Wahim

Wahim is one of the two sons of the deceased Pharaoh. He and his brother, Sami, differ strongly in their vision for Egypt, as well as in who should lead the nation toward that vision.

Wahim is a real person in the game. Meeting him, if you are lucky enough to do so, is one of the Achievements.

Wahim's Manifesto of the Initiate

In my studies I have encountered people of stunning intelligence - from scientists at out Great Universities, to common farmers who make brilliant observations about the workings of the natural world. But I posit that there is a wholly different type of intelligence, separate from logical reasoning.

As we have seen in my recent auction, aversion to loss is a powerful motivator, and though the top bidders could see where my auction was headed long before it ended, neither was willing to cut their losses, until those losses were very great.

I believe that understanding, or perhaps simply embracing this facet of human nature can work as a powerful tool for those inclined to exploit it.

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Wahim's Manifesto of the Student

I encountered recently a fisherman and a man working a mine. The fisherman noticed the miner, grilled his catch, and offered it. Having no use for ore, the act was irrational. The miner had no way to help the fisherman, and the fisherman could logically conclude that the deed would not be repaid.

As the fisherman worked his way up the Nile, he encountered a farmer growing vegetables. A similarly irrational exchange took place: the farmer, having no need of fish, cooked a simple meal of vegetables for the fisherman.

Exchanges of this type are common among strangers, yet can not be learned behaviour: In each case the benefactor knew nothing of the recipient's character. Furthermore, animals are capable of learning, yet exhibit no such inclinations.

Understanding the invisible force motivating this behaviour would explain much of our history and allow shaping of our future.

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Wahim's Maifesto of the Prentice

A most curious observation: In Adn, a land of peace and plenty, I made the acquaintance of a well organized and prosperous guild. I offered them an interesting – though ultimately valueless skill, in exchange for a bit of trouble-making.

I did not expect them to accept such a poor offer, yet they jumped at the opportunity. They had peace, they had plenty, yet the thing they hungered for was conflict itself!

Children of Egypt's wealthy families are raised in immaculate surroundings, kept away from he grime of those raised on farms, kept away from communicable diseases which temporarily sicken those less fortunate. Yet these children are in balance less robust than their lower-class counterparts! They develop sensitivities to certain foods, to the flora and fauna that they more occasionally encounter. It is almost as if their bodies, lacking actual disease to struggle against, find conflict among things that should cause none.

If one were to view society itself as an organism, then there is a fearful parallel at play: The society, lacking an actual enemy, look for one. The society hungers for conflict itself, even when peace would seem to be the natural course of events.

This facet of human nature foretells a most ominous future. Perhaps channeling this natural inclination is my challenge.

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