Tha'Roon

"Nothing is so difficult as to achieve results in this world while filled with great tolerance and appalling kindness. The one who achieves must generally be a single-minded individual concentrated entirely on one great idea, and ruthless in his aspect toward other peoples and ideas. Any Tha' Roon can acquire accomplishments or he can become an animal, whichever he desires. The gods make the animals, a Tha'Roon makes himself."

- Attributed to G'hlural-orklin, Tha' Roon Minister of the L'chorkarl Laboratory, addressing students on their first day of training

The serpent-like Tha'Roon, towering figures of a once invincible race. Feared for their cruelty and deadly battle skills, they struggle to reinstate the crumbling remains of their Empire. Tha'Roon aim for the mastery and total domination of the other races, and the destruction of the Shama'Li, who are a threat to their power.

Background
"Tha'Roon, proud Tha'Roon, dressed in a little brief authority, you are most ignorant of What you are most convinced. Your vitreous essence, like an angry snipe, plays such grotesque tricks before high heaven, that you do but make the stars to weep. Know you not as it is on all Worlds: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."

- Ascribed to the Eaggra poet and playwright F'Irat-kobba, in his work The Last Spire of Morning

The Tha'Roon are the creators of an Empire that survived one thousand years. Firmly convinced that it is their destiny to lead and guide the races of Yavaun towards prosperity, the Tha'Roon are masters of science and technology. In their belief, civilization has a single name: Tha'Roon. For the Empire's thousand years, the staunch Obblinox have served as its soldiers and enforcers, and by force of arms, they have maintained the Empire. Loyal soldiers, the Obblinox were that power against which all rebellions falter and break, like waves against the sea wall. Their force of arms makes them the other pillar of Tha'Roon Empire and an indispensable component of its survival. Any rebellion is unthinkable, if the Empire is to survive.

First War of Yavaun
However, the Empire is beset by rebellion and insurrection, primarily infesting the Eaggra, the builders of the Empire. The Tha'Roon intend to destroy the Eaggra down to the last rebellious creature, with the only one worthy of survival and life being those who remain steadfastly loyal to the Empire. The crumbling Empire and its Tha'Roon now rally to learn the skills they provided for so long, in order to become independent of the need for their plant slaves to build. However, neither servant race is the true source of their grief. It is the Shama'Li, who for so long seemed nothing more than insects, concealing an incredible intelligence. They are the true root of this world-spanning revolution. They stand between the Tha'Roon's ultimate goal - the restoration of the Empire.

The spark that started the conflagration was struck at the Black Pit Lake labor colony, where Tywald Chainbreaker and Colonel Khorn of Faction E19 threw down their tools and attacked the Obblinox guards assigned to the camp. Disposing of them and the wildlife, they used the camp as a staging attack for the subsequent attack on the Obblinox weapons depot at Ghumb. The Eaggra moved swiftly with their rebellion, establishing a more permanent base of operations at the Don'Dien ruins, repulsing attacks from the local Shama'Li tribes.

The Tha'Roon retaliated immediately, targeting work camps that were taken over by rebel Eaggra. Headed by House Mondra, their brutal reprisals resulted in a series of routs that sent the Eaggra rebels into full retreat across the Imperial Nation. The Obblinox were ordered to aid in the culling and prepare forward operating bases against the Shama'Li, with Saw'Sha's Rusty Thunders distinguishing themselves in the early stages of the campaign. However, the slaughter of the Eaggra planted the seed of rebellion in the minds of the Obblinox, disgusted by the effortless destruction of the former slaves. An Obblinox clan defied orders from the Prime Minister, marking themselves for death.

The Shama'Li became involved in the war through their actions at the village of Ohama, attempting to prevent a Tha'Roon war party from razing the eponymous village - and saving a Tha'Roon official from death. However, their altruism was met with savagery - the Tha'Roon razed Hi'Kama in retaliation for what they saw as a blatant attempt at tricking them into being merciful. Skirmishes with the Tha'Roon and Obblinox continued as the war entered a new phase and the Eaggra liberated more and more work camps in preparation for the migration towards their ancient homeland.

Defiance was punished with death. House Mondra moved against the rebels in the Bonca plains, while the Rusty Thunders were ordered to raze the city of Bedraltar in the Grey Water Swamp. Both sides fulfilled their objectives, but while Druk Angar's prominence only increased, Saw'Sha's Rusty Thunders finally lost faith in the Empire and began a rebellion of their own. Aided by the Shama'Li, who saved Adonna, one of their greatest minds, they launched a covert campaign of espionage. The infiltration of the Penthedium Citadel by the Rusty Thunders proved that they could effectively shield themselves from the Tha'Roon.

However, they overplayed their card. Shifting their focus to the Tha'Roon allowed the Eaggra to make their migration and establish an independent nation in the south of the continent, supported by Shama'Li and their efforts in mediating between the rebel Eaggra factions and their brethren reluctant to oppose the Tha'Roon, leading to a formal alliance between the two. More importantly, Saw'Sha and the Rusty Thunders made an attempt on the life of High Minister Mim'Nin's life at Crue Pan, the Imperial capital. Unbeknownst to them, their actions were known to the Tha'Roon, who launched a counter-offensive in northern Terache, aimed at subjugating the Obblinox once again.

Their assault coincided with a similar offensive by the Eaggra, launched against the twin cities of Albierta and SulDeos. Facing oblivion, the Obblinox relented and surrendered to the Tha'Roon, once again becoming their servants. In a surprising gesture, the Prime Minister of Death spared the lives of the rebel leaders, most importantly Saw'Sha, responsible for masterminding the crucial operations of the rebel cause.

However, the Tha'Roon position was far from safe. The Shama'Li used the distraction presented by the Obblinox to pursue leads gleaned from Dui'Gren, an Eaggran sage saved by them earlier in the war. His information led them to the place of Dawning, where all four races of Yavaun originated, and from there to the forgotten city of Verda'Oyer, where they recovered the Ascension Tablets.

The final battle of the war occurred at the Mount Cardanei University, an ancient stronghold of the Shama'Li and the prophesized place where NagaRom would return. Fearing the return of the Original One and the loss of their position, the Tha'Roon and the newly enslaved Obblinox launched an assault on the University. After a long and bitter battle, the combined Shama'Li and Eaggra garrison were destroyed and the University razed to the ground. NagaRom never returned and those lost at the University became martyrs of the newly formed Servants Under NagaRom.

Transportation Event
Many years have passed since the First War of Yavaun, when four races battled for their individual goals. Though the Shama'Li failed to summon NagaRom, the all-powerful creator who could reunite the warring groups, the Eaggra succeeded in achieving liberation from Tha'Roon oppression. Many Eaggra formed an alliance with the Shama'Li, and together they called themselves the S.U.N. (Servants Under NagaRom). Meanwhile, the Tha'Roon had already begun to take steps toward the restoration of their Empire. Under House Mondra and Prime Minister Druk Angrak (who bested the Prime Minister of Death in mortal combat), they had regained control of the rebellious Obblinox, and collectively the two races were referred to as the Overlords. As the S.U.N. became more complacent, the Overlords extended their powerful military reach. For a time, the Overlords stood at the brink of total domination....

On another world, far beyond the struggle on Yavaun, scientists of another species huddled in the harsh, frigid wind of the Arctic. Despite a desolate landscape and t re ac he ro us weather conditions, the humans continued their work, extracting an ancient stone block from the ice. Marine troops stationed around the site cradled automatic weapons. They had been sent along to safeguard this important mission of discovery, but were wholly absorbed in the numbness of their feet and fingers as t hey patrolled. Occasionally, a soldier would look on as the massive rock slab shed a burning, supernatural light. All members of the research team were excited as they returned the stone to their nearby lab for testing. The scientists activated their equipment, and the test cycle began. The stone glowed more intensely, becoming impossible to look upon directly. Though no human in the area understood it at the time, they had unearthed one of the mystical Tablets of NagaRom....

On Yavaun, matters had reached a critical point. A devastating Overlord force closed around the tattered remnants of the S.U.N., slaughtering all who stood in their path. As a final measure, Eaggra and Shama'Li mystics banded together and chanted a powerful invocation, designed to summon NagaRom's aid. Their dying brethren cried out nearby. The enemy was close, poised to strike the blow that would end all resistance. The magical song grew louder and more desperate ... the singers felt the power building, and a crushing presence washed over the area.... There was a blinding flash, and the entire Arctic installation settled into the soil of Yavaun. Helicopters flew overhead, their pilots startled as the landscape abruptly transformed from snow-covered mountains to rocky plains and dense jungles. Face to - face on the battle field, Marines and Overlords shouted in confusion. They traded fire without asking questions. As explosions rocked their building, the scientists fled the scene, plunging into hiding on an alien world. The S.U.N. escaped also, intent upon rebuilding their forces. Eventually, the Over lord and Marine troops fell back, regrouped, and started to devise their own strategies....

Now, many decades later, the S.U.N. and Overlords are still in direct opposition, but human intervention has somewhat complicated the power structure. Humans on Yavaun exist in two factions. The Descendant faction (so named by the S.U.N.) is made up of scientists and others dragged through the Transportation Event who wish to return to Earth. The Marines are soldiers intent upon establishing a sovereign human nation on Yavaun. All four factions use different methods to pursue their different ideologies, but one overarching goal unites them: survival.

The Overlords formed an uneasy alliance with the Marines, trading supplies and technology in exchange for Marine attacks on S.U.N. assets. Their long term plan focuses on the destruction of S.U.N. and the elimination of the human presence on Yavaun by any means necessary. However, the brutality and ruthlessness of the new Prime Minister, Druk Angrak, has resulted in a silent opposition forming among the ranks of the Tha'Roon houses, resulting in the formation of the Righteous. These dissidents tire of the unceasing warfare and desire nothing more but a political solution to the crisis.

Technology
The Tha'Roon are the most technologically advanced species on Yavaun, using organic technology to master the planet. Beyond weapons, armor, and buildings, the Tha'Roon fabricate semi-organic materials and fuse them into their bodies, in an example of their scientific mastery down to the molecular level. They believe that their technological edge is the result of combined Tha'Roon ruthlessness and cunning in the pursuit of knowledge.

Gameplay characteristics

 * Best all around combat units of the four races.
 * Wealthy race with pre-constructed villages.
 * Usually starts with key strategic positioning.
 * Powerful technological advances.
 * Small numbers.
 * Poor construction ability.
 * Expensive training and advancements.
 * Special units:
 * The Assassin, who has high level stealth and deadly combat abilities,
 * The Psionic, who has strong mental attack and mind control skills,
 * The Jump Troop, which has short-range flight ability, tougher armour, and strong Combat skills.

Strategy notes
The Citadel is the most important building in a Tha' Roon settlement, and is typically the first structure built if one does not already exist, providing a place to process resources Building a Grande Parlour is the next logical step, for as with the other races, the Tha' Roon's basic units such as the Servant and the Rover are found frequenting this structure. Tha' Roon Heroes may also offer themselves for hire there. Finally, for every four Tha' Roon units in play, a Manor must be built, and it is a good idea to build enough housing for future units, should the resources become available.

In order to build other structures necessary for success an Architect must be promoted. For this reason the Laboratory should be built next. As long as the Tha' Roon have an Grande Parlour in play, a Laboratory may be built. When the Laboratory is standing and five Servants are in play, one of the Servants may be trained there as an Architect. Now armed with an Architect, your Tha' Roon clan may continue to build. An Academy should be built next so stronger military units can be created. As long as a Citadel is standing, the Architect can build one, and the same criteria apply for the construction of an University. After the Academy is finished have the Architect get right to work on a University so spell use is soon available. Now the Tha' Roon dan may begin to train Servants for promotion up through the ranks of military service. A Servant may be trained at an Academy to become either a Rogue or an Executioner. Also, a Servant may be trained at a University to become a Psychic.

To promote these units to a more advanced status requires Research in all three cases, Research at an Academy with four Rogues and a Laboratory in play allows for one of the Rogues to Train as an Assassin. Training an Assassin takes place in the Academy. The Destroyer is developed in the same manner, except that only three Executioners are needed before one may be promoted. And finally, Research at a University is necessary before one of four Psychics in play can be Trained to become a Psionic. Training for Psychics takes place in a University. Research at a University must be done in order for both the Psychic and Psionic units to learn and gain spell use abilities. Psychic units are granted the lower level spells and the Psionic units are granted the higher level spell capabilities. For more information on Tha' Roon spells, see the section "WAR WIND Spells - L'Lorsse's Guide to Conjuration and Spellcraft" beginning on page 71. Do not neglect non-unit structures when planning your community's growth. With a Laboratory in play, clan workers can construct other structures such as Bridges and Trucks. An Architect can build Offensive Walls and Paved Roads. If an Academy is in play and Research at Laboratory is conducted, an Architect can build Land Mines. A Barge can also be built by an Architect if successful Research has been done at a Laboratory. Once a Truck or Barge has been built, if a University is in play and successful Research at a Laboratory has been conducted, an Architect can create a Cruiser.