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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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Dalreoch
Dalreoch is the capital city of Dael Riata and serves as the seat of the Ranald dynasty. It is the largest city in the realm, with a population estimated at over 25,000 residents. Situated on the River Reoch, the city is a vital hub for a flourishing trade network that connects the Kingdom with Bernicia and the Skyssian Isles.
Stories
They are in the story
- First appears - it is the setting for the short story called 'Wedding Party', and possibly intended to form part of the setting for a story provisionally titled 'Heirs'.
Description
Dalreoch is a not quite coastal city, on the river estuary of the River Reoch it was built on a rocky outcrop in the delta. Given the violent nature of Daelian history Dalreoch has multiple curtain walls around the King's Keep, the old town, the merchant city, and an outer bailey. Over the main channel from the dock is a forest actively managed for building ships. Several shipyards line one of the channels, known as 'the yards'.
There is a well established university on an island between the 'College Stream' and the Main Channel. Many of the nobles of Dael Riata have been educated there, and the 'Library Annex' is one of Dalreoch's notable taverns, famed for the quality of its wines - most of which are imported from southern Cottalem through the university's ancient links with the University of Dacidade.
The city is divided into several distinct districts, each serving a specific economic or social function:
- The Merchant City: This bustling commercial sector is separated from the main city walls by fields used for livestock and is the first area encountered when traveling from the main docks.
- Old Dalreoch: Accessed through the Old West Gate, this historic district features three-story houses with ground-floor shops and narrow, winding streets.
- The Inner Bailey: The administrative heart of the city, containing an impressive stone square with pillars, statues, and the King's Keep.
- The Waterfront: A “forest of masts” characterizes the riverfront, where ships dock four deep at various jetties to unload goods and passengers.
Landmarks and Institutions
Dalreoch is home to several of the most significant structures in Dael Riata:
- The King's Keep: Originally a defensive fortification, it was rebuilt by Alasdair II as a grand palace featuring four turrets topped with golden domes and green royal flags.
- University of Dalreoch: Located on an island downstream from the city center, this institution is renowned for its library and its expertise in the “dangerous arts,” such as fire and transmutation.
- The River Fort: A massive defensive battery guarding the entrance to the River Reoch, equipped with catapults capable of launching heated iron shot at hostile vessels.
- Skyssian Board of Trade: A prominent, bright blue building with a matching flag, marking the center of foreign commercial interests in the capital.
Security and Governance
The city is governed directly by the Grand Duke of Reoch, a title currently held by King Alasdair V. Order is maintained by several military and civil bodies:
- The City Watch: Constables who patrol major thoroughfares like Gallows Street to test shutters and maintain the curfew.
- The City Guard: A formal military unit recognized by their green shields with a red diagonal stripe.
- The King's Lifeguard: An elite veteran force commanded by Sir Iain Alpin, distinguished by green enamelled breastplates featuring a gold stag.
Social and Economic Life
Dalreoch is the primary engine of the Dael Riatan economy, fueled by royal duties on maritime trade. Trade: The city exports timber, stone, and skilled sailors while importing luxury goods such as silk, pearls, and emeralds.
Local Establishments: Popular gathering spots include The Drum, an inn known for raucous carousing, and the Water Gate, which provides lodging for traders and visitors. Public Spaces: The Gallows Market serves as a site for both commerce and the enforcement of the King's justice, including public executions and royal proclamations.
Relationships
People
Notable people
- Alasdair V, King of Dael Riata lives here
Places
There are several notable taverns in Dalreoch, the most famous of which are:
- The King's Head - the oldest site of a tavern, but was used as a courthouse and prison during the time of Alasdair I.
- The Library Annex - out near the university, and a popular haunt of academics
- The Troll's Head - featuring an actual Troll Head on a pike above the main door
- The Drum - notable for the frequent brawls
- The Sore Heid - frequented by the Guild of Physicians
- New Bridge Inn - one of the older continuously open taverns in Dalreoch, although not the oldest location of a tavern.
- The Outside Inn - the second oldest tavern, just outside the Old West Gate.
- The Wonky Wheel - just inside the Merchant's Gate.
- The Bag O' Nails - on the Merchant's Road between the walls of the Merchant City and the Outer Bailey of Dalreoch.
- The Full Purse - next to the Exchange in the centre of the Merchant City, famed for some of the excessive drinking when successful deals have been done.
- The Bunch O' Grapes - just inside the Old North Gate, and a popular spot with the Barber Surgeons Guild.
- The Water Gate - the only tavern in Dalreoch to have its own gate and jetty, rumoured to have been involved in smuggling into and out of the city at times. It is run by Aodh MacAodh an infamous character. A favoured haunt of the gilruary clan when they're in the city. Often one of their ships can be seen moored against the wall.
- The Drovers' Rest - technically neither a tavern nor in the city, it lies over the river to the East on the road to the cattle market. However it hosts a lot of visiting drovers, and makes a convenient spot for those looking for cheaper accommodation.
Aodh MacAodh
Aodh is the proprietor of the The Water Gate Inn in Dalreoch. As well as purveying fine wines, ales of the best, and delicacies from across the known world, he is also reputed to be a spy, assassin and smuggler. Born in 739 in Dalreoch, the son of Earsaid MacAodh.
Stories
They are in the story
- First appears - in Arrivals, a short story in the 'Heirs' outline.
- Function: a point of view character to show some of the background of what is going on in the city around the events involving the nobility.
Description
Aodh is a flame haired man with a pale complexion, he's solid but not fat and a little taller than average. In the right clothes he can pass as a noble. Equally he blends in well in a range of circumstances, and is able to speak several languages and pitch both low-born and noble and everywhere in between.
Relationships
People
Notable people
- The Gilruarys - The Gilruary clan often use The Water Gate when they stay in Dalreoch, and the MacAodh are a client sept of the Gilruary.
Places
Unicorn Troop
Summary
The Unicorn Troop is a specialized, elite cavalry unit attached to the King's Life Guard in Dael Riata. It is composed of sentient unicorns and fairy-blooded human riders from the Sioltach clan, sharing a unique mental bond that facilitates magical and tactical coordination.
Description
Physiology and Fairy Blood
The human troopers are all volunteers from the Sioltach clan. They possess “fairy blood” from an ancient pact with the Fae, visible as distinctive gold flecks in their irises. This lineage is required to ride a unicorn, as the creatures will only accept riders they trust through a mental bond. This fairy blood also grants the riders limited magical abilities, such as a keener eye for reality and the power to influence how others perceive them.
Unicorns are sentient beings capable of reading human minds and channelling magic. They are adept at controlling their own visibility and physical tangibility at will, though they can be surprised by ambush if not focused.
Combat and Equipment
In battle, unicorns utilize granite hooves and horns capable of cutting through leather and flesh. They can project a force field to deflect arrows, though this is ineffective against iron-armored infantry. Notably, unicorns cannot wear or touch iron; consequently, the troop uses leather armour reinforced with bronze, while weapons like lances and swords utilize “fairy points” [4, 5]. To mortals, this equipment appears and functions like iron, but it does not cause the detrimental effects iron has on faerie beings.
The most effective counter to the Unicorn Troop is a dense unit of iron-armoured infantry equipped with pole-arms.
Organization and Leadership
The troop's hierarchy is unique:
- Captain: The Captain of the troop is always a unicorn, who holds the final authority on whether the unit fights.
- Lieutenant: The senior human rider is the Lieutenant, a role often filled by the heir to the Earldom of Duffjord.
- Cornet: This junior officer position is typically held by a nephew of the Earl or a younger son of a noble family.
History
The troop was established following a pact between the Sioltach family and the Fae of the deep woods. Under the terms of the deal, the Sioltach protect the forest buffer for the faeries in exchange for the ability to ride unicorns.
The unit has historical limitations: it does not leave the boundaries of Dael Riata, nor does it travel to the islands, as unicorns dislike sea travel [8]. A sacred grove was planted near Caer Riata specifically for their use.
During the civil war of 754-5, the troop supported the late Queen Caoimhe, exploiting a rout of Murchadh infantry at the Battle of Drumfada Ridge. After the Queen's defeat, the troop dispersed to Sioltach lands until 759, when they pledged allegiance to King Alasdair V [11, 12]. Most recently, the troop served as the royal escort for the arrival of Lady Elizabeth Wallis in Dalreoch.
Relationships
People
- Alasdair V: The current Sovereign to whom the troop is pledged.
- Murdo Sioltach: Earl of Duffjord and primary patron of the troop's human members.
- Diarmid Murchadh: Succeeded to the Earldom of Uisdean; formerly served as the troop's Agitant.
- Iain Alpin: Knight Commander of the Life Guard, to which the troop is attached.
Places
- Dalreoch: Location of the troop's primary quarters and the King's Keep.
- Duffjordhead: Seat of House Sioltach and ancestral home of the riders.
- Caer Riata: Site of the troop's sacred grove.
The Ahearns
The Ahearns are Earls of Suddal, colloquially known throughout the realm as the Horse Lords. They are the strongest and most steadfast supporters of House Ranald outside of the King's immediate family. Unlike the sea-focused island Earls, the Ahearns derive their power from the land, boasting the most formidable cavalry force in Dael Riata.
The ancestral home is Castle Ahearn, which is situated on the fertile plains of Suddal, near the town of Eskdale.
Titles
The current Earl is Archibald Ahearn.
He is 36 years old, and is currently married to Eorwen Giluilleam, sister to the Earl of Dalry. They have eight children:
- Iain Ahearn, the heir (11).
- .
Size & Wealth
The Ahearns' power is rooted in the “Fertile Lowlands” of Suddal, which provide a significant economic bonus through agricultural output. They are one of the few houses to eschew naval power entirely, focusing their resources on the maintenance and breeding of warhorses.
Recent History
During the troubled minority of King Alasdair V, the Ahearns remained unswervingly loyal to the Crown. While other houses wavered or supported the regency for personal gain, the Horse Lords provided the heavy cavalry that policed the southern borders and ensured the “King's Peace” was maintained in the heartlands. They were instrumental in the pacification of the realm following the King's assertion of his personal rule, and they continue to provide a vital counter-balance to the influence of the “Sea Kings” of the west.
Allies, Friends & Lords
- House Ranald (The King's strongest supporters)
- House Gilranald (Close ties during the regency)
- House Riata (Bound by marriage and history)
Enemies & Feuds
- House Murchadh (A long-standing rivalry between the Sea Kings and the Horse Lords)
- House Alpin (Outstanding grievance regarding a regency decision made by the Earl of Ardmor)
- House Aonghus (General distrust following the civil wars)
Archibald Ahearn
Archibald Ahearn is the 8th Earl of Suddal and the current head of the Horse Lords. Born in 738, he is recognised as the strongest supporter of King Alasdair V outside of the royal family. He is a seasoned political actor who served as a senior member of the nobility during the King's minority and played a role in the selection of the final regent.
Stories
They are in the story
- Function: He provides the Crown with a reliable power base in the south and serves as a vital counterweight to the more independent “Sea Kings” of the islands.
Description
Archibald is a strategic leader whose house derives its power from the fertile farmlands of Suddal. His name translates in Daelian tradition to “Master of Boldness”. He is a veteran of the Queen's War (754), where he remained loyal to Queen Caoimhe even in adversity [1, 6]. While he initially believed he could manipulate the regent Bhaltair Gilranald, he successfully navigated the regency period to ensure House Ahearn “came out of the arrangement ahead”.
Marriage and Scandal
Archibald's marriage to Lady Eorwen Giluilleam—the sister of the current Earl of Dalry—is a point of significant court gossip and political tension due to its origins:
- The Affair: The marriage began as an illicit affair while Archibald was at court in Dalreoch as a member of the Regency Council.
- Discovery: The secret was only revealed to the previous Earl of Dalry when Eorwen fell pregnant.
- Spite and Feuds: Despite the long-standing Giluilleam-Ahearn feud, Archibald chose to formalise the union in 760. It is widely reputed that he saw the marriage not just as a romantic pursuit, but as a way of “getting one over” on his political rivals.
Relationships
People
Notable people
- King Alasdair V: His sovereign and close ally.
- Lady Eorwen Giluilleam: His wife.
- Bhaltair Gilranald: His son's future father-in-law and the former regent.
- Iain Fergus Ahearn: His eldest son and heir (born 763), currently betrothed to Ealasaid Gilranald.
- Sean Alpin: The Earl of Ardmor, against whom Archibald holds a one-way grievance following an unpopular regency decision.
Places
- castle_ahearn: His birthplace and ancestral seat in Suddal.
- Dalreoch: Where he served on the Regency Council and met his future wife.
- suddal: The fertile heartland of the “Horse Lords”.
