the Arqon FAQ
Copyright (C) 2014 by H. J. Hoke

This FAQ may (or may not) answer some of your questions about the Fantasy world of Arqon.

q. Where can I find more Background Information about the world of Arqon?
A.
If you read ADiplomat.TXT and this FAQ, you will have plenty of background information about Arqon and the empire of Glort.

Q. What is the buro of magic?
A.
In the year 10 GE ('Galdahg Eldakht' - 'Day of Magik'), a few leaders of the northlands and the Glortish Empire chose to form a governing bureau.
The bureau would govern the use of magic, including, but not limited to:
 - Magical law enforcement;
 - the use of 'mega' spells (fireball, hurricane, etc);
 - the creation of new spells;
 - distribution of scrolls and potions;
 - the enchantment of weapons;
 - etc etc.



Q. What is the city of Gilwin?
A.
Gilwin, named after its founding Father, is the largest city in the northlands.
Notable buildings include the Takari temple, the mayoral palace and the HQ of the BoM(Bureau of Magic).
Q. What about the city of Lemarta?
A.
Lemarta, the capital of the Glortish empire, is the largest city in the southlands.
Like Gilwin, the city has its own temple, the empirial castle, and even a bank (complete with official currency!).

Q. Didn't the national currency of the northlands collapse?
A.
Correct. The Tronome, the currency of the northlands, collapsed in the year 32 GE.
However, the sodai, the Glortish national currency, is flourishing.
Q. How much is a sodai worth, in US dollars?
A. Approximately $2.50.

Q. How was magic created?
A.
Magic was not created. Rather it was discovered in 50 TE by Tarlok of Shammarre.
Before the day of Magic, a sort of primitive alchemy had been practiced by the order of Tarlok of Shammarre, who also discovered what we currently know as magic in 50 TE.
Instead of discovering transmutation, the goal of this alchemy was to grant imortality and power to the order.
When one of the alchemy experiments went wrong, Tarlok and the order were all affected by the "Silence" spell.
Five moons after the experiment, Tarlok discovered the first spell scrolls buried in the Dalgorian village of Torthax.
Only 2 moons later did he discover how to harness this magic, making him the first whizard.

Q. Isn't Arqon another ZORK knockoff?
A.
No, no.
However, If I was to call Arqon a 'Knockoff' of anything, I'd say It's very similar to the world of Dungeons and Dragons, with shades of Final Fantasy.