The Virian Chronicler

  The Margian System is an ancient and mysterious planetary system consisting of four planets — Margis Alpha, Margis Beta, Margis Gamma and Margis Delta.   Little is known about the culture on these worlds, except for the fact that Margians tend to be impractical dreamers who yearn for the glories of bygone eras and try to model themselves on legendary folk heroes.

Also known as the White Planet, Losintho is an ice-covered world inhabited by a reticent, isolationist population. Losinthans shun any contact with other planets and their complex defence system acts as a deterrent to any would-be visitors. Losinthan society is strictly governed and the citizens tend not to travel far from their birthplaces. Developments in science and technology are strongly encouraged. There are some sorcerers living in remote enclaves who usually stay well away from the more populated areas.

  Mondias is the planet of origin of the Cyad Confederacy. It is the most technologically advanced planet in the known Universe. The harsh Cyad Confederacy controls its homeworld with an efficient but rigid system of rules. The Cyad’s goal is to explore, invade and control the entire Universe. They have huge armies and weapons at their disposal and have also developed advanced space travel with the fluxship, which is capable of jumping across vast distances. Mondians are also pioneers in toxic chemical warfare and in genetic engineering. The climate is cold and wintry throughout the entire planet.

  Yttria is the most commercially thriving planet in the known Universe. It has the greatest population of lawyers, doctors and commercial business people. Yttria was the first planet to form an alliance with the Cyad, albeit an uneasy one. Cyad military bases and personnel are located in or near the major cities. Rampant consumerism and materialism coexist alongside Cyad austerity. The language, politics and currency reflect the fact that the Cyad is largely in control of the planet, although the native Yttrians tell a different story of peaceful co-operation between them. The climate is cold throughout the planet, with slight seasonal variations.

Varathusia is the planet of origin of the Carpathian Organisation.   The most powerful Carpathian families dictate the law.   Strict adherence to the Carpathian Circle of Justice is always expected, and any transgressors are summarily executed.   Fierce feuds between rival families are commonplace.   Varathusians tend to make good business people and devious politicians.   Generally, they have little interest in external affairs, although their Rules of External Alliance open the way for some off-world agreements.   Carpathians claim to have little tolerance for sorcerers, although some families retain sorcerers to carry out covert operations.   Their alliance with the Vyrdigaan Order of Sorcerers is shrouded in mystery and often denied. Besides the Carpathians, there are several other races: Varagans — a former warrior race who have evolved into commercial business traders. Gypsy Varagans — another race who specialise in commercial business trading Varahs — ordinary citizens who mainl

Sartoria is the most peaceful planet in the known Universe. Famed for its poets, philosophers, sorcerers and artists, its influence has a positive effect on all cultures. Sartorians love the finer things in life and are acquisitive and inquisitive by nature, but rarely violent. Sartorians have always been explorers, hence their culture and philosophy have become widespread throughout the other planets. The climate is hot and dry.  Most of the land mass consists of desert or semi-desert.    

  Viria is also known as the Crystal Planet.  It is famed for its crystalline structure, which has great healing properties.   The Virian folk are deeply spiritual and mystical, with a complex belief system derived from the ancient Sartorian philosophies of Soucoyanism.   Government is largely ineffective, due mainly to the fragmented nature of Virian society.   Virians have always been fiercely clan-orientated, and the bitter, arcane feuds make it difficult to establish communications and transport networks.   The Virian legal system is archaic and closely linked to the Holy Temple.   Virians are cheerful and resourceful folk, though many of the remoter clans remain suspicious of foreigners and resistant to changing times.   In the larger cities and more densely populated areas, the society functions along similar lines to Yttria and Malvania, but in remoter areas, the clans tend to be nomadic and warlike.   Virians have a strong sense of honour and family always comes first. The No

  Renowned for its scientists and academics, Malvania is almost as highly developed as Mondias and Yttria.   However, the Malvanians have no desire to invade other planets.   They are an isolated, reticent species who immerse themselves in science and the Arts.   Some Malvanians also have the capability to become sorcerers, but their field of expertise tends to lean heavily and almost exclusively towards alchemy and they are less inclined to study the other areas of sorcery. The Northern and Central Regions have a permanent winter climate, with most of the land mass being covered in snow and ice.  Only the Southern Region has a milder climate.