Definitions by ANDY
Sindar
1) In Tolkien's works, the Sindar are the "grey elves". They were originally part of the Teleri, one of the three clans who went west, but they followed Elwe, who found the Maia Melian in the woods of Doriath and who remained in Middle-Earth. The Sindar were the only elves in Middle-Earth until the Noldor returned, and were relatives of the Teleri killed in the Kinslaying; their relations with the Noldor were therefore strained.
2) In Suikoden, a long-lost race who (according to Richmond the private eye) came down from the north, crossed the whole of the world - leaving ruins wherever they went - and then mysteriously disappeared. The ruins are monster-infested but also contain powerful and dangerous magic treasures. The Sindar also left behind ancient texts which appear in Suikoden II as valuable antiques. Several characters, such as Lorelai and Killey, are seeking the Sindar.
2) In Suikoden, a long-lost race who (according to Richmond the private eye) came down from the north, crossed the whole of the world - leaving ruins wherever they went - and then mysteriously disappeared. The ruins are monster-infested but also contain powerful and dangerous magic treasures. The Sindar also left behind ancient texts which appear in Suikoden II as valuable antiques. Several characters, such as Lorelai and Killey, are seeking the Sindar.
Laclau and Mouffe
Laclau and Mouffe by Andy April 24, 2004
boss car
An oversized, petrol-guzzling monstrosity of the kind which is particularly to blame for trashing the planet. e.g. Mercedes, Rolls Royce, limo, etc.
I'm going to go smash up that boss car.
If you get run over by a boss car, you can sue the rich git driving it for loads of money.
If you get run over by a boss car, you can sue the rich git driving it for loads of money.
Casiorn
City-state located to the west of Vassagonia and to the south of Sommerlund and the Wildlands. This city is independent of all surrounding kingdoms and is mainly a trading centre. It is usually first in line when Vassagonia starts getting expansionist.
Part of the Lone Wolf world, it appears substantially only in one of the Legends of Lone Wolf novels, where Lone Wolf briefly passes through the city and notices extremes of wealth and poverty (which is not, incidentally, an accurate depiction of the type of medieval city-state on which Casiorn is modelled).
Part of the Lone Wolf world, it appears substantially only in one of the Legends of Lone Wolf novels, where Lone Wolf briefly passes through the city and notices extremes of wealth and poverty (which is not, incidentally, an accurate depiction of the type of medieval city-state on which Casiorn is modelled).
Zakhan
The ruler of the realm of Vassagonia, in the Lone Wolf world. Roughly equivalent to a king or sultan, the zakhan lived in a huge palace in the city of Barrakeesh, always surrounded by retainers and sharnazim guards. The zakhan typically demanded absolute obedience from his subjects, although history tells of a number of good rulers.
When Lone Wolf arrives in Barrakeesh, the old zakhan has died (according to the Legends novels, assassinated by the Darklords), and is replaced by a new Zakhan, Kimah. Kimah is extremely evil and is allied with the Darklords. He reappears in Lone Wolf 9: The Cauldron of Terror, at the head of the Vassagonian army besieging Tahou alongside the Darklord army, and armed with a lethal golden orb emitting a protective shield. Those who even touch the light-shield are killed instantly.
The Zakhan Kimah is one of the hardest opponents to beat in the entire Lone Wolf series, especially if Lone Wolf is armed with the Sommerswerd. (The problem can be avoided somewhat if this item is left behind for this quest, although the reason why this weakens the zakhan is not clear; perhaps the orb absorbs the sword's light?)
In the Legends series, the Zakhan Kimah is tortured and apparently killed by Vassagonian rebels, and a new, good-aligned Zakhan takes over. Although it is clear to a careful reader that he has not been killed, the series stops before this issue is resolved (only one book before it would have to be raised again).
When Lone Wolf arrives in Barrakeesh, the old zakhan has died (according to the Legends novels, assassinated by the Darklords), and is replaced by a new Zakhan, Kimah. Kimah is extremely evil and is allied with the Darklords. He reappears in Lone Wolf 9: The Cauldron of Terror, at the head of the Vassagonian army besieging Tahou alongside the Darklord army, and armed with a lethal golden orb emitting a protective shield. Those who even touch the light-shield are killed instantly.
The Zakhan Kimah is one of the hardest opponents to beat in the entire Lone Wolf series, especially if Lone Wolf is armed with the Sommerswerd. (The problem can be avoided somewhat if this item is left behind for this quest, although the reason why this weakens the zakhan is not clear; perhaps the orb absorbs the sword's light?)
In the Legends series, the Zakhan Kimah is tortured and apparently killed by Vassagonian rebels, and a new, good-aligned Zakhan takes over. Although it is clear to a careful reader that he has not been killed, the series stops before this issue is resolved (only one book before it would have to be raised again).
Beleriand
Region in the far northwest of Middle Earth in the First Age. Its history is recounted in Tolkien's epic work "The Silmarillion". Being the closest region to Valinor, this was the region peopled by elves who returned from Valinor or who didn't quite reach it; it is also the nearest region to Morgoth's fortress at Angband. The Wars of Beleriand - including five major battles and innumerable skirmishes - and the tales of Beren and Luthien, Turin and Nienor, and Tuor and Idril all take place in the setting of Beleriand.
The realms of Beleriand include Doriath, Nargothrond, Gondolin, Thargelion, Ossiriand, Himring,Falas, Mithrim, Dor-lomin and Dorthonion.
Beleriand is destroyed at the end of the Silmarillion in a massive battle in which the forces of Valinor join those of the elves of Beleriand in finally destroying Morgoth's forces; the realm is destroyed in the conflict and sinks into the sea (except Himling Island and Tol Fuin, which appear on later maps).
The realms of Beleriand include Doriath, Nargothrond, Gondolin, Thargelion, Ossiriand, Himring,Falas, Mithrim, Dor-lomin and Dorthonion.
Beleriand is destroyed at the end of the Silmarillion in a massive battle in which the forces of Valinor join those of the elves of Beleriand in finally destroying Morgoth's forces; the realm is destroyed in the conflict and sinks into the sea (except Himling Island and Tol Fuin, which appear on later maps).
The Noldor returned to Beleriand after the tragic events of the Kinslaying, whereas the Sindar remained in Beleriand all along.
Of all the battles of Beleriand, Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, was the most disastrous for the elves.
Of all the battles of Beleriand, Nirnaeth Arnoediad, the Battle of Unnumbered Tears, was the most disastrous for the elves.