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Today's topics:

BUN# =AMN= =DATE====== =FROM==========  =SUBJECT/BODY==========================
 635  7965 12-Jun-1994 Roger Myhre      TNE: Gvurrdon Lib Data    << HD 6F05
 635  7966 12-Jun-1994 Roger Myhre      Gvurrdon politics         << Doc 6F0B

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Bundle: 635
Archive-Message-Number: 7965
Date: Sun, 12 Jun 1994 10:28:58 +0200
From: Roger Myhre <myhre@oslonett.no>
Subject: TNE: Gvurrdon Lib Data   

HD 6F05^B

Gvurrdon sector library data.

by

Roger Myhre


Aek Elakfough (black cauldron): (Gvurrdon 0439). This system have
experienced an booming belting industry. In 1112 large amounts of
Titanium and Yttrium (latter which are used in the superconductive coils
of the grav vehicle modules). Both of the belts in the system have
proven to be rich on both substances. The number of inhabitants have
exploded since the news got publicly known. This forced the system
owners to build a fairly large spacehabitat. It is a wheel that revolves
to create gravity. It is known under the name of Aek Wheel. The
beltprofiles are: Orbit 1     100m,  n-20 m-70 c-10,  1AU
4       5Km, n-20 m-60 c-20,  0.5AU

Alloulloukde Tosoekh: One of the biggest ship warfs in the Gvurrdon
sector. It is based at Aengvoung (1726). It is reputed for its contact
net for connecting potential buyers to patrons for financing of crafts.
It boast that many of the crafts the Kforuzeng corsair band uses are
bought from them.

Ankhir (Gvurrdon 1728) C6869BB-7  Hi: This system have probably gone
through more hardship than most other systems in Gvurrdon. The
population lives under ground in tunnels. When the system was first
settled for 800 years ago it boasted with an advanced TL 11 technology.
Then the disaster struck. The small government did not succeed in
controlling the masses and civil war broke out. Following this war the
world got splintered between several powerblocks.  With more than 600
years of war and other minor conflicts the TL started to decline when
the harsh environment took its toll on the equipment. The fact is that
the surface temperature of this planet can sink down to - 237M-0C. The
following wars was then the matter of survival for the powerblocks.
About 50 years ago this system did get help from outside by request from
some minor factions. Firstly the helpers was met with resistance, but
later when the other factions had expended their stock of fighting
materiel they had to succumb for outside pressure. From this point the
planet got united under one central government. This planets largest
export articles are a strange sort of algae that lives in the oceans of
this planet. Orrkong, a shrimp like creature is also an export article.


Church of the Chosen One: This is a religious sect which has their base
at Aegadh (Gvurrdon 1317). They are the world rulers there. The sect
believes that the Ancients made the Vargr to populate this part of the
galaxy. The church does not worship the ancients, but just asks the
devotees to be faithful and to trust the church. The church do not have
any holy book as most other churches, but it boast an Ancient artifact
that the church claims to be a two way communicator with the Ancients.
This has not been proven when the artifact is looked up on as holy, and
no one has been allowed to inspect it scientifically. The powerbase of
the church has been waning since it were founded about 300 years ago.
The number of devotees was quite steady during the Rebellion. They did
note a slightly increase in 1125 to 1127, but frorm there the number
dropped steadily. So now they have turned inward, and redirecting their
resources to prove once and for all that the Vargr is the heir to the
Universe.


Denner (expr): Common name for Vargr from Freedom League, or more
commonly named Corsairs' Den.


Dzen Aeng Kho: (Society of Equals.) This allegiance despite its name are
soldier based. To prove that you can be equal, you have to manage to go
through a dangerous test that could severely cripple those who are
unlucky. All non soldier professions are looked upon as under rated
beings. Medical profession is an exception to this when medics are
important to save the life of a wounded soldier. Anyone can try to
become an equal no matter what his or hers background is. Those who fail
the test is denied access to any soldier career. Even the cubs from an
equal have to prove itself as an equal before a soldier career are open
for the candidate. Equals and non equals are not permitted mate with
each other. The test can be taken anytime during the life, but it is
wise to take it early when young and old have to go through the same
test. The central body of the government are mainly built up by former
military career personnel that have retired active duty. Only equals can
vote in the parliament or run for some sort of governmental office.

REFEREE: For characters that are born in Dzen Aeng Kho, they have to
roll this task before they choose one of the following careers:  Any
military Officer, Leader, Aristocrat and Law enforcer.
Difficult, Willpower
Referee: On a Catastrophic Failure roll 1D+1 and subtract STR, AGL and
CON of the indicated amount. Example: The PC rolls a 4. He must subtract
2 from STR and one from both AGL and CON. For those who manage this task
give a CHA+1. If the parents of the character is rated equal give a -1
on the above task. The parents are rated equal on a roll of 15+ on 1D20


Edge, The (Expr): A terminlogy used of the political state between Thirz
Empire, and Society of Equals. Their "Cold War" status has everyone on
their toes. If a break in the quarantine line it will most likely be in
Society of Equals. They are zealously watching what Thirz Empire do,
rather than watching their border against the Virus. Their oppinions in
The Spinward Assembly are also a conflict. It looks like that they
oppose each others ideas, suggestions just for the spite of it. More
than one time Zhodani representatives had had to cool down the Thirz
Empire representatives. However as there is no-one is holding Society of
Equals in leash they seem to do and say whatever they will. However
everyone are starting to get a bit tired of them. And regency has
started to put on some pressure, but it hasn't taken any action, as a
war will surely open the quarantine line for the advance of the Virus.


Extends line contract: A contract between the Oberlindes Lines and the
government on Ougzdaelzoerrgh, Gvurrdon (2040). The contract gives
Oberlindes lines allowance to use the starport on Ougzdaelzoerrgh for
trading and supplying post for starships that are going into the
extends. This contract where vital for the Oberlindes to get when the
recent hostilities between Vargr forces and the DoD forces started in
1117. Oberlindes met much resistance in the Empire when they first took
initiative in mid 1119 to reopen their routes into Gvurrdon, when it got
closed by the hostilities. The line into Gvurrdon sector starts at
Dentus, Spinward Marches (2201).  During the war against the Kedzudh and
Kforuzeng alliance, the Imperial Navy had undercover agents working on
this base. Starport at Ougzdaelzoerrgh got upgraded to type A after
signing a contract with Oberlindes Lines. Oberlindes have a 47% share in
the starport.


Fair Witness: A new type of careers that has appeared in Thoengling
Empire. It all started with a proposition from the Thoengling cemtral
government to train certain high intellect Vargr to mediate in conflicts
and stay in as fair and correct witnesses. After a few years several
corporations started to use fair Witnesses in contract negotiations.
Today anyone can hire a fair witness if they can pay the price. A Fair
Witness will report anything he experiences, without giving his own
oppinion on what did transpire at a given event. Thus sometimes hiring a
fair witness can backfire, because many believe that the fair witness
will give testimony in the customers favor. AM-;Fair witness cost from
2000cr hour to the astronomical millions.


FEKI: An institute that have specialized on educating sophonts that do
not have the capability or money to spend to go to a normal college or
university. FEKI is short for Fo Engragvaegkfu Kuerrgars Ingaez. Which
can be translated to The School of Many Worlds. Costumers are usually
from low populated worlds and/or belts. They support a wide array of
courses that can be taken. From simple courses like drawing to more
demanding things like medical or engineering courses that takes a year
or two to run. The appliances are collected by mail, and a course
package are then sent to the pupil. What the course package contains
depends on the course taken. From just a few books to computer software
or computers specially made for the course taken. Homebase is on Ouse
Faeg/Ksits Uathu Odzuetarug (1724).  During the Virus craze FEKI almost
got bankrupted. All the more advanced courses was not selling when they
relied on computers. However as the fear from the Virus dropped the
costumers came back, and the more advanced courses started to sell
again.


Gnoerrgh Rukh Lloell: (Anti-Rukh coalition). This is a coalition of
worlds that did not rally behind the Great Leader Rukh in 972. Rukh's
Charisma forced billions to to his cause. However many worlds rimward of
Saell which had secured economic ties with worlds around Saell, would
not rally to Rukh, so they established Gnoerrgh Rukh Lloell. In the
beginning they did not manage to do much damage to the Rukh Aegz, but in
the latest 10 years several worlds spinward of Saell have pulled out of
the Aegz, when it proved unable to protect the worlds against terrorist
acts and other anti-Rukh operations.  It disappeared as a political
entity in 1123 when Rukh attacked. The war was over in matter of months,
but the mopping up took more than a year. Anti-Rukh managed to deal some
heavy blows to Rukh even when they was outnumbered 15 to one. The reason
for this was the deep undercover groups inside Rukh.


Kfan Uzangou: A periodical newsletter which are distributed through out
the Gvurrdon sector. The newsletter released its first issue in 864
(Imperial). The newsletter fresh and boasting reports soon got popular
in other systems, so that the print had to be increased. In 987 the
format changed from paper to cheap microchip format, which then could be
accessed by most computers. The paper format have not disappeared
totally, but the print is just 4% of total distribution. Kfan Uzangou
(White Fangs) has its main office at Gvurrdon (0821).  In 1127 the
magazine started to distribute to Spinward Marches. However as the treat
from the Virus became apparent, Regency put down a blockade. KU couldn't
change to paper format, when this would sky rocket the distribution
cost. KU took then contact with one of the small media distributors of
Spinward Marches, called Spinward Media Expression (SME). They would get
the text on optical readable microfilm, while the interior art and
pictures would be put on ordinary dias. SME would then put the magazine
on holocrystals, or in paper print. In Regency the magazine is
distributed on the Galanglic name White Fangs.


Oulaekho Arms: A weapon producer with its main office and production
plant on Saell. It sells weapons to most worlds in Gvurrdon. The Firm do
also have several subsidaries  around the Spinward part of Gvurrdon.
Gvaeknoks do also have a share in their weapon production plant on
Ghenkerongolu (Gvurrdon 1528). This plant is called Dokhoullae.


Pandrin: (Gvurrdon 2240). This system were the former Oberlindes trading
center for the Gvurrdon sector. But when the Kedzudh invaded the world
in late 1118 Oberlindes had to close down the center and move it to
somewhere else.  Oberlindes has made it clear that they are looking into
reopening their old base here. Local investors are apparently doing
their part to ensure that Oberlindes comes back.


Sibiatl: A minor psionic institute in Gvurrdon. It does not have any
fixed base, when it changes location time to time. The Sibiatl are a
cooperation between the Zhodani and Vargr psionics to broaden the
knowledge of psionics among Vargr in the in the spinward part of
Gvurrdon sector. In addition to teach psionics it gives classes on just
general information.

REFEREE: The Sibiatl are well reputed among the Vargr in the Thirz
Empire. The psionic training courses cost approximate 240,000Cr. and
takes about 5 months. Initial testing cost 12000 credits. An information
course cost 2000 credits, and is held 5 days with 2 hours a day.


Soungadano (Gvurrdon 2414) B671363-A  Lo Ni: Soungadano is a former
prison planet for Thoengling Empire. Some still view it as a prison
planet when some criminals have the choice between selecting a ordinary
sentence or try to re-install their charisma on this planet by working
for a living. The climate is harsh with temperatures above 300M-0C. In the
winter the temperature may sink below -46M-0C. These severe swings in
temperature makes it a dangerous place to live. There is frequently
storms that can easily kill an unwary traveller. The main exports s
compounds and crystals. Animals both dead and alive is also an export
article, buut not a very popular one. The world has been isolated since
the Virus struck. So how the conditions is on the planet at present is
unknown.


Spinward Assembly, The: A crisis council which was established by the
initiative of Archduke Norris in 1132 to coordinate knowledge and
operations in how to fight the Virus. Its presence (The Assembly) has
been quite visible in Gvurrdon, as the Vargr has proven unable to dam up
against the Virus effectively. only in the few latter 20 years that the
Vargr has managed to get on top of the situation by quarantine
restrictions. The assembly got the following members: Regency, Zhodani
Consulate, Aslan Hierate, Thirz Empire, Society of Equals, Thoengling
Empire. In addition several smaller states has observer status in this
assembly. If and when a thrust into the infected areas are going to take
place, this assembly will surely have a hand in the game.


Taknarkag: (Gvurrdon 0630 B370467-A Ni De). This is a single city
planet, which by influence from Goerrg Rukh Lloell (Anti-Rukh
coalition), left the Rukh Aegz alliance. The entire population resides
in a city built only over the last 185 years, by the design of the
famous Vargr architect Voronol. Taknarkag was reputed in the Rukh Aegz
for it brilliant architectural design. Even Humans have copied this city
to an extent. Humans will find the Trading Post bar and nightclub
inviting, when this is designed specially for humans in mind. More
daring humans, or humans which have experience with Vargr clientele and
behavior may use the Kornak Lounge. The navy base are now staffed by the
local militia with a few jump capable ships.


TeeBee (Toothless Bastard [expr, org: re]): An curse originally from
Regency. It was first used against those Vargr that worked as crew on
infected starships. Those Vargr are generally of low Charisma, thus not
very desireable by other Vargr as followers. Used against other Vargr
will certainly spell trouble. The Virus has by itself no Charsima, and
thus no appeal to the common Vargr, but those who are in their employ
voluntarily or not.


The Equality War: This war were fought between the Society of Equals and
Thirz Empire. The war raged from 1111 to 1116. In this war Society of
Equals lost much territory. Society of Equals did also lose their
capitol system, Dzuerongvae (1413), but the rulers managed to escape.
This forced the Society of equals to move the capitol. The new capitol
is now at Taeksoudhanou (1623).


The Glass bond: The alliance between Kedzudh Aeng and Kforuzeng corsair
band were called the Glass Bond, when it appeared fragile when the
allegiance first were signed. However the success the allegiance have
earned in the invasion of The Spinward Marches have apparently
strengthened this allegiance. Imperial analysts speculate that the
allegiance may fall apart now that the forces to Norris have been able
to stop the constant advance of the Vargr. The Glass Bond broke up in
1129, when Kedzudh declared that the campaign in Spinward Marches was a
success, and that further action was not desirable.


Therrg's First Reasoning: Therrg is one of the representatives of "The
Spinward Assembly", and represents Thirz Empire. He do also have
connections with Church of the Chosen One. He had a reasoning that has
been quoted to the lenght that it has become a cliche. "If the Virus is
intelligent, why do we then curse It for Its acts that every intelligent
lifeforms has shown a inclination for? Of course because we all bash our
friends head in every now and then does not make Its (Virus) acts more
tolerable. It only explains the entropy of the universe."
Therrg's Second Reasoning: "That day the computer talks to me I'll throw
it out of the window."
Cptn L. A. Slastinger's addition: "Has anyone told him that his office
is underground?"


Thirz Empire: The second largest interstellar state in Gvurrdon. It got
close bonds with Zhodani,and the presence of psi capable vargr here is
large. About 12% off all inhabitants here have been tested and/or
trained. The entire state are viewed as a large client state of Zhodani
by others in Gvurrdon. Zhodani have a large contigent of both military
and economical advisors in this state. The reason to this is that the
Zhodani by its close relationship with the government can limit the
number on corsair raids inside their borders.


Tirrils: An avian alien race native to Tirrokoelaeks (Gvurrdon 1821).
The Tirrils lives at TL 0. Which would classify them as barely sentient.
The Vargr which first took contact with them, hunted them for their fine
feather hide. But when it became evident that the birds were sentient,
all hunting ceased. The Tirrils are protected from hunting. Any killing
of a Tirril for their hide is penalized with death. The Tirrils are
about 150 centimeter high, and got bright colors from blood red to deep
navy blue. The chest and abdomen are generally white or silver grey.
They got a 15 centimeter long beak like a gull and powerful claws they
use to dig in the earth for Lummi roots or insects. What's curious about
the Tirrils are that they have excellent mathematical knowledge. Some
are so good that they can calculate the jump coordinates and data for a
distances up to one parsec without the aid of a computer. Some Vargr
merchants use Tirrils onboard their vessels for entertainment and for
their excellent mathematical skill. The language of the Tirrils are
consisting of whistling and body posture. Very few have been able to
learn their language without specific aiding tools as flutes. Those who
have been most successful with learning their language have usually good
musical skill. Most humans may be able to do basic communication with
just whistling with their lips. Vargr have proven unable to communicate
without flutes or language computers. Tirrils can with great difficulty
learn some Vargr languages. But human languages are easier for them to
learn. This is due to the specific development of their vocal cords.
Tirrils are popular on Tirrokoelaegz for their beautiful sing song
skills, and are often employed at taverns and inns for entertainment.
When the Tirrils are lacking manipulators they usually do not wear
clothes or use tools. However a few Vargr corporations have built waldos
that the Tirrils may use. However few do make use of the waldos when
they constrain them from flying.


Tongaesodhongaell massacre: During the Equality war
Tongaesodhongaell/Gvurrdon (1015) were heavily attacked by nuclear and
chemical weapons. Most of those who could not afford the overpriced
tickets out of the system before the attacking fleet reached the world,
got killed in the attack.The world are Interdicted by the Thirz Empire
because of the high radiation level. The world is still interdicted for
reasons unknown. There has also been a number of voices that demand that
the ancestors of the survivors are to be evacuated, but the Thirz Empire
don't want to for some reason.


Ukekhaedha: Ukekhaedha which can be translated to: Ritual of Charismatic
honor. This is a duel fought to death. The ritual have its roots from
Fukoezo (Gvurrdon 2702). The ritual have been law regulated the latest
since early 900. This has been done so that the number of duels to the
death was not to going to deplete populace of males, which are the only
gender which can do this ritual. To perform the ritual the offended part
must get approval from the court to do so. If the court finds the
offended part got good reason to re- install his charisma, the ritual is
permitted. However the requester get one week to cool off to see if he
changes his mind.

The ritual is performed like this:
Firstly the combatants undress completely, and donn loincloths. Both get
a gun with one poison dart. The combatants then selects how far from
each other they will stand. The closest range permitted are 7 meters and
21 meters at most. The guns are holstered when the ritual really starts.
First the Oenurzksan (the patient wait) starts. Here the two combatants
tries out wait each other. Sometimes one of the combatants chicken out
and wont go through with the ritual. Longer the wait more Charisma will
the offended part get back, if he wins the duel. He will also get back
more charisma if he is the last to draw the gun to shot when the action
starts. Some even waits until the other one has fired his gun before he
fires his own. If both miss their shots, the duel is ended and the
offended part cannot make another try. If the offender survives he will
not get any benefit than his life. If the offended part survives he may
get back all the charisma depending on how long the wait was and how he
performed overall. If both parts die, the duel is noted as an unresolved
matter and the case is closed. To be permitted to do this type of duel,
you must have experienced a major loss of charisma and economical loss.
Off worlders cannot under any circumstances perform this ritual in a
legal way. There have been some cases where humans have been performing
this ritual illegally, when they have offended a Vargr.


Urukhu: (nation of Urukhu). A former Interstellar empire which consisted
of the following systems: 2806  Ukokhuvoen, 2807  Kaekfesa, 2808
Dorrorue, 2908  Kutsgarrae, 3107  Ozago.

After Urukhu died in 1112 the nation started to collapse. The nation
were on its highest at 1103, when they managed to fend off a attack from
the Thoengling Empire. However the war effort did take its toll on the
Urukhu nation. Urukhu died in an assassination attempt at an age of 54
years. Who which are responsible for the act are unknown, but the Lliegz
corsair band are suspected. The Lliegz band tried to establish two bases
in the nation just after the war with the Thoengling empire. Urukhu
would not have them there, and the constant battle with the corsairs
depleted the limited naval forces even more. The Lliengz corsair band
were splintered in 1116 by internal disputes.


Uthith Fleet: Fleet of the Ekhlle Ksafi (40th squadron) based at Uthith
(Gvurrdon 1738). During the FFW, it occupied Yorbund (Spinward Marches
2403) and Heya (Spinward Marches 2402), but did not press further,
spending much time mopping up and consolidating. After the Gireel Fleet
was destroyed destroyed at beck's World, the Imperial 212nd fleet forces
Uthith back. On 252-1109, Admiral Thuekhs negotiated a separate peace
and withdrew the Uthith fleet from Regina subsector. Many vargr veterans
of the heyan occupation commonly have souvenirs, particulary bottles of
fine Heyan liquors.

When the Oekhos tirades, presented through a Vargr entertainment device
called Utovogh wass released. These devices became increasingly popular
in the Ve Ekhlle Ksafi space. Several voices started to demand action
against the Imperials for the defeat during the FFW. However nothing has
happened when the fleet to Ve Ekhlle was virtually non-existent. The
40th squadron did built a lot of new ships in the period 1123 to 1170.
The number of ships quadrupled. This seems much, but when the fleet only
consisted of a handfull of light cruisers, that was bearably
serviceable, the build- up wasn't considered a threat by Regency.
However Regency do keep an eye out for trouble.


Voronol Knaergh: (925-1005 Imperial). Famous Vargr architect. He have
designed many buildings in the Rukh Aegz alliance. His pride are the
Taknarkag city, which he used 10 years in drawing. Unfortunately he did
not live long enough to se the first stages of the city being completed.


Wolfpack: A group of infected Vargr ships. As pre-virus vargr starships
was quite low on maintained standard, Vargr ships that has been infected
has their best strenght when they operate in numbers. The onset of the
Virus forced dthe vargr governments to set up stricter standards to
starships. Something that made a post Virus starships more able to
withstand a Virus infection. And also to battle them in a space combat
as their equipment standards are higher than infected crafts.


Roger "StarWolf" Myhre
           

------------------------------

Bundle: 635
Archive-Message-Number: 7966
Date: Sun, 12 Jun 1994 10:29:01 +0200
From: Roger Myhre <myhre@oslonett.no>
Subject: Gvurrdon politics        

Doc 6F0B

Author: Roger Myhre
        Ammerudgrenda 168
        0960 Oslo
        NORWAY


The groups of Gvurrdon as per 1200 Imperial.

Gvurrdon is filled with different political factions and groups. All got
their own agenda, and goals for the future. This makes it and different
place than most other sectors in charted space. The different outside
groups as Zhodani and Regency add to the confusion. The alliances among
the groups are also difficult to understand at times.

Allez: Remnants of the old Rukh alliance. The Rukh party tried to hold
off long as possible, but when the break did come, they lost all
control. After several years of internal fighting, a loose group of
aristocrat managed to get some kind of control. The alliance  is now
ruled by the aristocrats, but the worlds got some self rule to a limit.
They might not pass new laws without the Allez government gives them
permission to do so. They have over the last years worked with improve
their relations to the surrounding factions, among those Regency.
Zhodani already got an embassy here, from the time Rukh existed.

Church of the Chosen One: This quasi-religious sect has been diminishing
the last 50 years. During the Rebellion, and shortly after it
registrated a small increse in popularity, but the advent of the Virus
changed the opinions again. As a result of this they have closed most of
their centers, turning their resources into finding the Ancients, to
prove once and for all that the Vargr is meant to inherit the universe
after the Ancients.

Dzen Aeng Kho (Society of Equals): A military ruled society, where the
citizens must be rated Equal before they can get voting status, or enter
certain careers. To get rated as Equal the citizen must go through a
test, which can be dangerous. This test is taken at age 16 usually, but
it can be taken later. Non-Equal citizens that did not make the test
might be rated Equal later if they perform excellent in their line of
duty. And this is usually in the military services. SoE do also keep
slaves, but they may not be mistreated.

Gvaeknoks Trade Union: Formed in 1172 when Gvaeknoks got fed up by the
trading difficulties between Thirz Empire, and Society of Equals (SoE).
A new base had to be found. The break up of Rukh gave the right
opportunity to establish a base where Gvaeknoks could keep a political
presence without losing control. The Gvaeknoks Trade Union (GTU) was
formed short after. Gvaeknoks holds the control over the interstellar
government, but the worlds themselves maintain their own government.
Gvaeknoks got even more popular as it invested in different projects to
build up the local economy. Thus Gvaeknoks can buy cheap and sell
expensive to worlds outside GTU.

Kedzudh Aeng: Formed originally to hold corsairs at bay, but formed the
Glass Bond alliance with Kforuzeng in 1116-17. Imperial analysts
concluded that this bond wouldn't hold for long, but they were wrong.
After the campaign in Spinward Marches was finished, Kforuzeng started
to look for new markets. Kedzudh worked for improving its relations to
Regency. Kedzudh are still a loose alliance, with the worlds handling
their foreign policy on their own. Only the near presence of the virus
do keep them together today.

Noerrgh Confederate: A dissident group lead by Noerrgh started to get
popular in 1178. By two years it has spread to near lying worlds.
Noerrgh wanted to disband the monarchy of Thirz Empire, but the Royal
Thir Family resisted. Armed conflict broke out, but an armistice was
reached in 1182. Noerrgh Confederate is actually a wobbly alliance. They
don't seem to manage to agree on a single item. The only reason that it
still exist might be that Zhodani got some control, with help of Thirz
Empire, over the group. Why Thirz has not moved in and taken control is
not known.

Oberlindes Lines: A Spinward Marches based trade company. They are maybe
the best traders in the sector, not counting Gvaeknoks. As the peace has
been spreading through the rimward reaches of Gvurrdon Oberlindes are
looking into reopening their base at Triad, that got closed in 1117.
Further expansion into Gvurrdon are also planned, but there is a few
problems. Kforuzeng got quite a presence in the rimward portion.
Economic analysts just wait on the day that Emissary the Oberlindes
trade cruiser will clash with the light cruiser of Kforuzeng, Ozarr.
Gvaeknoks do also close their borders for Oberlindes, making a coreward
expansion difficult.

Regency: Doesn't have any direct presence in Gvurrdon, but keeps
emissaries around in the different groups to know what is happening.
They got best relations with Thoengling and Rueks Legacy. The relations
to Kedzudh and Ve Ekhlle Ksafi are also softening up.

Rroerz Uerra: This is actually what is left of Anti-Rukh coalition. When
the Rukh war was over, these worlds rebuilt their society. Helped by a
Zhodani backed Rroerz political party. The Zhodani presence has been
fading the last few years, but still there.

Rueks Legacy: One of the splinter groups of old Rukh. they hold a small
base, and try to stay out of trouble. To protect their worlds, they have
hired ships from 40th squadron. Repeating raids from Corsair's Den saw
to this.

The Freedom League: Also called Corsair's Den by outsiders. Kforuzeng
has control over this alliance, even on local world government level.
However not full control. Kforuzeng tried to take full control, but
found it too difficult, and that they could loose Charisma on it.
However after Kforuzeng took over the situation on the worlds became
actually better. Many corsair groups sought to Kforuzeng after this.
Corsairs that visit this place can come and go as they like, far as they
do not break any rules here. No one asks questions where the wares comes
from. The trade taxes are also quite low.

Thirz Uerra: An Interstellar Monarchy formed with the help of Zhodani.
The worlds got independence in that way that they can choose their own
local government, but the monarchy with its appointed governors do the
interstellar policy. This part of Gvurrdon holds a large percentage of
the Psionic capable Vargr. They fought the Equality war against SoE from
1111 to 1116. Where upon SoE lost much territory. It maintains good
relations to most factions in Gvurrdon, excepted for SoE, where a cold
war status is at hand.

Thoengling Raghz: Has always had good relations with the Empire, and
continue to nurture this through Regency. It is maybe the interstellar
state that has suffered most from the Virus. First they managed to keep
it at bay, but a breakthrough forced the Thoengling Navy to withdraw.
The Capital was lost in matter of weeks. Now there is only a handful
worlds left from this state, which once was the biggest is Gvurrdon.

Ve Ekhlle Ksafi (40th Sqr): One of the alliances that participated in
the FFW against the Imperium in 1107 to 1110. The government is a strict
military rule, but the individual worlds has gotten more to say the
latest years. The reason for this might be by the pressure from Regency
because of the Virus. Ve Ekhlle Ksafi doesn't like Regency much, but it
is not strong enough to make a dent in Regency's armor. The fleet
capability of Ve Ekhlle Ksafi has been built up over the years, but
still small compared to other groups.

Zhodani: Their aims for the Gvurrdon sector has changed over the years.
As their long time allied Rukh disappeared, Zhodani had to move in with
force to prevent that Zhodani owned industry didn't get caught in the
middle. However they was not able to prevent that Rukh broke up, maybe
for the best. As Zhodani sought after to control the groups along their
border to keep them safe, it got easier now that the tension in this
area of space loosened. It did also get easier to deal with the
different worlds after Rukh disappeared. Zhodani has opened quite a lot
of trade missions in Gvurrdon the latter 20 years.



Roger "StarWolf" Myhre
         
d Xienners can't shape change at all.

This shape change would have made them perfect soldiers, but they are
friendly and peaceful. Their culture is closely related to the nature,
even for their high technology. Killing can only be done in necessity.
This has made them the perfect diplomats, which are sought after in
Gvurrdon and surrounding areas. Another feature is the total lack if
Psionics. They can't utilize psionics at all, and try to mindread them
is futile.


Tirril

An avian alien race. The Tirrils lives at TL 0. Which would classify
them as barely sentient. The Vargr which first took contact with them,
hunted them for their fine feather hide. But when it became evident that
the birds were sentient, all hunting ceased. The Tirrils are protected
from hunting. Any killing of a Tirril for their hide is penalized with
death.

The Tirrils are about 150 centimetre high, and got bright colors from
blood red to deep navy blue. The chest and abdomen are generally white
or silver grey. They got a 15 centimetre long beak like a gull and
powerful claws they use to dig in the earth for Lummi roots or insects.

What's curious about the Tirrils are that they have excellent
mathematical knowledge. Some are so good that they can calculate the
jump coordinates and data for a distances up to one parsec without the
aid of a computer. Some Vargr merchants use Tirrils onboard their
vessels for entertainment and for their excellent mathematical skill.

Tirrils are popular in various parts of Gvurrdon for their beautiful
sing song skills, and are often employed at taverns and inns for
entertainment.

When the Tirrils are lacking manipulators they usually do not wear
clothes or use tools. However a few Vargr corporations have built waldos
that the Tirrils may use. However few do make use of the waldos when
they constrain them from flying.


Ungrest

This race descend from a desert dwelling carnivore. It got a thick hide,
almost chitin like in substance. They are somewhat hunched. When rolled
up they are totally hidden behind their shell like back, which gives
them very good protection. Their appearance is almost insect like, which
can scare the hell out of unwary travellers. They are quite small and
stocky, but not clumsy, even when they may seem like it. Even before the
Vargr contacted this race, they had acquired tech enough to start a
space programme. The first contact with Vargr, and Humans accelerated
this process.

They claim to have developed jumpdrive on their own, but this has not
been confirmed. However they are not able to use the jump technology to
its fullest. So in this field they are still on tech 9. The reason for
this is that the Ungrest can't survive the jump for some strange reason.
But the Ungrest do use so called unmanned jump launches, which actually
are crafts rangingfrom 100 to 300 ton. These are used to move supplies
fast through the system, and to the neighbouring system that they have
started to colonize. The Ungrest move through interstellar space with
SLD ships, powered by a ram scope.

The Ungrest is quite aggressive, but not outright hostile. Various
merchants do trade with them, but any technology is unavailable, when it
is much specified for the race. And the Ungrest is unwilling to sell out
technology to inferior traders. This might stem from a paranoia that
they are afraid of that the tech might be turned against them. However
there is possible to buy lot of other non- technical stuff like
foodstuffs, and art.


Bzruellokh

This race stems from an world which are quite chilly, which explains
their heavy built due to insulating fat. Descendants from
omnivore/gatherers which evolved on the great steppes of this planet.
They are massing about 95kg, the females a bit less. Their legs are
short with broad feet, that prevents them from sinking too deep into the
snow. Their early forefathers had quite a lot of body hair, which
disappeared when the Bzruellokh started using clothing to protect them
further from the chill. Their arms are long, reaching down to the knees
when they stand upright, and powerful. Their skin resembles that of a
human, but is rougher and thicker. The skin color ranges from white to
yellowish. Their arms and head is covered with thick white hair. The
face holds two small eyes which are set deep into the skull. The ears
resembles that of a rabbit, but is a bit broader.

From what is usual among other races, Bzruellokh does have a peculiar
rhythm. Their pre-sentient ancestors hibernated during the winter,
gathering food in the summer. Thus they almost never sleep half of their
local year. In a modern society this is quite difficult, but this
hibernating are still being done. But the cycles are more controlled, so
that their society still works, even in the winter. Their starships got
special hibernation modules, for crew or owners that are due for they
hibernation cycle. The fact is that the Bzruellokh gets sick if it can't
hibernate over certain period. Drugs can prolong the wake time between
hibernation, but are used sparingly.


Opliaraz

Descendants from omnivore scavengers that was cave dwellers. The latter
has given them sight that spans from visible light to the infrared
spectrum. They got large black eyes. Matter of fact the pupils are the
only part of the eye visible. Their size is small compared to humans,
with an average height of 145cm. They got bat like ears that can be
moved towards a sound. This coupled with their wide field of vision,
that is 220 degrees gives them a superior surveillance capability
compared to most other sentient races.

Their society is built around the family, which forms a clan. When the
Vargr contacted these the first time, they were hunted for their fur.
Even when they had advanced into the iron age. This hunting was stopped
some hundred years ago, by a group of resourceful explorers. However the
Opliaraz is still xenophobic about outsiders. Those who wants to do
business in this system should do it through the Aelluengh Mercantile
Company, which is the only company the Opliaraz will trade with. The
reason for this is that the Aelluengh is owned by the ancestors of those
who helped the Opliaraz from extinction.



Roger "StarWolf" Myhre
                                              

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End of TML Biweekly
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