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Borca: Difference between revisions

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*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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]]
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
* {{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>
*[[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]] [[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
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* {{netbook-small}}[[749 BC]] [[Blackblade]] is drawn into [[Ravenloft]], specifically [[Borca]].<ref name="Book of sorrows" p.72">[[Book of Sorrows]] p.72</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>
*[[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>
*[[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>
* {{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]].
*[[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>.
*[[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]] 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>
*[[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>

Revision as of 18:19, 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. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Canon:(?) page 15, Gazetteer I, Arthaus Publishing (John W. Mangrum, Stuart Turner, Peter Woodworth, and Andrew Wyatt), 2002, ISBN: 978-1588460806
  11. {{C|book=Realm of Terror|page=123}]
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 Gazetteer IV p.16
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Gazetteer IV p.17
  14. 14.0 14.1 Gazetteer IV p.27
  15. Arcane Lore: Tomes of Forbidden Lore, Dragon Magazine #252, pp87-89
  16. 16.0 16.1 Gazetteer IV p.18
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Gazetteer IV p.19
  18. 18.0 18.1 Gazetteer IV p.21
  19. Book of Shadows p. 81
  20. Van Richten's Monster Hunter's Compendium III p.64-65
  21. Book of Shadows p. 79
  22. 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
  23. Legacy of the Blood p.12
  24. Carnival p.50
  25. Gazetteer IV p.28
  26. Book of Sorrows p.72
  27. Domains of Dread p.56
  28. Book of Sacrifices p.27-29
  29. Children of the Night: Werebeasts p.36
  30. Children of the Night: Werebeasts p.38
  31. Van Richten's Guide to the Walking Dead p. 96
  32. Legacy of the Blood p.8-10
  33. Gazetteer IV p.10