M Helsdon

Whitewall, before and after the siege and Lunar assault. The levels of building can be clearly seen, with the lowest dating to the Storm Age. [Cutout on left is an approaching wall.]

The South Gate of Dangerford. This is a double gate including a wooden guardhouse.

Yes. It's when a plant that normally produces zygomorphic flowers produces actinomorphic flowers instead. There was also a Thessalian religious festival resembling the Roman Saturnalia called the Peloria.

It's always struck me as interesting that Peloria in our world relates to a type of flower, and comes via Latin from Greek peloros, from pelor, meaning... monster.

Not original, but a modification of the Orphic Hymn to the Sun: Hear Golden God, whose eternal eye with broad survey, illumines all the sky. Son of Yelm, unwearied in diffusing light, and to all eyes the mirror of delight: Lord of the seasons, with thy fiery chariot and leaping coursers, beaming light from far: With thy right hand the source of morning light, and with thy left the father of the night. Agile and vigorous, venerable Sun, fiery and bright around the heavens you run. Foe to the wicked, but the good man's guide, over all his steps propitious you preside: With various founding, golden lyre, 'tis mine to fill the world with harmony divine. Father of ages, guide of prosperous deeds, the world's commander, borne by lucid steeds, Immortal Yelm, all-searching, bearing light, source of existence, pure and fiery bright Bearer of fruit, almighty lord of years, agile and warm, whom every power reveres. Great eye of Nature and the day skies, doomed with immortal flames to set and rise Dispensing justice, lover of the stream, the world's great despot, and over all supreme. Faithful defender, and the eye of right, of steeds the ruler, and of life the light: With founding whip four fiery steeds you guide, when in the car of day you glorious ride. Propitious on these mystic labors shine, and bless thy suppliants with a life divine. And from the same source, for the stars, with modifications: With holy voice I call the stars on high, pure sacred lights and spirits of the sky. Celestial stars, progeny of Pole Star, in whirling circles beaming far your light, Refulgent rays around the heavens you throw, eternal fires, the source of all below. With flames significant of Fate ye shine, and aptly rule for men a path divine. In seven bright zones you run with wandering flames, and heaven and earth compose your lucid frames: With course unwearied, pure and fiery bright forever shining through the veil of Night. Hail twinkling, joyful, ever wakeful fires! Propitious shine on all my just desires; These sacred rites regard with conscious rays, and end our works devoted to your praise.

Improbable, as triremes could only carry a small number of personnel on deck before they became unstable/suffered a significant reduction in speed. The trireme was pretty much at the limits of what was available at the time in terms of technology and muscle-power. Even so, it remained the dominant warship in the Mediterranean for more than four centuries. Here's my assessment of a Holy Country trireme: The Islands Holy Country Warship Type Trireme Armor Timber, canvas side-screens. Weapons Bronze ram Morale Veteran 5 Patron Deity Dormal Crew 170 free rowers, 15 marines, 15 officers. Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 2 Melee Factor 4 The characteristic warship of the southern Genertelan coasts is the trireme, with a carvel-built shell of planks held together with mortise-and-tenon joints forming the hull built up from the keel and stem- and stern-posts, the ribbing then fitted to this hull to reinforce it. Four to six heavy ropes are stretched from stem to stern to strengthen the hull. Pitch from the Shadow Plateau is applied to the hull to make it watertight. A trireme has three banks of oars, the lowest bank emerging from oar-ports through leather sleeves to hinder the taking on of water, the middle bank from under the outrigger, and the upper bank fixed to rowlocks through the outrigger extending beyond the side of the hull. Each oar is rowed by one oarsman, sitting on a leather cushion. There are 27 oarsmen each side at the lowest level, 27 either side at the middle level, and 31 on each side at the top level. The oarsmen are rarely armed. A light deck, port and starboard, protects the upper bank of oarsmen, and provides fighting platforms running fore and aft. Ten to twenty marines are the usual complement, with the rest of the deck crew consisting of the captain, a helmsman using two steering-oars by means of a transverse tiller, a bow officer, shipwright, and the bosun who commands the oarsmen, and a drummer or flute player. The number of marines is low because too many people moving on deck threatens the vessel’s stability on the open sea and reduces the efficiency of the rowers. Some are stationed in the stern and act as bodyguards for the captain and helmsman. Others are at the prow to act as boarders. In calmer sheltered waters, such as Choralinthor Bay, the number of marines aboard might be increased to as many as forty, though risking a reduction in speed. Normally the ship makes use of a main square sail rigged from the main yard for propulsion, and a smaller ‘boat’ sail at the prow to aid steering. Warships lower their mast and sails before going into battle. Battle tactics are typically ramming and then boarding the enemy with heavily-armed troops. Ships are protected by magical guardians worshiped by the crew.

Concur. According to the RQ Quickstart booklet, the Water Runes is associated with whips and nets. Fortunately, the description of Esrolian warships in HQ:G says the 170 rowers are not slaves... The marines listed are 15 archers. Historically, an ancient terrestrial trireme had an epibatai 'deck crew' of 10-20; Athenian triremes carried more hoplites than archers; Roman triremes had roughly the same number of marines. I suspect the Water Brother Marines regiment could supply the fighters for 50-100 triremes. As the Delainaeo Noble House is very rich this might not be an improbable number of ships (prior to Harrek's arrival...) At her peak, Athens had a fleet of 400 ships, and Athens was never as large as Nochet - all of Attica had a population of 250,000–300,000, and Nochet and its surrounding territory is likely to be far higher than that?

My mistake. (Mis-edited Noble Brothers instead of Humakti Battalion.) Unfortunately Word color encoding doesn't always transfer correctly (in document white on black). Jeff's definitions only include Light or Heavy. Will edit post above.

Thank you for that Harald. I've taken the liberty of expanding the entries below. I wonder if the Water Brothers are Heavy or Light Infantry? Unsure as to whom their patron might be. [Re-edited version] The Holy Country Esrolia Prior to 1624 Sir Narib’s Company of mercenaries was also present in Esrolia. Green Horse Type Light Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Spear, axe, square shield, javelin Morale Militia 2 Patron Deity Irillo, Green Horse Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 3 Green Horse is called Dearn by the ignorant and Delarn by those of the Dearno district of Nochet from which the Hundred is drawn, but its said that only the Noble Husbands and the Green Sages know his true name. Dearno is one of the rich noble districts, and one of the two oldest in the city. Golden Racers Type Light Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Spear, round shield, javelin Morale Militia 2 Patron Deity Irillo, Nolerianmar Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 3 One of the militia Hundreds of Nochet. Noble Brothers Type Heavy Cavalry Armor Bronze Weapons Spear or lance, shield, axe, mace, flail or sword Morale Veteran 5 Patron Deity Varies Magic Factor Low 3 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 5 A regiment of the Kimantorings. This regiment of veteran heavy cavalry serves the war gods of the Noble Brothers Temple. They are all subservient to the Most Noble Aunt, a hereditary office held by the Delaeos clan, one of the most powerful noble clans. The weapons of individual soldiers depends upon their preferred Noble Brother, with spear or lance being the primary weapon, and then sword, axe, mace, or even flail. Axe Maidens Type Heavy Infantry Armor Leather Weapons Axe, square shield Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Babeester Gor Notes All female Magic Factor Medium 5 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 5 A regiment drawn from the defenders of numerous Earth Temples. These are regiments of brutal berserkers who terrify most male-dominated units. They have significant powers against oath-breakers – and are the most feared regiments in all Esrolia. Axe Maidens Type Heavy Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Sagaris, axe, square shield Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Babeester Gor Notes All female Magic Factor Medium 5 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 5 A regiment drawn from the defenders of numerous Earth Temples. Humakti Battalion Type Heavy Infantry Armor Bronze Weapons Broadsword, shield, javelin Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Humakt Notes Mercenaries Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 4 This elite mercenary regiment is maintained by the Humakt temple. They fight with swords and are fanatically brave. The battalion is very expensive to hire but always fulfill their contracts. Sons of Argan Argar Type Heavy Infantry Armor Bronze, Lead Weapons Spear, mace, shield Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Argan Argar Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 5 A regiment of the Kimantorings, this veteran regiment of heavy infantry includes ranks of spearmen, backed up by two or three hundred heavily armored dark and great trolls. Their commander is typically a member of the Norinel clan and they were loyal to Queen Hendira until she was overthrown in a coup in 1622. Water Brother Marines Type Heavy Infantry Armor Bronze Weapons Broadsword, shield, javelin, bow Morale Veteran 5 Patron Deity Helamakt Notes Bow/javelin used as ships close, then sword/shield as they cross to foe's ships and attack. Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 2 Melee Factor 4 This regiment specializes in fighting aboard triremes, and is maintained by the Delainaeo clan. Although heavily armored, they are superb skirmishers fighting with javelins and bows.

Most Heroes are...

My attempt to define Harrek's itinerary: Harrek was a Rathori Hsunchen, born in 1484. By the age of seven he committed his first murder. Harrek was initiated early, aged twelve. Like all the Bear-People, Harrek went to sleep in 1499. He was among the First Wakeup in 1594 as the Syndic’s Ban gradually evaporated. When he saw that the planets were wrong he began wandering. For a time, he was a mercenary in Timms, the first portion of Old Jonatela to be released from the Ban in 1597. Noted for his potential, he was taken to the Lunar Empire to participate in the Dart Competitions. In 1607 he was unleashed by the Wylua-oor clan, the rulers of the satrapy of Darjiin, upon their rivals in the Yanoriao-ilart clan, which unintentionally resulted in the death of a Mask of the Red Emperor at the city of Mephos. Leaving the empire, filled with revulsion for its decadence, Harrek returned to Rathorela. He interfered with the annual sacrifice to Rathor in 1609, slaying the White Bear god and binding him within his skin, killing the outraged tribesmen who protested. Alone, he left Rathorela. By accident, he opposed some of the first raiding parties coming out of the Kingdom of War in 1612. Harrek became the general of an army of barbarians and mercenaries and led it to plunder Sog City in 1615. Sailing from Loskalm with his loot, the ship he was abroad was intercepted by Wolf Pirates. Harrek killed enough of them to be offered terms, whereupon he took over the captaincy of their vessel. He led them in raids of the coasts of Kethaela in 1616, contributing to the trials suffered by the Holy Country that year. By 1617, Harrek was in Ygg’s Islands. Despite all the odds, the piratical god Ygg chose him as champion and awarded him gifts. Harrek, in his great ship the Ice Serpent, led half the population from the barren islands. They called themselves Ygg's People of the War Bear. Harrek and his pirates plundered the coasts of Arolanit, Seshnela and Kethaela. They then set off southwards, led by Vadeli guides, to find and pillage Jrustela. Instead of the rich cities they expected, they found a wild archipelago. Harrek threw the Vadeli to the merman who demanded human sacrifice to let the fleet go, and then he sailed back to raid Nolos and Pasos. Many other pirate ships joined them, and Harrek accepted them if they obeyed the rules of his fleet. After several years, the pirates settled on the Three Step Islands, raiding and terrorizing the coasts of the Solkathi and Rozgali Seas. In 1621, Harrek met Argrath of Sartar at sea, sailing upon a giant wooden cradle. Together they circumnavigated the Inner Seas. Sailing eastwards, they plundered Teshnos, launching an assault on Dombain and installing a young queen there. Next, they arrived in Teleos and quickly plunged that land into confusion and war. Harrek captured and enslaved the powerful Emerald Frog, the Eater of Souls. The next year, Harrek the Berserk and his Wolf Pirates reached Pamaltela, and descended in force upon Laskal, defeating the Bat People, ridding the Forest of Disease of its malevolent goddess, and gaining the submission of the local Sea Gods. Harrek established his claim to the throne of Laskal. In 1623, Harrek and his Wolf Pirates sailed again to Jrustela, raising part of the isle and uncovering ancient God Learner temples preserved by powerful sorcery. Sailing north, late in the same year, they raided the coasts of Seshnela. Early in 1624, the Wolf Pirate fleet appeared in the Choralinthor Bay. Harrek’s second-in-command, Argrath, agreed to aid High King Broyan against the Lunar Empire. An army led by King Broyan, including the Warm Earth Alliance, and the Wolf Pirates, defeated the Lunars at the Battle of Pennel. Harrek’s price for his aid was to plunder the City of Wonder. For the next few years, with civil war in Tarsh and nomad invasions in the north, the Lunar Empire was expelled from Dragon Pass. Harrek returned to the seas, raiding and pillaging, returning to aid Argrath in 1628, when the empire finally counterattacked. Outside the city of Bagnot, Harrek and Jar-eel confronted each other for the first time, and Argrath defeated the Lunars in the Battle of Heroes. Harrek then marched against Black Horse County, whose lord had fought against Argrath years earlier. Harrek and his men devastated it, and plundered great treasures from its bottomless basement. Harrek’s best friend Gunda was killed, throwing him into a black mood. When Harrek stopped at Boldhome to show off his plunder, he got into an argument with Argrath, and when Harrek was insulted his men sacked Boldhome. The Wolf Pirates sacked Wilmskirk in 1630 before heading south to re-join their fleet. In 1631, Harrek led his Wolf Pirates fleet back to Laskal. He would return under the banner of the Flame Dragon…

Thanks for that. Will update my file. Note that I've changed bows to javelins (as it seems a better guess) and one unit have round shields because of their Solar/Air origins. Esrolia Prior to 1624 Sir Narib’s Company of mercenaries was also present in Esrolia. Green Horse Type Light Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Spear, square shield, javelin Morale Militia 2 Patron Deity Irillo Notes Horse Archers Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 3 One of the militia Hundreds of Nochet. Golden Racers Type Light Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Spear, round shield, javelin Morale Militia 2 Patron Deity Irillo, Nolerianmar Notes Horse Archers Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 3 One of the militia Hundreds of Nochet. Noble Brothers Type Heavy Infantry Armor Bronze Weapons Spear, shield, axe or sword Morale Veteran 5 Patron Deity Varies Magic Factor Low 3 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 5 A regiment of the Kimantorings. Axe Maidens Type Heavy Infantry Armor Leather Weapons Axe, square shield Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Babeester Gor Notes All female Magic Factor Medium 5 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 5 A regiment drawn from the defenders of numerous Earth Temples. These are regiments of brutal berserkers who terrify most male-dominated units. They have significant powers against oath-breakers – and are the most feared regiments in all Esrolia. Axe Maidens Type Heavy Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Sagaris, axe, square shield Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Babeester Gor Notes All female Magic Factor Medium 5 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 5 A regiment drawn from the defenders of numerous Earth Temples. Humakti Battalion Type Heavy Cavalry Armor Bronze Weapons Broadsword, shield, javelin Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Humakt Notes Mercenaries Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 4 This is the Humakt Battalion of Esrolia.

That's why I've included him for these two Nochet militia units. Nolerianmar was an option, but with only Harald's unit names to go by, these are all basically placeholders. So this was posted for any comments from Harald. The Magic Factor, Missile Factor, Melee Factor are inspired by the unit capabilities in Dragon Pass.

My guesses as to their capabilities: Green Horse Type Light Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Spear, shield, bow Morale Militia 2 Patron Deity Irillo Notes Horse Archers Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 3 One of the militia Hundreds of Nochet. Golden Racers Type Light Cavalry Armor Leather Weapons Spear, shield, bow Morale Militia 2 Patron Deity Irillo Notes Horse Archers Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 3 One of the militia Hundreds of Nochet. Noble Brothers Type Heavy Infantry Armor Bronze Weapons Spear, shield, axe or sword Morale Veteran 5 Patron Deity Varies Magic Factor Low 3 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 5 A regiment of the Kimantorings. Axe Maidens Type Light Infantry Armor Leather Weapons Axe, square shield Morale Regular 4 Patron Deity Babeester Gor Magic Factor Medium 5 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 4 A regiment drawn from the defenders of numerous Earth Temples. Humakti Battalion Type Heavy Cavalry Armor Bronze Weapons Broadsword, shield, javelin Morale Elite 6 Patron Deity Humakt Notes Mercenaries Magic Factor Low 1 Missile Factor 1 Melee Factor 4 This is the Humakt Battalion of Esrolia. Sir Narib’s Company Type Magical Heavy Cavalry Armor Bronze Weapons Spear, broadsword, shield Morale Veteran 5 Patron Deity Various Notes Esrolian/Western Ritual Magic Factor 5 Ritual Magic They use a huge adamant nail to summon their wyter in the form of a demonic entity wielding a flaming sword and riding a blue lion. Magic Factor Medium 5 Missile Factor 0 Melee Factor 4 Narib is a sorcerer from Pithdaros, who aided the adventurer Rikard the Tiger-Hearted to conquer his kingdom of Malkonwal. When his employer fled from the Lunar Army in 1620, Narib formed a ‘company’ with his fellow surviving sorcerers and found their way into Esrolian service.

That explains why a Search didn't find it... The map shows Broyan's forces passing under the Shadow Plateau. Sometimes in Glorantha a small force with potent magic can defeat a larger force. At the time, the Grazelanders were in the middle of their own civil war, and some stories say that Mirinia was cursed by the Earth priestesses of Esrolia and later killed by her own bodyguard. Her sister Vistera became Feathered Horse Queen in 1623, after leading the rebellion. She took the title “With Bitter Heart” and ruthlessly avenged the deaths of her grandmother, mother, and sisters. She had pro-Lunar chiefs and priestesses murdered, allied with monsters and Tricksters, and made a terrible pact to awaken the Dragons. She died during the Dragonrise, upon witnesses her schemes reaching fruition. So Mirinia was in severe trouble before the battle: her own source of magic weakened by her sister's rebellion (who was obviously favored by the goddess), possibly cursed by Ernaldan priestesses in the land she was fighting in; fighting against a High King with all the magical resources he would have. The battle probably was a little like the outcome of the Charge of the Light Brigade...

King Broyan had some very potent forces under his command, including what would become the core of the Egglord Warlocks (heavy cavalry), and much of the surviving garrison of Whitewall. Broyan drove off the Crimson Bat there, so he has considerable magical power at his disposal. [In effect, he would have heavy artillery backing him up, against cavalry.] I am uncertain which battle you are referring to, as I can't find any source for a Battle of Willford. Mirinia was killed fighting in Esrolia in 1623, while her sister Vistera led a rebellion against her. Some stories say that she was cursed by the Earth priestesses of Esrolia and later killed by her own bodyguard.

My guesses... Rune Weapon Shield Color Darkness Club, mace, maul Round Black Water Whip, flail Round Blue Earth Axe Square Green Sky Spear, bow Round Yellow, gold Fire Spear, bow Round Red Light Spear, bow Round Yellow Air Sword Round Blue, orange, white Moon Curved blade: Kopis, sickle-sword Round, crescent Red, silver Rune Metal Darkness Lead Water Aluminum/Quicksilver Earth Copper Fire/Sky Gold, Tin Air Bronze Moon Silver Death Iron Law Adamant

I am reminded of a joke told to me by someone from southern India: Two men are discussing their marriages. First man: My mother-in-law is a goddess! Second man: You are so lucky! Mine is still alive...

Lunar gateway at Raibanth, featuring a 'moon gate' flanked by a Lunar and Solar guardian. The wall consists of stone on the lower courses, brick above, covered with a layer of painted plaster. A balcony with three entrances lies above the gateway. Note the lack of crenellations at the top of the wall. [Guardian figures derived from artwork by Dan Barker.]

It's a comprehensive introduction, covering primarily Mycenaean weapons and armour, but also Egypt and the Near East, with brief descriptions of chariot warfare. If you want atmospheric (and sometimes very speculative) pictures, then the various Osprey titles are worth looking at. Early Aegean Warrior 5000-1450 BC Sea Peoples of the Bronze Age Mediterranean c.1400 BC-1000 BC Bronze Age Greek Warrior 1600-1100 BC Early Iron Age Greek Warrior 1100-700 BC

I imagine the main entrances as being much grander. This is a minor side entrance. Or I may have been mistaken, or misunderstood my guide, and drawn an entirely different temple gateway. In a big city like Nochet, you can never be certain that the guide you pay to show you around knows as much as they say they do. [In the real world, on occasion, I've overheard tour guides in museums or ancient sites telling their groups completely fictitious things...]

They are female trolls. The largest Heortling urban center in Glorantha, Sarli is dominated by the Grace Temple and Orlanth’s Hill. This district has grown enormously since the Lunar conquest of Dragon Pass and has received thousands of new refugees in recent years from Heortland and Sartar. Dozens of temples and shrines to the gods of Dragon Pass can be found here. The Grace Temple is one of the greatest temples to the Earth Goddess in Glorantha. (See map of Nochet.) The Grace Temple dates back at least as far as Darkness Era Nochet (see Esrolia: TLoTTG maps). Was there in Harmast's time and doubtless has been rebuilt and repaired throughout Time. The trolls are (painted) carven reliefs decorating the entrance.

Left: the city gate of an Esrolian city. Right: a side entrance to the precincts of the Great Temple of Ernalda in the Sarli district of Nochet. Two towers of glazed green brick, each depicting a goddess, are supported by stone bases depicting female trolls frame the copper-clad gate, which depicts two priestesses. The presence of the guardian trolls suggests this gate predates the era of the God-King.

The relic of the Blue Moon, the Blue Streak, has a tidal effect on water. The Red Moon does not.

They don't. There are four human races in Glorantha, according to the Guide. Race Skin Colours Agimori Dark skinned Veldang: Blue skinned Vithelan Tan to pale brown Wareran Fair to olive-skinned However, this isn't the entire variation, as in any 'race' people can have blue ancestors, and other skin tones are likely. Orlanthi can have green, grey and brown eyes, which sounds very terrestrial, but they can also have orange eyes...