Definitions by ANDY
Durenor
A kingdom in the far north-east of Magnamund, separated from its close ally, Sommerlund, by the Wildlands and accessible mainly by sea. The Sommerswerd is stashed in Durenor, having been entrusted of old to the King of Durenor by the King of Sommerlund, and Lone Wolf has to travel to Durenor to retrieve the artefact in Lone Wolf 2: Fire on the Water. The capital of Durenor is Hammerdal, a city surrounded entirely by mountains and accessible only through mountain passes - making it very hard to invade. The Durenese always fight on the side of good. Durenor is the home of the mighty physician Madin Rendalim, and of the Knights of the White Mountain.
Harad
1) A generic term for the realms in the far south of Middle Earth, roughly corresponding to Africa in relation to Europe. Harad is of unknown size, was not mapped by JRR Tolkien and features little in the books. The only location mentioned is Umbar, a city in northwestern Harad from which pirates known as Corsairs attack the coasts of Gondor; in the book Unfinished Tales, Tolkien hints that Istari (wizards) other than the famous five resided in Harad, including a Wizard by the name of Tu. The Haradrim (people of Harad) fought with Sauron in the War of the Ring, although it is unclear whether they were tricked; also known as Southrons (although in some renditions, such as the PC version of the War in Middle Earth game, Haradrim and Southrons are separate people). In the third Lord of the Rings film, the Haradrim appear at the Battle of the Pelennor Fields heavily armoured, in vaguely Middle Eastern-looking costumes. In battle, the Haradrim are best-known for their use of Mumakil or Oliphaunts, which are elephants or elephant-like monsters native to Harad.
A search on Google Images reveals that many Tolkien fans and RPG players have drawn maps of Harad, but that these never correspond to one another, with the result that innumerable versions of Harad now exist, each with its own specifications of kingdoms, peoples etc. There are two Harad extension packs for the official (non-computer) Tolkien RPG, although they are only available second-hand.
The name "Harad" is an Elvish word for "south". The area is also known as the Haradwaith ("South-folk").
2) an actual region of Sweden. (I found this out while searching Google Images for Harad).
A search on Google Images reveals that many Tolkien fans and RPG players have drawn maps of Harad, but that these never correspond to one another, with the result that innumerable versions of Harad now exist, each with its own specifications of kingdoms, peoples etc. There are two Harad extension packs for the official (non-computer) Tolkien RPG, although they are only available second-hand.
The name "Harad" is an Elvish word for "south". The area is also known as the Haradwaith ("South-folk").
2) an actual region of Sweden. (I found this out while searching Google Images for Harad).
The hosts of Harad rode forth to battle against the beleaguered forces of Gondor, foully hewing their way into the Gondorian ranks. (not a quote; this is me imitating Tolkien-speak).
Sommerswerd
A powerful sword, the "sword of the sun", created by the people of Sommerlund with the help of the god Kai, and usable only by a Kai Warrior. (In fact, the warrior must have the Kai Discipline of Sixth Sense). It appears in the Lone Wolf books written by Joe Dever.
If anyone else attempts to use the sword, many of its special powers are lost.
It is a large, glowing golden sword which gives off constant light.
Special powers resulting from possession of the sword include a huge increase in Combat Skill, extra damage to Undead and ability to harm a number of evil creatures immune to normal weapons, including Helghast and (crucially) Darklords. It is sometimes described as the only weapon capable of slaying a Darklord, although in some battles in the books this is patently untrue (since in Lone Wolf 12, the Darklord Gnaag can be harmed by zenjet-dulaaga and other magic weapons). At the end of Lone Wolf 2 and the novel version (Legends of Lone Wolf 3, or 4 in America), Lone Wolf lets loose a burst of sunlight channelled through the Sommerswerd, instantly slaying the Darklord Zagarna and putting to flight the army besieging the Sommlending capital, Holmgard.
The light emitted by the sword proves a liability in Lone Wolf 12: The Masters of Darkness, when Lone Wolf must travel into the Darklands themselves and slay the Darklord leader (the third in succession!), Gnaag. The light would draw enemies to him, so he has to keep the sword sheathed until he meets Gnaag himself, in a special scabbard prepared by the Elder Magi.
Less well-documented is the fact that the final battle of Lone Wolf 8: The Cauldron of Terror becomes virtually unwinnable if Lone Wolf is equipped with the Sommerswerd, whereas it is quite winnable with any other well-equipped character. (Fortunately, Lone Wolf can already leave the sword in safe-keeping at the Monastery if a player foresees this eventuality).
Additional powers appearing only in the Legends series include the production of an imaginary being able to appear only to the Kai Lord wielding the sword, who channels the wisdom of the sword's makers directly to this individual.
The name means "sword of the sun" in the invented language Sommlending (which seems to be based on old English).
If anyone else attempts to use the sword, many of its special powers are lost.
It is a large, glowing golden sword which gives off constant light.
Special powers resulting from possession of the sword include a huge increase in Combat Skill, extra damage to Undead and ability to harm a number of evil creatures immune to normal weapons, including Helghast and (crucially) Darklords. It is sometimes described as the only weapon capable of slaying a Darklord, although in some battles in the books this is patently untrue (since in Lone Wolf 12, the Darklord Gnaag can be harmed by zenjet-dulaaga and other magic weapons). At the end of Lone Wolf 2 and the novel version (Legends of Lone Wolf 3, or 4 in America), Lone Wolf lets loose a burst of sunlight channelled through the Sommerswerd, instantly slaying the Darklord Zagarna and putting to flight the army besieging the Sommlending capital, Holmgard.
The light emitted by the sword proves a liability in Lone Wolf 12: The Masters of Darkness, when Lone Wolf must travel into the Darklands themselves and slay the Darklord leader (the third in succession!), Gnaag. The light would draw enemies to him, so he has to keep the sword sheathed until he meets Gnaag himself, in a special scabbard prepared by the Elder Magi.
Less well-documented is the fact that the final battle of Lone Wolf 8: The Cauldron of Terror becomes virtually unwinnable if Lone Wolf is equipped with the Sommerswerd, whereas it is quite winnable with any other well-equipped character. (Fortunately, Lone Wolf can already leave the sword in safe-keeping at the Monastery if a player foresees this eventuality).
Additional powers appearing only in the Legends series include the production of an imaginary being able to appear only to the Kai Lord wielding the sword, who channels the wisdom of the sword's makers directly to this individual.
The name means "sword of the sun" in the invented language Sommlending (which seems to be based on old English).
Lone Wolf used the Sommerswerd to cut a swathe through the ranks of the zombie pirates.
If you are using the Sommerswerd, double the damage received by this opponent.
Lone Wolf was sent on a mighty quest to retrieve the Sommerswerd in Sommerlund's time of need.
If you are using the Sommerswerd, double the damage received by this opponent.
Lone Wolf was sent on a mighty quest to retrieve the Sommerswerd in Sommerlund's time of need.
Sommerswerd by Andy April 19, 2004
Decepticon
Evil TransFormer, a member of the dominant evil faction in TransFormers Generation 1 and several other series. (Known as Destrons in Japan; converted into Predacons for the Beast Wars series).
Most stories suggest they began as a rebel faction on Cybertron which invented arms for the first time and sought to control other transformers in order to dominate the universe, although I find it more likely that they were actually the dominant faction from the start which gradually became more and more arrogant as their power increased. (This is more consistent with the fact that the Decepticons are in control and the Autobots are the rebels in nearly all the early TransFormers stories set on Cybertron).
Hell-bent on interstellar domination, including on earth where they crash-land, the Decepticons attempt to seize and amass energy when and wherever they can, without any concern for other beings or for sustainability. Many Decepticons are also depicted as ruthless and malevolent entities in their own right, enjoying destruction and violence as a good in itself (although the attribution of such emotions to robots seems problematic).
The Decepticon symbol is a purple face insignia looking similar to Soundwave's head. In the cartoons, they also always fire purple/magenta laser beams.
Led by Megatron and later by his reincarnated form, Galvatron; also in various media by other characters such as Ratbat, Soundwave, Starscream, Scorponok, Bludgeon, Thunderwing and Lord Straxus.
Most stories suggest they began as a rebel faction on Cybertron which invented arms for the first time and sought to control other transformers in order to dominate the universe, although I find it more likely that they were actually the dominant faction from the start which gradually became more and more arrogant as their power increased. (This is more consistent with the fact that the Decepticons are in control and the Autobots are the rebels in nearly all the early TransFormers stories set on Cybertron).
Hell-bent on interstellar domination, including on earth where they crash-land, the Decepticons attempt to seize and amass energy when and wherever they can, without any concern for other beings or for sustainability. Many Decepticons are also depicted as ruthless and malevolent entities in their own right, enjoying destruction and violence as a good in itself (although the attribution of such emotions to robots seems problematic).
The Decepticon symbol is a purple face insignia looking similar to Soundwave's head. In the cartoons, they also always fire purple/magenta laser beams.
Led by Megatron and later by his reincarnated form, Galvatron; also in various media by other characters such as Ratbat, Soundwave, Starscream, Scorponok, Bludgeon, Thunderwing and Lord Straxus.
"The Decepticons are blitzing Autobot City. We're really taking a pounding. I don't know how much longer we can hold out" - Blaster, in TransFormers: The Movie.
George W. Bush is intent on a Decepticon-style oil grab in the Middle East.
That van is painted in a very scary way; it looks almost like it should be a Decepticon.
George W. Bush is intent on a Decepticon-style oil grab in the Middle East.
That van is painted in a very scary way; it looks almost like it should be a Decepticon.
Decepticon by Andy April 19, 2004
Haradrim
Inhabitants of Harad.
Tolkien's portrayal of the Haradrim is open to criticism for racism - at one point he describes them as looking like trolls because they are black. However, it should be noted that the Haradrim are typically cajoled into combat by evil Numenoreans, who are white - effectively parallelling the use of colonial troops in European armies.
The name "Haradrim" means "people of the south" in elvish. Also known as Southrons (although these are rendered as a separate people in some accounts).
Tolkien's portrayal of the Haradrim is open to criticism for racism - at one point he describes them as looking like trolls because they are black. However, it should be noted that the Haradrim are typically cajoled into combat by evil Numenoreans, who are white - effectively parallelling the use of colonial troops in European armies.
The name "Haradrim" means "people of the south" in elvish. Also known as Southrons (although these are rendered as a separate people in some accounts).
Umbar
Port and city in Northern Harad, built by evil Numenoreans in the second age and later a base for the Corsairs of Umbar (although some renditions place the Corsair base near to, rather than in, Umbar).
The city is marked on Middle Earth maps drawn by Tolkien, in contrast to most of Harad. The city name is Elvish, as befits its origin among Dunedain. (Haradrim name-forms are not given in Tolkien... I wonder why...). It also occurs in most of the Tolkien strategy games, though way outside where any action is likely to be.
Presumably fortified. Some fans have drawn detailed maps which can be found by doing a Google search - usually showing a fortified city with a number of inner levels, similar to other Numenorean cities such as Minas Tirith.
The city is marked on Middle Earth maps drawn by Tolkien, in contrast to most of Harad. The city name is Elvish, as befits its origin among Dunedain. (Haradrim name-forms are not given in Tolkien... I wonder why...). It also occurs in most of the Tolkien strategy games, though way outside where any action is likely to be.
Presumably fortified. Some fans have drawn detailed maps which can be found by doing a Google search - usually showing a fortified city with a number of inner levels, similar to other Numenorean cities such as Minas Tirith.
Umbar stands on the borderline between Harad and Gondor, controlling Haradrim access to the North.
The Corsairs were led into battle by Lord Nimhir of Umbar.
The Corsairs were led into battle by Lord Nimhir of Umbar.
Kropotkin
A leading anarchist theorist in the nineteenth century, author of classics such as "Mutual Aid", "Factories, Fields and Workshops" and "The State: Its Historic Role". Most of his works are out of copyright and are available online at the Anarchy Archives at dward.pitzer.au.
Kropotkin was an anthropologist by profession, and this is shown by frequent references to this science in his work. "Mutual Aid" is in large part an attempt to rebut Darwinist arguments for the necessity of individualist egoistic action by demonstrating that mutually supportive, cooperative and altruistic actions are common among animals and in human societies. Kropotkin seemed to think that cooperation is part of human nature, so pervasive it is across different cultures and so resilient it is to attacks by the state.
He viewed the state as a force of atomisation because of its tendency to persecute specific associations. He saw it operating in an imperialistic way, colonising everyday life from above and outside and counterposing itself to the force of society and sociability as an everyday factor. The state is based on violence and control, and hierarchic forms and unnatural and oppressive. The state should therefore be overthrown or overcome, and replaced with social relations based on mutual voluntary cooperation in a series of federated associations.
His thought is best located within anarcho-communism. Although dated in some respects, it still holds up as a critique of sociobiology and of theories of the necessity of state power.
I don't know how it could come to mean "a stupid person" - I assume this is a Slavophobe appropriation of this rather amusing-sounding Russian name.
Kropotkin was an anthropologist by profession, and this is shown by frequent references to this science in his work. "Mutual Aid" is in large part an attempt to rebut Darwinist arguments for the necessity of individualist egoistic action by demonstrating that mutually supportive, cooperative and altruistic actions are common among animals and in human societies. Kropotkin seemed to think that cooperation is part of human nature, so pervasive it is across different cultures and so resilient it is to attacks by the state.
He viewed the state as a force of atomisation because of its tendency to persecute specific associations. He saw it operating in an imperialistic way, colonising everyday life from above and outside and counterposing itself to the force of society and sociability as an everyday factor. The state is based on violence and control, and hierarchic forms and unnatural and oppressive. The state should therefore be overthrown or overcome, and replaced with social relations based on mutual voluntary cooperation in a series of federated associations.
His thought is best located within anarcho-communism. Although dated in some respects, it still holds up as a critique of sociobiology and of theories of the necessity of state power.
I don't know how it could come to mean "a stupid person" - I assume this is a Slavophobe appropriation of this rather amusing-sounding Russian name.
Kropotkin's Mutual Aid is a classic text of anarchist theory.
Anti-capitalist groups often unknowingly adopt a model of organisation similar to Kropotkin's, favouring small-scale voluntary groups which come together into larger federations for purposes of mutual support.
Anti-capitalist groups often unknowingly adopt a model of organisation similar to Kropotkin's, favouring small-scale voluntary groups which come together into larger federations for purposes of mutual support.