:: Codex of the Ronin ::

L







Leto A slim, youthful looking Sidhe, easily mistaken for a country boy. He is a ruler of a small fief in the Ronin hinterlands, travels for adventure. Pipesmokes 'a dark brown substance that he stores in a leather pouch`. Leto is a staunch believer in Isonia and an avid student the magical arts. (subject to modification by the alt-holder)



Lia Moonflower This vivacious, bisexual elven woman is a talented thief, scout or spy. She was abandoned as a baby on the streets of Marthalez. She grew up learning to steal to make a living. Afire with curiosity, she would go from town to town, stealing and breaking into the houses and keeps along the way to sate her unspeakable curiosity. One night she was caught, by two women, Xyen and Calenia Meriane. Instead of turning her over to authorities, Xyen decided to keep Lia as a scoutmistress, and eventually turned over the ruling of all her holdings to Lia, when Xyen was struck by her recurring disease. Lia was promoted to U-nin of the RONIN on Dec27.2001.



Liara The Voice that Authorized this Codex.



Little Talingol A newly named neighbourhood, so called because it is swarming with immigrants from the destabilized lands of Talingol. It is located in the northern end of Imhabia - just about the southernmost terminus of the Lost Emperor's Highway - where it becomes the Grand Boulevard. The houses here are somewhat shabby and overcrowded by industrious refugees.



The focal point of this brand new community is a newly built church called `Our Lady of Talingol`, the adjoining Talingalese Bazaar (housed in a large warehouse) and the surrounding open air markets.



Lord Lemming Alternatively affectionate and/or derogatory slang for one called Pikachiu, formerly of Dark Crown, his province and another defected from Dark Crown just before Fury sued for peace. He spent a while guild-hopping, possibly due to persistent rumours that as soon as his current guild was not at war, RONIN would attack it. Needless to say this is not a likely scenario anytime soon since Dark Crown merged with MFRegulators to form Dark Crown Regulators. Intel reports that his provinces and armies have reintegrated themselves into the DCR framework.



Lorianna Lorianna is an elven sorceress that has been put in charge of the town, bridge and Twin Keeps of Crossing by Lord Norgarth. After the fashion of her elvenfolk, she `has enough names for 3 people`. Lucien thinks that: "Must admit she's got gorgeous legs, and the rest of her isn't bad either." and given that Lucien is reputed to be a notorious don juan, that's saying something.



Lucien Starshadow Lucien is the half-elven right-hand man of Lord Norgarth. A blackguard of an Dark Aristocrat warrior, prefers studded leather armor and fights using a two sword style. He is perfectly at home in the dens and dives, bars and brothels of Imhabia. In the fall of 2001, he a business in Imhabia, The Gilded Peacock - it has proven most profitable. Lord Norgarth has since posted him to Imhabia, on a more or less permanent basis, to represent the clan's business in Imhabia.



Lyssia A Sidhe sorceress with long purple hair and grey eyes who despises all of the Gods. About her head she wears two bands of metal twisted around one another, one of silver and one of some blackened unidentifiable metal. Her natural Sidhe curiousity for the unknown has led her to many things in the past, but her chief favourite has always been stories. She shares a curious bond with the magpie Kara, the truth of which only a few know. When Kara died Lyssia descended into madness and sorrow, something which led her to fall under the spell of a soul-shadow named Lossandrea. Lossandrea was drived out by a number of people (Kara was also resurrected at this point) but her current whereabouts is still unknown. Though if asked Lyssia is likely to say that Lossandrea has ben taken care of. {alt belongs to Lyssia)



:: Matt Thomas 8:18 PM [+] ::
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K-Ka





K'Inice K'Inice (Ici), a half-elf, dragon mix, is inhabited by two other beings, both her ancestors. At birth, her mother died from the shock of Lylliem, a member of the Conclave, entering Ici's mind and body. The midwife kept her as her own child, telling those that asked about her eyes that she had been touched by a demon and it had ruined her sight. She began picking up tongues as the people of the village thought she would be better off to be able to speak if she could not see. Fearful of the magick she began to express, the midwife sold her into slavery on the promise that she would not be branded and would be sold to a home as a tutor for languages. It was there that the baron found her and bought her for a small fortune for his children. As there were no others in the household with either of her bloods in them, she was an outcast of the servants and was rarely spoken to except when required.



She was forced to leave the residence of the baron when the occupants of the house were all killed by a demon, name withheld. She was pulled onto another plane by him, leaving her with little to no memory of the events after the deaths of her companions.



She escaped from him and went to live in a small village, but was soon caught as the town's folk believed her to be a witch and tattooed the marks of her exile upon her lower back. They cast her out, leaving her for dead in the middle of a forest. She was found by two acolytes of a hidden convent and was taken in by them to be healed. Their leader, a woman who was only known by the title 'Mother', recognized Ici's powers and began to teach her as her successor. Half way through her training, she was sent to the lands of Ordo Draco to continue her quest as a surviving descendant of the magickal group called The Conclave.



She once again met the demon, leaving her friend, Henry, and Ordo Draco behind as the past. She entered the lands of the Dark Aristocracy, soon forced to leave to inhabit those of the Dark Samurai and then, finally, the Ronin to find her haven of doves. She has been known to travel as she cannot fully accept being anything but a servant. She does this to also offset the chances that her magick may come to full power, which may kill her because she cannot totally control what it is capable of.



Lylliem and Xanthe both hold the capability to take over her body and institute their own powers, though only she can use both of their energies to help her and her fate.



Kaemon the Grey Defiler An envoy (from Crynus, ruler of the land of the Eternal Dynasties) sent to visit and present a gift of "the most expensive and fine sake he'd known!" to Yoshimutsu Watanabe, leader of the Ronin. In return, Yoshimutsu "slowly drew his dagger, a short bladed tanto with a single purple gem inset at the base of the pommel, the black dyed wrappings of the hilt immaculate still after years of service and the sharkskin showing between it" (Sept2001 - subject to modification by the alt-holders)



Kara Kara is a shapeshifting magpie-phoenix, who is a constant companion to the sorceress Lyssia. She has an intelligent glint in her eye, but occasionnally falls afoul of those offering her sweets and of the natural magpie weakness for shiny things. She was recently been resurrected after being killed by Bede, the one time consort of the demon Maledict. For this death both she and Lyssia hold a unquestionable rage for the demon, which they hope to quench at some point. {owned by Lyssia}



Karal The Karal is a favoured breed of horse amongst the RONIN, essentially a crossbreed of the hardy steppe ponies of the Ilkhiz plateaus and highlands with the hot-blooded racers of Arabic lands, with a bit of beefy destrier blood thrown in for good measure. The breed is fast, surefooted, reasonably intelligent and above all endowed with excellent endurance. Perfect for the type of hit-and-run, skirmishing, long distance campaigns that RONIN is famous for.



Kata



Kawa To-rin This dark-skinned, almond-shaped eyed man is Captain of the Black Lotus.



Kazimirzch Longbow Kaz was born into Elven royalty, but fled when his home was raided and destroyed by a goblin raiding party. He was near to death when he was saved by Bansidhe and brought into the ranks of LA. Whilst serving with the Burning Fury, Kaz's visions began. A vision occurs when extreme feelings are felt, causing Kaz to be mentally transported to the scene of the event. The visions are usually, but not always, associated with pain and suffering. As time progressed he became a part of the LA leadership and was happy serving Darden. Also during his time with LA Kaz discovered that he was able to use the Magicks associated with the element of fire.



When the great cataclysm occurred Kaz was left stranded, the only guild he had known, scattered across the globe. He wondered for many years, fighting for several different Darden guilds always searching his lost friends. Finally a war against Foret ended Kaz's belief in Darden. The pain of his people was so great that during the final stages of war he was trapped in a vision of despair, unable to help his people, only able to watch as they were killed. Eventually his castle was burnt to the ground, with him inside still unconscious.



Kaz's close ties to the element of fire were all that kept him alive. However he was badly burnt and scarred from the fire. Also the amount of pain he had witnessed, burnt away his compassion, many of his memories and his belief in a god that would allow that to happen. He left the continent and travelled to the island of Maxim, were he became accepted into the arms of Isonia and the ranks of the Dark Aristocracy.



Kb-Kz





Kerrick Halfhand Proprietor of the Fiddler Crab Tavern in the warehouse district in Imhabia, on the east bank of the River Constantine. (subject to modification by the alt-holder)



Kershaw Bradley This rustic human peasant inherited his granpappy's apple orchard in Fiddlestick, along with the family's recipes for cider, apple brandy and a creamy frothing ale. He sells these locally and also delivers shipments of these to the Wayfarer's Rest in Dunskritch. Given the amount of traffic that goes through there, it is entirely possibly that his alcoholic beverages might intrigue the tongue of a passing merchant, soldier or even a Dark Samurai Lord - thereby making them a hit in Talingol or Imhabia as well...



Kershaw is friends with Master Pednarion (owner of the Inn) and the halfing dairy farmer and cheese-maker Emmett Paddlebottom.



Kumanjo Nokahoma ..........




:: Matt Thomas 6:48 PM [+] ::
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J







Jacen A neophyte Dawg (Dardenite) who ran afoul of Dark Samurai bounty hunters. He is an officer of Royal Knights of the Realm-RKoR. Not noted for tact or proper spelling, he was foolish enough to mouth off to several prominent Samurai. Imhabian bookies fully expect to see his Realm/Guild disappear into the shadows one of these days. So far that bookies have been sorely disappointed. He presumably organized an impressive assault by Bellum Lupus and Royal Knights of the Realm - forcing RONIN to sue for peace. This victory will definately keep his name on the vengeance list.



John London Just might be the John Doe amongst the RONIN or was that DARK SAMURAI? *forgets* Although he tells me that:

he came into the lands of Imhabia and first served under the banners of KaN. After its dissolvement, he followed his friends and became a RONIN lord. Eventually, personal interests called him away and he sought adventures elsewhere. After some time, he felt the call to return to RONIN and fight once more under its banner. Not much is known about his past, for he speaks little of it. Although it has been assumed that he is from a land that is unknown to most travellers, for he carries a medallion which has an inscription upon it in a language no one has ever seen before. Sometimes he can be seen muttering the language of those symbols in a ritualistic manner. He is of a human constitution with dark hair worn long

in the back. A long coat with faded unrecognizable symbols usually covers his tall, wiry frame. He has the look of an adventurer, and the manner of a recluse at times, but he can always be counted upon to do his bit with the other RONIN. He hopes to stay with RONIN for some time, until the way back is made known to him.



Junk n a kind of seagoing ship used in Oriental waters, having square sails spread by battens, a high stern, and usually a flat bottom. {t. Portg.: m. junco, t. Malay: m. jong, ajong, appar. t. Javanese (m). jong} (ACD)



Jyndhar 1.An infamous and brilliant half-drow elf,half-djinn artist who paints vividly coloured oil paintings. 2. An oil painting by the same artist, they are in vogue among the elite classes of Imhabia and cost a tidy sum even though he's not dead yet.





:: Matt Thomas 6:43 PM [+] ::
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I





Ilkhiz Plateau A broad highland plateau covered with arid steppes, several mountain chains and canyons near the edges. Lies to the Far East of Talingol and far to the North East of Imhabia. It slopes downwards, as one travels north, to the Northern Desert of Kusuf Al-Narr. The majority of the sentient inhabitants of the Ilkhiz Plateau are human or goblin tribes of nomadic herders. They live off of their great herds of cattle, sheep, goat, camels and/or horses, as well as raiding each other and their neighbours. In recent years many of the folk of the Ilkhiz have seen the benefit of allying with the RONIN and enlisting in their armies.



Imhabia City located on the eastern end of the Maxim landmass on the east bank of the Constantine River. Renowned as a smuggler's port, it became the haven of a society known as the Ronin. When Ronin merged with Dark Aristocracy in a bid to establish a Dark Samurai Empire, the administrators wanted it to become the gateway to Talingol (DA's capital), as well as THE most important religious, cultural, economic, intellectual and political city of all of Maxim.



The city can accomodate dozens of ocean-going, riverine and coastal trading ships in her enormous harbours. She has rapidly overtaken the Nicobars as the center of Maxim's blackmarket. The surrounding fertile Constantine plain is a prime agricultural area, a veritable cornucopia.



The Ronin are busily expanding the city's infrastructure and public works. There is talk of building a monumental bridge across the Constantine Delta to permit the metropolis to expand onto the west bank. Already another harbour, complete with breakwaters, piers and wharves is under construction there.



Throughout the city, resources are pouring into the construction/upgrading of Temples and Cathedrals to Isonia, museums, marketplaces, libraries, primary schools and the newly appointed University of Imhabia. Many merchant guilds are opening offices and warehouses and the enlightened tax code is luring artisans and all manner of industry from the world over.



Briefly, Imhabia is restyling herself Crown Jewel of Maxim. The population of Imhabia is at least 1,000,000 (no one has ever bothered to do a census in the past two centuries). Approximately 50% of the population is human, 30% are goblinoid, demi-human and other species and 20% are humans with some other blood mixed in.



Imhabian Mercantile Pass 1. A set of documents, usually costing about 1000 Imhabian silver shillings, that is issued by Imhabian Harbour Command and that gives permission to heathen and/or foreign ships to traverse Imhabian patrolled waters. 2. Tongue in cheek slang for the Imhabian 50 mark bill - because it is worth as much as an actual pass costs.



INKIES Derogative slang for members of the ferret guild INCA. Octopi and related creatures squirt out a cloud of ink with which to cover their retreat. Similarily, INKIES cover their cowardice with copious written postings to the Boards. Interestingly enough, several Inkies have written long and involved boasts of their martial prowess only to find that Dark Samurai have killed their provinces in the meantime.



Isonia "Isonia. Beautiful Isonia. Her gentle hands grasped the handle of a double-sided battle-axe. The goddess of equality was simply exquisite in her beauty contrasted so brightly with the stark implement of war in her hand. Her eyes displayed a dark brooding sense that portrayed an inner struggle never to truly be won. She ignored Foret and later Darden; to her, they were of no importance. She was the great one, her followers understood immediately that she was the true and only goddess." (Canon)



Ronin view Isonia as the Gatekeeper between the Realms of the Living and the Dead, the Mistress of Illusion, the Mother of All that Matters, the Blademaiden and the One Truth.



Isonian Order of Travellers A mendicant Order of Isonian Priest/esses and Monks that travel the world to learn about it, themselves and Isonia.



Izzo Was Dark Samurai at some point...



:: Matt Thomas 6:38 PM [+] ::
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H







Hammer of Isonia A legendary, possibly non-existant artefact spoken of in the "Hymns to Isonia". It is said to be capable of working rare and magickal metals, smiting Demons and heathens and also aid in fabulous/difficult construction programs. The crew of the Audacious recently found a vellum scroll, in a junk shop on one of the islands in the Nicobar Archiepelago, purporting to describe the location of the Hammer. They passed their find to the Faculty of Esoteric Arts at the University of Imhabia, which managed to piece together that the artefact was being guarded by some great wyrm in it's lair. As far as the Faculty could tell it's name was ".....xe...than...ious". All the divination spells they tried gave the same cryptic response: "Four- (or possibly more?) -in-one-K'Inice might know." Frustrated (having no idea whom this K'Inice was), the University dispatched the enchanter Dunmius to the local gate-entrance of the Grand Library to seek Unerrawen's(Madame Librarian) knowledgeable help.



Harbour Command This paramilitary organization is responsible for the naval defense of Imhabia, as well as policing, running and maintaining the harbour areas of the city. Admiral Benson is the Commander in Chief. Harbour Command can requisition any of the griffons and/or dragons stationned on Mount Shinzawai at a moment's notice. The gull-riders are permanently under HC's control. Currently there are at least 6 war galleys and 2 war-clippers under it's command. Additionnally, there are at least 3 pet water elementals that help defend the city and work as `tugs` during peacetime.



HC messengers typically wear pale blue caps. HC soldiers and officials wear dark blue uniforms.



Hasker A Dardenite merchant from Balbek. He is the proud owner of a xebec (middle-eastern type ship) called the Askari. He has business interests, both above and below the table, in Imhabia as well as his native city of Balbek. He purchases an Imhabian Mercantile Pass on a yearly basis and considers it to be a most worthwhile investment.



Havoc An Windraker in the RONIN navy - hunts enemy shipping far and wide, especially near war zones and in the Nicobars.



Hearth The center of any proper home.



Hiromutsu Hiromutsu is a recent graduate of the Warrior Monks, he is particularly devoted to the cause. Worse, he is so fanatical that he honestly believes that all that oppose him are against the true cause of Isonia, and therefore deserve death in her name. He has acquired mastery of the staff, as well as the katana. His skill with a crossbow is adequate, but nothing special. He was released to join the Ronin, his master having obtained the deed to the city of Talingol, and it's surrounding lands, which were mysteriously ceded to the Temple around the time of the Lost Emperor's Disappereance.



Hiromutsu is around 5 and a half feet tall, and lean. His body is built for swiftness of movement, not sheer power. He is normally clothed in either deep black or dark brown robes, with the hood drawn forward. Dressed

like this he will carry his staff. Other times he dresses in a sleeveless shirt, with an open front, and loose fitting pants, with a deep maroon sash. When dressed so, he will carry his katana. His hair is brown, and his eyes are a deep green.



Hogwurth Impish assistant to Efrem the gnomish apothecary of Mirrheim.



Huang Hsi This middle-aged short asian fellow is the senior RONIN diplomat stationned at the Mirrheim Consulate. He owns a Ring of Silence and a Ring of Invisibility.



:: Matt Thomas 6:35 PM [+] ::
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G







The Gilded Peacock: Costumes and Accessories This is a small shop on a sidestreet off of the Merchant's Promenade in Imhabia owned by Lucien Starshadow. It makes costumes for balls and parties and also sells jewelry. While this is not the usual sort of business most would expect a rogue such as Lucien to own, most are unaware that in the back they also make authentic looking disguises for spies,

assassins and thieves who want to get places they're not supposed to be.



Disguises range from uniforms (troopers, officers and police/militia) from all major kingdoms and many smaller ones, to merchants, to priests of all three faiths (ranging from itinerant preacher to bishop),

nobility and others. Skilled forgers are employed to produce reservations (for infiltrating parties), written `orders` for those masquerading as soldiers, all manner of financial or legal documents and even signet rings and heraldic crests.



<GodSafe> <!concept!> : The default mode in Temper's Ball, wherein other posters aren't allowed to kill/move/seriously affect a thing, person or object.



Go Seigen Go Seigen is a Samurai warrior that arrived in this world from a far off land. He sought to build power, so asked a powerful sorceror to transport him to another land, where he could build a power base for his glorious return to Naipon. A seasoned warrior, he has experience in dealing with Oni devils and Yonni devils, and even a Bakemon. Civil and attentive to the needs of his current Ronin masters. (subject to modification by the alt-holder)



Grand Boulevard A wide cobblestone avenue that runs north-south, wide enough for 5 wagons, one of the principal throughfares of Imhabia. The northern terminus of the Boulevard connects to the Emperor's Highway. The Boulevard is the address of many Inns and hostels and countless public edifices.



the Great Black Dainchi's fierce stallion and preferred warmount.



Gubernator A galleon in the RONIN navy, used as a troop transport and occasionnally to convey a large number of prisoners to a particular destination,



:: Matt Thomas 6:30 PM [+] ::
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F







Felicity Is a mostly-human doctor posted at the Mirrheim Consulate. Felicity's grandfather was gnomish - thus she has a rather large nose upon which typically rest a pair of elegant spectacles. If not for the nose, most humans would find baby her blue eyes and gentle brown curls endearlingly attractive. This buxom brunette is maybe six or seven inches taller than Efrem (and might turn into a love interest for him).



Ferret Derogatory slang for a follower of the God Foret, implying that Forets are all weaselly bastards.



Fiddler Crab Tavern A seedy tavern in the western warehouse district of Imhabia, near the wharves on the east bank of the Constantine. Favourite RONIN drinking hole, they are rumoured to conduct the shaddier aspects of their business here. The bartender/owner is one Kerrick Halfhand. The head bouncer's called Jerem. Situated at the head of a boulevard that leads down to Pier Number One, you can't miss it, it has "A decrepit sign depicting a Fiddler crab, the namesake of the tavern, hang[ing] crookedly by a single eye and chain above the door." This tavern is the location of the RONIN tavern thread.



Fiddlestick This is an idyllic village roughly 5 miles east of Dunskritch, along the local trade road. Most of the residents are farmers. It has the potential to become famous for it's brewers and cheesemakers.



Foret "Foret was born with a smile. His eyes gleaming with the goodness that was his making and his hands held the mighty staff of justice. Pride was his pedestal; he was righteous above all others. He was first born, he was the eldest. Each of his followers instantly fell in love, aligning himself with his pureness." (Canon)



Foret is french for forest, which in turn is a decent place to hide when RONIN come hunting for Ferrets.



Amongst Foret's names an attributes - he is the God of Hypocrites as well as Those Whose Throats Need to Be Slit...



Fou-Lu Fou-Lu of Kara-Tur is an eccentric wujen in the service of the Ronin half of the Dark Samurai. (subject to modification by the alt-holder)



Frigate n. An old type of sailing war vessel, designed for high speed and used primarily for scouting. {t. Fre: m. fregate, t. Ital: m. fregata} (ACD) It should be noted that frigates are sturdier and more seaworthy than xebecs.



:: Matt Thomas 6:26 PM [+] ::
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E







Editted Ferret Derogatory slang for extremely `devout` Forets.



Efrem's Apothecary & Herbalist Shoppe A shop in the town of Mirrheim that is run by a somewhat lonely gnome. (alt belongs to member of Rogue?)



Emeritz A gnomish professor with a stuttering problem. He teaches politics at the University of Imhabia (with the aid of a Ring of Courage). Widely rumoured to have Consortianist tendencies.



Emmett Paddlebottom Emmett is a rather shy halfling dairy farmer and noted cheesemaker who lives in Fiddlestick. Friends with Kershaw Bradley.



Emperor's Highway A stone-meld highway that starts at Imhabia and runs roughly parallel to the Constantine River (on the East Bank), all the way to the Talingol Heartland. It is wide enough for two wagons to pass each other comfortably. The route is regularily patrolled by light cavalry units and maintained by small garrisons of infantry. There are stone markers along the route every mile (mileposts). Many nobles and towns have built local, connector roads to the highway in a bid to increase trade. Inns and taverns and small hamlets are springing up all along the route. Built by demobilized infantry units following the Ronin's (Oct2001) War with Dark Crown.



:: Matt Thomas 6:25 PM [+] ::
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D





Dainichi A senior officer of RONIN - currently acting GuildMistress.



Darden "Darden the clever one was born with a bowl in his hand. The bowl was hidden from view and many a legend were concocted of its contents. The truth is known alone in this scroll; the bowl was full of despair. The world about him was one of vibrant life and ingenious discovery. Each day a child learned, a baby crawled, a man found new and better ways, and this was his world. The despair came from their constant deaths, so quick to claim a newborn or an innocent. No rhyme, no reason. His bowl was fabled to become larger, fuller, and darker as time plodded forth. In truth, his despair began to overflow the bowl, causing him to drink from it. The results would be showered amongst his people. They had known him as Darden the caring, and on his good days that still rang true, but on his malignant days, he became known as the Demon of Tismad." (Canon)



Dark Aristocracy An Isonian kingdom that lies north of Ronin. Their homeland is called Talingol. Their nobility is rumoured to be corrupt, extravagant and decadent.



Dark Crown A kingdom of Ferrets that attacked down at RONIN. The war ended with their Dark Queen Fury suing for peace - Pika (Lord Lemming) and the other large province defected to another guild, and Fury had only 5 provinces alive and not hiding in NPP. (Oct2001)



Dark Samurai A shortlived Isonian empire that was the result of the Union of RONIN and Dark Aristocracy.



Darlantan Self-styled "Master of the Scrolls, Sorceror of the Night" from the Dark Aristocracy's esteemed ranks. Known to amuse himself by employing a powerful transformation spell that metamorphoses him into a gargoyle and hunting semi-sentient humanoids in this guise. (subject to modification by the alt-holder)



Darqualan Necromancer lord, originally a member of the Dark Aristocracy. "To lock eyes with Darqualan is like gazing into the eyes of death itself."

(subject to modification by the alt-holder)



Dawg Derogatory slang for a follower of the God Darden, implying that Dardenites roll in the mud, lick their own genitals and fit for naught but being servants of Isonians.



the Dead Barnabite A bar on Naginata Street in Imhabia, frequented by City Watchmen and other security types.



Deliverance A valiant but small Isonian guild that helped out RONIN against Dark Crown (Oct2001) taking great risks to do so. They are the keepers of the Tree of Life. Below is a condensed description of their kind.



Deliverance lies in the nether realms, in the "in between". The space between spaces. The astral plane where all the worlds meet. It is here, along the Circles of Stone that Deliverance watches over Maxim. Between the Circles of Stone and the Nexus is the Symphony by which the balance of life is maintained. (See their Guild Charter)



The Tree of Life sits in the center of the Nexus of Concordance where all life flows. The Three sisters of fate (Urd, Skuld, Verdandi) sit beneath this tree weaving the tapestry of time as it flows out from the tree through the Symphony and then into the realms. For each life it has but a leaf, for each realm it has a branch. Its roots run deep through the underworlds of all the realms, maintaining its stability. The canopy of its branches looms high above shading and sheltering the worlds from the influence of the nether realms.



It is here that the gateway between world is the weakest. Due to the corruption of man, the leaves upon the Tree of Life have begun to wither and fall. Already entire worlds have collapsed as the Tree slowly dies.



It was found that the Tree now weeps its sorrow and anguish through the sap along its bark. The Guardians of the Tree gather this sap. In an act of desperation, they had attempted to purify it. In distilling it a tonic that was created that was not only intoxicating, but healed as well. And when consumed in pure of heart, life returned a little back into the Tree of Life. (note that the Whiskey called sap from the tree of Life contains a drop of *actual* Sap from the Tree of life per bottle)



Yggdrassyl is the name of this tree under the old tongue. There are corresponding trees that branch out into each of the realms. Deliverance, since they are attuned to them, can travel between the realms using this link. It is believed that some of this corruption that is killing the tree is from this link to each of the lands from the taint of the natives, that they are poisoning it from its roots.



Dian Dian appears to be no more than a great black beast, something of a cross between a wolf and a bear. However he was not always caught in this form, as he was originally a selkie uner Sorrik's command. He will very rarely speak of what caused him to be trapped in his current form, or how he spent the time since. Dian is fiercely loyal to Sorrik and is also bound to the guardianship of the chalice that the banshee carries. {alt belongs to Lyssia}



Drugar A dwarfen mercenary, once employed by Tayrin to serve in the armies of Dark Aristocracy, he has followed Tayrin to Dark Samurai out of simple financial motivations, his armies are agressive, but honorable. Children and those that arent part of the war are safe from his hands, those who fight bravely will be granted honorable defeat in battle. Sissies will be stomped into mush. Elves as well, and goblins, and any damn giants. Giants all get squished, Theres no such thing as a living giant, their's just real big spit roasts waitin to happen. His forge, and his studio are known for their quality, his sculptures and his fine crafting of the elements of the earth are famous among even his own kin for their quality. (alt-owner)



Dunmius This sprightly enchanter is a Professor of Esoteric Arts at the University of Imhabia. Has three bodyguards: a half-djinn, a garou and an Isonian Paladin. Is currently undertaking a quest to find the fabled Hammer of Isonia. Very absent-minded and easily distracted chap (hence the bodyguards double as babysitters).



Dunskritch A hamlet on the intersection of mile segment 85 (counting from Imhabia) and the local road that leads to a large RONIN horse stud. It has a garrison of 1 troop of light cavalry, 1 regiment of infantry. It `boasts` having the Wayfarer's Inn, a smithy, a veterinarian and a fortune-teller.



:: Matt Thomas 6:12 PM [+] ::
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C





Calenia Meriane Sidhe blademistress who owes her life and freedom to Xyen. After being tortured by the followers of a god in another time and another place, Xyen rescued her. After her wounds healed, she became one of Xyen's trusted confidants, and was given a set of twin Katanas by the merwoman sorceress on her birthday one year, signifying her promotion in the merwoman's lands to Blademistress and Captain of the Guard. Proud, and despising most men, she holds the view that no man can best her in battle. She remains undefeated... for now.



Cathedral of Isonia Triumphant Immense Isonian basilica in the Baroque style. Located in an upperclass district of Imhabia (surrounded by mansions, villas and banks). Dedicated to Isonia in her aspect as Nike, goddess of victory, success and valour. Nobility and the well-to-do get married here and the ruling classes are often buried in the crypts beneath the edifice. Also serves as the headquarters of Isonian Clergy in the lands of the Ronin.



Circles of Stone Circles of Stone are cromlech markers or gateways on the border along the nether realms. There is a Circle of Stone in the Deliverance Highlands in Maxim that acts as the gate between their temporal possessions in Maxim and their otherworld holdings as it were.



Company of ROGUES An amiable guild of Dardenites that control the port town of Mirrheim. Currently have a two-way trade treaty with RONIN Imhabia.



<!Concept!><!concept!> : A rule - above, beyond and in addition to normal Temper's Ball rules, created by ConcordantNexus, in a lame-ass attempt to enrich the RP in the Maxim environment.



ConcordantNexusIs not to be taken seriously, even by themself. Rumoured to be Yoshi's Pet Fool. Has an `over-bark` to compensate for having no bite... Allegedly voted most amusing/clueless newbie in the RONIN ranks.



Consortianism A radical movement in the Isonian and Dardenite faiths that worships one of the Deities as the Primogen with the other as their Consort. Among Isonian Consortians, Darden is seen as Isonia's Consort and among Dardenite Consortians, Isonia is seen as his Consort.



Constantine A great river (think Yangtze, Danube, St. Lawrence, Nile, Amazon or Mekong or something similar) that flows through the Talingol heartland in Dark Aristocracy's Territory down into Ronin territory and runs into the sea in a Delta in Ronin's regionnal capital Imhabia.



Cromlech n. Archaeol. 1. A circle of upright stones or monoliths. 2. A dolmen. {t. Welsh, fr. crom bent, bowed + llech flat stone.



Crossing Crossing is both a remote northern bridge over the River Constantine, the two medium sized keeps guarding each end of it and the little fledgling town that sprang up on the western end of the bridge. It is in Lord Norgarth's territory - somewhat isolated from the rest of Ronin by the collapse of the Dark Samurai empire but serving an increasingly important economic function - since it guards part of the caravan route to the highlands of Deliverance and acts as an perimeter guardpost against frequent Ferret raids...



"The bridge is built over a narrow part of the river (narrow being a relative term here, the river is still a good 300+ paces across). This section of the river runs fast and deep, with the banks rising steeply an average of 20 feet.



On either side, the bridge is anchored by a mid-sized keep. The garrison of Crossing does triple duty. As well as handling road maintenance and patroling the highway as the garrisons of other keeps along the Emperor's Highway do, They are also charged with guarding the only crossing point on the river within 15 leagues upriver or down capable of handling an army.



Mages, with the assistance of earth elementals, had raised a massive granite pillar from the middle of the river which had become a center support for the bridge."



CROW Heretics that left the Isonian fold, led by the one called the Treacher. They are called Carrion Eaters for good reason: they gangbang and feed off of smaller guilds, bloating their egos and bellies.



Crystiame Volodmire Crystiame Volodimire, Cherubim of Deliverance, Guardian of Time is the leader (GM) of the otherworldly Isonian guild of Deliverance.



Currency (RONIN)[gold] The Dark Samurai empire uses both paper and metal currency. 1 Gold Mark is worth 20 silver Shillings (sh). 1 Silver shilling is worth 10 copper pennies(cp). There are also gold Doublemarks (40sh), silver Halfmarks (10sh), copper fivepence (0.5sh) and copper halfpence (0.05sh). Recently the imperial government has successfully experimented in issuing (watermarked and magemarked) paperbills worth 5 marks (100sh), 10 marks (200sh), 20 marks (400sh) and 50 marks (1000sh).



It has been said that one can tell somebody's social rank by what type of coinage can be found in their purse. Paperbills and Gold marks tend to be used by the aristocracy and rich merchants, silver by the middleclass and copper by the peasantry and underclass... Most prices are in shillings (sh), with bills and marks being used by richer, more powerful folk to conserve space in their purses.

• ____50_mark_bill_=_1000sh___=_10,000cp
  
  
• ____20_mark_bill_=__400sh___=__4,000cp
  
  
• ____10_mark_bill_=__200sh___=__2,000cp
  
  
• _____5_mark_bill_=__100sh___=__1,000cp
  
  
• _gold_doublemark_=___40sh___=____400cp
  
  
• _______gold mark_=___20sh___=____200cp
  
  
• _silver_halfmark_=___10sh___=____100cp
  
  
• silvr_quartermark=____5sh___=_____50cp
  
  
• _silver_shilling_=____1sh___=_____10cp
  
  
• copper_fivepence_=____0.5sh_=______5cp
  
  
• ____copper_penny_=____0.1sh_=______1cp
  
  
• copper_halfpence_=____0.05sh=______0.5cp
  
  

There has been a suspicious rash of forgers (possibly backed by outside powers and interests) cranking out counterfeit 50 mark bills. The punishment for this is a slow and painful death.

:: Matt Thomas 6:10 PM [+] ::
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B





Balbek A small middle-eastern port city mostly inhabited by Dardenites. Has a sizeable population of gnomes in and around it. Principal exports include cedar wood, pistachioes, various gems, herbs, incense, pharmaceuticals and narcotics.



Bansidhe The erstwhile Emperor Tayrin's consort, disappeared along with him during a wartime encounter with editted ferrets.



Barnabites A heretical Isonian sect that mistakenly believes that Isonia is a male Deity and prefers the name Barnabas. To call an Isonian a Barnabite is a grave insult.



Beta Another named for the missing Emperor Tayrin.



Black Lotus A large, triple masted junk, only uses black sails. It has an arbalest at the prow, oversized chu-ko-na repeating crossbows at intervals down the foredeck on both sides and a massive trebuchet built into a rotating platform above the aft cabins. She is "the scourge of all Foret shipping on the coast of Maxim". She was launched towards the end of the Ronin's war with Dark Crown. Her Captain is Kawa To-rin.



Bluebell A Dark Crown sloop that the Audacious captured, has been refitted and is now used for smuggling.



Boaz Isonian mercenary leader who took up service under the banner of the Dark Samurai Empire, in the hopes of winning honour, loot and glory on the battlefield. (subject to modification by the alt-holder)



Brigantine n Nautical A two-masted vessel in which the foremast is square rigged and the mainmast bears a fore-and-aft mainsail and square topsails. {t. Fre.: m. brigantin, t. Ital.: m. brigantino der. brigante BRIGAND}





:: Matt Thomas 6:07 PM [+] ::
...

A





Adalphia, Holy Republic of This City-state recently converted from Foret to Isonia. It is ruled by Lady Kayalla. Source of something called `Iyellan ore`. Sadly it seems to have disappeared with the Jan2002 reset.



Adauchi-meikan (lit. Vengeance List) List compiled by the Ronin of those people or lands that have warranted a more personal type of destruction at the hands of the Ronin.



Admiral Benson Made his mark as a privateer hunting shipping for the highest bidder. Almost drowned during a hurricane, had it not been for the intervention of an Isonian angel. Became a fervent devotee of Isonia subsequent to that. Eventually `retired` to become the chief administrator of Imhabia Harbour Command. He has nominal command of the RONIN navy and is charged with keeping the area of sea within 1 day's sailing clear of enemy shipping.



Alessandro Tarneesi Patriarch of the Tarneesi merchant clan. Well versed in how to run business in Imhabia with numerous Ronin and underworld connections. Has pledged his son's hand in marriage to Vladimir Ionescu's daughter, the wedding will be held at the Cathedral of Isonia Triumphant.



Ancalagon ...........



Animate! An illicit fight bar in the Toombs neighbourhood. The cachet of the place is that it runs fights. A pair of dead roosters or dogs or humanoid gets animated and the mages control/order them to fight... Good place to pickup a necromancer or necrophiliac. Bad place to die...



Aron ...........



Arasia Caranim She is the Mother of the Roses... According to the Tome of Arasia (an Isonian Holy Book), she is the woman that the Simple Sin was committed over.



Askari The Askari is a xebec (middeleastern style ship) owned by a Dardenite merchant named Hasker.



Audacious A brigantine in the service of the Ronin. Serves as a smuggler, a raider and for commando missions. Also known as the `Galloping Ghost of the Maxim Coast`. She is typically veiled in elf-glamour to protect her from prying eyes. The specialists on her crew includes a trio of seawolves, three seafolk sailors (a selkie, an aquatic elf and a half-mer) as well as half a dozen or so sprites and imps for air cover. The arcane component of her crew include a female human psychic, a dark elven ceremonial mage and a human Priest of Isonia.





:: Matt Thomas 6:03 PM [+] ::
...