The Virian Chronicler

SO WHAT EXACTLY IS " THE HALLORIYAAN "? It's an adaptation of the traditional Carpathian family record known as a Merequitus. Recorded in it are births, marriages, deaths and other important events in the family history. Carpathians also annotate their business deals and alliances. As with all Carpathian documents, a computerised version is also kept. The Halloriyaan was started by Lord Claudio Scalani because of the Halloran family's strong connections with several high-ranking Carpathian families.

The Merequitus is a record kept by each Carpathian family, comprising of the family history, business deals, alliances, births, marriages, deaths and other notable details.   Traditionally the Merequitus was presented in the form of ornately bound books but since the advent of computers, a computerised version is also kept.  In the modern era, the hard copy ledgers are mostly for ceremonial purposes.

Although computers are widely used throughout Varathusia, Carpathians still like using parchment scrolls for certain purposes.  Listed here are the main ones. CARTABEYRA : Statement of demotion issued to a Carpathian family.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a grey ribbon. CARTAGRILIA : Statement issued on completion of a yrrq.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll, sealed with wax and bound by a red ribbon. CARTAJUNTA : Statement of alliance, often via marriage.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a pink and purple ribbon. CARTALEVA : Statement of promotion issued to a Carpathian family.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a green ribbon. CARTAMORTA : Similar to a Will.   Statement prepared by most Carpathians to be issued to their closest relatives on the occasion of their death.   Usually in the form of a parchment scroll bound by a pale blue ribbon. CARTANAESCIA : Statement issued by a Carpath

Portraying feisty Matriarchs is among my specialities.  Here are a few examples from my novels: Devonia Shanahan is a Virian warrior.  She wears armour at all times, even to weddings!  She is feisty and formidable but also nurturing. Galea Nentofore is a Carpathian Matriarch.  She is tough, intelligent and devious.  She mostly wears overalls as she is fond of gardening in her spare time.  She smokes a pipe and is rarely seen without it.  She is hugely wealthy but loathes any sort of pretension.  She rarely buys anything new, only if it needs replacing.  She drives a 30 year old truck.  She is fiercely protective of her vast extended family. Bodah Conder is another Virian warrior.  Again, she wears armour at all times.  She is harsh and unforgiving. Veveen Ohrivaal is a Sartorian desert dweller.  She refuses to wear clothing of any type, apart from a few occasions when her Carpathian husband manages to persuade her.  She is harsh but loving, and very protective of her extended