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'''Borca''' is a nation ruled by noble poisoners, filled with poverty-crushed peasants, and ruthless social climbers.<ref name="gaz4_23">{{gaz4|23}}</ref> '''Borca''' is also, essentially, the birthplace of the [[Church of Ezra]].<ref name="gaz4_16">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.16</ref> The ruler, [[Ivana Boritsi]], is said to be eternally young and beautiful<ref name="gaz4_150">{{gaz4|150}}</ref>, but her touch is death.<ref name="gaz4_151">{{gaz4|151}}</ref> Likewise, '''Borca''' is often regarded as a land of pastoral beauty that is rotten and foul beneath the surface.
'''Borca''' is a nation ruled by noble poisoners, filled with poverty-crushed peasants, and ruthless social climbers.<ref name="gaz4_23">{{gaz4|23}}</ref> '''Borca''' is also, essentially, the birthplace of the [[Church of Ezra]].<ref name="gaz4_16">{{gaz4|16}}</ref> The ruler, [[Ivana Boritsi]], is said to be eternally young and beautiful<ref name="gaz4_150">{{gaz4|150}}</ref>, but her touch is death.<ref name="gaz4_151">{{gaz4|151}}</ref> Likewise, '''Borca''' is often regarded as a land of pastoral beauty that is rotten and foul beneath the surface.


== Background ==
== Background ==
{{canon}}
{{canon}}
So far as history can tell, '''Borca''''s first ruler after it's discovery was [[Camille Dilisnya]]<ref name="gaz4_15">{{gaz4|15}}</ref>, and it passed to her daughter when [[Ivana Boritsi]] assassinated Camille.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 150">{{Gaz4|150}}</ref>  During the [[Grand Conjunction]] in 740 BC, Borca absorbed neighboring Dorvinia<ref name="gaz4_19">{{gaz4|19}}</ref>, ruled by Ivana Boritsi's cousin [[Ivan Dilisnya]]. Born on the same night and sometimes called "the Dark Twins,"<ref name="gaz4_18">{{gaz4|18}}</ref> the cousins had long corresponded and considered themselves close friends. After their countries merged and they were forced to become co-rulers, however, they grew to loathe one another.<ref name="gaz4_150"></ref>
So far as history can tell, '''Borca''''s first ruler after it's discovery was [[Camille Dilisnya]]<ref name="gaz4_15">{{gaz4|15}}</ref>, and it passed to her daughter when [[Ivana Boritsi]] assassinated Camille.<ref name="gav4_150">{{Gaz4|150}}</ref>  During the [[Grand Conjunction]] in 740 BC, Borca absorbed neighboring Dorvinia<ref name="gaz4_19">{{gaz4|19}}</ref>, ruled by Ivana Boritsi's cousin [[Ivan Dilisnya]]. Born on the same night and sometimes called "the Dark Twins,"<ref name="gaz4_18">{{gaz4|18}}</ref> the cousins had long corresponded and considered themselves close friends. After their countries merged and they were forced to become co-rulers, however, they grew to loathe one another.<ref name="gaz4_150"></ref>


== History ==
== History ==
{{canon}}
{{canon}}
*[[157 BC]] (Likely [[False History]]) A [[merchant-prince]] named [[Lech Cosco]] transforms a [[monastery]] of [[Andral]] into his own personal [[fortress]]. He names it [[Lech's Mountain]].<ref name="Gaz IV p. 33">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.33</ref>
* 684 BC &mdash; [[Camille Dilisnya]] delivers the people whom would become known as [[Borcan]]s from isolation in [[the Mists]], thus ending the 333 year epoch of the[Vacancy of Power. As the then-apparent sole heir of the Dilisyna rule, she is given uncontested ownership of all Borcan lands.<ref name="gaz4_16"></ref>
*[[314 BC]] The [[War of Silver Knives]], a conflict between the [[Dilisnya Family|Dilisnya]]s, [[Katksky Family|Katskies]], and the [[Petrovna Family|Petrovnas]], purportedly begins with the Assassination of Lady [[Izabela Dilisnya]]. [[Pidlwik Dilisnya]], her son, swears a vendetta against the foes of the family.<ref name="gaz1_15">{{gaz1|15}}</ref>
* 685 BC &mdash; After [[Yakov Dilisnya]] convinces [[Camille Dilisnya|Camille]] to fund the construction of [[the Great Cathedral of Levkarest]], a location is selected and building begins. The [[Church of Ezra]] spreads across '''Borca'''.<ref name="gaz4_17">{{gaz4|17}}</ref>
*[[316 BC]] Count [[Barov von Zarovich]] commands an end to the War of Silver Knives and appeases the warring parties with gifts of land, though the war will still fragment [[Barovia]] in the face of the [[Terg]] invasion to come. Pidlwik bears lingering resentment for Barov as a result.<ref name="gaz1_15"></ref>
* 694 BC &mdash; By this year, '''Borca''' has transformed into a major hub of trade. This is due, in part, to the arrival of the [[Dilisnya Family]] over the past decade and the utilization off their social and economic ties.<ref name="gaz4_16"></ref>
*[[320 BC]] [[Leo Dilisnya]] is born. Like the rest of the children raised by Pidlwik, he will gain Pidlwik's hunter for power and hatred of the von Zaroviches.<ref name="gaz1_15"></ref>
* 698 BC &mdash; The [[Dinner of Death]]. Yakov is among those poisoned by [[Camille Boritsi]]. Blame upon her for the murder of their leader spreads far and wide among Ezra's faithful. '''Borca's''' streets erupt in open violence. Under advice, Camille quells the riots by building a monument to Yakov on church grounds and demonstrating great acts of (apparent) mourning.<ref name="gaz4_17">{{gaz4|17}}</ref>
*[[325 BC]] Barovian armies drive back the [[Terg]]s from [[Borjia]], leaving that region of [[Barovia]] to thrive when war engulfs the rest of the country for the next twenty or so years.<ref name="gaz1_15"></ref>
* 701 BC &mdash; Praesidia [[Donella Borovsky]] passes an edict declaring witchcraft as a force of corruption created by hags. This solidifies the Borcan position on the [[Church of Hala]], one of loathing and distrust.<ref name="gaz4_27">{{gaz4|27}}</ref>
*[[347 BC]] Last of Tergs driven out of Barovia.<ref name="gaz1_15"></ref>
* 705 BC &mdash; Borcan monk of [[Ezra]] turned heretic [[Renthon Vorishtok]] writes [[The Revelations of the Prince of Twilight]].<ref>{{NC|book=Arcane Lore: Tomes of Forbidden Lore, Dragon Magazine #252|page=87-89}}</ref>
*[[349 BC]] Pidlwick dies<ref name="rot_123">{{C|book=Realm of Terror|page=123}]</ref>, but Leo still carries his hatred and plots out a conspiracy against the Von Zaroviches.<ref name="gaz1_15"></ref>
* 706 BC &mdash; [[Falkovnia]] invades, expecting the conquest of '''Borca''' to mark an easy victory. However, [[Camille Dilisnya]] and her ilk make short work of the [[invader]]s by poisoning their food prior to the launch of the invasion. Thus the event became known as the [[Widow's Massacre]].<ref name="gaz4_17"></ref>
*[[351 BC]] The nobility of Borjia leave for the Wedding of [[Sergei von Zarovich]]. Whereas the absence of Borjia's aristocracy was supposed to be only a matter of weeks, it turns out to be a matter of centuries. The Mists cover [[Barovia]], apparently due to the actions of Leo and his assassins.<ref name="gaz4_15"></ref> Modern [[Borcan]]s, whom trace their origins to the [[Borjia]] of the [[Prime Material Plane]], believe this marks the start of [[the Vacancy of Power]]. According to Borcan histories, during the Vacany of Power, Borca is [[imprisoned]] alone in [[the Mists]] due to the same curse that enveloped Barovia.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 16">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.16</ref>
* 709 BC &mdash; The degenerate and murderous sororicide [[Ivan Dilisnya]] is exiled to [[the Mists]], where he finds a part of ancient Borjia, which he calls Dorvinia.<ref name="gaz4_18">{{gaz4|18}}</ref> Despite this date of formation, Dorvinians believe their realm emerged the same time as Borca.<ref name="gaz4_19">{{gaz4|19}}</ref>
*[[684 BC]] [[Borca]] forms due to the actions [[Camille Dilisnya]]. Native [[Borcan]]s believe her to have delivered them from isolation in [[the Mists]], thus ending the 333 year epoch of the [[Vacancy of Power]]. As the then-apparent sole [[heir]] of the Dilisyna rule, she is given uncontested ownership of all Borcan [[land]]s.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 16">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.16</ref>
* 711 BC &mdash; [[Ivana Boritsi]], daughter of Camille Dilisnya, researches to find a way to endow humans with poisonous touches. [[Nostalia Romaine]] volunteers as her first test subject, becoming the first [[ermordenung]].<ref name="gaz4_21">{{gaz4|21}}</ref>
*[[685 BC]] After [[Yakov Dilisnya]] convinces Camille to fund the construction of [[the Great Cathedral of Levkarest]], a location is selected and building begins. The [[Church of Ezra]]is spreading  across Borca.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
* 711 BC &mdash; [[Camille Dilisnya]] is poisoned to death by her own daughter, [[Ivana Boritsi]], thus marking the exchange of power from mother to daughter.<ref name="gaz4_18">{{gaz4|18}}</ref>
*[[694 BC]] By this year, [[Borca]] has transformed into a major hub of [[trade]]. This is due, in part, to the arrival of the [[Dilisnya Family]] over the past decade and the utilization off their social and economic ties.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 16">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.16</ref>
*[[727 BC]] (Dorvinia) ''The Gold Claw Massacre'': In response to the rampant corruption in Ivan's court, [[Vlad Drakov]] initiates a raid on [[Levkarest]] massacring hundreds. His soldiers loot and retreat back over the border, though they face heavy casualties.<ref name="gaz4_19">{{gaz4|19}}</ref>
*[[698 BC]] The [[Dinner of Death]]. Yakov is among those [[poisoned]] by Camille. Blame upon her for the murder of their leader spreads far and wide among Ezra's faithful. Borca's streets erupt in open violence. Under advice, Camille quells the riots by building a monument to Yakov on church grounds and demonstrating great acts of (apparent) mourning.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
* 729 BC &mdash; The [[Treaty of Four Towers]]. Both [[Ivana Boritsi]] and [[Ivan Dilisnya]] eagerly sign it.<ref name="gaz4_19"></ref>
*[[701 BC]] [[Praesidia Donella Borovsky]] passes an edict declaring [[witchcraft]] as a force of [[corruption]] created by [[hag]]s. This solidifies the Borcan position on the [[Church of Hala]], one of loathing and distrust.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 27">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.27</ref>
* 732 BC &mdash; Praesidia [[Kristyn Stoyista]] reverses the 701 BC edict issued by Praesidia Borovsky. However, ill feelings towards the Halans still linger dormant in the hearts of many Borcans.<ref name="gaz4_27">{{gaz4|27}}</ref>
*[[705 BC]] [[Borcan]] monk of [[Ezra]] turned [[heretic]] [[Renthon Vorishtok]] writes [[The Revelations of the Prince of Twilight]].<ref>[[Arcane Lore: Tomes of Forbidden Lore]], Dragon Magazine #252, pp87-89</ref>
*733 BC &mdash; The [[Society of Huntsmen]] is formally founded in at [[Dengar's Retreat]], a tavern in [[Levkarest]].<ref name="nb_shadows_79">{{NC|book=Book of Shadows|page=79}}</ref>
*[[706 BC]] [[Falkovnia]] invades, expecting the conquest of Borca to mark an easy victory. However, Camille and her ilk make short work of the [[invader]]s by poisoning their [[food]] even before the [[invasion]]. Thus the event became known as the [[Widow's Massacre]].<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
*739 BC &mdash; [[Anton Boritsi]] perishes under suspicious circumstances. He is survived by his wife and two children ([[Hellena Boritsi]] and [[Bevel Boritsi]]). They take over his operations, including the branch of the [[Boritsi Trading Company]] still working out of [[Levkarest]].  Meanwhile, Conte [[Sulo Boritsi]] moves his family (save for his eldest children) from [[Borca]] to [[Bergovitsa]]<ref name="LotB_12">{{C|book=Legacy of the Blood|page=12}} - Count is the title used in this book, but Conte is the correct title.</ref>
*[[709 BC]] The degenerate and murderous [[sororicide]] [[Ivan Dilisnya]] is exiled to [[the Mists]]. [[Dorvinia]], a kindred realm to Borca and also thought to be a part of ancient Borjia, forms with him as darklord.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 18">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.18</ref> Despite this date of formation, Dorvinians believe their realm emerged the same time as Borca.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 19">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.19</ref>
* 740 BC &mdash; Following the [[Great Upheaval]], [[Dorvinia]] and [[Borca]] fuse together, thanks to the close presence of Ivan Dilisnya and Ivana Boritsi.<ref name="gaz4_19">{{gaz4|19}}</ref>
*[[711 BC]] [[Ivana Boritsi]], daughter of Camille Dilisnya, researches to find a way to endow [[human]]s with [[poisonous]] touches. [[Nostalia Romaine]] volunteers as her first test subject, becoming the first [[ermordenung]].<ref name="Gaz IV p. 21">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.21</ref>
* 745 BC &mdash; The [[Great Cathedral]] is finished.<ref name="gaz4_17"></ref>
*[[711 BC]] Camille is [[poisoned to death]] by her own daughter, [[Ivana Boritsi]], thus marking the exchange of power from mother to daughter.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 18">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.18</ref> [[Nostalia Romaine]] deliver of the [[poison]] with a kiss.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 21">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.21</ref>
* 747 BC &mdash; [[The Jongleur]] comes into the service of Ivana Boritsi.<ref name="gaz4_28">{{gaz4|28}}</ref>
*[[717 BC]] {{{Potential-canon-small}} Starting on this approximate year, [[rumor]]s start flying around about Ivana Boritisi giving birth to an [[:category:bastard|illegitimate child]]
* 749 BC &mdash; [[Blackblade]] is drawn into [[Ravenloft]], specifically [[Borca]].<ref name="nb_sorrows">{{NC|book=Book of Sorrows|page=72}} - we need to check the relevance of this</ref>
*[[727 BC]] (Dorvinia) [[The Gold Claw Massacre}] In response to the rampant [[corruption]] in Ivan's court, [[Vlad Drakov]] initiates a raid on [[Levkarest]] and [[massacre|massacring]] hundreds. His [[soldier]]s loot and retreat back over the border, but tmost or all of them perish horribly from [[poison]].<ref name="Gaz IV p. 19">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.19</ref>
* 753 BC &mdash; The [[Glutton of G'Henna]] appears in the hills east of [[Morfenzi]] and moves into '''Borca''', attacking the hamlet of [[Vasey]] and killing many<ref name="VRGttWK_96">{{C|book=Van Richten's Guide to the Walking Dead|page=96}}</ref>.
*[[729 BC]] The [[Treaty of Four Towers]]. Both Ivana Boritsi and Ivan Dilisnya eagerly sign it.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 19">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.19</ref>
* 757 BC &mdash;  In response to the [[Weathermay-Foxgrove Twins]] asking her to relinquish the [[Deathstone]], Ivana Boristi poisons [[Gennifer Weathermay-Foxgrove]], then forbids the twins from ever entering Borca again.<ref name="LotB_8-10">{{C|book=Legacy of the Blood|page=8-10}}</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[730 BC]] A [[vampire]] slays [[Turk Mader]]'s best friend. Mader pursues from [[Nova Vaasa]] to [[Levkarest]] and slays it with the help of [[Ronald Kranston]].<ref name="Book of Shadows p.81">[[Book of Shadows]] p. 81</ref>
*[[732 BC]] [[Levis Andreyev]] discovers [[Elsepeth]]'s [[alias|guise]] as [[Madame Elsa]] by finding a [[doll]] containing the [[soul]] of one her [[victim]]s. Elsepeth fleas Borca, but Levis also [[disappear]]s some time thereafter.<ref>[[Van Richten's Monster Hunter's Compendium III]] p.64-65</ref>
*[[732 BC]] [[Praesidia Kristyn Stoyista]] reverses the [[701 BC]] edict issued by Praesidia Borovsky. However, ill feelings towards the Halans still linger dormantly in the hearts of many Borcans.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 27">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.27</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[733 BC]] The [[Society of Huntsmen]] is formally founded in at [[Dengar's Retreat]], a [[tavern]] in [[Levkarest]].<ref name="Book of Shadows p.79">[[Book of Shadows]] p. 79</ref>
*[[734 BC]] A [[thief]] breaks into the [[Nuikin Family Estate]], determined to get the [[spellbook]] of [[Aurek Nuikin]]. In Aurek's scuffle with the thief, a magical burst of energy goes off, leaving both thief and spellbook vaporized. The explosion transforms [[Natalia Nuikin]] into a [[statue]].<ref name="Scholar of Decay n1">[[Scholar of Decay]] p. 162 the accident happened over a year before from the main events of the book. [[Domains of Dread]] p. 17 gives that year as [[735 BC]]</ref>
*[[739 BC]] [[Anton Boritsi]] perishes under suspicious circumstances. He is survived by his wife and two children ([[Hellena Boritsi]] and [[Bevel Boritsi]]. They take over his operations, including the branch of the [[Boritsi Trading Company]] still working out of [[Levkarest]].  Meanwhile, [[Count Sulo Boritsi]] moves his [[family]] (save for his eldest children) from [[Borca]] to [[Bergovitsa]]<ref name="LotB p. 12">[[Legacy of the Blood]] p.12</ref>
*[[740 BC]] Following the [[Great Upheaval]], [[Dorvinia]] and [[Borca]] fuse together, thanks to the close presence of Ivan Dilisnya and Ivana Boritsi.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 19">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.19</ref>
*[[745 BC]]: The [[Great Cathedral]] is finished.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 17">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.17</ref>
*[[746 BC]] As [[Carnival]] makes its way through Borca, it picks up [[Roman Olzanik]]<ref name="Carnival p. 50">[[Carnival]] p.50</ref>
*[[747 BC]] [[The Jongleur]] comes into the service of Ivana Boritsi.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 28">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.28</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[749 BC]] [[Blackblade]] is drawn into [[Ravenloft]], specifically [[Borca]].<ref name="Book of sorrows" p.72">[[Book of Sorrows]] p.72</ref>
*[[751 BC]] Previously a [[floating pocket]] domain, [[the House of Lament]] settles down in the southwestern part of Borca.<ref name="DoD p. 56">[[Domains of Dread]] p.56</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[751 BC]] or [[752 BC]] [[Marcu Vasilis (Gambler)|Marcu Vasilis]], a [[psionic]] [[Borcan]] [[gambler]], is drawn into [[Bluetspur]] by the [[Illithid God-Brain]]. As his mind is being devoured, he telepathically reaches out to his love, [[Lidia Kurator]]. The God-brain feels her presence, and it sends out a [[biomanced]] [[Marcu Vasilis (Aberration)|duplicate of Marcu]] to get her.<ref name="TFC p.19-20">[[The Forgotten Children]] p.19-20</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[752 BC]] (Approx.) [[Dr. Henry Masham]], a native of [[Lechberg]], injures himself in a medical experiment. His limbs are [[maimed]] such he cannot use them for [[surgery]] any more. Masham grafts dead flesh to repair the damage, taking his first steps down the path to remake himself as a [[Half-Golem]]. His activities are eventually discovered by a [[nurse]], and he accidentally kills her trying to quiet her. Masham abandons his practice and goes to work caring for the poor in the [[slum]]s of Lechberg.<ref name="Book of Sacrifices p.27-29>[[Book of Sacrifices]] p.27-29</ref>
*[[752 BC]] [[Vladimir Nobriskov]] begins wooing [[Lady Gennifer]] after doing the same to her sister [[Lady Monique]].<ref name="CoTN:Werebeasts p.36">[[Children of the Night: Werebeasts]] p.36</ref> At some point during the courting process, he [[murderer]]s Monique. <ref name="CoTN:Werebeasts p.38">[[Children of the Night: Werebeasts]] p.38</ref> {{potential-canon-small}}At some point, his activities are discovered, and he is [[killed]].
*[[753 BC]] The [[Glutton of G'Henna]] appears in the [[hills]] east of [[Morfenzi]] and moves into Borca, attacking the [[hamlet]] of [[Vasey]]<ref name="VRGttWK p. 96">[[Van Richten's Guide to the Walking Dead]] p. 96</ref>.
* {{netbook-small}}[[755 BC]] [[Captain Josef Zhitoff]] confronts [[the Bad Wind]] in [[Mavalga]].<ref>[[Children of the Night: Demons]] p.25</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[755 BC]] As part of an insidious plot to free itself, [[Thissallra Torr]] comes to [[Lechberg]].<ref>[[Children of the Night: Demons]] p.86</ref>
* {{netbook-small}}[[757 BC]] By this approximate year, the [[Weeping Rose Actor Society]] has made it big in society's underbelly. It has reached Borca, earning the approval of Ivan Dilisnya.<ref>[[Quoth the Raven]] Issue 10, p.50</ref>
*[[757 BC]]{{potential-canon-small}} By this year, Oton Boritsi is 33. He has joined the [[Church of Ezra]]. He plans a [[conspiracy]] to seize power over the Church with the help of his fellow [[:category:The Scions of Yakov Dilisnya|Scions of Yakov Dilisnya]]
*[[757 BC]] In response to the [[Weathermay-Foxgrove Twins]] asking her to relinquish the [[Deathstone]], Ivana Boristi [[poison]]s [[Gennifer Weathermay-Foxgrove]], then forbids the twins from ever entering Borca again.<ref name="LotB p. 8-10">[[Legacy of the Blood]] p.8-10</ref>
*[[757 BC]] By this year, the legend of the [[Night Swarm]] is well established in the [[Balinoks]].<ref name="Gaz IV p. 10>[[Gazetteer IV]] p.10</ref>


== Flora & Fauna ==
== Flora & Fauna ==
Line 95: Line 73:
* the Conte or Contessa of each city's overall holdings (which usually includes wide tracts of connecting wilderness)
* the Conte or Contessa of each city's overall holdings (which usually includes wide tracts of connecting wilderness)
* the Stapans that act on the wills of the Conte or Contessa.
* the Stapans that act on the wills of the Conte or Contessa.
There are a variety of lesser titles within municipalities but they hold little power in the Nation's court, when they hold any at all.


{{canon}}
{{canon}}
Line 101: Line 81:
=== Holdings ===
=== Holdings ===
{{canon}}
{{canon}}
* [[Lechberg]]
* Nation of [[Borca]], held by Lady [[Ivana Boritsi]] and Lord [[Ivan Dilisnya]].
* [[Levkarest]]
** County of [[Lechberg]], held by the Conte/Contessa of Lechberg, currently Conte [[Edmondo Dilisnya]] and Conteasa [[Sofia Buchvold]].
* [[Ilvin]]
** County of [[Levkarest]], held by the Conte/Contessa of Levkarest,
* [[Sturben]]
** County of [[Ilvin]], held by the Conte/Contessa of Ilvin, currently Conte [[Baldassarre Olszanik]].
* [[Vor Ziyden]]
** County of [[Sturben]], held by the Conte/Contessa of Sturben,
* [[Chiara]]
** County of [[Vor Ziyden]], held by the Conte/Contessa of Vor Ziyden,
* [[Vasey]]
** County of [[Chiara]], held by the Conte/Contessa of Chiara,
** County of [[Vasey]], held by the Conte/Contessa of Chiara,


=== The League of Nine ===
=== The League of Nine ===

Latest revision as of 13:41, 14 April 2025

Template:Dombox

Borca is a nation ruled by noble poisoners, filled with poverty-crushed peasants, and ruthless social climbers.[1] Borca is also, essentially, the birthplace of the Church of Ezra.[2] The ruler, Ivana Boritsi, is said to be eternally young and beautiful[3], but her touch is death.[4] Likewise, Borca is often regarded as a land of pastoral beauty that is rotten and foul beneath the surface.

Background

So far as history can tell, Borca's first ruler after it's discovery was Camille Dilisnya[5], and it passed to her daughter when Ivana Boritsi assassinated Camille.[6] During the Grand Conjunction in 740 BC, Borca absorbed neighboring Dorvinia[7], ruled by Ivana Boritsi's cousin Ivan Dilisnya. Born on the same night and sometimes called "the Dark Twins,"[8] the cousins had long corresponded and considered themselves close friends. After their countries merged and they were forced to become co-rulers, however, they grew to loathe one another.[3]

History

Flora & Fauna

Geography

File:Borca.png
Borca map by the MCS. Note: Since this fan-made map predates 3rd Edition Ravenloft, there are some inconsistencies with the more recent maps.

Titles

Borca is ruled by Ivana Boritsi and Ivan Dilisnya. It would be untoward, however, not to mention that the Church of Ezra has ruled the spiritual life of Borca since the church was founded by Yakov Dilisnya. Indeed, it would be attempts at bribery by Camille Dilisnya towards the church that created the schism that formed the First and Second sects of the Church.

The land, like neighbouring Barovia, essentially has a three tier system:

  • the Lord and Lady of Borca, Ivana Boritsi, and Ivan Dilisnya.
  • the Conte or Contessa of each city's overall holdings (which usually includes wide tracts of connecting wilderness)
  • the Stapans that act on the wills of the Conte or Contessa.

There are a variety of lesser titles within municipalities but they hold little power in the Nation's court, when they hold any at all.

Less officially, there is also the League of Nine, the rulers' dark hand. It is described in greater detail below.

Holdings

The League of Nine

Somewhere in Sturben is the Cerulean Chamber, meeting place of the infamous League of Nine, a self-appointed court of justice composed of apothecaries from Borca’s ruling houses. When the law fails and duels are not an option, those who think themselves wronged can petition the League for retribution. No petitioner ever meets the League members in person. The Nine work through various proxies, and although they know each other by name, they ritually don cloaks and masks during their tribunals. So secretive is the League that many who have used its services are still unsure that it actually exists. If the League accepts a petition, the Nine convene to debate its merits. They mete out only one punishment: the subtle slumber. Within a month of the League reaching a decision, the “guilty” party will almost inevitably die of “natural causes.” On that day, the petitioner receives a bill for the League’s services, usually equaling half the legal fine for the victim’s murder.

These genteel assassins operate by several rules that are not well known to the public, however. First, the League' primary goal is to strengthen their own positions. They mete out “justice” as best suits themselves, so they will not execute members of their own families, nor will they strike directly against the sefs. Second, once a petition is made, the ruling lies entirely in the League’s hands. Should the Nine decide that the petitioner is the true wrongdoer, it is they whose end is near. The unwitting accused soon receives the bill, and they would be wise to pay it.

Blood Banking

Many Borcan banking houses insist that a borrower fill a small vial with her own blood, which the banker keeps until the loan is repaid. Most folk believe this is merely a symbolic gesture or intimidation tactic. It often is, but a few bankers can call upon dark forces to enforce their contracts — or know someone who can. Should a borrower attempt to renege on her debts, the bankers can use sympathetic magic — a technique originally stolen from the Vistani — to inflict grievous punishments from afar. The greater the debt, the more powerful a spell the lender is likely to use to ensure compliance. Debt collectors typically utilize troublesome spells like bestow curse or geas rather than deadly spells like flesh to stone or phantasmal killer; dead men cannot pay their due.

References

  1. ↑ Canon:(?) page 23, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Canon:(?) page 16, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Canon:(?) page 150, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  4. ↑ Canon:(?) page 151, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  5. ↑ Canon:(?) page 15, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  6. ↑ Canon:(?) page 150, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Canon:(?) page 19, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Canon:(?) page 18, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Canon:(?) page 17, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Canon:(?) page 27, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  11. ↑ Netbook Canon:(?) page 87-89, Arcane Lore: Tomes of Forbidden Lore, Dragon Magazine #252
  12. ↑ Canon:(?) page 21, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  13. ↑ Netbook Canon:(?) page 79, Book of Shadows
  14. ↑ Canon:(?) page 12, Legacy of the Blood - Count is the title used in this book, but Conte is the correct title.
  15. ↑ Canon:(?) page 28, Gazetteer IV, Arthaus Publishing (James Lowder,John W. Mangrum,Ryan Naylor,Anthony Pryor,Voronica Whitney-Robinson, Andrew Wyatt), 2004, ISBN: 978-1588460875
  16. ↑ Netbook Canon:(?) page 72, Book of Sorrows - we need to check the relevance of this
  17. ↑ Canon:(?) page 96, Van Richten's Guide to the Walking Dead
  18. ↑ Canon:(?) page 8-10, Legacy of the Blood
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