recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
First Battle of the Fields of Streges

The so called **First Battle of the Fields of Streges** was a battle between the armies of the Dread Empire of Praes and the Kingdom of Callow, taking place around sixty years before the start of the story. It was a crushing defeat for the newly crowned Dread Emperor Nefarious and resulted in him not leaving the Tower for the rest of his reign, as well as the death of the then active Black Knight, and was the impetus for Amadeus of the Green Stretch to eventually become the Squire. The name is technically a misnomer, since the fields have seen "a hundred battles between Callow and Praes", but became common in the years after The Conquest as an easy way to differentiate it from the more recent battle at the same place.

While the Wizard of the West Theodore Langman faced off with Emperor Nefarious, Good King Robert met the Praesi army with a staggered approach of foot soldiers anchored by heavy cavalry. The Legions of Terror, having not yet gone through the Reforms, poured forward recklessly and were crushed between the charging cavalry and the flanking infantry. The very same tactic was used against an onrushing devil horde by General Juniper of the Fifteenth Legion in the Second Battle of Liesse.

## Timeline

As shown in the article on Amadeus of the Green Stretch, the battle took place sometime between 1261 and 1271 a.D.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/02/05/interlude-liesse-ii/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/12/04/chapter-49-hearsay/
Dread Emperor Baneful

**Baneful** was a former emperor-claimant of Praes. He became a Claimant for the Name of Dread Emperor during the War of Thirteen Tyrants and One. He never succeeded at claiming either the Name, nor throne though he managed to hang on until nearly the end with only a string of mitigated defeats to his name.

Since, he's become the traditional protagonist of Praesi comedy plays. In particular he's a star of *The Long Road to Ater*, where he accidently poisoned his cousin instead of his husband – only to later find out that she’d been about to betray him. He also avoided his own assassination but only at the price of a feud with his distinctly unimpressed warlock brother-in-law, who promptly cursed him.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/06/12/chapter-34-quickening/
Gallowborn Company

A company of soldiers made up of convicted criminals and deserters who were given the choice to serve the Legions of Terror or die. Their symbol is a golden noose. They are nominally part of the Fifteenth Legion.

It serves as Catherine Foundling's version of Black Knight's personal guard, the Blackguards. Catherine's idea for the company was based on an old Callowan  company known as the Forlorn Hope, established by the Queen of Blades.
Dread Emperor Foul I

"*Rebel prisoners, Black Knight? Ah, you must mean the fresh orc rations.*"
―Dread Emperor Foul I, the Frugal

## *Unknown*

**Foul the First**, also known as the Frugal, was a former Dread Emperor of Praes.

## Epigraphs

*“Rebel prisoners, Black Knight? Ah, you must mean the fresh orc rations.”*

– Dread Emperor Foul I, the Frugal

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/07/31/chapter-63-draft/
Dread Empress Sulphurous

"*There’s only a thousand of them, I don’t care if they’re on a hill. This will be over by midday, Black Knight, mark my words.*"
―Dread Empress Sulphurous, the Technically Correct

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Sulphurous**, also known as the Technically Correct, was a former Dread Empress of Praes.

## Reign

Her reign involved a goblin rebellion known as the Long War where the goblins rebelled for fifteen years - an unprecedented amount of time. It was eventually put down. When she invaded Callow she was killed on the Fields of Streges by the first Shining Prince, which means she ruled a long time ago, possibly prior to Triumphant.

She must have reigned for over 15 years if she saw to the conclusion of the Long War.

## Epigraphs

*“A dilemma is no such thing if it is flammable.”*

– Dread Empress Sulphurous, the ‘Technically Correct’

*“There’s only a thousand of them, I don’t care if they’re on a hill. This will be over by midday, Black Knight, mark my words.”*

– Dread Empress Sulphurous, the Technically Correct

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/05/31/warden-ii/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/10/23/chapter-85-when-it-rains/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/chapter-63-bridge/
Kilian

### Background

Originally a member of the war college she was enrolled in rat company the lowest squadron out of all the other companies. After the recruitment of Catherine and subsequent victories she enlisted in the Fifteenth Legion where she became a mage.

### Personality

Strong and resilient despite much adversity Kilian has persevered. She can either be playful with her firends enjoying fun and games or serious in the heat of battle. She is willing to risk whatever she can as long as it benefits her friends.

### Relationships

She is an elite mage in the Fifteenth Legion of terror and is trusted by the inner circle of Nauk, Robber, Juniper, Aisha, Hakram and Ratface.

She is Catherine Foundlings lover. Their relationship was originally only known to the inner circle but after the battle of Marchford Catherine openly showed kissed Kilian riding with her on top of her horse.

She does not have any close family but she is ostracized because of her 1/4 Fae blood she inherited from a grandmother.

### Appearance

She is a pixy haired red head. Catherine has remarked on her curves that show despite her mage armor.

### Powers

Due to her 1/4 of Fae blood Kilian is able to cast more concentrated spells that also have greater accuracy. Her blood also hinders her from digging to deep in her magic since she will begin growing fae wings on her back. This can leave her in comatose state for days and the transformation itself is painful. Despite her lack of magical reserves she makes up for it by using her knowledge of magic as well as troop formation to capitalize on enemy weaknesses. She frequently converses with Masego about magic theories and has developed even further despite her handicap. She has passed on her knowledge of magic to Catherine expanding the leaders knowledge.

### Gallery

Rat Company Book 1 - by GwennafranRat Company Book 1 - Alternate version - by GwennafranFifteenth Army - Book 2 - by GwennafranFifteenth Legion - Book 3 - by Gwennafran
Dwarves

The dwarves are a subterran species. Their kingdom is one of the most powerful in Calernia and lies under two thirds of the continent.

## Description

Dwarves are humanoid and short. They share basic features with humans such as eyes, a nose, and a mouth, but their proportions are much wider, their eyes are large like and owl-like, their noses flat, their hairs thicker, and their skin rough and craggy like stone. They are typically less than five feet tall. Dwarves are even more physically robust than orcs, and partially resistant to magic as well.

## General Information

Dwarven cuisine includes ribs and liquor.

**Sudra**: Sudra is a beverage of great cultural importance to the dwarves. It is a wine-like drink, served nearly boiling. The sudra is poured into rough oaken bowls and left to seep and mix with the taste of previous pourings. Once the sudra has seeped for several hours it is drunken. It is smoorth with a coppery aftertaste. The Herald of the Deeps doubted that more than a dozen humans have ever tasted sudra.

## Weaponry

Most human armies in Calernia, aside from Praes, make heavy use of dwarven weapons and siege engines. However, this export-grade weaponry is used because it is available in large quantities for cheap, not because it is particularly good. Real dwarven weaponry, used by their own military, is incomparably better; dwarven armies go into battle wearing nigh-impenetrable plate armor, supported by catapults hurling magma bombs.

## References

1. ↑ Book 4 - Chapter 59: Audience
2. ↑ Book 2 - Chapter 15: Council
3. ↑ Book 4 - Chapter 60: Profiteers
Cursed

"*Gods,” she rasped. “I lost it again.*"
―Sabah
The Curse was caused by a Warlock cast a spell on Sabah's family bloodline a couple centuries in the past.

## Role

The Role of curse is a combative name. It serves as a tragic role in which the user is taken over when they loose control of their emotions.

## Abilities

The name primarily enhances the user physical properties while diminishing mental faculties. It gives the user increased strength, speed, and reflexes as well as enhanced regeneration. The longer the user remains transformed the stronger they will become. It also changes the user body causing them to grow larger than a house and take on the appearance of a bipedal wolf, the user will also consume flesh as is custom of werewolf despite being considerably larger. The transformation can lead to bouts of rage and lack of control causing the Named to attack both friend and foe alike, it takes considerable control or a significant individual to snap the Named out of their transformation.

## Known Holders

**Sabah**: The root behind Sabah's Name came from a spell casted by a Warlock on her family's bloodline. Transitioned to Captain.
Barrow Sword

"*Gods but I hate dying*"
―the Barrow Sword
The Barrow Sword is an Evil Name. The Name is tied to an old bronze sword and bronze scale suit.

The bronze sword's name is called Pinon. It is noted to not be of Dominion work despite being found in Levant by Ishaq Deathless.  According to Hanno, Pinon felt "Ligurian to his senses, but deeper somehow".

The sword has an eagerness to feed on souls.  It also has a preference for souls already claimed.

Once wielded, the owner of Pinon is unable to be free of the sword, even if the owner wishes to.

## Abilties

After inflicting an injury, Pinon is able to consume bits of its victim's soul.

The Barrow Sword is capable of ressurection, using an amount of souls consumed by Pinon to return.

The bronze scale suit is strong enough to withstand a blow from the Drake, one of the Scourges of the Dead King.

## Known Holders

**Ishaq Deathless**: Standing not much taller than Catherine Foundling but much broader, Ishaq sports a dark and well-groomed beard, alongside two streaks of ash-grey beneath the eyes that are his face paint.

He comes into his Name after raiding a barrow and picking up Pinon.  Using **Drink**, the Aspect allows Ishaq to consume a soul through wielding Pinon.

During the Battle of the Ruins, Ishaq accepts an offer from Sve Noc, becoming one of the apostles of the Night, wielding it to defeat the Wolfhound.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Book 6 - Interlude: Blood
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/11/24/chapter-75-desolation/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2021/09/14/interlude-occidental-i/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2021/08/17/chapter-31-premises/
5. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2021/12/10/interlude-honour/
Helike

> *“Under pale moon,*
>
>
>
> *Across the snow*
>
> *As the dead croon*
>
> *And flies the crow*
>
>
>
> *Did we not lose,*
>
> *A hundred times?*
>
> *Did we not win,*
>
> *A hundred times?*
>
>
>
> *Our iron wrought,*
>
> *Saw use earnest*
>
> *It rusted not*
>
> *Left unburnished*
>
>
>
> *Did we not lose,*
>
> *A hundred times?*
>
> *Did we not win,*
>
> *A hundred times?*
>
>
>
> *We came and went,*
>
> *Unconquered few*
>
> *We Tyrant’s get,*
>
> *The tried and true*
>
>
>
> *Did we not lose,*
>
> *A hundred times?*
>
> *Did we not win,*
>
> *A hundred times?*
>
>
>
> *Weep not for us,*
>
> *For in the annals*
>
> *Our stele reads thus:*
>
> *A hundred battles*
>
>
>
> *For we did lose,*
>
> *A hundred times*
>
> *And we will win,*
>
> *A hundred times*
>
> *‘till falls the age,*
>
>
>
>
> *And end the times!”*
>
>

– “Dead In A Hundred Battles”, Helikean soldier’s song

Helike is a a city state and a member of the League of Free Cities. It is currently under the control of General Basilia.

## History and Culture

Theodosius the Unconquered consolidated control over the army of Helike and became the first Tyrant of Helike. Under Theodosius, Helike conquered most of southern Procer, until his defeat on the Maddened Fields at the hands of General Isabella the Mad.

Helike changes alignment between Good and Evil depending on the ruler.

## Military

It boasts one of the most well trained armies on Calernia. The kataphractoi of Helike, horseback archers, are regarded as one of the best troops in Calernia. The army is unflinchingly loyal to the Tyrant, whenever the Name comes around.

## Notable Figures

King Kairos Theodosian the Unbroken, the Tyrant. The last of the line of Theodosius.

General Basilia

General Pallas Messene

Rhodon Kabasilas, the Royal Conjurer

King Theodosius the Unconquered, the first Tyrant of Helike

Dorian Theodosian, the Exiled Prince, the nephew of Kairos Theodosian

Semia, the Page

King Amyntas Theodosian, the father of Kairos Theodosian

Nicanor Theodosian, the brother of Kairos Theodosian and father of Dorian Theodosian

King Periander Theodosian, the Tyrant of Helike during the founding of the Free Cities

Argea Theodosian, the Sacker of Cities, the Tyrant
Golden Bloom

**The Golden Bloom** is an elvish kingdom located in a large forest to the north of Callow. They are nominally aligned with Good however their strict isolationist policies lead them to be uninvolved in the conflict that takes place on Calernia.

## General Information

The elves are ruled by the Forever King (a title, not a Name) and their society seems to be at least partially based on age. The oldest of the elves are called Emerald Swords.

They’re fanatically isolationist, to the point where they kill anyone - with the exception of Heroes - who comes near to the Golden Bloom. Few elves have ever left their kingdom. Perhaps most notable of them would be Ranger’s mother who was said to teach Emerald Swords and was likely incredibly old. The Emerald Swords are known to be occasionally sent out by the Forever King in an attempt to kill Ranger.

## History

They arrived to Calernia prior to the Miezan invasion. We’re told they were exiled from their original continent by their more tolerant peers as they didn’t want to interact with humans or half-elves.

They landed south of the Everdark and slaughtered most of the Deoraithe until they owned the forest that now makes the Golden Bloom. This event is still remembered by the Deoraithe and the Forest both, and the latter is responsible for the Elves’ lack of fertility. Indeed, Bard states that no elvish child has been born since they landed on Calernia.

Their kingdom was phased out of Creation and into Arcadia twice throughout history. First, during the Calernian conquest of Dread Empress Triumphant and second, during Akua Sahelian’s rise to power and the event known as the Second Liesse. They’re still outside of Creation as of the Battle of the Camps.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2016/02/10/heroic-interlude-riposte/
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/01/04/epilogue-2/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/03/07/epilogue-3/comment-page-1/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/01/04/regard/
5. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/07/05/chapter-16-shambles/
6. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/06/29/chapter-24-invitation-redux/
Dread Empress Dismal

"*There are two ways to interpret a prophecy: the way that spells your doom and the wrong one.*"
―Dread Empress Dismal

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Dismal** was a former Dread Empress of Praes.

## Epigraphs

*“There are two ways to interpret a prophecy: the way that spells your doom and the wrong one.”*

– Dread Empress Dismal

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/08/11/chapter-49-association/
Dread Emperor Vindictive I

"*Before embarking on a journey of revenge, dig two graves. One for the fool and one for all those pesky relatives.*"
―Dread Emperor Vindictive the First

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Vindictive the First** was a former Dread Emperor of Praes. He rose to power following the interregnum that occurred after the death of Dread Empress Maledicta II, and he was presumably the predecessor of Dread Emperor Nihilis as the same Warlock served under both of their reigns.

## Epigraphs

*“Before embarking on a journey of revenge, dig two graves. One for the fool and one for all those pesky relatives.”*

– Dread Emperor Vindictive the First

*“Alas, though your jest was cutting this axe is even sharper.”*

– Dread Emperor Vindictive

*“And on your grave we shall have inscribed: he was witty all the way into the tiger pit.”*

– Dread Emperor Vindictive

*“The trick is to always invite an unrelated highborn idiot to every council. When you inevitably execute them, all the other highborn idiots will behave for the rest of the discussion.”*

– Dread Emperor Vindictive I

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/04/08/chapter-2-invitation/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2021/07/23/interlude-a-girl-without-a-name
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/05/15/chapter-40-entreaty/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/10/27/chapter-67-isolani/
5. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/11/02/ye-mighty/
6. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/01/03/chapter-56-recess/
7. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2021/03/05/chapter-1-debut/
Dread Emperor Bilius

## *Unknown*

**Bilius**, also known as the Beast, was a former Dread Emperor of Praes. He tried to resolve Dread Empire’s overpopulation problem by turning all the Praesi into undead but he was poisoned by his Chancellor before his plan came to fruition.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2016/08/24/chapter-36-madman/
Creational Laws

Creational Laws are laws set down by the Gods directly when they created Creation. They differ from Original Laws as those apply to even the Gods.

Demons of Order, also known as Beasts of Hierarchy, replace creational laws with others superficially similar but at cross-purposes.

Arcadia has a loose accord with Creational Laws.

### Laws

**Known Laws:**

Gravity

Friction

**Theorized Laws:**

The Intercessor cannot die.

**Unknown if Creational or Original Laws:**

Something cannot come from nothing.

The Sapience Limit: A mage cannot create something of a higher order of sentience than themselves.

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Book 2 - Chapter 6: Rapport
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Book 2 - Chapter 37: Apprentice
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Book 3 - Interlude: Liesse I
4. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 30: Quarters
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Book 7 - Chapter 27: Recoil
Duni

The Duni are one of the human ethnic groups of the Dread Empire of Praes. They mostly recide in the Green Strech.

## Appearance

Duni tend to have lighter skin tones than the rest of Praes due to many of their ancersestors being of Miezan, Callowan, and Proceran origin.

## Culture

The Duni are seen as a lesser group in Praes because of a their ancestry. Living mostly in the Green Strech, the Duni comprise of mostly farmers, supplying the rest of Praes with most of the food produces in the Empire. No Duni has ever held position as Dread Emperor/Empress, though there has been some who has held the title of Black Knight and Chancellor.

1. ↑ Book 1 - Chapter 21: Fall Most dark and olive-skinned people who lived in the Green Stretch still considered themselves of the associated culture, but the pale-skinned people who’d trickled into the Stretch from Callow as well as those who had much more ancient Miezan roots were branded with the name of Duni.
2. ↑ Comment by Erraticerrata in Book 1 - Chapter 21: Fall The last ethnicity is the Duni, who live almost exclusively in the Green Stretch though it should be noted they don’t make up the majority of the population there. They’re typically pale-skinned, as they have both Miezan origins and some bloodline mixing with Callowans and Procerans (most of it from the later Crusades).
3. ↑ Book 1 - Chapter 21: Fall
High Lords

The High Lords are the foremost nobles of the Dread Empire of Praes. It is the highest rank of nobility under the Emperor and all High Lords are highly influential. A High Lord typically rules over at least one of the great cities of Praes. There are seven of them in all. At the start of the story, three of them back Malicia, the other three are aligned with the Truebloods.

### List of known High Lords

1. High Lady of Wolof: Tasia Sahelian, later replaced by High Lord Sargon Sahelian of Wolof.
2. High Lady of Aksum: Abreha Mirembe
3. High Lord of Thalassina: Idriss Kebdana
4. High Lady of Foramen: Amina Banu, later replaced by High Lady Wither.
5. High Lady of Kahtan: Takisha Muraqib
6. High Lord of Nok: Dakarai
7. High Lord of Okoro: Jaheem Niri
Dread Emperor Pernicious

"*The great candour in ruling Praes is that, if you make a mistake, assassination attempts will follow. Unfortunately if you do not make a mistake assassination attempts will also follow, which admittedly makes it difficult to tell if a mistake was in fact made.*"
―Dread Emperor Pernicious, the Imperiled

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Pernicious**, also known as the Imperiled, was a former Dread Emperor of Praes. He ruled just before the start of the Secret Wars, around 750 AD.

## Reign

Overall his reign was a failure. He attempted to raise a new capital replacing Ater in the heart of the Wasteland which did not succeed. To fund this endeavour he raised tax rates to inordinately high levels. This, in combination with his inability to keep a Chancellor loyal for more than a few months, and his failure to take the Blessed Isle back from the Kingdom of Callow despite three sieges, lead to losing his throne.

He ruled just before the start of the Secret Wars, potentially starting the first. He might’ve been a predecessor to Dread Emperor Heinous.

## Epigraphs

*“And so my reign ends as it began, with fewer allies than stab wounds.”*

– Alleged last words of Dread Emperor Pernicious, the Imperiled

*“If I had an aurelius for every assassination attempt, I wouldn’t have to keep raising taxes.”*

– Dread Emperor Pernicious, the Imperiled

*“The great candour in ruling Praes is that, if you make a mistake, assassination attempts will follow. Unfortunately if you do not make a mistake assassination attempts will also follow, which admittedly makes it difficult to tell if a mistake was in fact made.”*

– Dread Emperor Pernicious, the Imperiled

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/09/20/chapter-78-trenchant/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/11/14/chapter-71-ozone/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/12/04/chapter-49-hearsay/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/05/18/chapter-15-bravura/
5. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2017/12/20/interlude-skirmish-i/
I sing of spring

A Kharsum poem sung by Hakram during a fight with the Fae in Book 6.

**Note**: The way paragraphs are split is tentative, the lines are spread among the text.

*"I sing of spring, come winter deep*

*I sing of a dream beyond sleep.*

*The world was fair, when I was young,*

*My grip was strong, my fang was long,*

*And never, did my axe falter.*

*The days were long in summer sun,*

*Even sorrow sweet, in battles won,*

*And never did my hand linger,*

*I bore a crown once, of iron hewn,*

*Earned riding, under autumn moon.*

*And never did my heart waver,*

*Spring passed into summer song,*

*Then summer into fall, headlong,*

*And I know what waits after,*

*I sing of spring, come winter deep*

*I sing of a dream beyond sleep"*

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/interlude-concert/
Dread Emperor Iniquitous

"*I make it a habit to kill all the people at court who do not want to usurp me, as they are principled fellows and so eminently more dangerous than your average conspirators.*"
―Dread Emperor Iniquitous, first of the ‘Mayfly Emperors’

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Iniquitous** was a former Dread Emperor of Praes. He was the first of the *‘Mayfly Emperors’* which might refer to a brief Imperial dynasty, where three Emperors from the same family reigned in succession. The family was wiped out to the last when the third Emperor was overthrown.

## Epigraphs

*“I make it a habit to kill all the people at court who do not want to usurp me, as they are principled fellows and so eminently more dangerous than your average conspirators.”*

– Dread Emperor Iniquitous, first of the ‘Mayfly Emperors’

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/07/28/chapter-46-vestibule/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/07/08/chapter-15-company/
Army of Callow

The Army of Callow is the standing army of the Kingdom of Callow, under the command of Catherine Foundling and marshal Juniper of the Red Shields. The Army of Callow is split into Five Armies, each under the command of a general. Its structure is based on the Legions of Terror.

## Purpose

The Army of Callow serves as the defensive and offensive military force for the kingdom.

## Structure

The Army of Callow is split into five armies.

Armies are split into companies

Lines of twenty legionaries are split into two tenths.

Tenths are groups of ten Legionaries.

## Hierarchy

The ranks in the Army of Callow are as follows:

### **Marshal**

The Marshal of the Army carries the authority to command all the armies.

###  **Sapper-General**

General in command of the sappers. Pickler is the only known Sapper-General.

### Lieutenant

Lieutenants each command a line of twenty legionaries, which can be divided in to two tenths.

### Sergeant

Sergeants are part of a line, typically with two per line.

## History

The Army of Callow was formed from the Fifteenth Legion, as well as two others following Second Liesse.

## References

1. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 49: Association
2. ↑ Book 3 - Epilogue
3. ↑ Book Five - Interlude: Concourse III The First Army’s camp, where they’d begun their wandering, had been quiet and orderly compared to the rest – as was only to be expected, as it was Juniper’s own command and closest to her displeasure should festivities become too obvious.
4. ↑  Book Six - Chapter 69: Book Draw “I name you Excellens, in the old Miezan, to acknowledge what you already are: surpassing excellence, a neck that was never made to bend.”
5. ↑ Book Six - Interlude: Kingdom For now, at least. How long would that last? General Zola Osei of the Second Army of Callow let the urge to wince pass through her
6. ↑ Book 5 - Chapter 15: Bereavement “In the crucible of the Conquest,” I said, “names were granted to honour the greatest deeds of Legions. *Cognomen*, they are called. You have gone through crucible harsher still, and so this honour is long overdue.”

My voice rose.

“You are the Third Army of the Kingdom of Callow,” I proclaimed. “You have been the vanguard of our every victory, never once flinching nor breaking – and for that I name you *dauntless*.”
7. ↑ Book Five - Interlude: Concourse IV “I present you General Abigail of Summerholm, in command of the Third Army,” the Deadhand said. “You may have heard of her.”
8. ↑ Book Five - Interlude: Congregation III Instead, the Fourth Army suddenly found its ability to send messengers north to coordinate with the Hellhound cut when a detachment of Helike *kataphractoi* began roving north of it. The messengers south sent to warn Nauk and the Third Army about League interference never made it, and were found with arrows in their corpses by General Bagram’s scouts. Adjutant had pushed for the Fourth Army to immediately move south and join with Nauk before marching north together, and the Fourth’s general agreed.
9. ↑  Book Six - Chapter 78: Keter’s Due
10. ↑ Book 7 - Chapter 50: Clouds General Jeremiah Holt, formerly of the Thirteenth Legion and now instead of the Fifth Army.
Forlorn Paladin

"*The Forlorn Paladin won’t be far. He’s an odd duck, but steady.*"
―SidoniaThe Forlorn Paladin is a Good Name.

## Known Holders

**Unnamed man:** A member of the Grand Alliance and signatory of the Truce and Terms. Had spent some time as a member of Indrani's band.

Suffers from amnesia.

Despite his Name, the man is described to be improbably cheerful, abit of an odd duck, and earnest-faced.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/06/05/interlude-paragons/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/05/05/chapter-25-sanitize/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/04/17/interlude-threads/
Ashkaran

Ashkaran is an ancient language that was spoken in the kingship of Sephirah before it became the Kingdom of the Dead.

The only known speakers currently alive are Neshamah, Catherine Foundling and Masego. While Neshamah grew up speaking Ashkaran, Catherine and Masego gained the knowledge by ripping it out of soul echos of ancient sephirahns in Arcadia.

It is still used by the Dead King in Keter, the password to enter the palace of thrice Reflection was an Ashkaran word.

One of the names of Neshamah, *Beiakim*, is said to mean 'Child of Iakim' in Ashkaran.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/09/27/chapter-81-devotional/
Chancellor

The Chancellor Name is a traditional Praesi Name associated with managing the political aspect of Praes and serving as a check on both the Dread Emperor towards the nobility and on the High Lords towards the Dread Emperor. It is one of the four central Names of the Dread Empire of Praes along with Dread Emperor, Black Knight and Warlock.

## Role

The Chancellor's Role is to act as the ruling hand in Praes by following the Tyrant's deciding will. Traditionally, the Chancellor is charged with the day-to-day administration of Praes while the Emperor steers the Dread Empire towards whatever finality they may be pursuing. Having this position means being under pressure from both the High Seats and the Tyrant as the Chancellor must keep both in check. In addition, the Role of Chancellor is traditionally associated with that of the treacherous advisor.

## Ability

The Name of Chancellor is geared towards management and political intrigue for the most part, providing little to no combat ability. As with most recurring Names, the abilities of the Chancellor varies wildly depending on the holder, but that power is often restricted to manipulation and plotting.
Gallant Brigand

"*What he said,” the Gallant Brigand agreed. “Only, you know, less priestly. Fuck you and your offer and your entire evil legions.*"
―Amelia
The Brigand has similar abilities to the Assassin and Thief roles. The roguish nature of the name allows the name to easily blend in with urban populations as well as use abilities that inform if individuals are spying on them as well as offensive aspects if the need for violence is warranted. Despite these abilities the name is most likely ore powerful when leading others rather than front line defence. The Brigand is best used in gathering intel on enemies by using the general population as beacons of information. Based on the battle between the Black Queen despite the speed of the Brigand as well as endurance despite having their arm cut off the name is very low in terms of direct combat.

## Role

The gallant nature of the brigand comes from the Robin Hood like actions. The name will attack the villainous forces raiding their supplies then return their earned goods back to the oppressed populations. The name seemed to have emerge when the Brigand attacked the forces of the Tyrant of Helike.

## Abilities

The Brigand has several abilities that make it suited for attacking larger forces with a small team. The aspects that have been displayed thus far is one that allows it to know if it is being watched by others as well as an aspect that allows a quick cutting motion against enemies similar to swing from the White Knight. The name is more suited stealth as when jumping from a two story building the user did it without making a sound or injuring themselves.
Chider

### Background

Original Chider was a claimant to the name Squire she wanted to become a well known Goblin Named in order to curry more power and lead to more rights being given to Goblins.

### Personality

Despite her diminutive size Chider is fearless an admirable quality of many of her tribe. She is a natural leader but is willing to subordinate herself in order to achieve a goal. This allows her to make alliances with her enemies such as Heiress and the other claimants. The traits combine to give Chider an unnatural will to survive, which is presumably the reason this was going to become her initial aspect.

### Relationships

Goblins: She shares a deep pride in Goblins and believes they are undervalued by the empire. This is her motivation for the name of Squire she believes that if she acquires a name then perhaps her people will get the treatment they deserve.

Claimants: Chider used the other claimants tow complete three major objectives that she felt she could not complete on her own: slaying the Lone swordsman, killing Cathrine, acquiring the name Squire.

Heiress: She allies with heiress for similar reasons that she allied with the other claimant she believed that with her help she could attain her goals. This almost might be due to the necromancy that was cast on her body.

Catherine: She shares a deep hatred for the current Squire willing to put her every being in stopping Squire no matter the cost. She initially united the other claimants against Catherine because she saw her as the largest threat.

### Appearance

She appears as a typically Goblin albeit with red skin initially but later after being slain by the lone swordsman and being buried under ruble her reincarnated body appears to be held together by magic, as it is mangled.

### Name History

Chider acquired her name by stealing it from Catherine while in a limbo realm between creation and a summoning ground for angels. In the middle in a fight to death with Catherine she almost claimed her first aspect before meeting her end.

### Power

Chider is an expert sapper using a plethora of munitions to take out enemies. Her expertise in munitions is most likely to support her lack of physical power due to her race.

After her resurrection through necromancy her body is mangled. This might cause pain if she could feel pain, but thanks to being the living undead her pain sense has been dulled.

Once she gained the name Squire she had increased speed and strength. Despite her increased speed her reflexes were not able to compensate for the new found power and could be struck easily through feints. She almost acquired an aspect as she was battling Catherine that stemmed from her will to survive. It is unknown what this power would entail but it probably would have prolonged Chider's life.
Gigantes

## Appearance

The Gigantes are an extremely tall race, reaching as high as thirty feet. Their skin is course and deep brown. Their legs are long and their necks are short. In place of ears they have a ridge of cartilage. Their eyes are slightly paler than a human's. They shave their heads and some wear beards. They wear white tunics, and incorporate metals into their clothing through belts, jewelry, and the straps of their stone sandals.

## Culture

A race who has avoided the conflicts of the main continent only a few are allowed near there wall of the living earth. Even fewer have met giants and live to tell the tale.

## Abilities

They can link with the very earth and through song can marshal the forces of nature against their enemies.

The Gigantes are not naturally ageless, but by bathing in the light of moon and star in sacred places, and by songs and patience The Gigantes are capable of gathering power and vitality, keeping them alive.

## References

1. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 43: Conclusions
2. ↑ Book 6 - Chapter 9: Acceleration
Dread Emperor Vile I

"*Those who live by the sword kill those who don’t.*"
―Dread Emperor Vile the First

## *Unknown*

**Vile the First** was a former Dread Emperor of Praes. He reigned sometime before 490 AD and was the Emperor who triggered the War of Thirteen Tyrants and One.

## Reign

He succeeded Dread Emperor Foul III when the latter returned from a failed expedition against the Kingdom of Daoine. As a response, he put coin to unmaking the Deoraithe bowmen. For four centuries after his reign, anyone bringing back the severed index and middle fingers of a Deoraithe was rewarded in gold.

He tried to solve Praesi overpopulation by releasing a magical plague that would kill two in ten. This triggered a civil war known as the War of Thirteen Tyrants and One.

## Epigraphs

*“Those who live by the sword kill those who don’t.”*

– Dread Emperor Vile the First

*“Despise not the treacherous but instead the weak, for while both serve the same purpose where treachery requires skill and daring weakness requires only mediocrity.”*

– Dread Emperor Vile the First

*“Don’t be absurd, Black Knight. It would have been called treason if I’d lost – this is merely succession.”*

– Dread Emperor Vile the First

*“It is said that when his Chancellor told him the scheme to release a culling plague would cause rebellion, Dread Emperor Vile thoughtfully replied that should this be the case he could always release a second one.”*

– Introduction to ‘Thirteen and One’ by Hakim of Kahtan, the Haunted Scholar

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2015/07/15/chapter-16-game/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/03/08/chapter-18-fable/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2016/08/24/chapter-36-madman/
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/07/12/chapter-55-renewal/
5. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/04/01/chapter-28-acts/
6. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/07/11/chapter-29-sixth/
Dread Emperor Perfidious

"*I see how it is. We agree to single combat and of course you can still use your enchanted sword, but I bring a single massive flying fortress and suddenly it’s ‘treachery’ and ‘against the spirit of the agreement’.*"
―Dread Emperor Perfidious

## General information

### Faction

Praes,
Villains

### Status

Deceased

**Perfidious** was a former Dread Emperor of Praes.

## Epigraphs

*“Chaos is a ladder, Chancellor. It never goes quite where you need it to, and the rise is always more graceful than the descent.”*

– Dread Emperor Perfidious

*“The crocodiles in the pit ate the condemned too quickly when starved and only nibbled when well-fed, which is why we bespelled them to be always be hungry for a little more. Thankfully they do not wear clothes, and so can still be told apart from the rest of my court.”*

– Dread Emperor Perfidious

*“I see how it is. We agree to single combat and of course you can still use your enchanted sword, but I bring a single massive flying fortress and suddenly it’s ‘treachery’ and ‘against the spirit of the agreement’.”*

– Dread Emperor Perfidious

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/01/23/chapter-4-reconnoiter/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2018/08/10/chapter-42-the-skeins-plan/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2019/09/23/chapter-79-hitch/
Crusader Kingdoms

**The Crusader Kingdoms** were Good-aligned polities on the territory of the Dread Empire of Praes, following the First Crusade.

The Crusader Kingdoms held through the Second Crusade, which was launched to overthrow them in order to re-establish the Dread Empire under Dread Emperor Terribilis II and ended in the second destruction of the Tower.

After the Third Crusade, the Crusader Kingdoms collapsed and never again came into being.
Claimants

A claimant is an individuals who has traits that make them eligible for a Name. It is possible to have more than one claimant for a Name. In fact Squire had four individuals, while Warlock had at the very least two. A single individual cannot claim a Name until either the other claimants have been dispatched or given up their right to a name.

### Powers

A claimant is by no mean powerful enough to fight on par with a name they still are able to tap into the powers of their name. This limited power is most likely to determine who is the most adept at harnessing the power of a name.

### Notable Claimants

* Chider
* Rashid
* Tamika
* Dumisai of Aksum
Grave Binder

"*Warriors gave them a wide berth, as much out of respect for Bestowed as the stink that came from Idris’ rotting flesh.*"
―Barrow Sword
The Grave Binder is an Evil Name that hails from the Dominion of Levant.

The Name partakes in barrow-raiding, and as a consequence, stinks of living rot due to a barrow-curse.

Due to the closeness of the Name with that of the Binder's Blood, there is harsh enmity from the Tanja family, who consider the Name a desecration.

## Abilities

The Grave Binder wears a set of 'glittering bronze rings'. These rings are what thought the Grave Binder his learnings and through the use of the rings, the Grave Binder is able to sense Revanants.

Idris has commented that ever dying deepens the Grave Binder's hold over death, although the barrow had exacted a deep price for the rings that taught him his learning.

While the Grave Binder is unable to destroy swaths of foes, he is a maker of curses and a necromancer. His mastery over death is not simple necromancy but a deeper power. The Grave Binder, alone of all the sorcerers of Calernia, could weave curses that affected even undead. This includes hiding a Band of Five from the sight of the undead as they sneak through the Dead King's army.

However, it is noted that the Grave Binder is unable to wrest control of the undead from the Dead King,

The Grave Binder's understanding of magic is at a level where he is able to craft a report analyzing Keter's Due.

## Known Holders

**Idris:** A signatory of the Truce & the Terms who took part in the war against the Dead King.

## References

1. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/interlude-reprobates/
2. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2020/07/31/interlude-reprobates/
3. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2021/12/10/interlude-honour/
4. ↑ https://practicalguidetoevil.wordpress.com/2021/01/01/epilogue-6/
Arcadia Resplendent

### Background

The Court of Arcadia Resplendent is an organization of Fae that live in Arcadia. Arcadia Resplendent is one of many similar versions of Arcadia that occur on different continents. This is due to the fact that Arcadia is a symbolic "reflection" of the physical world, and so reflects different aspects in different places.

### Notable Persons

The former King of Winter

The former Queen of Summer, Ista

### Events in Story

Arcadia Resplendent is the full name of Arcadia even prior to the events that formed the court of the same name.

#### Creation

At the end of the war between the Winter and Summer Courts the two monarchs wed, creating a new unified court from the survivors, with two crowns and pools of power. Arcadia Resplendent is an entirely new entity, not flowing directly from Summer or Winter. Fae killed during the war were left to seek other purposes, such as the Duke of Green Orchards of Summer becoming the Count of Green Apples of Autumn.

## References

1. ↑ Book 3 - Chapter 37: Apprentice “Between it and Arcadia,” he replied. “Did you know the full name for that place is ‘Arcadia Resplendent’? There’s a reason for that. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it.”
2. ↑ Book 3 - Chapter 8: Lies
3. ↑ Book 3 - Chapter 45: Falling Action
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Book 6 - Chapter 30: Quarters
5. ↑ Book 6 - Interlude: Threads
Abridged Guide to Evil Wikia

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Kingdom of the Dead

The Kingdom of the Dead is a state in Calernia. It is ruled by the Dead King Neshamah and mostly inhabited by Undead. It lies to the north west of Procer. Its capital is Keter. Part of the kingdom is located in one of the hells, known as Serenity.

### History

The Kingdom of the Dead is the successor state of the Kingship of Sephirah. Its transformation into a kingdom of undead was the aftermath of a great ritual conducted by Neshamah. Details are unknown.

### Foreign Relations

The kingdom was allied to Praes at least once, under Dread Empress Triumphant. Also Malicia and Catherine have both negotiated with the Dead King.

The kingdom frequently raids Procer and the existence of an undead horned lord (Skein), hints at hostile relations with the Chain of Hunger.