An
Encyclopaedia of Noailiat’s Unreal World
Welcome to my encyclopaedia. For those of you bored enough
to stumble in here, this document is an exhaustive account of all the places,
people and major items mentioned in the “Kran’s Fall” and “Nalipal Trilogy”
canon. As well as information that can be gleaned directly from the
so-far-released texts, this document contains connections between the stories
that you may have missed, and teasers (but not major spoilers) for stories as
yet unreleased. There is also a spattering of non-canon material within this
text, but since it came “from the horse’s mouth”, you can treat it as official.
The encyclopaedia also makes reference to the texts in the
Na’thali Library of Nali Scriptures, semi-canon text from the abortive map Above
the Clouds, which followed one of our favourite Nali characters as he tries
to liberate his sky island from a sudden incursion of Skaarj. For your
reference, the texts of the Nali scriptures are included in Appendix I.
Any words in boldface are cross-references to other
entries in the encyclopaedia; I’m sure they’ll have you scrolling like crazy.
Enjoy!
Amoeba – Type of space vermin encountered by the ISV-Kran
just prior to its fateful crash on Na Pali. The Amoeba was possessed of
a rare acidic genetic structure that rendered the creature’s very flesh a
powerful weapon.
Ancathope – Type of unsightly wildlife
native to the forests of the planet Na Pali. An omnivorous creature, the
Ancathope’s typical diet is a mixture of leaf mould and exotic fungi, for which
the creatures spend a great deal of their time foraging.
Ancathope meat was on sale in Avenati Market when Luca
visited it following Halil’s abduction by Mittari.
Argmanov, Kira – A Terran female, Kira
was assigned to the ISV-Kran prior to its crash on Na Pali, and
held the rank of Ensign. Her official role on that ship was of Science Officer,
and as such she was part of the first away team to leave the ship after its
crash.
Kira was captured by a Hunting Party soon after
making first contact with the Nali, intelligent natives of the planet.
Her Skaarj captors, led by Ssja’Rath, interrogated her with
relation to the Inuit Corporation’s alleged weapon deals with the Mercenaries.
However, Kira escaped Skaarj capture with the aid of a Nali monk called Kruun.
When Kira discovered that the rest of the ISV-Kran crew were
dead, she led a band of monks from the monastery of Bluff Eversmoking to
become the Nali Resistance. Over the period of a year, Kira and her
followers rid Na Pali of the occupying force of the Skaarj, hence fulfilling
the Nali prophecy of the Avenging Angel.
With their mission completed, Kira and the Nali Resistance
settled at the Na Lati Castle, and there they remained until the Skaarj
sent attack vessel Shrekta’Naaji to Na Pali. The mission of the crew,
led by K’tha’Rath, was to eliminate Kira and the Nali Resistance so that
the Skaarj could re-occupy the planet. Kira and a few of her followers from the
resistance, Kuuna, Huratha and Juura, set out to locate
the Shrekta’Naaji, which was located on the Bluff of Shokkar, and to
destroy the newly arrived Skaarj. They succeeded, but not before Kira was
killed by a member of the attack force, a Skaarj Trooper by the name of Vrathi’Naar.
Kira’s body was taken away to be interred on the sky island
of Na’thali. Her sacrifice bought the Nali people four years of peace
before the Skaarj returned in force to occupy the planet once again.
Arthuri – Nali innkeeper of the Cow’s Head Inn
in Avenati Town. Arthuri was on duty when Kira Argmanov and her
followers Kuuna, Huratha and Juura stayed for the night
following the landing of the Shrekta’Naaji on the Bluff of Shokkar.
When the inn was attacked by a Hunting Party of Skaarj as Kira
and her followers slept, Arthuri was kept up all night afterwards repairing the
damage to his inn.
Arthuri was still the resident innkeeper seven years later
when Luca visited the inn while searching for information relating to
the whereabouts of Halil following her abduction by Mittari.
Somewhat against his better judgment, Arthuri allowed regular barfly Thasjiis
to get young Luca drunk on ale in the process of giving him the information he
sought.
ASMD – Energy weapon of Terran design. The ASMD is
capable of firing a needle-accurate energy discharge that hits its target
instantly, and is also capable of firing a slower-moving projectile that does
more damage but takes longer to reach its target. If hit with the primary
firing mode, the energy projectile can be detonated for massive damage.
ASMD Core – Ammunition canister for the ASMD.
The ASMD core contains enough energy for ten rounds of fire, but if unleashed
all at once and without appropriate control, would produce enough force to
demolish a small building.
Attack Cruiser – Class of space ship used by the
Skaarj, and a design that continues to receive rolling upgrades over
time. The primary role of the Attack Cruiser is to transport Skaarj forces and
weapons to their target, but the ship is also fitted with a defensive shield,
twin type-XII laser disruptors, and a Cloak – as well as the ability to
clean and repair itself after damage. The Shrekta’Naaji was a ship of
this class.
Automag – Primitive but effective ballistic weapon of Terran
design, capable of firing bullets in two different modes of variable rate and
accuracy.
Avenati Market – A large open-air market held
daily in the central square of Avenati Town. Among the items on sale
when Kira Argmanov and her followers passed through the town in search
of the Shrekta’Naaji were meats, cheeses, herbs, root vegetables and
even hay. One shady-looking storekeeper was selling bandages, ammunition and
other alien equipment.
When Luca visited Avenati Market during his search
for Halil following her abduction by Mittari, stalls at the market
included: a butcher selling the meat of Nali Cow, Nali Rabbit and
Ancathope, as well as – for one day only – Slith tails; a
greengrocer, selling (among other things) roots of the Litha Plant and Thanilayan
Apples; a grocer selling candles and tallow; and finally a draper, selling
colourful rugs from the sky island of Na’thali.
Avenati Town – Large, sprawling Nali
town occupying the mountains between the Na Lati Plains and the Na
Lati Coast and Shokkar Coast. Avenati town is built around a central
square with wide, paved roads spreading out from it; the many houses, chapels
and inns between these roads are connected by a series of smaller lanes. Among
the town’s many inns is The Cow’s Head, where Kira Argmanov and
her followers Kuuna, Huratha and Juura stayed at this inn
whilst searching for the Shrekta’Naaji.
The town’s central square is also home to Avenati Market,
a hive of daily activity. Luca visited Avenati Town in his search for Halil
after she was abducted by Mittari, visiting Avenati Market and the Cow’s
Head Inn on the way.
The market square is a large open space, bordered by trees
and bearing a statue of Glathriel at its centre.
Avenging Angel – Ancient Nali scriptures
prophesy that the Avenging Angel of the Nali will come from the stars in their
time of need, to write the wrongs done by the Sky Demons. In her quest
to rid Na Pali of the Skaarj, Kira Argmanov became
considered by many Nali to be the Avenging Angel herself.
Backpack – Type of bag often worn by Nali in
migration. The Backpack is slung over the Nali’s back by means of a pair of
straps that slide over the arms and rest on the shoulders. Backpacks are large
enough to carry food, medical supplies and even weapons if necessary. Backpacks
are often woven out of the rough fibres of the native Tintsaea Plant. Luca
owned such a Backpack, and used it to carry a variety of items when on his
search for Halil following her abduction by Mittari, including
food, maps and even a Dispersion Pistol.
Batai d’va – Nali phrase that roughly
translates as “Come here” or “Follow me”.
Binoculars – Twin-lensed device that can be
used to make distant objects appear closer. The Skaarj who landed on the
Bluff of Shokkar in the Shrekta’Naaji used a pair of Electronic
Binoculars to observe the progress of Kira Argmanov and her friend Huratha,
who were crossing Lake Shokkar in a rowing boat.
Biorifle – Weapon of Mercenary design. The GES
Biorifle uses waste Tarydium Sludge to create an explosive projectile
with toxic properties that is lobbed like a grenade. The weapon possesses the
ability to charge up a variable sized blob of sludge prior to release.
A Biorifle was among the numerous weapons found on the ISV-Kran
by the Skaarj commander Ssja’Rath and the Hunting Party
from Outpost 3J, leading Ssja’Rath to believe that the Inuit
Corporation was trafficking arms to the Mercenaries.
Blood Wrath – A kind of suicidal rage that
can come upon a Skaarj when all his comrades are dead. During the Blood
Wrath the strength and speed of the Skaarj are heightened by adrenalin and
self-preservation is disregarded. When under the Blood Wrath, a Skaarj is a
truly deadly foe.
Bluff Eversmoking – Monastery on Na Pali not
far from the Dasa Mountain Pass. The monastery gets its name from the isolated
bluff on which it is built, high above a natural lake. Until the Skaarj
occupation of the planet, Bluff Eversmoking was a peaceful place of meditation
and worship populated entirely by male Nali monks. When the Skaarj
arrived, however, they and their Krall minions used Bluff Eversmoking as
a base and shipping station between Outpost 3J and the storage cellars
at Dasa Pass. Bluff Eversmoking under Skaarj control also featured a large
detention area composed of old storage chambers.
Various people were imprisoned in this improvised dungeon
under the supervision of the Krall jailer Hrang. Among those imprisoned
were the Nali brothers Kruun, Kriin and Kuuna, and Kruun’s
friend Jaara. Also briefly imprisoned here was the Terran female Kira
Argmanov, although she was rescued by Kruun, who had himself escaped
imprisonment by means of the sewers connecting the dungeon area to other parts
of the monastery.
It was after Bluff Eversmoking was cleared of Skaarj by Prisoner
849 that Kira Argmanov (who had been hiding in the bell tower) led the
remaining monks into becoming the Nali Resistance and drove the Skaarj
from the planet, thereby fulfilling the ancient Nali prophecy of the Avenging
Angel.
Bluff of Shokkar – Rocky island between Lake
Shokkar and the open sea. The Bluff of Shokkar has sheer rocky cliffs
leading up to a flat plateau, on top of which stand the ruins of an ancient Nali
fortress. The plateau is a sacred place to the Nali people. It was also the
chosen landing site of the Shrekta’Naaji, an Attack Cruiser sent
to Na Pali by the Skaarj in a bid to re-take the planet.
The Bluff of Shokkar was the site of Kira Argmanov’s
final battle. Kira was killed here by the Skaarj jailer Vrathi’Naar
after she and her Nali followers had successfully eliminated the rest of
the Skaarj attack force. The island was later visited by the Nali children Luca
and Halil, who rowed out from the nearby harbour town of Nalipal
to explore the island, which had gone untrodden by Nali foot since Kira’s death
six years previously. On the island they found the Shrekta’Naaji, still
functional although long since abandoned by its Skaarj controllers.
Bywonda – Nali exclamation of surprise and fear. There is no
known exact translation for it at this time.
Ch’tharoth – Nali God of Fire and one
of the Gods of the Good Lore. As well as giving Na Pali its fiery
core, Ch’tharoth is said to have created the Gasbags, “a race of floating,
fire-breathing daemons to seek out and destroy all those who showed signs of
drawing to arms” in a bid to bring peace to Na Pali’s war-torn days of yore.
Chizra – Nali God of Water and one of the Gods of
the Good Lore. Chizra is said to have given Na Pali its life-giving
seas and rivers, and holds a temple not far from the ruined Skaarj mine
of Rrajigar. Widely regarded as a benevolent and peaceful God, the Nali
often call upon Chizra to protect their kin in times of strife.
Clip – Ammunition pack for the Automag. A clip can
hold twenty rounds, after which it must be exchanged for a fresh clip. An
Automag and a couple of clips were left for Kira Argmanov by Prisoner
849 when he discovered her slumbering in the bell tower at Bluff
Eversmoking.
Command Dome – Type of field headquarters
often erected by Skaarj attack forces on first landing. Use of Command
Domes is widespread due to their short construction time and versatile
applications.
Commune dei Fiori – Community of Nali that
live in a large sandstone fortress near the southern end of the Na Lati
Coast. Presided over by Father Orgio, the order believe in free love
and bountiful living, and the castle is festooned with plants in celebration of
life and fertility. The Nali of the commune live somewhat cut off from regular
Nali society, breaking established codes in many ways – for instance, Nali of
the Commune dei Fiori do not conform to the accepted code of Nali Clothing,
preferring to wear long, flowing, colourful robes.
Seeking shelter from a summer rainstorm, Luca and Skrill
were welcomed by Father Orgio and Sister Tintsaea. Luca and Skrill
stayed for two nights, with Luca becoming increasingly restless because of his
urge to continue searching for Halil, who had been recently abducted by Mittari.
Luca eventually fled after a close encounter with a forthright Sister
Tintsaea, accompanied by Skrill, who had been intending to stay until the
Nali of the commune tried to force him to take a bath.
Concussion Staff – Type of weapon operated by Krall
under Skaarj command. The weapon acts both as a powerful melee armament
and a moderately effective ranged weapon, being capable of firing a brightly
coloured energy bolt with a fair capacity to damage.
Containment Field – Technology widespread on Terran
space ships. A containment field creates an impassable barrier that is used
equally for sealing off rooms, protecting engine cores and restraining
laboratory specimens. Several Amoebas were being stored within a Containment
Field in the Science and Research Lab of the ISV-Kran prior
to its crash-landing on Na Pali.
Corran – Rugged planet known for its beautiful red and
mauve sunsets. Kira Argmanov and Nikolai Onalopov were to travel
to Corran for their honeymoon prior to the crash of the ISV-Kran on Na
Pali.
Cow Cart – Means of road transport widely used on Na Pali.
A wooden cart is towed by a pair of Nali Cows tethered to its front end.
Travel by cow cart is slow and occasionally bumpy, but the cows are capable of
towing a great deal of weight, allowing traders to transport their wares with
ease.
Na Lati Town, Avenati Town and Nalipal
all saw regular trade by Cow Carts.
Cow’s Head, The – Inn at Avenati Town,
near the northern cliff. Kira Argmanov and her Nali followers Kuuna,
Huratha and Juura stayed at the Cow’s Head to rest on their
journey to find the landing site of the Shrekta’Naaji, but the inn was
raided overnight by a Hunting Party of Skaarj. The surprise
attack left most of the travellers unconscious, except for Kuuna, who
was taken away to the Bluff of Shokkar for interrogation.
Arthuri was the innkeeper of the Cow’s Head. One of his best
customers was Thasjiis, a regular barfly and friend of Arthuri’s. Luca
visited the Cow’s Head on one occasion, searching for information about the
disappearance of Halil.
Daghetta Pass – Hazardous mountain route
between Noth’Hanti Town and the Spire Village to the south. The
route used to be widely travelled by Nali making pilgrimage, but fell
into disuse after the once sacred Sunspire mountain was overwhelmed by
the Skaarj and later abandoned by the Nali.
Deunaberry – A type of bush native to Na
Pali. The Deunaberry bush bears a sweet fruit with a flavour not entirely
dissimilar to the Earth Loganberry, and is often used by the Nali
to make a sweet drink called Deunaberry Cordial. Deunaberry Cordial was on sale
at the Fisherman Inn in Nalipal.
Devilfish – Type of aggressive, carnivorous
wildlife native to Na Pali’s waters. The black coloured, oily skinned
Devilfish is ubiquitous on Na Pali, occupying salt waters and fresh waters
alike. Luca and Halil caught a Devilfish whilst fishing on the
pier at Nalipal, which they later presented to their elderly friend Philona.
Devilfish were also on sale at Netarani’s stall in Nalipal Market,
and occupied the waters of the lake below Bluff Eversmoking.
Dispersion Pistol – Generic design of sidearm
popular with both Terran and Skaarj forces due to its
self-recharging capability. With appropriate equipment, the Dispersion Pistol
can also be upgraded to any of four superior power levels to its basic,
energy-discharging design.
Luca carried a Dispersion Pistol left behind by his late
father Lit’harani when he set off to search for Halil following
her abduction by Mittari.
Dorro – Krall operative working under jailer Hrang
at Bluff Eversmoking during its occupation by the Skaarj. Dorro
was somewhat simple; he truly sucked at Death Bones, and was often slow to
respond to instructions. Along with most of the Krall population of Bluff
Eversmoking, Dorro was killed when Prisoner 849 passed through the
outpost.
During an attack by a Hunting Party, Dubrov was
knocked out and Kira was captured by the Skaarj, but Dubrov was taken
care of by Tatiana and a Nali native. When he was back to full health, he and
Tatiana led a rescue party to find Kira. They travelled up the Sunspire
mountain and through the Na Pali Haven, but were killed at the entrance
to Bluff Eversmoking by the monastery’s Skaarj guards.
Earth – Planet inhabited by Terrans. Kira Argmanov
and the crew of the ISV-Kran hailed from this once lush planet now
largely urbanised by the so-called Planetary City.
Eightball Gun – Six-barrelled handheld rocket
launcher, another weapon popular with both Terran and Skaarj
forces due to its versatile applications. As well as loading up to six rockets
that can fire in a spread or circle, the rockets can be made to lock onto a
heat source, or to be fired as grenades without projection.
Electric Prod – Interrogation device used by Skaarj
jailer Vrathi’Naar against the Nali captive Kuuna, at the
instruction of Vrathi’Naar’s commander K’tha’Rath. The prod could
deliver a severe electric shock of adjustable magnitude. Kuuna did not give way
to Vrathi’Naar’s interrogations despite the pain induced by the Electric Prod,
although Huratha later successfully used the prod at a high power level
to disable Vrathi’Naar in a bid to rescue Kuuna.
Flak Cannon – Type of powerful weapon
kitbashed by the Skaarj from various engine parts. The Flak Cannon takes as
ammunition large shrapnel-filled Flak Shells, which can be lobbed whole to
great explosive effect, or simply emptied at close range to shred the flesh of
the enemy.
Flare – Type of widespread portable illumination device
that, once ignited, will illuminate an entire area for a short period of time
before it burns out. Halil used a Flare of Skaarj design from the Shrekta’Naaji
to start a fire while she and Luca rested between assaults on the newly
erected Skaarj Command Domes in a nearby crater.
Flashlight – Type of handheld, portable
illumination used by Skaarj and Terran forces. The Flashlight
uses an electric battery pack to provide bright, focused illumination for a
limited period of time. Flashlights can often be recharged once drained if an
appropriate power source is available.
Foundry – One of the two Tarydium plants nearest to
the Nali settlement of Noth’Hanti Town. Foundry was where the raw
Tarydium from Rrajigar mine was processed and refined, until the
plant was destroyed by the Nali Resistance, who found it strangely
empty.
Glathriel – Legendary champion of the Gods
of the Good Lore. Glathriel led a crusade against the machinations Velora.
Many Nali settlements (including Avenati Town) feature statues
dedicated to Glathriel, and many smaller villages are named after him.
Gods of the Good Lore – A group of Nali Gods
credited with the creation of Na Pali and of the Nali race. The
Gods of the Good Lore were Eelhandra, God of earth; Vandora, Goddess of
Lightning; Chizra, God of Water; and Ch’tharoth, God of Fire.
When Velora, God of War arose and set the Nali against each other, the
Gods of the Good Lore banded together to keep Velora at bay and restore peace
to the Nali world.
Gryphon System – A solar system unusual for its
twin-star configuration. The seven planets, which follow an elliptical orbit
around the two stars, include the fourth planet colloquially known as Na
Pali, the only planet in the system known to support life.
Haboujii – Nali expression of surprise, sometimes used as a
greeting when the visitor is unexpected. In this case, it roughly translates as
“Hello!”
Halil – Young female Nali, resident to the town of Nalipal,
and daughter to Latana. She and Luca, with whom she had a very
close bond, were known to the townspeople of Nalipal as a relentlessly curious
pair of mischief-makers.
When Luca chose to row out to the Bluff of Shokkar,
Halil accompanied him willingly despite some misgivings, and the two of them
discovered the abandoned Skaarj ship Shrekta’Naaji atop the
plateau. Once they had discovered how to operate the ship with the aid of a Universal
Translator, Halil was as swept up in the enthusiasm of discovery as Luca
was, and the two Nali took a joyride in the ship that ended in tragedy as they
accidentally killed Kew the Elder, one of Nalipal’s most loved citizens.
The death of Kew affected Halil deeply and caused
difficulties with her father Latana. Halil and Luca were ostracised by the
town, and when three Skaarj ships launched an attack on Na Pali, she and
Luca set off in pursuit in the Shrekta’Naaji in search of redemption.
When their first attack on the Skaarj landing site failed, Halil supported Luca as he began to go to pieces, and in the end her quick thinking saved both their lives as their second attack on the landing site almost ended in disaster.
One year later, Halil befriended Mittari, a twenty year-old Nali stranger who came to Nalipal, almost at the expense of her friendship with Luca. Mittari, however, turned out to be a traitor and abducted Halil to a Krall outpost at Minatha Bay on the Na Lati Coast, that had been established by the Skaarj as a precursor to a third occupation of the planet. Halil was interrogated regarding the destruction of their landing site in the previous year, but Halil told them nothing, feeling confident that she would be rescued by Luca, which she eventually was, with the help of a young Krall called Skrill.
Haversack – Type of bag often carried by
travelling Nali. Smaller than a Backpack, a haversack is
typically slung across the body and suspended by a single strap from the
opposing shoulder. Luca owned such a haversack, carrying food in it when
he and Halil travelled to the Bluff of Shokkar.
Hen – Type of avian livestock kept by Nali for
their meat, feathers and eggs. Kuri had a pen of hens behind his house
at Mein’Haar Falls.
Hrang – Krall jailer who was in charge of the
dungeon at Bluff Eversmoking when the monastery was under Skaarj
control. Hrang was prone to beating up prisoners to whom he took a dislike, in
particular Kira Argmanov.
After Prisoner 849 ransacked the Skaarj outpost at
Bluff Eversmoking, Hrang was the only Krall to escape alive. He joined a rogue
band of Krall that attacked the Na Lati Castle some time later. When it
turned out that the castle was inhabited by Kira Argmanov and her Nali
Resistance, Hrang’s attack soon crumbled and he and his band of Krall ended
up guarding the fortress in exchange for accommodation in the castle’s cellars
and food.
Hunting Party – Term used to describe a band of
Skaarj on an investigative mission. A hunting party acts as a
single-minded and powerful force, and often leaves a trail of destruction in
its wake. If required, hunting parties are adept at taking prisoners.
One such hunting party was assigned to investigate the crash
of the ISV-Kran from their base at Outpost 3J. They descended to
the Spire Village via the Sunspire, and on arrival found a group
of Terrans fighting a Titan. The hunting party worked together to
kill the Titan, before turning on the Terrans and capturing one of their
number, Kira Argmanov.
A year later, Kira ran into a Skaarj Hunting Party again, as
they attacked the room in the Cow’s Head Inn where she and her comrades
were resting and captured her friend Kuuna. This latter hunting party was
somewhat smaller, but equally efficient.
Huratha – Dependable and down-to-earth Nali who was
born and raised in Na Lati Town. Over the course of the Skaarj
occupation of Na Pali, Huratha joined the Nali Resistance
movement under Kira Argmanov.
Huratha was one of the three Nali who accompanied Kira in
her search for the landing site of the Shrekta’Naaji when the Skaarj
first returned to Na Pali. Whilst their comrade Kuuna was captured and
their other comrade Juura too badly injured to continue, Huratha stayed
by Kira’s side until the very end, when they reached the Bluff of Shokkar
and found the Skaarj ship. Once there, Huratha successfully freed Kuuna from
imprisonment while Kira held off the Skaarj emerging from the ship, but he was
unable to save Kira from a final attack after the battle had been won that cost
Kira her life.
Huratha remained in the movement under Kuuna’s leadership,
and when Kuuna was killed in battle Huratha took over as leader. After four
years of peace, it was Huratha who reassembled the resistance to fight off the
Skaarj once more, and it was this Huratha who encountered a lonely Nali named Mishra
after clearing out a Skaarj base.
Mishra joined the resistance and fought by Huratha’s side,
but through his own irrationality cost one of Huratha’s comrades his life.
Despite the loss of Lit’harani, Huratha gave Mishra a second chance, but
this proved a mistake, as Mishra’s actions resulted in the deaths of three more
of Huratha’s party.
Huratha was captured by the Skaarj on the Sunspire
soon afterwards, and it was only then that Mishra redeemed himself by rescuing
Huratha at the cost of his own life.
When the battles were finally over, Huratha retired to the
sky haven of Na’thali, where Kira’s body had been interred years
previously. Living on the outskirts of town, he hoped to find a quieter life.
Inuit Corporation – Terran corporation that
operated several space vessels, of which the ISV-Kran was one. Although
Inuit flew its ships under a banner of scientific exploration, it actually
transpired that Inuit had been trafficking weapons to other races – among them,
the Mercenaries.
Jaara – Nali monk at Bluff Eversmoking,
brother to Juura and best friend to Kuuna. Jaara was among those
imprisoned by the Skaarj in the improvised dungeon beneath the
monastery, and was killed as punishment when Kuuna’s brother Kruun
escaped from his cell.
Jet Launch – Small water going craft
operated by the Skaarj, capable of carrying four Skaarj but small enough
to be carried in the hold of an Attack Cruiser. The Shrekta’Naaji
was equipped with such a launch, which was used by the Skaarj Hunting Party
that captured Kuuna. For moving larger numbers of troops, the Skaarj
would use a Motor Launch.
Juura was timid, but was also very loyal to Kira. It took a
long time for Juura to become accustomed to fighting, and although he was never
the Nali Resistance’s strongest fighter, his skill with medicine
rendered him invaluable to the group, and he survived two Skaarj occupations –
first under the command of Kira, then Kuuna, then Huratha.
K’hranna, Grok – Krall administrator of the
Skaarj outpost at Minatha Bay, but subordinate overall to an
unknown Skaarj Warrior. Grok K’hranna ordered Ka’thar to guard
the captive Halil before setting off to deal with the incursion of Luca
and Skrill. It is assumed that Grok K’hranna escaped with most of the
staff of the base by a Motor Launch following the base’s destruction by
Luca.
K’tha’Rath – Respected Skaarj Officer
and First Talon of the Ssa’Rath. When K’tha’Rath discovered that his
blood-brother Ssja’Rath had been killed by Kira Argmanov and her
followers, K’tha’Rath personally volunteered to head the Skaarj attack force
that landed on Na Pali with the mission to capture and kill Kira so that
the Skaarj could re-colonise the planet without resistance. K’tha’Rath was
killed when he took the blades of a Razorjack to the head in a fight to
the death with Kira on the Bluff of Shokkar.
Ka’thar – Krall guard of the Skaarj outpost at Minatha Bay. Ka’thar was taken down by the combined attack of Luca and Skrill as he attempted to guard the captive Halil, but not before he had reported their incursion to Grok K’hranna.
Kew the Elder – Respected former Nali
adventurer who settled down in the town of Nalipal to see out his
twilight years. Kew enjoyed looking after the crops of Tintsaea and Rye
Grain he kept outside his cliff top home and was very fond of the young
Nali Luca, in whom he saw some of his own adventurous spirit. As such,
it was an extra tragedy when he was killed accidentally by the Shrekta’Naaji
under the control of Luca and his friend Halil.
Kew was rumoured to have been keen on the innkeeper Tari’s
daughter.
Krall – A race of dim reptilian creatures who were once
dominated by the Skaarj and who now serve them willingly. Parties of
Krall are normally assigned to patrol outlying areas of Skaarj control, such as
fortresses and cellars commandeered by the Skaarj for storage purposes. Among
locations guarded by Krall during the first Skaarj occupation of Na Pali
were the Na Pali Haven, the monastery Bluff Eversmoking and the
Dasa Mountain Pass.
Krall often carry a Concussion Staff and are
sometimes rebellious in nature. However, they know that fighting back against
the Skaarj would be futile. Even so, the young Krall Skrill proved that
not all Krall are beyond redemption when he befriended Luca during his
search for Halil.
A band of Krall was assigned by the Skaarj to staff an
outpost at Minatha Bay on the Na Lati Coast as a precursor to a
third Skaarj occupation of the planet, but they fled when the outpost was
destroyed, escaping on a Skaarj Motor Launch.
When the Skaarj occupied the planet for the second time,
they found the abandoned hulk of the ISV-Kran rotting in a mountain range near
the Spire Village and converted it into a base. It remained as such
until the whole ship was destroyed by the Nali Mishra, who himself died
in the explosion.
Kriin – Nali monk at Bluff Eversmoking, and
brother to Kruun and Kuuna. A prisoner of the Skaarj controlling
the monastery, Kriin died in his cell before Prisoner 849 could free the
captives, but he kept his faith until the end.
Kruun – Nali monk at Bluff Eversmoking, and
brother to Kriin and Kuuna. A prisoner of the Skaarj controlling
the monastery, Kruun escaped from his cell into the sewers and was able to
tunnel Kira Argmanov out of hers. Kruun was discovered and killed by the
Krall jailers before he could escape, but not before he had seen Kira to
safety in the bell tower.
Kuri – Nali male born in Avenati Town, who
lived in the hamlet at Mein’Haar Falls. Kuri was an able blacksmith who
used the waterfalls of the Mein’Haar River to cool his newly forged
ironworks. Kuri owned a shop in the harbour town of Nalipal where he
sold his wares.
When the rope bridge at Mein’Haar Falls was cut down by a Hunting
Party of Skaarj, Kuri allowed Kira Argmanov and the Nali Huratha
passage through his work cave to get to the other side of the chasm. There, he
directed Kira and Huratha to Nalipal, where they could loan a boat to ride out
to the Bluff of Shokkar.
Kuri was also helpful to Luca seven years later,
after Halil was abducted by Mittari. Luca passed through
Mein’Haar Falls as he searched for his friend, and Kuri was able to confirm
that Mittari and Halil had passed through his village that morning. Kuri also
offered Luca an apprenticeship, but the young Nali was too preoccupied at that
moment to give it much consideration.
Kuuna – Nali monk at Bluff Eversmoking, and
brother to Kriin and Kruun. Of the three brothers, Kuuna was the
only one to survive the Skaarj occupation of the monastery.
When Kira Argmanov tried to rally the monks to fight
off the Skaarj, Kuuna refused at first to fight, but when Kira explained that
Kruun had died to save her, he had a change of heart. In time, Kuuna became
Kira’s most loyal friend and follower in the Nali Resistance.
Kuuna accompanied Kira to search for the landing site of the
Shrekta’Naaji when the Skaarj returned to Na Pali. However, he
was captured by a Hunting Party and taken to the Bluff of Shokkar
for interrogation.
Kuuna withstood considerable torture to protect Kira and the
others, and was eventually rescued by Huratha. Kuuna and Huratha were,
however, unable to save Kira from being killed by the Skaarj jailer Vrathi’Naar
after his comrades were defeated.
When Kira died, Kuuna took over as leader of the Nali
resistance until he himself was killed in action, leaving Huratha in charge.
Lake Shokkar – Deep inset, east-facing bay on
the Shokkar Coastline. Lake Shokkar is a saltwater lake that is
separated only from the open sea by the sheer-cliffed Bluff of Shokkar.
The bluff provides slight shelter from the sea winds, thus leading to the
creation of the small harbour town of Nalipal at the centre of the bay.
Latana – Male Nali and father to Halil.
Latana is a stern father, whose anger can sometimes get the better of him.
Latana is not the most popular citizen of Nalipal, preferring to remain
in the quiet of his home since the death of his wife.
Leatham, Mikail – Terran male. Captain of
the Inuit Corporation science vessel ISV-Kran, whom science
officer Kira Argmanov believed was fundamentally a good man, despite the
Inuit Corporation’s shadier leanings. Leatham was killed, along with the rest
of the crew that remained on board, by the Hunting Party of Skaarj
that raided the ship after it crashed on Na Pali.
Leonarati – One of several Nali that
followed Huratha in the Nali Resistance against the Skaarj.
Leonarati and his friend Nitishara almost died in the Daghetta Pass
when a rope bridge collapsed, but they were rescued by the combined efforts of
Huratha and the rest of the party. Leonarati, Nitishara and their comrade Lonelias
were later killed while holding off a Skaarj Hunting Party at the Spire
Village so that the others could escape to the safety of the Sunspire.
Liquid Fuel – Type of fuel used by Skaarj
on their construction sites. Liquid fuel is typically kept in canisters
protected from energy weapons by a force field, but Luca and Halil
successfully destroyed a Skaarj construction site by piloting the ship Shrekta’Naaji
into the fuel canisters, against which there could be no reasonable defence.
Lit’harani – Male Nali originally resident
to the harbour town of Nalipal, husband of Matharil and father to
Luca. When Luca was six years old, Lit’harani left to join the Nali
Resistance during the second occupation of Na Pali by the Skaarj,
and never returned from his mission; but before he left, Lit’harani presented
Luca with a keen-bladed knife that Luca has kept on his person ever since.
Lit’harani was killed trying to save a suicidal Mishra
from a Skaarj Hunting Party in Noth’Hanti Town. His death was
heroic, but ultimately senseless.
Litha Plant – Fleshy plant native to Na
Pali’s plains and foothills. Knowing it to have a moist, edible tuber for a
root, Luca pulled up several Litha plants so that he and Halil
could have a snack while resting after their first, failed attack on a nearby Skaarj
construction site.
Visiting Avenati Market a year later, Luca bought
three Litha roots, and a bag of Thanilayan Apples.
Lo’juura – Mali Nali chieftain of the harbour town of Nalipal.
A respected leader among the townspeople, Lo’juura was a calm and practical
Nali who took charge quickly when the Main Road Tunnel collapsed in the
rain on one particularly stormy summer night. With the help of many able-bodied
townspeople including the thirteen year-old Nali youngsters Luca and Halil,
Lo’juura was able to rescue two Nali travellers who were trapped in the rubble.
Lobster – Type of sea life native to Na Pali, similar
to the eponymous creatures native to Earth. The fishermen of Nalipal
used wicker and wire constructions known as “lobster pots” to capture these
heavily armoured water creatures.
Lonelias – One of several Nali that followed Huratha
in the Nali Resistance against the Skaarj. Lonelias was badly
injured in an attack on an underground Skaarj base, but was nursed back to full
health by the Nali monk Juura. Lonelias, along with his comrades Nitishara
and Leonarati, eventually gave his life so that the rest of the party
could escape from a Skaarj Hunting Party at the Spire Village.
Luca – Young Nali boy native to the harbour town
of Nalipal, son to Matharil and Lit’harani. Luca shared a
very close and complex bond with Halil, a Nali girl of about the same
age. Luca was a plucky and mischievous character, who usually wore a leather
jerkin (see Nali Clothing) and carried a knife presented to Luca by his
late father Lit’harani when he had left to join the Nali Resistance.
Luca was also a good friend of Philona, an elderly fisherman also native
to Nalipal.
When Luca was six years old, he witnessed Kira Argmanov and
her friend Huratha pass through Nalipal on the way to what would
ultimately become Kira’s final mission on the Bluff of Shokkar. Luca and
Halil shared a relentlessly curious streak, and when Luca was twelve years old
he and Halil rowed out to the Bluff of Shokkar to see where the Avenging
Angel died. There they discovered the Shrekta’Naaji, an Attack
Cruiser long abandoned by its Skaarj commanders, and the two Nali
youngsters took it on a joyride that ended in the tragic, accidental death of
Nalipal’s oldest citizen, Kew the Elder. Ostracised by all the town,
Luca and Halil had only a few words from a Nali named Motanisha to cheer
them up, and when three Skaarj Attack Cruisers flew overhead Luca and Halil set
out in pursuit in the Shrekta’Naaji to achieve redemption in the eyes of the
townspeople.
Luca and Halil eventually destroyed the Command Domes
erected by the newly arrived Skaarj, destroying the Shrekta’Naaji in the
process. Rescued by the chieftain Lo’juura and taken home to Nalipal by Cow
Cart, Luca and Halil left the experience slightly wiser and even closer
friends than before.
One year later, a twenty year-old Nali stranger called Mittari
came to town and befriended Halil, which caused Luca feelings of jealousy that
he couldn’t fully understand. When Mittari abducted Halil shortly afterwards,
Luca set off alone to find her, following Mittari’s trail to Avenati Town
(aided by the blacksmith Kuri at Mein’Haar Falls), where he sought
information from traders at Avenati Market and The Cow’s Head Inn
in the north of town. Following information gleaned from a barfly called Thasjiis
(who also got him drunk on Ale), Luca travelled northwards towards the Na
Lati Coast.
Camping in a clearing, Luca awoke to find a young Krall
called Skrill going through his belongings. Seeking shelter from a
summer rainstorm shortly afterwards, Luca and Skrill found themselves at the Commune
dei Fiori, where Luca had a close encounter with an order member called Sister
Tintsaea. Whilst at the commune, Skrill asked Luca if he loved Halil, which
the young Nali found himself unable to answer.
When he and Skrill finally escaped from the commune, they
ran into Mittari, who admitted to having abducted Halil, delivering her to a
Skaarj outpost at Minatha Bay that was staffed by Krall. Luca and Skrill
travelled to Minatha Bay and rescued Halil, destroying the outpost in the
process. It was then that Luca did realise his true feelings for Halil, but
found himself unready to tell her.
Main Road Tunnel – Name given to the main Cow
Cart route out of the harbour town of Nalipal, which heads to Avenati
Town via Shahari Bay. When a summer night rainstorm collapsed this
natural cave formation, Nalipal was left cut off to all road traffic, with only
the Upper Valley available as a route out of town, along which a Nali
could only travel on foot.
Although Putanuuri had heard that it might not be
possible to repair the tunnel, several Nali were already working to
shore it up when Luca and Halil returned to Nalipal following
Halil’s abduction by Mittari.
Matharil – Female Nali resident to the harbour town of
Nalipal, wife of Lit’harani and mother to Luca. Matharil
was a devoted mother to Luca, but her love for him was put to the test when he
and his friend Halil accidentally caused the death of Kew the Elder,
a much-loved senior citizen of Nalipal.
Matharil’s love for Luca prevailed, however, and when Luca
returned to Nalipal after destroying a newly Skaarj attack force, she welcomed
him home with open arms.
Mar’thak – Krall guard of the Skaarj outpost of
Minatha Bay. Skrill successfully distracted Mar’thak, allowing Luca
to stun Mar’thak with his Dispersion Pistol so that he and Skrill could
enter the base and rescue the captive Halil.
Mealworm – Type of fast-moving creature native to Na Pali’s
soil. Mealworms were often used by fishermen as live bait. Luca and Halil
used Mealworms when fishing off the pier at the harbour town of Nalipal.
Mein’Haar Bridge – Strong wooden bridge constructed
at the point where the Main Road Tunnel from Nalipal meets the
treacherous canyon of the Mein’Haar River. The bridge, when constructed,
allowed Nali to travel to the town by Cow Cart and immediately
opened Nalipal up to a greater range of trade and business. The town soon
became home to the Nalipal Market, a thriving fish market.
Mein’Haar Falls – High valley in which the Mein’Haar
River cascades from an underground watercourse into a treacherous canyon
full of rapids and shaly rock. A small hamlet resides at the top of the valley,
and a rope bridge connects the two sides of the canyon. Kira Argmanov
and her companion Huratha visited the Mein’Haar Falls in pursuit of the Hunting
Party of Skaarj that had captured their comrade Kuuna. There
they encountered Kuri, a local blacksmith, who aided them in their
search.
Luca passed through Mein’Haar falls seven years later,
following the trail of Halil’s abductor Mittari.
Mein’Haar River – Fast-flowing river that flows
out into Lake Shokkar from a treacherous canyon full of rapids and shaly
rock. Further inland, the river cascades from an underground watercourse at the
Mein’Haar Falls.
Mercenaries – An alien federation of
part-organic, part-machine creatures who are classified as galactic enemies of
the Skaarj. The Mercenaries are politically non-aligned, but the Skaarj
consider them a threat because the Mercenaries possess weapon and propulsion
technologies nearly equal to their own.
Minatha Bay – Huge, sandy and shingly beach
on the Na Lati Coast. When visiting the beach in search of Halil
following her abduction by Mittari, Luca estimated Minatha Bay to
be up to two miles in length. The northern end of the bay was bordered by the Northern
Mountains, while at the southern end a narrow canyon led south towards Avenati
Town while a broader road led to Na Lati Town.
Upon his arrival, Luca discovered a new Skaarj
outpost staffed by Krall, where Halil was being held. Aided by Skrill,
Luca rescued Halil and destroyed the base, but most of the Krall and their
commanding Skaarj Warrior escaped on a Motor Launch. Here Luca
bade farewell to Skrill, who left with the Krall to learn the ways of his
people.
Minigun – Type of generic weapon design implemented by
various races. The Minigun has a rotary barrel capable of dishing out ballistic
rounds at an incredible rate. Miniguns are relatively hard to find on Na
Pali, although they do occur on occasion.
Mishra – Male Nali who lived alone in a clearing a
little way north of Noth’Hanti Town. Every so often he would travel into
town and visit his brother Sasha, owner of the Traveller’s Rest Inn.
However, when the Skaarj returned to Na Pali and began the second
occupation, they built an outpost in the caves adjoining Mishra’s clearing to
the north and collapsed the canyon to the south that lead to the town. Mishra
was cut off from his kin in Noth’Hanti for three months, with only his Nali
Cow for company.
Mishra survived for three months by avoiding the Skaarj who
patrolled the clearing by day, until one fateful night when Mishra emerged from
his house to find his cow slaughtered in a brutal and pointless Skaarj game.
This act tipped Mishra momentarily over the edge, until he was rescued by a
party of the Nali Resistance led by Huratha, who raided the
Skaarj outpost the following night and killed all of the Skaarj within.
Mishra joined the resistance group and they used Plastic
Explosives from the Skaarj outpost to clear the canyon to the south. With
them Mishra travelled to Noth’Hanti Town and found it deserted and
derelict. Hurrying to the Traveller’s Rest Inn with a resistance fighter
called Lit’harani, Mishra found his brother Sasha chained up in the
cellar. Sasha died in Mishra’s arms.
Stricken, Mishra tried to take on a Skaarj Hunting Party
single-handed despite his inexperience with weapons. He was rescued by Huratha
and Motanisha, but not before Lit’harani died senselessly in a bid to
protect Mishra.
Huratha was furious with Mishra, but he gave him a second
chance, and they travelled southwards through the dangerous Daghetta Pass.
Although the route was dangerous, the Nali prevailed and eventually they
arrived at the Spire Village, where the Skaarj had built an outpost in
the rotting shell of the ISV-Kran. There, Mishra endangered the whole
party by firing carelessly on a patrolling Skaarj, an error that cost three
more of the resistance party their lives.
The remaining Nali fled to the nearby Sunspire, where
they rested until Huratha was captured by a Scout Skimmer from the
Skaarj outpost. Mishra and Motanisha led the Nali in a bid to rescue Huratha,
at which they prevailed, but ultimately Mishra died, covering the others as
they escaped and ultimately destroying the ISV-Kran and himself with it.
Mittari – Male Nali of about twenty years of age.
Mittari travelled to Nalipal shortly before the Main Road Tunnel
collapsed. Apparently stranded in the harbour town with too much luggage to
carry on foot, Mittari befriended Halil, but Halil’s friend Luca
took a dislike to Mittari at once, describing him variously as a “prat”, a
“twerp”, and Halil’s “boyfriend”. Halil stood up for Mittari, causing a rift
between the two young Nali that threatened to damage their long-lasting
friendship.
In fact, Mittari was an agent of the Skaarj, and he
abducted Halil to Minatha Bay on the Na Lati Coast, where a new
Skaarj outpost staffed by Krall had been constructed as a precursor to a
third occupation of Na Pali. When Luca caught up with Mittari
afterwards, Mittari explained that he had joined with the Skaarj out of a
desire to be “on the winning team” for the coming third occupation. Mittari
escaped with his life when Luca found himself unable to kill another Nali in
cold blood.
Motanisha – One of several Nali that
followed Huratha in the Nali Resistance against the Skaarj.
For a long time Huratha’s second in command, Motanisha originated from the town
of Nalipal, where he briefly encountered Kira Argmanov and Huratha some
time before he actually joined the resistance himself. Motanisha gave Kira and
Huratha some weapons he had found, which helped Kira and Huratha to rescue
their comrade Kuuna and destroy the newly arrived Skaarj attack force.
After fighting in the resistance until the second Skaarj
occupation of Na Pali was defeated, Motanisha returned to Nalipal, where
he befriended Luca and Halil after the accidental death of Kew
the Elder. Motanisha was also in charge of the party that worked to
extinguish the blaze that began in the belfry of Nalipal’s church when the
building was struck by lightning on the night the Main Road Tunnel collapsed.
Motor Launch – Advanced nautical vessel used by Skaarj to transport troops. A Motor Launch was stationed at the Minatha Bay outpost, and was used to evacuate many of the Krall staff when the base was destroyed by Luca.
Mouhaga – Nali exclamation of fear. There is
no known exact translation for it at this time.
Na Lati Castle – Large walled castle on the Na
Lati Plains. Kira Argmanov and her Nali Resistance settled at
the Na Lati Castle after the first Skaarj occupation of the planet was
defeated, there to remain until such a time as they were needed to fight again.
The castle walls were guarded by a band of Krall led by Bluff
Eversmoking’s former jailer Hrang, who served the resistance loyally
in exchange for shelter and food.
Na Lati Coast – Stretch of Na Pali
coastline between the rocky Northern Mountains towards the Sunspire
to the north, and the Shokkar Coastline to the south. Behind the
immediate, cliffier coastline lie the large expanses of the Na Lati Plains.
Na Lati Plains – Large expanse of rolling,
scrubby grasslands on the Na Lati Coast. Among the wildlife native to
the plains are Nali Hawks, Nali Rabbits and the more dangerous Pack
Hunters. On the Na Lati Plains was the Na Lati Castle, where Kira
Argmanov’s Nali Resistance settled after the first Skaarj
occupation of Na Pali was defeated.
A pass leads east through the foothills and mountains to the
harbour of Na Lati Town. A smaller route from the plains can be followed
through the foothills to Avenati Town.
Na Lati Town – Fair-sized harbour town on the Na
Lati Coast, birthplace of Huratha. The town is a fairly open place,
bordered by coastal cliffs. A pass leads westwards from the town, inland
towards the rolling Na Lati Plains, while a branch of this pass heads
north to Minatha Bay. Luca and Skrill crossed the pass to
the Na Lati Plains when following the road from Avenati Town in the
south.
Cow Carts travel regularly from Na Lati
Town to Avenati Town, and Luca and Halil used one of these to get home
after Luca rescued Halil from the Skaarj outpost at Minatha Bay.
Na Pali – Colloquial name for the fourth planet of the
twin-sunned Gryphon System. Na Pali, or Gryphon #4-A, is rich in the
natural mineral Tarydium, a power source known to interfere with space
ships’ instruments. So strong are Na Pali’s Tarydium fields that the planet has
become known as the “Ships’ Graveyard”, on account of the large number of ships
that have crashed there. Ships that have hit the surface include the prison
transport vessel Vortex Rikers, Inuit Corporation vessel ISV-Kran,
UMS ships Prometheus, Chantilly and Bodega Bay, the Mothership of the Skaarj,
and a Mercenary vessel known as Terraniux. Na Pali is also home to the Nali,
unfortunate victims of two Skaarj reigns of terror.
Na Pali Haven – One of several rocky islands
that float in the upper atmosphere of Na Pali. Raised there many an era
ago by Nali of ages past, the sky islands are held aloft by great white
obelisks charged with the Nali race’s natural telekinetic powers. Na Pali Haven
itself is one of the larger islands, once the home to a town that included a
church and a large inn, but was long since laid waste by the Skaarj.
Na Pali Haven was originally accessed from the Sunspire
by means of the Sky Elevator, but ceased to be a place of Nali
pilgrimage when the Skaarj colonised the island and built on it their Outpost
3J. Kira Argmanov was brought through this town on her way to be
interrogated by base commander Ssja’Rath.
Na’thali – One of the largest of Na Pali’s sky islands
(see Na Pali Haven). The sprawling city on the island was the chosen
burial ground for Kira Argmanov, Avenging Angel of the Nali,
and was also the town Huratha chose to retire to when his battles were
done.
Na’thali is a famous producer of fine drapery, and
Na’thalian rugs can be found on sale at Avenati Market for five gold
coins a piece. Na’thali also houses a library of Nali scriptures, where books
tell of the Gods of the Good Lore and their struggle against the God of
War Velora (see Appendix I).
Nali – Four-armed, benevolent race indigenous to Na
Pali. The Nali, who prefer religion and meditation to fighting, have twice
been completely subjugated by the brutal Skaarj, and used for labour in
their Tarydium mines. It is only through the Nali Resistance
movement (originally led by Kira Argmanov) and the actions of the
unnamed Prisoner 849 that the Nali have been able to rid themselves of
the Skaarj infestation, twice.
Nali Clothing – Nali civilisation has a
very particular code of attire due to the race’s strong religious beliefs. When
a male Nali comes of age (at the age of fourteen), he gets his religious
tattoos on his arms, legs, chest and back and is thenceforth forbidden to cover
them up; hence, most adult Nali males wear only a loincloth. Females, however,
are not bound by this responsibility and normally wear a roughly woven fabric
smock.
Up to the age of thirteen, it is common for male Nali to
wear a leather jerkin cross-tied over the chest, and a pair of fabric leg
coverings that come down to the knee. Luca of Nalipal was one
such Nali, who also wore a belt attached to which he kept a knife given to him
by his father.
Nali Coins – Nali currency consists
of coins made of three precious metals; gold, silver and bronze. Gold is the
most valuable, while bronze is the least. Kira Argmanov often used this
currency in exchange for goods and information, although in Nali society trade
of goods for goods, bypassing currency altogether, is also widespread.
Nali Cow – Type of two-legged Nali cattle also used to
tow Cow Carts. The Nali Cow is dim and docile, therefore easily farmed
and milked. Nali will also sometimes farm the cow for its meat, although the
tender meat of the Nali Rabbit is more popular.
Nali Cow meat was on sale in Avenati Market when Luca
visited it following Halil’s abduction by Mittari.
Nali Hawk – Type of bird often found
wheeling above Na Pali’s mountain passes and plains.
Nali Healing Fruit – Type of very fast-growing plant
indigenous to Na Pali. The berries of this widespread shrub have
powerful healing properties and, when ingested fresh or semi-dried, will cure
most wounds and fevers. The dried powder of this fruit is also often used as an
ointment to be applied directly to severe wounds, which applies the healing
properties of the fruit directly to the injury and transports easily.
Nali Healing Fruit plants in decorative pots were on sale in
Avenati Market when Luca visited it following Halil’s abduction
by Mittari.
Nali Rabbit – Type of two-legged indigenous
wildlife widespread to most environments on Na Pali, with different
sub-species adapted to different conditions. The Nali Rabbit, often caught wild
rather than farmed, breeds rapidly and has tender, tasty meat that preserves
well when salted, smoked or cured.
Nali Rabbit meat was on sale in Avenati Market when
Luca visited it following Halil’s abduction by Mittari.
Nali Resistance – Movement started by Kira
Argmanov and later led by Kuuna and Huratha. The Nali
Resistance formed out of the normally pacifistic Nali race as a means to
free Na Pali of its Skaarj oppressors, and succeeded twice in
restoring the planet’s freedom. After the first occupation the resistance
settled at the Na Lati Castle, but they regrouped and fought again when
the Skaarj returned to the planet.
Nalipal – Fishing harbour at the centre of Lake Shokkar
on the Shokkar Coast. Nalipal consists of about thirty old stone
buildings connected by a series of lanes centralised around a main harbour
square, where one can find the Fisherman Inn, the Nalipal Market
and the town’s main pier. Boats tethered to the pier belong to the local
fishermen, while the townspeople can also go to worship at the town’s single
church. The town does a good deal of trade via the Main Road Tunnel,
which leads inland town towards Avenati Town to the north.
Luca and Motanisha were natives to this town. Kira
Argmanov and her friend Huratha also visited Nalipal on their way to
retrieve their comrade Kuuna, who had been captured by the Skaarj. Their
visit was fleeting, but was the subject of many stories in the town in the
years to come.
Nalipal, and the region around it, is prone to very heavy rainstorms on summer nights. One such storm collapsed the Main Road Tunnel and set fire to the belfry of Nalipal Church, which sustained considerable damage that had to be repaired by a team of Nali afterwards.
Nalipal Market – Thriving closed-roofed market
in the centre of Nalipal. The market sells the usual range of meats,
plants and seeds, but also does a thriving trade in the numerous varieties of
fish caught by the townspeople of Nalipal.
Netarani – Nali fisherman native to Nalipal who
owned a stall in the Nalipal Market and was a good friend to Philona.
Netarani befriended Luca when the visitor Mittari caused a rift
between Luca and his close friend Halil, and also played a major part in
the rescue of two Nali travellers from the collapse of the Main Road Tunnel.
Nitishara – One of several Nali that
followed Huratha in the Nali Resistance against the Skaarj.
Nitishara and his friend Leonarati almost died in the Daghetta Pass
when a rope bridge collapsed, but they were rescued by the combined efforts of
Huratha and the rest of the party. Nitishara, Leonarati and their comrade Lonelias
were later killed while holding off a Skaarj Hunting Party at the Spire
Village so that the others could escape to the safety of the Sunspire.
Northern Mountains – Mountainous region at the
northern end of the Na Lati Coast, beginning at Minatha Bay.
Beyond the Northern Mountains lies further mountainous territory that spreads
for many miles across the continent.
Noth’Hanti Town – Large Nali town
occupying the Noth’Hanti Valley north of the Sunspire. The
sprawling town was built around a river that ran down the valley, and had a
distinctive church with twin bells in the belfry. Mishra’s brother Sasha
ran an inn at the centre of Noth’Hanti Town called the Traveller’s Rest Inn.
After the second Skaarj occupation took hold of Na Pali, Noth’Hanti Town
was ransacked by the Skaarj and abandoned by its Nali residents.
Noth’Hanti Valley – Large river valley north of the
Sunspire, which was connected to the Sunspire by the Daghetta Pass
to the south. The sprawling Noth’Hanti Town occupied the base of the
wide valley.
Observation Lounge – Area on the ISV-Kran
where the crew of the ship could go to relax and stargaze, also often used for
weddings and other ceremonies. During the ship’s fateful crash on Na Pali,
the Observation Lounge was one of the most badly hit areas of the ship, and
there were many casualties reported from within it.
Onalopov, Nikolai – Terran male, assigned to
the Engineering section of the ISV-Kran. Onalopov was engaged to
be married to Kira Argmanov, but the wedding never happened, as Kira was
captured by the Skaarj and Onalopov was killed whilst ascending the Sunspire
mountain with the rescue team.
Onsov, Pelli – Terran male, assigned to the ISV-Kran
as a member of the security staff. Onsov held the rank of Corporal, and shared
a bunk with Kira Argmanov. Onsov was killed defending the aft loading
bay of the ship from a Hunting Party of Skaarj.
Onthio, Brother – Member of the Commune dei
Fiori. Brother Onthio made conversation with Luca over dinner during
his short stay at the castle, and offered Luca and Skrill a goblet of
wine each in the process.
Orgio, Father – Plump, bearded Nali and
leader of the Commune dei Fiori. When Luca and Skrill
sought shelter from a summer rainstorm, Father Orgio and Sister Tintsaea welcomed
the two youngsters as new initiates to the community. Luca, however, had no
intention of staying.
Ssja’Rath had the Terran female Kira Argmanov
brought to Outpost 3J for interrogation, but gained little out of his prisoner.
She was sent to Bluff Eversmoking for holding, pending further
interrogation.
Pack Hunter – Aggressive, carnivorous animal native
to Na Pali. The Pack Hunters operate singly until a potential victim is
found, at which point the fast creatures group together to take their target
down. In his youth, Huratha and a friend encountered Pack Hunters near Na
Lati Town. Later in life, Huratha and Kira Argmanov encountered the
creatures whilst they and their party rested on the Na Lati Plains.
Philona – Elderly Nali fisherman native to the
harbour town of Nalipal. Philona was good friends with Luca, a
local Nali boy, and his friend Halil. On one occasion when Philona was
unable to fish due to a bad back, he lent his boat to Luca and Halil so that
they could row out to the Bluff of Shokkar.
Although he was physically weak, Philona had a sharp,
perceptive mind and was able to give good advice to Luca, who was struggling
with feelings of jealousy he couldn’t fully understand when Halil befriended Mittari,
a newcomer to the town; “You and Halil have too good a bond to throw away over
some silly li’l jealousy thing.”
Plastic Explosives – Type of explosive used by
various races. Plastic explosives are potent tools, and must be operated with
care. Huratha and the Nali Resistance used Plastic Explosives
requisitioned from a Skaarj base to clear the canyon between Mishra’s
clearing and Noth’Hanti Town, which had been caved in by the Skaarj.
Prisoner 849 – Unnamed person who crashed on
the surface of Na Pali in the prison transport vessel Vortex Rikers.
Prisoner 849 cut a bloody swath across the Skaarj-occupied planet,
freeing such key locations as the Nali temple of Chizra and the
monastery of Bluff Eversmoking, thereby allowing Kira Argmanov to
band together with the monks that first formed the Nali Resistance.
Prisoner 849 saved Kira’s life by planting some fast-growing Nali Healing Fruit
plants beside her semi-conscious form.
Some Nali greeted Prisoner 849 as the Messiah, but it was
Kira who ultimately fulfilled the prophecy of the Avenging Angel and
cleared the planet of its Skaarj infestation.
Qupada – Nali exclamation of fear. There is
no known exact translation for it at this time.
Razorjack – Deadly hunting weapon of Skaarj
design. As well as possessing two extremely sharp blades on the device itself,
the device fires spinning, serrated razor blades with the capability to slice
an enemy’s head clean off its shoulders. When they could find them, the Nali
Resistance used Razorjacks as a powerful weapon against the Skaarj.
Rifle – Highly accurate weapon of fairly widespread
popularity. The weapon fires a ballistic that hits its target instantly and has
the power to decapitate its victim. Additionally, the rifle has a zooming scope
that allows a sniper to aim at his or her target more precisely.
Rrajigar – Skaarj mine, where raw Tarydium was
unearthed for treatment at Foundry. One of the two Tarydium
plants nearest to the Nali settlement of Noth’Hanti Town.
Rye Grain – Popular Nali crop used
for making bread, and also as animal feed. Kew the Elder maintained a
crop of Rye Grain atop the cliffs at Nalipal prior to his accidental
death.
Sasha – Nali male and brother of Mishra,
resident to Noth’Hanti Town. During the second Skaarj occupation
of Na Pali, Sasha was held captive in the cellar of his own business,
the Traveller’s Rest Inn, and interrogated for information – none of
which he actually had. Sasha eventually died in his brother’s arms.
Science and Research Lab – Area of the ISV-Kran
to which Science Officer Kira Argmanov and Chief Medical Officer Tatiana
Zimna were assigned. Prior to the ship’s crash on Na Pali, Zimna and
Argmanov were studying a group of Amoebas that were being held in a Containment
Field.
Scout Skimmer – Type of Skaarj ship
designed for intra-atmospheric use. Scout Skimmers were commonly assigned to
Skaarj outposts. Scout Skimmer #3J-1A brought Kira Argmanov to Outpost
3J for interrogation by the base commander Ssja’Rath; a similar
Scout Skimmer abducted Huratha when he and the remainder of his Nali
Resistance party went to earth in the Sunspire.
Seagull – Type of bird indigenous to Na Pali’s
coastal regions. Several seagulls lived in the cliffs on the Bluff of
Shokkar.
Shahari Bay – Large bay at the northern end
of the Shokkar Coast. A road led inland here towards Avenati Town.
Sharuun – Sturdy Nali, one of several who fought
under Huratha in the Nali Resistance to rid the planet of the
Skaarj. Sharuun was a good friend of Theoda, another of the resistance
fighters.
Shokkar Coast – A region of Na Pali
coastline south of the Na Lati Coast and Avenati Town. At the
centre of the Shokkar Coast lies Lake Shokkar, home to the harbour town
of Nalipal and the cliffy Bluff of Shokkar.
Shrekta’Naaji – Attack Cruiser operated
by the Skaarj. The Shrekta’Naaji was sent to Na Pali under the
command of K’tha’Rath, where its crew were to locate and destroy Kira
Argmanov. When the Skaarj were defeated and Kira died, the Shrekta’Naaji was
forgotten and left abandoned on the Bluff of Shokkar until the young
Nali duo of Luca and Halil found it six years later. Restoring
the ship to working order with the aid of a Universal Translator, Luca
and Halil flew it inland.
Ultimately, the Shrekta’Naaji was the Skaarj’s undoing, as
Luca and Halil used the craft to destroy the construction site set up by a
newly arrived Skaarj attack force.
Like all Skaarj Attack Cruisers, the Shrekta’Naaji
was equipped with powerful weapons, a defensive shield and a Cloak, as
well as advanced self-maintenance systems.
Skaarj – An aggressive and advanced alien race with a
hive-like structure that colonised Na Pali twice to mine the planet of
its Tarydium deposits. These were dark times for the native Nali,
who were forced to work in the mines or be slaughtered. Due to the
planet’s tactical position and rich Tarydium reserves, the Skaarj were very
reluctant to give the planet up and fought bitterly to retain control of it.
The Skaarj plan to re-take Na Pali for a third occupation,
but their first attempt was foiled by Luca and Halil, who use an
abandoned Attack Cruiser (the Shrekta’Naaji) to destroy the
Skaarj landing site. The Skaarj later established an outpost at Minatha Bay
and staffed it with Krall, until this too was destroyed by Luca.
Skaarj Assassin – Class of elite Skaarj
Warrior that is more heavily armoured than many varieties. Skaarj Assassins
were among those Skaarj that led major assaults on the Nali Resistance.
Skaarj Energy Bolt – Energy projectile launched from
the prosthetic claws of all types of Skaarj Warrior. These fast
projectiles feed off the Skaarj’s own energy, and therefore will never be
depleted as long as the Skaarj remains alive.
Skaarj Gunner – Class of heavy Skaarj
Trooper normally armed with an Eightball Gun. Skaarj Gunners were
normally assigned to fortify the borders of key Skaarj outposts such as
that created in the caves north of Noth’Hanti Town during the second
occupation of Na Pali.
Skaarj Infantry – Class of Skaarj Trooper
normally armed with a Stinger. No more than, but as resilient as a
Skaarj Trooper, simply more heavily armed. Several Skaarj Infantry backed up K’tha’Rath
on the Bluff of Shokkar in their failed attempt to destroy Kira
Argmanov and her comrades Huratha and Kuuna.
Skaarj Officer – Elite class of Skaarj
Trooper, normally assigned to command Skaarj outposts. Officers
encountered by the Nali Resistance included Ssja’Rath and K’tha’Rath,
both of the Ssa’Rath guild. Officers could be armed with any weapon
type, but often preferred Razorjacks.
Skaarj Scout – Type of light-duty Skaarj
Warrior with minimal armour. Skaarj Scouts often formed the vanguard of a Hunting
Party, with a few higher-ranked Skaarj in command. Two Skaarj Scouts
escorted Kira Argmanov to see base commander Ssja’Rath at Outpost
3J.
Skaarj Trooper – Type of Skaarj outfitted
with full-body armour. Troopers do not wear prosthetic claws; instead, they
carry portable weapons – often of the Dispersion Pistol design. Jailer Vrathi’Naar,
who interrogated Kuuna at the Bluff of Shokkar, was a Skaarj
Trooper who, unusually, was armed with a set of prosthetic claws as
well as a Dispersion Pistol sidearm.
Skaarj Warrior – Type of Skaarj with
limited armour that relies on its speed and agility to win in combat. All
Skaarj Warriors are outfitted with prosthetic claws that can fire Skaarj
Energy Bolts at their foes.
A Skaarj Warrior was placed in charge of the Krall
staffing the new Skaarj outpost at Minatha Bay.
Sky Demons – Nali name for the Skaarj.
The name fell into disuse after the Nali Resistance formed, except among
the most superstitious of Nali people.
Sky Elevator – Transportation device that used
to carry Nali between the peak of the Sunspire and the Na Pali
Haven above. Powered by a mixture of Tarydium and thought, the Sky
Elevator continued to operate until a bad thunderstorm struck it down into a
lake somewhere some way from the Sunspire. Both passengers were killed.
Skrill – Juvenile Krall. Skrill was born on Na
Pali into a group of Krall who were serving the Skaarj during their
first occupation of the planet. However, when Skrill was six years old, the
band of Krall was destroyed by a party of the Nali Resistance. Skrill
was then left to fend for himself for three years, but somehow survived the
harsh climate of the planet.
At nine years of age, Skrill encountered Luca when
the young Nali was camped out in a clearing near the Commune dei
Fiori following Halil’s abduction by Mittari. After a
mistrustful start, Luca conceded to sharing his supply of food with the Krall,
who spoke to Luca using his limited command of the Nali language, and they fled
together to the Commune dei Fiori for shelter when they found themselves caught
up in a summer rainstorm.
Skrill was impressed by the welcome he and Luca received at
the commune, and gained particular pleasure from the copious supplies of food
that were on offer. However, Skrill’s plans to stay at the commune were ruined
when the Nali of the commune tried to make him take a bath.
Skrill and Luca fled the commune, and Skrill stuck by Luca
for the rest of his journey, accompanying the Nali to Minatha Bay and
helping to rescue Halil. As the outpost the Skaarj had established there
was destroyed, Skrill joined the tides of Krall fleeing the outpost on a Motor
Launch, wanting to learn the ways of the Krall. By the time he and Luca
parted, they had become good friends.
Slith – Amphibious cousins of the Skaarj. These slimy,
green-skinned creatures have deadly claws and are capable of spitting balls of
an unpleasant green venom. The Slith is also said to be a versatile creature,
with variants that have adapted to inhabit various more extreme conditions.
Slith meat is edible, although not to everybody’s taste.
Slith tails were on sale in Avenati Market when Luca passed through
Avenati Town following Halil’s abduction by Mittari.
Spire Village – Settlement of four Nali houses
that occupied the valley near the Sunspire mountain. It was into a
crevasse above this village that the ISV-Kran made its fateful crash
during the first Skaarj occupation of Na Pali. Troubled by Titans
and Sky Demons, the residents who survived didn’t waste much time in
fleeing the valley.
It was in the Spire Village that Kira Argmanov
was first captured by the Skaarj, and in the same village five years later that
Mishra gave his life to rescue Huratha from the clutches of his
Skaarj captors.
Ssa’Rath – Guild of Skaarj Officers, one of many such
guilds within the Skaarj hive structure. K’tha’Rath and Ssja’Rath
were first and third “talons” of the Ssa’Rath respectively.
Ssja’Rath – Third talon of the Ssa’Rath
and commander of Outpost 3J. Ssja’Rath was a vicious and intelligent Skaarj
Officer who had a reputation for extracting the eyeballs of Skaarj
who let him down. Ssja’Rath’s only mistake was to underestimate the Nali
race and what they could accomplish with appropriate leadership.
Ssja’Rath died when Kira Argmanov blasted him off the
causeway and into the lake at Bluff Eversmoking, where his body became a
meal for the Devilfish in the waters below.
Static Discharge Nodes – Device used by the Skaarj
to prep the hydroelectrically powered lifting platform they installed at Bluff
Eversmoking. Once activated, the nodes allowed the platform to perform a
full circuit of the bluff, climb to the entrance to the Dasa Mountain Pass, and
then travel back again.
Stinger – A mining tool converted into a deadly weapon, the
Stinger fires precisely aimed shards of volatile Tarydium at its target.
Surprisingly effective, the weapon is often carried by Skaarj Infantry.
Corporal Pelli Onsov and two of his crewmates, Kerig and Anders, used
Stingers to make a final stand in the aft loading bay of the ISV-Kran
when it was attacked by a Hunting Party of Skaarj.
Sunspire, The – Immensely tall, needle-like
mountain on Na Pali near the Spire Village. From the level of the
lava below, the Sunspire soars up into the sky, where it towers above the
surrounding mountain ranges. Nali of old hollowed out the interior of
the Sunspire to form a sacred sanctuary to which Nali from all around would
make pilgrimage. The Sunspire also provided access to the Na Pali Haven
on the sky island above by means of the Sky Elevator.
During the first occupation of Na Pali, the Sunspire was one
of the many Nali fortifications commandeered by the Skaarj. The
remaining Nali fled the Sunspire and never returned to the mountain, even after
the Skaarj were long gone, until Huratha and his party of Nali
Resistance fighters went to earth there during the second occupation.
Whilst the mountain was still under Skaarj control, Kira
Argmanov was briefly held captive there by the Skaarj. Afterwards, Kira’s
fiancé Nikolai Onalopov was killed there as the rescue party searching
for Kira climbed the interior of the Skaarj-infested mountain.
Tari – Innkeeper of the Fisherman Inn in the
harbour town of Nalipal. Tari had a daughter, on whom Kew the Elder
was rumoured to be quite keen. Tari once lent Luca some medical supplies
when Halil was injured by a Devilfish, and struck up a good
friendship with the boy after he and Halil destroyed an attack force of Skaarj
using an old Skaarj Attack Cruiser, the Shrekta’Naaji.
Tari was a responsible Nali, and alerted Luca to his
suspicions after Mittari, who had been staying at the Fisherman Inn,
checked out unexpectedly with an unhappy-looking Halil in tow.
Tarydium – Volatile mineral found in rich native deposits on
the planet Na Pali, with a distinctive crystalline shape and blue glow.
Tarydium can be used as a potent power source, but also disrupts navigational
and scanning equipment. The planet’s rich deposits of Tarydium were the reason
the Skaarj were so keen to control the planet, but were also the reason
so many space ships crashed on the planet’s surface.
Tarydium Sludge – Volatile by-product of Tarydium
processing that possesses toxic and explosive properties. The Mercenaries
had the idea of using the sludge as a weapon, and designed a launcher that
could throw globs of the substance. The launcher became known as the GES Biorifle.
Teleporter – Technology perfected by the Skaarj.
If a pair of teleporters are stationed in key locations, life forms and
inanimate cargo can be transported from one location to the other by means of a
matter beam.
The Terrans have an alternative version of the
technology that can transport life forms or cargo to arbitrary coordinates.
Such a technology was used in the ISV-Kran’s emergency transporters.
Teraniov, Kelvin – Navigator and co-pilot aboard
the ISV-Kran under Captain Mikail Leatham. Teraniov held the rank
of Commander, and was a highly experienced bridge officer, but even his
skill could not have saved it from crash-landing on Na Pali. Teraniov
survived the crash with only a broken arm to show for it, but later died along
with the rest of the crew who remained aboard the ship when it was attacked by
a Hunting Party of Skaarj.
Terran – Term used by other races to describe people or
items originating from the planet Earth.
Thalitha, Father – Nali male resident to the
harbour town of Nalipal. Thalitha was the priest in residence at
Nalipal’s church, and gave weekly services to his congregation of fifty or so
townspeople, as well as presiding over special occasions like weddings or
coming-of-age ceremonies.
Thanilayan Apple – Sweet fruit often sold in Nali
markets. Luca bought a bag of Thanilayan Apples at Avenati Market
when he passed through Avenati Town following Halil’s abduction
by Mittari. Luca later shared the apples with Skrill, who also
found them to his taste.
Thasjiis – Friend of a storekeeper at Avenati Market.
Thasjiis is reported to have witnessed two members of a Hunting Party
carrying an unconscious Kuuna out of the town by the southeast road
during the night.
Thasjiis was a stocky Nali, and a regular barfly at
the Cow’s Head Inn in Avenati Town. When Luca came to the
Cow’s Head Inn looking for information on the abduction of Halil by Mittari,
Thasjiis entertained himself by getting Luca drunk on ale in exchange for his
information – against the better judgment of the innkeeper Arthuri.
Theoda – Loyal Nali follower of Huratha in
the Nali Resistance Movement. Third in command under Huratha and Motanisha,
Theoda was also the band’s resident weapons expert, and masterminded the
clearance of the canyon to the south of Mishra’s clearing to allow them
access to Noth’Hanti Town. Theoda was also good friends with Sharuun,
another of the resistance fighters.
Thirumban Grapes – Variety of glossy-skinned fruit
used to make a very sweet red wine. The Commune dei Fiori had a
successful plantation of Thirumban Grapes on vines outside the main entrance to
the castle.
Thunderbird – Nali term for the alien
spacecraft that frequently crashed on Na Pali, “seeding fire and
destruction”. Like Sky Demons, it was a term that fell into disuse after
the realities of the situation were revealed by Kira Argmanov and the Nali
Resistance, except among the most superstitious Nali.
Tintsaea – Type of plant native to Na Pali with a
vigorous fibre that could be woven into rough clothing, and carrying bags such
as Backpacks. The Tintsaea was a widespread plant that was often farmed
as a crop. Kew the Elder maintained crops of Tintsaea and Rye
Grain outside his cliff top home in Nalipal.
Tintsaea, Sister – Senior member of the Commune
dei Fiori. Along with Father Orgio, Sister Tintsaea welcomed Luca
and Skrill to the commune when they sought shelter from a summer
rainstorm.
About thirty years of age, Sister Tintsaea became very fond
of the young Luca during his short stay at the commune. As a member of a
community free of most of Nali society’s rules, Sister Tintsaea made a
strong pass at Luca, but found herself rebuffed as the terrified youngster fled
the commune with Skrill in tow.
Titan – A kind of huge beast native to Na Pali. The
somewhat slow and stupid but very aggressive Titans were reported to have
beaten the hull of the ISV-Kran at night after it crashed on the planet,
and when one of the beasts attacked the Spire Village whilst Kira
Argmanov and the landing party were present, it took an entire Hunting
Party of Skaarj to take the beast down.
The exact origin of the beasts is unknown, but Nali
scriptures tell that the beasts were created by Velora, the Nali God of
War, to rain destruction upon the land.
Traveller’s Rest Inn – Inn in Noth’Hanti Town
owned by Sasha, brother to Mishra. When Noth’Hanti Town was
ransacked by the Skaarj during the second occupation of Na Pali,
Sasha was chained up in the cellar and interrogated periodically until Mishra
found him some time later.
Universal Translator – Device used by many advanced
races to automatically decode and translate one language to another, enabling
communication between races as early as first contact. Universal Translators
can take many forms, from simple text-based units to belt-clip or pendant
devices that interface directly with the brain of the wearer; Luca and Halil
came upon such a device aboard the Shrekta’Naaji, which allowed them to
interpret and operate the ship’s control systems.
Crewmembers aboard the ISV-Kran all had Universal
Translator chips planted within their bodies upon first enlisting with the
company. This ensured that the crewmembers would never travel anywhere without
a Universal Translator available if it was required.
Upper Valley – Name given to the lesser of the
two land routes out of the harbour town of Nalipal. The Upper Valley led
to Avenati Town via the rope bridge at Mein’Haar Falls, and when
the Main Road Tunnel collapsed in a heavy summer rainstorm became the
only route available for Nali travelling to or from Nalipal. Luca
used this route when searching for Halil following her abduction by Mittari.
Kira Argmanov and Huratha used the Upper
Valley when they first came to Nalipal in search of the Skaarj who had
captured their comrade Kuuna for interrogation.
Velora – Nali God of War and alleged creator of the Titans.
According to Nali scriptures, Velora led a reign of terror on Na Pali during
which the Nali warred endlessly with each other, until the Gods of the Good
Lore grew tired of the bloodshed and beat Velora into submission. Velora
has remained dormant ever since, although his underground temple and dark
arenas remain.
Vrathi’Naar – Skaarj Trooper who
served under K’tha’Rath when the Shrekta’Naaji landed on the Bluff
of Shokkar. At K’tha’Rath’s behest, Vrathi’Naar interrogated the captive Kuuna
mercilessly for information about Kira Argmanov and the Nali
Resistance. When Kuuna failed to respond to interrogation, K’tha’Rath
authorised Vrathi’Naar to use an Electric Prod as a means to torture the
truth out of his victim.
Vrathi’Naar was disabled by Huratha, who used his own
Electric Prod to incapacitate him. When Vrathi’Naar came to and emerged onto
the bluff to see his commander and comrades defeated by Kira and the two Nali,
the Blood Wrath came upon him and he killed Kira with a prosthetic claw
before she or the Nali even knew he was there. Vrathi’Naar was killed by
Huratha and Kuuna, but it was too late to save Kira’s life.
Zimna, Tatiana – Chief medical officer assigned
to the ISV-Kran. Zimna held the rank of Lieutenant, and was a good
friend of Kira Argmanov. As well as being part of the first landing
party to make contact with the native Nali people, Zimna was among the
rescue party who set out to rescue Kira after she was captured by a Hunting
Party of Skaarj. Zimna, along with Security Officer Sergai Dubrov
and two other members of the ship’s crew, was eventually killed by the Skaarj
at the entrance to the Bluff Eversmoking monastery.
The Book of Nali Lore, Vol. I. "In the beginning, the
gods of the good lore came together to make this our world. The mighty
Eelhandra forged the earth, then Vandora made the air and charged it with her
lightning. While Chizra flooded the valleys and oceans with his life-giving
water, Ch’tharoth lurked underground and gave the world its fiery core. 'Thus,'
Eelhandra proclaimed, 'we shall forge the Nali race to farm the lands and tend
to the animals we shall create."
The Book of Nali Lore, Vol. II. "Time passed and the Nali went to war with each other. Velora, the Nali god of war, arose and presided over the battles that raged below, his eyes gleaming with hunger for more bloodshed."
The Book of Nali Lore, Vol. III. "The powerful Nali warlord Lachoroth approached the god Velora and made this demand; 'Please, my lord, forge for me a race of titanic beasts who will strike down my foes.' Velora listened to the warlord's supplication with amusement, but then replied, 'very well.' At once, the land was flooded with the race of the Titans, but these creatures soon turned upon their masters."
The Book of Nali Lore, Vol. IV. "The gods of the good lore grew tired of the warring of the Nali people through Velora's manipulations. Together, they sought out the warlords and struck them down. Ch’tharoth spawned a race of floating, fire-breathing daemons to seek out and destroy all those who showed signs of drawing to arms."
The Book of Nali Lore, Vol. V. "The spirit of justice, Azure, imbued a Nali named Glathriel with all of her strength and nobility. As a champion for peace and justice, Glathriel roamed the lands, appointing many deputies, warriors such as Nagomi and Tashara, to strive for his cause."
The Book of Nali Lore, Vol. VI. "At length the Nali race found peace, and the god of war Velora fell dormant. Overseen by Nagomi, a band of priests ritually deconsecrated Velora's underground temple. Only his legacy remains, in the form of his dark arenas and titanic warrior beasts."
All text herein is © 1998-2004 Michael Wilberforce. All characters, events, place names and creatures, barring those previously appearing in the work of and priorly © to Epic Games, Digital Extremes and associated authors, are also © 1998-2004 Michael Wilberforce unless otherwise stated. The text herein may NOT be reproduced for any form of distribution without the prior written consent of the author.