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*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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]].<ref name=GazIp15>[[Gazetteer I]] p.15</ref> [[Pidlwik Dilisnya]], her son, swears a vendetta against the foes of the family.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 15">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.15</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="gaz61_15">{{gaz1|15}}</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="Gaz IV p. 15">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.15</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>
*[[320 BC]] [[Leo Dilisnya]] is born. Like the rest of the children raised by Pidlwik, he will gain Pidlwik's hunter for [[power]] and hzgfic of the von Zaroviches.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 15">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.15</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>
*[[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="Gaz IV p. 15">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.15</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>
*[[347 BC]] Last of Tergs driven out of Barovia.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 15">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.15</ref>
*[[347 BC]] Last of Tergs driven out of Barovia.<ref name="gaz1_15"></ref>
*[[349 BC]] Pidlwick dies<ref name=RoTp.123>[[Realm of Terror]] p.123</ref>, but Leo still carries his [[hatred]] and plots out a [[conspiracy]] against the Von Zaroviches.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 15">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.15</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>
*[[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 [[assassin]]s.<ref name="Gaz IV p. 15">[[Gazetteer IV]] p.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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>

Revision as of 18:16, 11 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.

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. Gazetteer IV p.16
  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. 5.0 5.1 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. 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. 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. Gazetteer IV p.33
  10. Canon:(?) page 15, Gazetteer I, Arthaus Publishing (John W. Mangrum, Stuart Turner, Peter Woodworth, and Andrew Wyatt), 2002, ISBN: 978-1588460806
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named gaz1_15
  12. {{C|book=Realm of Terror|page=123}]
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Gazetteer IV p.16
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Gazetteer IV p.17
  15. 15.0 15.1 Gazetteer IV p.27
  16. Arcane Lore: Tomes of Forbidden Lore, Dragon Magazine #252, pp87-89
  17. 17.0 17.1 Gazetteer IV p.18
  18. 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 Gazetteer IV p.19
  19. 19.0 19.1 Gazetteer IV p.21
  20. Book of Shadows p. 81
  21. Van Richten's Monster Hunter's Compendium III p.64-65
  22. Book of Shadows p. 79
  23. 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
  24. Legacy of the Blood p.12
  25. Carnival p.50
  26. Gazetteer IV p.28
  27. Book of Sorrows p.72
  28. Domains of Dread p.56
  29. The Forgotten Children p.19-20
  30. Book of Sacrifices p.27-29
  31. Children of the Night: Werebeasts p.36
  32. Children of the Night: Werebeasts p.38
  33. Van Richten's Guide to the Walking Dead p. 96
  34. Children of the Night: Demons p.25
  35. Children of the Night: Demons p.86
  36. Quoth the Raven Issue 10, p.50
  37. Legacy of the Blood p.8-10
  38. Gazetteer IV p.10