Sumani was a soldier of House Shinzawai serving under Kasumi. He fought in Midkemia during the Riftwar but was trapped when the rift was collapsed.
He stayed in Midkemia during an internal conflict between Acoma and Anasati since the Assembly ordered an interruption between the Tsuranuanni and the Kingdom of the Isles until it was resolved. He stayed in LaMut and worked as an innkeeper in the Blue Wheel Inn.
When Gorath, Owyn and Locklear, visited his inn, he told them about the ruby stolen by the Grey Warriors from the garrison and sent them to Keifen Alescook in Loriel.