Background Detail

From: Michael Schwartz <mschwartz_at_...>
Date: Thu, 26 Apr 2001 02:57:04 -0400


Here is some detailed background material from my "Lonisisaga" campaign, for your perusal and/or enjoyment. :)

Based on information provided by Jeff Richard and others, I am currently of the opinion that the Runegate clans came from Kethaela, albeit from the Esrolian side of Shadow Plateau. They dwelled in the foothills of the Skyreach Mountains, nestled somewhere between the Cross Line and the borders of Esrolia, possibly near Arkat's Hold above the Upper Lysos River Valley or further north along the Runnel River Valley. The decision to abandon these lands came about, as we know from our clan creation, after signs and portents were sent by the gods indicating that the Lonisi (and its sibling clans) should migrate north into Dragon Pass. All these old lands were claimed over time by those clans which eventually formed, or would join, the Two Sisters faction of northern Esrolia.

The entire clan, and most likely the entire triarchy, picked up and moved to Dragon Pass en masse. As the gods told them to migrate, relations with the Pharoah need not have been good or bad. Given the clan's history fighting Lokamayadon (his Dara Happan general in Kethaela, Palangio the Iron Vrok, possibly) and their hero-worship of Arkat, they were probably allies of the Only Old One and thus would not hold especially high esteem for the Pharoah. They may have just cautiously decided to wait for a good opportunity to rebel, and received a divine mandate afterward. The clan has no real history of animosity toward trolls, other than the usual survival stories from the Vingkotling Age. Everyone fought trolls then, as they allied with the Vadrudi, so there is nothing new there. From this and their ancient enmity with the Dara Happans, I surmise that the clan most likely opposed the Pharaoh, in favor of the Only Old One.

Where the gods are concerned, despite Elmal's importance due to the connection with Beren the Rider... whom the Lonisi comsider an ancestral hero... they are *not* an Elmal clan. Of equal importance is Vingkot Victorious, whose magics aided the Lonisi in their battles against Dara Happa. Due to their ancient bond with the remnants of the Kodigvari and their own traditions, the Lonisi are not only accepting of Dari chieftains but Orendanae and Anatyri as well. They traditionally favor the rites of Vingkot High King over those of Heort and Alakoring, but are not opposed to either of the latter. Yinkin the Alynx is also a popular deity among the clan, for *very* ancient reasons. Redalda the Horse Goddess is another whom the Lonisi revere as an ancestral hero, as the daughter of Vingkot and husband of Beren. Almost needless to say, the Lonisi breed some of the finest horses and alynxes which can be found in Kerofinela.


--
Michael Richard Schwartz | Language is my playground,
mschwartz_at_... | and words, its slides and
Ann Arbor, Michigan  USA | swingsets. -- yours truly

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