Miriros Conradin, Colonel of the Grim Soldiers

	Reaching Moon Megacorp's Life of Moonson Miriros Conradin Colonel of the Grim Soldiers	Age: 45 Career: Army Religion: Danfive Xaron Culture: Dara Happan Disposition: Grim, determined, fearless, athletic
Return to Home Page Gloranthan Folk Tales Gloranthan Songbook Moonie Madness Life of Moonson Carmanian Sources Malkioni Scriptures	You were born to a citizen family of Raibanth. Your father lived his life by the ancient Solar Way, but as you grew older you could see the meaninglessness of these empty rituals: the Empire is no longer directed by the Sun God but by the Lunar Way, and it was here that you sought certainty. As soon as you were old enough to make a free choice, you volunteered to enter the Penitentiary and learn the discipline of Danfive Xaron. You have never seen your family since the day its doors closed behind you. In the Penitentiary, you learned to embrace the Three Noble Truths and the Sevenfold Path of Danfive Xaron. You devoted yourself to perfecting the disciplines and corrections of the cult. After three years, the Inquisitors offered you the chance to leave and work for them on the streets. You swiftly built up a network of informers in the underworld, most of them former prisoners who obeyed you through fear of punishment. You became an officer in the Black Army, the feared secret police of the Empire. After your heroic pursuit of a band of fugitives into the Mad Sultanate of Tork, you were picked to command the Grim Soldiers, that regiment of the Imperial Bodyguard which guards the Citadel of Halfway at the Dark Moon. Since becoming Colonel, you have instituted numerous reforms with the express intent of leading your regiment to victory in the New Year Games: you aim to win the coveted Emperor's Cup from the formerly invincible Full Moon Corps. Your great passion has been the rooting out of the heresy of the White Moon. This dangerous cult had been left to Jar-eel the Razoress, but her methods were too slow and uncertain. She had sought to convince its leaders by gentle words and reasoned debate, but when she was called away to the Redlands your forces could move in. Using information gathered from rounded up dissidents (and while secretly observing her negotiations) you were able to round up all the ring-leaders, the so-called "Keepers of the White Moon," and confined them in the grimmest cells of the feared Xaronea: another triumph for the Black Army! Grand Master Orsorkhon has overseen their interrogation himself: you are proud that this heresy has almost been broken, like the Cult of Immortality before it.	Background The Dara Happan Tripolis You were born in Raibanth, a city of the ancient Dara Happan Tripolis. Its ancestral Solar traditions are sadly outdated, and this led you to seek new certainties from the Lunar Way which now rules the Empire. The Cult of Danfive Xaron You are a worshipper of Danfive Xaron, the Lunar god of Redemption through Suffering. Danfive Xaron was one of the Seven Mothers, and his cult runs Penitentiaries (prisons and labour-camps) offering criminals sanctuary and the hope of rehabilitation. The cult's strict and inflexible code of conduct also attracts many who seek greater meaning and direction from life, such as yourself. The cult is also the Empire's secret internal police force, the Black Army, maintaining a network of informers among its former Penitents to watch out for potentially disruptive activities, and agents to nip them in the bud. Grand Master Orsorkhon the Cenobite is the unquestioned leader of the cult of Danfive Xaron, dwelling within the grim and terrifying Xaronea prison in Glamour. The Emperor's Unspoken Word You are a member of the Black Army, the Imperial Secret Police. The Lunar Empire is a peaceful and prosperous place to live, where the benefits of civilisation are cherished and nurtured. Crime is contained and dissent confined to a few pacifists and religious extremists. Toleration of all traditions is the byword of an official policy that actively promotes diversity and innovation. The price of this freedom is eternal vigilance. Aware of the inevitability of change and disruption, the Lunar Empire maintains highly efficient covert agencies to nip such threats in the bud. At its highest levels, the cult of Danfive Xaron operates a sub-cult called the Black Army. This is organised along military lines to provide an internal security force for the Empire. As the Red Army defends the Empire against attacks from without, so the Black Army defends it against threats from within. Openly, it is represented by units such as your regiment, the Grim Soldiers, responsible for keeping order in the city of Glamour Covertly, it maintains a network of spies and informers, known as "The Unspoken Word" who watch for potentially disruptive activities. The agents are mostly Initiates, former Penitents who report back to the Catechumens and Overseers who are the officers of the Army. Elite units stand ready to take action to ensure that the everyday life of the Empire proceeds in an orderly and cyclical pattern.
	RECENT MISSIONS The Chaos Vats of Brootopia One of your agents discovered a set of notes in the library of the Temple to Irrippi Ontor, describing in at times obscene detail the chaotic perversities to be found in the cursed land of Dorastor. They were written by Paulis Longvale, now a prominent Senator, and detail his early experiences on the frontier with his barbarian kin. Expert analysis by the Lunar College of Magic determined that one particular feature, the Chaos Vats, could be safely duplicated by Lunar sorcery to benefit the Empire. You then learned that General Roan-ur (commanding imperial forces in Aggar) has secretly constructed a military complex in the remote Autumn Mountains, in which he is growing ever more horrible monsters to send against the enemies of the Empire. You insisted that the internal security for this project be entrusted to the Black Army. The complex (known as Brootopia) is jointly operated by your men and those of General Roan-ur, who feels the ongoing rebellion at Kree Mountain in Aggar is an ideal testing-ground for these innovations. The White Moonie Resettlement This was set up ostensibly to help White Moonies settle outside of the Heartlands in lands where they could practice their religious beliefs without causing internal disruption. In reality, most who join the programme are those who have been rounded up in demonstrations or who have been arrested after refusing to pay taxes and the like. In theory the program is run by the Lunar bureaucracy, with the help of local sultanates. In actual fact, the Black Army is the main organisation behind the program - which is a state secret. Originally, the supposed destination for the White Moonie settlers was the River of Cradles. In fact, they mostly never got there, instead being sold off as slaves to Praxians, Pentans, Tusk Riders and the Morokanth. The receipts helped to fund the Black Army's Black Operations. More recently, and after some investigations into the programme (notably by the Coders before Orsorkhon had them disbanded), their destination has supposedly been the Redlands. Again, they have not got there, instead being sent to Brootopia where they are used in the Chaos experimentations. The Little Red Book One of your informers works as a porter in the Lunar Academy. He recently brought you a proof copy of a forthcoming publication which has been produced in great secrecy by Fod-Ariam, the Chief Academician. It appears to be a collection of innocuous religious poetry, at first sight indistinguishable from other such works produced by the Temple of Truth. But two things about it have disturbed you. First, given the book's apparently pedestrian nature, why did you feel so strangely moved upon reading it? And second, why is it being secretly produced by the Lunar Academy, instead of following the correct publication process through the Temple of Truth? Fod-Ariam is also organising the Silver Quill competition, a prestigious literary award, worth 10 influence to the winner. A member of the Danfive Xaron cult must help to judge this competition so that no heretical or seditious works are allowed to be entered or have a chance of winning. You must seek out Fod-Ariam and offer your services. The Bat Man The criminals of Glamour have come to fear this masked avenger of the night even more than the punishments known in the Penitentiary! He stalks the crime-ridden streets by moonlight in his bat-like cape, hauling criminals off the street: rumour says they are taken to be Bat Fodder! The Bat Man's vigilante actions have undermined the whole structure of informers and criminal subversion within the "Unspoken Word" - there is now something that they fear even more than Cato Ninetails! A terrible silence has fallen over the underworld of Glamour; all the talk is of the vengeance of the Bat Man. The final straw came when one of your zealous young agents, working undercover to unearth a gang of Black Lotus Dust traffickers, was mistaken for a genuine drug pusher and taken by the Bat Man. You take this murder as a personal affront, and have sworn to avenge yourself upon this vigilante. Arms Sales to Sartar Over the years there have been increasing budget constraints on the Black Army in the Presidium - mainly due to Moonson's increasing expenditure and military commitments. As a result the Black Army has been forced to look for alternative funding for its various organisations and Black operations (the White Moonie slave sales is one example). Recently an enterprising agent in Dragon Pass set up a number of arms sales to the Argrathi rebels in Sartar. this proved to be extremely lucrative and you are currently involved in providing them with a further shipment (through a number of middle-men, of course). Weapons have been purchased from the sword factories in Katchari and are already on their way to Sartar. Unless the shipments become common knowledge in the game then you can collect 10 influence from the CPS Director at midday on Fireday (21:30).
	Objectives Personal Avenge the death of your informants by unmasking the Bat Man and bringing him to Justice. Lead the Grim Soldiers to victory in the contest for the Emperor's Cup, demonstrating their superior skill, dedication and self-discipline to all. Oversee the Changing of the Guard on the day of the Dying Moon, when the Grim Soldiers come on duty at the Citadel of Halfway to stand guard throughout the Black Watch until the first sliver of the Crescent Moon returns. Career Assist Grand Master Orsorkhon by punishing the enemies of the Empire. Keep the Chaos Vats of Brootopia secret and fully operational. Ensure that the White Moonie resettlement continues without its true purpose being discovered. You will need to pay 5 influence to the CPS Director before the beginning of Windsday to keep it running. Put your claim to Orsorkhon before the Presidium decides on the Budget Oversee the vetting of new books for publication, and ensure you are a judge for the Silver Quill competition. You need 10 influence from the Military Budget to pay the Grim Soldiers. You must pay this to the CPS Director before at the beginning Windsday. Put in your claim to Grand Master Orsorkhon before the Presidium decides on the Budget. Keep the arms sales to Sartar secret. Collect 10 influence at midday on Fireday if they are still secret and give it to Orsorkhon. Religious Demonstrate your self-discipline and unflinching obedience to the commands of the Grand Master at every opportunity, to show that the cult of Danfive Xaron is more than merely a refuge for criminals. Present your copy of the Little Red Book to Grand Master Orsorkhon, so that he may determine the extent of its heretical content. Is Fod-Ariam publishing new works without permission? Have Moonson declare next year to be a Black Moon year: only in this way can eternal vigilance be maintained!	Who You Know Personal Acquaintances None. Through your Career Acutus: the Prefect of the Mother's Guard is a former gladiator, raised to power through the Emperor's favour. His forces lack the discipline they would need to compete: they swagger like bullies through the streets of Glamour, but lack the crisp efficiency of the Black Watch. He has tried to muscle in on your territory in the underworld: make it clear to him that you will brook no interference. Beat-Pot Aelwrin: the Commander of the Imperial Guard is one of your rivals for the Emperor's Cup. His regiment, the Bloodspillers, will be among the keenest competition. Theoretically, he commands you and the Grim Soldiers but you resent his interference and try to avoid following his orders. Jar-Eel the Razoress: like all good Lunars, you love and revere the superheroine. You are, however, satisfied to note that where her most persuasive arts failed, the Black Army succeeded, wiping out the heretical Keepers of the White Moon in one fell swoop. Mikos Thiokonos: the Imperial Chamberlain certainly has something to hide. He controls all access to Moonson. The Red Dancer of Power: the Chief Missionary of the Lunar Way is inscrutable. She controls the Seven Year Plan which keeps the economy healthy. General Roan-ur, commander in Aggar: his feared Chaos Legion has had many successes against the Orlanthi rebels in the mountains. Your joint project at Brootopia is hoped will provide him with even more awesome weapons. Marshal Volkhovos: the head of Military Intelligence is a dangerous rival, to be watched closely. Through your Religion Grand Master Orsorkhon: your unquestioned superior, you are unflinchingly loyal to the Arch-Cenobite. While he sits brooding in the feared Xaronea Penitentiary, you carry out his orders on the streets of Glamour and beyond. Appius Luxius: although he is a co-religionist who should share your devotion to the Sevenfold Path and the Three Noble Truths of Danfive Xaron, you have noticed that the Grand Master treats the Provincial Overseer with suspicion. If such a high-ranking official were guilty of some crime or heresy, it would be an immense blow for the prestige of your cult! You must ensure that no such suspicions ever become public knowledge. The Bat Man: this vigilante is known to the criminals of Glamour as the avenger of the night! Wearing a bat-like cape and mask, he stalks the crime-ridden streets of Glamour by moonlight, hauling criminals off the street. Rumour says they are taken to be Bat Fodder! You have sworn to stop the Bat Man. Haroun al-Rastari: you have made a deep study of the cultic lore of Orogeria, the Divine Moon Huntress, in preparation for various tracking missions in the past. The Sultan of Karasal was of great assistance in granting you access to the cult's temples and meets. Through your Culture Geilbonus the Sycophant: the Speaker of the Imperial Senate is High Priest of the Red Emperor's cult. He is like your father, being a Dara Happan nobleman foolishly devoted to the old, outdated ways of the Sun Empire. It is no surprise that this old man does not sit upon the Imperial Presidium: for all his airs of prestige and independence, he is nothing more than a mouthpiece for propaganda, possessed of no real power. From the Black Army Files Alehandro, Count of Spol and Captain of the Queen's Regiment: the top agent in Pavis during the Lunar occupation, Gimgim the Grim, managed to cover up an illegal hazia smuggling operation being run by Alehandro (apparently he was short of money). However, he kept the evidence which has since been used to blackmail him into helping the Black Army. The last time it was used was during the investigations in Pavis around the White Moon resettlement programme by Governor Sor-Eel and the Coders. Alehandro was persuaded to help the Coders and then pass on the status of their investigation. It was only after he passed on news of them beginning to investigate the resettlements that Orsorkhon decided to have the Coders disbanded. For his services the Black Army used its influence to have him promoted to Captain of the Queen's Regiment. He is a known friend of Count Julan and he could be blackmailed again. Orsorkhon has the evidence. Barakos, the last Grand Master of the Cenobites: he died in mysterious circumstances only five years ago allowing Orsorkhon to take his place. This may be linked to a number of mysterious deaths of members of the Presidium over the last ten years. Gul-Taran, Sultan of First Blessed: a weak-willed sultan who is embroiled in a Dart War with the Satrap of Kostaddi. He has been heard to criticise the Black Army's actions against White Moonie agitators, and has even expressed sympathy for the Moonies! Jaxarte Whyded, nephew of Sor-Eel: this pesky young fellow almost blew the White Moonie Resettlement Programme. However, Gimgim managed to steal his journal which has the incriminating evidence in it. The Jaxarte Papers are now safely under lock and key. Makkrit-oor, Satrap of Darjiin: a dangerous fop. Your agents report that he took a known Argrathi spy (who posed as a Sartarite slave girl) around his Moonboat yards. She later escaped. Who knows what state secrets he may have unwittingly given away! An investigation must be started as soon as possible! Murad Iznik, the Red General: in the past he commanded the Red Navy and therefore knows naval operations well, and especially the Icebreaker mission. He seeks to rival both the Black and Blue armies in Army and Navy matters. Sor-Eel the Short, Ex-Governor of Prax: he was removed from his post (using the Cradle incident and rumours of corruption as excuses) when his investigations into the White Moonie Resettlement Programme became too inconvenient. Watch him! Thalia Springtime, Colonel of the Guides: she is the right-hand woman of Fyodr Volkovos and was once his Chief Assassin. She is dangerous and needs to be watched. Compromising information needs to be gathered on her such that she can be blackmailed.
	Other Knowledge The Seven Year Plan is the mechanism by which the major food and raw material requirements of the Empire are centrally planned and provided for. At the beginning of each seven year period every sultanate and province agrees to quotas of important foodstuffs and other raw materials and goods which they must achieve over a seven year period. A seven year plan has just ended and each of the sultanates and provinces will be audited this a sacred time on their results. Success is usually the route to promotion and Imperial favour, while failure is a sure road to political humiliation. The Grim Soldiers are the unit of the Imperial Bodyguard which protects the Citadel of Halfway during the Dying Moon (known as the "Black Watch"), an honour earned for services rendered to the Red Emperor at the Battle of Kitor. Membership is by invitation only, and is conferred only on Overseers who have displayed great heroism, unflinching courage and fanaticism in the service of the cult. The Black Sea Fleet. The cult of Danfive Xaron maintains a fleet of galleys on the River Styx manned by the most desperate and hopeless criminals, for whom there is no hope of rehabilitation. They defend the Empire from attacks by demons of the Underworld. The Black Fleet does not officially exist, and its existence is a state secret. Crime and Punishment. The cult of Danfive Xaron is not formally a part of the judicial or penal apparatus of the Lunar state, and the administration of justice need in no way be affected if the cult chose not to concern itself with a particular case. Felons may be apprehended, tried and punished by many other organs of the Empire. Moreover, there are several other institutions which maintain prisons or similar facilities, including the Imperial Revenue Service, the Army, the Sultans, and sundry others. Most punishments under the old lawcodes still current in the Empire are sudden and brutal: branding, blinding, mutilation and execution (in various ways) are decreed for what might seem comparatively minor offences, while imprisonment per se seldom features in the old laws, which are concerned with the punishment of offenders, and not their rehabilitation. Danfive Xaron offers the hope of reformation to criminals, as an alternative to the swift and certain punishment that may already have been decreed by the judiciary. Only in the event of a Penitent wilfully and persistently failing to respond to instruction would the offender be released prior to his initiatory rebirth and compelled to suffer the punishment determined by law. The Icebreakers are enchanted vessels which carry the Kalikos Icebreaker missions across the White Sea to face the ice demons of Valind's Glacier and keep the Lunar Heartlands fertile and free of bad weather. The East Isles Bubble is the name given to a failed commercial and trading venture which was to be launched from the frontier port of Corflu. The East Isles company was set up to manage the venture and collected investments from Lunar citizens, promising them large returns. Unfortunately, the venture collapsed and Lunar trading vessels never left Corflu for the East Isles. None of the investors' money has ever been recovered or the perpetrator's behind the scam arrested. The Red Dancer of Power was a major supporter of the venture, though her losses were minor. The White Moon is a teaching which has grown up from nowhere in recent years. It holds that it was never the intention of the Red Goddess to create an enduring Empire. The Empire was a means to an end, to confront those states which violently opposed the Lunar Way to allow the liberation of their peoples. Since the days of the First Wane, the Empire has become a self-serving structure, its expansion never matching the speed at which the Lunar Way first spread. The White Moon Cult holds that the Red Moon is not yet perfect. The Empire must wither away. Then, and only then, will the Lunar Way be able to spread throughout Glorantha and the Moon shine White in the Air. From a fringe, harmless teaching, the cult has spread. Its devotees refuse to pay taxes or serve in the militia. They have now taken to attacks on Imperial Monopolies, tax collectors and so forth. The Crimson Bat is a monstrous Chaotic demon, the Empire's ultimate deterrent. Once unleashed, it devours all who oppose it, a terrifying weapon of atrocity which has greatly aided the peace-making efforts of the Red Army. The Chief Feeder of the Crimson Bat controls this demon, taking orders from the Director of the Field School of the Lunar College of Magic.	Secrets The Black Army are experimenting with Chaos monstrosities in the Autumn Mountains. The Temple of Truth is crucial to the defence of Glamour. Most White Moonie settlers have not been reaching their destination in the Redlands. The Bat Man murdered one of your best undercover agents! The Black Army is secretly selling arms. Special Items Enchanted Shackles: These unbreakable manacles can be used to bind any Enemy of the State, preventing them from using any spell or ability cards. Only a member of the cult of Danfive Xaron can release them.
	Reaching Moon Megacorp's Life of Moonson was written by Nick Brooke, Chris Gidlow,David Hall and Kevin Jacklin, with Rick Meints and MOB. The lead author for Miriros Conradin was David Hall. Glorantha, HeroQuest, Hero Wars, and Issaries are trademarks of Issaries, Inc. The contents of this page are copyright by David Hall, 2001; any material derived from Greg Stafford's world of Glorantha is also copyright by Greg Stafford. Glorantha is the creation of Greg Stafford, and is used with his permission.