The four Splugorth Kingdoms of the Three Galaxies

[MidnightNova]

Ok, we are given the names of three of the four Splugorth Lords in the three galaxies.

Rasstynth {Corkscrew)
Desslyth [Elder and Younger] (Thundercloud)
Rynncryyl [HAHAHA] (Anvil-MIA possibly KIA)

Who is the fourth? (Also in Corkscrew I believe). There was a Yythcryss in Anvil that the UWW destroyed so probably not him, a "Roxcryth" female splugorth (huh? Assuming this to be psychological-I didn't think they had genders), But she has only 3-4 systems and is said to be new. There is Klynncryth on Center.

I generally go with the idea that the 2nd Splugorth kingdom in the Corkscrew is Klynncryth's, because of his connection with the attack on Phase World and his treaty negotiated with the Prometheans. But he could have just been an opportunist.

Was the 4th Splugorth Kingdom mentioned in canon anywhere? If not, who do people think it was? Apparently it is *not* Splynncryth.

[Warshield73]

Ok, we are given the names of three of the four Splugorth Lords in the three galaxies.

Rasstynth {Corkscrew)
Desslyth [Elder and Younger] (Thundercloud)
Rynncryyl [HAHAHA] (Anvil-MIA possibly KIA)

I am not sure who Rasstynth is? What book is that in?

Who is the fourth? (Also in Corkscrew I believe). There was a Yythcryss in Anvil that the UWW destroyed so probably not him, a "Roxcryth" female splugorth (huh? Assuming this to be psychological-I didn't think they had genders), But she has only 3-4 systems and is said to be new. There is Klynncryth on Center.

I generally go with the idea that the 2nd Splugorth kingdom in the Corkscrew is Klynncryth's, because of his connection with the attack on Phase World and his treaty negotiated with the Prometheans. But he could have just been an opportunist.

Was the 4th Splugorth Kingdom mentioned in canon anywhere? If not, who do people think it was? Apparently it is *not* Splynncryth.

As far as I know the only Corkscrew Splugorth named is Klynncryth. I don't think it explicitly says he is one but I believe it is implied.

Yythcryss is gone, we have seen no mention of him anywhere and we know the name of Anvil Splugorth. He could be somewhere in the Three Galaxies, I had briefly considered having him control a system or two in the core region trying to build up his power to attack the UWW but nothing official.

The Galamon system, Roxcryth's holding, is in the Thundercloud so she's not it. I think that when it says four Splugorth Empires they are the major ones but there are almost certainly a few minor Splugorth trying to muscle in so I think she is one of those.

The problem with the Splugorth is that the only real description we have of one is Splynn and they just keep recycling that info for all the other Splugorth. As a result they just keep copy pasting the same info over and over again with very little variation so we don't get much information on them other than being generic splugies.

[taalismn]

The problem with the Splugorth is that the only real description we have of one is Splynn and they just keep recycling that info for all the other Splugorth. As a result they just keep copy pasting the same info over and over again with very little variation so we don't get much information on them other than being generic splugies.

Hence why I created a number of random rolls charts for Splugorth Minions and Splugorth Kingdoms; to lend more variety to the Alien Intelligences.

[Warshield73]

The problem with the Splugorth is that the only real description we have of one is Splynn and they just keep recycling that info for all the other Splugorth. As a result they just keep copy pasting the same info over and over again with very little variation so we don't get much information on them other than being generic splugies.

Hence why I created a number of random rolls charts for Splugorth Minions and Splugorth Kingdoms; to lend more variety to the Alien Intelligences.

Random charts are a good start but the problem is the minions and equipment. These Splugorth are not parts of one empire they are separate empires. There is likely some, maybe even a lot, of overlap but each one should have some unique minions and equipment.

Do we know how much cooperation there is between the various splugorth lords? Do they share weapons designs and minions, trading them the way some people trade DVDs or do they hold certain things back?

To a certain extent I think of Splugorth as being similar to the Goa'uld in Stargate. They compete and even fight but there is some cooperation and they enforce conduct between each other. At the same time each is trying to gain advantages over the others.

[taalismn]

One of the tables deals with generating the relationship of a Minion species(the specifics can then be created using any of the random species/monster tables in the Palladium Books). Are they warriors? Servitors? Artificiers? And what degree of loyalty do they have towards their resident Big Eyeball? What hold does the Splugorth have over them?

I believe I also have tables for whether the Splugorth has Kittani minions(which can very easily be used to also determine if other canon minions are also used...just swap 'Kydian/Metzla/whatever' for 'Kittani'), while another table can be used to determine Sunaj infiltration(not everybody trusts the little f#####s). I've always felt that the Splugorth traded minions like livestock or, at best, athletes.

With MidnightNova's permission< I can repost those tables here

[MidnightNova]

One of the tables deals with generating the relationship of a Minion species(the specifics can then be created using any of the random species/monster tables in the Palladium Books). Are they warriors? Servitors? Artificiers? And what degree of loyalty do they have towards their resident Big Eyeball? What hold does the Splugorth have over them?

I believe I also have tables for whether the Splugorth has Kittani minions(which can very easily be used to also determine if other canon minions are also used...just swap 'Kydian/Metzla/whatever' for 'Kittani'), while another table can be used to determine Sunaj infiltration(not everybody trusts the little f#####s). I've always felt that the Splugorth traded minions like livestock or, at best, athletes.

With MidnightNova's permission< I can repost those tables here

Sure, could be very useful!

Rasstynth is mentioned in DB13 Fleets of the Three Galaxies. Apparently he sent a major Repression Fleet to fight the Intruders. It's not going as well as Rasstynth desired... (The war between Rasstynth and the Intruders is on Page 70)

[Warshield73]

Rasstynth is mentioned in DB13 Fleets of the Three Galaxies. Apparently he sent a major Repression Fleet to fight the Intruders. It's not going as well as Rasstynth desired... (The war between Rasstynth and the Intruders is on Page 70)

Thank you but I found it. I must have misspelled the name the first time I searched the PDF.

I think this means we have all 4 of the major Splugorth lords mention in DB2 and 1 minor one.

Aside from Splyncryth do we have any other splugorth empires in other parts of the megaverse? I thought there were 2 or 3 others mentioned but I couldn't find them when I searched. We have examples of splugorth attacking each other but there must be some cooperation between them if they all have the same starships and minions.

In the description of Splynncryth that he was the one "who the Sunaj went to and he took it to the other splugorth" so does this mean they have like a council where they decide these things or are there groups of splugorth that work in alliances?

I think that if anyone really dives into the Splugorth of the Three Galaxies one of the first things you need to do, and I think this really applies to the Corkscrew where there are two, is determine what the relationship between the empires are.

Again for Stargate fans I think the Goa'uld are a good template here. The Splugorth are independent from each other but most of them get together to work on big issues. There are also renegades who operate outisde that system.

[ShadowLogan]

The problem with the Splugorth is that the only real description we have of one is Splynn and they just keep recycling that info for all the other Splugorth. As a result they just keep copy pasting the same info over and over again with very little variation so we don't get much information on them other than being generic splugies.

While I would agree it was a missed opportunity to diversify the Splugorth in the 3G from Splyn on Rifts Earth with different minions as I could have sworn WB2 (pre-RUE print) would have supported the notion that some of the Minion Races in that book where supposed to be "Splyn" only like the Kittani and Sunaj.

However after reviewing WB2 (a pre-RUE print) it doesn't appear to be the actual case:
-Splyncroth was the point of contact (and now go-between) for the Sunaj and other Splugorth to form this alliance
(pg39)
-Kydians made contact with the Splugorth w/no apparent named sponsor like the Sunaj and Kittani (pg47)
-Altaraians where conquered by the Splugorth 2,000 years ago (pg50), no indication by whom
-Kittani made contact with Splyn, and the largest concentration is with Splyn, but they are found throughout the Splugorth Empire (pg52, this last bit might suggest some type of organization of the kingdoms)
-Sunaj section doesn't present their alliance as with Splyn, but all Splogorth (pg63-4)

The Slaver, Metzla, and High Lords I did not notice anything about how they came to be w/n the organization. I didn't bother checking on the Strapha (sp?) in WB21.

What is interesting is that the Kreeghor in 3G are supposed to be former subjects of the Splugorth (who secretly traded allegiance from one AI to another given DB3) at Slave-Race level (so the Sunaj given the chart in WB2 pg43?, per DB2 pg70). Their former Splugorth Lord was also killed during their successful revolution (pg74 DB2), though the general consensus seems that they had help (one option appears to be a Renegade Splugorth Lord, others being hostile god, another AI, or hostile power).

[taalismn]

Random Splugorth Kingdom Generation Charts
(or, Kingdoms of the Squidly)

#”Let me tell you of the Glory of the Splugorth properly...in song.”#

Here’s a few random roll(or choose) charts for making up the realms of Splugorth intelligences across the Megaverse.

A. Size:
#”All the stars you see in the sky, and all those unseen behind them, are MINE.”#

How many worlds does the Splugorth hold in thrall?
 
    01-14%--- Single Planet/Solar System, but the Splugorth may have influence far beyond its single solar system
    15-39%---  Small: 1d4+1 Star Systems
    40- 55%--- Modest: 3d6 Star Systems
    56-70%--- Extensive: 1d4x10 Star Systems
    71-88%--- Large: 4d6x10 Star Systems
    88-98%--- Massive: 1d4x100 Star Systems---Few such massive star kingdoms exist, and garner the immediate attention of major powers like the TGE and CCW, who will seek them out as allies, or(more likely) regard them as opponents.
99-00%----Titanic: 2d6x100 Star Systems ----These are the properties of ancient and truly feared alien intelligences, commanding vast sprawling empires. On the minus side, such enormous holdings can be difficult, if not impossible, to thoroughly police, so it is possible to chip away at fringe worlds with little fear of repercussions.

B. Extradimensional Holdings
“...I’m still trying to get over the apparent fact that Blyncress has a penthouse apartment in -Paris-.”

What territories the PCs see may be only part of the Splugorth’s domain; like an iceberg, many Splugorth possess vast holdings sprawling across sever al alternate universe. Depending on the size of these holdings, they could represent a substantial manpower and resource pool the Splugorth can call upon for military actions.
Note that moving reinforcements from outdimensional territories may take time, in some cases longer than summoning forces from other worlds in the same universe.

01-30% None---The Splugorth’s territory is all concentrated on one universe
31-45% Small---The Splugorth possesses 1d6 small extradimensional properties, outposts, or territories.
46- 75% Substantial---The Splugorth has a number of extradimensional holdings roughly equal to 25% of its home plane holdings.
76-85% Major---The Splugorth can claim worlds in number equal to 50% of its main holdings.
86- 98% Massive--- The Splugorth’s extradimensional presence is equal to 100+10d10% of its ‘home’ holdings.
99-00% Pocket Universe(s)---The Splugorth lays claim to 1d4 pocket universes over which it exercises sole control.


C. Economic Focus:

@“ There’s good money in breeding Calians; they take orders well, clean up themselves, and don’t mind if anybody watches while they breed. The Demonics just eat them up.”@

While the economy of the Splugorth realm tend, of necessity, to be fairly diverse, one thing tends to dominate it.

01-40% Slaves---The kingdom’s focus is capturing and selling slaves, Breeding and training slaves is also part of this economy, as well as selling loot taken during slave raids as a sideline.
41-65% Agriculture---The kingdom trades in farmed products, though this can run the gamut from raising sugarcane, Kryygorth Shellbacks and Pegasi, to breeding elves specifically for meat.
66-75% Industry---The Splugorth realm either produces new indigenous designs, or else shamelessly copies and forges the work of others.
76-85% Trade---The Splugorth have opened their ports as trade centers free of restrictions as to what is being traded. This makes the kingdom attractive to pirates and other lawless elements.
86-90 Biowizardry----The kingdom seeks to compete with the GeneSplicers in offering bio-transmutation services. Side lines may include the rental of bioborg supersoldiers, biotoxins, and biosystem implants.
91-00% Magic---The realm trades in magic; mages and magic items, including Rune artifacts.

D. Attitude
“The signs and portents do not lie; the Harvest is coming soon. The Ones of the Eye will come from the Black Sky to take the fittest and plumpest of our young away.”

How does the Splugorth behave towards outsiders?

01-10% (Dangerously) Friendly--The Splugorth behave like the friendly, but dangerously clueless, neighbor who’s eager to show off his new shotgun by waving it around in your face, or ignore commonsense driving their big SUV. They like and patronizingly treat their smaller neighbors, but are blissfully unaware that handing out biotech could be dangerous, or that introducing the soft and peaceful Meebits to their other friends the Horune is introducing a hamster to a hungry wolf. These Splugorth could be your best buddies, or your worst nightmare, and often are both. Travelers have only a 10% chance of being attacked or enslaved(may be stopped and inspected, and subjected to some minor larceny), unless they are clearly enemies or the Splugorth or otherwise provoke the minions.
11-30% Neutral---The Splugorth generally ignore their immediate neighbors as either too weak or too pathetic to make good slaves. The Splugorth will mount expeditions to more promising and greener territories, but generally leave the immediate locale alone. They’ll react only if trespassed upon or otherwise provoked. Travelers coming too near Splugorth space have a 25% chance of being captured and enslaved.
31-85% Herdsmen---The Splugorth regard their immediate neighbors as assets in place, and regularly(every year or perhaps every century) raid them for slaves and other resources. Any growing resistance is marked for special attention, and in some cases entire planets may be bombed back to stone age-levels of technology to cull resistance. Travelers in the region have a 75% chance of being enslaved if caught.
86-00% Irritated Eyeball---The Splugorth randomly lashes out at neighbors whenever agitated, to send a message to those who would defy it, or to blood its warriors. Entire worlds may be exterminated or depopulated at whim, and any travelers caught in the area will be enslaved or killed. (+15% to Military Forces)

E. Status
“Vohcryth’s not been the same since those Temporal Raiders attempted to assassinate him. All he does now is sit in his palace on Kolgan Prime and build ever thicker defenses to surround himself with. He’s withdrawn his best troops from his frontiers to reinforce his personal bodyguard. Now, I tell you, would be the time to take the Voldagate Marches from him! ”

What is the current state of power in the Splugorth’s domain?

01-25% Expansionist---Whether the Splugorth in charge is young and just inherited or took over the kingdom, or old and experienced, the alien intelligence is looking to acquire even more. The kingdom’s legions are full of confidence, massing for campaigns, and spoiling for fights(+20% to Military Forces) .
26-50% Holding On---The realm is working, but its small gains are balanced by minor losses. The minions are confident, however, and remain steadfast.(+5% to Military Forces)
51-75% Stagnant----The Splugorth Intelligence has become complacent, or else has been grinding its gears for some time, unable to make headway. The kingdom remains functional, but problems keep cropping up almost faster than solutions can put them down. The borders are guarded, but haven’t changed in centuries, and its strengths and weaknesses are well known. The minions remain loyal, but have fallen into routine, and there are grumbles of discontent in some quarters. (-5% to Military Forces)
76-00% Imperiled---Whether through neglect or mismanagement, the kingdom is in a downward spiral. The Splugorth in charge may be young and inexperienced, or old and decrepit, but the result is the same; the kingdom is losing ground, the minions are dispirited and growing increasingly desperate, and the defenses are withdrawing, rather than advancing.(-20% to Military Forces)


F. Military Force
#“Bring me victory. Nothing else is acceptable. Casualties are not an excuse for lack of success.”#

This is a relative measure of how powerful a military force the Splugorth can raise to defend its realm and conduct offensive operations elsewhere.
However, even a weak Splugorth can be a dangerous adversary, and may surround itself with a powerful bodyguard, even if its military forces elsewhere are weak.

(Option) Roll TWICE, once for land forces and the second time for space forces. This can result in kingdom forces that are strong on the ground but dependent on rifts to move about, with only token aerospace support, or Splugorth domains that rely on seizing the high ground and extorting subjugated populations from orbit, because the minion forces lack the numbers and firepower to engage in planetary conquest.

01-15% Weak---The Splugorth’s forces are weak; either they are poorly equipped and trained to handle heavy combat, or they’re so overstretched in all their responsibilities that there are gaping holes in the lines. Entire worlds may be left with only a token force, and assembling any large concentration of troops or warships will take 2d4 years to carry out, and then, only likely with stripping defenses from other sectors, or mass conscriptions.
16-45% Stalwart----The Splugorth has enough troops and equipment to maintain a stiff defense, and still have enough left over to conduct the occasional raid. Building up a full army or battle fleet may take a year or more(1d4 years) to assemble.
46-90% Strong----The domain is heavily defended, with significant numbers of troops and reserves able to be deployed to trouble spots. The Splugorth can assemble a strike force within 1d4 months, with reinforcements coming in 2d4 months.
91-00% Warmonger---The Splugorth has fully equipped armies/fleets on virtually all of its properties, and can mount offensives within 2d4 weeks, with follow-up waves following in 3d4 weeks.


G. Advantages

“As long as Vorkrythh controls the Endsian Webway exit to this galactic arm, the Free Worlds will have to pay its prices to smuggle arms into the sector.The only alternative is through Imperial space, and the Kreeghor have sewn up the travel lanes so that’s suicidal for the smugglers.”

What special aspects does the Splugorth’s domain have?

01-20% None; aside from the fact that the Splugorth is occupying the region, there’s really nothing currently to recommend it real estate-wise.
21-25% Friendly Neighbors---The Splugorth’s territory is shared with the realms of other Splugorth who have treaties making them effective buffers to each other’s space, if not outright allies.
26-35% Fearful Neighbors----The Splugorth’s domain is bordered by multiple lesser polities who would rather give the alien intelligence a wide berth rather than confront them.
36-45% Trade Hub---- The Splugorth’s territory is squatting on an important travel and trade lane. Whether they like it or not, travellers will have to negotiate with the Splugorth for passage and the right to trade in its space.
46-60% Resource Lode---The Splugorth’s properties are rife with natural resources that can be used to trade or harvested for industrial production.
61-65% Monopoly---The Splugorth has a lock-grip on access to a valuable and unique resource that everybody else covets, but must meet the Spplugorth’s terms to acquire.
66-80% Ambient Zone----The Splugorth’s territory is permeated with special properties that make magic easier to perform and dimensional gating easier.
81-90% Choke Point---The Splugorth controls access to a strategic location such as a travel lane, wormhole, or navigation way.
91-99% Dimensional Nexus(Minor) ---The Splugorth holds control over a regular dimensional rift nexus that allows access to 2d6 other universes
-00% Dimensional Hub(Major)--Perhaps not as extensive as Phaseworld or Rifts Earth, but this multi-dimension nexus still has regular access to some 4d6x10 universes.

H.. Disadvantages
“Milord, I’m sure that the rumors of the planet you’ve chosen as your new base of operations being a congregating point for the Dominators is GREATLY exaggerated. Nobody has seen any sign of them here in CENTURIES. I think we can safely say they will not pose a concern to your moving in.”

What problems does the the Splugorth’s domain have?

01-20% None---Aside from any possible management issues, the Splugorth’s realm has no outstandng or special problem conditions.
21-30% Unfriendly Neighbors----The Splugorth’s kingdom is bordered by rival Splugorth who have decided they want to expand into the former’s territory.
31-45% Belligerent Neighborhood---The Splugorth’s neighbors, though all minor polities, have gotten the gumption to unite against a common enemy, contesting the Splugorth’s control in its region.
46-55% Bad Conditions---The region of space the realm is located in possesses properties that make communications difficult, and dimensional transits hard, if not nearly impossible.
56-60% Coming Apocalypse---The local conditions CAN get worse, catastrophically so; the Splugorth’s realm is sitting next to a supergiant star that’s ready to pop in a supernova, is in the path of one or more wandering black holes, is sited atop a region of space/time about to suffer a harmonic disruption, or is about to flip into another dimension. There are rumblings of the approaching cataclysm, but not enough to cause immediate action, and uncertain enough to cast doubt on if any is really necessary(or else, the local Splugorth is making contingency plans that will result in near-term disruptions in the region).
61-75% Growing Rebellion----There’s a growing rebellion inside the realm, fomented and fueled by outside agitators, that is gaining momentum. The Splugorth’s enforcer-minions have tried to stamp out the dissent, but it hasn’t done any good, and the trouble keeps growing. Outwardly, the kingdom may appear peaceful and prosperous, but violence is brewing beneath the surface.
76-90% Targeted---The Splugorth is on a celestial hit list that’s coming due soon. The enemy could be CosmoKnights, the TransGalactic Empire, a vengeful god, Ancient race, or other alien intelligences. These enemies aren’t the regular Threat-of-the-Week variety of opposition; they’re deadly serious and will come well-prepared to bring the alien intelligence down.
91-00% Cursed---An essential part of the Splugorth’s realm is about to, or is in the process of, suffer a calamity; the Splugorth intelligence may be suffering a malaise that is affecting its ability to make decisions, the animals producing the valuable elixir may be dying of genetic fatigue, a plague is sweeping the ranks of the realm’s protecting warrior species. or something similar. It may take centuries, or years, or even months, but the problem is going to seriously disrupt the smooth operation of the realm.

I. (Optional) Kittani Presence
#”You offer me weapons that haven’t changed in over a dozen centuries, designs already possessed by all my rivals, and technology I can acquire freely elsewhere, or copy using my own minions. And your warrior prowess is lacking; why, I hear even the upstart ‘Shemarrians’ regularly defeat you in their inferior numbers! Why should I entertain your offer of services seriously at all?”#

Trading in minions, especially useful ones like the Kittani, is common among the Splugorth, but how extent is the trade in Kittani?

01-20% None; the Splugorth have hardly heard of the Kittani, let alone have any in their realm.
21-30% Rejected---The local Splugorth wants nothing to do with the Mechanoid-hunted techno-brainiac monkeys, either because of their association with Splynncryth or because of their egos. The Splugorth either abjectly enslave any who come their way or force them out of the realm.
31-50% Token Presence----The Splugorth has a few Kittani, most likely rogues, who have entered service as mercenaries or freelance engineers and scientists. Their presence and power is seen as a test of whether the Splugorth will want to attract/acquire more under its banner.
51-75% Minor Presence----The Kittani are present in small numbers, and are regarded as an elite minority, but one easily rolled aside if they don’t live up to their reputation.
76-98% Common--The Kittani are a common and essential part of the Splugorth’s realm, though they are still seen as underlings and their development locked.
99-00% Exalted---The Kittani are held up as prize minions, even more so than Splynncryth regards them. So well-regarded are they that the local Splugorth has elevated them in the peerage and taken the limiters off their technological development. The danger is, the Kittani may lose sight of the fact that they are still a MINION species, and not equal partners to their Splugorth host.

J. (Optional) Sunaj Infiltration
“Who are we? We’re the Sunaj, extradimensional assassins extraordinaire and troubleshooters for hire. Here’s our card. What additional information we’re allowed to tell you about ourselves is written on the card.”

Lord Aerihza has become aware of the power games of the Splugorth and has tried to get agents into as many Splugorth kingdoms as he can, especially those that may pose a threat to Lord Splynncryth(and who might try to muscle in on Earth when the Sunaj off him). How well have the Sunaj managed to get embedded in the Splugorth’s domain?

01-25% None--- The Splugorth realm is too inaccessible or unimportant at the current time to attract the attention of the Sunaj.
26-35% Repelled---The Sunaj have tried to infiltrate the kingdom, but the local Splugorth overlord either doesn’t trust or like the Sunaj,or sees them as the perfidious agents of other rival Splugorth, and violently pursues and persecutes the Sunaj whenever they appear. Due to the fact that Sunaj-hunting is the local sport, the Aerihmann clan has managed to only get a few (1d4) agents anywhere near the domain in question.
36-65% Toehold---The Sunaj have managed to slip a few(2d4x10) operatives into the domain under the cover of mercenaries and freelance operatives, to scout out things and gather information.
66-99% Present---The Sunaj have established a presence as a minor(no more than 2d4x100 in any one group) minion group with a growing reputation for being efficient and feared agents.
-00% Enscrounged---The Sunaj have managed to pull off a coup similar to that with Lord Splynncryth, and have established themselves as essential parts of the local power bloc.. Anything that happens in the kingdom, Lord Aerihza knows, usually before the local Splugorth overlord is even aware of it.

Template:

A. Size:
B. Extradimensional Holdings:
C. Economic Focus
D. Attitude
E. Status
F. Military Force
G. Advantages
H. Disadvantages
I. Kittani Presence
J. Sunaj Infiltration


Random Splugorth Minion Generation Charts

“How was I supposed to know the Hr’rk were beholding to a Splugorth?! I thought the eyeball-squids only employed Kittani!!!”

As widespread as the Splugorth Alien Intelligences are, their retinues of followers/minions are more likely than not going to differ in composition from that of Splynncryth’s, especially with regard to species like the Kittani and the Sunaj. For those wanting a more diverse minion composition for their Splugorth domains, here are some general random roll charts to help flesh out the followings of the alien intelligences. Random roll or select attributes for the minion species(using the charts in Phaseworld, Aliens Unlimited, or PFRPG: Land of the Damned) and then roll (or pick) from the following:


A. Role

“We are the Guardians of the Municipal Cloaca! As our ancestors before us have served for unto three thousand generations, toiling in the undercity so that others may enjoy the Light of Our Lord Spaz’dyllath!”

What role does the species play in their Splugorth overlord’s domain?

01-30% Warriors----The minion species has a talent or trait that makes them good soldiers or assassins, the ones who are the spearhead and enforcers of the Splugorth organization.
31-40% Functionaries---The species possesses skills that make them well-suited to running the gears and organization of a society. They may be managers, linguists, scholars, salesmen, or technical personnel , but they keep materials moving, facilitate commerce, and make sure people and things go where they belong.
41-60% Artificers---The species has a talent for creating stuff, be it engraved gemstones or starships. This can extend to the sciences and magic. The Shakdan are a good example of a minion species sharing this niche.
61-70% Gladiators----The species has some aspect that makes them particularly attractive and entertaining as pit-warriors. They may have a secondary role as soldiers(or not; they may have disciplinary problems taking orders in the field).
71-00% General Laborers---Whether it’s because of superior strength, endurance, environmental tolerances, or sheer fecundity that allows them overwhelm a task with sheer numbers, the species is employed as laborers. Subsets of this class may include ‘pets’(species whose value is their rarity, looks, or skills as entertainers),sex-workers, food-species, or component-species(slaves harvested for body parts).

B. Motivation
“Loot and pillage, set fires across the River of Stars? Perhaps we should be paying YOU for the honor you offer us, Lord Kly’lyth!”

What motivated the species to become minions?

01-40% Conquered People---The species was conquered by the Splugorth and forced at gunpoint to become minions. Their forced service still chafes at them, though many, especially those born into the slave society, resignedly accept their lot. Ryllians are a good example of this. +10% to the Relationship roll.

41-60% Altered---Going beyond Conquered, this species has been subsequently altered by magic or genetic means to become a dependent and better-adapted minion species. The species may be unable to function normally outside the Splugorth minion -society. The Lessons and Altarans are good examples of this.

61-80% Gratitude(Life Debt)----The minion-species is working off a life-debt for some great benediction laid upon their people by their Splugorth benefactor. This could be saving their species from a great disaster, protecting them from an enemy, or uplifting them from barbarism, but the species feels gratitude and is(for the most part) willing to work in the service of the Splugorth. The Kydians are typical of this. -20% to the Relationship roll,

81-00% Alliance of Convenience---The minion species willingly joined the service of the Splugorth because they liked what they saw, and saw the opportunity to advance the fortunes of their own people. The minions are willing to set aside some of their own independence to be part of what they see as a winning team, in return for the benefits to be supping at the Splugorth’s table. However, the species sees nothing wrong with working on their own agendas while still in service to their alien lord, and in the most extreme cases may ultimately be planning on betraying their Splugorth hosts when the latter’s usefulness has been used up. The Staphra and the Sunaj are good examples of such minions.

Note that there can exist combinations of the above motivations: the Splugorth Slavers and High Lords can be considered examples of WILLING Altered species that have become so modified that they are reliant on the presence of the Splugorth in order to survive; the High Lords, for example, have essentially become symbiotic to the Splugorth.


C. Relationship

“All Hail the Mighty Mono-Opticon, All-Seer of Fates, Perceiver of Sins, Punisher of Unsightliness! All Hail Lord Sely’yth!!!”
#”....’ Mighty Mono-Opticon’...?”#
“It’s something the high priests came up with to honor you, milord. I can have them executed for disrespect if it offends thee.”
#”No, that won’t be necessary. I was just...surprised...is all. Carry on.”#

How close are the minion species to their Splugorth masters?

01-40% Fanatically Loyal----The minions worship their alien intelligence overlord. There is virtually nothing that the Splugorth may ask or order ot its followers that the species will not do(or at least very seriously consider). Those VERY few who think otherwise and voice objections are seen and treated as insane or criminal.
41-70% Grudging----The species serves the Splugorth efficiently for the most part, but there is some irritation at the terms and conditions of their service. Minor disrespect of their Splugorth overlord is tolerated by the species, but more overt rebellion and dissent is seen as dangerously shaking the apple cart and punished accordingly, Outright rebellious behavior is treated as criminal roguery.
71-90% Resentful----The species regards its status in the Splugorth society as increasingly untenable, and there are frequent rumbles of discontent in the ranks. Small infractions in their ranks are hidden or overlooked, and there may be the organization of resistance or escape cells in the species’ society.
91-00% Rebellious----The species is more often than not willing to resist the orders and the dictates of their Splugorth overlords, There is a concerted effort throughout the species to alter their status and break the terms of their service. This can take the form of subtle coordinated sabotage of their assigned tasks and orders, an organized slave-escape system, and/or supply and weapons hoarding. Increasingly, the species has to be watched and more harshly penalized/disciplined by other minions.

D. (Optional) Regard
#”Be certain that you SUCCEED in carrying out my orders, seneschal. The last of your species to hold your current role did not. He did, however, prove DELICIOUS.”#

How does the Splugorth regard the species?

01-20% Trusted----The Splugorth trusts and favors the minion-species in its role, and sees any signs of rebellion as growing pains, or sporadic problems with individuals, rather than concerted efforts of the species as a whole(and thus is willing to cut the species some slack). In fact, such troubles may be seen as an opportunity to test the loyalty of the rest, and a source of entertainment.
21-75% Casual Disdain---The Splugorth generally remains aloof from the minion-species, taking an interest only when they prove exceptionally meritorious or troublesome. Otherwise, the species is treated with the same regard as office furniture .
76-90% Contemptuous---The Splugorth regards the species as generally untrustworthy without close supervision, and has assigned other minions to keep an eye on them. The Splugorth just needs the right provocation to go ahead and make some spectacular examples of individuals to cow the rest into obedience.
91-00% Outright Derision---The Splugorth sees the species as troublesome and requiring a firm hand(and locked shackles) to keep them in their place. Their constant behavior, be it openly rebellious or just sycophancy-annoying, is begging for some serious remediating by way of culling or wholesale physical alteration at some time in the near future. Casual executions of members of the species is commonplace.

[Warshield73]

A good chart. I like the Empire chart more than the minion one but both have great ideas.

What is interesting is that the Kreeghor in 3G are supposed to be former subjects of the Splugorth (who secretly traded allegiance from one AI to another given DB3) at Slave-Race level (so the Sunaj given the chart in WB2 pg43?, per DB2 pg70). Their former Splugorth Lord was also killed during their successful revolution (pg74 DB2), though the general consensus seems that they had help (one option appears to be a Renegade Splugorth Lord, others being hostile god, another AI, or hostile power).

I think this is my problem with the way the Splugorth have been turned into a copy paste villain. We know, from the kreeghor that the splugorth try to create new minions but so far in all the Dimension books we only have one, in the Thundercloud book.

Some minions are certain to be common: high lord, kydians and slavers. Others are likely to be common due to the nature of magic: dragons, t-men witches. But what about the others.

Why would all Splugorth use Kittani, especially in spacnic teche. What about a splugorth lord who found a race that used organic tech like the Necron in DB 6. I could even see a splugoth finding a space born lifeform like a star whale and using biowizardry to make it into a spaceship. Maybe another used techno-wizardry like the UWW.

The slavers are almost certainly common but are all of them paired with teams of altara? They have only been in service to the splugrth for 2,000 years. That is nothing compared to the kydian's 53,000 years. Who served the slavers before that? Do some splugorth still use the original minions? I always thought this is what the kreeghor were. Their splugorth lord created them to work for the slavers and they rebelled.

Are there some spugorth who refuse to work with the Sunaj? Maybe there are some who are sick of the metzla's crap and don't use them.

I'm not saying that every minion needs to be different for each Splugorth but if each one was a little bit different then it would give a little more life to these villains.

[ShadowLogan]

I think this is my problem with the way the Splugorth have been turned into a copy paste villain. We know, from the kreeghor that the splugorth try to create new minions but so far in all the Dimension books we only have one, in the Thundercloud book.

I don't have that book, though WB21 offers up a race approaching Minion Status the Strapha (sp?), but again they are connected with Splyn there so who knows if they are "universal" or just unique to him. Off hand I don't recall how long ago the Kreeghor rebelled or how long they where under Splugorth control.

I do agree though it was a huge missed opportunity to diversify the Splugorth lower "minion" ranks for individuals. One of the reasons I reviewed WB2 was because I could have sworn some of the Minions where presented as unique to Splyn, but I came up empty in that regard. And likely the result of lazy editing/writing on PB's part. Time for a dedicated Splugorth book for the 3G that addresses this stuff?

Why would all Splugorth use Kittani, especially in spacnic teche. What about a splugorth lord who found a race that used organic tech like the Necron in DB 6. I could even see a splugoth finding a space born lifeform like a star whale and using biowizardry to make it into a spaceship. Maybe another used techno-wizardry like the UWW.

I think Fot3G covers this a bit, "traditional" space travel methods isn't something the Splugorth really did until the Kittani and even then it seems to be a more recent thing (at least in the 3G) they've been allowed to do because of the situation in the 3G. WB2 also indicates that the Kittani, while found through the Empire, are mostly concentrated with Splyn.

The Splugorth don't even need to find a race of space born lifeforms, they could simply use Bio-Wizardy to modify an existing creature for the role. Which is something they don't seem to do as a stand-in for vehicles, though they could easily do so.

The slavers are almost certainly common but are all of them paired with teams of altara? They have only been in service to the splugrth for 2,000 years. That is nothing compared to the kydian's 53,000 years. Who served the slavers before that? Do some splugorth still use the original minions? I always thought this is what the kreeghor were. Their splugorth lord created them to work for the slavers and they rebelled.

Off hand like I said I don't recall dates regarding the Kreeghor, so who knows.

I don't think the Kreeghor had the same role as the Altara, they strike me more as an alternative in the role the Kydians play. At least based on the end product, I don't recall (off hand) any details about the experimentation the Kreeghor might have undergone, but (current) size wise they are closer to Kydians than Altara (who's smaller size/stature means they can go places the larger Kydian/Kreeghor can't, which could be useful for the role of slaver as opposed to foot solider/shock troop).

Are there some spugorth who refuse to work with the Sunaj? Maybe there are some who are sick of the metzla's crap and don't use them.

I'm sure that various Kingdoms of the Empire have different breakdowns of the "status" races from WB2 given the note about the Kittani concentrations in said book.

I don't think any individual Splugorth could refuse to work the Sunaj, but they might have different interpretations of their Alliance framework. For example, Splyn might consider all Sunaj to have certain rights w/n his territory that are more "generous" than Nylps (fictitious, who meets the bare minimum established in the alliance) or Rynncryyl (while MIA, might have had something in between them).

[Warshield73]

I don't think any individual Splugorth could refuse to work the Sunaj, but they might have different interpretations of their Alliance framework. For example, Splyn might consider all Sunaj to have certain rights w/n his territory that are more "generous" than Nylps (fictitious, who meets the bare minimum established in the alliance) or Rynncryyl (while MIA, might have had something in between them).

I think this is my issue with the Splugorth. How interconnected / independent are they from each other. We know that Kilyncryth on Center doesn't connect to Splynn in Atlantis because he hates Splyncryth and we also know they attack each other. If they do work together how closely and how much do they share in terms of magic / techno-wizardry or technology.

The Splugorth are such a huge part of Rifts and it just seems we don't know anything about them.