As the three leaders with no 'pedia entry, I'm curious about what's known about these guys. From what I can tell from lurking there's a ton of trivia and lore floating around that hasn't found its way into the game yet (and most of it kept in MagisterCultuum's head ;) ).

I already know what's in Kandros Fir & Rhoanna's entries, about the Tasunke-Rhoanna race and the significance of Mahala's name.

I believe that Arcturus Thorne and Tasunke actually had entries a while back, which were inexplicably removed in the following version.


I don't really know much about Mahala.

Except that it's a she.

Well, we know at least three things about Mahala: She's not at peace with the barbarians, her soldiers aren't dispensable (Ingenuity), and she likes stomping on other people's turf. There something to be derived from that. She may feel the same way about other civilizations, but idea of a Doviello society is a more tightly knit group than Charadon's. Actually, the Ingenuity fits with the Darwinian values, as the strongest are preserved.

Basically, I think she's more apt to sit around the campfire and laugh with the troops than Charadon, but there would still be human limbs in the fire.

If there was a Tsunke entry I never saw it... Although there might be an Arturs entry. (One was proposed, but I don't remmber if it went in.)

I vaguely remember there being a Tasunke entry for one version only (.25 maybe? It is one I don't have anymore since my hardrive crashed around Christmas) before it was removed. I think both Khazad leaders had an entry in the same version.

I dont recall one either. They may have had one of those brief "Arturus is a leader of the Khazad. He enjoys spelunking, crushing orc skulls and long walks on the beach." sort of entries, but I dont think he ever had a real one.

I just read NK's new Arturus entry, its really good and will be included in patch "b".

Tasunke and Arturus feature prominently in Rhoanna and Kandros's entries, respectively.

Speaking of not having real entries, any word on a new Tebryn one?

^And Perpentach, also.

what is wrong with perpentach's entry? it is one of the longest pedia entries

Mahala could use some lore at least. I wasn't even sure about Mahala's gender until I read this thread.

Mahala could use some lore at least. I wasn't even sure about Mahala's gender until I read this thread.

yea imagine my suprise when Falamar spent some time with what I though was a he in one of my Lunan games.. :eek:

I don't think Kael would be happy with so may people thinking he is married to a man...

what is wrong with perpentach's entry? it is one of the longest pedia entries

Looking at your wiki (:goodjob:), I see he's got a proper entry now. My bad.

I just read NK's new Arturus entry, its really good and will be included in patch "b".

Since viewing leaders in the 'pedia is disabled until patch "d", is there any chance of seeing it posted here beforehand?

Assuming that he added it in patch b as intended (it isn't on the changelog, but that doesn't mean he didn't do so), you can read it directly from the xml is you want to.

Unfortunately, my computer uses Microsoft Works spreadsheet, so I've got to use the sucky Microsoft Excel Viewer, which cuts me off at "swarm of bolas".

Here it is.

"Riders!" The cries of the watchmen came far too late to save his camp, for the next sound Arturus Thorne heard was the thunder of hoofbeats around him. He was to his feet in an instant, with his great axe in hand, but most of his company needed far more time to ready their weapons.
The horsemen dropped nets on the dwarven watchmen as they rode past into their camp. One managed to free himself with his handaxe, but his comrades were kept busy trying to avoid being trampled as more horses poured into the camp.
The King's honor guard, famed for their lightning reflexes, had managed to ready their halberds and were forming ranks around the Arturus in the center of the camp. There were not many of them, but their weapons stopped the cavalry charge. "Thunder Company!" Arturus yelled, "Arm yourselves!" Given a few more minutes to load their weapons the main dwarven force could surely turn the tide of the ambush.
A whirring sound heralded the raiders new tactics. The riders circled the dwarven lines, loosing a swarm of bolas towards the guard and their polearms. Such a tactic would have been a mere annoyance were the Dwarves not badly outnumbered. In moments time the guard was felled and the rest of the company was held at lance point.
Arturus cursed his ill luck. A shortcut through these hills had cut their travel time in half, but meant they spent days near Hippus lands. He had hoped to compensate by traveling light and moving fast, but he saw his mistake clearly now. No one outruns the Hippus.
The leader of the raiders rode up to Arturus, pacing his horse back and forth, lance pointed menacingly. He was a tall man, with pitch black hair. His face was obscured by a mask, but he pulled it away to reveal a mouth fixed permanently into a snarl by an old scar. "The crazy Clown King paid us for some dwarven slaves, but your treasure is our spoils. Show us what's in the cart, old dwarf."
Arturus hatched a desperate plan. "I warn you, human, I am the high priest for the ancient dwarven gods. If you do not free my people, you will not see morning." He pulled the tarp away from cart, revealing a tall stone column, covered with carvings. Carefully he folded the tarp, setting it down on the ground. He stumbled in the dark as he arose, bumping into one of his young charges and palming a small pouch from his belt.
The Hippus raid leader was not convinced, nor was he happy to see the dwarves traveling without their famous gold. "If your gods cared for you they would not have given you feet which don't reach stirrups. Chain him up, boys!"
"You have been warned!" shouted Arturus, throwing up his arms dramatically. He tossed the leather pouch into the smoldering embers of their cook fire as he did so. It was invisible in the darkness. Then the black powder inside was heated by the coals, and for a moment there was no more darkness. Thunder followed the lightning, conjured not by gods on high or ancient magic, but dwarven ingenuity. The Hippus horses were startled. Some began running, and even the best trained required their rider's full attention to restrain. Arturus allies immediately took advantage of this, finally readying their muskets. More thunder rolled as the musket balls struck horses and raiders. Dwarves quickly worked to free each other from the Hippus entrapments, and soon the Hippus ambush turned into a rout.
Amidst cheering, the captain the guard came up to Arturus. "Do we turn back, my liege?" he asked.
Arturus shook his head. "No, we cannot. This is too important. But break camp, we'll get no more sleep tonight."

The rest of the journey was calm enough, though Arturus grew nervous for reasons of his own as they reached their destination. They reached the open city gates, but Arturus stopped his group. He turned, whispering, "I have no right to enter." Merchants and other travelers streamed past them into the dwarven city. He turned to the captain of the honor guard, and old friend. "Would you please let him know I am here?" He nodded solemnly and entered the city, heading for the castle.
Soon Arturus was looking into a familiar face he hadn't seen in many years. "Hello, Arturus," Kandros Fir said.
"Kandros..." Arturus didn't know where to begin. He cleared his throat gruffly. "You've done well for your people," he said, gesturing towards the city.
"Why have you come?"
"Ah, 'tis hard to say it, but I wronged you so. I was young and foolish, and resented the burden of authority. I've no right to ask your forgiveness, but you should have this." He revealed the stone pillar in the cart.
Kandros rushed to it, mouth agape as he ran his fingers over the ancient runic script. "The ancestral Fir clan history!" He knew almost every word by heart, but it filled a void in him to see the history of his people again. The last words would have been carved in his own hand, the disappearance of Luach the Wanderer. Except...
"I hope you do not object. I added the last fifty years myself. The founding of Hallowell, the battle of Destrier Hill, the goblin war, the births of Gridmok and young Kandros... you've done well for your people." Kandros rose slowly, and, at long last, embraced his old friend. The feud was over, and the Khazad would be one again, in truth as in name.

Thanks! Much appreciated.

Mahala is in the works.

oh and just open the XML files in notepad/wordpad That's what I do.

Mahala is in the works.

Glad to hear it. The patchy nature of the 'pedia is pretty much the only disappointing thing about FFH.

So, just one question about these dwarves, from reading the entries of Kandros and Arturus: are we to assume that they are just two clans of the underground dwarves who banished themselves to the surface, and that the vast majority of the dwarves are still in the Underhome? If they are still there, do they have any idea about what's going on on the surface? How does Armageddon affect them? I would imagine that they have little in the way of technology and all, not having access to any topside resources (but still enough for somebody to have a 'mithril axe'...) and do any of the Khazad ever try to go back below?

Also, what was the feud, and the childish act that Arturus did? Was it over banishing themselves from the Underhome? Or something else? And if the first, do they plan on going back together?

Yes, it is the banishment he is refering to, but I don't expect that they would be moving back into the underhome, since by this time they have established themselves in their empires.

There are still many dwarves living underground; I'd expect that they trade with the Khazad, but not other nations. The who stayed underground (in the underhome, not just underground homes that dwarves may have built in surface cities) are probably the most isolationist types.

She's finished, now I just have to wait for the approval of the man behind the lore:D

any chance on sneak peek...?

She's undergoing extensive revision, so I'm afraid some waiting will be required :blush:

Just read it. The bit explaining how Charadon has survived into the Age of Rebirth when all the other characters of Age of Ice (except Sandalphon) have passed into history was nice.

Oh, yeah, it was included in the patch. And here was me thinking I could throw out something brand new:D

Anyway, for those who are interested:
“We need to find out more about him.”

“Need to find out more, are we the yellow skirts now? Why do you obsess about knowledge? It’s that kind of talk that makes the civilized…” Charadon practically spat the word “…people soft. It makes you soft as well.”

Mahala ignored him. Blustering, headstrong fool… “The man could be a fraud, or he could be a very real threat – or an ally. We need certainty, or as much as can be had. If the Illians are on the rise…”

She had hoped he would see sense for once, but their discussion deteriorated, as usual. Damned, stupid, singleminded, vicious bastard. For the Shamans to reawaken this monster… Mahala took a deep breath and tried again to argue her point.

“All your pointless wars will do is make sure our enemies get organized and decide that we are better off extinct!”

“Hah! All you want to do is weaken us and then hand us over to our enemies, to be put in pens like sheep and cows! Better to die as warriors than live as thralls!”

“Sheep and c… Argh! I am thinking of our CHILDREN, while all you think of is your thirst for BLOOD!”

“If I didn’t watch you every second, I’m sure you would sneak up and plant a knife in my back – then you’d be rid of the last defender of Doviello strength!” The insult was clear and damning. Killing an opponent in any other way than in public, gory, single combat, was perhaps the most cowardly thing the Doviello could think of.

“I would never shame myself like that – but I wish to Camulos someone WOULD challenge you! You are well past your prime anyway! It’s about time the pack had a new leader, grey hair. Bringing you back was a mistake.”
She could see that struck home. She knew it would. Charadon’s face turned deep purple with unfettered rage.

“You rodent! How dare you! You ungrateful little sheep’s daughter! It is not too late to make you into mothers meat, weakling! You will listen to your pack leader!”

“You are not my pack leader! I built the Doviello alone with my bare hands! After your failed age of ice, they had nothing but me. The Doviello is my pack!” Mahala had enough. She turned to leave, but Charadon grabbed her from behind, wrapped his arms around her waist, held her tight and brought his head to the level of hers.

Mahala could smell the stench of rotting meat and bad teeth on Charadons breath as he panted in her ear: “Your mind is weak, your words are foolish, but your body has… potential. We would have strong cubs, leaders. As long as they had my good blood in them…” There was an undertone to his statement, an ill-controlled growl of anticipation and desire, anger turned to lust.

She snarled, twisted, and brought her knife, concealed in the folds of her sleeve, up along his jugular. She drew blood, a hairline running along his neck.
Undeterred, Charadon flashed her a lecherous grin, and backed away from her. As he left the hall, his parting words were “Not yet, I see.” That lascivious dog, Mahala thought uncharitably, as her chest heaved and fell, the adrenaline pumping through her veins.

It didn’t really matter what Charadon decided, she would be conducting her own investigations anyway. At this stage, it looked like a very good idea to go away for a while.

She closed her eyes and once again saw the figure from her dream. Handsome, but… effeminate, foppish, with some ridiculous roguish affectations and a thin, pointy sword that looked like it was only good for skewering meat. He did not seem like a warrior, let alone a hero or someone she could trust. But he must be important. Why else would such a figure haunt her sleep?

After waiting for Charadon to lumber out and meet his henchmen, Mahala slipped out the back. Her mount was waiting, along with a handful of her most trusted and capable friends and bodyguards. One of them, a huntress named Ciciel, approached her.

“We are ready. Did you get any more help?”

“We will make do with what we’ve got. That man is impossible to reason with. Camulos, he is impossible to even speak to! He tried to mate with me, again! If I could, I would have every Shaman who helped recall that lunatic from Camulos’ vault put to death.”

“The elders seem to think it was good. A leader in a time of need, with so many young beastmen dying on failed raids…”

“No time of need! It was sad to be weakened like that, it was dark times to be sure, but it was a necessary cull of the headstrong.” Mahala did not mention that occasionally the raids had failed on purpose. Not many people knew that, and her continued good health depended on her keeping it that way: “We would have emerged much more lethal and efficient afterwards, but now, now…”

Mahala gave her stubborn horse a sharp jab in the belly, forcing him to exhale the air he was holding on to. Then she pulled the saddle strap tight.

“Now this ghost from the past thinks it is a good idea to use the chaos in the deadlands to raid everyone else with abandon, and hang everything else. It is folly either way – if they defeat him, they’re coming for us, but if the sorcerer wins, we will not escape either.”

Mahala peered around the corner of the great hall. She could just see Charadon busily inspecting his beloved War Machine. It was the perfect device for Charadon, brutal and direct. No wonder he loved it so much. She busied herself with her own preparations.

“Well, at least one of us has some common sense and a will to think beyond the tip of her sword.”

Charadon would probably just be glad to be rid of her, so he could continue his mad race to drown the Doviello in blood. But she was bringing one man he was sure to miss…

“Ciciel, is Lucien here yet?”

Yes, Tasunke used to have a leader entry about a ternament he attended when he was younger, where he keep doing exelent, but a girl just barely behind him in score him. At archery, riding at fighting, the girl just keeped doing almost as good as him, even though he beat everone else out my a long shot, and he was getting angry, altought he didn't know why. While in a horse race, he was in the lead, the girl close behind, but he fell or was thrown off his mount. When his vision cleared, the girl was standing overhim, offering his help up. He got angry and started yelling at her, about how she'd chosen to help him rather than win. As he stormed off, he her her say her name way Rhoanna. Many Years latter, he was at the meating table with Rhoanna, now as leader of the Aroul-Hippi, and he was realizing why he he had felt so mad at being betten by her.
I've peraphrased this abit, but this is as best as I can remember Tasunke's entry. I think it was removed about 2.25

Arturus Thorne and Kandros Fir have their pedia entries again in 0.32g. Kandros Fir's is the story of their banishment/exile at the beginning of the Age of Rebirth, whereas Arturus Thorne's entry is their eventual reconciliation 50 years later.

Yes, Tasunke used to have a leader entry about a ternament he attended when he was younger, where he keep doing exelent, but a girl just barely behind him in score him. At archery, riding at fighting, the girl just keeped doing almost as good as him, even though he beat everone else out my a long shot, and he was getting angry, altought he didn't know why. While in a horse race, he was in the lead, the girl close behind, but he fell or was thrown off his mount. When his vision cleared, the girl was standing overhim, offering his help up. He got angry and started yelling at her, about how she'd chosen to help him rather than win. As he stormed off, he her her say her name way Rhoanna. Many Years latter, he was at the meating table with Rhoanna, now as leader of the Aroul-Hippi, and he was realizing why he he had felt so mad at being betten by her.
I've peraphrased this abit, but this is as best as I can remember Tasunke's entry. I think it was removed about 2.25

This doesnt seem familiar to me at all. I suspect it may have been a story in the old wiki, players sometimes added their own stories in that from time to time.

Hm, might have been.

It (or something similar) was definetely in the pedia, briefly. He was extremely competative and, although upset at a mere girl almost beating him, was more upset that she didn't seem to sense any rivalry. She didn't seem to be putting her all into it, treating it more like a game, whereas he consiered being the absolute best to be a matter of life and death. He had an almost Charadon-eque mentality. At the end though, he had developed a begrudging respect for her.

Well, I think he might have had more than just resepect for her, even if he didn't realize it.

Oh, yeah, it was included in the patch. And here was me thinking I could throw out something brand new:D

Anyway, for those who are interested:


It's official. I'm a Mahala fan now. Nice work.

I was under the impression that Charadon died at least a century before Mahala was born...

I just read it and yea it certainly seems like that. Her entry also mentions Lucian, who seems to have lived at about the same time as Charadon did.

There is certainly a clash of mentalities in that entry, Charadon representing the old generation (more than a century ago) which preferred brawn way more over brains, while Mahala represents the newer generation which uses thier brains as well.

I also get the idea that women in Charadon's day had far less freedom than the Doviello of Mahalas generation. It was like he was almost straining not to tear Mahala to shreds just for speaking against him.

I just read it and yea it certainly seems like that. Her entry also mentions Lucian, who seems to have lived at about the same time as Charadon did.

There is certainly a clash of mentalities in that entry, Charadon representing the old generation (more than a century ago) which preferred brawn way more over brains, while Mahala represents the newer generation which uses thier brains as well.

I also get the idea that women in Charadon's day had far less freedom than the Doviello of Mahalas generation. It was like he was almost straining not to tear Mahala to shreds just for speaking against him.

The march of Women's Liberation is unstoppable, even in Erebus!

I was under the impression that Charadon died at least a century before Mahala was born...

Read carefully, they resurrected him:

Bringing you back was a mistake.

If I could, I would have every Shaman who helped recall that lunatic from Camulos’ vault put to death.

Even Mahala dreams about Falamar?

Even Mahala dreams about Falamar?

Read the text for her 'pron' event some time, its surprisingly romantic (especially when compared to Sheelba's :lol:)

/bump

So, we've got Mahala & Arturus, I'd love to get some more info on everyone's favourite pointy-eared conquering khan.

Yeah, why does Tasunke have pointy ears? is this just a Hippus thing, or does he have elven blood?

Yeah, why does Tasunke have pointy ears? is this just a Hippus thing, or does he have elven blood?

They didnt make the picture, did they? It would make sense if it was borrowed from somewhere.

No, they just borrowed it from somewhere.

I'm not sure if those ears are really pointed, or are just at a funny angle.


Actually, now that I think of it Tasunke's vanished civilopedia entry (which Kael doesn't remember, which has led to speculation that some fan fiction slipped in for a version or two) did mention that he was was unusually short and lean for a Hippus, but quite strong and well respected. I guess he actually could have a little elven heritage, even if he doesn't know it. Ideologically though, he is closer to the Doviello (whose own legends claim that they are of Hippus descent, although the mutts would have a hard time proving it).

Okay. I knew the image was probable from somewhere else, I just didm't know if any lore explaned it.

Rhoanna doesn't have the ears, so its definitely not a Hippus thing.

Well, Rhoanna's from a difrent tribe, so maybe just Tasunke's has them.

Taking the conversation away from ears for a second :p I think, to paraphrase The Order of the Stick, that as far as 'tagonists go, Tasunke is more "an", while Rhoanna seems to be "pro".

Well, Taunke was/is a violent, stubern figter, while Rhoanna is a violent, stubern reformer.:)

Perhaps the reverse of the Lanun leaders, where he is the hot-head and she the manipulator?

Just makes things all the more interesting.

Just a comment on the leader portraits and Tasunke's pointy ears; the vast majority of the portraits, are from a D&D style game for the PC called Icewind Dale II.

Clever source to lift from. As bad as the first IWD was, no one would have played the second.

Clever source to lift from. As bad as the first IWD was, no one would have played the second.

I'm pretty sure IWD 2 sold like hotcakes. I know I bought the extra expensive collectors edition myself.

Personally, I played it so much it took a while to get used to the art being used for another game.

Personally I really enjoyed IWD2 as it was a huge leap from IWD1, and I've seen quite a few different mods for other games use the same portraits.

Back on topic, I'm hoping to see some Tasunke backstory sometime in the near future.

He could use some backstory, but at the least you'll have some front story.
(ie, he'll be important to several scenarios.)

He could use some backstory, but at the least you'll have some front story.
(ie, he'll be important to several scenarios.)

Yeah, you can saw him in the Guardian of Thingy Pass screenshot :)

Personally I really enjoyed IWD2 as it was a huge leap from IWD1, and I've seen quite a few different mods for other games use the same portraits.

Back on topic, I'm hoping to see some Tasunke backstory sometime in the near future.

Id love to see some for Magnadine, too.

Chalid is the person that needs backstory and/or explanation the most IMO. I want to know more about the one man wrecking crew of enlightenment and wisdom.

All we have so far is an obscure spell entry that makes him out to be some geeky bookworm type.