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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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College of Heroes
Summary
The College of Heroes is a specialised institutional body within the Kingdom of Skyss comprised of individuals possessing a significant degree of divine lineage, known as Heroes. Founded approximately 800 years ago, the College was established to stabilize the region following an era of pervasive internecine warfare. It serves as the primary repository for heroic history and lineage, while simultaneously providing a critical constitutional function as one of the nine Electors of Skyss.
Description
Foundation and Purpose
The College was instituted by the Heroes of antiquity with the explicit objective of transitioning the local culture from a “raider economy” into one focused on international trade and common prosperity. Before its formation, the lands of Skyss were regarded as a dangerous backwater. By creating a system of good government where the King serves as a senior arbiter rather than a hereditary warlord, the College enabled Skyss to rise as a global maritime power.
Membership and the Book of Heroes
Membership in the College is determined strictly by bloodline. To be formally classified as a Skyssian Hero and gain entry to the College's records, an individual must possess at least one-eighth (1/8th) divine blood.
- The Book of Heroes: This hand-bound, string-fastened ledger contains the lineages and deeds (or misdeeds) of every recognized Hero. Some pages are ancient, while the stiffened leather covers date back four centuries to when the records were first consolidated from individual papers.
- Copies and Security: To prevent the manipulation of lineages or the concealment of divine abilities, several copies of the Book of Heroes are maintained in separate locations, making it nearly impossible to remove pages or alter records.
- Current Population: There are currently approximately 50 active Heroes still living, the youngest of whom include Yngvild Helgasdotir and Noren.
The Herald of Heroes
The College holds one of the nine seats on the Council of Electors, which chooses the King. Unlike other Electors who hold their positions ex-officio (such as the Lord Mayor of heimdal or the President of the Board of Trade), the post of Herald of Heroes is usually left vacant.
- Selection Process: When a vacancy in the monarchy occurs, the living members of the College convene to select a Herald from among their number to nominate a preferred candidate for Kingship.
- Tenure: The tenure of the Herald is temporary and strictly limited; the office expires on the first night without a moonrise (the new moon).
The Great Schism and the Covenant
The history of the College is marked by the Great Schism, a violent three-way conflict between hero factions that occurred decades before the current era.
- The Factions: The conflict split the Heroes into the Silent Service (who preferred to act from the shadows), the Godbloods (who believed Heroes should hold supreme public office), and the Covenanters (the eventual victors who favored compromise and term limits).
- The Covenant of Heroes: In 694, Old Bjorn introduced the Covenant of Heroes to end the assassinations and skirmishes between factions. While many signed, violence recurred in 695, leading to the eventual scattering of the Godbloods faction.
Instruction in the Mysteries
The College facilitates the education of younger Heroes in the use of their divine blood. This instruction covers the three primary types of divine abilities:
- Rituals: Common magical practices that any individual with sufficient belief can perform.
- Words of Power: Effects requiring heroic levels of divine blood or intense devotion, such as the laying of a Geas or the compelling of truth by a King's Justice.
- Divine Intervention: The highest tier of ability, where a Hero achieves an effect by clearly imagining it within their divine domain, subject only to the strength of their bloodline.
Relationships
People
- Notable Members: Helga Trollslayer (Second Sea Lord), Yngvild Helgasdotir (Wielder of Jafnadr), Noren (Initiate of Jorunn), radulf
- Allies: king_thirfinn
- Enemies: Rojden (Renegade Hero)
Places
- Kronstadt (Primary city and site of the Royal Palace)
Electors of Skyss
Summary
The Electors of Skyss are a council of nine high-ranking officials who hold the sole authority to choose the sovereign of the Kingdom of Skyss. Established approximately 800 years ago by the College of Heroes, the council was designed to stabilise the region and transition the culture from raiding to trading. The council ensures the kingdom remains a non-hereditary monarchy, where the King serves as a senior arbiter chosen for their ability to maintain peace and common prosperity.
The Council of Nine
The Council of Electors was established almost 800 years ago by the College of Heroes. This body was formed with the specific purpose of stabilising the region and transitioning the local culture from a “raider economy” to one focused on trading and common prosperity. The creation of the council marked the birth of Skyss as a non-hereditary monarchy. Prior to this, the area was regarded as a dangerous backwater on marginal land. The intent was to ensure a system of good government where the King serves as a senior arbiter chosen for his ability to maintain the peace. The founders designed the council to be ex-officio, meaning the elective power is tied to specific offices (such as the Lord Mayor of Heimdal or the First Sea Lord) rather than specific individuals. To prevent the concentration of power, they established that the King must be elected by a two-thirds majority (6 of 9 votes) and serves at the pleasure of the Electors, who can remove the sovereign via a vote of no confidence at any time they choose.
Offices and Roles
Membership of the council is ex-officio, meaning the elective power is tied to the office rather than the individual. The current nine Electors are:
- The Lord Mayor of Heimdal: Represents the primary mainland administrative hub.
- The Earl of Flamme: A semi-hereditary position selected from suitable family members.
- The President of the Board of Trade: Appointed by the King on the advice of the outgoing office holder and the Board.
- The Chief of the Miners' Guild: Represents the vital industrial sector and iron-makers of Frijdodrsburg.
- The Lord of the Isles: A title passed between small communities in the Western Isles; the Lord is elected by flotilla commanders to represent island interests.
- The First Sea Lord: The leader of the Honourable Company of Mariners; Helga Trollslayer is slated to assume this role and its seat at the new year.
- The Earl of Grunwald: A semi-hereditary position representing the southern province and its extensive timber resources.
- The Merchant Admiral: Representing the League of Traders, this Elector is usually a former ship captain and trader of renown.
- The Herald of Heroes: This post is usually vacant, filled only by the College of Heroes when a new King must be chosen.
Quorum and Composition
The council is chaired by the longest-serving member, who is referred to as the Lord President. For the council to be quorate, the number of Electors present must be sufficient to carry a motion even if all absent members were to vote against it. Currently, this requires 6 votes for Kingship and a unanimous 9 votes for enfranchising new Electors. New Electors may be co-opted, after a vote, if a province or guild pays taxes at a level equivalent to or greater than the current lowest-taxed Elector.
Election and Succession
The Voting Process
Elections are held whenever a vacancy in the throne occurs. A candidate requires a two-thirds majority (6 of 9 votes) to be successfully elected. Electors must cast their votes in person and may not deputise their authority. While any individual—male or female—may be nominated as King, an Elector who accepts the crown must relinquish all other offices.
Vacancies and No Confidence
A vacancy in the monarchy is triggered by the death of the King, a voluntary abdication, or the military defeat of the state. Furthermore, a vote of no confidence by more than one-third of the Electors (four or more) will remove the sitting sovereign, as Kings are deemed to serve at the pleasure of the council.
Relationships
People
- Monarch: king_thirfinn
- Council Influencer: Old Bjorn (whose faction currently includes the Lord of the Isles, the Earl of Flamme, and the Herald of Heroes)
- Future Elector: Helga Trollslayer
- Founder: Old Bjorn
- Enemies: Rojden (whose “Department of Resolutions” once operated under council oversight)
Places
Concepts
Kingdom of Skyss
Summary
The Kingdom of Skyss is the pre-eminent maritime hegemon of the continent of osnines, exercising near-total dominance over global commerce through its administrative apparatus and naval superiority. Centred upon the primate city of Kronstadt, the kingdom acts as the world’s primary “middleman,” controlling approximately 5,000 of the 6,000 active merchant hulls currently traversing known waters. Its society is characterised by a highly developed urban hierarchy, a unique system of functional social associations in lieu of marriage, and a historical reliance on the power of Godbloods—individuals of divine lineage whose influence was codified following the Great Schism. The standard crest of Skyss features a circle of nine gold coins, with crossed axes and a green boat prow, often rendered on a blue field.
Geography
The primary territories of Skyss include the mainland region of heimdal and the western_isles, which include the isolated settlement of Straven. To the south lies the province of grunwald, a region featuring deciduous forests and the port of knarvik.
The kingdom is bordered to the north-east by trollheim, separated by the volcanic range of aeolfberg. The climate ranges from subarctic to temperate; regions in the far north experience “the dark time”—two full moons of winter where the sun does not rise above the horizon. To maintain its massive industrial output, the Skyssians practice intensive silviculture, growing timber in blocks of sequential sizes to ensure a permanent supply of masts and planking.
People
Main Nobles and Electors
Skyss is a non-hereditary monarchy where the King is chosen by a Council of nine Electors. The current king_thirfinn rules at the pleasure of the Electors, who hold their positions ex-officio:
- The Lord Mayor of Heimdal
- The Earl of Flamme
- The President of the Board of Trade
- The Chief of the Miners' Guild
- The Lord of the Isles (a position currently held by a member of Old Bjorn's faction)
- The First Sea Lord (a title Helga Trollslayer is slated to assume at the new year)
- The Earl of grunwald
- The Merchant Admiral (representing the League of Traders)
- The Herald of Heroes (chosen by the College of Heroes)
Urban Hierarchy
The kingdom supports a highly organised urban population. Major settlements follow a rank-size distribution based on the primate city of Kronstadt:
| Rank | City | Population | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kronstadt | ~250,000 | The Capital; 14 elite 400-ton slipways. |
| 2 | heimdal_city | ~125,000 | Primary mainland administrative hub. |
| 3 | knarvik | ~83,000 | Southern terminal for trade in Grunwald. |
| 4 | brevik | ~62,000 | Fishing and regional maritime centre. |
| 5 | frijdodrsburg | ~50,000 | Industrial site on the slopes of Aeolfberg. |
Governance and Law
The Monarchy and Election
The King serves as the senior arbiter with specific powers including command of the armed forces in war, the collection of taxes, and the administration of justice. A vacancy in the throne occurs upon death, voluntary abdication, or a vote of no confidence by more than one-third of the Electors. A candidate requires a two-thirds majority (6 of 9 votes) to be elected.
Civil and Judicial Administration
Governance is facilitated through the Small Council, comprising senior officials known as “Keepers” (e.g., the Keeper of the Keys, the Keeper of Cloth, and the Keeper of Treasures). Strategic intelligence and economic regulation are managed by the bot, which maintains “blue hut” offices in nearly every significant foreign port, including Dalreoch and beretha.
Law is administered by the kings_justices, elite officials sworn by geas to uphold absolute justice. They possess the divine ability to compel truth. The legal unit of Skyss is the collective group (household or crew) rather than the individual, ensuring community survival takes precedence over private interest.
Culture and Household Structure
Functional Associations
Skyssian culture eschews formal marriage. Citizens instead organise themselves into:
- Households: Communitarian legal units for property and residency.
- Crews: The primary social and labour unit for the maritime population, sharing communal meals and spiritual devotions.
- Colleges and Companies: Professional guilds managing higher learning and international trade.
Interpersonal Dynamics
Social mores are notably open and relaxed. Physical intimacy is viewed as a mutual pleasure without expectations of exclusivity or lifelong fidelity. Citizens take pleasure where it is offered or given without feeling restrictive obligations. Child-rearing is an act of personal choice, althogh often households will specify this in their articles of association; high-status figures like the demi-god Alfarinn select partners based on traits of integrity and playfulness rather than formal bonding.
Maritime Hegemony and Industry
Shipbuilding and Technology
Skyss maintains naval dominance through the recent adoption of standardised components and construction patterns. This standardisation has compressed build times for 50-ton cogs from 8 months down to 4.
- Shipyard Capacity: Kronstadt operates 14 massive slipways for 400-ton vessels, supported by an “army of dock workers.” A global network of ~150 standard slipways maintains the wider fleet.
- The Kit System: Numbered warehouses in Kronstadt store standardised spars, rigging, and planking, allowing a King’s Ship to be repaired in days by swapping modular “kits.”
- Fleet Composition: The Royal Navy utilises specialised vessels like the seagull class (~120–150 tons) and the 200-ton Albany class.
Economic Impact
The kingdom's annual trade volume is estimated at 1.27 Billion Siller. Merchants trade in high-value commodities, including jewellery, precision metal tools, and perishables, leveraging their global logistics network to ensure peace—predominantly because war is “bad for business.”
Relationships
People
- Monarch: king_thirfinn
- Enemies: rojden (Renegade Hero and leader of Cottalem)
Places
Concepts
Noren
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Hero Status | Hero |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Skyss |
| Role | Protagonist |
| Apparent Age | 20 |
Stories/Function
Noren serves as a primary protagonist in the narrative of Fierce. Originally introduced as a simple fisherman from the isolated island of Straven, his discovery as a Hero of divine lineage shifts the story toward a conflict of global stakes. He functions as a moral anchor for Yngvild Helgasdotir, providing a calm, disciplined contrast to the more volatile political environment of Kronstadt and the southern kingdoms.
Description
Noren is an exceptionally tall and strong young man, possessing a “V-shaped” physique with broad shoulders tapering down to a muscled frame developed through years of rowing. He has fair hair, gleaming blue eyes, and is notably clean-shaven, earning him the ironic nickname “The Dwarf” or “Bjorn the Beardless” among the elder residents of Straven.
Raised as a foundling by Old Bjorn, Noren grew into a highly competent fisherman and navigator. He is characterized by his promptness, professionalism, and a strict adherence to social norms and decency. He possesses a natural charisma and a divine talent for timing, often appearing exactly when significant events are about to unfold.
Following his departure from Straven, it was revealed that he is the son of Alfarinn, a demi-god of jorunn, and Rojden, a renegade Hero. This heritage grants him rapid learning abilities and significant strength, though it also made him a target for his father. During the Cottalemese invasion, he was subjected to an involuntary geas by Rojden, which nearly cost him his life before being broken by a divine sacrifice at estreham. He has since been initiated into the mysteries of Jorunn, focusing his divine affinity on “the Lost and Found.”
Marriage and Scandal
Noren is deeply committed to Yngvild Helgasdotir, Old Bjorn's foster daughter. While no formal marriage has been recorded, the two are considered together by their community and share a powerful romantic and spiritual bond. Their relationship was tested when Yngvild was forced to perform a symbolic ritual sacrifice to the goddess Malfin - Goddess of the Darkness to sever Rojden's mental hold over him.
Relationships
People
- Mother: Alfarinn
- Father: Rojden
- Sister: alfinna
- Lover/Betrothed: Yngvild Helgasdotir
- Guardian/Mentor: Old Bjorn
- Enemies: Agents of the Board of Trade loyal to Rojden.
Places
University of Dalreoch
Summary
The University of Dalreoch is the premier institution of higher learning in Dael Riata. 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.
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
Established in the early 500s, the university has survived centuries of civil war and foreign invasion. 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
People
- King Alasdair V: An alumnus who received a top-tier education at the institution.
- Sean Alpin: Earl of Ardmor and senior patron who oversaw the King's education.
- 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.
- Ian Gilruary: The university's founding Chancellor.
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.
What is known about the 19th Duke of Glasholm?
