Table of Contents
Welcome to James Kemp's Wiki
This is a collaborative web platform that allows people to edit1) the web pages to provide additional content for some of the stories I have written and the roleplaying games that I am involved in, whether as a player or GM.
There are several namespaces operating slightly different wiki subjects. These are, in no particular order:
- Skyss - Story Background - a fantasy novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo 2016.
- Perfects - background for the near future story and some police roleplaying that I ran in that universe
- Theocracy of Daprav - A D&D campaign that I ran with Glasgow University Games Society around 2002-3.
- Jim Wallman's Universe - a roleplaying by e-mail campaign that I play in, this is an unofficial wiki and none of it is canon unless Jim says it is.
- Interstellar Freelance Unlimited - subset of the Universe pages covering the activities of a mercenary company that we are currently roleplaying every Full Moon.
- Earth Imperium pages. These cover the activities of the Government of the Solar republic (aka Earth Empire) in Jim's Humanity Will Prevail campaign, including the Earth Imperium News Items.
- Free Worlds Alliance - covering the activities of another emerging polity in the Humanity Will Prevail campaign. Mostly contributed by Eric Moroney.
- Universe Background - page collecting the various bits of background info that have come up in various e-mail discussions for the campaigns set in Jim Wallman's Universe.
- Master map of the Universe (6Mb PDF, as at 3212).
- Delta Green - some roleplaying campaigns about horror and conspiracy. The main one was set in Berlin in 1953.
- Free games rules - a collection of free rules for wargames and other sorts of face to face games that I have designed or run.
- Wargames rules - I'm not just a player of games, I also do rules for them from time to time as well as one-off games. A primary outlet for this is through Chestnut Lodge Wargames Group.
- Other free rules - at the moment just those for the 1689 (Orange or Lemon? and Bonnie Dundee, respectively about the debates in the Scots Parliament and then the military campaign of Viscount Dundee during 1689) and The Other Side of the COIN (about what makes people become insurgents). All games that I have have produced for Chestnut Lodge Wargames Group.
- Background for a near future universe where I have written some fiction and also run some roleplaying games in.
Comments and complaints to me at webmaster@full-moon.info please.
James Kemp
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Caratis
Summary
Caratis is a port city located on the northern coast of the Kingdom of Cottalem. Strategically positioned east of Beretha, it serves as a critical maritime gateway for trade flowing between the southern reaches and the northern kingdoms of Skyss and Dael Riata. In 774 AM, the city became a central theatre of the Cottalemnese expansionist conflict, subjected to a naval blockade that severed its commercial links with the Kingdom of Salicia.
Description
Geography and Logistics
The city faces north towards the sea, offering a deep-water harbour capable of accommodating large ocean-going vessels such as the Nordic and the Albany class merchants. Its position on the northern coast makes it the primary landfall for Skyssian merchants completing the two-week voyage from Kronstadt.
Caratis is linked to the interior of the continent via the northern spurs of the Great West Road, which facilitates the movement of copper from the Cobre Mountains and agricultural products from the Minhaton river basin to international markets.
Cultural Significance
The city has long served as a transit point for the nomadic matriarch Alfarinn. Her household frequently passes through Caratis during their seasonal migrations, moving north to forests around Grunwald for the summer and returning to their winter home at Estreham in the late autumn. This established the city as a known point of intelligence for tracking Heroic movements on the continent.
Recent History
The Blockade of 774 AM
Ahead of the annexation of the Salician capital by Rojden, the Cottalemnese navy established a blockade just to the east of Caratis. The primary objective was to neutralise the city's trade and prevent Skyssian Resolution Agents from using the port as a base of operations. This military action forced independent traders to divert to alternative ports, and prevented the leakage of information ahead of the strike force being launched.
The Diversionary Ruse
During the crisis involving the geas of Noren, the city was used in a sophisticated counter-intelligence operation. While Noren and Yngvild the Fierce fled west to Ocaso, the heroes Alfauda and Gefjun (both skilled shapeshifters) travelled to Caratis in the company of Clewgists. Dressed as the fugitives, they successfully confused Rojden’s pursuit, eventually assuming avian forms to escape the city once the diversion was complete.
Relationships
People
- Alfarinn: The unaging matriarch who uses the city as a seasonal transit hub.
- Noren: The hero whose mother and sisters were tracked to the city via the ship Nordic.
- Yngvild the Fierce: Involved in the strategic diversion intended to mask her movements from the city’s watchers.
- Rojden: The commander responsible for the blockade and the surveillance of the port.
- Alfauda: A descendant of Alfarinn who performed a diversionary role within the city.
- Gefjun: A master shapeshifter who assisted in the 774 AM ruse.
- Alfinna: Handled the administrative paperwork for her mother’s household at the Caratis docks.
Places
- Cottalem: The kingdom in which Caratis is a primate port.
- Kingdom of Salicia: The neighbouring realm whose trade with Caratis was severed by war.
- Beretha: A nearby port city also affected by the Cottalemnese naval campaign.
- Ocaso: An abandoned fort to the west used as an alternative to the blockaded port.
- Great West Road: The primary land-based trade artery connecting the city to the interior.
Concepts
- Board of Trade: Maintains an office at the docks to monitor the flow of commodities such as iron and coal.
- Shapeshifting: Utilised by elven-descended agents to evade capture within the urban environment.
- Geas: Magical compulsions utilized by the state to monitor arrivals and departures during the 774 AM blockade.
Places
Kingdom of Salicia
Summary
Salicia is a kingdom located on the north coast of a peninsula on the Continent of Osnines. Historically defined by its strategic coastal proximity and its role as a terminal for the Great West Road, the kingdom has recently lost its independence. In 774 AM, following the sudden death of the Old King of Salicia, the nation was annexed by the Kingdom of Cottalem in a military operation orchestrated by the renegade hero Rojden.
Description
Geography and Infrastructure
The kingdom is bordered to the west and south by Cottalem and to the east and north-east by Spuetan. The urban hierarchy is led by the capital, the Citadel, and the second city of Aintzira. The major port of Beretha faces north towards the sea and serves as a vital maritime gateway.
Other notable geographical features include Lake Abrazos and the River Lixada. The kingdom is linked to the wider continent via the Great West Road, which strikes east towards Aintzira and Crucivia, and west towards Dacidade. Smaller settlements along these routes include Pontepedra, Muino, and Ladeira.
Political Governance
Prior to 774 AM, Salicia was a sovereign monarchy ruled by a line that had usurped the throne three generations earlier. The government was recently destabilised by the sudden death of the King, who left no clear male heir; his two sons had predeceased him, and his only daughter was married to a Skyssian.
The Earl of Beretha, representing the older royal line, maintained a separate power base in the north. Following the invasion, the kingdom was integrated into a wider power bloc under the Cottalemnese crown, a transition facilitated by the use of geasa to ensure the loyalty of the surviving nobility.
The Royal Line and Usurpation
The Salician monarchy has historically been a site of contestation between rival noble houses. The current crisis was precipitated by the sudden death of the aged King in 774 AM, an event orchestrated by the renegade Rojden to facilitate a Cottalemnese takeover.
The primary claimants during the crisis included:
- Princess Marjorie, The King’s Daughter: Married to a Skyssian, she was viewed by the Board of Trade as a stabilising candidate but was forced to flee following an attack on her household.
- Duke Xaime: A major noble whose personal guards were subverted by Rojden, leading to his “unfortunate accident” during a confrontation with the Earl of Beretha’s forces.
- The Earl of Beretha: A descendant of a previously usurped royal line who claims legitimacy through ancient divine blood. He pre-emptively seized control of Beretha to resist the invasion.
The Cottalemnese Invasion (774 AM)
The invasion was a masterclass in strategic misdirection. Cottalemnese heavy cavalry swept into the capital and secured the Citadel at dawn, ahead of the light infantry. A puppet coronation was rapidly performed to provide a veneer of legitimacy, while a naval blockade was established
The invasion was a highly organised manoeuvre. Cottalemnese heavy cavalry entered the Citadel at dawn to secure the capital, while infantry columns were despatched to neutralise Beretha. Rojden had planned to capture the King's daughter and the Earl alive to present an appearance of domestic dynastic resolution rather than foreign conquest. While the capital fell quickly, the Earl pre-emptively raised his militia to defend Beretha. The conflict concluded with the coronation of the Cottalemnese monarch in the Citadel, which was attended and recognised by Princess Marjorie.
Relationships
People
- The Old King of Salicia: (Deceased) The monarch whose death triggered the succession crisis.
- The Earl of Beretha: A descendant of the gods and the older royal house who governed Beretha.
- The Princess of Salicia: The King's surviving heir who swore allegiance to the new crown.
- Duke Xaime: A high-ranking noble whose guard was utilised by Rojden during the coup.
- Rojden: The Skyssian renegade and strategic advisor who managed the invasion.
- Adan: An agent of the Duke's outer guard who provided intelligence during the conflict.
- Nephew of the King: A potential candidate for the throne prior to the invasion.
Places
- The Citadel: The kingdom's capital and site of the Cottalemnese coronation.
- Aintzira: The second largest urban centre in Salicia.
- Beretha: A major estuary port city and the western terminus of the trans-isthmus trade.
- Cottalem: The neighbouring power that currently occupies Salician territory.
- Spuetan: A kingdom bordering Salicia to the east.
- Lake Abrazos: A large lake located within the kingdom's borders.
- River Lixada: A major waterway characterising the Salician landscape.
- Pontepedra: A town situated on the Great West Road.
- Muino: A settlement located between the capital and the coast.
- Ladeira: A town situated in the southern reaches of the kingdom.
Concepts
- Great West Road: The primary land artery facilitating international trade through the kingdom.
- Board of Trade: The Skyssian semi-governmental authority monitoring the Salician conflict.
- Geas: Magical compulsions utilised by the occupying forces to maintain political control.
- Department of Resolutions: The specialised Skyssian unit tasked with resolving the Salician crisis.
Cottalem
Summary
Cottalem is a vast continent and kingdom situated approximately two thousand miles south of Skyss on the Continent of Osnines. Historically known for its subtle diplomacy and mercantile interests, it has recently undergone a violent transition of power. Under the leadership of the renegade Rojden, the kingdom has adopted an aggressive expansionist policy, culminating in the invasion of the neighbouring Kingdom of Salicia in 774 AM.
Description
Geography and Climate
The continent is topographically diverse, dominated in the north-east by the Cobre Mountains. These peaks are a critical industrial resource, providing the copper ore that feeds the massive smelting operations near Minhaton. South-west of the mountains, the land gives way to low hills and pastures, eventually returning to the dense deciduous forests that characterize the central interior.
The climate is significantly warmer and more humid than the northern realms. In the summer moons, the sun is notably stronger, and the nights are shorter than those in Heimdal. This warmth supports extensive agriculture, including crops of leafy green vegetables, grains, and fruit, as well as the cultivation of hardwood timber.
Infrastructure and Economy
Cottalem is a primary terminal for the Great West Road, which serves as the continent’s main commercial artery. The road terminates at the capital city of Dacidade, facilitating the flow of goods from the interior to the western coast.
The economy is currently transitionary, shifting from a merchant-led system to a command economy geared toward military labour.
- Metallurgy: The smelting pits of Minhaton represent a massive industrial effort, utilising charcoal produced from the systematic clearing of local forests to process copper and iron.
- Shipbuilding: The Board of Trade identifies Cottalem as a site for prototype large-merchant vessels, though its navy is primarily used for coastal blockades and power projection.
- Trade Embargoes: Due to its recent instability, the Skyssian state has imposed an embargo on the sale of iron and coal to the kingdom to prevent further armament.
Political Governance
Following a protracted power struggle, the kingdom is now ruled by Rojden, who has consolidated his position by eliminating rival claimants and standardising the military. The state is characterised by a high level of surveillance; Rojden uses a network of agents and magical compulsions, such as the geas, to ensure the loyalty of his officers and to subvert the Board of Trade local missions.
Culture and Society
Society in Cottalem is increasingly militarised. Unlike the northern kingdoms where arms are often restricted to the Heroic or warrior classes, it is common to see ordinary citizens going about their daily business while armed. The primary spiritual influence is a southern variant of the Jorunn faith, though the mysterious Clewgists maintain a warded sanctuary at Estreham.
Major Settlements and Landmarks
Dacidade
Dacidade is the capital city and western terminus of the Great West Road. It is the seat of Rojden's power and the primary logistical hub for the Cottalemnese army.
Caratis
Caratis is a significant port city on the northern coast. In 774 AM, it was the site of a Cottalemnese naval blockade designed to sever trade between Salicia and the northern oceans.
Minhaton
Minhaton is a heavily fortified river town and the closest major settlement to Estreham. It serves as a checkpoint for the copper trade and is known for its massive stone gatehouse and bridge fortifications.
Estreham
Estreham is a bowl-shaped valley and temple site protected by a lethal anti-male curse. It serves as the winter home for the matriarch Alfarinn and her household.
The Troll's Head Inn
The Troll's Head is a high-quality inn located on the drover's way between Riggin Dale and Dacidade. It is secretly operated by retired members of the Silent Service Heroes who specialise in hunting Godbloods.
Ocaso
Ocaso is an abandoned coastal fort on the west coast. Its remote location makes it a preferred extraction point for those seeking to leave the continent undetected.
Relationships
People
- Rojden: The current ruler and chief strategist of the kingdom.
- Major Duerte: A high-ranking officer in the Cottalemnese Horse Guards.
- Alfarinn: An ancient hero who maintains a household within the kingdom's borders.
- Eskil: A hero and proprietor of the Troll's Head.
- Arinhildr: A hero and partner of Eskil.
Places
- Salicia: The neighbouring kingdom currently under Cottalemnese occupation.
- Heimdal: The northern power that views Cottalem's expansion with strategic concern.
- Board of Trade: Maintains active, albeit compromised, missions throughout the kingdom.
Concepts
- Great West Road: The primary land-based trade route for the southern half of the continent.
Great West Road
Summary
The Great West Road (also referred to as the Great Western Road) is the pre-eminent land-based trade artery on the Continent of Osnines, representing a monumental feat of engineering and state labour. Spanning thousands of miles, it serves as the primary connective tissue for international commerce, linking the eastern trade hubs to the westernmost reaches of the continent. The road facilitates the rapid movement of mercantile caravans and serves as a vital logistics route for the Cottalemnese military.
Description
Route and Infrastructure
The road originates in the Kingdom of Zushonia, specifically departing from the primate city of Crucivia where it converges with three other major continental routes. From this hub, it strikes due West across the nation of Spuetan. Continuing westward, it enters the Kingdom of Salicia, passing through the second city of Aintzira.
As the route progresses, it skirts the southern foothills of the Cobre Mountains (Sierra Cobre), a region known for its copper smelting pits and challenging terrain. The road eventually enters the Kingdom of Cottalem, where it reaches its ultimate western terminus at the city of Dacidade. While the major port of Beretha is situated slightly off the main route, it serves as the primary maritime-to-land transition point for goods entering the road's western sectors.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The Great West Road is essential for the macro-economic stability of the region, carrying high-value commodities such as iron ingots from Berenicia, spices from Mangandalay, and cured meats from Zushonia. During periods of conflict, such as the Cottalemnese invasion of 774 AM, the road's capacity for shortening travel times becomes critical. The Cottalemnese Horse Guards used the road for forced marches, alternating walking and trotting with hourly stops for water and grain to maintain their high operational speed.
Relationships
Places
- Continent of Osnines: The landmass across which the road is constructed.
- Crucivia: The eastern point of origin and convergence for the continental road network.
- Aintzira: A major Salician city situated along the road's central-western path.
- Dacidade: The western terminus of the road in Cottalem.
- Beretha: A primate port city located just off the road.
- Cobre Mountains: The mountain range the road skirts in its western segments.
People
- Rojden: The Cottalemnese ruler who uses the road for rapid troop deployment.
- Yngvild the Fierce: A hero who used the road to flee from the Salician capital.
- Major Duerte: A cavalry officer whose detachment patrolled the segments near the Citadel.
Concepts
- Board of Trade: The authority that monitors mercantile traffic and logistical flow along the road.
Beretha
Summary
Beretha is a major port city and the western terminus of the Great West Road, situated within the Kingdom of Salicia. It serves as a vital mercantile gateway between the northern reaches and the southern continents, particularly for Board of Trade operations. In the year 774 AM, the city became a central theatre of conflict during the Cottalemnese invasion, enduring a rigorous siege that concluded with a negotiated settlement facilitated by Heroic intervention.
Description
Geography and Infrastructure
The city straddles the wide estuary of a major river, facing North towards the sea. Its climate is notably warmer than the arctic conditions of Heimdal, though it experiences longer nights during the late summer cycle. The urban landscape is characterised by wood and plaster dwellings topped with red ceramic tiles and featuring shuttered windows. The city is bisected by the river, with the majority of the urban centre on the eastern bank, connected to the western bank by a wooden swing bridge designed to permit the passage of ships.
The maritime sector is the primary driver of Berethan prosperity. The docks are a bustling international environment thronged with merchants and sailors from across the globe, including Board of Trade messengers and Mangandlese junks. The city serves as the ultimate western terminus for the Great West Road, linking the maritime trade of the estuary to the interior of the continent.
Political Governance
Beretha is governed by the Earl of Beretha, a nobleman descended from the ancient line of Salician Kings. The Earl possesses significant divine blood, granting him specialised abilities related to information gathering and prescience. His residence is an imposing sand-coloured stone palace adorned with relief carvings of animals and gilded lilies, protected by an iron fence with gold-painted spikes.
The Siege of 774 AM
Following the sudden death of the Salician monarch, the city was targeted by the army of Cottalem as part of a campaign orchestrated by the renegade Rojden. The Earl pre-emptively seized control of Beretha and raised the local militia to defend his claim, leading to a protracted siege. The conflict necessitated extensive defensive labour, including the digging of siege lines and the installation of sharpened wooden stakes to neutralise cavalry charges.
The impasse was resolved when Yngvild the Fierce and Noren infiltrated the city. Posing as agents from the Department of Resolutions, they negotiated with the Earl, eventually securing a settlement that allowed for the cessation of hostilities and the preservation of the city's administrative integrity.
Relationships
People
- The Earl of Beretha: The city’s sovereign governor and a descendant of the royal line.
- Erik: The local agent of the Board of Trade who coordinated with Skyssian operatives.
- Adan: A former member of Duke Xaime's outer guard who provided intelligence to the Skyssians.
- Yngvild the Fierce: The hero responsible for the successful infiltration and diplomatic resolution of the siege.
- Rojden: The strategic commander of the invading Cottalemnese forces.
- Major Duerte: A cavalry officer in the invading army tasked with monitoring the city’s perimeter.
Places
- Kingdom of Salicia: The nation in which Beretha is a primate city.
- Cottalem: The neighbouring continent and military power that initiated the 774 AM invasion.
- Caratis: A nearby port city that was blockaded during the conflict.
- Kronstadt: The Skyssian capital and primary trade destination for Berethan goods.
Concepts
- Board of Trade: The commercial authority that maintains a primate office within the city docks.
- Department of Resolutions: The agency through which the Skyssian state intervened in the Salician conflict.
- The Great West Road: The primary land-based trade artery for which Beretha serves as the western terminus.
