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
Tag Cloud
Recent Additions
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 Clewgist Faith: 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.
University of Caer Riata
Summary
The University of Caer Riata is a prestigious institution of higher learning located in the ancient capital of Caer Riata. Founded by King Ruaridh III, it is highly regarded for its traditional approach to education, with a specific academic focus on the deep study of philosophies and divinity.
Description
Foundation
The university was established by royal decree during the reign of King Ruaridh III of the Ruary dynasty. It was intended to serve as a bastion of Daelian culture and religious study, ensuring that the nobility and gentry of the heartlands had access to sophisticated instruction in the core subjects.
Curriculum
Unlike the more experimental nature of the University of Dalreoch, Caer Riata remains dedicated to the “core subjects” of the Daelian educational tradition. It is the primary centre for:
- Divinity: Advanced theological study and the preservation of traditional religious texts.
- Philosophies: A rigorous examination of ancient and modern thought, including the works of the ancient teachers of self-knowledge.
- The Core subjects: Providing foundational education in Law and the Liberal Arts for the heirs of the great houses.
Relationships
People
- King Ruaridh III: The royal founder of the institution.
- Duke of Glasholm: The current ruler of the city and primary patron of the university.
Places
- Caer Riata: The city where the university is situated.
- Dael Riata: The kingdom served by the university's graduates.
University of Dalmuir
Summary
The University of Dalmuir is the third major university of the Kingdom, located in the port city of Dalmuir. Founded by the first Earl of Dalmuir, it is uniquely focused on the practical application of knowledge, particularly in fields relating to the sea and industry.
Description
Origin as an Outer College
The university began its life as an “outer college” of the University of Dalreoch. It was founded by Ian Gilruary, the 1st Earl of Dalmuir, who had previously served as the Chancellor at Dalreoch. Recognising the need for an institution closer to the great shipyards, he established the college to foster learning that would benefit the growing maritime power of House Gilruary.
Academic Focus
While Dalmuir maintains a faculty of theorists and researchers who study natural philosophy and mathematics, its reputation is built upon the practical application of knowledge. It is the foremost institution for:
- Engineering: Specifically ship design and construction techniques.
- Practical Sciences: Alchemy and materials science as applied to industry and trade.
- Navigation: The study of the stars and the dangerous inshore waters of the Easter Isles.
The university’s close ties to the Dalmuir shipyards—the largest in the kingdom—allow students and faculty to test their theories on some of the finest hulls in the world.
Relationships
People
- Ian Gilruary: The founder of the university and its original patron.
- Earsaid Alpin: A candidate for the Chair of Naval Engineering whose work is closely followed by Dalmuir scholars.
Places
- Dalmuir: The city and port that houses the university.
- University of Dalreoch: The parent institution from which Dalmuir originally branched.
Skyss - Places
This is a web version of the notebook that has the background to my NaNoWriMo 2016 entry 'Yngvild the Fierce', which is a medium-level fantasy story set in a world of my own creation. These are some of the places that feature in the story.
Skyss
Salicia
- Beretha - the main port of the Kingdom of Salicia
- citadel - the capital of the Kingdom of Salicia
Cottalem
- Kingdom of Cottalem - the neighbours of Salicia that claim the throne
- Riggindale - Significant valley region
Dael Riata
Major Cities
- Dalreoch - The Capital and Grand Duchy of Reoch
- Dalmuir - Premier port and shipbuilding centre
- Dalry - Major northern port city
- Norpen - Walled stone city on the Easter Isles
- Dalcot - Regional capital of the south-west
- Caer Riata - The ancient capital
- Caer Linead - Significant northern port city
Notable Sites in Dalreoch
- The Drum - Tavern on Gallows Street
- The King's Head - Tavern on King's Way
Ancestral Seats and Fortifications
- Caer Alpin - Seat of House Alpin (Ardmor)
- Duffjordhead - Seat of House Sioltach (Duffjord)
- Caer Murchadh - Island seat of House Murchadh (Uisdean Mor)
- Caer Suibhne - Island fortress of House Suibhne (Douglas)
- Caer Aifric - Seat of House Sithech (Aifric)
- Caer Righ - Strategic river crossing guarding the Righ
- Caer Cinead - Seat of House Gilcinead (Craigmuir)
Educational Institutions
Significant Towns and Localities
- Blackwater - Major town and port for the Douglasmouth
- Ardrigh - Royal town within the Grand Duchy
- Eskdale - Agricultural hub of the fertile lowlands
- Eastport - Small eastern port town (not to be confused with the Berenician Capital).
- Knockry - Known for sheep and wool trade
- Glasholm - Seat of the Dukes of Glasholm
- Nordhaven - Northern stopover town for open-ocean travel
- Douglasmouth - Estuary settlement in the south
