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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Recent Additions
Tatù
| Gender | Hero | Allegiance | Role | Apparent Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | No | Linden/Spuetan | Political Theorist | 200 years deceased |
Stories/Function
Tatù is a political theorist whose works focus on the practical maintenance of power. His writings are essential study for administrators and the Royal Household, providing a pragmatic counterpoint to the more abstract philosophies of Elenchus.
Description
In contrast to the ancient philosophers, Tatù is a relatively recent figure. He originated from the city of Linden but died approximately 200 years ago in exile in Chep_Prium (located in modern Spuetan).
Tatù's rise to power in Linden was achieved through the use of mercenary companies. However, he was eventually deposed by those same mercenaries and forced into exile. It was during his time in Chep Prium that he wrote his most famous works, intended as advice for future sovereigns to help them avoid the downfall and betrayal he had experienced. His philosophy is defined by “armed diplomacy” and ruthless efficiency. He taught that warfare should only be conducted for specific political advantages and that negotiation is only effective when backed by military strength.
Core Positions:
- Ruthless Efficiency: “Never leave a live enemy behind you.”
- Political War: The sole purpose of war is to achieve a specific political advantage.
- Armed Diplomacy: Diplomacy must be backed by a strong arm to be effective.
Personal Life
Tatù was notoriously scandalous during his lifetime. He was known for having a vast number of lovers, both male and female, and his career was punctuated by numerous sexual scandals. He reportedly fathered an innumerable number of children, many of whom were unacknowledged or scattered across the city-states of the central sea. His personal life is often used as a cautionary tale by traditionalists, even as his political theories are embraced by the state.
Relationships
People
- King Alasdair V: His pragmatic theories on power influence the King’s strong central control.
- Elenchus: The ancient philosopher whose focus on ignorance stands in opposition to Tatù's focus on power.
- The Mercenaries of Linden: The forces that both placed him in power and eventually deposed him.
Places
- Linden: His home city where he rose to power.
- Chep_Prium: The site of his exile and death.
- Spuetan: The modern nation containing Chep Prium.
- University of Dalreoch: Where his political and alchemical theories are studied.
Elenchus
| Gender | Hero | Allegiance | Role | Apparent Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | No | Ancient Ashium | Philosopher | Ancient |
Stories/Function
Elenchus serves as the foundational intellectual pillar for higher education in Dael Riata. His teachings form the basis of the “less dangerous arts” curriculum at the University of Dalreoch and the University of Caer Riata. As an “Ancient Socratic Figure,” his primary narrative function is to represent the classical academic tradition that shapes the minds of the Daelian nobility, including King Alasdair V and Diarmid Murchadh.
Description
Elenchus was an ancient philosopher hailing from the early civilisations of the warmer regions surrounding the central sea. His era predates the established histories of the northern kingdoms, placing him in a semi-legendary past.
The fundamental basis of Elenchist thought is the assertion that absolute knowledge is impossible. He taught that human perception is inherently limited and that true wisdom does not come from the accumulation of facts, but from the recognition of one's own limitations. According to Elenchus, acknowledging one's own ignorance is the only valid path toward truth.
His teachings are characterised by a rigorous method of questioning, intended to strip away false certainties and reveal the underlying ignorance of the student. This pursuit of “self-knowledge” is a requirement for any student seeking a Master of Arts degree in the Daelian universities.
Core Aphorisms:
- “The only thing I can be certain of is that I do not know anything.”
- “The path to truth begins with the acknowledgement of ignorance.”
Personal Life
As an ancient figure, details involving Elenchus personal life are scant, little is known other than he was a prominent citizen in ancient Ashium. His legacy is entirely academic and spiritual. However, in modern politics, his philosophy is sometimes used as a shield by advisors and scholars who wish to avoid giving direct answers to the Sovereign, leading to the occasional dismissal of “Elenchist dodgery” by more pragmatic lords.
Relationships
People
- King Alasdair V: A royal student of Elenchist philosophy during his university years.
- Diarmid Murchadh: A Master of Arts who studied Elenchus extensively at Dalreoch.
- Tatù: A modern political theorist whose pragmatic “armed diplomacy” often stands in stark contrast to Elenchist introspection.
Places
- University of Dalreoch: The primary centre for the study of the Elenchist tradition in the north.
- University of Caer Riata: An institution with a heavy focus on the divinity and philosophies inspired by Elenchus.
- Dael Riata: The kingdom where his cultural value on literacy and education remains a core tenet of society.
Philosophers and Strategic Thinkers
Summary
The philosophical landscape of the known world is shaped by a diverse array of thinkers, ranging from ancient teachers of self-knowledge to pragmatic modern political theorists. Their teachings are a core component of higher education in Dael Riata, influencing the leadership styles and spiritual lives of the nobility, military commanders, and scholars.
Major Philosophical Traditions
Elenchus: The Teacher of Self-Knowledge
Elenchus is an ancient figure originating from the early civilisations of the warmer regions surrounding the central sea. The fundamental basis of Elenchist thought is that absolute knowledge is impossible.
According to this school of thought, the only path toward truth begins with the acknowledgement of one's own ignorance. The core maxim of his followers remains: “The only thing I can be certain of is that I do not know anything.”
Link: Elenchus
Tatù: The Political Pragmatist
A more modern philosopher from the city-states of the central sea, Tatù focused on the practical maintenance of power within oligarchies. His work is often studied by those in the Royal Household and senior administrators.
His key positions include:
- Ruthless Efficiency: Maintaining that a leader should never leave a live enemy behind.
- Political War: Asserting that the sole purpose of warfare is to achieve a specific political advantage.
- Armed Diplomacy: Teaching that negotiation is most effective when backed by a “strong arm.”
Link: Tatù
Cliasophes: The Military General
Cliasophes was a legendary general of the Armain Empire who provided foundational advice for emperors and commanders. His teachings focus on the duty of command and the ethics of warfare.
Key tenets include:
- Strategic Surrender: Advising commanders to make it easier for an enemy to surrender than to continue fighting.
- Servant Leadership: A leader must be the first to enter danger and the last to seek safety or satisfaction.
- Prioritisation: A commander must look after their equipment and their men before themselves—specifically “weapon, horse, men” in that order.
Link: cliasophes
Mukul: The Clewgist Cartographer
A philosopher-adept from Estreham, Mukul is known for both his geographical work and his rigid tactical advice. He is credited with the famous maxim: “Planning and preparation prevents poor performance.”
He strongly advised that a strategist should always take and hold the high ground, regardless of the provocation offered by the enemy.
Link: mukul
The Clewgists: Spiritual Perfection
The Clewgists represent a widespread belief system focusing on spiritual perfection and the nature of reality. They are divided into two primary branches:
The Estreham Branch
This branch focuses on communal discipline and finding one's intended place in the universe. They utilise intense communal scrutiny and “painful criticism” to attain self-mastery. Many followers come from military backgrounds, viewing martial arts and strategy as paths to perfection.
The Yendorian Branch
In contrast to the disciplined Estreham branch, Yendorians believe that “life is but a garment of illusion” and that true reality is nearly impossible to understand. They focus on working in harmony with nature rather than through rigid discipline.
Link: clewgists
Relationships
People
- Alasdair V, King of Dael Riata: The King was educated in these philosophies as part of his university training.
- Diarmid Murchadh: Holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Liberal Arts from the University of Dalreoch.
- Lady Senga Riata: A noblewoman highly educated in statecraft and the philosophers of the age.
- Sean Alpin: Earl of Ardmor, who ensured the young King received a thorough philosophical education.
Places
- University of Dalreoch: A centre for philosophical study, particularly in divinity and the core arts.
- University of Caer Riata: An institution founded by King Ruaridh III with a heavy focus on philosophies and divinity.
- University of Dalmuir: Known for studying the practical application of philosophical and scientific knowledge.
Education in Dael Riata
Summary
Education holds a profound cultural value in Dael Riata, spanning from widespread foundational literacy among the common folk to advanced scholarly research within its three major universities. The kingdom's educational tradition emphasises both spiritual divinity and the pragmatic application of knowledge in engineering and statecraft.
Description
Literacy and Basic Schooling
For generations, the kingdom has maintained a strong cultural emphasis on basic literacy. It is common practice for skilled craftsmen to teach both their sons and daughters to read and write. This standard ensures that the artisan and merchant classes are proficient in managing accounts, correspondence, and technical instructions.
The Universities of Dael Riata
The wealthiest knights and landed gentry typically send their children to one of the three established universities in the kingdom. While all three teach core subjects such as Liberal Arts, Philosophies, and Law, each has developed a distinct specialist focus:
- University of Dalreoch: The oldest institution in the realm, pre-dating the kingdom itself. While it began with a focus on divinity and literacy, it is now the premier centre for “fire and transmutation” (alchemy). It is currently seeking a charter for a Chair of Naval Engineering.
- University of Caer Riata: Founded by King Ruaridh III, this university remains a bastion of traditional culture with a heavy emphasis on divinity and classical philosophies.
- University of Dalmuir: Founded by Ian Gilruary as an outer college of Dalreoch, it focuses on the practical application of knowledge, specifically engineering and maritime sciences, aided by its proximity to the royal shipyards.
Curriculum and Philosophies
Beyond the core trivium, Daelian universities teach languages, natural philosophy, and advanced alchemy. Students are also exposed to a range of influential Philosophers and Strategic Thinkers and theorists from the central sea and beyond:
- Elenchus: An ancient figure whose central tenet is that absolute knowledge is impossible and that the path to truth begins with acknowledging one's own ignorance.
- Tatù: A modern theorist focused on the practical maintenance of power and “armed diplomacy,” teaching that negotiation is most effective when backed by a strong arm.
- Cliasophes: An ancient military strategist who pioneered the concept of servant leadership and strategic prioritisation (Weapon, Horse, Men).
- Mukul: A cartographer and strategist known for the maxim that “planning and preparation prevents poor performance.”
- The Clewgists: A widespread philosophical sect. The Estreham branch focuses on communal discipline and self-mastery through criticism, while the Yendorian branch views life as a “garment of illusion” and seeks harmony with nature.
Foreign Scholasticism
Ambitious noble families sometimes look beyond the kingdom's borders for education. In the Kingdom of Berenicia, the University of Stylhet is noted for its extensive library resources, which have been used by the Earl of Stylhet to research and identify the strength of heroic bloodlines.
Relationships
People
- King Alasdair V: A royal alumnus of Dalreoch, educated under a council of regents.
- Sean Alpin: Earl of Ardmor and former regent who oversaw the King's university education.
- Diarmid Murchadh: A Master of Arts (756) from Dalreoch who studied Liberal Arts and Philosophy.
- Lady Senga Riata: A noblewoman highly educated in statecraft, economy, and the philosophies of the age.
- Earsaid Alpin: The current Reader of Naval Engineering at the University of Dalreoch.
- Ian Gilruary: The 1st Earl of Dalmuir and founding Chancellor of the University of Dalreoch.
- Bernard Wallis: Earl of Stylhet and Chancellor of Berenicia, known for his patronage of foreign libraries.
Places
University of Dalreoch
Summary
The University of Dalreoch is the oldest educational establishment in Dael Riata, possessing a history that pre-dates the formation of the Kingdom itself. While it is now a sprawling centre for advanced research, it began as a modest institution teaching divinity, philosophy, and literacy as a single, unified course. Located on the banks of the River Reoch just outside the capital city of Dalreoch, it is renowned for its studies in the liberal arts, philosophy, and its cutting-edge (if occasionally volatile) research into alchemy and transmutation.
Modern Specialisation
Over the centuries, the university has evolved into a premier institution for the “dangerous arts.” While the core towers still house the Liberal Arts and Law faculties, the island laboratories have become world-renowned for their work in fire and transmutation. These facilities are designed with light roofs and earthworks to mitigate the frequent accidental explosions inherent in alchemical research.
Description
Campus and Architecture
The university is situated on a walled bank upstream from the River Fort. The main campus is dominated by a grand, triple-towered stone building featuring extensive colonnades. Adjacent to this is a long, low stone structure which houses the university library, considered one of the most comprehensive repositories of knowledge in the north.
Because some of the academic practices involving fire and transmutation are notoriously dangerous, the university's laboratories are located on the far side of the island. These labs are constructed as small stone and earth buildings with very light roofs, designed to be easily rebuilt following the frequent accidental explosions that occur during experimentation.
Academics and Research
The university offers a traditional education in the Liberal Arts and Philosophy. It is a center for the “less dangerous arts” within the main towers, while the island labs host the foremost experts on fire and transmutation.
Recently, the King and the Estates have been negotiating a new Charter to establish a Chair of Naval Engineering. This move is intended to formalise the study of ship design, leveraging the kingdom's timber resources and seafaring heritage to improve the royal and merchant fleets.
Governance
The university was founded during the Ruary dynasty, with Ian Gilruary (the future 1st Earl of Dalmuir) serving as its first Chancellor before the wars of the 520s. Today, it remains a prestigious stop for the Daelian nobility. Many heirs and high-ranking officials, including the current King and several Earls, were wards or students here.
History
The university’s true age is “older than anyone can properly evidence,” existing long before the Ranald dynasty or even the earlier Riata kings established central rule. The university has survived centuries of civil war and foreign invasion. In its earliest form, the curriculum was less specialised, focusing primarily on the foundational pillars of divinity and literacy. During the minority of King Alasdair V, the Earl of Ardmor (Sean Alpin) ensured the young monarch received a thorough education from the university's faculty.
In the current political climate of 774, the university serves as a neutral ground for the kingdom's savants and philosophers. It is currently a focal point for internal reform, with petitions before the Estates regarding the recognition of new faculty positions and the pardoning of scholars who were previously caught on the wrong side of the Queen’s War.
Relationships
Royal Patronage
The institution enjoys significant royal favour. King Alasdair V was educated here under the guidance of the Earl of Ardmor. Currently, the university is seeking a new Charter from the Estates to establish a formal Chair of Naval Engineering, with Earsaid Alpin serving as the primary Reader and candidate for the position.
People
- King Alasdair V: A prominent alumnus who received a top-tier education here.
- Ian Gilruary: The 1st Earl of Dalmuir and former Chancellor of the university.
- Earsaid Alpin: The current Reader of Naval Engineering.
- Diarmid Murchadh: The 7th Earl of Uisdean, who matriculated in 753 and holds a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Philosophy.
- Earsaid Alpin: The current Reader of Naval Engineering and leading candidate for the proposed new Chair.
- Professor Sioltach: A noted academic and expert on local history and fortifications.
Places
- Dalreoch: The capital city located just downstream from the university.
- King's Keep: The royal seat where many university graduates go on to serve as clerks or advisors.
- Dael Riata: The kingdom served by the university's research and educated elite.
- University of Dalmuir: Founded as an outer college of Dalreoch by Ian Gilruary.
