Politics

The Mandragora homeland is vast island continent named Lonaraban, located far to the west of the continent of Erilya (where the majority of humanity resides). Their life is based around a rigid caste system, reliant upon a Mandragor’s coloration and social position. Mandragora society is matriarchal, with the familial heritage traced through the female. Arranged marriages are common, but this is little more than a formality for many of the Noble houses of Lonaraban, and a way of consolidating power. The acquisition of power and wealth drives the Noble Houses in their manoeuvring - a legacy of their dragon ancestors.

The Noble houses comprise the political power bases of Lonaraban. Undeniably, their political machinations are responsible for the deadly power games that are a way of life in Mandragora society. Many of the Silver Mandragora philosophers make an analogy with the laws of nature: a struggle to survive, where the losers are destroyed. Since the disastrous Flower War and the Night of the Red Streets (vicious civil wars that nearly destroyed the Shirr’haim), outright open warfare between Houses is forbidden. So, the leaders of the Noble Houses content themselves with more subtle means and methods: political disgrace, blackmail, assassination and theft: nothing is truly beyond the bounds of Mandragora politics. Almost every Noble seeks to better themselves and their House – even the Bonded (servants of a House that are not members of the nobility) seek to improve their lot. Sometimes they are motivated by selfishness, sometimes not.

Various small kingdoms are ruled by families answerable to the Mandrathean Senate (known as the Shirr’haim); comprising the most powerful Gold Mandragora family heads, both male and female. The kingdoms are allowed to maintain their own laws and customs, provided they do not conflict with the laws of Lonaraban. In this way, the individual kingdoms retain their independence and the Shirr’haim evades becoming a central dictatorial state. The exceptions to this rule are the Red Mandragora. They are answerable only to themselves, their Queen, and the Gold Mandragora (although there is a certain amount of contention among the Mandragora populace about to what extent they are answerable), not accepting orders from anyone else, seeing other Mandragora as unworthy. The Red Mandragora are given a wide berth in the thoroughfares of Lonaraban.

However, in recent times many of the younger Mandragora have rebelled against the rigid class structure, and have become ‘renegades’ in the eyes of the authorities. These renegades can be found all across Duralyth, in a variety of careers. Many develop hitherto unknown abilities, such as a Brass developing stronger magical abilities, and turning into an extremely powerful Magus. Renegade Mandragora are seen as traitors and are treated as such by the majority of the other Mandragora. Those caught are reintegrated into Mandragora society, undergoing sorcery to erase their memory of their time as Renegades.

The Shirr'haim

The Senate is split into various sections and chambers. Each of the eleven Imperial houses holds at least one position, although it is not uncommon for the lesser Noble Houses to be nominated to one of the roles by the Multitude.

• The Empress. The current Empress, Berilinya, is a tough and uncompromising individual that quickly built herself a reputation as a political adversary to be reckoned with. She has been extremely efficient in removing opponents to her rule and is a dangerous political force in her own right. As the leader of the Mandragora people, the Empress has to maintain a tight grip upon political events and practise enough diplomacy to control the various factions of Mandragora society. The tenacity of an Imperial House is legendary and the only way that control of the throne is lost is through internal conflict or a coup. Despite her somewhat advanced years, she is a powerfully built Gold Mandragor with a piercing gaze and authoritative manner, and still commands the respect of all in her presence. She is an extremely powerful ArchMagus, highly intelligent, and utterly ruthless. Most Mandragora venerate her as a demigod, the deification of the ideals of Mandrathea.

• The Justicar. The most senior officer in the PeaceForcer ranks holds the position of Justicar, and head of House Protector. Rarely seen by the general populace, the Justicar is the subject of much rumour and speculation. What is known is that the role is taken for life and that the Mandragor appointed is simply known as the Justicar, subsuming their identity, name and history. The role is one of almost complete impartiality. Only affairs of state such as matters of national security and the Imperial family directly interest the Justicar. The presence of the Justicar on even the smallest of debates is enough to cause huge amounts of gossip and speculation amongst both the Shirr’haim and Mandragora society in general. More than one debate in the Shirr’haim has faltered after the Justicar has taken an interest. Unusually enough, the current Justicar is male - normally the most senior PeaceForcer is a female.

• The Seneschal. The Seneschal functions as an advisor to the Empress, and acts in an administrative role. The Seneschal announces the agenda of all business within the Shirr'haim, as well as keeping the general staff of the Shirr'haim in line. The current Seneschal, Par'onaoss, is extremely old for a Gold Mandragora and many expect him to pass on his mantle within the next two decades. He is stubborn, irascible, and bound up in tradition. As all social reforms must be approved by this old fossil, he is the bane of all those who would change Mandragora society.

The Chamber of Advisors

The Chamber of Advisors is convened before every session of the Shirr'haim. The purpose of this group is to review the proposed business of the Senate, and they are expected to advise and provide solutions and plans of action for discussion by Shirr'haim. They function as experts within their own particular fields, but have no votes and do not attend the sessions directly. Matters that merit special investigation, such as fraud or treason, also falls within their jurisdiction, and they work closely with the Justicar in such matters.

• The Executor is responsible for maintaining the accounts for the Imperial Treasury, and keeping records of all financial transactions. Expected to be totally incorruptible, the majority of the holders of this post have often been found wanting by the Shirr’haim, often abusing their position to enrich themselves. He is answerable to the Justicar in all matters, and is expected to ensure the steady flow of income from taxation and the Noble Houses tithe. The current Executor, Shi'aralaa has carved a reputation for herself as something of an economic genius. Despite initial resistance from the Shirr'haim, she put forward the plan to open trading relations with humanity – a plan that has met with a great deal of success. In the process, she earned considerable status and public animosity of the conservative Seneschal, Par'onaoss.

• The Keeper of the Portals. The most senior member of the Wayfarers Guild responsible for the upkeep of the roads and byways of Lonaraban, and in recent times the role has expanded to include the teleport portals. In addition, the Keeper also represents the various mercantile interests. The current holder of the post is Thii'raliss, a vain fop of limited imagination and intelligence, and it is a matter of time before he is replaced by the Shirr'haim or meets with an “accident”.

• The Speaker of Tongues. The Speaker of Tongues is the head of the diplomatic corps of the Shirr'haim. All the ambassadors to the Lands Away report to the Speaker, who is an expert in linguistics and the cultures of the other races on Duralyth. The Speaker is also the master of the Mandragora spies active throughout the world. Unusually enough, a Green Mandragor traditionally occupies such an important role: a tradition that has been the cause of some friction with the Golds in the past. The current Speaker of Tongues is a gifted individual named Lo'aanoth; she is extremely cunning, perceptive and intelligent. Most of the Shirr'haim give her a wide berth, for she also has a cruel and callous disposition.

• The Adjudicator is a role traditionally held by the longest serving magistrate on Lonaraban. When the Shirr'haim passes new legislature, the Adjudicator is expected to prepare the various codicils, policies, and laws from such activities. The Adjudicator is also responsible for filtering out the minor discrepancies that crop up from time to time within the legal system. The role is mainly a bureaucratic one, and it is normally occupied by elderly Mandragora who sleep through’ the majority of the meetings while the rest of the Chamber works around them. At least, that is what happened until three years ago when the previous incumbent died in his sleep. The new Adjudicator, Kalinnya'a, is an extremely active and fit individual having spent much of her life in the military. She has an extremely keen eye for detail and very little escapes her notice. So far at one assassination attempt has been made on her. She defeated the assassin in personal combat: to date there have been no further attempts made…

• The PriestLord of Mandrathea is the head of the Mandrathean church and the personal spiritual advisor to the Empress herself. All the Sacred Sons and Daughters report directly to the PriestLord who is expected to function as the perfect Mandragor - no easy task at the best of times. Most PriestLords and Ladies are skilled negotiators and politicians, with excellent leadership skills. With their mental powers augmented by their training and meditations, the PriestLords are formidable opponents that most think twice before antagonising such individuals. The current PriestLord, Pha'althos is no different from his predecessors and the other members of the Chamber find him more than a little disturbing. The PriestLord was one of the youngest ever Sacred Sons to develop the Skree'aak (the empathic bond that Silver Mandragora share with the Lonaraban birds of prey), and many of his mannerisms and demeanour are similar to that of the Red Eagle. He has the uncanny ability to sense when a Mandragora is lying – as a result, the Imperial Houses are extremely careful round this individual.

• The Keeper of Imperial Orders acts within the Chamber as a mediator, chairman, and is responsible for taking the notes of the meetings. As the convenor of the Chamber, the Keeper is responsible for presenting their findings to the Shirr'haim, and to help prevent any factions influencing the members. He is responsible to the Seneschal, and is expected to liase with him accordingly. As this role requires the unique CrystalSinging ability possessed by the Brass Mandragora, a Brass CrystalSinger normally fills this position. The prestige accorded to a Mandragor for this position is considerable, and it is the closest that the Brass have to a leader. The current Keeper is a Riona'andis, and she has yet to establish a reputation for herself - having only been in the appointed to the post in the last few months. The other members of the chamber see her as headstrong and stubborn, and tend to attempt to workaround or subvert her.

The Chamber of Protectors

The defence of the isle is entrusted to the Chamber of Protectors, a group that represents every military body of Lonaraban. The members of this council all possess powerful presences and strong personalities - and sometimes the meetings degenerate into little more than shouting matches (a number of duels have resulted from sessions within this chamber). The Chamber is comprised of the following individuals:

• The High Admiral is responsible for Lonaraban’s vast armada of SpellWind and conventional craft. Although Gold Mandragora have occasionally been appointed to this role, the eldest daughter of the Bronze Queen of Ka'al Sthor normally takes this hereditary role. In addition to the control of the naval fleets, she is also responsible for maintaining the security of the Star outposts at the edges of the Empire. This role means that the Admiral spends very little time in the Shirr'haim, instead touring the Stars. The present High Admiral, Hsha'ala, has proven to be extremely tough and has faced down the dangerous Xaalintha, Queen of the Red Mandragora, on a number of occasions. Her job is further complicated by the recent arrival of humans on the various Stars and the impact that they are having upon Mandragora society. She is unsure as to whether this is a good thing, despite being open-minded to the opening of relations with Humans.

• The Lord High ArchMagus is the most experienced Magus in the island and is a master (some would say The Master) in the Art. Gold Mandragora are the only ones appointed to this role, as their magical aptitude makes them ideal Magi. Normally, the role requires little more than occasional attendance at sessions of the Chamber, where the holder is expected to provide expert advice on arcane matters. Their other role is as the Head of the academy at the Yar'atach'haim. In times of war, the academy students provide magical support to the Mandragora Wings - the more experienced Magi often being seconded to PeaceForcer Sentinels to hunt down Dark Aspect Magi. Lord High Magus Sha’kaal (himself a veteran of many battles) has proved to be extremely efficient in his time in the post - all Academy students now receive regular weapons training and most spend several months as part of a TunnelRunner unit. Sha’kaal is paranoid to quite a degree and he is certain that Lonaraban is under threat from some force to come in the next decade...

• The PeaceForcer Commander of the Imperial City is responsible for law and order, and the security of the Imperial city. In times of war, this role requires the organisation of the citizens into militia units and the general mobilisation of the PeaceForcers. The post is an extremely demanding one as the Commander has to prevent the antagonism between the Noble houses breaking out into open warfare, as well as suppress the various agitators that might sway the mob. Kivi'aath, the current Commander has also trained as a Magus and her authority is unquestioned by those under her command. Their Commander pushes PeaceForcers in the Shirr'haim hard, but the loyalty she expects is rarely questioned. Kivi'aath is extremely popular with her staff, and they regard her with almost heroic status.

• As the Red Mandragora see themselves as the paramount warriors of Lonaraban society, the Queen of the Red Mandragora is expected to represent that view. The Shirr’haim are not so foolish to alienate the Red Mandragora. To do so would be to invite civil war in Lonaraban. As the Reds only respect the authority of their own kind, the attendance of their Queen is mandatory. Queen Xaalintha is the archetypal Red Mandragora - a powerful warrior with a dangerously volatile temper. The consort of the Imperial prince, Rilerakax, she is an incredibly strong-willed and ferocious individual and most Mandragora are terrified of her. Even the Chamber members tread carefully around her. She cares little for politics, regarding personal honour as the best proof of integrity, although she has been known to make a number of astute political manoeuvres of her own. Some suspect her husband of influencing the Chamber through her, but none would foolish to utter such as suspicion in her presence.

• The Silver Hawk, or the General of the Talons as the post is sometimes known, is responsible for the military forces of Lonaraban. All the Mandragora Wings and their support staff are answerable to this Mandragor, normally a Senior Scion of one of the Imperial houses, and the others members of the chamber are expected to defer to his judgement. The Empress expects the holders of these posts to be military geniuses and does not tolerate incompetence, as many ambitious would-be generals have found out. The current holder of the post is V'isha'al, eldest Scion of House Xeduus, and although his military skills are as yet untested, his grasp of the politics and delicate diplomacy involved in the post is masterly. Unfortunately, the majority of the troops regard him as a little more than a bureaucratic oaf – although whether this is an impression fostered by his enemies is yet to be proved.

The Three Hundred

In addition to the members of the various Chambers, the Senate also consists of three hundred other Mandragora appointed by the Multitude (see below). The Three Hundred, as they are known, comprise the major Mandragora political force, voting upon all matters brought before the Senate. Much of the deadly power games take place within this level of government, as each senator seeks to strengthen their position and that of their family. A number of factions and lobbies exist within the shadowy confines of the Shirr'haim, where loyalties are suspect and trust is non-existent.

The Multitude

The real powers behind the thrones of Lonaraban are the family heads of the Noble and Imperial Houses, the Matriarchs. The Matriarchs are female Gold Mandragora Nobles who have raised at least two generations of descendants and attained 400 years of age. They are the real driving force between the power struggles between the Noble houses, and it is their votes and nominations that appoint Senators to the Shirr’haim and the ultimate positions of power.

They exemplify the classic character flaws that drive Lonaraban - being both greedy and territorial. Their Dragon ancestry has left its mark upon their society and status, position, and temporal power define a Mandragor. The Matriarchs are powerful and deadly opponents and control huge resources, from mines to farming outposts, and they are skilled in politics, diplomacy, and treachery. One Matriarch will not trust another Matriarch - especially those from the Imperial houses. They are known to foster alliances between other Noble Houses and themselves, normally with a view to face some threat from elsewhere, but such co-operation rarely lasts.

Noble & Imperial Houses

At the core of the power struggles are the eleven Imperial houses occupying the imperial compound surrounding the palace. These buildings are huge fortified structures and are only ‘rented out’ by the Shirr'haim. The money required by the Imperial Houses to maintain their position in these enclosures is colossal and adds a huge impetus to the power struggles. If an Imperial house fails to maintain their flow of income into the state treasury, then eviction takes place. Eviction is the forced removal of all members of the transgressing House from a particular building. An Imperial house in arrears has but a week to vacate their former home. Once this time period has elapsed, the next Noble House in line can use any necessary means to evict the former residents, including magic and open siege warfare with the Shirr'haim's blessing. It is the only time that a Noble House can field a military force upon the streets of the Shirr'haim. The first act by any new residents is to repair the damage done and to disarm any traps left by the former occupants (in many cases this procedure can take years).

Each Noble and Imperial House is headed by a powerful matriarchal council comprising the eldest female Mandragora of the house, and they make decisions ranging from simple housekeeping decisions to plotting to overthrow an opponent. Male Mandragora also have their roles to play, and although they do not hold positions of power they are treated with respect nonetheless. The homes of the Noble houses, known as manses, resemble small fortresses, often housing a number of household troops or mercenaries and a number of spell-casters.

Every Noble House occupies a large compound within the Shirr'haim and these fortresses (or manses as they are commonly known) represent the source of their power. Family members are extremely important; especially those with a magical aptitude or martial skill, but anyone with some ability that can be used to score points off an opponent are to be valued. To the Matriarchs, everyone is expendable for the greater good of the family. In the past, there have been some truly callous uses of family members as political pawns to discredit opponents or as scapegoats. Most Noble families have a number of Senators within the Shirr'haim, either direct family members or bribed officials. In the end, all the Noble Houses vie for the favour and patronage of the Imperial Family, amassing wealth through various business deals.

Kalyndis, a typical Noble Scion

Kalyndis is a junior Scion (Noble) of the Imperial House of Shi'arron. His privileged position allows him to pursue his interests as a keen amateur scholar (including history, mythology, and poetry): a laid-back dilettante with ideals but lacking in the zeal or persistence to implement them.

Detailed below is a typical week in his life.

Shar'iss: In the morning, the Mandragor spends his time lounging in the garden court of his town house, reading and replying to letters, and leafing through Ta'suk's Histories. In the afternoon, he visits kalac-master Sarynac, for fencing practice. His day concludes with the opening of a new play, The Tragedy of Ta'yliss.

Torr'iss: Kalyndis visits the book market. He keeps an eye out for Velofract's Tales of the Elder Gods, a volume that has some magical spells and knowledge that he has various contacts trying to locate. He makes clandestine enquiries as to how a Brass Fence, Nar'ioss, died (one of his contacts). The Noble visits the family librarian, taking evening tea with his formidable Aunt Zypassa.

Morir'ish: Take a stroll in the Imperial Flower Gardens, meeting with his peers and passes the time gossiping with them. After lunch he attends singing practice with family chorus-master, and then visits markets en route to the manse to track down some trinkets that Aunt Zypassa wants; he also takes them opportunity to pursue his enquiries about Narioss death. In the evening, Kalyndis attends the gala unveiling of new sculpture at House Xeduus Manse. Whilst there, he takes the opportunity to sneer at House Xeduus achievements and quietly spread malicious rumours about the house – provided he can give his official chaperones the slip.

Yii'lith: The Noble returns to an in-depth study of Ka'ellen's Arcana. He takes lunch with his cousin H'spa, a visiting Mage-Instructor from the Yar'atach'haim. They retire to one on the manse’s study rooms, where they spend the afternoon practising a few minor spells, and discussing magical theory. In the evening, the two start to make plans for the following week’s dinner party to celebrate H'spa's visit.

Sea'an: After a family meeting of the House Shi'arron Matriarchs, the junior Scions are told to make preparations necessary to show that House Xeduus will not outdo House Shia'arron. They have decided to hold a huge open-air concert upon the river in Jha'anixor. Kalyndis is left to arrange the schedule and order of the concert. After discussing arrangements for the concert with the Chorus-master, the Noble makes his way to the PeaceForcer stationhouse and plays the casually domineering noble asking after the affairs of a late, “friend of the family,” Narioss. With the arrival of Grand Matriarch Sarillis (called Grandmother Fang by most of the family, though never in her presence) there is a grand family banquet at the manse - a weekly requirement when Grandmother is in town. The entirety of House Shi'arron gathers to hear her opinions of their incompetence and foolishness.

Law and Order

The main power of law and order in Lonaraban resides with the Blue Mandragora Enforcers of the Peace, normally referred to as PeaceForcers, stationed in strategic locations throughout the island. All of them are well trained in both unarmed and armed combat, and they maintain a high level of discipline (both mental and physical). PeaceForcer units are well organised, especially as the enchanted SigilGem that each Mandragor wears enables them to communicate with each other. Perhaps the result of such co-operation and communication accounts for the deep bonds of loyalty between members of a PeaceForcer unit, known as a Sentinel. When another member of a Sentinel is slain or attacked, the remaining members will do everything in their power to hunt down and bring the perpetrator to justice. Some Sentinels have been known to pursue the murderers of a colleague for decades.

The magical SigilGem allows a wearer to send a brief telepathic message to another SigilGem bearer. Only the Blue and Brass know the correct gestures and incantations that can invoke the power of the gem, and it enables them to create a network of psychically linked PeaceForcers. The major drawback is that a thick barrier, such as rock, certain magical barriers, or being deep underground hampers the ability and makes it less effective.

A PeaceForcer Sentinel

The Sentinel consists of eleven Mandragora, comprised as follows:

• An experienced Sergeant, otherwise known as an Arbiter. Normally, these Mandragora have served at least 50 years in two or more roles within a unit. They also carry a SigilGem of greater power that enables them to communicate with other Sentinel Sergeants within a mile. Arbiters possess legal powers similar to judges or magistrates, with the authority to dispense summary justice without requiring a jury.

• Two Investigators. These are Mandragora trained in various detection skills, including scientific and alchemical disciplines. They do the groundwork upon cases and follow up on a variety of enquiries, such as theft, fraud, and murder. They take charge of such investigations and report directly to the Sergeant, and command the remaining PeaceForcers.

• A Locator trained in the ability to detect psychic emanations and possessing magical abilities including magic sense and empathy. They have the ability to pick up an object and sense an image of the last user of that object. Although an extremely useful ability in murder cases, further physical proof of guilt can be harder to come by.

• A BattleMagus trained to act in a support role, counteracting hostile magic cast at the Sentinel unit, and to also formulate the Sentinel’s own magical counterattack. With the SigilGem, BattleMagi from other Sentinels can co-ordinate their magical attacks with great precision.

• Six PeaceForcers. These are similar to the standard watchmen found in towns across the world of Duralyth. They are trained to a high degree in the law and combat disciplines. Normally these PeaceForcers serve for fifty years or more, before being trained in another of the Sentinel roles.

It is worth noting that the legal system in Lonaraban is almost completely enforced by the PeaceForcers. In most cases, the Sentinels act as judge, jury, and occasionally, executioner. There are only a few exceptions to this, the most notable being in the case of the nobility. Mandragora law states that High Mandragora must all be tried before their peers for “crimes of a serious nature”. This definition relies upon an Arbiter’s integrity, a rarely questioned quality.

All Sentinels operate out of buildings known as stationhouses. These buildings have a number of different functions: operating as a prison, armoury, apothecary and library. They also contain the living quarters for the Sentinel as well all the administrative staff and offices required by the PeaceForcers.

Although all stationhouses have detention cells and facilities, there is a single mountain prison known as, “the Mount”. The Mount is an unknown location deep within the mountains. There are rumours that only a few select Mandragora know its location, and only a stationhouse commander knows the spell required to send a prisoner there. Very few ever escape or emerge from the subterranean confines of the Mount.

The Military

The military forces of Lonaraban make a formidable foe. They are well equipped and trained, and they have vast magical resources to call upon. Every Mandragor receives some military training and all are expected to spend at least one year in every ten with the Mandragora army. A number of regular army troops are actually employed as Noble house soldiers, and there can be some considerable rivalry between units on the battlefield, the inevitable by-product of Mandragora society.

The Army is divided into battalions known as ‘Wings’. These Wings have eleven further divisions into units known as Talons, normally comprising a group of disparate Mandragora from different races. In addition to the basic form of the Talon as given below, it is common for Silver or Gold Mandragora to be added as additional support. For example, if heavy magical resistance was expected, then many BattleMagi would be attached to a Wing, and dispersed throughout the Talons accordingly.

Talon members are equipped on an ad-hoc basis, and most fight with weapons that have been passed down through generations. Mandragora armies rely heavily upon their infantry forces and their tactics usually involve swift hit and fade assaults, retreating before reprisals take place. Although rarely used, the Mandragora Wings mount some troops as heavy cavalry, normally used to shatter tight formations of enemy troops. This heavy cavalry normally consists giant Monitor lizards, extremely strong and sturdy mounts (clad in heavy armour, studded with wicked spikes and blades). Aerial units are assigned as scouts, normally flights of Wyvern-riders, equipped with lances and bows - although Aeromancer transports are also used.

The fast-attack strategy leads most non-Mandragora tacticians to assume that Mandragora armies will fight among themselves given half a chance, an assumption that is often proved to be fatally wrong. Mandragora Wings remember their persecution by other races all too well, and although a strong rivalry may exist, they will unite as a cohesive unit when faced with a common threat.

A Mandragora Talon

A typical Mandragora Talon is comprised as follows:

• One Gold Flight Leader (Lieutenant), either a warrior or a BattleMagus. The Flight Leaders are expected to be self sufficient and stand upon their own two feet, and any rivalry between Talons is not expected to interfere with their mission.

• 2 Blue PeaceForcers, who act as Sergeants and who also as disciplinarians if required. Talons are often split into two teams when embarked upon a mission, and the Blue are assigned to lead each detachment of the divided team. They report directly to the Flight Leader.

• 2 Brass CrystalSingers linked to the StrifeGem. The CrystalSingers are expected to provide a psychic link with the StrifeGem, and act as communications liaisons between the command structure and Flight leaders. Through their link with the StrifeGem, they are also expected to provide tactical and strategic knowledge.

• 2 Scouts (Black, Green, or White Mandragora, depending on the environment). The variety of different terrain means that scouts can come from a variety of different castes, but normally there are two different Mandragora subspecies operating as scouts within in a Talon.

• 11 Archers (Green, or White Mandragora) or 11 Infantrymen (Black, Copper, Green or White Mandragora) or 11 Marines (Bronze). As the most basic unit of the Mandragora army, the compositions of these infantry units tend to be dependent upon the actual environment. For example, a naval Talon is more likely to have Bronze marines as its main complement.

As can be seen from above, no Red Mandragor is found as part of a standard Talon. Red Mandragora have a strong sense of their own identity and dislike fighting alongside their brethren from different castes. Instead, Red Mandragora are commonly found within their own units, comprising as follows:

• 1 Red Flight Leader, normally a veteran of many combats. The post of Flight Leader in a Red Talon is normally an honorary one that often involves defeating any challengers in single combat. They are also expected to lead the charge into combat, the first in and the last out.

• 1 FireCaller. This experienced Magus is normally a highly skilled individual, capable of invoking a variety of different shielding and blasting spells. Most FireCallers have been seconded to the same Red Mandragora Talon for a number of years.

• 2 Apprentice FireCallers. These lower-ranking members of their order are normally expected to carry out the menial duties of the more senior member of their order. Nonetheless, they are expected to hold their own in combat, and know their own devastating magical spells. Eventually, if they prove themselves worthy enough, they in turn will be seconded to Red Mandragora Talons of their own.

• 1 Brass CrystalSinger linked to the StrifeGem, and they are expected to provide their tactical and strategic information. For most CrystalSingers, being seconded to a Red Mandragora Talon is a punishment that they could live without. Needless to say the Red Mandragora continuously remind them of their “superiority”, and the CrystalSingers in return are capable of finding various methods to repay Red Mandragora insults. Unfortunately, such retaliation only adds to the antagonism in the ranks.

• 11 Red Mandragora Warriors. These Warriors are of all ages and of both sexes, but they are expected to fulfil their roles as soldiers to the best of their ability, irrespective of experience. Bonds between Talon members are extremely strong, and sometimes an entire family has become a Talon.

Institutions & Societies

There are a variety of cults and secret societies that exist within Mandragora society. Most of these are little more than ritualised drinking clubs, but some institution’s function as concealment for darker purposes such as bigotry, terrorism, and demon worship. A number of these factions and groups are listed below.

Cults

Various cults exist throughout all levels of Mandragora society. Several of these are little more than a front for something considerably darker, such as demon worship. The Church of Mandrathea and The PeaceForcers always respond to the appearance of a cult with intense scrutiny. In recent years, both the Church and PeaceForcers have noted an increasing trend among the Nobility to involve themselves in these cults, some of which have had scandalous repercussions for the families involved. At the darkest level, it is believed that certain cults actively worship demons and acquire power through their demonic patrons. Both the Church and the PeaceForcers regard these sorts of cults as an abomination and they will stop such activities by all necessary means. There are rumours of a special PeaceForcer unit that allegedly exists to eliminate such threats, with carte blanche to use all necessary means to stamp out cult activity. Further rumours suggest that they are answerable only to the Empress herself or the Justicar of House Protector.

Dark Aspect Magi

Perhaps one of the most insidious and potentially devastating political groups is that of the Dark Aspect. They eschew the conventional, ‘safe’ magic taught within the Yar’atach’haim, instead focusing upon some of the forbidden spells and rituals that deal with necromancy, spiritualism, and demonology. They associate only with other ‘known’ Dark Aspect Magi, and are paranoid in the extreme. Those found casting spells from the Dark Aspect are stripped of all magical powers and imprisoned or worse. With Mandragora life spans being what they are, many of these magi choose to die by their own magic than be taken into custody and face a prison term.

Guilds

A variety of professional organisations exist within the commerce of Lonaraban. These guilds are powerful political entities within the urban areas, and members tend to be well paid. Those tradesmen that do not have guild membership commonly find themselves boycotted and life is extremely hard for these individuals. In addition to trade institutions, a number of guilds exist outside the common commerce basis of Lonaraban economy. Magi have their own guild, as do Physicians, but there are underground guilds such as the Thieves Guild which apparently takes a tithe from their members – a concept of organised crime taken to extremes. The PeaceForcers would dearly love to get their claws on high-ranking Thieves Guild members.

Isolationists

Isolationist groups normally consist of a number of Mandragora of the same caste or colour that believe in maintaining closed borders and wish to have no contact with the outside world. There are a large number of Mandragora who believe this, (including some Gold) who regard the reopening of relations with humans with considerable distaste. The Red and White Mandragora have also been known to carry these ideals to extremes. Although the majority of these displays of xenophobia are little more than posturing, outbreaks of violence toward travellers within isolationist domains are not unknown.

Rebels

Rebels are secretive and paranoid, almost to a fault. In the majority of cases they are political idealists and hotheads, but some work toward changing the system - sometimes from within, sometimes through violence. It is rumoured amongst the citizen caste that a Noble House, seeking to disgrace an opponent, has fuelled some outbreaks of civil unrest and discontent. PeaceForcers take a considerable interest in the activities of rebels and those who prove slightly too convincing or charismatic tend to swiftly disappear from the public view. The majority of rebels come from the citizen caste, and they vary in their skills, backgrounds, wealth, and situation. As yet, there appears to be no central organisation to the rebel cells, as nearly all have different reasons and ideas for trying to change Mandragora society. Much of their time is spent battling with each other in brawls, or indulging in lengthy drunken debates in the city taverns.

Renegade Mandragora

While the majority of Mandragora society is content with their castes and assigned roles, some take exception, and strike out on their own - they are Renegades. Most dwell far from the centres of Mandragora civilisation, while those who dwell within urban areas frequently conceal any additional outward signs of following a career other than those specified by the Shirr’haim. A number of renegades become Dark Aspect Magi, more out of necessity than of any real need for power. However, the term ‘Renegade’ is relative - many Mandragora sometimes acquire skills that could cause them to be seen as Renegades by others in Mandragora society.

Separatists

Separatists should not be confused with the Isolationists above. Separatists wish to break off from Mandragora society and form their own sovereign nation. Although nowhere near as conservative as isolationists they have strong feelings about their own cultural identity, and the majority of Mandragora who believe such normally dwell in remote areas, such as the mountains. This was the initial reason for the creation of the Thanedoms of the White Mandragora. They were so vociferous in their demands for their own sovereignty that the Shirr’haim had to grant them this privilege – with one provision. All eligible Princes must take a wife of Gold Mandragora heritage (who becomes the sovereign Thane of the clan), an agreement that continues even today. In this way the Shirr’haim (through a Noble House) still have some control over the mountain kingdoms.