Laberv (0325 Spinward Marches B354443-7): A hospitable world, Laberv is less populated than might be expected. It is a major terminal for a criminal syndicate which makes life a bit difficult for local inhabitants. More stubborn inhabitants have scattered into the hinterlands where this activity does not affect them. Very little work in the starport is done by machines. The syndicate totally controls the starport. -ld D

Lair (2402 Provence A8859B9-F): "Homeworld" and capital of the Vargr Extents. Lair has never been accorded any particular status in the hearts and minds of the Vargr race, unlike worlds like Terra, Vland, Zhodane, Kuzu, or Kirur. Lair was only recently united; several sections of the planet boasted independence until only a few years ago - which is unusual for the homeworld of a major interstellar race. -ld IE (-ld TP)

Lair Protectorate: The Lair Protectorate is a loose coalition of nine worlds in Provence sector centered around the Vargr "homeworld," Lair (2402 Provence). The majority of Vargr hold little or no reverence toward their homeworld, especially since the introduction of the Solomani Hypothesis and proof that the Vargr race was transported to Lair by the Ancients. As the birthplace of Vargr civilization and technology, however, Lair is still a fairly important world.
Once a member of the ailing Empire of Varroerth, Lair declared its independence in 777 Imperial, carrying the neighboring worlds of Firgvaar, Khvhaargvaetsoerrgh, Kaarlag, Zhorvrn, and Fraets-Vog with it. These worlds are among the first worlds settled by the Vargr race. All have a long tradition of independence that went contrary to membership in the Empire of Varroerth. Over the intervening years, three more worlds, Zargvaetsr, Aertsvad, and Oeghzvar have joined the Protectorate.
Embracing everything that is truly Vargr, the Lair Protectorate is based on the basic precepts of charisma and responsible change (called chaos by some humans). Leaders, customs, organizations, and laws change on a constant, continuous basis.
The Empire of Varroerth, represented by Regional Governor Ghaarkts Faegzag, tries to ignore the Protectorate which, with its high technology and tradition-minded fervor, would certainly triumph in any reasonable version of a civil war. All in all, the Empire of Varroerth simply refuses to recognize the Lair Protectorate's existence, and the Lair Protectorate consequently refuses to recognize the Empire of Varroerth.
The Protectorate seemed doomed to dissolution in the first decade of the 1100s with the death of ruler Fanadae Aegon. Civil unrest rose to frightening proportions on Lair Itself, and political scientists feared the Protectorate would collapse. A new administration led by reform-minded Ulurs Otsunga has recently provided a stabilizing influence, however; hope for the Protectorate has been rekindled. -pro V&V

Lakher: Vilani sour-sweet cookie normally eaten after a main course, but before dessert. Can be flavored with lots of different local berries, spices, nuts, creams etc. -cam MS

Lancia: Cultural region in the Gushemege sector of the Third Imperium. The area was extensively ravaged during the Vilani Pacification Campaigns, and afterwards resettled from the Vland sector under an special program sponsored by Makhidkarun. -ld IE

Lantal: Transparent hot drink common in Deneb and Corridor sectors. The taste is a little sweet, but very fresh and with a hint of sourish flavors. -cam MS

Lanth Subsector: Subsector G of the Spinward Marches. Lanth subsector is a paradox of astrography; the large abyss in its center makes its worlds virtually inaccessible, but the line of worlds forming a jump-1 route through it make it a vital transportation link.
Tureded (2414 Spinward Marches C465540-9), long a sleepy agricultural world depending on passing free trader to provide markets for its goods, lies at the junction of jump-1 routes leading to Jewell, Regina, Rhylanor, and Lunion subsectors. Its upgrade to a class B starport is imminent, and the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service has expressed interest in establishing an xboat link with Rhylanor and Rech (and thus through to Regina (1910 Spinward Marches A788899-C)). -spin SMC

Lanthanum: A rare earth element, the first of the inner transition metals. Vital to the construction of the inner coils of interstellar jump drive units. -ld IE

Larspri (0408 Old Expanses X1B1000-0): Tiny, dense Larspri holds an atmosphere of hydrogen and carbon compounds only because it is fairly far from its primary. These react with the metals on the surface to produce corrosive and poisonous compounds. Its tiny hydrosphere is composed of frozen carbon dioxide at the poles.
This lump of matter would be good for nothing if it were rock, but it is almost pure metal. Scientists have speculated that it may be a chunk of a planetary core left after the planet was smashed by comets, or even a chunk of a burned-out dwarf star. Larspri is a rich source of metals from copper through the transuranics.
Due to the impossible conditions no one lives here, but 12 major companies have mining claims here which are worked by specially designed robots, impervious to corrosion. -oe TD 12

Lasher (1430 Corridor B8C2100-8): The star Lasher is a subsector all to itself. The Navy discovered extensive deposits of lanthanum (a vital element in the construction of jump drives) on an inner planet of the system; the planet's insidious atmosphere makes the mines difficult to work, forcing cumbersome protective gear and short work sessions. The entire population of 600 lives in an orbital rotating torus constructed by the Navy. -cor EA

Leaping Snowcat: The Leaping Snowcat, (Thalailurus uncia) is a carnivore/pouncer native to many worlds of the Imperium, including Vland and Pretoria.
In Vilani culture, the snowcat is a symbol of powerful surprise. -acss SS

Lectorsen (1813 Core D354655-5): Lectorsen's carbon dioxide canopy makes it a tropical hothouse with unusual and exotic species. Emperor Martin II, an avowed naturalist, declared Lectorsen an Imperial Garden World in 199, to be preserved with few technological trappings. -core TD 8

Lemish (1808 Corridor D79568C-A): Amber zone. Lemish's starport and industrial capacity were severely damaged by recent Vargr raids. The planetary governor fervently declared his unwillingness to pay protection money to Vargr corsairs. In retaliation, the Vargr mustered a fleet and sacked the planet, specifically concentrating their attacks on the port and manuf acturing complexes. The planet's technology dropped three levels. The shipyards were totally destroyed, and the other port facilities were barely functional after the attack.
At present, rebuilding efforts are in progress, but the disruption of interstellar trade in the sector has prevented the inhabitants from getting crucial supplies. Remnants of the Vargr fleet continue to patrol the system, and travellers are advised to avoid Lemish if possible. -cor TD 18

Lesser Rift: Broad expanse of space with a very low density of stars trailing the main region of the Third Imperium. This rift is a pronounced impediment to interstellar travel, for it constrains jumps through the Empty Quarter. The Lesser Rift is lesser only when compared to the larger, more prominent Great Rift spinward of the Imperium.
The Lesser Rift, like the Great Rift, has provided long-term security for the Third Imperium by constraining access to the Imperium's borders. -ld IE

Ling Standard Products: Originally a mining firm (and still very active in that field), LSP currently is engaged in a wide spectrum of activities including the manufacture of electronic equipment of all sorts, ground and air vehicles, starships and starship armaments, drive systems, power systems, computers and software, small arms, and a variety of consumer goods. Conserned to a small degree with banking, insurance, and stockbrokerage, LSP maintains mining and manunfacturing facilities throughout the Imperium and beyond. -ld MAS
Stock Ownership: Imperial family, 8 percent; Hortalez et Cie, 26 percent; GSbAG, 23 percent; noble families, 8 percent; Murdoch Holdings, LIC, 8 percent; other, 27 percent. -mc RC

Lintl (0503 Reft B739AEE-F): A cold world, Lintl is the capital of Vestus Subsector. Its 39 billion inhabitants are bound by the constraints of the local religion (URP A74015-A). Lintl is governed by three autarch-priests, who interpret and execute the demands of the faith.
In Lintlian belief, all beings are elements of a mass consciousness, the Totality. The Totality is defined as the sum of all individual minds. By living according to the standards of the faith, each individual can maintain his contact with the Totality after death; otherwise, he is condemned to an endless future of complete mental isolation.
The autarch-priests have inculcated this belief into the minds of the populace, linking the world's laws with the religion of the masses. Despite Lintl's high population, order is maintained through a dogma of fear. -ref TD 20

Liran (1923 Deneb B000684-A): Liran's asteroid miners provide neighboring Deneb with many needed raw materials. The Navy has taken great pains to protect this system recently. -den TD 19

Lishun (1511 Lishun A5858C8-D): The sector capital is governed by the Coalition for Peaceful Progress, which monitors all uses to which technology is put. Serous accidents in weaponry manufacturing plants provided the final push which brought the Coalition to power 75 years ago. The attitudes of the inhabitants do not noticably influence the sector government. -lis TD 7

Liwar (1110 Vland C350000-A): An automated refueling station serves travellers here on an otherwise barren planet. Standard Imperial currency is acceptable to the robotic machines.
The machines are serviced by a hermit, who prefers to avoid contact with visitors. Most vessels do not delay at the Liwar refueling station any longer than necessary. -vla V&V

Llaeghskath Interacterate: The Llaeghskath Interacterate was formed in mid-1114. A long series of complaints against the increasing hostility of Faarzgaen caused two worlds of the Empire of Varroerth - Llaegharrgh (0604 Provence) and Ouskathoerz (0405 Provence) - to secede. This secession, meant to defend against Faarzgaen's ambivalence, prompted Faarzgaen to secede as well.
The two governments - Interacterate and Jihad - squared off against each other. Varroerthan officials were initially stunned, but they had no intention of forcibly reintegrating either side. The Empire preferred to remain neutral until the hostilities burned themselves out and both sides willingly returned to the Varroerthan fold.
At present, it is fairly certain that such a return will not be happening soon. The Llaerghskath Interacterate is strong, stable, and independently-minded. Its government embodies a strong, pro-tech ideology - one that has allowed Llaegharrgh, the capital, to reach tech level 16. Young Ghaarn I, former Admiral of the Fleet, has just been crowned Raarvak of the Interacterate, with the overwhelming support of the populace.
After six years, the war with the Jihad of Faarzgaen has hardly lessened in severity. Both sides have sustained millions of casualties and gigacredits of damage. The closest approach to a cease-fire came in 1118, when news of Strephon's assassination and the Imperial break-up drew corsairs and mercenaries from the fighting in Provence into Corridor. Nearly constant, brutal warfare soon resumed, though.
The frequent battles have taken their toll on the Llaeghskathian people. Once very friendly and hospitable, they have become hard, quiet, and determined - a people accustomed to constant warfare, death, and destruction. As the Interacterate's fledgling economy is completely dedicated to the war effort, high taxes and mandatory unpaid factory service now weigh upon the citizens. Contact with other governments has dwindled to naught, and foreign visitors are often suspected of being Faarzgaen terrorists.
If and when the fighting does end, the Interacterate promises to be a humane government. Its founders intended to create an open, active society based on the advancement of technology, to the benefit of all citizens. Consequently, education is a high priority in Llaeghskathian life, and an individual's charisma often depends on his academic background. -pro V&V

Llellewyloly: A minor race native to Junidy (3202 Spinward Marches). They have five multi-jointed limbs which serve as hands and feet interchangeably. Their main sensory organs are also located on the limbs. Long, course hair covers their spherical, central bodies. Physiologically, they are adapted to Junidy's daily temperature extremes.
Llellewyloly society is filled with subtle complexities. A being's social status is always in flux, from one situation to the next, and to make an error in propriety is a serious matter. Their tech level 3 society is non-starfaring. -dod MTJ 1
Sophont race native to Junidy (Spinward Marches/Aramis 3202 6434ABD-9). llellewyloly have five multijointed limbs which function as hands and feet interchangeably; main sensory organs are also located on the limbs. The spherical central body is covered with long, coarse hair. Many body features are adaptations to the extreme temperature variations of Junidy's day.
Llellewyloly have a complex society with many dimensions of social precedence; the same individual may be entitled to high status in one situation and low status in another, and to make an error concerning propriety is a serious matter. -ld IE

Loeskalth: Minor human race from Gushemege sector; known only from ancient First Imperium records. During the early stages of the First Imperium the Loeskalth culture absorbed a great deal of science and technology indirectly from the Vilani and founded a small empire which embraced, at its height, most of their home subsector.
About 5400 years ago, the Vilani consolidation destroyed the Loeskalth Empire and absorbed the civilization into the mainstream of Vilani culture. An aggressive and warlike race, the Loeskalth resisted but were ultimately overwhelmed. -ld IE

Logaksu: Language and cultural region in the Vargr Extents. This is an irregular bubble around Lair (2402 Provence A8859B9-F) about 20 to 30 parsecs in radius, plus adjacent areas not included in other groups. Most of this region is the original area colonized during the First Diaspora.
The region has normal volatility for Vargr space, but a distinct stability remains inherent in the patterns. Governments superficially change, but remain similar in form and boundaries. Merchant companies come and go, but the trading lanes tend to stay the same. Even styles follow recognizable cycles of varying length. However, the region has gone through periods of cataclysmic change where all recognizable patterns and cycles were disrupted. These periods occurred in -2400, -1400, and -200. Each lasted about a century and divided distinctive epochs in the region's history. Imperial xenologists believe the region is overdue for another period of great change. -cul V&V

Lucan Martin III Alkhalikoi: The nephew of Strephon by his sister Lydia, Lucan has already proclaimed himself as emperor; however, in his first act, he dissolved the Moot for one year, so his claim has not had the opportunity to be officially verified. The Moot, for its part, disputes his dissolution of their body, but for security reasons, the Moot has not been able to safely meet and conduct Imperial business. Some detractors accuse Lucan of the murder of his older brother Varian, who was killed in fighting in the Imperial Palace shortly after the murder of Strephon by Dulinor. -emp IE

Lukham (1334 Vland A464ABE-G): After replacing Khir Lowe against popular sentiment in 1110, Ursheam Khushii, a military dictator, imposed extremely rigorous laws on Lukham. The aim of the takeover was to control the high-tech gravitics industry of the world, which specializes in ultraminiaturization. Force has proved no substitute for willing brains, however. Lukham's products have become shoddy and their share of the market fell off sharply throughout the decade.
Today's current leader Khuushmin, the son of Khushii, maintains a high lifestyle by taking a greater cut of the dwindling profits. Rumors indicate the public would favor his overthrow if it could be safely accomplished, but this would be difficult from inside because of the local oppressive restrictions on weapons.
Complicating this situation is Khir Lowe's son, who lives with a handful of followers in political exile in the rings of one of the system's gas giants. Khuushmin cannot do away with him, because of the popularity Lowe still holds on Lukham. But Lowe in his present habitation is powerless to act against Khuushmin, whose troops regularly patrol the gas giant. Khir Lowe was known for his generosity; if his son shares these attributes, it is likely that his intluence on Lukham would be substantial.
Now that the restored Vilani Empire has been founded, the Igsiirdi are considering their options with this world. The high council would like a profitable Vilani culture restored to Lukham, but they are currently unsure how to approach the problem without resorting to open violence. -vla V&V

Lunion Subsector: Subsector K of the Spinward Marches. Lunion subsector is the crossroads of the Spinward Marches; trade routes connect with the Sword Worlds and Darrian, with Glisten and the Trojan Reach Sector rimward, and with Regina and Jewell coreward. In addition, the Spinward Main passes through the subsector.
The Ling Standard Products shipyards at Strouden (2327 Spinward Marches A745988-D) and Lunion (2124 Spinward Marches A995984-D) are two of the largest producers of starship hulls in the Marches, specializing in warships for the Imperial Navy.
The asteroid belt at Zaibon (1825 Spinward Marches B000544-B) was once a major source of copper for industry in the subsector, but the lodes are now played out, and the system facilities are deteriorating.
The deserts on Wardn (1727 Spinward Marches B756486-B) are decorated by large-scale patterns carved by anerobic life forms during their seasonal migrations. Some academics researching this phenomena feel the patterns are an expression of intelligence.
Quiru (2321 Spinward Marches B365300-8) is governed by a military junta. Placed in power by a small mercenary army, the junta is tolerated by the Imperium because the government it replaced was less efficient. -spin SMC