, to 24 Dinars. If the Storyteller remember that the items are contraband in most of the
got, say, four successes, she would have had one more Arab world. Those with a lot of money and connections
than the player and the lamp’s price would have risen to can obtain some weapons, but the average person has
33 Dinars. Such a price increase is possible because nothing with which to fight except what she picks up
prices are rarely listed on items. People working in and swings. Since it is as difficult for thieves and bandits
stores know what their stock is worth and gauge buyers’ to obtain weapons as it is for those they attack, there is
gullibility while making an offer. not a great need for firearms where self-defense is
A few important points should be noted about concerned. Kiswah who have traveled outside the Middle
bartering. Non-Arab characters who attempt to haggle East may be exceptions to this rule. When they return,
are at a severe disadvantage; players can roll only half however, they are probably unable bring their weapons
their Wits + Streetwise pools, fractions rounded with them. Not even a very large bribe keeps a border
down. If your character tries to argue a price, you are guard from sounding the alarm if blatant smuggling is
obligated to make a roll. A person can’t start negotia- discovered or she feels the least bit threatened. Baggage
tions, then decide she doesn’t like how they’re going and personal searches are common.
and ask for the original price again. Finally, it’s Contacts —Every kiswah must start with at least
considered bad form to haggle a new price and then one point in Contacts, dedicated to family. This point
refuse to pay it. It’s assumed that some characters will must be purchased; it’s not free. The tight-knit structure
threaten to walk out of a store if the shopkeeper of the Middle East makes it all but impossible for anyone
doesn’t give them a better price — that’s part of the to grow up without strong bonds to certain family
negotiation. But a character who arrives at a price members. Even refugees and orphans become close to
and then decides she doesn’t like it and leaves is not those with whom they live, and they consider these
treated well if she ever returns. She finds that the people their extended families. Further points may be
base price of everything in the store rises just for her, invested in Contacts to represent more family members
and nearby shops may be resistant to offering her who are willing to help your character, or they may be
good prices, as well. Once again, since prices aren’t dedicated to non-family members.
normally predetermined, a shopkeeper can change Fame — Although a point does not need to be
them at will. Haggling is a game. One of the unwrit- spent in Fame, make a note of your character’s home-
ten rules is that if you lose, you should do so gracefully. town. Whenever he is in that city or village, he

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TRANSPORTATION effectively has one point of Fame beyond his true

Most countries in the Middle East have networks of rating. (If he has no Fame score in general, he has one
taxi cabs for both local and long-distance travel. Local point when visiting home.) This bonus is due to the
cabs can be found in any major commercial or business close relationship between neighbors and friends. Most
district. Companies range in size from one person with a people live in one neighborhood for a significant part
car to a fleet of 15 vehicles and a maintenance garage. of their lives, and neighbors and shopkeepers watch
Large cities with over one million residents tend to have them grow. People often feel proprietary about chil-
many firms, while smaller towns are served by fewer, dren in their neighborhoods, so they pay attention to
larger companies. Groups of more than five drivers their safety. There is a strong sense of community
usually own a small office and have a telephone line that among members of a town as a result.
can be used to request a cab, while smaller companies Influence/Resources — There are generally two
subsist on the fares they pick up in the street. ways to gain political power in the Arab world: wisdom
Almost anyone can be licensed to operate a and wealth. Truly influential characters have a combi-
commercial cab. A driver’s license, vehicle and spe- nation of both. A Middle Eastern character can never
cial commercial certification are all that’s required. have more dots in Influence than represented by her
Since vehicles themselves need only be in good Wits and Resources ratings. In order to determine a
working order, they range in size and shape from small character’s maximum Influence rating, add her Wits
new Nissans to 30-year-old Mercedes Benzes. Local and Resources, then subtract two. So, a character with
cars that cruise the streets looking for fares are always three dots in Wits and one in Resources can never have
yellow. By-request, or talab, cars can be any color. more than two dots of Influence. If she wishes to acquire
There is a well-known network called the Ser- more Influence, you must first raise either her Wits or
vice (sair-VEES) for traveling from town to town. Resources score. Note that her Influence rating does not
These cars drive a regular route, looping between two automatically rise to her new limit. You must still spend
towns several times each day. Routes are well known freebie or experience points to raise Influence after
locally, and anyone who wants to take a trip to improving Wits and/or Resources.
another city can simply wait somewhere on that
particular route for a car. Drivers who see people STEP FIVE: LAST TOUCHES
waiting on the road flash their lights and pull over to Your kiswah is almost finished. By now, the details
pick them up if flagged down. The passenger pays en of her personality should be well developed in your
route and gets off wherever he or she wants to. Fares mind, and you have a good idea of where her strengths
for particular routes are also well known locally, and and weaknesses lie in terms of her capabilities. The last
there is no need to write them down anywhere. step is to spend freebie points and to fill in her Convic-
Service cars, unlike local cabs, are almost always tion and Willpower scores. Starting Conviction for
large. Many are Mercedes four- or seven-seaters, kiswah is the same as that of Western hunters; Muhajimeen
new or old. In the last few years, drivers have begun (Avengers) start with 4 dots, Mudafieen (Defenders)
using 10-seater vans. Particularly busy routes, espe- with 3 and so on. However, Middle Eastern hunters start
cially those between large cities, have hub stops with four points in Willpower instead of the usual three,
where drivers wait their turn to pick up passengers. and this “extra” point is free. This increase represents
Criers work these hubs, indicating which cars are the harsher lifestyle they have to endure compared to
headed to which towns. It’s sometimes easier to find most of their Western counterparts.
a seat at a hub than along a route, since cars that have
left their hub are often full. Some countries such as EDGES
Lebanon and Saudi Arabia have begun using buses, Although kiswah can manifest edges similar to those
but these are often slow and uncomfortable. of their Western brethren, some have displayed powers
Fares depend mainly on what kind of trip a that seem to be all their own. Those who have noticed
passenger wishes to take. Local trips cost a flat rate these differences usually ascribe them to a different
of less than the equivalent of one or two American attitude and mindset among these hunters — life, faith
dollars. Some cities such as Amman and Jordan have and upbringing in the Middle East creates opportunities
moved to a meter system, though fares are still quite for capabilities among kiswah that are unique to them or
cheap. Service trips tend to be a little more expen-
sive. Exact cost depends on how far the destination rare among hunters of other lands. The following are a
is. Passengers who wish to travel from one end of a few of the edges available to the kiswah. They can also
country to another can expect to pay a substantial be used by Western hunters in some cases, but you
amount; the alternative is to make several short should take care that your character has a good reason
Service trips from town to town, losing time waiting for manifesting one of these capabilities.
for a new car in each city. Trips to an airport or land Other imbued who develop these effects are usually
border are often quite expensive, up to $100 Ameri- Arabs who were raised abroad in fairly traditional fami-
can, since drivers often need special permits to be lies. For practical purposes, they are Westerners, but
hired or to even drive a vehicle at those sites. their outlooks on life, religion and the hunt lean toward

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those of the Middle Eastern experience. It should be Using this edge is much like having a dream. Your
rare for a non-kiswah to display one of these powers. character’s surroundings fade out of view, replaced by
Ultimately, the Storyteller decides if a foreign hunter’s a vision of the relevant object-related situation. There
mindset or perspective on the hunt makes him a candi- is no sense of self while the edge is in effect, and the
date for one of these powers. Perhaps an imbued professor kiswah feels more than a little disoriented. She can
who has studied and taught about the Middle East in the move only slowly through the scene around her, but
West for several years could develop some of these cannot influence events witnessed. The more detail
capabilities. Or a foreign hunter who is allied with a she wishes to uncover, the longer she must remain in
kiswah for some time, during which cultural and ethical her trance. She remains “out of body” until the effect’s
values are taught and exchanged, could manifest a duration expires, she decides to come back to the real
unique edge. world or until another person touches her. Being
Remember, too, that triggers are typically different brought out of the trance artificially is like being
among Middle Eastern and Western hunters. Just as woken up from a deep sleep by a punch in the face.
those from the West draw on their own beliefs and Your character is woozy and confused and is unable to
cultures to wield their edges, kiswah do the same based do more than walk slowly for some time.
on their own context. They might pray to Allah, face System: Declare exactly what event associated
West momentarily or rely on an appropriate Middle with the object concerned that you want your character
Eastern physical trigger, such as a henna tattoo. The last to view. Roll Perception + Vision, difficulty 6. Your
is a body ornamentation believed to have personal and character sees one minute of the event for every success
religious meaning. Such designs could also be consid- achieved. If the event occurred over a month ago, add
ered the source of or means to edges. Only women wear one to the difficulty. If your character wants to see
such decorations. A character with Demand may be- something that happened over a year ago, increase the
lieve that the tattoos on her arm help channel power difficulty by two, and increase it to 10 if the event is over
into her blows. Without those tattoos, she cannot five years old. If the object has been severely damaged
activate the edge, so she must constantly keep the you must either add one to the difficulty or spend a
illustrations fresh. Although the edge is mechanically Conviction point for your character to see the vision.
the same as any other character’s Demand, it feels Your character may see and hear past events if you spend
unique to the kiswah thanks to her particular culturally two extra Conviction points.
based trigger. As with Delve, the exact nature of the vision is left
Variations in triggers and in the manifestation of to the Storyteller’s discretion. Since an object is used
powers between West and Middle East can also make instead of a location, the scene is clustered around the
ostensibly familiar edges seem considerably different to item. Anything that occurs or moves more than a few
hunters and kiswah. While a Western bearer of Ward feet away is blurry, confusing or shrouded in darkness.
might seem to crackle with energy, a Middle Eastern The size of the area seen depends upon the size and
user might cause sand to buffet creatures to keep them mobility of the object. A knife that’s carried and used in
at bay. The results are very similar but their means are a murder might reveal only who was killed and some
quite different, and the same trick might seem alien to clues about the attacker, while a stationary sofa could
the divergent wielders. Another excellent example is reveal most of the room in which it sat. If the object is
the kiswah interpretation of any number of effects that moved during past events, the vision follows regardless
involve scorning or verbally lashing out at monsters, of what happens in the item’s original locale.
called hija. Western hunters might interpret the very Second sight or observation edges can be acti-
same effect as anything from Bluster to Insinuate to vated before or while using Return to see possible
Shame (Hunter Book: Redeemer , p.76) to Vow to supernatural events or beings in the past. If a monster
Confession (Hunter Book: Judge for the last two). The seen uses a mind-, body- or emotion-control power in
point is, hunters’ collective misunderstanding about a vision, your character is not affected even if second
themselves, combined with different manifestations of sight is not active.
powers and capabilities across the world, makes answer- No living things, people or monsters can be the
ing the call both a regional and personal phenomenon. objects of Return, although animate or mobile unliving
PILLAR OF HAJJ (VISIONARY) 2 — RETURN objects, such as cars or wind-up toys, can be.
Much like Delve, Return allows an imbued to cast A character roused forcibly from her trance — against
back for visions of the past. Return is based on an object, her will or before the duration of the effect expires —
however, rather than a location. Your character can cannot do more than respond slowly to others’ orders for
search for the last time an item was used for a specific as many minutes as she spent using Return (add one to
purpose, or to determine whom the last person to hold the difficulties of all actions). You may spend a point of
the item was. She can also try to see events that Willpower to throw off this effect and your character
occurred around an object, although this last effort is becomes fully conscious immediately.
very challenging for the inexperienced. Return can be used only once per scene.

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PILLAR OF JIHAD (VENGEANCE) 1 — WARDANCE

Some Bedouin tribes have been known to prepare for
battle by enacting a ceremonial dance. It is also known as ikwan
al-harb (brotherhood of war). These spirited events often
involve large groups of men and women circling a fire pit, arm
in arm, singing loudly as the undulating chain moves faster and
faster. Others stand back and clap or stamp their feet rhythmi-
cally, raising their own voices to join the dancers’.
Kiswah can perform a similar ceremony when they ready
themselves for the hunt. The practice usually requires at least
three hunters or non-imbued people, one of whom must
possess this edge and leads the dance. Other participants do
not need to know the song and dance; they can be taught a few
basic steps to be involved. Once the event begins, all the
kiswah involved enter a state of deep concentration that
usually lasts around half an hour. No special preparations need
be made, except that the hunters must have clear ground to
dance on and must suffer no interruptions. When the dance
is completed, kiswah report a feeling of euphoria and empow-
erment along with a strong urgency to hunt.
System:Each player with a character involved in
the dance rolls Stamina + Zeal, difficulty 6. Even a
single success means the character receives the full
benefits of the ceremony. She gains two points of
Conviction and one point of Willpower. These points
persist for as many hours as the player scored successes
on the roll. After that, the extra points disappear. If
the points are spent before they expire, the character

loses no further Conviction or

Willpower as the effect wears off.
Conviction can be risked on a Wardance
roll by each kiswah participant to his own ben-
efit or detriment. Hunters don’t have to be the
one with the Wardance edge to risk Conviction
on their participation rolls.
Note that while only one participant needs
to have this edge, only hunters can receive the
full benefits of the ceremony. Normal people or
bystanders may participate, but they gain only
one point of Willpower for their contribution,
without making any rolls to achieve it. The
dance is an empowering immersion in their
culture and community.
A character with the Wardance edge can per-
form the ceremony by herself. She must have some
source of traditional Arabic music and enough
room to dance. No character, imbued, bystander
or ordinary person may perform the dance more
than once per week and gain points from it, even
if she does so in different company. A character
with this edge who has performed the wardance

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once in a week cannot confer its benefits on others by doing PILLAR OF SALAT (JUDGMENT) 3 — CONDEMN
so again. Nor may a participant join another wardance a few Every supernatural bears within it the force or
days later and gain more Conviction and/or Willpower. presence that makes it what it is — inhuman, unnatu-
If the edge bearer is Incapacitated before the cer- ral. Some hunters believe this inherent “wrongness”
emony ends, no participants gain the dance’s benefits. comes to bear through second sight. This effect is
PILLAR OF SALAT (JUDGMENT) 2 — VIEW similar, they say, to the instinct animals have for the
By using this edge, a hunter can suddenly see through fear or ill intent of others. Some kiswah believe they can
solid material. Staring at a wall, she gets a momentary actually enhance creatures’ “wrongness” and make it
“snapshot” of what lies beyond. Though often hazy and detectable to normal people.
unclear, this glimpse can give the character the insight Simply by speaking with a monster, a hunter can
she needs to plan her next move. Hakam describe the somehow reveal an aspect of the beast or create a chink
sensation as “seeing,” for lack of a better word. They in its armor. The exact phenomenon is difficult to
somehow have the information given to them but can be describe, since a being affected by Condemn does not
at a loss to explain where it comes from. Since it appear different to hunters, with or without the second
tends to be only visual information, kiswah associ- sight. And yet, normal people
ate acquiring the knowledge with sight, although and bystanders somehow
it does not have anything to do with the eyes. know that the thing is differ-
Many kiswah believe Allah blesses them within ent or wrong. They do not
divine knowledge when they need it most.
System: Roll Perception + Zeal, diffi-
culty 7. Your character can “glimpse behind”
any solid objects within Zeal
in yards. The effect requires
one action to perform. The
more successes rolled, the
thicker or larger an object she is
able to see through, and the clearer
the picture. One success allows her
to see through into a wooden box
and the image is muddy. Two suc-
cesses let her see through a normal
door and the image is hazy.
Three successes allow her to
see through a plaster-and-wood
wall and the image is clear, as if
observed directly. The effect lasts
for only an instant, so your hunter
doesn’t know if any objects or
people beyond a barrier are mov-
ing unless she can infer such from
their positions. One use of View
typically allows your charac-
ter to glimpse beyond
a single object.
Second sight can
be activated before us-
ing View to gain their
benefits simultaneously.
Your character is able to
see everything she might
normally see with second
sight, only beyond a barrier of
some kind. View cannot be used
concurrently with any other obser-
vation-based edges such as Discern,
Witness, Illuminate, Delve or Return
(see p. 97).

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gain any sort of insight into the monster’s true nature, people still invokes any confusion or memory loss that
but people can tell that there is something unacceptable it normally would in their presence (see the Hunter
about it. They shun the creature’s presence; even a Storytellers Companion ). Condemn does not allow
creature’s mundane family or loved ones, if any, are people to overcome monster-induced mass hysteria.
affected. Perceptions range from fear to disgust, depend- Multiple applications of Condemn imposed simul-
ing upon the exact nature and mood (such as violent taneously on the same creature are not cumulative; only
tendencies) of the monster. the first one applies. If a curse is shouted at a group of
System:A character using Condemn must speak at creatures, they are not all condemned. Only one is, as
least a few words to the target as an action. These chosen by your character. If any other creatures in the
statements are generally threatening in tone such as, group are to be similarly affected, the edge must be
“They will know you for what you are,” or, “You cannot activated again for each.
hide from righteousness.” Roll Manipulation + Zeal, PILLAR OF SAWM (DEFENSE) 3 — STAND
difficulty 6. The effect lasts for a number of hours equal By activating this edge, a character can step back
to the number of successes scored. This edge causes from death’s door for a time. Though severely injured,
normal people and bystanders to feel uneasy around the she is able to keep fighting or moving. Some kiswah have
creature. The monster is no more noticeable than usual been seen to take devastating blows that should have
to other hunters, although the monster may be easier to killed them, only to strike back or cover someone else’s
spot thanks to people’s reactions to it rather than by a escape . Unfortunately, this effect is temporary and
hunter’s instinct. hunters who seem resolute one moment can collapse or
Although the monster cannot directly tell that its die the next.
illusions or defenses against detection are faulty, it System:Spend one point of Conviction and roll
quickly notices that people look at it more warily than Stamina + Zeal, difficulty 6. Your character’s health
usual. Their reactions tend to have to do with what the level is fixed at its current position for a number of turns
monster really is. Rots seem somehow unclean and equal to the number of successes scored. She must
disgusting, while shapechangers might be treated with concentrate for one action to activate the effect. Al-
fear. Any Social rolls a monster makes in regard to though she can ignore any damage taken for the duration
normal people while Condemn is in effect are in- — whether bashing or lethal— full damage is incurred
creased in difficulty by a number equal to the successes once the edge wears off. You must therefore keep track
achieved in your roll. of the damage your character should incur. If your
Not even those monsters that can make them- character takes three health levels of bashing damage
selves invisible can escape the effects of this edge while standing, they immediately go into effect when
completely. People and bystanders — but not hunters the edge fades, with all the appropriate wound and
— are able to sense such a creature’s presence by its movement penalties.
unusual aura. A person in the vicinity of a ghost might Accumulated wound penalties cannot be resisted
feel a gnawing dread until she gets away from the spirit, with the expenditure of Willpower point (Hunter, p.
even though it is otherwise incorporeal and undetect- 126) when Stand ends. Your character can stave off the
able. The intensity of a person’s reaction, say between effects of Incapacitation for a time with this power. She
a feeling of unease and blinding terror, should reflect can perform any actions she likes at this time, until the
the power of the creature, but that’s ultimately up to power expires.
the Storyteller’s discretion. The duration of the effect can be terminated by
A particularly ancient or powerful creature may be your character any time before it ends naturally. Stand
allowed to reduce the duration of the effect. The Story- does not influence the effects of mental or emotional
teller can roll the creature’s Willpower rating, difficulty attacks or derangements. Only bodily harm is “delayed.”
7, and reduce the number of hours the edge lasts by the Characters with the Iron Willed Background
number of successes gained. (Hunter Book: Defender, p. 71) cannot possess
Note that although normal people get a sense of the this edge, and vice versa. The two qualities are
monster’s presence and abomination, they certainly do mutually exclusive.
not leap to the attack. The average person on the street
simply steers clear, spits a curse or shies away. However, PILLAR OF SHAHADA (INNOCENCE) 2 — CONCEAL
if the creature’s appearance or manner is already dis- The ability of some hunters to hide themselves from
tasteful to people — say, the thing appears to be an the eyes of the supernatural has been noted among
Israeli and is in a community of Muslim Fundamental- kiswah. Surprisingly, some have learned to hide others
ists — people might have more incentive than ever to from prying eyes, as well, even in what would normally
react with hostility now that the newcomer also seems be considered plain sight. Those people concealed can
intuitively “wrong” or “unacceptable.” be confused by a hunter who suddenly pulls them aside,
often with a few hushed words such as “be still” or “don’t
Any creature that reveals its true nature — a ghost,
move.” These people rarely know that they’re being
shapechanger or goblin, for example — to normal

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followed or are endangered in the first place, but for As suggested previously, if a kiswah currently uses
some reason they find themselves trusting the kiswah Conceal on a person, he cannot activate Hide on
and doing as he says. himself. The edges do not work cooperatively for some
Hunters using this edge have found that it works on unknown reason. If Hide is currently active and Con-
only normal people and bystanders, not supernatural ceal is used, the latter will not function unless the
creatures or fellow imbued. They also note that they can hunter deactivates Hide first.
hide themselves by only mundane means while using Truly ancient or powerful creatures may still see
Conceal, and must be careful not to betray their charge’s through Conceal at the Storyteller’s discretion.
presence or must distract monstrous attention elsewhere. PILLAR OF ZAKAT (REDEMPTION) 3 — PRESERVE
System:By activating Conceal, your character can People, whether defenseless civilians or imbued,
hide a single person or bystander from the senses of any die in the hunt. Monsters prey upon them, and they’re
monster. The trigger for this edge often includes saying sometimes the incidental victims of the struggle be-
something reassuring to the subject. Unless that person tween kiswah and monsters. Those lucky — or unlucky
has particular reason to mistrust the kiswah or is ex- — imbued who somehow manage to survive night after
tremely afraid or paranoid, she does not immediately night see many loved ones and comrades die. Some-
resist. If the subject does have reason to revolt, make a times, however, the injured survive long enough to
Wits + Mercy resisted roll against the subject’s Wits, receive medical care. There are those among the kiswah
both at difficulty 6. If you achieve as many or more who manage to bring the dead and dying to healers just
successes, the subject is calm and Conceal goes into in time, keeping them alive almost as if by will alone.
effect. If the subject gets more successes, she recoils and These hunters may have saved allies time and again,
Conceal has no effect. The Storyteller may also spend even though the wounds of the fallen seemed mortal.
a point of Willpower on the subject’s behalf to resist the Imbued who are capable of Preserve do not neces-
effects of the edge automatically if any reaction be- sarily understand what they do to keep victims alive,
tween she and your character would be downright or even if they do anything other than what’s required
violent. A Muslim Fundamentalist is not likely to react in the moment. They simply urge their fellows to hang
well to being grabbed by a Rabbi, for example. The edge on long enough, and pour so much attention into the
cannot be used against an actively resistant subject subject that the experience is noticeably painful, often
again in the same scene. with headaches. Those they’ve saved perceive miracu-
Once Conceal has been activated, any supernatural lous results. They claim to have felt death’s icy touch
creature in the area rolls Willpower, difficulty 7. If you for an instant, only to awaken, alive, sometime later.
have not already rolled Wits + Mercy to calm the Surely Allah expresses his mercy through his most
subject, do so now to determine the effectiveness of the humble followers.
hide attempt. (The successes achieved from any previ- System:By using Preserve, a kiswah can keep some-
ous calming roll are used again now, too.) If you get one who has been severely injured from dying. If she can
more successes than the Storyteller does, a creature does reach a person who has sustained damage beyond the
not notice the subject of the edge for a number of turns Incapacitated level, she can restore him to Incapaci-
equal to your character’s Mercy score. Otherwise, Con- tated. The kiswah must reach the subject and activate
ceal has no effect — the subject can be detected normally. Preserve within a number of minutes equal to her Mercy
Monsters with special abilities such as improved scent rating from the time when the subject received his
or heightened hearing that allow them to sense their debilitating wound.
target should roll against a difficulty of 6, instead of 7. Spend a Conviction point and roll Stamina + Mercy,
The subject must not attract special attention to difficulty 8. Your character suffers one level of bashing
herself for Conceal to remain effective. She can move damage automatically — it cannot be soaked — and can
slowly or talk quietly without being detected. If she keep the subject at Incapacitated for a number of minutes
makes a lot of noise or does anything to make her equal to the number of successes rolled, multiplied by
presence obvious, such as touching a creature, Conceal Mercy rating. Once this period expires, your kiswah can
fails. Once one creature detects the subject, all mon- discontinue using Preserve or can incur another level of
sters in the vicinity do thereafter. Subsequent uses of bashing damage and spend another point of Conviction
Conceal in the same scene do not make the subject to keep the edge active. This time, the subject stays at
suddenly disappear again. Incapacitated for a number of minutes equal to the
The edge cannot be used to hide objects or animals. number of successes rolled earlier, multiplied by Mercy
If your hunter is rendered Incapacitated while a subject rating, minus one. Thus, if your character gets three
is hidden, she remains so until the edge expires nor- successes and has 6 Mercy, she can keep someone alive
mally. The power cannot be used multiple times on the for 18 minutes. When that time passes, renewal of the
same subject simultaneously; the first application is the power lasts for 15 more minutes [3 x (6-1)].
one that applies. If more than one subject is to be Your character can continue extending the edge’s
hidden, this edge must be used separately on each. duration until she runs out of Conviction or reaches

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Incapacitated herself. On becoming Incapacitated, the that seem protected from monsters’ influence, sites
hunter falls unconscious and her subject probably dies. guarded over by people of strong faith. It comes as no
Conviction can be risked on only the first roll in a series. surprise, then, that many Islamic holy sites appear to
Preserve cannot be applied to a subject, discontinued be unmolested by the creatures of the night. That, or
and applied again in the same scene. the monsters’ touch is extremely subtle and beyond
If a subject suffers further damage once sustained by even chosen recognition.
this edge, he remains at Incapacitated. The “patient” Though these places of “safety” were originally
isn’t killed outright and suffers no more harm. He’s in a thought to be protected by individuals — mundane,
form of stasis. Blood loss also ceases. hunter or even in one case, pious monster — some kiswah
Assuming an Aateef manages to stay conscious and have reported finding refuge in abandoned mosques
get a subject proper medical aid, the patient can be and, surprisingly, some burial grounds. Most of their
tended to using whatever skills, aid or edges are avail- brethren dismiss these tales, believing that the tellers
able. Regardless of what health levels are restored by either got lucky and shook their pursuers or that they
that treatment, the subject remains unconscious for 24 unconsciously invoked Allah’s blessing in a place, ward-
hours after being preserved while his body recuperates ing creatures away.
from the near-death experience. The kiswah who have been so protected, however,
Preserve can be used to sustain animals, humans, swear that repelling the creatures that followed them
bystanders, hunters and even living, breathing mon- was not their own doing, but something inherent to the
sters with material bodies. The user can do nothing but places in which they hid. The have come to call this
walk or run at a trot and carry a subject while sustaining phenomenon Al Ha’it, literally “The Wall.” But even
him. No other actions or attacks can be performed. The this name is inappropriate, since no one has claimed to
edge cannot be used on more than one subject at a time. see a physical barrier to the sight or by any more intense
Preserve cannot be used on one’s self. perceptions. And yet, hunters who claim to experience
the phenomenon report a feeling of unusual calm,
AL HA’IT although their fears are never alleviated completely.
Even stranger, Al Ha’it seems to come and go from
Those kiswah who travel the world bring back certain places. A kiswah may find monsters storming a
stories of strange creatures and even stranger phe- mosque where she had found safety the previous day. At
nomena. Here and there, hunters claim to find places the same time, Al Ha’it’s protection seems to extend

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over many different kinds of holy places — mosques, Lebanon the old land-line system is being phased out
churches and synagogues alike. The older and better in favor of a countrywide cellular telephone system.
regarded the place, the stronger the protection appears Most Arabs who can afford to do so invest in a cell
to be. The areas around Mecca and Medina in Saudi phone. Of course, no one has any illusions about the
Arabia and Jerusalem seem to be particularly strong, security of those devices, so kiswah generally prefer to
keeping out even potent beasts. At the same time this arrange one-on-one meetings to handle important or
protection can be fleeting, and powerful creatures have delicate business.
walked into holy places while their lackeys have been
stopped outside. THE MIDDLE EASTERN WORD
The one point upon which kiswah who have expe- Unlike their Western brethren, the kiswah have
rienced Al Ha’it’s protection agree is that it is strongest another communication option: their own unique ver-
during the day. Many report that it is not limited to the sion of the Word. By studying pieces of script-based
walls of a structure such as a mosque or church, but that Arabic artwork, Middle Eastern hunters can communi-
the protection seems to extend to the areas around cate instantaneously and over great distances. Messages
these buildings. Not only do supernatural creatures are transmitted to kiswah studying similar art elsewhere,
have difficulty approaching protected areas, but their seemingly instantaneously. Sender and receiver con-
strength seems to dwindle within it. Kiswah using capa- template the art and its message before them, and then
bilities allowing them to see monsters’ true forms claim intuitively interpret their own messages within that
that the creatures seem to breathe more heavily and tire script, as if a piece of art studied has overt and covert
quickly, even though their appearance does not change meanings at the same time. The second is somehow
to normal sight. encoded within the first, and the covert one changes
The most striking feature of Al Ha’it, and the one each time a hunter receives a message.
which leads some hunters to give credence to the whole Those who have learned Arabic calligraphy can
concept, is the supposed change that occurs during create scripted pieces of art for communication. For
Ramadan. During this month, almost no monsters can some reason, the artwork in question must be Islamic in
be found in Islamic holy places. Some speculate that the style. This leads some Christian and Jewish hunters to
creatures simply wish to avoid the mass of people, that mistrust the regional Word, wondering why that faith
they fear being stuck down by Allah’s warriors while was chosen over theirs. Muslim scholars among the
fasting, and that prayer increases kiswah power. Chris- kiswah surmise that the reason has to do with how
tian and Jewish hunters, however, have noted similar closely the language is tied to the Islamic faith. Al-
phenomena during Lent and Yom Kippur. Those few though the three religions are seen as equal, Muslims
monsters that can be found in holy places at these times believe that only the Koran is truly in its original form
inspire intense feelings of dread; their age and strength and language. Thus, they say, artwork derived from
can be sensed by the imbued using second sight. It is Koranic writings are expressed truly in Arabic, whereas
thought that these are the greatest of monsters, and not Christian and Jewish art is too far from God’s intent to
even the most foolhardy kiswah approaches them. carry the Word.
Strangely enough, kiswah do not actually need to
COMMUNICATION understand Arabic to read the Word. Jewish hunters
who grew up in isolated kibbutzes report being able to
While some Western hunters use the Internet freely read the code within a piece of art, without knowing
to gather information and coordinate their movements, a word of Arabic, as if conveyed messages are gleaned
the kiswah cannot. Local telephone calls are billed by intuitively rather than consciously. Westerners who
the minute, making net connections expensive to main- visit the Middle East can also use the kiswah Word
tain. In addition, computer equipment can be hard to once they’re informed of its powers or they stumble
come by, and free Internet service providers are a myth. across it for themselves. Non-Islamics therefore say
Some countries have even gone so far as to ban Internet that any connection between the Word and the Mus-
use beyond the needs of the government, schools and lim faith does not validate Islam as the one true
businesses. This means that email and hunter-net are religion. Naturally, this argument began around the
used to communicate with hunters in different coun- time the first Muslim and Jewish kiswah met. The one
tries or even on other continents (when they’re used at
all), but electronic messages are useless or too dangerous Rating Time Conviction Willpower
for talking to those nearby. Required Required
Kiswah talk to each other the “old-fashioned” 1 One day 0 3
way, instead. They meet face-to-face or make brief 2 One week 0 7
telephone calls. Cellular networks in the Middle East 3 One month 0 15
have grown to the point of competing with tradi- 4 Six months 5 30
tional phone nets for sheer volume of users, and in 5 Two years 10 50

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 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

thing these hunters can agree upon, however, is that

understanding the code does not depend upon a kiswah’s
native language.
Each piece of artwork is assigned a rating from 1 to
5 that reflects both the effort put into creating it and
how well it works for transmission of the Word. The
amount of creation time required varies according to
the item’s rating, as does the number of Conviction
and Willpower points that must be invested into the
piece. Total creation time can be spread over a broad
period; a piece of art rated 1 can be made in one full day
of work, two half-days, or over six days with four hours
of work each. Art rated 3 or lower doesn’t require a
Conviction investment, so it can be created by non-
imbued artisans and still be used to communicate by
kiswah. The higher rated an object, the larger and more
beautiful it is.
Artists can collaborate on a single piece of work if
it is rated at least 2. They must all know Arabic and
have Expression (Calligraphy) — see below. Each
contributor after the first reduces the creation
time of the object as if the piece were rated one
lower than it is. Thus, if two artisans work on a
piece that’s normally rated 3, it’s consider to be
rated 2 for creation-time purposes (it can be
completed in one week instead of one month).
No collaborative effort can reduce an item’s
rating by more than two levels, regardless of
how many people contribute, and no rating
can be reduced to less than 1 for creation-
time purposes.
The size and beauty of an object re-
flects the amount of time required for its
creation. A small silver medallion bear-
ing a passage from the Koran is rated 1,
while a two-foot scroll painted in gold
and silver might be rated 2. An or-
nate painting or detailed, purely
geometric design rated 3 is usually
quite large, perhaps the size of a
tapestry. In order to have a rating
of 4 a piece must be at least the
size of a wall and contain intri-
cate detail. Artwork rated at
5 is huge and majestic, repre-
senting years of hard work by
several skilled craftsmen.
These last pieces are found only
in places of worship or in reli-
gious colleges.
Characters who wish to
create a piece of artwork for
transmitting the Word must
have at least one dot in Lin-
guistics (with Arabic being one
of the languages known), two
dots in Crafts, and at least one

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Communication Situations Difficulty Modifiers the equivalent of $20 to $50 American. The more
ornate the object, the more expensive. Artwork rated 2
Stressful situation +1 to +3
can cost up to $500, while those rated 3 usually cost
(running from a monster)
several thousand. Also, since the merchant or artisan
Receiving and sending piece -1 involved knows the quality and often the rarity of a
created by the same artisan given piece, attempting to bargain is challenging (+1 to
Receiving and sending piece -2 your difficulty roll). Pieces rated 4 and 5 are always
created by the same group of custom-made and must be commissioned individually.
artisans (at least two members) These objects are usually immobile.
Character has 3+ Linguistics -1 A large, immobile piece of art such as an en-
and knows Arabic graved mosque ceiling would normally be rated 5
Piece used is a permanent -1 according to this system. However, if it was created
part of a large religious building by ordinary (non-imbued) artisans, the piece is lim-
ited to a rating of 3. The same is true for any piece
that’s large and complex enough to be rated 4 or 5,
dot of Expression (dedicated to Arabic Calligraphy if a but that was created by ordinary human hands. In
specialty is called for). Finally, the character needs to order for such an item to realize its full communica-
acquire the right materials: paint and paper for a draw- tion potential, imbued praying at it or studying it
ing, a chisel for woodwork. These tools can be mundane, must invest Conviction into it over time, as if they
but must be of good quality. were creating the piece themselves, as detailed above.
The character or group of characters then spends The only stipulation is that twice the number of
the appropriate amount of time creating the piece. The Conviction normally invested to create an item must
actual work is conventional and can be done by anyone be dedicated now to “upgrade” an existing piece of
with enough Willpower. One point is spent when the art. That would be 10 points for an item rated 4 and
character starts work, and the rest must be set aside over 20 points for an item rated 5.
the creation period. Points allocated to the art cannot These points can be invested all at one by one or a
be drawn upon by the creator again; they accumulate in group of kiswah, or over time with points going toward
a “creation pool” which should be updated whenever an investment “pool.” Such points assigned are for the
points are invested and time is spent on the project. The express purpose of “upgrading” the art alone, not for
same process is used to fill a Conviction pool for items using it for a short-term transmission (see below). A
created by kiswah that are rated 4 or 5. Any contributor point can’t be dedicated to the art to raise it to its full 4
can donate Willpower and/or Conviction to the pool. or 5 rating, and also be used to send or receive messages
Once completed, an item appears unremarkable to in the moment. There’s no duration over which an
second sight and to any means of supernatural detec- object must be upgraded; points are simply accumulated
tion. However, any hunter with at least one dot in until the required 10 or 20 is met. Once points are
Linguistics (and who knows Arabic) is able to see invested to get the most out of a piece, they cannot be
between the swirling lines of script and intuitively used by you again. Once a piece has been upgraded to its
divine the object’s use — he might even receive a full rating, it functions at that level for all hunters who
message spontaneously. Those who do not understand communicate through the item.
the language must roll Intelligence + Linguistics, diffi- Furthermore, a “mundane” piece that would nor-
culty 6, to gain the same recognition. A single success mally be rated 5 does not function as “4” when 10
allows the character to begin using a piece of art to send Conviction have been dedicated to it. The process of
and receive messages. increasing rating is not incremental; it must go directly
An alternative to creating items that bear Arabic from 3 to 5 after a total of 20 Conviction points have
script is locating ones that have already been created been assigned.
by ordinary craftsmen. These pieces include jewelry SENDING AND RECEIVING
and plates, copies of the Koran that are ornately When your character wishes to transmit or receive
engraved — all of which can be purchased — or the a message through a piece of artwork — whether cre-
walls of mosques or holy sites in public places. Most ated or acquired — spend a point of Conviction and roll
kiswah who communicate through Islamic art do so a die pool equal to the art’s rating plus your character’s
through such “acquired” pieces; why build a telephone Expression score, difficulty 6. Your roll may also be
when you can use a pay phone? And yet, hunters truly modified based on the circumstances surrounding the
dedicated to the calling or who are passionate in their transmission (see chart). Your hunter can then use the
faith might still be inclined to create items through piece for a number of minutes equal to five times the
which the Word can be conveyed. number of successes achieved.
Acquired items must be of good quality; only hand- The clarity of any message sent or received is also
made pieces will do. In general, an item rated 1 may cost determined by the successes rolled. One success means

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that short, halting statements can be sent (“help, sister, successes overwhelms that with the “weaker” voice.
quick”) in the duration over which your character can The latter is lost, but the message can be repeated if
send. Five successes represent fluid dialogue. (“I need transmission time permits. If messages collide and were
help. A spirit has possessed your sister. Come quick.”) sent based on the same number of successes, both are
Note that your character is unaware of how strong her made indecipherable.
link through the artwork is; you choose how to phrase Once duration of communication has expired for a
each message as if it is sent in full, and the Storyteller particular effort (or a hunter breaks it off prematurely),
decides how much gets through based on the number of messages stop appearing through his piece of art and the
successes rolled. imbued cannot send any more. The swirling lines and
A receiver — a person who studies a piece of script- images simply come to a halt and the kiswah can no
art elsewhere at the same time — makes the same roll to longer divine any hidden meanings. A single piece of art
get “incoming” messages. Her successes determine how can be activated and used a number of times each day
clearly she understands senders’ messages for the dura- equal to its rating. After that point it simply seems inert.
tion that she studies a piece. If the receiver scores as Trying to communicate through pieces that are avail-
many or more successes than the sender, she gains no able publicly can therefore be frustrating for hunters in
extra understanding beyond that transmitted by the an emergency, when other imbued have already ex-
sender and his successes, but she realizes that messages hausted the objects for the day.
may be garbled somehow and that more information is If a roll to communicate fails, no Conviction is
implied. A receiver who has fewer successes than a spent on the effort. Nor is one of the item’s uses wasted.
sender gets a garbled message herself and is left to Another attempt can be made immediately. If an
interpret its full meaning as best she can. attempt to communicate botches, a point of Convic-
When beginning a message, your character may tion is lost and all of the item’s potential uses for the
decide to whom she wishes to send it. She can choose day are wasted.
an individual she knows or with whom she has used Kiswah communication through Arabic script also
the Word to communicate before, or she may simply suffers another significant limitation. Messages cannot
send the message to a certain piece of art. She can be transmitted or received beyond the Middle East,
also send a message to multiple kiswah at once. The even if a hunter studies an appropriate piece of art in a
number of hunters she can send to simultaneously foreign land. Many Arab kiswah interpret this limita-
equals to her primary Virtue score. They can be tion as further evidence of Islam as the one true religion;
designated individuals, fellow kiswah within a speci- the Middle Eastern Word cannot range far from the
fied range — say, one mile — or completely random faith’s holy sites. And yet, other hunters point out that
hunters scattered across the Middle East. Potential some of Islam’s sacred locations are also important to
recipients must already be looking at an appropriate other religions such as Christianity. So, there is no
piece of art, ready to receive any messages. Sending a definitive explanation for the bounds seemingly im-
message does not set off an alarm or alert an unwary posed on kiswah contact. Their existence, however,
receiver to its presence; the kiswah must be watching cannot be denied.
for a message. The process often requires establishing If a piece of art is ever marred, its rating decreases as
a preordained time at which (and perhaps a place to determined by the Storyteller based on the amount of
which) messages are sent. damage done. If a piece is destroyed, it can no longer be
Those who are novices with this system some- used to communicate the Word.
times perceive messages without consciously While using pieces of artwork to communicate,
expecting them, but they are the exception rather kiswah enter a trance-like state and become almost
than the rule. Some kiswah say Allah truly means for completely unaware of their surroundings. They ap-
these people to receive word from their brethren, and pear to be in deep meditation and can be roused only
He intercedes on their behalf. by being touched. Some mumble prayers and sway
Messages cannot be “left” for fellow hunters by this slowly from side to side, while some are completely
means of communication. If a transmission is not re- silent. Others must actually touch the piece of art-
ceived the moment it is sent by another kiswah, the work to initiate communication. Fortunately, such
information is lost immediately. The equivalent is a behavior is not out of place in most houses of worship.
statement made over a phone when the recipient doesn’t However, a kiswah using a simple piece of art in a non-
have the receiver to his ear. religious place may have a difficult time explaining
While your kiswah studies a piece of art, he can both why she “prays” to it. Islam is a non-iconic religion.
send and receive messages throughout the duration Directing prayer to an object is widely considered a
determined by your die roll. Much as in a conversation form of sacrilege. Hunters involved in communica-
when two people speak simultaneously, if a messages tion think, whisper or speak the words they wish to
comes in while your character sends one, one voice can send, and hear responses as faint whispers. Some
be lost. The message sent with the highest number of describe it as a kind of telepathy. People, including

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other kiswah, in the vicinity of a receiving hunter do the code is fundamentally the same. Yet many
not overhear the recipient’s message. Arab hunters frown upon the use of this form of
THE “WESTERN” WORD contact. Yes, it’s effective when no scripted art is
Aside from their dynamic form of the Word, available through which to speak and some kind of
kiswah also know and can create fixed messages message must be stated. Each sign is more perma-
like their Western counterparts. Those of the kiswah nent than the transmitted Word, but the symbolic
are portrayed slightly differently, however, with code carries less meaning than communication
symbols combined to make a statement flowing through Arabic script. The symbol code can also
together rather than being independent of each be understood by foreigners. It is referred to as
other. The difference can confuse Western hunt- Kalam Alfuqara’, the “poor ones’ speech,” prima-
ers at first, but they usually catch on quickly since rily for the last “deficit” cited above.

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CHAPTER 6:
A BRAVE NEW WORLD
We Have given you a glorious victory, so that Allah may forgive
you your past and future sins, and perfect His goodness to you; that
He may guide you to a straight path and bestow on you His mighty
help.
— The Koran, Surah: 48:1 [Victory]

ESTABLISHING THE SETTING Eastern cities tend to be crowded, although each deals
with the problem differently. Amman, Tripoli and
Beirut are filled with high-rise apartment buildings,
If you think playing a character from a distant or
foreign culture is tough, presenting the culture itself and while other towns have no buildings more than five
making it believable to your players is even more chal- stories tall and the centers sprawl out horizontally. The
lenging. It’s especially intimidating if you’ve never been weather also varies from area to area. Towns near the
to the region in which you plan to set your chronicle. coasts and in the Al Arz Mountains between Lebanon
And yet, if you intend to set off a Middle-Eastern-based and Syria have cooler climates than landlocked, low-
Hunter chronicle, or simply want to send foreign char- elevation cities. The closer to the equator you go, the
acters there briefly or want to have kiswah visit your dryer and more given to sand the earth becomes. Areas
native setting, you have to portray another part of the close to the coasts such as Palestine and Lebanon tend
world and its people convincingly. The big question is: to be made up of a red clay, suitable for planting some
How do you get past the mystery of far-off lands and kinds of trees and brush. Don’t make the mistake of
people to build a distant setting that doesn’t feel like just turning everything into a desert by default.
another place where people have funny names? In general, snowfall is rare in the Middle East. Heavy
The answer is research. That doesn’t necessarily rains in January and February make up most of the
mean reading lots of books about the region, although region’s precipitation, although the Al Arz Mountains
that’s certainly an option. Research can mean just about usually get a few inches of snow. As a result, agriculture
anything, from talking to a friend who’s been there to is mostly of the citrus variety, and herd animals tend to be
surfing the web for international news that covers the sheep and goats, since they are better adapted to the dry
area. News coverage on the Middle East is certainly easy environment than are cattle. These flocks pass right
to find, although it should be taken with a grain of salt; through small towns, and it is not unusual to see a
if it isn’t written in Arabic, it’s probably been reported by shepherd and her small company cutting down a side
a non-local source and carries its biases. street instead of going around a village. The natural
vegetation, aside from trees, is mostly a low, spiky kind of
That said, one of the first pieces you want to put in
bush and thistle. Bluegrass is unheard of except in certain
place is the physical setting of your game. Large Middle
parts of the Gulf, Amman and Israel, because of the

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amount of water needed to maintain it. Portraying up this importers or dealers in food supply and delivery. And
unique climate and terrain goes a long way to giving your even these tend to focus locally rather than abroad.
chronicle a distinct feel. Small shops and merchants are staples of the economy.
Next, remember that Islam is all around. The call to With regard to technology, even telephone com-
prayer is issued from every mosque five times each day. munication is considered frivolous by some. In small
Only in the middle of the desert can characters escape its towns, as few as one in three homes has a phone. By
stirring sound. Some mosques are even built along lengthy contrast, city dwellers have a line in every home, along
roads that do not run through towns, just to give travelers with cellular phones. The Internet is an educational
a place in which to pray should they find themselves on an and business tool, and has not come into fashion as a
extended trip. The majority of the population is Muslim, form of entertainment. Those who keep a personal
but there are significant Christian populations in many email account generally access it in a cybercafe rather
places such as Bethlehem, Nables and southern Lebanon. than spend a large sum on a personal computer and
A relatively large number of Yemenis are Jewish, and expensive local phone bills.
perhaps surprisingly, the indigenous inhabitants of the Once you have your setting roughly put together, go
area have coexisted fairly peacefully for centuries. back to the Hunter rulebook and decide what kind of
Of course, reality is not a perfectly rosy picture. There theme you want for your chronicle. All are applicable in
is always the potential for disagreements to become the Middle East, but be prepared to tailor the setting to
conflicts, especially given the number of sects of all three the theme and vice versa. If your chronicle is about
religions that populate the Middle East. The continuous courage, you might want to start the characters in a small
fighting between Muslims and Jews in Palestine/Israel is town with limited means and little contact with the
the most obvious example, but Iraqi oppression of the world outside their village. A chronicle set in a large city
Kurds and the poor treatment of the Druz in Lebanon and should have appropriate antagonists such as small-time
Syria should not be discounted. For more specifics, do a businessmen turned monsters (or just evil), and corrupt
quick search through a periodical database for the latest politicians. Also make sure that your players’ characters
news about recent conflicts focused on religion. As a rule fit your setting. Don’t just assume that they will; a
of thumb, you can always add religious strife in a commu- shepherd is really out of place in the middle of a large
nity, whether subtle or overt. developed city such as Bahrain. And why would there be
Another major difference between the Middle East a computer-repair shop in a village of 2000 people?
and some other parts of the world is the wide network of The devil is in the details. Use the skills you’ve
connections and gossip there. Family structures are broad developed Storytelling chronicles set outside the Middle
in scope, and news (rumors) gets around quickly. Char- East to keep track of the little things. Because of the
acters who think they can cause trouble in one part of a strong family structure in Arab countries, antagonists
town, go elsewhere and pretend it never happened have can recur even more frequently than in the West. Did
another thing coming. The authorities may be called, or the characters beat up a street tough for harassing them?
the hunters may be spurned or perhaps even confronted If they aren’t careful, he comes back with five of his
by a mob, depending on the severity of any acts commit- cousins — or 10. Describe the scenery around the
ted elsewhere. If characters pay any kind of attention to characters carefully. Paint a solid picture of where the
the local people — or are local themselves — you can characters are physically and your job is half done.
assume they recognize how quickly gossip spreads. You Finally, draw on real news and events. The World of
might want to warn your players before their characters Darkness is a world much like our own world, and the
make a lot of noise. Or you could leave them to their own best place to find out about reality is reality.
devices and make them learn the hard way.
Bear in mind that business tends to be conducted on
a smaller scale in the Middle East than in many other
THE WORD
parts of the world. Most Arab countries are considered Although the symbolic code of the Middle East is
to be “developing,” which means the average person has similar to the Western code, that which is communi-
limited access to technology, and lifestyles are often cated through script-art is unique to Arabia and its
simpler than those of Westerners. Many people, espe- hunters. Koranic writings can convey real-time mes-
cially those who do not live in big cities, do not own cars sages as well as carry a depth of meaning that’s impossible
and most don’t use computers regularly, let alone own for the Western code to achieve. The nature, origins
them. There is no reason to own a lot of equipment and seeming exclusivity of this unique tool is a mystery
when everything you need to live is within a half-hour to most hunters, East and West. Several theories have
walk, and there are taxi and Service networks to take been proposed, though, from the greater evolution and
you wherever you need to go. So, there are no Middle development of artistic Arabic script to Arabic being
Eastern equivalents to mega-corporations like Sony and “God’s language.”
GM. Most large high-tech companies are based outside The truth is that the kiswah Word is something
the Middle East; the largest local companies are usually much more fundamental than the symbolic or “West-

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ern” code. The Western code is imposed by the Messen- them. They are left confused and unsure of whom to
gers as a simple means of communication and has trust. They most often turn to those, if any, who were
purposely been made into a neutral set of signs unre- imbued with them, but most begin to doubt even their
lated to known languages. This system allows hunters friends’ motivations and sanity before long. Surely all
worldwide to communicate without the normal barriers these inexplicable experiences have driven everyone
of language. In the Middle East, however, Islamic writ- involved mad.
ings can be found everywhere. Moreover, with the vast The major difference in regional imbuings is in
majority of the population being Muslim, a communal what an episode seems like to the hunter. As with the
faith lies behind the language. This religious, unified Middle Eastern Word, the Messengers draw upon the
symbol structure is much more intricate and self-con- faith and imaginations of those they imbue. In fact, you
tained than many foreign equivalents, and the could say the imbuing looks like whatever would make
Messengers immediately turned it into a versatile tool sense to an individual hunter. Even the most jaded of
for communication among kiswah. people hold a series of basic tenets and beliefs, and the
While this means that almost any hunter in the imbuing is most powerful when it inspires action through
Middle East is able to use the calligraphic Word — that faith. Even though they don’t really know what
whether he understands or speaks Arabic or not — happens in the moment, kiswah are empowered by their
hunters throughout much of the rest of the world are at often-passionate faith to explore the world around
a decided disadvantage. Such a useful tool simply doesn’t them and to try to understand what they have become,
expand far into regions where language and belief aren’t rather than denying the event and trying to pretend
so thoroughly intertwined. Indeed, kiswah who leave nothing happened.
the Middle East find themselves sitting in foreign So, the biggest thing to remember when planning
mosques or studying scripted personal possessions and and then describing a kiswah imbuing is that the scene
wondering why they can’t raise their allies or receive is extremely personal for each. Group imbuings work
messages from them. These emigrants can attempt to well for getting several characters started and giving
create pieces of script-art of their own, and although them a reason to work together, if only temporarily.
their efforts produce works of beauty and value, the Make sure that each character has a unique experience,
items are completely nonfunctional in terms of trans- though. Each player should be left feeling that her
mitting the Word. Even artwork created or acquired in character is a distinct individual, rather than part of the
the Middle East for the purpose of conveying the Word homogenous whole.
is useless when studied abroad. To accomplish this, you should ideally imbue each
character separately. But this isn’t always possible.
THE IMBUING During the group imbuing, stop periodically and take a
player aside to go through the personal part of her
Although a kiswah’s imbuing has a distinct flavor, character’s revelation. Although the characters’ ac-
it is not wholly dissimilar from that of a Western hunter. tions are real and affect the outcome of the scene, you
Arab chosen rarely understand what exactly happens to should describe what each goes through psychologically
to the player. That way, no player knows what the
others went through internally. The experience of each
OPTIONAL RULE: FOREIGN ARTWORK is very intimate. Let players have their characters de-
If you want to allow further freedom abroad for scribe what they went through to the others if they
kiswah, a Middle Eastern hunter journeying outside choose to do so. Since you aren’t doing the talking, the
Arab lands may be able to acquire or create a piece players and characters have to worry about how truthful
of artwork to communicate with hunters back home. everyone is, as well as about what the others’ real
The item must be rated at least 3. It then functions motivations are.
as a piece of art two levels lower in power and can be A character’s psychological experiences at the imbu-
used to communicate with only hunters using art- ing should reflect what you and the player decide the
work in the Middle East (no outside-art to outside-art character’s motivations are. Start with the character’s
contact). The character can go through the stan- creed. A Zealot’s imbuing could involve fire imagery and
dard creation routine, although it is sometimes pursue a self-actualizing theme. Or the scene might have
made difficult by a lack of proper materials and aid. to do with a spreading inferno, representing the character’s
You, as Storyteller, decide when such an exception developing desire to wipe the world clean of supernatural
to the rule is possible — perhaps when an emergency influence. Visionaries may be surrounded by winds and
must be communicated that has direct bearing on watch as they blow back the cloak of lies hiding a
events or lives back in the Middle East, and perhaps supernatural creature. A Merciful character could simply
with the blessing of Allah, the Heralds or whatever see some kind of heart-aching scene, such as a monster
other force a transmitting hunter believes is respon- facing a loved one from its past. The reality that the
sible for her new existence. Merciful hunter has ignored for so long is forced upon her,

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as if under a spotlight. The emotional scene skews the confused by her own experience. You can use the
character’s perception, eliciting a response and personal imbuing of others to immediately complicate charac-
sentiment appropriate to the person’s values. ters’ relationships, adding an extra element of mistrust
With the general idea behind the scene taken care and confusion to the chronicle.
of, think about what each character’s reaction to the Say, for example, two friends are imbued together,
imbuing is likely to be. Will she jump immediately to one an Aateef (Redeemer), the other a Hakam (Judge).
the attack? Will he sit back and watch? How long will The Aateef, a kind, quiet man, sees his old friend
it take for a character to do anything? Is a character’s engulfed in flames, unleashing shimmering heat at a
motivation fear and hate, or will she be concerned for pitiful-looking creature. While the Hakam looks at the
the safety and freedom of others? monster and sees an unnatural beast that feeds on
Based on what you think a character might do in humanity, his friend has the insight granted at his own
response to monstrous presence — or what you witness imbuing: that what they face is as fearful of them as they
her do during the event — give her some kind of avenue are of it. What does the Aateef think when the Hakam
for pursuing that action. This course probably involves smashes the creature’s head open and continues to beat
awarding the character her first edge. If she sits and its bloody corpse? Doing so seems just to the Judge. The
watches, give the character some kind of ability that lets Redeemer interprets things differently and it may be a
her stay out of the way or observe the scene from safety. long time before he trusts his old friend’s values again.
An aggressive kiswah who leaps into a fight or tries to Also, use the terrain around the characters to create
save a victim could get an edge that lets her lash out or a regional feel. If they are outdoors, you have lots of
deflect harm. The important point is to let each charac- visual imagery with which to work. The olive branch is
ter get through the scene with the notion that there is a traditional symbol of peace. Maybe an ‘Awlad (Inno-
some kind of hidden world out there and that she can cent) character activates Conceal and sees, in her
play an active part in it — perhaps make a difference in distorted mind’s eye, the limbs of a tree gently encircle
it — which might inspire her to explore that world. and protect her subject. An Aateef’s sharp words could
But this “psychological empowerment” approach seem to intensify the very light of the sun and pierce the
to the imbuing isn’t necessary a culturally unique take soul of an unsuspecting monster.
on it. It’s high time to put a more overt spin on it that Finally, don’t forget the gossip factor. If the charac-
makes a kiswah imbuing different, not just from those of ters’ imbuing is public, someone saw something funny
the other characters, but from the kinds of changes that happen and chances are he tells five of his closest friends
Western hunters undergo. Grant distinctly Arab-feel- about it. Make the characters worry about who thinks
ing edges. You can do so with those presented in what and how many people are suspicious. Kiswah need
Chapter 5 or by modifying those in other Hunter books. to exercise a lot more restraint and subtlety than their
Say a Muhajim (Avenger) is imbued and her first edge is Western counterparts; one can never expect to keep
Cleave. Rather than having her weapon simply vibrate business personal. If a character keeps coming home at
with energy or even smolder, Arabic words might ap- three in the morning, injured, the neighbors notice.
pear as if drawn or carved along it, and she feels strength And once one person knows, everybody hears some
flow from them up her arm. The character may later version of what’s going on. The result is an imbuing and
remember the exact words revealed and decide to write subsequent hunter lifestyle that very different from
them on her striking arm in henna tattoos. those experienced in the West.
The winds that envelop a burgeoning Visionary
might whip up grit and dirt like a desert sandstorm.
Images like those of fabled jinn might even seem to
AL HA’IT
appear in the cyclone. The truth behind this strange phenomenon is some-
Or a Koranic surah about showing mercy and heal- thing most characters will never really understand. Like
ing the weak might suddenly spring to a promising the Middle Eastern Word, this mystical “barrier” is
Aateef’s (Redeemer’s) mind and inspire him to acts of powered by communal faith. It is linked to all types of
kindness toward the creature he witnesses. houses of worship — Muslim, Jewish, Christian — as
The point is to give each character’s imbuing a long as a sufficiently large regional community patron-
unique, exotic feel, something totally original and maybe izes the mosque, church or synagogue concerned.
a little weird, even from the conventional Hunter One of the reasons for all the conflicting reports
perspective. Doing so helps capture the unique flavor of about the effect is that Al Ha’it affects only the undead
the kiswah experience. — shamblers, walkers, hidden and vampires.
Also remember that the characters might see each Shapeshifters, warlocks and nightmares are rarely even
other’s imbuing. The event can mean one thing to the aware of its presence, and though ghosts can sense that
character being imbued and something completely dif- something unusual is going on, it does not have the
ferent to an observer. That onlooker may have just been same kind of power over them as it does the living dead
imbued herself, so she may already be driven, upset or — those that possess or control bodies. Few hunters

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have the time or presence to figure out exactly what group of mujahidin what she believes to be an abuse of
kind of creature chases them when they seek sanctuary. power by a hunter — perhaps harm inflicted upon
So none has yet made the connection between the type common people, theft or attacks on other hunters.
of monster involved and the extent of Al Ha’it’s protec- The was’it then takes a more detailed look into the
tion. The fact that some powerful rots and vampires can activities of the accused, sometimes with the help of
resist its effects adds to the confusion. another of her group. The accuser is obliged to com-
As a rule of thumb, when an undead creature comes plete her investigation and be ready to render a
near a place of worship that is thoroughly patronized conclusive decision for the mujahidin on its arrival.
and supported, roll the creature’s Willpower, difficulty These judgments are often hasty and the was’it’s
7. Anything less than two successes indicate that the information incomplete. Worse, the accused is rarely
monster is completely barred from entry. If the creature informed of the investigation so has little or no
achieves exactly two successes, it may enter the grounds chance to defend himself.
for a number of minutes equal to its Willpower. The When the mujahidin arrive on the scene, the
difficulties of all actions performed by the creature in was’it presents the information she has been able to
that time are increased by one, and the monster is gather, as well as her evaluation of the situation. The
overwhelmed when the duration expires. It must flee at mujahidin make contact with the accused and brief
that time. Three or more successes mean the creature is him about the investigation and its outcome. This is
unaffected by the place’s mystical protection. You may usually a total surprise to the hunter. Those whose
wish to decrease the entry roll’s difficulty according to methods are found acceptable rarely hear from Al
a monster’s age or power, or increase it if a deeply Shurta again, adding to the paranoia and mistrust
religious person such as an Imam or Rabbi is present. that the groups engender. The guilty are usually
To the undead themselves, the presence of Al Ha’it given a chance to repent. Turning down this oppor-
is more like an oppressive weight than a barrier. Those tunity results in a death sentence. Most hunters
able to bear it have great difficulty concentrating, and found guilty put up a fight whether given the chance
only the strongest can stay for long. The phenomenon to appease their accusers are not, since they under-
is so powerful in the holy cities of Mecca, Medina, stand neither the reason for Al Shurta’s decision nor
Jerusalem, Baghdad and Damascus that weaker rots may its right to render one in the first place.
be unable to set foot in those towns at all. That means Of the two groups which comprise Al Shurta, the
the undead who actually live in those cities are more was’its have the more scattered membership. The
than “average” creatures. Characters who think that Al only way to join is by personal endorsement from an
Ha’it provides them a safe zone may soon realize that the existing member. Naturally, an investigation ensues
effect is selective, and that the undead they do encoun- before the “applicant” knows she is considered. If the
ter are truly powerful. hunter is found unfit, she never finds out that the
was’its were interested in her in the first place. Those
SECRET POLICE who are accepted are initiated on a trial basis and can
become full members after a year of service. Consid-
Collectively known as Al Shurta, the was’its and ering the uncertain nature of the hunt, there are few
mujahidin are a subtle part of the kiswah world that few set rules. The was’its tend to live by paranoia, sus-
hunters are aware of. Those who do know about these pecting abuse and offensive behavior almost
groups are usually members of them or targets of their everywhere they look.
investigation. Others may hear rumors about the groups, The mujahidin, on the other hand, are much less
but since being the focus of their attention is embarrass- selective in their membership. They are divided into
ing and potentially dangerous, few hunters are willing roving bands, usually of two to five kiswah, which
to share their experiences with the societies. respond to the call of local was’its. Membership is
Members of Al Shurta claim to be keepers of the determined almost entirely by individual group lead-
peace among hunters — arbitrators of disputes who ers. The leaders are themselves screened as carefully as
hold themselves responsible for dictating “acceptable” the was’its are. Once accepted, they are granted a
behavior for their kind. For the most part, members’ certain amount of autonomy. Since the role of the
behavior is consistent with this ideal. The greatest mujahidin is to receive the was’its’ judgment and carry
question, however, lies not in their motives but in it out, more brawn is necessary among members than
their ability to be fair and to understand the situations analytical thought.
they seek to judge. The hunt is fraught with moral At the “head” of Al Shurta is Tarjiman220. Due to
confusion and ethical dilemma, and very few kiswah the group’s loose structure, his role is usually limited to
take to meddling outsiders dictating what they should making sure new members are investigated thoroughly,
and shouldn’t do. and to relaying communiqués from the was’its to the
An investigation is usually initiated by a local mujahidin. With the wide accessibility of cellular tele-
member of the was’its, who reports to the nearest phones, communication is quick and expedient. Once

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Tarjiman has put a was’it in contact with a few groups be found. Being a very spiritual people, Arabs can
of mujahidin, the was’it becomes capable of calling in easily accept the idea of a loved one surviving a
their services without the figurehead’s assistance. So, grievous injury or returning to them from near or
although Tarjiman technically runs Al Shurta, the certain death. This acceptance gives the newly dead a
group’s members are able to operate without much lot of chances to insinuate themselves into the popu-
involvement on his part. In fact, he is aware of few of lation and start scheming. However, just as kiswah
the specific cases that Al Shurta deals with, and keep- priorities differ from those of their Western counter-
ing a record of them to review is too dangerous to parts, Arab rots often have goals that would seem
pursue in case such documents should fall into the strange to those outside the Middle East. One of the
hands of the authorities or monsters. walking dead might simply want to re-assert itself as
Characters in the Middle East are much more likely the head of its family, while another seeks to avenge its
to be investigated by Al Shurta than they are to be death by eradicating everyone from the same ethnic
approached to join. When introducing Al Shurta, re- group as its killer. The less sense these motives make to
member that operating procedure is up to the particular normal people, the more difficult it is for the charac-
was’it and mujahidin group involved. Some was’its actu- ters to deal with the creatures.
ally approach their targets and give them a chance to And yet, don’t neglect the presence of shamblers
justify themselves before rendering judgment, while in your chronicle just because of the “availability” of
others turn their cases over to the mujahidin without sentient rots in the region. These simple drones make
ever speaking to the accused. Al Shurta can increase up the majority of the walking dead and you can give
characters’ feelings of paranoia about the world; their them as much or as little intelligence as they require to
fellow imbued can seem no more trustworthy than any hide within humanity. A garbage collector needs only
person or monster. to know how to walk his route and empty the barrels
along the way. As a rot with supernatural strength, he
JINN is a dangerous combatant to face. But can kiswah just
let him keep doing his job, knowing that he could
Although the supernatural creatures inhabiting the become violent at any moment? If they decide to
Middle East can seem as different from Western mon- destroy him, how do they do so without attracting
sters as the kiswah are from their brethren, they are, in attention? How do they keep people from asking ques-
fact, very similar to the rest of the world’s inhuman tions about his absence?
inhabitants. Some are mindless drones, while others are The existence of jinn is an accepted part of Arab
completely conscious and sentient, with motivations folklore and Islam, but the walking dead are poorly
and drives of their own. understood. One of the few traditional points of
As with any other part of the world, certain kinds agreement regarding jinn is that although they are
of creatures predominate the Middle East. The walk- not necessarily malevolent, they should be avoided.
ing dead (Thalmudites) and spirits (Amalikites) make The creatures are believed to be extremely power-
up the bulk of the supernatural population, with a few ful, but their natural place is not on earth. Any
shapeshifters (Midianites) and vampires (Adites) mak- zombie encountered might therefore be considered
ing up the balance. Warlocks are rarely seen, perhaps a traveler or of incomprehensible motives, and best
because of Middle Eastern society’s increasing disbe- avoided or dispensed with. It’s unlikely for one of
lief in magic (just one of the corrupt influences of the the Thalmudites to play on the emotions of former
Western world, purists say), and because of wizards’ loved ones’ when those people are more likely to
skill at hiding their presence. There are some night- send the being on with a prayer for its safe journey
mares to be found in the region, but they are often than to actually listen to it.
confused with spirits. In recent months, some kiswah have reported
The generic term for supernatural creatures is “jinn.” encounters with exceptionally potent and vigorous
It is commonly believed that a person or creature with Thalmudites. The beings seem, for all intents and
supernatural powers must be inhabited by a jinn. Most purposes, alive and well, except that close inspec-
kiswah, especially those with a traditional upbringing, tion proves them better off in the earth. And yet
start out thinking of anything that appears to second these beings walk and even breathe, going about
sight as jinn and do not learn to separate monsters into business that evades hunter understanding. If these
types until much later, assuming they survive at all. creatures are so potent, why immerse themselves in
humanity so thoroughly and yet wreak so little
THALMUDITES damage or cause so little harm to the unwitting
Not surprisingly, the walking dead are the most masses? Some kiswah who have dared speak with
populous of the supernatural in the Middle East. Just as these lingering beings describe them as “more alive
in the West, everything from decayed corpses reenact- than even the living,” as if the beings exceed life,
ing their deaths to intelligent, malevolent zombies can death and immortality.

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 CHAPTER 6: A BRAVE NEW WORLD

AMALIKITES Tales of possession are not unusual in the Middle

East. A certain part of the population readily accepts
Spirits come in a close second to the walking dead
the idea that a spirit can take over someone’s body.
in terms of their numbers. In fact, one could say that
Even more believable is the idea that a ghost can
there are more spirits, since each Thalmudites is argu-
control physical objects, although such acts are often
ably a ghost trapped inside a body. The term “Amalikites”
limited to poltergeist-like effects (flipping light switches
generally refers to those spirits that have not taken
and pushing over potted plants). Many believe that the
permanent form. Many cities in the Middle East have
spirits who inhabit houses are kindly jinn, and people
old, worn-down districts, which make perfect breeding
are not terribly disconcerted by objects’ tendency to
grounds for ghosts and goblins. Arab ghosts tend to be
move or fall off tables. These spirits are accepted as
extremely curious and can be observed by hunters
protectors of house and family, and some residents may
watching or harassing normal people for lack of any-
actually try to defend the ghosts from kiswah who wish
thing better to do.
to see the spirits banished.
If your main antagonist or antagonists are not
Note that although kiswah rarely recognize night-
Thalmudites, ghosts can be used to set a tone of your
mares (goblins) as distinct from possessing spirits,
chronicle, in keeping with Hunter’s predilection to-
nightmares are mechanically the same as those found in
ward spirits as the primary enemy of the imbued.
the Storytellers Companion. The only type of monster
Ghosts are everywhere, popping up when characters
more rare than a goblin is a warlock, so be careful not to
least expect (and want) them to. Spirits and polter-
use too many of these creatures. Their presence in the
geists enhance the fear of hunting because the imbued
Middle East is minimal. Introducing a nightmare just
could join the beings after death. The ghosts of the
for the sake of throwing in another monster type may
newly dead may in some cases seek to help characters,
complicate your chronicle unnecessarily.
perhaps in return for taking care of a loved one or for
the return of some cherished item. Of course, kiswah ADITES
have no reason to trust these spirits and can easily Of all the supernatural creatures in the Middle
believe that some kind of deception is involved. Spir- East, vampires tend to be the oldest and most power-
its also make good minor guides and can complicate ful. This is because the weak among their ranks are
the characters’ ethical views on the supernatural — either quickly weeded out or journey elsewhere to
ghosts don’t have to be malicious or even threatening. avoid the oppressive presence of Al Ha’it. This also

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means that their gross numbers are small and that each of their kind. Unmerciful patriarchs may ostracize
bloodsucker’s influence is limited to an area that it and them from their communities completely. Other
its servants can oversee. skinchangers or family members may treat these be-
Be careful using too many vampires in a Middle ings as they would a retarded child, although the
Eastern chronicle. For all their power, these creatures’ fouled offspring are often much more capable than
small numbers keep them from maintaining the kind of their relatives admit. These twisted creatures may
presence found outside the Arab world. Middle Eastern venture out of the protection of their communities and
vampires must be content with less control over people try to live among the normal population.
and territory than creatures of equivalent power could
attain elsewhere. As a result, most of these creatures
have some kind of specific tie to their surroundings,
WARRIORS OF THE FAITH
such as ancestry or plans they cannot carry out any- Although the Middle East’s version of the Word
where else. It’s also difficult to recruit new vampires to creates seemingly optimal conditions for hunters to
their cause, since disappearances of people are noticed share and gather information, the very nature of the
by their communities, and the disappearances of lesser region works against this advantage. Arabs and Israelis
leeches are noticed quickly by those bloodsuckers’ cre- are particularly proud of their heritage, faith and ideol-
ators. Furthermore, the consumption of blood is strictly ogy, often at the expense of any hope of solidarity. If left
prohibited in both Islam and Judaism, so newly created alone, these groups isolate themselves from each other
vampires can seek to destroy themselves or starve before on point of pride.
accepting their new existence, especially if they were The following individuals recognize the dangers of
strong in faith before undeath. a fractionalized front and serve as pinions for the kiswah
Those leeches that manage to endure find great community, seeking to gather hunters under a common
difficulty in acclimating themselves to their new exist- banner — any banner. Theirs is a difficult task, for they
ence. Al Ha’it’s continuous presence weighs heavily must often fight or support old hatreds, including their
upon them, and these creatures are likely to lose their own, and play conciliator for disparate factions. Worse
focus or temper with little provocation. In addition, it yet, any hint of affiliation with one group automatically
is challenging for them to find victims from which to places these mediators at odds with others. And yet they
draw blood without endangering themselves. Although continue at great risk to themselves, because nobody
areas of squalor and poverty exist in the Middle East, else will do it or because they believe they’re best suited
even the most run-down refugee camp is a community. for the job. Either way, the following hunters’ influence
The mysterious death or injury of several individuals earns them mention here.
draws considerable attention. In order to prevail, a
newly made vampire must either travel far and fast or
TARJIMAN220
must band together with established undead, learning Farid Ishaq never saw himself as a great man des-
their tricks and gaining access to a large territory from tined for anything other than quiet anonymity. Born
which to feed. into a wealthy Riyadh family of bankers, Farid thrived
under a progressive Saudi father and his cosmopolitan
MIDIANITES Lebanese mother. While Arabic remained the tongue
Shapeshifters are rarely observed in the Arab world. of the household, Mrs. Ishaq also taught her three
Those hunters who do encounter them do not usually live children English and French, knowing either would
to tell the tale. Most hide in isolated villages or among serve as the language of international commerce. Farid’s
Bedouin tribes. These skinchangers are just as dangerous brothers followed in their father’s footsteps, adopting
as their Western kin, possessing the ability to assume a his business savvy and working at the family bank, but
fearsome battle form and the ability to perform magic. Farid adopted his mother’s demeanor. He proved eru-
Due to the strong sense of community and family in dite, cultured and a polyglot, grasping many different
the Middle East, those shapeshifters who breed with languages easily. He spoke French, English and Arabic
humans become sedentary and found extended families fluently, and understood Spanish and Tagalog (the
of their kind. Normally, only one in four (or fewer) Philippine’s official tongue) from his Filipino nanny by
family members are true shapeshifters, while the others the age of 13. While his brothers attended the presti-
are simply humans with a weak investment of super- gious King Saud University, Farid studied at the
natural powers. All are considered family and important, American University of Beirut and at the University of
though, and all appear “wrong” to second sight. Paris for his masters and doctorate. He returned to Saudi
One interesting feature of shapeshifter families is Arabia, already in demand for his grasp of English and
that their close proximity and tendency to intermarry French. By that point, he understood several languages
has produced a large number of genetically inbred and dialects easily.
creatures. Though not necessarily true shapeshifters, Farid served as one of Riyadh’s chief translators
these creatures tend to be visibly deformed and may be and interpreters for the business community. He
of lower than average intelligence. They are the shame helped finalize deals and contracts between local

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 CHAPTER 6: A BRAVE NEW WORLD

to communicate, because it felt like an extension of

his culture and thus comfortable. Over a few months,
however, his work allowed him relatively inexpen-
sive access to the Internet, through which he
discovered hunter-net. The thing that impressed him
most about this endeavor was Westerners’ ability to
form communities regardless of prior affiliations.
Farid, posting as Tarjiman220, wrote at length to
Witness1 many times on this issue, during which
Witness asked Tarjiman to compile a primer on the
hunt in the Middle East.
Work on the document took months to organize,
during which time Farid adopted “Tarjiman” as his alias
in both cultures. During the process, he relied on his
closest allies, but made more friends (and enemies) in
the endeavor. The primer grew beyond its original
mandate and slowly served as a rallying point. Many
kiswah desperately wanted to belong to something —
anything — that would give them purpose or an outlet
for their new existence. They thrust Tarjiman into the
role of leader.
companies and international customers, and even If being imbued isn’t frightening and confusing
attended trade shows on behalf of clients. His expe- enough, Tarjiman finds himself in an odd predica-
rience and quiet manner eventually earned him a ment. He believes kiswah can benefit from Westerners’
spot in the interpreter’s booth for a convention on example of solidarity, but sees himself as only an
international commerce hosted in Riyadh. During interpreter between East and West (the unassuming
one presentation, when an American broker spoke to role with which he’s most comfortable). He never
the Arab delegation, Farid heard the speaker’s voice imagined himself a leader or rallying point, and
emerge dry and gravely, as if the man’s vocal chords believes the charismatic al-Amin better suited for
were on the verge of snapping. Worse yet, Farid heard the role. But because no one gives him the chance to
what the American said, but he also heard the lies in say no and because he’s afraid to let people down
his voice. Words like “investors” sounded like “vic- again, Tarjiman accepts his role with some discom-
tims” and “partnership” was “rape.” Then a voice in fort. He finds he must surrender personal opinion and
Farid’s headset roared, “THE LANGUAGE OF LIES.” even passions to better play the statesmen. Fortu-
Farid excused himself under the pretense of illness nately, he enjoys the friendship of al-Amin and the
and left a number of delegates oblivious to the decep- grudging support of Fatwa243, both of whom possess
tions being preached at them by the thing that spoke. a strong following of their own.
Farid regrets his cowardice for not doing more. PROFILE
When the convention ended, some attendees spoke of Creed: Judgment
the American’s speech and their willingness to invest Attributes: Strength 2, Dexterity 2, Stamina 2, Cha-
with the broker and his clients. Farid could hear the risma 3, Manipulation 2, Appearance 2, Perception 3,
greed in their voices, their eagerness to sell out their Intelligence (Insightful) 4, Wits 3
own people for a promise of wealth. He realized they Abilities: Academics (History) 3, Alertness 2, Aware-
seemed stricken by a frenzied avarice. That is, those ness 2, Bureaucracy 1, Computer 2, Dodge 2, Empathy 2,
who could understand the speech were influenced. Finance 1, Firearms 1, Leadership 1, Linguistics 4,
Those who relied upon Farid to translate it were spared Melee 2, Occult 1
by his quick decision to abandon his post and refuse to Backgrounds: Allies 2, Contacts 3, Destiny 2, Re-
spread the “language of lies.” sources 3
Despite sparing some diplomats from deceit that Edges: (Judgment) Discern, Burden, Condemn; (De-
day, Farid swore afterward that he would never allow fense) Ward; (Redemption) Bluster, Insinuate
someone else to suffer because of his inaction. He
Mercy: 3, Vision: 0, Zeal: 7, Conviction: 3, Willpower: 5
would observe and learn about this new world as he
had the false one, but he would commit himself when Derangement: Indecision (Hunter Book: Judge, p. 75)
the moment demanded action. Perhaps as a result of
that determination, Farid dedicated his time to sup-
FATWA243
There are few memories in Rafiq al-Isfahani’s
porting the cause, and he listened more to those he history that he’d call pleasant. The Cairo of his
once ignored. He initially relied solely on kufic script

117
 HUNTER: HOLY WAR

When Rafiq was old enough, Sharif even pulled

strings with friends at the British embassy to get him
work. Rafiq’s grasp of English became near fluent, as
did his hatred for the English and Americans. All his
life, he’d seen how Western tourists looked down on
Arabs, how Cairo’s government kowtowed to foreign-
ers, and how outsiders plundered Egypt’s rich heritage.
Working at the embassy only enforced those views.
Still, Rafiq stayed with the consulate because the pay
was good, and he continued learning things he some-
times preferred not to.
One afternoon, an explosion rocked the embassy.
The car bomb never made it past the reinforced gates,
but it still shattered windows for several blocks around.
Dead and dying lay strewn about the road when Rafiq
arrived. Smoke drifted through the streets like a thick
blanket. Surviving British soldiers fired on a man
advancing toward them. Rafiq saw and heard what he
still believes were the spirits of the angry dead pointing
and wailing at the juggernaut. That’s when Rafiq saw
the hollowed-out eyes and decaying flesh of this beast.
childhood was every bit as polluted and overcrowded Rafiq leapt into the fray while the rot killed the last of
as the bustling city of today. He lived between the the soldiers.
open gray skies, filled with the smog of vehicle ex- Rafiq counts his blessings from that day. The explo-
haust, and the soot-covered ground. Rafiq and his sion knocked out the consulate’s cameras and the smoke
family were occasional squatters then, earning enough kept most witnesses from seeing the battle. Those who
money to live in an apartment for a few months at a did witness it appeared to suffer from an odd amnesia,
time before his father’s drug addiction forced them to leaving Rafiq’s actions a secret. He also explained his
move. They stayed atop building rooftops, in mauso- injuries away as a result of the explosion, though his
leums and even in the homes of vacationing families emergence into the hunter community forced him to
for days at a time before picking up. They scavenged quit the British consulate for fear that his nature would
food from piles of garbage often left exposed to the eventually be uncovered.
hot sun for weeks, and stole from vendors at the local Since that time, Rafiq, as Fatwa243, has become
bazaars. By the age of seven, Rafiq and his gang of instrumental in local efforts against the akhira. His
friends would swarm tourists for money and pick their adopted father had already taught him to fight, and
pockets. He’d also let men “touch him” for five even now it takes little coaxing from Rafiq to convince
Egyptian pounds ($2 U.S.). By 10, he was robbing the old veteran to regale him with war stories. Rafiq
graves for valuables and selling fresh cadavers to learns many lessons in this fashion, and what he can’t
criminals who sold them to medical students at Cairo learn covertly he asks his friends in the Muslim Broth-
University. Rafiq might have lived and died in this erhood. Meanwhile, Rafiq often enjoys the patronage of
miserable life, except…. rich kiswah who hire him to train them or help deal with
Rafiq’s mother, the sole anchor of his life, was daunting monsters. In this manner, Rafiq becomes
dying of lung cancer thanks to Cairo’s pollution, increasingly familiar with the Middle East’s black-mar-
while his father spent his days and meager earnings ket trade.
on hashish. Knowing her son would probably perish
on the streets, Rafiq’s mother approached the Makram
AL-JAZZAR
Madrassa, a small and charitable Islamic school, and Few hunters know the Visionary al-Jazzar (the
pleaded with the family patriarch Sharif Makram to Butcher), and even less so by name. His voice occa-
care for her son. He eventually agreed and Rafiq sionally emerges in the kufic script with warnings and
entered the school as domestic help, where he worked omens. He spoke during the great convention, some of
by day and learned by night. It wasn’t a glamorous his thoughts finding their way into the transcripts of
life, and Rafiq often endured beatings for his disre- the Dho ‘l-Nun and al-Hallaj factions. He railed against
spectful tongue, but he eventually accepted the Hajirah252 and Tarjiman220, warning them of the
Makrams as family. In turn, Sharif Makram, an ex- Mosque of Webs. Hajirah and Tarjiman were right to
officer who once served with the local British army, fear his words. He represents a growing band of hereti-
kept Rafiq under stringent discipline while teaching cal kiswah allying under the banner of this spider
him the Koran, Humanities and English. prophet. This lot of acolytes believes it has discovered

118
 CHAPTER 6: A BRAVE NEW WORLD

the “true path,” thanks to al-Jazzar’s charisma. Little

do they know that their prophet is equally lost. In
seeking out the horizon, he has forgotten his way back
and the very reason why he underwent his journey in
the first place. He believes he has found truth again in
the Mosque of Webs.
Al-Jazzar is on the verge of becoming infamous
among kiswah if only because he’s uncovered a terrible
new gift upon hitting the pinnacle of “understanding”
as a Visionary. He’s learned how to transmit portions of
his terrible dreams to other kiswah through the kufic
script, and already torments other hunters with dreams
of the mosque. This effect of his influence spreads
slowly. Unless stopped, al-Jazzar could afflict many of
the Middle East’s kiswah with a mental illness, forcing
the remaining few to rely on outside help to deal with
him and his movement.

119
 What Monsters Lurk…
Hunters may have been exposed to the truth of the
world — that monsters exist — but they know very
little about what stalks the night. Every hunter must
answer the call in his own way, according to his own
values and beliefs. What other choice does he have?
But what if a radically different outlook made the
hunt a radically different reality? What if you could
make the hunt your own?

In the Cradle of Civilization?

Hunter: Holy War invites you to travel
to the Fertile Crescent — the Middle
East and Egypt — to discover
what beasts lurk even under the
desert sun. Whether your
hunter travels to this foreign
land or is the desert’s son,
learn how different
cultures answer the call
and how their hunt is
different from that of
the West. Discover
how you can define
the hunt.

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