See Also: Shadowstalker, Bronawyn, tao
Skyweir — Master devote of the martial arts, and legendary hand-to-hand combat expert. Skyweir is a second generation member of the Band of the Crescent moon. This sturdy monk’s steel-hard hands have lent support to many a quest. For much of his career he was the companion of, and worked with, the monk Giquokor who was another master of the open-hand. Together, the first to negotiate, and often the first into any combat. Their bravery and honor were well regarded by all the members of the Band.
Snowfire — Name of the intelligent shape changing weapon utilized by Beia Targallae. Snowfire is far more than just a weapon but a living autonomous being. This became even more prevalent after he was promoted to honorary shaladen status and Zarr Benwarr of the eternals granted him the powers of eternity. When not actively in the shape of a weapon or a piece of jewelry on Beia’s person, Snowfire prefers the shape of a small dragon. He is a especially fond of gems. He consumes cheap jewels for energy and hoards precious stones whenever he can.
Though he is Beia’s weapon, in many ways Snowfire thinks of her as a posession. This was probably intentional on Aarlen’s part when she made the weapon, as he jealously guards Beia from any who would do her harm. Snowfire is strongly masculine, a fact which at times rubs Beia the wrong way.
As a shaladen imbued with a portion of Stellaraac’s (and hence eternal Foross’ power), Snowfire is a master of shape altering powers, both in his own form and Beia’s. Additionally, he can control other materials and creatures as well by absorbing them. Doing forced shape absorption of unwilling intelligent creatures is a frowned upon practice however…
See Also: dragon, shaladen, Targalle, Beia {Regaura} (Queen)
Solaris, Marna (Counsel) (Vatraena) — Marna Solaris is the spiritual mother of the Kriar race, and the oldest living Kriar in existence. While the persona of the Vaetrana dates back to before the launching of homeworld, she is only in spirit that same person. Untold millions of cycles old, the Prime Mother of the Kriar has been through renewal thousands of times. While she is (in spirit) the eldest Kriar, she is, in many ways, the youngest because she has forgotten so much of her past in antiquity.
Marna is the undisputed mistress of the Kriar warp science, and the most skilled time diver on Fabrista homeworld. She is rivaled only by military commander Tarkath Quasar Diliaysus, who uses extensive matrix enhancements to increase her powers. In addition to her time diving capabilities, Marna is able to perform n-space folding by pure force of will. This talent is the ability to cause the atomic and sub-atomic structure of matter to twist upon itself and occupy higher order dimensions. This process can be likened to taking a two dimensional object and folding it so it occupies three dimensions. Marna can take three dimensional matter and “fold” it so that it occupies four and even higher order spaces.
After the adoption of Cassandra Kel’Ishtauri by house Techstar, it became a fashion among the Kriar nobility to start interacting with the humanity and skilled mages in particular. The ability of magic to overcome something Kriar science could not opened many eyes, and sparked intense interest in learning the secrets of magic. Also, humans being young and impressionable, made them excellent protégés. The Kriar being empaths, derive a great deal of satisfaction being around creatures who still experience excitement and passion. They can feel “vicariously” through their empathy, emotions and sensations that they themselves have become numb to due to hundreds of millennia of life.
See Also: Felspar, Cassandra Kel’Ishtauri, kriar, kriar ranks, tarkath
spectrum — The distribution of energy arranged in order of wavelengths.
Starbinder, Dulcere Val’Saedra — Daughter of Marna Solaris by her second husband Louvros. Dulcere is a well regarded Belkirin who commanded the star vessel Tiraka. While trying to defend her ship, Dulcere fought a hand-to-hand battle with the blue eternal named Garn. She was subsequently injured and forced to make planetfall, where a mishap with her damaged command-level power matrixes caused a cliff to collapse and bury her. The avalanche forced her into stasis, which over a long period of time allowed her to heal.
Many millennia later she was uncovered by Meridian Arcturan and Rakaar Steelsheen who used magic to control her. They later bound her to a device and used her timediving powers to cause a massive time quake (isolinear diffraction). Dulcere eventually escapes control and joins forces with Corim Vale, Beia Tarallae, Cassin Kel’Ishtauri Felspar, and Annawen Kel’Ishtauri Felspar. Together the group manages to undo the damage caused by Meridian and restore time to normal.
As a reward for her assisting the humans, the Jyril Vasar Sa’Gairin removes the curse from Dulcere’s body. The ancient Kriar is very confused when she begins to have feelings for Corim. Eventually, they do begin to grow closer. However, their relationship is made difficult by others who also have amorous intentions for Corim.
See Also: Felspar, Annawen Kel’Ishtauri, Felspar, Cassin Kel’Ishtauri, kriar, kriar ranks, Targalle, Beia {Regaura} (Queen)
Starfist, Bannor — Border guardian for the Barony of Tenax. He holds the rank of captain in the Baron’s ranger regulars. Bannor has the power of the Garmtur Shak’Nola (A savant of reality) which gives him control over the threads of probability, interaction, and creation. His senses allow him to perceive the forces, energies, and interactions of matter and energy through simple concentration. As part of his power he can recognize and memorize such patterns instantly in order to later manipulate them.
Bannor’s control over the Garmtur is rather limited, so it often acts in undesirable and sometimes self-destructive ways. Bannor is a skilled warrior with a several years of battle experience. He uses the Jac’Daw style of two-handed fighting which is specifically tailored for axe combat. Bannor is proficient in tracking, plant, and animal identification. As a scout, he is extremely familiar with the borderlands, and has become a proficient in cartography (map making). Bannor is twenty seven years old and engaged to Sarai T’Evagduran the 3rd princess of Malan.
See Also: T’Evagduran, Sarai (3rd Princess)
stasis — The cessation of relative time for an object or area. A stasis by definition arrests the decay of matter within its confines.
Steelsheen, Rakaar — Powerful Baronian warmage forced to serve Meridian Arcturan in his attempt to destroy the Protectorate. Rakaar proved on many occasions to be both a skilled user of magic and a nearly unstoppable sword combatant. He defeated the extremely experienced Dakwhirter Ironfist in a pitched battle with a lucky con’gorot move. He later fought an undecided match against Beia Targallae who technically got the better of him through a surprise move. His most prolonged combat was with 16th ranked Talorin Falor where the battle was essentially a stalemate until a chance opening allowed Tal to cripple Rakaar and force him to retreat. Of the battles he fought, only the ancient belkiran warrior Dulcere Starbinder was his superior, and only then when she was at full strength.
Rakaar is particularly significant for his possession of the Genemar, a weapon he stole from the Baronian hierarchy. This powerful device is being sought by a number of agencies, none of whom have yet located it. No-one yet knows much about the genemar, and whatever Rakaar knew of it was taken to his grave when Corim Erik Vale defeated him in battle with the shaladen Starwind. Rakaar did describe the item as ‘creation run amok’ but nothing else.
Rakaar had in his service a trained battle-nurse named Senalloy whom Corim subsequently frees. Senalloy is the blood sister of another Baronian woman named Luthice.
See Also: Falor, Talorin {Tal}, shaladen, Targalle, Beia {Regaura} (Queen)
stone — Measure of weight. For those concerned with Terran equivalents, a stone is equal to 20 pounds or just hair over 9 kilograms.
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T’Evagduran, Janai (2nd Princess) — Janai is Kalindinai’s second daughter and around 500 cycles old. Of the Queen’s three daughters, Janai is actually the most rebellious, however, unlike her younger sibling she is much better at hiding it. Janai has a re
putation as a schemer and a hedonist, but is well liked in Malanian court despite this. The princess is well traveled and has significant holdings outside of Malan. She owns countryside keeps and apartments in Ivaneth, Corwin, and Coormeer. She also has holdings in Canth and Pedon. She is rumored to have a controlling interest of one of the Nomarian trade guilds. Both of Janai’s husbands have died under suspicious circumstances. In both cases, the marriages had been arranged by her father. Her first husband died in one of the Realm wars. However, he died well inside territory controlled by Malan. A much decorated warrior, though the bodies of enemies were found around him. One court physician maintains the wound responsible for his slaying was actually an arrow shot. Evidence of this was never formally brought to the Malanian court however. Her second husband was slain in a magical duel. Strangely, both duelists were killed in the fight along with their seconds. The incident was considered a “freak accident of magical amplification”. The fireblast that hit the combatants was far in excess of what either Elf could generate. The families of the four slain men maintain that Janai had a hand in their death. This was never brought to court because it was well known that Janai possessed no talents in magic.
Janai and Sarai constantly fence with each other verbally and socially, and though they openly display hostility toward one another, they are quick to rally in defense of one another. Janai has great deal of respect for her older sister Ryelle, to whom she gives more deference to than even her mother at times. Some sources speculate that the eldest sister Ryelle knows something about Janai that keeps the younger sister step and fetch…
Janai is a natural with the bow, and takes top honors in any tournament she enters. She has beaten her father on two occasions who is renowned through the realms for his skill. Because her father takes losing badly, she has never again entered a tournament in which he was competing.
Janai is a schemer and a hedonist. She has significant magical talents which she keeps secret due to certain obligations imposed on Malanian citizens who are mages. Janai has no children.
After events in ‘Neath Odin’s Eye, Daena Sheento becomes Janai’s One, much to the chagrin of the King and Queen. Same sex One’s are not unknown, but regarded with some bemusement. Officially, Daena is Janai’s ward prodigal.
See Also: T’Evagduran, Kalindinai (Queen), T’Evagduran, Ryelle (1st Princess), T’Evagduran, Sarai (3rd Princess)
T’Evagduran, Jhaann (King) — King T’Evagduran ascended to the throne of Malan 1116 summers ago at the age of 972, and has had a fairly peaceful rule throughout. Malan has fought many skirmishes, but the conflicts were short lived due to the military and magical might commanded by house T’Evagduran. Jhaann is reputed to be the best archer in all of Sharikaar. Only his daughter Janai can contend against him, and she does not participate in warfare. He has moderate magical skills and is capable of enchanting minor magic items. Jhaann married Kalindinai in his 115th summer of rule. He and his wife have been married for 999 summers. They have had three daughters.
See Also: Sharikaar, T’Evagduran, Kalindinai (Queen)
T’Evagduran, Kalindinai (Queen) — Queen Kalindinai became the bride of Malan 999 summers ago at the age of 1153. She is a well respected and regarded queen who travels extensively within the borders of Malan conducting affairs of state. Kalindinai is what as known as a wilder mage, possessing extraordinarily strong magical and mental abilities. Her skills are only equivalent to an arch-magi but the power of her magic is significantly greater. It is the Queen’s participation in some of Malan’s border skirmishes that have caused the conflicts to end so quickly. The Matradomma is a devastating warmage and capable of destroying entire legions. Because of her intimidating reputation, Kalindinai often conducts negotiations on behalf of Malan. Kalindinai has three daughters.
See Also: Matradomma, titles/honorifics
T’Evagduran, Ryelle (1st Princess) — Ryelle is Kalindinai’s first daughter, born one summer after she was married to the King. Ryelle is 998 summers old. Ryelle is the steady daughter, who has always gotten along with both her parents. She is good at keeping her sisters under control when necessary, and get her sisters out of trouble when their stubbornness causes problems. Ryelle has never married though she has had several serious relationships that each time were thought would end in marriage. Her younger sister Janai maintains that she scares potential husbands away with talk of duty and loyalty to the affairs of the realm.
See Also: T’Evagduran, Kalindinai (Queen)
T’Evagduran, Sarai (3rd Princess) — Sarai is Kalindinai’s youngest daughter and is 473 summers old. Sarai idolizes her father and was the only daughter to join the Malanian military. Disguising her identity, she entered the ranks as a common recruit and earned her way to high Praelor of the hippogriff elite before it was discovered she was in fact the crown princess. Because of this, she is well regarded and respected amongst the officers and regulars of the Malanian forces. Sarai is skilled in the sword and bow, and served in three cavalry campaigns. She has some minor skills in magic. Sarai is the most independent of the daughters, and very direct in her manner. It is this directness that causes her to clash with her father who feels a need to reign in his willful daughter. Shortly after her enforced engagement to Duke Myrgul Tradeholme, Sarai slipped out of Malan. She later found Bannor Starfist in borderlands and fell in love with him. They later decided to get engaged.
See Also: Myrgul, Duke, T’Evagduran, Kalindinai (Queen)
talonlancer — A Elven legion specializing in spear and griffonback riding.
tan’acho — The highest level of awareness and affinity with the forces of the cosmos. The Garmtur Shak’Nola can reach this affinity. Bannor briefly experiences Tan’Acho without knowing it while fighting Hethanon in a lakeside clearing.
tao — The spirit force of savants. The tao is a far stronger essence than that of a typical mortal, able to retain consciousness and identity for extended periods of time outside of a physical shell. The tao can all retain and capture the essence of mortal life-forces and keep them intact within its matrix, incorporating that pseudo-life into the host entity.
Targalle, Beia {Regaura} (Queen) —Summary
Queen of the Jhandris’Kul clan of Myrmigynes that reside in the great tree Duran’Gravar. Beia is a survivor of the arcturan death spectacles, victor of 611 bouts, 7 losses and 12 draws. She wears the shadowbolt tattoo and in an acknowledged 12th circle grand master of the Jac Daw and Dan Sadad fighting styles. She is a renowned archer and hunter as well. See has a younger sister named Ess. Cassandra Kel’Ishtauri is her adopted ‘clan sister’.
History
Beia has a long and sordid past. Raised in the arenas she new nothing but gladiatorial combat until the age of 26 when she escaped the arena’s with the assistance T’Gor D’Shar. T’Gor had been drafted in the arenas as an outside competitor, lured there by promises of great weapons, fabulous wealth, and the best fight training available in the realms. Most of this being true if one could manage to win seven combats in a row—which draftees rarely did.
Beia served as an arena “ringer” or blockmaster an impossible opponent set up to defeat draftees so that they would be forced to continue their gladiatorial contracts. As a lifer, a pit fighter born in the arena, freedom could only be achieved by going one hundred battles undefeated. As Meridian Arcturan’s star fighter, Beia suffered exactly one defeat every hundred battles through various tricks rigged by the evil mage.
One of the conditions of defeating an opponent in the arenas is that the warrior may opt to take 2 of that person’s belongings, or take that person into servitude. Part of Meridian’s twisted arena schemes is that his riggers were often able to defeat their opponents without slaying them outright. These hapless people would be carted off the field hanging by a thread where revival magicks would be used to restore them to health. Each revival cost the contractee seven battles. So, in defeat not only did they still need to fight seven more battles, they owed seven more. As a result draftees rarel
y could rarely overcome the deficit of owed fights to earn their way out.
T’Gor D’Shar fought for three years in the arenas, learning the Dan Sadad from various blockmasters. He deliberately forfeited optional matches to maintain his contract but not dig himself into a hole where he could not win his way out.
When he felt he had learned everything of value, he began his push to win his way clear of the arena. Unfortunately, T’Gor had become rather popular and had a reputation for winning all the big fights. When it looked like T’Gor would get himself free. Meridian arranged to have him fight Beia.
The fight was vicious and Beia was more than challenged by this powerful draftee. However, her greater experience and wild animal power (plus a little rigging by Meridian) ensured that she defeated him. This being her six hundredth battle, Beia resented that Meridian had robbed her of a fair fight. She chose to take T’Gor’s service rather than deprive him of his magic items.
It was during this service time that T’Gor and Beia got to know one another. Both of them were mutually angry at Meridian’s rigs, T’Gor for being duped, and Beia for being robbed of an honorable challenge against a worthy opponent. It was during this time that T’Gor convinced Beia to try to leave the arenas. Years of conditioning and abuse had made her believe that it was not possible to overcome Meridian.
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