recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Burrhead

### Other family

* Grandchildren: Beech, Pipple, Comfrey, Violet, Coltsfoot, Rose, Curlew, Beech, Tryfan
* Great-grandchildren: Wharfe, Harebell, Lucerne

## Physical description

### Gender

Male

**Burrhead**, father of Bracken, he was an Elder of Duncton Wood and follower of Mandrake and then Rune.

## History

### Duncton Wood

Likely born in the Westside of Duncton Wood, Burrhead became an elder and had won Aspen in a fight after an elder meeting in February. Burrhead had not killed his opponent however.

With Aspen, he spawned Root, Wheatear and of course, Bracken, the weakest of the three.

Because Burrhead was known as the strongest mole on the Westside, he was ridiculed for his son's weakness - he knew Bracken (and Aspen too) wouldn't fare well competing for a mate when he grew.

When Hulver, Bracken and Bindle proceeded to peform the ritual by the Stone, Burrhead along with Mandrake leading, tried to stop them, and succeeding to kill Hulver, and then Bindle—Bracken, though wounded by Mandrake, managed to leave.

After time, an owl carcass was spotted and Burrhead collected Rune and Mandrake to the morbid scene; Mandrake of which wasn't phased by the dead owl, which was claimed to be killed by the Stone Mole. Instead, he painted his face with the blood of the owl to mock it. All moles at the scene, including Burrhead and Rune even.

## Trivia

* His name is an offensive slur on black people. However, it is likely that it he is named for the genus Echinodorus, namely the Creeping Burrhead, a long lived aquatic plant that grows on lake margins.

## References and Citations

1. ↑ -- Duncton Wood, Chapter 1
2. ↑ -- Duncton Wood, Chapter 1
Chervil

**Chervil**, or Senior Brother Chervil, was the son of Thripp. He was firstly named 'Mumble', by Privet.

## Appearance

He is large, with a black and intense stare, a low and soft voice, a well-made body, set and firm paws; his black fur glossy and unmarked by scars.

## Personality

* Charismatic
* Powerful

## Quotes

> Brothers and Sisters in the Stone, I have long looked forward to the day I should be able to welcome the Senior Brother Inquisitors to Duncton Wood. It is the last of the great systems of moledom which must be prepared towards the day when the main systems of moledom shall be ready to yield peacefully to the only true way to the Stone, and with your help and faith it will soon be so.
>
> — Chervil announcing the arrival of the Senior Brother Inquisitors and his plan for moledom's future;, *Duncton Tales*

## References and Citations

1. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, pg. 129
2. ↑ -- Duncton Rising, pg. 27
3. ↑ -- Duncton Stone, pg. 114
4. ↑ -- Duncton Rising, pg. 207
5. ↑ -- Duncton Stone, Allegiances
6. ↑ -- Duncton Rising, Allegiances
Hawe

**Hawe**, a system.

## Flora

### Trees

* Ash
* Beech
* Elm
* Holly
* Oak

### Shrubs

* Bramble
* Ferns
* Ground Ivy
* Mistletoe

### Flowers

* Eglantine (Sweet Briar)
* Harebell
* Primrose
* Wood Violets
* Yellow Furze

## Fauna

### Mammals

* Badgers
* Foxes
* Hedgehogs
* Moles
* Pipistrelle Bats
* Rabbits
* Shrews
* Squirrels (grey)
* Stoats
* Voles
* Weasels

### Birds

* Blackbirds
* Crows
* Greenfinches
* Jackdaws
* Larks
* Nightingales
* Nuthatches
* Rooks
* Tawny Owls
* Tits
* Wood Pigeons
* Wrens
* Yellowhammers

### Other

* Beetles
* Cardinal Beetles
* Fleas
* Ladybirds
* Lobworms
* Spiders
* Stag Beetles
* Wasps
* Worms
Duncton Wood: Praise

## Praise to the Books

* *"...an earthy epic fantasy...William Horwood has a thoroughbred his first time out, a book with the grace, style, underlying power—and control—of a seasoned champion...The themes of power, survival, passion, courage, sacrifice, love and devotion are presented with astonishing clarity."*

> —**Willard Simms**, *Los Angeles Times Book Review*
>
>

* *"A passionate, lyrical, appealing tale...Consistently absorbing...Enchanting."*

> —**Jane Clapperton**, *Cosmopolitan*
>
>

* *"The story, the overall design of William Horwood's novel, Duncton Wood, achieves that touchy balance between freedom and reflection ... Horwood's imagination is both reaching and sound. ...Altogether, Duncton Wood is a breathtaking achievement."*

> —**William Wangerin Jr.**, *Washington Post Book World*
>
>

* *"Horwood has placed his astute ear to the ground and fashioned...a modern masterpiece...Classic themes of conflict are here, good and evil, love and hate, the clash of traditional and modern values."*

> —**Joseph Patrick Kennedy**, *Houston Chronicle*
>
>

* *"An inspiring novel...an epic in the tradition of The Lord of the Rings. A tale of genocide, torture, passion, courage, fear and love, an anthropormorphic allegory of spiritual redemption."*

> —*Sunday Times*
>
>

* *"A massive read...more readable and more rewarding than The Lord of the Rings."*

> —*The Times*
>
>

* *"A great big mole-epic with a great big theme."*

> —*Daily Mail*
>
>

* *"An absolute spellbinder, by Lord of the Rings out of Watership Down. I found it enchanting, compulsive reading....I am still haunted by its beauty."*

> —*Magnus Magnusson*
>
>

* *"The stuff of legend ... an elaborate allegorical tale of an old system in decline, of moles sapped of spirit and energy as they lose touch with the ancient rituals and codes that in proud bygone days provided them with their life powers ... Horwood's natural world is lyrically realised, his mole empire a delight, his romantic tale full of adventure, suspense, battle and searchings ... A rich, cautionary fairy tale."*

> —*Publishers Weekly*
>
>

* *"Luxuriantly written...richly drawn, painting a detailed and loving panorama."*

> —*Associated Press*
>
>

* *"Special, endearing, successful...truly touching...This is a novel for the pure-at-heart and slightly naive, for the childishness in the weary, and the children we should be having...Allegorically fabulous."*

> —*Village Voice*
>
>

* *"Destined to be a classic...A beautiful story...For lovers of the fantastic tale, this one has something for everyone...Extremely sensuous."*

> —*Little Rock Arkansas Gazette*
>
>

* "A fantasy about moles (which is like saying "The Old Man And The Sea" is about a man who catches a fish)."

> — Augustine Funnell Books description for *Duncton Wood*
>
>

* "Horwood is well-versed in small animal lore and descriptions of nature. [...]the first book was quite enchanting in its own way."

> — Review of *The Willows in Winter* within "Books to look for" by Charles de Lint in *Fantasy & Science Fiction* July 94, Volume 87, Issue 1, p. 36.
>
>
Pipple

**Pipple**, son to Bracken and Rue and brother to Comfrey, Violet, Beech and Coltsfoot.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Wood

#### Part Two: Rebecca

He, along with his siblings were born away from Duncton, in hiding from Rune. Though they thrived, it wouldn't be long until Rune had found them.

When he had, Rune promised to protect both Pipple and Violet (which was a lie) and as Rue left, Rune looked back at the youngsters.

He had killed Beech and Coltsfoot - Pipple's fate too is sealed as Rune, disliking his name, killed him last, with only Violet surviving his wrath.
Duncton Chronology

*Spring*

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## Year ??

### May

*Spring*

* Mandrake was born in the cold mountains of Siabod.

## Year 0

### May

#### *Spring*

* Mandrake arrives to Duncton through the Westside and becomes a Duncton elder.

### June

#### *Summer*

* Mandrake, by his third elder meeting speaks up when they discussed heated arguments for the Midsummer trek to the Stone.

## Year 1

### February

*Winter*

* Burrhead claims Aspen as his mate.

### April

*Spring*

* Mandrake and Sarah have a second litter.

### May

*Spring*

* Bracken, Root and Wheatear are born.
* Boswell finds a book with birch bark; a seal of a White Mole, which contains the prophecy of the Seven Books and Stillstones.

### June

*Summer*

* No longer a pup, Bracken and his siblings are almost adults.
* Bracken meets Hulver.
* Rebecca meets Hulver, and learns about Bracken.
* Hulver and Bindle are killed.

### July

*Summer*

* Rebecca hears about the deaths of Hulver and Bindle.

### August

*Summer*

* Rebecca meets Rose the Healer.
* Rose tends to Bracken's wounds.
* Bracken inhabits the Ancient Burrows and gets a reputation as the Stone Mole.

### September

*Autumn*

* Rebecca meets Cairn and Stonecrop. After time, Cairn and Rebecca mate. Rune intrudes and fights him, leaving him wounded. Bracken eventually finds him and sits by Cairn as he dies.
* On a rainy day, Bracken meets Rebecca for the first time.
* Boswell leaves Uffington in search of the lost Stillstone and Book.

### October

#### *Autumn*

* Rose visits Mekkins to warn him of danger.
* Rebecca births her pups by Cairn, who are then killed by Mandrake.
* *Rue possibly gave birth to her pups around this point.*
* Rebecca is taken to Curlew to protect her from Mandrake, Rune and the henchmoles.

### November

*Autumn*

* Mekkins takes Comfrey from Rue, and gives him to Rebecca to nurse.

### December

*Winter*

* Longest Night begins.

## Year 2

### January

*Winter*

* Mandrake succumbs to madness.
* Rune tells Mandrake to go to the Ancient System, to kill the Stone Mole.
* Rune kills Beech, blames it on Mandrake, and when Rue left to Barrow Vale, Rune then killed Coltsfoot, and Pipple, only sparing Violet to be warped in believing the impersonation of Mandrake, and with it, she fled.
* Bracken meets Mullion and Boswell for the first time.

### February

*Winter*

* Rebecca learns how to be a healer, in Rose's teachings.

### March

*Spring*

* Rune gains full leadership of Duncton.
* Bracken, Mullion and Boswell begin their journey to the system of Nuneham.

### April

*Spring*

* Bracken, Mullion and Boswell arrive at Nuneham.
Calthorpe

**Calthorpe**, a system that was Quail's headquarters on his way to Duncton.

## Landscape

### Calthorpe Bluff

It is a bluff that overlooks River Cherwell on the north-eastward side. Its surface is mainly grassland pasture, though here and there an isolated tree can be found.

## Notable Events

* Was taken by Quail as a temporary headquarters on his route to Duncton.

## Notable Residence

### Visitors

* Arvon
* Cluniac
* Fagg
* Noakes
* Quail
* Sapient
* Skua
* Snyde
* Squilver
* Thripp
* Turling
Harebell

**Harebell**, a graceful and intelligent female, is the daughter of Tryfan and Henbane, and also sister to Wharfe and Lucerne.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Quest

Born in an October of Henbane, (wip)

She and her brother were brought to Beechenhill by Mayweed and the traitor Sideem, Sleekit. Their care was entrusted to Squeezebelly himself. It is revealed that Squeezebelly would allow Harebell and her brother time and choice of their own path as they were older.

Betony and Bramble were Harebell and Wharfe's good friends in childhood and present.

## Personality

* Graceful
* Intelligent

## Trivia

* She has the same name as a flowering plant, the harebell, also known as bluebell, blawort, hair-bell, lady's thimble, witch's bells and witch's thimbles.
Nisel mountain

**Nisel mountain**:

●Shell mask lv23
Gear drop: thorny twig.
Item drop: woodchip, nisel wood , bitter nut.

●Little boar lv24
Gear drop: Knuckle duster
Item drop: animal skin , sturdy fur.

●Boar lv25
Gear drop: Warrior mail.
Item drop: animal skin , sturdy fur.

■GIANT BOAR lv52
Gear drop: adventurer garb (purple A)
Item drop: animal skin , sturdy fur.
xtal : giant boar **Yellow** ( Melee atk +1%
, Max HP +50, Max MP +50)

**Nisel mountain -mountainside**:

●Little boar lv25
Gear drop: Knuckle duster
Item drop: animal skin , sturdy fur.
xtal : crit rate+1

●Boar lv26
Gear drop: Warrior mail.
Item drop: animal skin , sturdy fur.

●Rutin lv26
Gear drop: long bow.
Item deop: hard dragon skin , jagged fang , little wyvern wing.

●Shell mask lv27
Gear drop: thorny dagger.
Item drop: woodchip, nisel wood , bitter nut.

**Nisel mountain - near the top**:

●Boar lv27
Gear drop: Warrior mail.
Item drop: animal skin , sturdy fur.

●Rutin lv28
Gear drop: long bow
Item drop: hard dragon skin , jagged fang , little wyvern wing.

**Nisel Mountain : The Top**:

♢Brutal Dragon Decel Lv40
Gear drop : Brutal Dragon- Sword & Armor & Crown.
Item drop : Brutal Dragon Tail & Claw & Horn & Skin , black crystal fragment.
Xtal : Brutal Dragon Decel **Blue** (Atk+1% , matk+1% , mp-150)
Fieldfare

**Fieldfare**, a mole who introduces Privet to Duncton Wood in *Duncton Tales*.

## Appearance

She is a plump mole with pleasant grey fur, ample flanks, and a chubby, wrinkled face with plump brows and shoulders, and ample skin.

## Personality

* Compassionate
* Kind
* Motherly / Maternal

## Quotes

> Patience, my dear, and a task -- that's the way to stop fretting about a thing. Find yourself a task -- or better still find Whillan one!
>
> — Fieldfare trying to soothe Privet;, *Duncton Tales*

## References and Citations

1. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, pg. 9
2. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, pg. 120
3. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, pg. 123
4. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, (wip)
5. ↑ -- Duncton Rising, pg. 17
6. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, pg. 9
7. ↑ -- Duncton Rising, pg. 232
Leaves From the Lost Book

*The Leaves From the Lost Book* is a quasi-ballet score composed by Adrian Williams.

The piece was inspired by *Duncton Wood* and commissioned for the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra by St David's Hall chief executive Tony Woodcock on behalf of the 1997 Cardiff Proms. It was conducted by Owain Arwel Hughes as part of a concert titled "Summer Romance" and performed by the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra in 1987. The score's length is 18 minutes.
Duncton Quest

***Duncton Quest*** is the second book in the Duncton Wood trilogy written by William Horwood. It was first published in the United Kingdom in 1988.

## Overview

*"As the glorious events of Duncton Wood ended, Tryfan, son of Bracken and Rebecca, was entrusted with a special task – to accompany the old scribemole Boswell back to the Holy Burrows of Uffington and take the seventh Stillstone to its rightful resting place. But a dark evil is spreading across moledom, whispering falseness to the weak and giving corrupt power to the cunning and faithless. When the two moles finally reach Uffington they discover only death and destruction. The sacred burrows are abandoned, the Holy Library desecrated and the sole survivor is a frail and timid mole called Spindle. For out the chilly of the chilly north have swarmed the Grikes – a bloodthirsty tribe of warrior moles under the leadership of their evil queen, Henbane. They are fanatical followers of the Word, a harsh creed  which demands that they convert or kill all believers in the sacred Stone. Their tyranny extends far and wide and even mighty Duncton Wood is now threatened. Tryfan finds he has a new and terrible task…"*

## See also

* Allegiances
* Chapter Notes
Cotswold

**Cotswold**, a system.

## Flora

### Trees

* Ash
* Beech
* Elm
* Holly
* Oak

### Shrubs

* Bramble
* Ferns
* Ground Ivy
* Mistletoe

### Flowers

* Eglantine (Sweet Briar)
* Harebell
* Primrose
* Wood Violets
* Yellow Furze

## Fauna

### Mammals

* Badgers
* Foxes
* Hedgehogs
* Moles
* Pipistrelle Bats
* Rabbits
* Shrews
* Squirrels (grey)
* Stoats
* Voles
* Weasels

### Birds

* Blackbirds
* Crows
* Greenfinches
* Jackdaws
* Larks
* Nightingales
* Nuthatches
* Rooks
* Tawny Owls
* Tits
* Wood Pigeons
* Wrens
* Yellowhammers

### Other

* Beetles
* Cardinal Beetles
* Fleas
* Ladybirds
* Lobworms
* Spiders
* Stag Beetles
* Wasps
* Worms
Fangame: Sacred Genealogy Of The Celestial Realm Lore

It is about the Universe in Celestial Realms...

NPCS involved

* New Moon Empress
* Winged Queen Angel
* Princess Illaria (Mentioned)
* Panda Basi
* Queen Joan

Random cameo NPCS involved.

* Headbutt Carker (CartoonRocker)
* Krohgar (IcySageDorc)
* Taj
* Mr. Holt
* Keo (MondoArt)
* Logan Volf (Zkaijuraptor/Z0mbiraptor)
* Cyneric Gunvald (LundeaDusk)
* Selene11
* Glimmer (Princesses Of Power)
* Rayla (Dragon Prince
* Queen Sarai (Mentioned in Dragon Prince)
* Brunhilde (Avengers)
* Scarlet Witch
* Aria Boleene (Original???)

and waaaay to many to list.

These NPCs were able to interact with certain players. The Sacred Genealogy Kickstarter project launched after people watched Avengers Endgame.
Hay

**Hay**, a mole of Duncton Wood.

## History

### Duncton Quest

- Hay first meets Spindle and Tryfan when they were investigating Duncton Wood in its decrepid state. After Tryfan and Spindle confirm their belief to the Stone, Hay gathered some worms for them and they all introduced themselves.

- Hay is shocked at the coincidence of their meeting, 'Stone me, stone the crows!'

- Hay explains they'd find many sick moles where they were

- Hay also asks them not to preach the Stone at him, as he's not one for worship

- Hay explains that most that came here had scalpskin or were miscreants - disease all over
Drule

**Drule**, Lucerne's bodyguard, or guardmole.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Found

#### Part Three: Darkness Falls

Lucerne and his crusade found him at Kinder Scout through the passage of Dark Peak, where he murdered Word females who were having intercourse with Stone moles. After seeing Drule's obedient zeal to the Word, as well as guile and loyalty as a mole, Lucerne made him his bodyguard.

Before Lucerne took him in, Drule was unknown to others. Now, he is viciously notorious for his actions.

- Leader of the guardmoles who ran the Sumps. Also was their scourge.

- Was the expert on the punishments of the prisoners.

- Had a pick of the youngsters of adult inmates, specifically the females, who after having had his way with them would give to the guardmoles to use. Few given up to the cruelty of him and his guardmoles would survive.

## Appearance

He is an enormous, fat mole with huge paws, stubby talons, a moist snub snout and small, deep-set "pig eyes".

## Personality

Drule is brutish, cruel and unintelligent, but loyally prepared to follow any order and be discreet when necessary.

## Trivia

* Though his name doesn't share that of anything in particular, it could be a variation of the word 'drool'.
Beake

**Beake**, a young eldrene mole.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## Backstory

### Duncton Quest

#### Part Three: Duncton Wood

After succeeding Fescue, she began to show her worth by supplying Wrekin with guardmoles, spies and Sideem.

However, things began to turn bad for her after Beake was tasked with the mission of infesting Duncton as another punishment along with snouting. Sent there against her will, her guardmoles and eventually she too, were ridden with scalpskin. As an Eldrene, she kept things in order for a while, until her disease began to weaken her.

It isn't clear exactly what happened to her in the end. Hay theories as he explains Beake's story to Tryfan, "One day the grike guardmoles must have mutinied and killed Beake."

What was confirmed however, was Beake's snouting by the Duncton Stone.
Penkridge

**Penkridge**, a system.

## Flora

### Trees

* Ash
* Beech
* Elm
* Holly
* Oak

### Shrubs

* Bramble
* Ferns
* Ground Ivy
* Mistletoe

### Flowers

* Eglantine (Sweet Briar)
* Harebell
* Primrose
* Wood Violets
* Yellow Furze

## Fauna

### Mammals

* Badgers
* Foxes
* Hedgehogs
* Moles
* Pipistrelle Bats
* Rabbits
* Shrews
* Squirrels (grey)
* Stoats
* Voles
* Weasels

### Birds

* Blackbirds
* Crows
* Greenfinches
* Jackdaws
* Larks
* Nightingales
* Nuthatches
* Rooks
* Tawny Owls
* Tits
* Wood Pigeons
* Wrens
* Yellowhammers

### Other

* Beetles
* Cardinal Beetles
* Fleas
* Ladybirds
* Lobworms
* Spiders
* Stag Beetles
* Wasps
* Worms
Lathe

**Lathe**, a Whern mole.

Lathe appeared to Tryfan and Spindle, explaining to the grikes that moles who had journeyed so far wouldn’t dare harm him. Lathe brought forth a grike who dreaded him and confronted him about it. He asked him to either confess or receive a talon thrust, to which the grike chose the latter. Lathe then dismissed them.

## Appearance

He is a grey-furred mole with cold grey eyes, an aquiline face and a sneering mouth.
Duncton Stone (book)

This article is about the final book in *The Book of Silence* trilogy. For the Stone located in the Duncton system, see Duncton Stone.

## *Duncton Stone*

### ISBN

0002241749

***Duncton Stone*** is the third and final book in the Book of Silence trilogy written by William Horwood. It was first published in 1993.

## Overview

*Under the cruel leadership of Quail, sectarian Newborns have taken control of the key systems of Moledom. But the loyal followers of the Stone have not given up. In Duncton Wood, home of spiritual truth and liberty, resistance lives on. Its champion is the timid Library aide Pumpkin, while in holy Uffington, Fieldfare inspires revolt. Even in dread Wildenhope, headquarters of the Newborn leadership, the once-evil Thripp, strives to undermine Quail’s position and right the wrongs he originally inspired. Meanwhile, Stone followers everywhere await news of Privet, female scholar and scribemole, and of her quest for the lost Book of Silence. Even if she finds it, will she have the strength to bring it home?*
Arncliffe

**Arncliffe**, a system, part of North Yorkshire.

## Landscape

Situated on a gravel delta above the flood-plain of the River Skirfare, Arncliffe's houses, cottages, and other buildings face a large green, and green hillsides etched with limestone scars.

Beyond the village buildings, limestone walls climb the surrounding hills separating higher fields. A church lies close to the river a little north of the village, and the road up the dale crosses the river past a building. A narrow, winding road climbs steeply southwards from the village, across the fells towards Malham. Paths also go towards Kettlewell and Starbotton.
Cobbett

**Cobbett**, a scribemole of Beechenhill.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## Appearance

He is old, with untidy, ungroomed and patchy fur; he also has grubby paws.

## Personality

* Restless
* Warm-hearted

## References and Citations

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 -- Duncton Tales, pg. 65
2. ↑ -- Duncton Rising, pg. 128
Maella

**Maella**, or Malla, is a mole from the far south-west.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Stone

Part Two: Strivings

* (wip)

## Appearance

She isn't large for a mole, and speaks with a burr to her voice.
Nightshade

**Nightshade** is a weaver of dark magic and rose to Rune's side in his rule.

#### Part Three: Bracken

Nightshade makes her first appearance during Rune's leadership over Duncton, along with other moles of a similar and dark nature, 'diseased in mind, distorted in body'. She also appeared alongside Rune during the fight between the Pasture moles and Rune's leadership of the Duncton moles.

## Appearance

She is a thin, haggardly old mole with a misshapen form.

## Quotes

> When the moon is at its peak, Rune, I want to be free with the Stone, yes... mm... to wipe the blood of the young into its holes and crevices and make a curse on all the Marshenders unfortunate enough to survive. What a pity if they all died. Yes... mm...
>
> — Nightshade castings spells;, *Duncton Wood*

## Trivia

* Her name has the same name as a flowering plant, which berries are poisonous.
* It was said that the dark and secret rituals she knew were banished from Duncton by the moles of the Ancient System. Handed down, generation after generation, for evil purposes.

## References and Citations

1. ↑ -- Duncton Wood, pg. 315
2. ↑ -- Duncton Wood, pg. 316
3. ↑ -- Duncton Wood, pg. 341
Duncton Wood (book)

This article is about the first book in *The Duncton Chronicles* trilogy. For the location and system, see Duncton Wood.

## *Duncton Wood*

### ISBN

0099443007

***Duncton Wood*** is the first book in the Duncton Wood trilogy written by William Horwood. It was first published in the United Kingdom in 1980.

## Overview

"*William Horwood’s debut novel is not only a powerful  evocation of the English countryside, which is the backdrop to  the heroes’ quest, but the beginning of the Duncton Chronicles, a remarkable six-book series which is now widely regarded as a classic of modern fantasy fiction. It is a panoramic quest into the nature of love and greed, oppression and freedom, courage and corruption, and finally into the nature of grace and the power of the spirit…*

*Despite their differences the moles of Duncton Wood are members of the same once-proud system. But all are now under the cruel tyranny of Mandrake, a mole corrupted by  absolute power. Only in the shadow of the Stone, the inspiring half-forgotten symbol of a better past, can the strength to resist oppression be found and led by Bracken. When he has the misfortune to fall in love with Rebecca, Mandrake’s daughter, life and death choices must be made and an extraordinary search for freedom and truth begins…"*

## Trivia

* Horwood explains that the faith of the Stone is what he saw as early pagan religions surrounding the Standing Stones.

## See also

* Chapter Notes
* Transcript
* Allegiances
* Artwork
* Praise
Bramble

**Bramble**, a Beechenhill mole and son to Squeezebelly and Betony.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Quest

#### Part Four: Journeys Into Silence

- Met by Tryfan in Beechenhill, both Betony and Bramble questioned if he would teach them about the Stone

- Bramble and Betony tell Tryfan that all of Beechenhill was expecting him

- They too show Tryfan the Stone of Beechenhill as he requests

- Tryfan tells them about things he thought he forgot, and as he spoke others joined he and the youngsters. Adult moles, old moles, searching moles and moles who had lost their way as he had.

- Wharfe and Harebell were finding good companionship with Bramble and Betony, though older, were still young at heart.

## Trivia

* Bramble has the same name as the name given to any rough (usually wild) prickly shrub, especially the blackberry bush, or any hybrid of similar appearance.
Fiery volcano

**Fiery Volcano A1**:

● Savaran Lv27 (Small)
Gear : ??
Item : Lava Fragment , Burning Liquid.

● Red Jelly Lv31
Gear : Ribbon (red dye )
Item : Red Gelatin , Burning Liquid.

● Fire Ghost Lv28
Gear : Mage Robe.
Item : Fire Resistant Fabric , Small Tinder , Burnt Coal.

● Stone Knight Lv29
Gear : Sabre.
Item : Cracked Stone , Lava Crystal.

**Fiery Volcano A2**:

● Fire Ghost Lv28
Gear : Mage Robe.
Item : Fire Resistant Fabric , Small Tinder , Burnt Coal.

● Flame Butterfly Lv29
Gear : Iron Bow.
Item : Fire Feather , Flame Grass , ☆Sofya City.

● Stone Knight Lv30
Gear : Sabre.
Item : Cracked Stone , Lava Crystal.

**Fiery Volcano A3**:

● Savaran Lv30 (Small)
Gear : Sallet
Item : Lava Fragment , Burning Liquid, Heated Fang.

● Flame Butterfly Lv31
Gear : Iron Bow.
Item : Fire Feather , Flame Grass , ☆Sofya City.

♢ Mochelo lv 43
Gear : Mochelo hat
Item : Mochelo Skin,Mochelo Claw, Mochelo Fur , Mochelo Pelt , Sweet Apple.
Xtal : Mochelo xtal **Blue** (maxHP+5% , cast speed +10)

**Boss Map**:

♢ Flare Volg Lv50
Gear : Plate Armor (Purple A & B , Red C) , Volcanic Claw, Volcanic Sword.
Item : Flare Volg claw, Fiery Gem, Flare Volg Horn.
xtal : flare volg **Blue** ( Str +3, Ranged Attack +2%, Magic Resistance -4%)
Mistle

**Mistle**, or Mistletoe is an Avebury mole and daughter to Warren.

- Helped to teach Cuddeson of the Stone, to which he became a follower.

- Shows care and possible affection toward him.

## Trivia

* She shares the same name with *mistletoe*, a parasitic plant that grows on apple, oak and other similar trees. It's known for its white berries.
Comfrey

**Comfrey**, son to Bracken and Rue and brother to Beech, Pipple, Violet and Coltsfoot.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## Personality

* Hesitating
* Nervous
* Serious
* Stuttering

## Trivia

* Comfrey has the same name as comfrey (or comphrey), a common name for plants in the Symphytum genus.
Beech (Bracken and Rue's son)

**Beech**, son to Bracken and Rue.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Wood

#### Part Two: Rebecca

Beech and his siblings are first properly introduced as Rune meets with him and the others in a way as to intimidate him and his siblings. Rune speaks to him first, to which he asks his name and who his mother is. Beech tells him, as such he is very frightened of Rune's intimidating nature. Rue is called, and before she can arrive, Rune kills Beech as quickly as possible with a swift talon jab. As Rue arrives, she is horrified at the scene she comes upon.

## Trivia

* He has the same name as the beech tree, a large tree found in Europe, Asia and North America.
Dunbar

**Dunbar**, a Holy Mole of Uffington. He had sought and debated the existence of the Word, to its creator, Scirpus.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

Dunbar was a Holy Mole around the medieval times of Scirpus. He, under interest or intrigue reviewed and read the Book of the Word, written by Scirpus—a very controversial book of its time. Eventually his intrigue led him to leave Uffington with Scirpus to study and debate the Stone over the Word. What began as a debate followed into dispute, argument and eventually a fight.

Dunbar in the stress of this time, chose a scribemole who still held faith in him to depart Scirpus and leave to Uffington. On the way there, it is presumed that Dunbar stayed in the Wen, or Empty Quarter. He kept a copy of the Book of the Word with him in his stay and as he did, he predicted a mole of Wen would bring peace to moledom after the schism was complete and ended.

## Trivia

* Dunbar has the same name as Dunbar, a Scottish town.
* He could also share the same name as Clan Dunbar, a Lowland Scottish clan.
Noakes

**Noakes**, a mole from Gurney, who joins Spurling's resistance against the Newborns.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Rising

#### Part One: Prayers and Pilgrims

- Was born in Gurney, a system which lies to the south-east of Fyfield, and not too far from Uffington. When the Newborns came to Gurney to educate the moles there, Noakes didn't join the others who fled to Uffington. However when Noakes understood what the Newborns were like, he tried to escape the same way the others fled, before he was caught and taken to Buckland.

- Meets Spurling at Buckland, and joins his resistance there, eventually leaving with him alongside fourteen moles, and joining the way to the Duncton in hopes for sanctuary. However, the resistance weakened and over half were lost. At Fyfield, they met Chater and Fieldfare, who took care of them and they healed quickly.

- He suggests that fleeing to Uffington could be the right thing to do. Thus, the trek to Uffington began.

## Personality

* Noakes is bold and plucky and good at taking the initiative. He also possesses plenty of self-confidence, as he is able to hold his own among the gruff Siabod warriors led by Arven.

## Quotes

"Life is risk, that's what I always say."
Duncton Stone

This article is about the Stone located in the Duncton system. For the final book in *The Book of Silence* trilogy, see Duncton Stone (book).

**Duncton Stone** stands singularly at the highest point in Duncton, tens of millions of years old, its surface hard and gnarled. It is the place of celebration, ritual, gathering and prayer.

## Quotes

> -- "It's nothing, really. Just a stone. Well, a big stone. Tall as a tree, shoots straight up into the sky. It's grey. It turns dark blue as night falls and then pitch black, blacker than night itself, except where the moon catches it and it's silvery grey." --- Burrhead; Duncton Wood, pg. 45
>
>

> -- "Look at the Duncton Stone! It should stand straight and tall like the trees around it. But see how it tilts over towards the west, where Uffington lies! The system of which it is so much a part is decayed, and it tilts for weakness at the knowledge, seeking the help of Uffington. I tell you that the day will come when by our strength this Stone will stand alright again, proud of the system from whose strength it will soar to the sky and whose power we will not question or, like Rune, try to corrupt. It will stand as straight as the mighty Ballagan set it and when it does all moles shall know that our system has been healed." --- Bracken; Duncton Wood
>
>
Ratcher

## Other Details

### Death:

Killed by his son Rooster, who stabbed him multiple times, then as he died, he threw his father off the Moors.

**Ratcher**, or Red Ratcher, was a leader of grikes in Charnel Clough.

## Appearance

He has coarse fur, that when struck by sunlight, it turned a unsavoury russet or red tinge; a short, thick neck and massive shoulders; piggish, deep-set red eyes, massive, gnarled and stubby paws, and yellow, stumpy teeth.

## References and Citations

1. ↑ -- Duncton Tales; pg. 383
2. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, pg. 255
3. ↑ -- Duncton Tales, pg. 283
Root and Wheatear

**Root** and **Wheatear**, Bracken's two siblings. Root, a strong and bullying male and Wheatear, the sister.

## History

### Duncton Wood

#### Part One: Duncton Wood

Root and Wheatear were born in April on the Westside among their brother, all borne from Aspen. Wheatear being so named as she shared the same discolouration on her ear as her mother and Root's naming referenced him being the root of the family, the one that holds the family legacy, etc. As they grew, they developed into bullying, aggressive types of mole that Burrhead had hoped for (especially in Root), as the Westsider’s reputation continued to show.

Their main target was Bracken, bullying him for his weakness and “weird” behaviour. As the Westsiders were tough brutes, anyone who would stray from that path would be rejected, and Bracken's siblings weren't soft about it (however he and Wheatear would soon tire of him as Bracken played the fool).

Although it was easy for Bracken’s siblings to bully him, sometimes they would (although grudgingly) ask him for ideas, as Bracken was indeed the smartest.

As May advanced, Root and Wheatear gained in strength, fighting Bracken in a rough-and-tumble kind of way. By the end of May, Root sought out Bracken deliberately to intimidate him, and as Bracken would raise his talons, Root would then claim, *'He started it,'* to a despairing Aspen.

June arrived and Root and Wheatear were nearly adult in size, and tried to act as adults too. He and Wheatear would ignore Bracken, attack him, or push him out of the way, asserting their dominance. Root and his sister would take worms from Bracken, their talons raised meaning they meant business.

## Appearance

Root is considered a strong mole, thus his physique is likely to be similar to Burrhead's, large and muscular.

Wheatear isn't as big, but still bigger than Bracken. Her only reference to her appearance is her right ear's discolouration.

## Trivia

* Not he, nor his sister appeared in the Duncton Wood Musical.
* Wheatear's name is also the name of a bird, which are also known in a folk etymology as 'white' and 'arse'.
Fetter

**Fetter,** a Senior Brother Inquisitor.

#### Part Two: Darkness Newborn

- Sent by Thripp to 'cleanse' the Duncton Library of blasphemous texts. His colleagues are Law and Barre.

- Is first mentioned by Chater, who explains he was there at Cuddesdon, and strettened him through the thorns with the other Newborns

- First appears in the Marsh End with Bantam, introduced by Worthing to the other Newborns.
Duncton Tales

***Duncton Tales*** is the first book in the Book of Silence trilogy written by William Horwood. It was first published in the United Kingdom in 1991.

## Overview

*"In* Duncton Tales *William Horwood has created an epic story that will introduce a new generation of readers to his now classic* Duncton Chronicles*. For the many who have already discovered the joys of his magical world of rich characters and stirring actions,* Duncton Tales *will continue perhaps the finest imaginative journey of our time.*

*When Privet, a lonely female scribe from the North, makes a pilgrimage to fabled Duncton Wood, only old Stour, Master of the great library, realises the importance of her quest. For Privet seeks an answer to moledom's final mystery: where and what is the Book of Silence, whose scribe nomole knows, whose contents none can guess, whose existence many still doubt?*

*Decades of harmony have passed since the magnificent days described in William Horwood's trilogy Duncton Chronicles when the brave moles of Duncton saved moledom's peaceful Stone followers from the disciples of the evil Word. But now all is not well. Duncton Wood has grown sleepy, while moledom is dangerously complacent about the spread of zealots from Caer Caradoc. Led by the sinister Thripp of Blagrove Slide, the Newborns believe that any other way to the Stone's Silence is blasphemy and deserves death.*

*As the Caradocian moles gain power, shy Privet, aided by Stour and inspired by the strange and inarticulate Rooster, finds herself the agent for change and renewal in Duncton Wood. Its moles must discover that to honour their noble heritage they will need even greater courage and faith than their forbears. And if she is ever to find the truth of the Book of Silence, Privet herself must not only confront her dark past, but also learn to love at last ..."*

## See also

* Chapter Notes
* Transcript
* Allegiances
* Artwork
* Praise
Ribblesdale

**Ribblesdale**, a system.

## Flora

### Trees

* Ash
* Beech
* Elm
* Holly
* Oak

### Shrubs

* Bramble
* Ferns
* Ground Ivy
* Mistletoe

### Flowers

* Eglantine (Sweet Briar)
* Harebell
* Primrose
* Wood Violets
* Yellow Furze

## Fauna

### Mammals

* Badgers
* Foxes
* Hedgehogs
* Moles
* Pipistrelle Bats
* Rabbits
* Shrews
* Squirrels (grey)
* Stoats
* Voles
* Weasels

### Birds

* Blackbirds
* Crows
* Greenfinches
* Jackdaws
* Larks
* Nightingales
* Nuthatches
* Rooks
* Tawny Owls
* Tits
* Wood Pigeons
* Wrens
* Yellowhammers

### Other

* Beetles
* Cardinal Beetles
* Fleas
* Ladybirds
* Lobworms
* Spiders
* Stag Beetles
* Wasps
* Worms
Boswell

**Boswell**, also known as the scribemole of Uffington, was a friend of Bracken, friend of Bracken's son, Tryfan, and so on.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Wood

#### Part Two: Rebecca

Cursed at birth with a crippled paw with weak and useless talons, he struggled to keep up with the other pups. It was quite a miracle he survived long enough for Skeat to find him, or perhaps that he has the intelligence to steer clear of any trouble. He was found by Skeat in a system near Uffington and brought to the Holy Burrows of Uffington, and in his awe of the Stone, his quickness and his intellect, Skeat had put him to work at the libraries where Boswell had learned to care for the ancient books with a love and feeling the other scribes had said was a joy to behold.

He had been made a scribe very young, and had been put to work and care for the most sacred of texts there was; the Book of Earth which Boswell had edited himself, as it now exists as primarily his own work, the Book of Light, a long book and translated to the moles by Boswell, and he had done this all at the mere age of one Longest Night.

One Spring, when Bracken had been born, Boswell had noticeably changed as he found a manuscript with the seal of a White Mole. Taking this to Skeat, his master, and then Skeat had given it to the Holy Mole himself. Eventually, when the moles of Uffington had learned of there being a seventh Book and with it a seventh Stillstone, they were curious to leave Uffington in search of them. Boswell himself had felt this urge too, but how could a defenseless mole such as him leave Uffington?

Afterward, Boswell had lost himself in the work of the libraries, researching the Seventh Book. He had begun a solitary search for other material in the libraries that shared the same script as the White Mole-marked manuscript he had found. He recorded the search elsewhere, but what is important is that in the Midsummer after the spring in which he had made the discovery of the manuscript, he had found a reference of the same script writing in an entry of the Rolls of the Systems. The Rolls of the Systems were books that record findings of wandering scribes, as they were known, findings about the places they had visited. The entry itself read, 'Duncton, a system separated from the world by the rivers that surround three sides of it, which has tunnels of great subtlety and wisdom.'

## Appearance

**First:** He is a frail, flecked grey mole.

**Second:** He is a frail, white mole.

## Quotes

> You're far too valuable here, Boswell, for nomole knows the secrets of the libraries as well as you do, or the old language, which even the scribes forget. And anyway, you know you can never make such a journey and survive. Others might, perhaps, but not you, Boswell.
>
> — Skeat to Boswell;, *Duncton Wood*

## Trivia

* He may have been named after the boswellia tree, native to Arabia and Africa and renowned for its anti-inflammatory purposes.
Feldspar

**Feldspar**, the personal guardmole of Chervil.

#### Part Four: Caer Caradoc

- He used to be Thripp's bodyguard years ago. He is likely to be the most experienced fighter in the Newborns. Quail lured him across for duties concerning the Inquisitors, who likely needed help on their earlier journeys. Quail has now appointed him to watch over Chervil.

- Feldspar gives little away and has never been one to involve himself in matters of religion or faith. He regards himself as a fighter, not a brother.

## Appearance

He has short and grizzled fur, a face lined with experience.
Icule lake

**Icule Lake**:

● Cobre lv 12
-Gear drop : Heavy blade
-Item drop : orange crystal fragment , hard dragon skin , icule water.

● Brosche lv 13-14
-Gear drop : Sword bowgun
-Item drop : frog skin , lotus leaf , icule water.

● Miwi lv 15-16
- Gear drop : Hood
- Item drop : slimy skin , jagged fang , icule water.

■TORTUGA lv 40
- Gear drop : shell shield, adventurer garb( green dye A)
- Item drop : turtle shell , jagged fang, ??
- xtal : Tortuga Crystal **Green** (Guard Rate+5%, Physical Resistance+3%, HP +1%)
Bailey

**Bailey**, son to Spindle and Thyme.

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!

## History

### Duncton Quest

#### Part Three: Duncton Wood

Born to a weak and dying Thyme, Bailey is given his grandfather's name as she tells him before she died over and over, "You are much loved... you are much loved..."

Spindle took up Bailey once again, and away he walked, down to the slopes of Duncton Hill to the north, heading for Barrow Vale, the place where Spindle and Thyme had first met. As he arrived, a female was waiting. Spindle placed Bailey before her, and she at first resisted, but then tended Bailey, licking and caressing him. She curled her body in hopes that he might start to suckle.

Refusing to tell her name, she simply asked what Bailey's was, saying it was a good name. The two conversed, and the female spoke that she had two good pups and one bad, which was killed, and that Bailey would replace him. Spindle told the female, "Tell him that when in doubt in days to come he's to trust the Stone and come to Barrow Vale where you found him."

Rumours were told, but the truth was that Spindle returned to Barrow Vale to find Bailey again to take him back - though the mother, the daughters and Bailey were gone.

## Trivia

* He has the same name as a *bailey*, or what they call the outer wall of a castle.
Duncton Quest: Allegiances

Spoiler warningThis article contains detailed information about the *Duncton* series. Please read with caution if you do not want the story spoiled for you!
 Major Characters

These characters are listed as major because they serve a strong part of the plot, or are in league with major characters, such as Betony, Bramble or Charlock - they don't serve large parts in the story, but are part of something big. For example: Betony, Squeezebelly's daughter; Bramble, Squeezebelly's son; Charlock, Rune's mate and Henbane's mother (please do tell if that's not viable and we can sort them out properly). These characters of lesser importance are marked with an \*
Buckram

**Buckram**, an ex-guardmole formerly with murrain; he however, has been healed by Beechen.

## History

- He guards a Stone from others so they cannot aid in their beliefs

- Beechen comes to confront him, and lay a paw on him, oif which his sores began to heal

- He used to be a senior guardmole of Fyfield, given the task of punishing others and those of the Stone. Wort believed however that his disease was a judgement of the Word, and he was outcast from the system into Sandford Heath, where Wort hoped his illness would spread.

- He begged to go with Beechen, claiming he would protect him from others, while Poplar and his mate encouraged the act. After convincing, Beechen allowed him to join him, however he would have to stay at Sandford and grow strong. To help protect others and keep faith to the Stone. 'Until the last tree is bare,' said Beechen, 'And the frosts begin, your work here will be done.'

After of which, he would come to Fyfield to join Beechen's trio.

## Appearance

He has a great, brutish snout, a large form and patchy fur. Formerly, with murrain, he also had bleeding ulcers on his paws, flanks with open, fetid wounds, and overall a ruined body—however his murrain was healed by Beechen.
Crosswort

**Crosswort**, an old Duncton mole.

- When Heather tried to bring the Good News to her, Crosswort spat unpleasant words at her.

- She welcomes Hay, Teasel, Heather, Tryfan and Beechen to her abode. Hay questions her kindness, as well as Teasel. Heather wonders why she had welcomed them so, and assumes it was the Good News of the Stone that had aided her - to this Crosswort turns back into the entrance of her burrows, telling them to follow her. Crosswort had a general fuss about her, explaining she didn't have time to get everything ready; that she had not been told there would be so many of them, and to mind their paws of the highly friable and easily scattered soil.

## Appearance

She has a greying snout and grey eyes, little paws, a lined face with a cross-shaped cut across her face and eyes.

## Personality

* Faithless
* Mean

## Trivia

* Shares the same name of *crosswort*, a type of flowering plant also known as the *Caucasian crosswort* or *large-styled crosswort*.