# weenie_properties_book_page_data

author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We are taught to command them if we wish to command the Heiromantic arts, and given the tools early on to partake in the most brutal and grueling of the magical arts. But we are not told of where the power that flows through you to perform the art comes from.

We know inherently that these strengths are bound to the world, irrevocably, and completely. There are ancient maps that we can study that show the places where the power ebbs more strongly. 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
How the moons pull the tides of this power and how the trees grow away from them, but we are never given the complete view of the truth. Only the fragments that have been passed through generations of our peoples pass through wives tales and are taught from elder to elder, and so forth. Thus many of the truths are lost to time and superstition and omission, perhaps malice has a play.

But there are six. They were once one. They have been altered several times over if our study is correct.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Our brother-sister-kin the Falatacot heard the voice of the all and built their empire upon its Blood and the blood of those that would give themselves to the power that is. But they were not tempered and so fell closer to the shadow. Thus they were abandoned by the light until they happened upon us. We are tempered by the light and revolt against the shadow, but there is something more to those of use that have studied the symbols of the past. We know that the 6 were once 4 and that the 4 were once one. Thus we have begun our exploration.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
There are lines of power that run across this world, and all draw taught across a tiny shelf of land here at the North, near the lost lands. Here is where a critical balance has been struck and the cords that bind the world of magic have been fastened to the world. It stands to reason then that this is the place where have been drawn. 

In an era predating the Falatacot, something, or someone built tiny shrines to these places of power. They exist today as relics from the past etched permanently on the landscape. 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We have begun to map them and at the same moment entrenched ourselves in the study of solidification to better grasp what it is we are attempting to do.

A minor discovery by me, showed that we could remove a portion of the essence from the whole and keep it "alive" long enough to "feed" it a portion of memories. It would then gain a modicum of sentience and react to the person that summoned it forth. 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
At first there was no practical application for such but soon we realized that if we were sworn to an aspect of the existing elements we would be able to draw enough of the Blood into a form that would be the epitome of that element and thus draw one step closer to achieving the goal of giving rise the oldest being that this world has known.

Our efforts have proven somewhat successful though the altered aspects of the elements have proven unstable and difficult to work with. But we are perfecting our ability more with each day.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Soon we shall have mastered the summoning of these beings and use them as we use golems, and the effect will be less costly. For while you have attuned your spirit to such a being you may use it to sense what lies around it, thus they are a nearly imperceptible scout force.

The Master shall not know of these, and the Yalain will be powerless to stop us.

Millakt, Minister Supreme of the Disciples of the Blood


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
(Translator Note: The voice shifts here.)

Remarkable, they thought they could keep their findings hidden from me. More remarkable still was that they were able to evade discovery for so long. But in the end, they proved to be little more than flies easily swatted away.

Millakt, to his credit, did not divulge the secrets that he had written. Instead they were torn from him, by the same mechanisms he meant to keep hidden from me. We have refined the process now, and several have begun to store their memories 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
within mnemosynes. Tiny boxes created for the specific purpose of harvesting. Of course they are collected, and put in a place of safe keeping.

The threat is ended. There will be no more revolts. I will lead my people, and they will bend to my will.

-G-


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Entry 1

This library proves to be an amazing source of knowledge. Though the shifting staircases proved to be a conundrum when I first arrived, I have now mastered the ascent and know each landing by rote. As I made my way to the top, I discovered there were three sections to this library, and each section seemed to be devoted to recording the rise of an Empyrean civilization. The shelves within these sections are most disturbing, as it seems each one contains a trapped soul. Were such an atrocity not of their own doing, I would perhaps feel pity


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
for them. However seeing as it likely they were fully aware of the consequences, there is nothing within me that would lend itself toward compassion.

I have made a place for myself near the apex of the library proper. I found a small room there that was comprised of little more than a set of candles, a table, and a chair. From here I have begun to decipher the books that I have found within this labyrinth of stairs. Amusingly the quill that I had found and intended to use leapt from hand and began writing my thoughts directly onto the page.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
It has taken some time to master the intricacies of writing in such a fashion, but I think that my efforts have progressed well.

Entry 2

This citadel is alive with spirits of the fallen. It is a house of terror, a tale told to scare children, yet is reality. However I know that I am too pure, and I will be able to safeguard myself against the wails that cry out in the night, sealing myself from the madness that would drive lesser men insane. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
While I have established a study for myself in the library, I have made my living quarters in a room at the top of the citadel. While this room is simple in decoration, a vibrant energy fills it, giving the impression that it must have been intended as a throne room. Also, like most other areas of the citadel, is impossible large. Within I have begun arranging pedestals and some other accoutrements to provide it with a feeling more akin to my home. Eventually I intend to make this place my permanent home.  


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
However I first must continue to catalogue every document I find and begin filling out reports that I will send to Emperor Kellin and provide copies of to the Nali. 

Entry 3

Blasphemers. One of the tainted shelves handed three books to me as I passed close to it. Each contained rituals pertaining to blood sacrifice, and the harvesting of organs for some foul and incomprehensible rites. While I read them only to translate them, I still feel befouled in a sense. Such memories and detail do not quickly leave 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
your mind. 

Soon I must return to Aerlinthe. My brother will begin to worry if I have not returned. There is still so much to study, but there will be other times.

Entry 4

Finding the opportunity to leave the side of Asheron has proven difficult. He has plans to send expeditions to another world. In the name of the Emperor, why we do not simply take those we want and place them in cages is beyond me. Asheron is too


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
timid.

Each day he makes my brother into something more like him, full of hope and understanding. It sickens me.

Although I am thankful to have this place to retire to, I hope that in time I am able to learn what secrets lay within these walls and transfer them into something more accessible. 

Upon my return I was met with a curious discovery. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The three books of Falatacot design I had left on my desk were placed neatly back into the shelves where they had been originally found. My inspection of the area gave no trace of any other person's passage, so I can only assume that the spirits that dwell within this place decided that they must act as caretakers. Quite the oddity, perhaps I shall set a golem to watch the goings-on here.

Entry 5


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After the discovery of the other library on the mainland of Ireth Lassel, this place has seemed pale by comparison. The tomes within this place are mostly rote history, with no flare for originality. That was until today.

When I arrived within the walls of the citadel this time, a most curious sight met me. The stairs shifted as I entered the room, and I was forced to relearn the passages toward the apex. The matter took no time, but it was as though someone were watching my progress.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I was also fortunate enough to find another section of shelving that contained a companion set of books to those found within the library in the mountains. These tomes each represented the different cults that had risen and had recently been destroyed. On some pages it appeared as though the ink was not fully dried. However upon investigation of the citadel, I saw no sign of an intruder, owner, or thing that dwelled within these walls. Save of course for the spirits that incessantly cry out for absolution, forgiveness or assistance.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Each book details a sect of the disciples of Blood in a little more detail. They had codex and laws, and it appears as though they also had a governing body. They strove for something pure, though undead. 

Often I have wondered why I have been so calm while investigating and planning to put to use, rites and ideas given forth by undead. Each time I introspectively examine the issue I am met with the same answer. I am not them. I am given over unto the service of the Nali, and the Emperor of the Cerulean throne.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
While the intentions of the undead are plainly the eradication of the Yalain and Haebrous people, my cause is far tamer. Thus I am free of the taint that they called upon themselves.

With an elemental regime at the beck and call of the Emperor and Nali, there will no longer be a need for these ludicrous explorations to other world. We could simply halt the teaching of the Old Man and finally put an end to his unnatural existence. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
If only the Emperor would give me leave to tell the Nali in the matter of this truth, then we could focus more upon this discovery and less upon watching Asheron. He grows tiresome, and knowing that some foul ritual like those I found in the tomes from the Falatacot age fuel his existence makes me feel unclean when in his presence. Things such as he are the reasons that we fall into madness and lose sight of the true goals of our people. I have heard the stories and read the tales of the Hopeslayer and his defeat, but there is so much conjecture in the writing. He is the living breathing anathema of an age that died centuries ago. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Why should he live while others have perished?

I am thankful that I have this place where I am allowed to express what true feelings I have. Without such an outlet I would have earned the Emperor's ire long ago. Instead I am given leave to traffic where I will and learn what I wish.

Entry 6

It has been several months since my last stay within these walls. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In those months my brother fell before the Olthoi, his lifeblood dripping from the cruel pincer that protruded from his chest. Asheron's incompetence called them upon our band and used his own student, my brother Delacim, to avoid a death that should have rightly been his. As my bitterness has grown so has my thirst for revenge. We have since made two more forays to the world where the bug beasts came from, each yielding more captured members of the species.

Asheron survived one attempt on his life, but was met with imprisonment. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Lyceum at Knorr will still function but he will pay dearly for his crimes. So the Emperor has stated.

All the while, my research here continues. I have finally deciphered the four books that were discovered in an earlier excursion. I have found that each contains a piece of a larger puzzle. Coupled with the knowledge I took from the library in the mountains I believe that I shall be able to ascertain within a few years, if not months, the devices that will be needed to activate the cisterns.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Entry 7

Four years have passed, but so little has been accomplished. Although I have successfully placed the control crystals within each of the cistern cores, I wasted too much time in developing golems that could withstand the extreme climes that exist close to the blood of the world. In the end, I enchanted the crystal itself, shaping it into a rough golem and commanding it to perform the tasks that were necessary. Now the long wait begins. I shall need to continue my efforts here.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
There must be anchors set in the citadel to draw upon the mana streams when I have harnessed their energy. Then I will be able to set about finding the remnants of the Disciples.

Entry 8

I have just returned from Tentael. The fool Asheron has failed more than any could possibly know. I have been sequestered away with my work for so long now that I was unawares at the vast passage of time.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Apparently our last specimen, a hive queen, after healing from her wounds began calling armies to aid her. The armies overran Knorr, pouring through a gate that was left open by Asheron. The Emperor has grown soft without me, for now he looks to Asheron for assistance. I was turned away from the palace, as they were in council. My brooch was missing so there was little I could do. No matter.

My efforts continue here now, and the Emperor will know of me once again when I step forth with an army that will quell the minor threat that the Olthoi pose.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Entry 9

At long last I have completed preparations within the citadel itself. Four new anchors have been placed within the hearth gems that line the outer court. In the bowels of the citadel I have placed the memory stones that hold a fragment of my consciousness so that I may see what transpires there. 

The shrines once dedicated to the dead that were buried within this place have been converted into shrines dedicated to the elemental lords of Stasis, Strife, Corrosion and Tempest.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
At their head I have placed myself, a commander that will use them as the forward guard of the Cerulean Throne's armies.

Very little remains to be completed now. A few more years and we shall end the madness that Asheron has brought upon us.

Entry 10

Returning to this citadel was far easier then returning to my world. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Yes dust has gathered and cobwebs have climbed into areas that were once clear, but unlike so many other things, it is just as I remember it. The wailing of the spirits here brings me a calm now and a remembrance of the work I started long ago.

The violet lights had come with no warning, streaming into the hall, searching for me. Finally they found me and wrenched me from my work. My thoughts in the years to follow were on Asheron and his greatest folly, for he had interrupted the work that would have saved us all.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Within the world between worlds, a constant scream and whine assaulted me. While a lesser man would have been driven to the point of breaking, I had fuel to keep me sane, a vision of a reckoning that must take place. I would see Asheron kneel before me, begging for his life. I would pass my sword through his neck and kick his head away. The noise became my comforter. It meant that I was not dead, for if death was nothing more than that wailing...Best not to think such things, I would rather spend an eternity as an undead then face an eternity of a prison made of my own soul.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
How that creature that Isparian was able to tear me free of that place, I do not know. I know only that there was a hum, an awakening and then a thinning of a barrier. Like a small shadow cast from the man and I went toward it, and fell into his world. At first I thought I was somewhere else, perhaps even thrown into another time or reality. But I first felt the surge of the world around me and as I stretched my consciousness toward the places where I held sway, I knew that this was my world. Time had passed, but this was still my home.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I do not doubt for a moment that anything that the man could have done to me I could not counter, but it was best to allay his fears and take certain precautions to ensure that he did not overstep himself. I was after all weary after the time spent in that formless realm. I wonder if my brethren feel the same as I or if I was the only one to experience the scream of the realm between worlds. 

Searching his mind uncovered hints of what had transpired. Asheron lived, and this creature was an Isparian who went by the name of Martine.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This Martine had lost some people dear to him and for this, he blamed Asheron. He was a tool of the Virin'di, beings that lived within the world between worlds, the realm that I had been freed from. I found their memories mixed with the man's. I found their hatred and distrust for Asheron was great indeed. They had never been defeated and so death was an uncommon experience for them. When they arrived on my world, they were forced to take forms they had never taken before, and Asheron had killed a great many of them. They wished to take my world and take the nexus of power that I sense deep in the earth below. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This, Martine was built by them to try to understand and control power similar to Asheron's. These Virin'di are an impudent race of creatures that lacked foresight, but their tool would become mine. I set him on a course that would lead him to strike Asheron down.

Slowly I moved through this world, rebuilding my dominion one fragment at a time. These pests were eager to assist me. They are easily distracted by shiny trinkets and baubles that hold no true power.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They are feeble, but among them then I found one that had taken up the mantle of the Falatacot. She was devious and cruel, deserving of a most severe punishment. So I set about finding her. She was easily found and, with the assistance of one of Martine's minions, I have been able to lead her to the library in the mountains. I go to greet her today.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
(Translator's Note: This account did not appear until brought near candlelight. As I passed the pages closer to the flame they came into view. I have taken the liberty of tracing them for you. It is unlikely that the author realized it was penned.)

"Hello Nuhmudira."

She looks at me. While I expected fear, but I am met with rage. She unleashes a barrage of some form of heiromancy. It is nothing compared to the power I wield, but formidable for one of her race.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
As I raise my hand and wipe her spell away, she begins to utter phrases in the Falatacot tongue. She crackles with energy, and I see that she has found a way to circumvent her body's frailty and command these spells. I interrupt her casting with an invisible barrier conjured from my mind. She flies from her chair and lands in a crumpled heap.

As I study her, I notice her hair is red. This is a surprise, for I had expected to see the white that Kai had described. It is no matter, for as she struggles to her feet, I motion with my hand, driving her against 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
the wall. Her bones snap and begin to liquefy. She stifles a scream for a moment and then wails like the vermin she is. As I approach closer I smile. She weeps.

"Tut, tut Nuhmudira, you had to know that there would be a price for your meddling. Fear not however. Your own people shall choose your fate. More or less."

She whimpers as I let her ruined body slump down off of the wall. I gesture and the room is engulfed in flame.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
These books long ago became purposeless to me and their destruction will be no great loss. Kai cries at the doorway until I command him to return to the outer foyer, to welcome more... guests.

My golem scoops Nuhmudira from the ground. I set guardians in the library, difficult but nothing that even the vermin that infest my world cannot defeat. I want them to find her.

I walk directly to the oubliette and have the golem enter.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The moment it places her form on the top of the column, it crumples to the ground. The draining has begun. It will take longer should people choose to save her, but that divine torture is my reward for removing such a threat from the world.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Entry 11

Years of planning have arrived at a vital crossroads. Martine is well prepared and the High Queen of the land is sufficiently endeared to helping her people. Asheron, so far as I know, is still very much unaware of my existence here. Ireth Lassel begs for freedom. 

In the cisterns the pests have opened the stopgaps for me and the essence flows. The bodies of Stasis, Strife, Corrosion and Tempest are forming.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The power can no longer be contained within that tiny essence. Now they will rise and serve their master, and then when the time is right, their forms will weakened by the vermin. I will take them into the Elemental Hall and draw them into the one that existed at the dawn of time.

It shall use the body of Nuhmudira as a vessel, and then it shall walk the world in my service. It is amusing that all my preparations have gone unnoticed by the people Asheron thinks so highly of. A pathetic state of affairs. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
To think that the Emperor believed that Asheron would be the salvation of our race is laughable. His greatest spell locked us away in the world between worlds. He is nothing more than a charlatan with a weakness to be exploited by wretched creatures that would make better pets than masters of this world.

Entry 12

She was not there. Everything was done as it was needed to be. The vessel was prepared to perfection. The construct should have driven her memories from her. 


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
It is unimaginable that her people could have decided to let the woman live. Such pity is the thing of folly.

Yet as I stood there in the swirling mist of raw essence, she was not to be found. My summoning failed and the city above was cast into ruin. They are coming for me now. I know they do, for my cisterns grow weaker. They are shattering the cores. The cisterns have grown cold as the Harbinger slouches up from its slumber. It slowly steals the essence from the world, striving to build a form for itself.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
How could they have done this? Now we are all doomed. It will grow, and it will manifest into a being that is like a god spoken of as founding this world. There will be no force that will stand before it that will not fall. Without a master, it will unravel this world.

But I cannot leave here. I feel my powers dwindling, and the time is at hand when I must enact the final rite. I will weaken in power but my body will become a thing of legendary proportion. None will harm me.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Armed with Iasparailaun I will cleave their flesh when they arrive. Amusing how their people are responsible for the creation of these weapons. Once I hace dispatched them I will make an attempt to right was has been undone.


author_Name: Gaerlan
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
But I can sense Martine coming for me. I can sense Asheron lives, even though I cannot see him.

This is the time of finality. I will rise up over these setbacks. I will see my vision fulfilled. I will not be undone.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
(Translator's Note 1: It is important to note that this book seems to be written directly to the page by a Dericost hand, but the tone of the writing makes it appear as though it was written at stages, perhaps over a long time and in the sub-conscious of the writer. It is as if the words contained herein began as thoughts that found their way to the page by some magical means, without any writing instrument. Also of note is the texture of the pages. It is not paper, at least no paper that I have ever encountered.)


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
...and they swarmed. There was no end to the battle. They came from everywhere, consumed our throne and buried us beneath the world like outcasts. 

Even then we were a fractured people. Some felt that we had made the ultimate sacrifice in an effort to circumvent the fate that was meant for us, and they went unto the betrayers and placed themselves upon their sword and passed from this world forever.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Others still abandoned our cause and wandered into the wilderness, finding solace in the recesses of the world, where the very core and essence ran closest to the surface. We were disparate, and weak.

Palacost's betrayal was fresh in the minds of many. It was known that one day we would be needed again, to stand before him and his armies, to complete what we could not do in this age. 

Palacost. His name even now makes me shudder.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
There is no need for such any longer. Hot and cold are no longer perceptible. But we have found that there are times when the knowledge and memories that were once our own dwindle and become lost forever in the great abyss.

One of the factions that have broken free has developed a device that allows one to effectively remove memories for storage, though they use this as a form of punishment, rather than a tool of good. These same self-important neophytes believe that there is a being that has lived since the beginning of time, within the 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
stream of power beneath the world. But still they traffic with a magic that is, until now, unknown and untapped. We monitor their progress from within this place.

Yes, this place, once an ancient shrine to a long dead cult. It was explained by those that joined with us to be a place created at the beginning of recorded history. A living memoriam dedicated to the recording of the ages of the Empyrean peoples. The stories their priestesses told involved horrible carnage, sacrifice, blood rites and consummation of practice to foul to reiterate.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Odd, that even now in this form the memories of their stories force me to nearly wretch. Our sister-mothers were a cruel and terrible lot. Their continent is best lost beyond the western sea. Were their any of their dark ilk that lived I tremble to think of what they have become.

We stay in this new home for it offers us a chance to watch as the walls play out their fate and history records itself within tomes of wispy energy, collected and fashioned by the bound slaves to this place.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have visited the library only once and witnessed as the bricks there fashioned a room by their own volition. When they finished, some years later, I stepped within to see that there were books already collecting within the cases there. They were books based on the findings of the betrayer cults that left us behind and more importantly, books fashioned by our persecutors.

(Translator's Note 2: These passages are written in blood, there is no mistake about that. They are ancient beyond a scope that I can comprehend.)


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In the darkness something stirs,
In the darkness someone listens.
In the darkness someone falters,
In the darkness someone falls.
In the darkness something alters,
In the darkness something calls.
In the darkness torment beckons,
In the darkness hope is lost,
In the darkness freedom beckons,
In the darkness comes a cost.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This passage was found etched into a wall within the citadel. Scholars have begun to review the passage and have thus far tied it directly to Palacost. Why it appeared and how it was scrawled with such precise detail overnight are unknown. We do know however that the citadel has a master that watches over it. She is not corporeal. We know very little other than she commands the spirits that live here. 

We have also found two other citadels located across the wilderness. We hope to soon set wardens at these places, to protect them against the reach of the persecutors.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Aerfalle shall watch this one.

(Translator's Note 3: Again a shift. The first voice disappears at this point. There are several stanzas where there is nothing more than gibberish prophecy, followed by one last section of note.)


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Slumbering beneath the soil
and hidden upon the larger face.
Eternal war and struggle,
Two races, light and grace.
Order from the cosmos driven,
Form that's born in chaos stolen,
Taken from within its realm,
Darkness fills the shape.

It wakes.
Misgivings, folly, give it form.
The earthen womb will see it born.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
There must be slumber if we are to awaken reinvigorated. There must be a sleep like eternal peace to unravel the final mystery. There must be communion with the deepest spirits, devoid of corruption balancing light against dark. The shades of gray carve a murky picture through the muck and mire of the heart of the world.

Crush the Brotherhood for they stir a beast that never was, but could come to be. See this done as I slip from this world into my sleep. Defend my realms, they are our bastions.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
And when the darkness comes again, I shall ever be awake. We know our role. See it done.

Save our memories. See them welled so that I know, when the mountain crumbles and I return, what our people have known, what our people have done and what our people have seen. I wish to see the death. I wish to see the pain. Above all else I wish to see the architects of these things.

G


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I had never been prone to nightmares growing up.  This fine house, this kingly mansion was a dream come true, the paragon of residences. A reward for my services to the Arcanum. But several nights after moving into this large house I began to have bad dreams.  At first nothing defined, just dreams of wandering this cavernous mansion, searching, searching. Never finding whatever it was I was seeking and waking up with a hollow feeling in my gut. 

As events unfolded into a patchwork of horror, I decided to begin keeping a journal of these events.


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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In the darkness of night I would sense just how big this house is. Such a huge quantity of finely crafted wood and stone constructed to enclose so much empty space. Most of this large structure hollow, I the only living thing within it. Sometimes, I would hear wind blowing through some distant rooms although I was certain all windows were intact. Investigating, I would find the windows in place and the sound gone.

A few days after moving in I went down to the mansion dungeon to get my jeweled longsword that I had placed on a wall


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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hook. I wished to wear it at a social event hosted by Madame Nevar. It hung right where I had put it but the blade was bent and twisted as if it had been mangled by something filled with malevolence and brimming with power. I thought it some sort of clever prank, perhaps committed by a mage friend of mine and, though annoyed, dismissed it.

One night I was sleeping soundly only to be awakened by loud noises from downstairs.  It sounded like a crowd of people murmuring, speaking, all in a patois whose origin I could only guess.


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I crept down the stairs expecting I knew not what, yet somehow to be anticipating the 
worst.  The mad jabbering grew louder as I got closer to the Great Hall. As I threw open the door the cacophony turned into a hiss...and was gone. The Hall was empty; the throne-like chair in the center its only occupant. Had it just been host to some spectral gathering?

The next evening while walking through a room I sensed something wrong. The night was warm, yet this part of the room felt cold. Shivering, my skin felt as if it had been brushed by cold fingers.


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I stopped, looking around, as I had noticed a movement out of the corner of my eye. I was standing by a painting, that of a scribe studying scrolls. I turned to look at the 
picture, but could see nothing unusual about it.  I drew closer since I was sure I had seen something- the human eye is marvelous at detecting motion. I saw nothing for a moment. 

Then the scribe's head in the painting turned slowly towards me! I looked into his eyes, which appeared to be turning red...  Suddenly the face transformed into something hideous, the eyes falling back


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
into his skull, leaving open, gaping pits.  It was a gaunt visage of something that may have been a man once but had died a long time ago in agony and was still screaming.  I stumbled back from the picture, tripping over a chair. Falling backwards, it seemed the horror was now leaping out of the painting, reaching for me with withered fingers, the flesh hanging off the bones.  I rolled over, trying to get back on my feet, sheer panic flowing through me. Jumping up, I whirled round to face the creature but there was nothing there.  

The painting hung peacefully, the scribe 


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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placidly studying the scrolls. Taking a deep breath, I backed away, my heart pounding in my chest.  Had I imagined it?  Perhaps it was a product of a bit of undercooked reedshark steak in my belly?

I was down in the dungeon the next day and near the storage chests when I heard a cry such as I would not imagine could be uttered from man or beast.  Full of anguish, as if talons were ripping the insides of some forlorn, dire beast. The cry echoed off the finely frescoed walls.  I ripped a dagger offits wall hook and, blade in hand, I searched every inch of the dungeon only to find nothing amiss.


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The next day when I went down there I noticed that a particular spot in one of the northwest room was much colder than the rest of the structure. I could see no water leaks, no openings of any kind and had there been any openings certainly no air could be circulating so deep underground. I went down there that afternoon to check on matters again and saw a fine drudge mask I had had crafted for me to wear at festivals was lying on the floor.  It had apparently fallen off its hook. 

As I picked it up I noticed once more that it was quite cold in that spot, yet when I touched the wall it felt to be the same


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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temperature as the other walls. Shrugging, I hung the mask back up and turned away. As I was stepping out of the room I heard a thud behind me.  Startled, I whirled around to see the drudge mask had fallen again.  I replaced it and waited but it stayed on the wall.  The cold air in its location seemed to have dissipated.

At night I began to dream of tunnels deep within the ground, writhing with moldering bodies of creatures that should be quite dead, yet are not. Creatures with innards that have turned into a foul putrescence, they claw towards the surface, 


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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tearing open the grassy skin of the earth from within like maggots emerging from a rotting apple. They come boiling out of the ground, wielding sharp weapons, searching for prey with rotting, blind eye sockets.

One night during such a nightmare I awoke to see one of the horrors standing by the foot of my bed!  A putrid, tattered thing, an upright corpse, the flesh flayed from its bones. I leaped up but the grim visage disappeared. I lit the candle and examined the spot where it stood. There was nothing there and I would have attributed it as part of my dream had I not detected a foul  


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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stench that hung in the air in that very spot. Sleep would not come again to me that night or the next. 

Sleepless, I wandered the halls of my mammoth dwelling expecting the worst around every corner.

With trepidation I descended to the mansion dungeon.  I saw nothing amiss and went once more to the northwest room where my drudge mask had done its suspicious jumping trick. It hung there on the wall, yet for a moment as I entered I thought I saw it grinning at me.  An artifact


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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of a sleep-deprived mind no doubt, for as I drew near I saw it to be its normal holiday-mask self. Standing there, however, I heard a noise by that wall, a sound that seemed just at the threshold of audibility so that I could not be certain of its true existence.  A scratching sound, like that of broken fingernails tearing at earth and rock, as of a corpse patiently endeavoring to dig itself out of a grave.  I touched the wall to discover whether any vibration accompanied that fearful sound.

 For a moment nothing, then I felt a cold gust, like the breath of something dark and 


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
dead. I hurried back upstairs, looking behind me every few paces, the emptiness of the dungeon mocking my retreat.

Not wanting to go down to the dungeon any more, I placed some chests upstairs in the mansion and began keeping my closer personal articles there including my valued emerald, the antique platter my aunt gave me and my favorite puffy shirt. I decided to keep the door to the dungeon portal room locked for fear of something coming up through it.

Of course, I am aware now that no physical lock could keep the horrors at bay.


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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The next night I finally fell into a fitful sleep. I dreamt I was falling through a black vastness towards an even blacker one, a void of hunger and rage. Feeling this dream all too real, I struggled to wake up. With an effort, I opened my eyes, the rushing blackness giving way to an appalling reality. The corpse stood there again at the foot of my bed. It opened its rotting jaw wider than any normal human possibly could, emitting a horrible scream, which would not stop. I leapt out of bed and down the stairs, seeing the house go mad about me. Furniture, once benign, now had taken on dreadful countenance. Moldering 


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
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corpses hung from the beams. All the candles and torches were gone; the rooms dark and dire except where phantomlike lights glowed. Dead, spectral things wandered the corridors. The very walls reached for me with skeletal claws. The screaming went on and on, it would not end.

I later realized the screaming came from me as well.

I raced out of that fearful, monstrous structure as one might run from the jaws of a raging  Shreth.  I stopped near the bottom of the hill to catch my breath, turning to 


author_Name: Frest Greelving
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
assure myself nothing foul was in pursuit of me. Several of the windows of the mansion were blazing with a cold, evil light. In one window there stood a figure looking out at me, the decaying thing from my bedroom. It was grinning at me. An inhuman grin of triumph and utter madness.

I have not ventured back into the mansion since. I would prefer to freeze out here in the wind and rain than face the unknown
horrors of that haunted place. There may be no one brave enough in this land to do so. Who can help me?

Who would'st I call?


author_Name: Jaerak Tiolan
author_Account: prewritten
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Day One
Aimara, my lovely wife and fellow archeologist, has succeeded again in identifying a site that may be of value.  She seems to have an alternate sense for these things, an instinct of where the hidden, ancient truths are that we ever strive to uncover.  True, we had heard some whispering of this place from those that reside nearby, quiet mutterings with averted eyes, a hesitation to speak. That convinced us that there is merit in investigating this site. Be it as it may, Aimara felt that this is the place to dig. 
On this bright day the excavation begins.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
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Day Two
We find nothing in the shallow part of this dig beyond a few skeletons of those that may have fallen in some ancient battle or possibly attacked by animals. They did not appear to have carried heavy weapons or armor. A minor find to be sure. That is not unexpected at this early stage. Aimara is certain there is something of more interest below.  We will begin tunneling now.

Day Four
We have excavated deeper than on most of our other digs but found nothing further.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
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Aimara insists this is a place of interest, though it is based on a mere feeling.  If I did not know her better, nor her success in these matters, I might give up and proceed to Site Bronze.

Day Six
We have set up a study center within the excavation and made it comfortable.  We can sleep down here and do our research with no need to climb the long way to the surface. The tunnels now reach out in all directions, like fingers probing deep through the earth. Thus far they have touched nothing new but we hope to uncover something soon. Patience is a requirement


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
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of our profession.

Day Seven
The deeper the excavation is dug, the more we feel as if something is calling to us. I can honestly say that it is not just Aimara who senses it now.  I feel it also, as a faint tickle in my mind when my thoughts are still. Like still hearing the tone of a bell that has rung long ago. Curiously, the deeper we go the colder it gets which is not usual for the geology of this region.  Below the frost line the temperature should remain constant, cool but certainly not freezing.
Below the level of our study center the earth is actually frozen. That is very unusual.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
By coincidence, both Aimara's dreams and mine were troubled last night. Usually, the silence and darkness of deep sites such as this, where we have set up camp within the excavation, allows us to sleep better than outdoors where sunshine and early morning raucous cries of birds wake us oversoon. In one dream, I awoke in the darkness of our study center only to see a ghastly creature standing over us watching us with dead, white eyes. Like a corpse removed from its grave, the flesh was rotting on its pale, discolored bones. I shook my head and found I was awake,


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I must have just woken from the nightmare at that moment.

Day Eight
We have found something. Today, we broke through to a large chamber.  It appears to be natural, not made by any conscious hand, yet it is regular in appearance, seemingly as if a bubble had burst within the earth and made a void.  A large artifact lies in the center of this chamber. Due to its shape we surmise the artifact to be a sarcophagus but it is quite oversized to fit any of the Empyrean race.
The material is a smooth, polished stone,


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
black in color, indeed a black beyond black. It seems to absorb any light that hits it. At the same time the black material sparkles dimly as if it has its own inner light, the tiny points of light appear almost as afterimages in the eyes.

Standing before it, it is quite clear this is the source of the emanations we feel.  We are drawn to its dark beauty. Touching the surface, however, burns the fingers, yet not from heat, but from cold.

The hour is late now and we must sleep. On the morrow we will see what this dark coffin holds.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
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Day Nine
There does not seem to be a true lid on this sarcophagus, we see no way to remove the top.  Hammering upwards on the area of where the lid could be does naught, especially since there is not much in the way of a seam to catch a hammer blow. Eventually, I tried to chip off a small piece of the sarcophagus but it was to no avail.  The stone seems to be harder than any tools or means we have with us to even scratch it.

The longer one stands before this dark sarcophagus the more uncomfortable the feeling.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Something dead lies within. Nay, slumbers. Nearing the black coffin, one cannot feel but that there is something inside that has not quite died. Clearly, it is emanating a mystical energy. Where this fell sarcophagus came from we do not know. There are no markings, runes or sigils to identify its origin. I believe the depth of this chamber may date it back to the Arelis Eipoth or even earlier.

Day Ten
Members of the Dericost have appeared, shambling horrors wandering through the tunnels. We had not heard of them being on the continent, much less this area.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
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We did not see them come down the entrance tunnel. They speak not, indeed, pay little attention to us, much less attack us. A strange thing in this time of conflict. We cannot guess why they are here, what they want. So far below the ground, we have no news of what events may have transpired on the surface that brought the undead here.

Day Eleven
In a side excavation to the east of the sarcophagus chamber we discovered an imprint, a mere silhouette within the ice of some large creature that may have been


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
vaguely like us in shape, but had been withered and twisted in upon itself. Had it met its fate on the spot?  We marked the location and rough body outline with wooden markers. One outline of a twisted limb appeared to have been holding another artifact we excavated nearby. It is a curious rod or staff of a stone similar to that of the mysterious sarcophagus. Thus, there is a clear connection between this unhappy creature and the dark coffin but what that may we cannot surmise yet.  The staff has magical qualities- Aimara was holding it and flames burst forth, like a fiery halo.  Yet it did not burn her hands.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Dericost are still here and seem to be doing nothing but wander aimlessly through the tunnels. Aimara joked that perhaps the cold helps preserve them and they merely enjoy being down here. Truth that may be, however I am certain there is a connection between their appearance and the dark sarcophagus. Their lack of interaction with us is curious.

Day Twelve
I believe I know why the Dericost are so docile with regard to us. It looks to me that the power emanating from this artifact is one that bends the will of the undead! Its power


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
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may serve us well in conflicts with the Dericost. Drawn to it they are, they wander docilely and do not oppose us. This mystical force should be researched and harnessed! Could the thing in the coffin be an entity of intellect, intelligence, and consciousness? An ancient mentality which reasons with dark purpose?  A mentality which reasons with dark purpose?  Aimara now believes it is just that and reacts warily at my suggestions of the ways it may serve us, its possible utility.

We must safeguard this power, keep it secret until it can be discerned and made use of!


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Day Thirteen
There is something without voice that screams in my mind.

I find it hard to concentrate as I read through our old tomes searching for any reference to a power that may hold sway over the undead. The very pressure of the earth above, the weight of so much soil and rock bears heavy on me. The darkness of this deep site seems blacker than any other of my experience and seems to reach out from the long tunnels and fold around us as a thick shroud. 

The perpetual cold is like a crushing embrace numbing the body no matter 


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
the covering. So numbed, the research is all I can feel emotion for.  Yet the work satisfies me not, unless I think of the consequences of my, or I should say our, discovery. But I fear that all research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist. Yes, all research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak 


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.
All research and no recreation make Jaerak a drab archeologist.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Day Fourteen
Aimara tells me she sometimes finds me in a stupor.  I know she is ignorant and jealous of the great work I do here.  This is the greatest find I have come upon and she intends to squander it like a child sent to purchase meat for the table and spending it on sweets. Punishment is due such children!

My mind races with images, random thoughts spear through my skull like sharp icicles. When I think of the dark sarcophagus, my mind is filled with cold and pictures a cavernous void such as none can imagine. 

My soul spirals into this void.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I know there has been slaughter on a wide scale. I close my eyes and the sarcophagus shows me a boundless terrain filled with corpses of the slain. The bodies stretch from horizon to horizon under a leaden sky. They are its alimentation. I see them rise as one.

I fly through vast and endless spaces. Corpses watch me from far-flung peripheries.  Faster and faster I fly, the dead eyes and pale faces blur by me. Yet they are friendly companions compared to the utter blackness ahead that I fall towards. 

A gaping nothingness that will swallow everything.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I open my eyes suddenly and the frozen stone wall before me halts my flight as if I had raced headlong into it! In the tunnels around us the Dericost mill. I know they grow restless, they sense I will have them under my power soon!

Soon!
        soon

Day Sixteen
I have taken this chronicle from Jaerak, for his reasoning seems no longer quite stable. I argued with him about the utility of the dark sarcophagus. He is obsessed with the concept of bending the Dericost to his will.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Never one to care much about the politics of court and thrones, he now believes the power emanating from the black coffin may be harnessed. Moreover, I fear he now has ambitions of his own to this end. He speaks of fame and power but also spouts nonsense, telling me "Many Shulz and Zuubs knew what it was to be roasted in the depths of the Sloot Lair that day I can tell you."

Wanting to know further what part it may play in all this, I wished to examine yet again the staff we had discovered. But it was gone from the table. Jaerak, turning away from me, claims he does not know where it is.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I do not believe him, it must be part of his schemes.
A short time ago he was seated in a chair with his back to me, unmoving.  As I crept around to look at his face, I saw it was frozen in a hideous grin. What thoughts spun behind that rictus of derangement? I do not know, but it is clear to me that the black coffin has affected his mind. There is something within the sarcophagus that yet lives, is able to reach out and twist our souls to it's purposes.

Day Seventeen
I prepare to leave this place before the dark coffin takes what is left of Jaerak's mind.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I screamed at Jaerak to listen to reason, come with me. I begged for lucidity to return to him for just one instant, but the dark sarcophagus would not let go of him, or he of it.  He stood there blankly watching me.
Then he began spouting oaths and threats. I could stand it no longer. Screaming at Jaerak, I grabbed a hammer and ran down through the icy tunnels to the coffin's chamber. I wanted to smash the abhorrence, splinter it into harmless shards. But to no avail, the slick, black, indurate surface only mocked my hammer blows. Jaerak entered the chamber, the look on his face as cold as the dreaded coffin's emanations.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
He snatched the hammer from my hand and shoved me aside violently. I fell to the ground. 

He turned to me then, one hand absently stroking the side wall of the coffin like a lover's caress.  Raising the hammer, he advanced on me.

I scrambled to my feet and ran past him. I cannot be sure but I thought I heard the sound of the hammer swishing past my skull. I raced out of the chamber. Panic must have clouded my mind for I went down a tunnel from which


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I could not gain access to the surface. I heard Jaerak following, then he turned away and went upwards. I must stay hidden until I am certain he is not near, then I will make my way to the surface where I hope to get help.

Day Eighteen
Jaerak has collapsed the entrance tunnel, making it impossible to leave this accursed hole. I have taken this chronicle and hidden in a looping tunnel where I hope to avoid him. I do not know how long I can avoid him in this game of hiding and seeking.  I fear the worst should he find me.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I scribble this hastily. I am trapped now in a dead-end corridor. Jaerak is in theadjoining tunnel; I hear his ragged breathing, his incoherent screams. His rage is absolute. He will find me soon, will be here any minute. The undead follow him today; I feel they seek me also. 
At the end of all now, I believe I know the truth of it. These are not the Dericost that this foul thing of dark power has brought here for its own purpose.  Nay, they are truly dead! Those who have died and which the thing within the black sarcophagus has animated. Jaerak's illusions of fame and conquest are all folly.


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I think now also that the stone sarcophagus itself is not a mere means to inter a corpse, a ritual container for a solemn burial. I believe it is a prison, meant to hold that which lies within. Something that is trying to get out. Something unnamable, an abhorrent entity that wields a power intimate with death. It holds malevolence for life and power over the dead. It feeds us nightmares like a farmer fattens a sow, then feasts on our fear. And the staff we found? I believe it to be a weapon that was to be used against this horror. Perhaps it has the ability to nullify the abomination within the sarcophagus. The creature that wielded it must have been struck down,


author_Name: Jaerak Tarnelon
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
mangled by the dark entity's terrible power. I know now Jaerak had hidden the staff. 

They are so close now. If anyone should find this


author_Name: - Ulgrim the Unpleasant
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
[ Between the teeth marks and sloppy hand writing this scroll is entirely unreadable, and it smells so foul that you are suddenly overwhelmed with the desire to wash your hands.  Why did you pick up this disgusting thing? ]


author_Name: Translated by Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Welcome to the Temple of Enlightenment,  one of the foremost relaxation facilities in the world. Enter, and join your spirit to the symphony of the world soul. Lounge in our beautifully decorated living grottos, bask in the healing ambience of our natural sauna caves, and have your every wish attended to by our well-groomed golems. 


(more)


author_Name: Translated by Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
At the end of the day, visit the Inner Sanctum for a brief but moving ceremony of worship. After the ceremony, choose a magical Gem of Enlightenment from the vast array available. Use the Gem to focus your natural capacities and gain further enlightenment on your life journey. Then go out into the glorious night, refreshed and rejuvenated. 

(One Gem per visit, please, so choose carefully. Due to demand, visitors will only be scheduled once per two weeks.)


author_Name: Translated by Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Welcome to the Temple of Forgetfulness,  one of the foremost relaxation facilities in the world. Enter, and join your spirit to the symphony of the world soul. Lounge in our beautifully decorated living grottos, bask in the healing ambience of our natural sauna caves, and have your every wish attended to by our well-groomed golems. 


(more)


author_Name: Translated by Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
At the end of the day, visit the Inner Sanctum for a brief but moving ceremony of worship. After the ceremony, choose a magical Gem of Forgetfulness from the vast array available. Use the Gem to erase an erroneous path you may have taken on your life journey, and restore your spirit to its  pure, new-born form. Then go out into the glorious night, refreshed and rejuvenated. 

(One Gem per visit, please, so choose carefully. Due to demand, visitors will only be scheduled once per two weeks.)


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
There is an old legend about two Empyrean temples -- the Temple of Forgetfulness and the Temple of Enlightenment. It is said that the Temple of Forgetfulness can erase your past mistakes, and that the Temple of Enlightenment can resolve sins of omission. The Temples can't be reached directly, but if you meet the demands of the Temple Guardians, they will let you enter. The Guardians, it is said, live neither in the east nor the west, but far to the north and the south. The legend also says that they like certain ... herbs.


author_Name: A Banderling Ruin
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Follow the river south, and on the western bank you'll find a ruin inhabited by banderlings. It's small, but the banderlings inside are fierce.


author_Name: Dungeon Fern
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Across the river from Holtburg -- just up the hill from the Festival Stone -- is the Dungeon Fern. It's home to a small family of undead. Be careful if you go in -- they don't like visitors much.


author_Name: Glenden Wood Portal
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Trying to get to Glenden Wood? There's a portal south west of town, near the Hedged Platform. Careful, though -- it's guarded by Sclavi!


author_Name: Golem Mound
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Be careful going southeast from Holtburg, along the river. Stick to the road, especially when the road jogs east to go around a hill. There's a strange stone up on top of that hill, and for some reason golems like to gather around it. They seem to be protecting some sort of chest ... 


author_Name: Directions to the Hedged Platform
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Hedged Platform is a very strange Empyrean artifact. It's a platform with a .. err .. hedge around it. There's really no better way to describe it. Go to 37.7N 29.0E and see for yourself. 


author_Name: Hilltop
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Far, far away, near Fort Tethana, there's a portal that drops you on a hilltop not far from here -- at about 33N 35E. That portal may be a convenience for travelers, but it's caused us trouble enough. A bunch of Drudge Raveners came through and set up housekeeping in the tower on the hill, and now we can't get rid of them!


author_Name: The Rat Nest
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
On the road south of Holtburg, just past the spur to the South Outpost, is a small cave filled with rats. Rats, you say, not very exciting. But answer me this -- what kind of rats does it take to run off a pack of drudges. Eh?


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We at the Arcanum were very excited to hear about the discovery of these old Temples. The architecture, the ancient decorations, the Guardians themselves -- these things are a window into the vanished past. Even the sales brochures that the Guardians hand to you when you enter are filled with valuable clues that can help us to unravel the mysteries of our predecessors here on Dereth. 

The most fascinating thing about these Temples, of course, is the transformational mechanisms contained within. It's unclear 


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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what these 'skill gems' did for the previous peoples of Dereth, but for the transplanted Isparians they allow us to modify ourselves in quite miraculous ways. I know that there has been some outcry about what this type of modification might do to us as a people in the long run, but I for one am much more interested in the technical implications of these mechanisms than in the ethical subtleties they may conceal. 


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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In fact, by careful study, and with the help of my brilliant and dedicated fellows, I have fashioned what I call 'attribute gems'. These gems are similar in function to the 'skill gems' created by the ancients, except that they work to modify our underlying attributes -- our strength and so forth. They are not as efficient as the skill gems -- I am afraid that you can only bolster one attribute at the expense of another. In addition, you can only modify the innate level of the attribute -- not any levels that you have built up through the experience of living. 


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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I have placed a restriction on these gems so that you cannot use too many of them in quick succession. Unlike the skill gems, this restriction is not motivated by commercial concerns -- but I am concerned that repeated use of my attribute gems may lead to ... unintended effects. I believe that giving the body some time to recover between uses, however, will minimize this.

Below, I have summarized instructions on both types of gems. We must be prepared to meet the future, whatever it brings, and these gems may provide assistance in that.


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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Skill Gems:
You may only pick up one skill gem of either type -- red or green -- once per three cycles. Pluck the appropriate gem out of the air, and use it to alter your skill. Red gems unspecialize a specialized skill or untrain a trained skill. Green gems can only specialize a trained skill. You may not have too many skills specialized at once -- although note that it is not the number of skills that is a limitation so much as it is the combined difficulty of those skills. Certain armor or weapons will prevent the gems from working -- you should remove the offending items from your body and try again. 


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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Attribute Gems: 
You may pick up one red gem and one green gem every two cycles. These gems themselves do nothing -- you must combine them before they can be used. You should choose a red gem that corresponds to the attribute you wish to lower, and a green gem that corresponds to the attribute you wish to raise. Combine these and you will have a transfer gem. Use the transfer gem to transfer from one attribute to the other. If the innate levels of your attribute -- that is, the levels of that attribute that you were born with -- are not sufficient or are already as much as a human body can contain, then you will be unable to proceed, so choose 


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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your modifications carefully and with some thought. 

Again, certain armor or weapons will prevent the gems from working -- you should remove the offending items from your body and try again. At this time, I do not have sufficient data to completely reassure you that there are no side effects to this procedure. But I have used it on myself, and I have detected no problems thus far.


author_Name: Notes on the Silifi
author_Account: prewritten
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First, you'll need to attach a blade. An armoredillo spine would work. Those from smaller 'dillos, like the Sandy or Bronze, would be swift but do little damage. Bigger spines, like those from Shore or Freshwater Armoredillos, would do more damage but be slower on the swing. For some reason, Sandy and Freshwater seem to make more offensive weapons, while Bronze and Shore lend themselves to defense. The largest spines -- from Island, Hoary, and Plate Armoredillos -- would make excellent blades but require the wielder to have a good familiarity with axes.


author_Name: Notes on the Silifi
author_Account: prewritten
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Once you have a blade, you can think about attaching the Crimson Rubies. Unfortunately, the damage done to the Silifi means that you can only attach 3 of the 5 Rubies, so choose carefully. 


Below is a list of the Rubies and the last place that they were seen by adventurers.


author_Name: Notes on the Silifi
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Ruby Al-Shajar: 
    Skeleton Tomb (18.4S, 21.3E)
    
The Ruby Al-Khur: 
    Skeleton Cave (24.8S, 19.7E)
    
The Ruby Mahwan: 
    Grievous Vault (25.8S, 27.3E)
    
The Ruby Yujazik: 
    Skeleton Tent (18.4S, 12.6E)
    
The Ruby Sulmada: 
    Amiantos Bethel (16.3S, 35.1E)


author_Name: The Silifi of Crimson Stars
author_Account: prewritten
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North-northeast of Uziz, around 10.2S, 31.3E, is an ancient crypt inhabited by the tormented soul Leikotha. It is rumored that Leikotha has knowledge of the fabled Silifi of the Crimson Stars. Kayna bint Iswas, a historian who lives in the desert (around 1.7S, 36.6E) has written a long volume about the Silifi, and is always looking for more information on the fate of this illustrious weapon.


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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Some items in our world are especially attuned to the very first person who possesses them. Ivory, we have discovered, has the power to break this attunement -- or rather, to transform it into a much more complex relationship. While a simple attuned object cannot leave your person in most cases, a -- how shall we say? -- ivoried object can be stored, or given away, or otherwise removed from you. However, the item which has been so treated can no longer be used for its intended purpose by anyone other than the original possessor.


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
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We continue to research this phenomenon, but I include here several pertintent facts that we have discovered. 

Firstly, attuned items will only accept ivory from the hands of their possessor, but (luckily) a person of any skill level -- or no skill level -- can apply the salvaged material. 

Secondly, the object must be complete before it will accept the ivory. What 'complete' means varies with the items under consideration, but in general there must be no additional crafting that can possibly be done to the item.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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My freedom of the control and watchful eye of Singularity is complete. My efforts have proven to be well directed as the furthering of my personal cause for the betterment of the all has begun to spread across the minions that were set to administer and assist me in my new capacity at this laboratory. 

We have begun a series of tests that will ensure that we understand the "energy source" located in my previous excursion to this flux destination. Utilizing a remote access point that has been shrouded beyond discovery we have made sojourns into the


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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realm of the "energy source" to conduct several such experiments. Those results will be posted in future documentation. This document will serve as an introduction. The Singualriy must be informed as to how the "energy source" was discovered, so that they can understand the power that such an energy source represents to the Quiddity.

Upon my last assignment to the "Light Child"'s realm I was assigned the task of discovery and manipulation of flesh based life upon this destination. My work went well and many successes were recorded with the "ferals". Continued research 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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with the Hea without knowledge of the Collector also lead to discoveries that spurred thoughts of enhancing the mana receptors of "bestials". At the moment of success the renegades loyal to the New Singualrity and their misguided leader Levistras caused my immediate return to and subsequent censure by the Singularity. 

My return was marred by a fluctuation in the portal flux that returned me to a place within the boundaries of the "Light Child"'s realm, yet unknown. There I discovered the "energy source".


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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To the mind that knows not horror this appeared as nothing akin to a fear inducing entity, rather, a mass of energy that vibrated from within to without in an effortless and continuous union of channelled energy. The source absorbed energy and created new energy from within and was capable of communication directly to me. 

Questions gave way to discussion, thought gave way to transfer of energy. Learning. Sharing. Understanding. Finally I was assured through study that the "energy source" was incapable of direct conflict as it seemed much like the Singularity.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Agents of the "energy source" traversed about its form but none left the collective. Most appeared briefly to be devoured back within the "energy source" itself. Time was stagnant though ever present as though eternity and discontinuance were held in a tenuous balance.

The "energy source" requested knowledge of the material world, which not in violation of Singularity edicts I provided the "energy source" with the requested information. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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As time was not consistent within this realm I was free to expirement with entities that seemed to be part of the "energy source".  Shards from the Quiddity seemed to dissipate quickly within near proximity to the "energy source" but while in connection to my form they remained the pulsing consistency they always had.

Then a new understanding flooded me after sharing discourse with the "energy source"; my discorporation could not take place. I was to be instrumental in the restructuring and solidifying of the Singularity in future explorations.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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As the portal flux righted itself and returned me to the crux of the Singularity my discourse and censure over the fact that occurred during my time with the renegades were flawless. No evidence of taint was discovered because there could be no such taint. I was as cleansed as when first I drew myself forth from the Quiddity. Instead of cleansing I was given new station and returned to the material crux of the "Light Child"'s world.

This misinstruction was necessary in order to return to perform further expirmentations  for the Singularity. If they were to have 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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known about my heightened understanding and coneptualization of the place of the self within the all, cleansing would have appeared the only option. 

I had already begun to have such "feelings" during my long stay upon the material world, but they were shadowed with doubt that I could not deceive the Singularity and the agents of the Quiddity who strove to deceive and integrate themselves amongst so many others. Until my epiphany within the presence of the "energy source".


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Since my return I have carefully made advances into my research with the "energy source" aware that the Quiddity's agents were monitoring my efforts carefully. Until recently when I was able to sever clean the baleful stare of the Agents of the Quiddity and operate with impunity.

Each puppet exposed to the energy has shown immediate promise and increase in loyalty to me, and thereby the Singularity. Each has enhanced both through manipulation of mana and the concepts of thoughts. Each has gained a modicum of creativity.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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I am allowing time to transpire before I allow Masters to become exposed to the energy source. But I have become enamoured with the possibilities of what can be accomplished with other races exposed to this same "energy source". Thus we have begun to expose those races which have proven to be receptive to our modification in the past.

I have also begun to see another coherent entity at the place of the energy source. I have not yet been able to categorize this other entity. I have however noticed that it has capacity with mana manipulation


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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that appears to rival our own. I trust that it is, like me, expanding its own understanding and connection to this abundant and unending "energy source". For the moment I am content to refer to this entity as my "mirror" and we have begun an exchange of information in much the same fashion that initially existed between myself and the "energy source".

Further, inspiration has struck me in newer fashions to the extent of infusing aspects of the Quiddity into other entities that have for many years dwelled on the material 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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world. Once enemies of the "Light Child" and the Singularity have proven to come to heel once infused with shard of the Quiddity. Though a madness seems to infect their corporeal forms and taint their thought processes they have proven thus far to be formidable allies.

In conclusion, the exposure of an energy source that heightens the potential of all that come into contact with it seems a natural form to absord into the Quiddity. With it the Singularity could aspire to newer heights and broaden scopes beyond this world. For this world would surely


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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crumble in upon itself under the weight of the enlightened forces with such fervent loyalty to the Singularity. The "Light Child" would crumble and we would obtain that which we have endeavoured after since our calling to this shallow.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Time has continued its incessant clamor toward the future while my attentions have been with my latest meat creations and has allowed for our greatest achievement to combust. I have often witnessed my creations spend time stripping away detritus in an effort to expunge the alterations made to their material but never in such a magnanimous fashion.

Betrayed, ostracized and disparaged, forced to live in hovels excavated from the decayed fossils of epidermal fauna he dwelled with a collective he commanded as


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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his own. He flourished and rose to an elite prominence that cast the achievements of any of our previous enhancements into a deep shadow, only to crumble because too much of his "soul" remained to cloud his awareness and enlightenment with feelings other than self-awareness. So near perfection yet still so repressed.

My ability to communicate with the entity that was once "Martine" has ended, correction, ceased.

While this poses a new hypothesis of


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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our ministrations and augmentations toward perfect thought within lesser "material" forms, it should serve as a warning as well.

The destructive force that was held within that one entity bordered nearly to the energy source which resides at the center of this physical world. Without proper containment and instruction the energy released upon his moment of ceasing could have laid waste to the abundant resources that can be found here. Care must be taken to not alter the more headstrong and gifted of the meatlings.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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They have proven to be more than capable of rejecting our education  while retaining the beneficial aspects of our enrichment. This resulted in madness and contributed to delusions which became "real" to the subject.

The cell "Martine" created for itself will prove a ripe area for research in the future. Plans are underway to supplant authority and assert our will over the lesser meatlings. Through this I hope to reverse this catastrophic failure by managing the outcasts and renegades left by their ceased manster.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Failings in diversity and separation lead to the failure of the splinter that fled the Singularity. It was inevitable that the Quiddity would send more prolific collectors for the distorted members that had strayed. Levistras and his cohorts have been cleansed. Their destruction was nothing more than their creation and through the consciousness they have undoubtedly been reborn as so much new energy to seed across the boundaries of several cells. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Their failure came too close to my own and this inspired within me a new "emotion". Often I have considered this "taint" to be a gift learned from the flesh beings.  But not when errant "feelings" flood the quadrants of my thought processes with disconcerting babble that create fluctuations that lead to thought laced with unbalancing energy. For a brief moment I had thought that I might actually feel final release when I was collected.

This was of course an errant belief on its own. I am still Aerbax. I am, still. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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I have watched creations falter and destroy their material before but never with ferocity and cruelty. In the end our greatest strides seemed our greatest undoing. Separation from the Singularity had made Levistras and his cohorts into something that they once were, something that the Quiddity would argue I had become. But still I am allowed to exist and persist. Assistance has been forthcoming for the new laboratory since the outlanders invaded and tainted further my last such stronghold. The incessant march of the theorem of time moves onward and within these new


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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confines has allowed for my "soul" to be made even more free than once before.

The Singularity has been righted or so the Quiddity believes and through the new evolution only a few that were considered "tainted" were thought cleansed enough to persist Most were thoroughly cleansed and set to task explaining the dangers of this "Dereth". My ruse was true enough to circumvent such disciplines.

 Instead I have been given leave to further study the epidermi of fleshlings of all sorts. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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The Singularity has charged that I take a collective tasked with the unmaking and rebirth of this section of congealed reality. A place that Levistras had meant to be a seat for himself, and his collective.

An archaic structure, once home to the things that caused the "Light Child" to seek out the assistance of enemies old, new and forthcoming to aid in the eradication of the thing that drained "will", has become the home of my new laboratory. Experimentation will begin once reconstruction is complete.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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While the endeavour of reconstruction is underway I have begun to record the findings that have increased my capacity for understand and "feeling". As well I have begun the secret construction of devices that shall serve as a visual aid through the flux of portal energy. Further my newest assistants have begun the assembly of a mystical wall that will shortly shroud my activity from the Quiddity. 

I shall not be disturbed in my pursuit of refining this energy source.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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My former experiments have all been ruined. Perhaps apprehended perhaps taken, but my prized attendant Oolutanga has yet to be found in my former abode. No trace of his actions has been found by members of my enclave. In my short conversation with Leopold I have been warned that the Tusker became self-aware in my absence and difficult to control. Leopold too seems to be altered in a sense that his energies were laced with "fear". 

Should Oolutanga have broken free of his delusion that I am unto a "God" this would


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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it would be disastrous.

My harvesting began anew when I posed as  the "Martine" entity to convince his subjects to acquire a species most often found within the close companionship of the "gray ones". The species was thought to be extinct, victims of a pogrom begun by the "outlanders". Careful study of the habits of the largest of these beast resulted in the discovery of  a spawning ground in a subterranean lair with one access point. As this was the initiation of my interaction with "Martine's" cell I used subterfuge to


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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enlist the aid of his most trusted assistant. Unaware the man succeeded in the acquisition of my test subject. Happenstance allowed for my ruse to go undetected. Perhaps his flesh shall be manipulated next, and used by my mirror.

The entity that was dealt with when the subject "Martine" was harvested was no more, but the entities that dwell within the swamps are still found in abundance and so collecting subject for exposure to the energy source from their ilk has been uncomplicated.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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With the assistance of another of the "Light Child's" race "Martine" was able to adapt the carapace of the "hive parasites" into a mold more consistent to our own Hollow Creations. The process appears to be demanding to resources but with the inclusion of the energy source I intend to forge an army of said entities once this laboratory is completed.

Puppets exposed to the energy source have begun to show promise. An increased and heightened ability with manipulation of energies has been recorded. As well a 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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maliciousness unseen within the methodical members of the Quiddity has been observed. Entities have been more able to withstand exposure to climes outside the comfort of the portal flux.

The Singularity has not yet been alerted of the creation of these new heightened Puppets. Yet their adherence to orders and loyalty to me, their creator, have given promise to my thoughts that I can countermand the Inquisitorial troops that would be sent to proscribe my research and return me to Singularity for cleansing.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Already Executors have begun enlisting to be exposed to the energy source. I have abandoned any further testing until sizable data can be be collected and tabulated with regards to the longevity of the ardor of the Profatrix.

Collections have also continued from the "feral tribe" and the Hea. Arantah remains a loyal servant, though the Collector has been asserting more of the Quiddity's will over him since my departure. My desire to remain in contact with the Arantah entity has drawn thin as a result. I cannot risk exposure to the Collector.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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The catalyst for this  disquisition however is a discovery made with research subjects that were first apprehended upon assuming control of this complex. The former inhabitants of these halls upon long exposure to energies having origin within the Singularity have proven to enhance certain attributes within them. As a result I have intentions of setting them with my Profatrix as support. They shall be set to the surface of this "land" once further data and proper education has been completed.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker.

Goal: Achievements with the "feral tribe" have inspired the study to be undertaken. Intentions are to locate and identify or otherwise modify to include the mana energy receptor in "bestials". 

Success: Introduction of unwavering loyal "bestial entity" to the Quiddity.

Procedure: Prior studies have alerted the collective to the resonance of all energy related function from grey material beneath the crown of the the "bestial" epidermis.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Stimuli will be introduced to the grey matter through contact of a physical nature, visual stimuli, and audial stimuli. Should these methods fail, introduction of grey matter will continue until goals are achieved or the subject destroys itself.

Prior Modification: Physical enhancement has been introduced to enhance strength, speed and lessen pain to epidermis of the subject.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker.

Test #1: Introduction of stimuli directly to the fleshy grey matter that drives flesh energy sources.

Result: Howling. Rage. No coherent energy processes. Unlike tests with physically enhanced "guards" the tampering with grey matter has turned the beast against its master.

Conclusion: Further study needed, base understanding of fear and pain corresponds to loss of ardor toward masters.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker.

Test #2: Introduction of stimuli. Destruction of mate (Subject #2) in visual range.

Result: No visible change in subject as  subject #2 brought before subject. As epidermis of  subject #2 is flayed Howls. Rage. Coherent energy processes include desire to destroy master. Failure.

Conclusion: Stimulus fails to elicit expected response.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker

Test #3: Stimuli food source denial.

Result: After five moon risings the subject became docile and responded to visual assertions. Food source is abundant on shrouded Isle located to the south of the home of the "Light Child"

Conclusion: Receptive once emaciated and nearly dead. This device will be used should the subject forget who the master is.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test subject: Alpha male tusker

Test #4: Stimuli removal of visual receptors.

Result: Slicing the connection to visual receptors resulted in: Howling, Panic and Rage.

Conclusion: Reattactchment of visual receptors required for further study. Subject becomes destructive when removed from visual stimuli for long periods.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker

Administer: Entity "Martine"

Test #5: Stimuli: Destruction of apparent herd mate; male by way of epidermal implosion.

Result: Directed anger. Focused rage. Fear as attentions were turned to subject.

Conclusion: As previously discovered subject has sense of mortality. Further, is capable of distinguishing between unalike entities.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test subject: Alpha male tusker

Test #6: Stimuli: Removal of audial receptor.

Result: No noticeable change. Reaction only to visual stimuli. Scraping of metal on stone no longer effective in arousing fear within subject.

Conclusion: Poor test. Failed to accomplish any finding other than to determine that lack of audial receptor increases likelihood of bestial entity to disobey its masters.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker

Test #7: Addition of like harvested grey materials.

Result: Epidermal cavity can no longer contain grey material. Results are inconclusive as material appears to have not yet healed.

Conclusion: Further moon risings needed to tabulate effectiveness.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker

Test Results #7: 8 moon risings have transpired since the addition of grey materials to the subject. No considerable change has been made aside from a heightened recognition in the ocular organs. The subject responds more readily to my presence. However there is little more in way of the manipulation of mana energies.

Conclusion: Add more grey material to the overfull cranial cavity. Allow eight moon risings for healing.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker

Results #7a: Again there has been no marked increase with the discovery of a mana energy receptor. However the subject mumbled incoherently. Puppet suggested teaching the subject a language. As the language we use is incoherent and the subject seems to have intonations more closely akin to "outlanders" than "ferals" we shall begin to teach the subject the common "outlander" language.

Conclusion: We draw closer to discovery.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Test Subject: Alpha male tusker

Test Results #7b: Additional grey material has responded poorly to exposure to atmosphere. Shell built to contain and protect the material. This has reduced rejection of material. Concepts aside from speech have appeared in subject. Yet the goal of the experiment has yet to be achieved. Subject refers to itself as "Oolutanga", often. Subject refers to master as "God". I like this.

Conclusion: Levistras may bring the Quiddity's wrath upon us too soon. I have 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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invited the "outlanders" to my laboratory to let them bear witness to my creation. Yet I wonder now if there will be time.

Subject has grown more intelligent and capable but still lacks the ability to formulate the necessary concentration of mana energies. I will chance one more application of grey material before I destroy the subject.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Test Subject: Alpha male tusker

Test Result #7c: Another application has healed. For 4 cycles of this worlds moons I have labored to draw forth a mana energy manipulating "bestial" to no avail. Now at the peak of my research I must abandon the subject for a time while I attend to the ministrations of the Quiddity. 

My subject will be sequestered within my laboratory until my return. If I return. Though my encounter with the "energy source" has given me new hope that I may deceive the Singularity I cannot be assured


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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until I have faced them and returned without cleansing.

Deceipt of lesser forms is more simple for trappings of their kind are all that is necessary for integration and acceptance. But the Quiddity scrutinizes with much more diligence.

Puppet shall remain here as a guardian.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Conclusion:

Upon return from portal flux, found research laboratory in ruin. Puppet's rags littered material floor. Subject left energy signature condusive to mana manipulation on Puppets tatters. 

Experiment success. 

Location of subject "Oolutanga" unknown. Censure from the Singularity's finding will restrict my capacity to search for the subject. Concentration must be maintained


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After establishment of this facility was complete I set out to find the "Martine" entity. It was embroiled in a battle with outlanders. Oddly it had become enchanted by another of the race of the "Light Child". It had succeeded in fusing our understanding of the hollow shift with the carapace of the "hive parasites" and had obtained a loyal collective. 

Posing as the "Martine" entity I convinced one of the members of its collective to obtain a specimen for me from the cold sections in the north. One meatling was slain while the other succeeded. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Capture of a lesser form of the mattekar was simple. The "grey ones" furnished this name upon inquisition. They were bred and then destroyed so that I could use their offspring for testing. Further harvests may be necessary as my supply is now exhausted and a modicum of success was achieved.

Five offspring came from the process. The first was examined to further understand the consistency of the meat body. Cessation resulted.

The second was altered in the same way as the reedsharks given to Hea Tupera. The  


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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implant took naturally to the beast.

The third was unaltered when brought before the energy source.

One of the remaining two has been placed in stasis for future examination and the the last of the remaining two is catalogued in stasis.

Findings:

The unaltered beasts was taken to the energy source where it was exposed for the same length as the "croakers" had been.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After a moon cycle the beast was nothing like it had been. It had taken on a bipedal stance, grown arm structures a torso rippling with meat structure beneath a partially furred hide. Twisted and dark with physical prowess and a ferocity unmatched. I returned to find 3 enhanced Puppets destroyed and 2 fighting for continued existence. The mattekar was destroyed without further discovery.

After the failure of the puppets I brought the altered beast into the presence of the energy source. There I remained with 3 enhanced puppets and waited while the


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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moon cycle waxed. During that time I witnessed the transformation.

The hind leg withered and crumble to dust. The front legs twisted and obtained a new joining. The torso shifted upward as the spine structure straightened upward. Fur withered and fell off in clumps and patches. The flesh of the face twisted and the horns of the beast grew longer and more twisted. It adopted a new stance and began to communicate through grunts and chortles. Arms sprung from the center of the torso and the implant allowed for the creature to harness mana. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Puppets were taken by surprise as the assault began. I, however, was prepared. The mattekar was dispatched without chance for further discovery. I have decided to hold other specimens in stasis until further thought can be alotted to alteration of this sort.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After my first interaction with the "energy source" I set about collecting new subjects. The intended goal was to witness and classify the effects of the source upon the material make-up of other beings. I had witnessed infusions of energies so great as to reinforce the strength of Puppets to near equivalence to the Quiddity's own agents the Inquisitors, but these interactions were restricted to being capable of dealing with pure energy.

My first test was with a controlled group of  "croakers", the same that parlayed with us


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
for the capture of the "Martine" entity.

Collection was swift and a fair cross-section was obtained. Groups were arranged as one mana manipulator, one without such ability and one who was a potent mix of both. Three such groups were created.

Group #1: This group was contained within a cell structure in the Asylum where they were kept away from the other two groups, no enhancement or work was performed upon them.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Group #2: This group was brought to the Athenaeum and worked upon by myself and enhanced Puppets as Master's provided assistance to their once pawns.

Group #3: The final group was taken to the shallow where the "energy source" is most abundantly available and exposed over long periods of time.

Findings: 

Group #1 remained wholly unchanged, though the time they were kept apart from their collective altered their behavior to  


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
become more erratic and frenzied. Ultimately they suffered from a slight madness, and nothing more.

Group #2 showed a fair capacity to survive through our more extreme proddings but the enhancements were not compatible with their meat forms and the three subjects ceased within a moon cycle of implantation.

Group #3 suffered greatly while within the presence of the energy source. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The "croaker" with a capability with both  mana energy and material capacity was twisted horribly. Internal structure snapped twisted, protruded through discoloring skin. Its tough meat bubbled, redoubled and grew into immense structures that swelled and threatened to burst beneath the discoloring flesh bag that surrounded its innards.

The "croaker" with no ability to manipulate mana energies suffered less. The area about its head flattened, became restricted and elongated. As did its arm and leg structures, snapping noises came from within its body


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
as the meat within realigned to the new structure of its form. A slight discoloration appeared in the hew of its flesh and rows of thin sharp teeth appeared along the place were it ingested. 

The pure mana manipulating "croaker" suffered the worst. Boils appeared on its felsh and it began to swell horribly along all the joining points of its interior structure. Its flesh stretched and contorted as bulbous masses began to appear beneath. Screams were muted by gurgles as its neck swelled and the only sound louder than the gurgle was the sound of internal structure


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
expanding twisting breaking, rehealing and snapping again. The "croaker" grew in size towering over the others, snapping the bonds we had put in place and issuing commands to the other two. Flesh hung from its form in swaying masses. As the commands were issued the other began tearing at their bonds and the largest harnessed mana energy.

Without hesitation we destroyed the subjects. Necessity.

Conclusion: "Croakers" cannot survive the process without becoming detrimentally


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Auditor.

Maintain consistent observation of locations signified within these Parallax Auguries. 

These spatial anomalies will allow you to witness the happenings in several areas of the surface of this existence. Oddities must be reported at once. I wish to maintain careful watch over these areas.

Failure or cessation of reports from you will alert me to inadequacy in performance. Do not fail me.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
"Children of Darkness" who were captured as we claimed this Asylum have been sequestered for testing. I had originally thought to expose these beings to the energy source but thought differently of the situation.

Instead they were infused with portions of Quiddity energy. The result has been one of chaos and order. They have developed a sort of madness but a fierce loyalty to myself and to the enhanced puppets that I have set them to assist. Further information will be provided once further allocation toward study has been allowed.


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In the beginning, we transplanted Isparians who had some knowledge of locks and keys were perhaps not considered the most valuable members of the community. Some, in fact, even cast aspirations on our pasts and suggested that the main use of a facility with locks was to open doors better left shut. But as time went on, more and more uses for our particular talents were found. I've compiled a short list of those new uses here, both as a guide for the aspiring locksmith and as a proof of our worth to any in the community who might doubt it.


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The first thing you will need is a good tool. Although lockpicks are the traditional tool for our work, you'll need something sturdier for carving keys and keyrings. I recommend purchasing an Intricate Carving Tool from the fine person who sold you this guide. 

Once you have a tool, there are two directions in which your carving might take you. First, we have found a number of inoperative or damaged keys which can repaired by those with enough skill at locksmithing. These include the Virindi Master Key, the Virindi Directive Key, and the Virindi Singularity Key, all of which can be found on various 


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Virindi and their minions. These keys are not usable by humans in their native form, but can be carved with an Intricate Carving Tool and then used to unlock Virindi Troves. Similarly, certain damaged keys, such as the Twisted Dark Key and the Mangled Dark Key can be repaired to become Marble Keys and Granite Keys respectively, and these can then be used to open large caches of treasure.

Be careful, however - if your lockpicking skill is not sufficient, you are likely to destroy the key entirely. I have listed the preceding keys in order from least difficult to most difficult, so keep that in mind.


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The second path you may follow in your carving involves creating keys and keyrings from existing natural objects. Through constant experimentation, we have learned that many golem hearts are able to be carved into keys and keyrings quite effectively.  An interesting look at how some of this knowledge was obtained can be found in the manual "Mnemosynes and the Art of Lockpicking" by Vinchlane Dranal. Rather than provide a journal of discovery, however, I will merely list the carving interactions that we know today.


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Wood Golem Hearts can be carved into Intricate Wooden Keys.

Copper Golem Hearts can be carved into Intricate Copper Keys.

Iron Golem Hearts can be carved into keyrings that hold Master Keys.

Obsidian Golem Hearts can be carved into Intricate Obsidian Keys.

Granite Golem Hearts can be carved into keyrings that hold Sturdy Iron Keys.


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Glacial Golem Hearts can be carved into keyrings that hold Directive Keys.

Diamond Golem Hearts can be carved into keyrings that hold Singularity Keys.

Coral Golem Hearts can be carved into keyrings that hold Sturdy Steel Keys.

Pyreal Golem Hearts can be carved into keyrings that hold Marble Keys.

Platinum Golem Hearts can be carved into keyrings that hold Granite Keys.


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Again, if your lockpicking skill is not sufficient to the task, you risk destroying the golem heart without creating any keys or keyrings. 

Once you have carved a key or keyring, anyone can use it. Indeed, this is the true value we bring to the community. With our skills, we create opportunities for everyone. To add a key to the ring, use the ring on the key. The ring will only accept the proper type of keys. Unfortunately, adding keys to a keyring weakens its structure, so the lifetime of the keyring is limited by how many keys you have added. 


author_Name: Malan ibn Aki
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Removing a key, however, does not weaken the keyring. Use your Intricate Carving Tool to remove a key from the keyring. 

At this time, these two activities - repairing damaged or inoperable keys and creating new keys and keyrings from golem hearts - are the mainstay of the locksmithing work on Dereth. Don't be fooled, however, into thinking that these are trivial tasks. Many of them are quite difficult, and without these activities the general commerce of Dereth would grind to a halt. 


author_Account: prewritten
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Fishing License: C Note  (See TackleMaster)

Fishing Rewards:      (Caught)
Minnow                          200
Guppy                             100
Molly                              100
Fish                                  200
Large Fish                       100

After having caught the number of fish required turn in that fish type to receive your Title Token.


author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Fishing License: C Note  (See TackleMaster)

Fishing Rewards:      (Caught)
Minnow                          400
Guppy                             100
Molly                              100
Fish                                  100
Large Fish                       300

After having caught the number of fish required turn in at least one of that fish type to the Tackle Master to receive your Title Token.


author_Name: Saolor Lentain
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
For you, Aia, this Tower,
Built, for I could do naught else right for you,
This Tower to pierce the sky,
As you have done to my soul,
Its spires as spears rending the clouds,
This Tower for you,
Who will not feed the famine in my heart,
Your uncaring glances as spears,
To stab my given heart.


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I love to draw and for this reason she will never love me.  I favor the sketching of designs over the heft of a blade. Thus, she will not love me.

We were but children when we were called to Dereth.  Do you not know that I came here for you, Astara?  We were in the field near our families on a cloudy day.  The portal appeared, bathing us in purple light. You stared in fascination at this magical apparition, and then approached it. I felt nothing but fear for you, I was not drawn to it, yet I ran towards you to pull you away. You vanished suddenly and with a cry


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
 I jumped in after you. I could hear our parent's cries fading behind me as if smothered by a down blanket.  Fortunately for us, they followed soon after.

I came through portal space to this world for you.  And you will not return my love.

I am not sure when I first began loving you, Astara. We had been friends for years as children on Ispar, though your family was wealthier than mine. We remained friends here on this new, rough-hewn world. As we grew older, I began noticing your eyes, the way your lips moved when you spoke. The


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
smell of your hair. They say love is of the heart, but why is it whenever you are close my stomach jumps like it is filled with all the rabbits that dwell around Rithwic? Yet, I could never tell you.

They say I can do naught but draw. Perhaps it is true.

I cannot seem to do other things to people's satisfaction, though I try.  Yet, when I put quill to parchment I am able to create buildings of fancy, whole worlds that I would escape to. On Ispar this skill could have been useful, I could have been an artisan of


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
buildings. Fate has denied me this. This world values not such a skill.

I see how you watch Delton as he practices his swordplay on the outskirts of Rithwic. Swift of blade he is, while I am merely deft of pen. He cuts arcs through the air while I trace the arcs of imaginary structures on scraps of parchment. Sitting on the bench, I watch you watching him.  I show you my sketch, you glance at it, smile and turn back to observing Delton's thrusts and parries.  His blade whistles as it cuts the air.  Your attention towards him slices my heart. I will lose you.


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
A wandering scribe came to our cottage one day. I was pleased that he had some bright, clean parchment which he was willing to part with in exchange for my cleaning his soiled boots.  He recited stories of his travels; I showed him my sketches of buildings I wished to construct someday. When I showed him my favorite one, a mighty, multi-spired stone tower climbing to the heavens, he paused and looked at me.  He reached into his pack and pulled out a sheaf of paper. Thumbing through it, he found what he was looking for. It was an ancient, torn parchment, Empyrean in origin he said it was. It


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
appeared to be a diagram of a tall, vertical structure with floating spires. It was so much like my favorite design! He said he had intended to have this studied but thought it a fitting present to me.  

I showed it to you the next day. You examined both the ancient diagram, and mine, and held my hand for a moment, your touch electric. You smiled and said, "That is so interesting.  Perhaps you will build like an Empyrean!" My heart pounded, I could see you finally understood! Yes, those wonders that we cannot build, those are what I strive for! I draw that which


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
can only be imagined now! You had to go then, but for the remainder of that day my happiness knew no bounds.

The following day was sunny and I spotted you sitting prettily on the bench in the square. I sat down by you, we talked of nothing in particular, my head swimming the entire time with the thought that I should take hold of your hand. Perhaps kiss your cheek. I came so close to reaching out... but could not. Instead, I took out parchment and began to draw. Delton Hardor came by and went to his usual spot for practicing swordplay. I saw how you 


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
looked at him...

I knew I must prove myself to you. Regain your attention.

I challenged Delton to a match. You appeared surprised as I stood and approached him. I could feel your eyes on me. Then Delton's attitude, as always, turned dismissive. He tossed me a wooden sword. Grinning, he took a haughty stance.  I think I surprised you both by lunging quickly. I then went for his legs. He deflected my blows. I did not mind his counterblows to my body. His derisive


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
laughter I could not countenance. The rage I felt at this was something that must have been building within for some time. I went at him, flailing like mad.  To no avail, for he was able counter all my blows, raining down his all the same. I could hear you screaming, Astara, for him to stop, for me to stop. Finally, I fell to the ground. Your screams at me for my mad behavior pained me far worse than the bruises I received. I had stooped to Delton's level of trying to impress you. I had failed at this, as in most things. I shrugged off your concern and stalked away.


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Yet, I knew I must prove myself to you. Somehow.

I resolved to find the Tower. Telling no one, I made plans, gathered my things.  I had never been far from Rithwic-  this adventure would certainly endear me to you!  Finding this spired structure you had seemed impressed with would certainly be an accomplishment worthy of any bold explorer.  I had to start by journeying to Lin. The first few days were hardest... but I will not bother to go into all the details of my Journey.


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Did you even know I had left?

When I arrived in Lin, Tian Li was kind enough to put me up and tell me where I could research this structure.  I was able to discover that the Empyrean who did this sketch was named Saolor Lentain. I found evidence of an archive southwest of the Dungeon of Tatters. The archive was attributed to having been built by Saolor Lentain. I go there now. I will leave this journal with Tian Li. He could give give it to you, Astara, should you come searching for me.
  -Tamian


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I had discovered that the key to the door is held by Iron Golems nearby.  If I am successful in obtaining it I will enter the Archive. I will probably need to enlist the aid of a worthy Isparian, perhaps one who resides in one of the settlements I passed on my journey here. Yes Astara, one who is more worthy than me of the physical combat undoubtedly required to defeat one of those creatures.

Tamian


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After gaining access to this melancholy place I was able to use stealth in making my way down here. I have read through the numerous papers here in this archive.  It confirms Saolor Lentain built this melancholy dungeon, this archive.  Yet his greatest creation appears to be the Tower.  That correlates with the results of my previous research around Lin. To what purpose the Tower was built, I cannot say.  There appears to be no practical purpose for it, by Empyrean standards or otherwise.  I found letters from friends and acquaintances of Saolor berating him for just this reason. He was known to be a


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
skilled constructor, yet not one to aspire to utility.  Nor one to be clever in the ways of court and politics. Well, listen to me! Now I begin to sound like you,  Astara. What if there were no practical purpose to the Tower? What of art itself? Even on this world of endless hardship and death can there not be art?  The beauty of the thing itself. That tower glistening in the dawn! What might that be like, its heights rising like hope. The setting sun, perhaps, like blood coursing up its spires.  The view from its heights presenting the entire world at your feet. In their long lives, did the Empyrean not have time for art?


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Yet, weak though this one Empyrean may have been by reputation, his power outshines ours.  We cannot endeavor such constructs.  Would that we could. 

Would that I could. Perhaps someday I will learn.

In the morning I will continue on to the tower. I know now it is southeast of Uzis. Oh, Astara. This is a solitary, lonely place, this archive. My solace is that I have found some blank parchment.

Tamian


author_Name: Leandra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have put quite a lot of time and effort into chorizite research.  I will attempt to simplify my many months of hard work into this short note, as I am sure you are just as interested in hearing about the final result as I am interested in revealing it to you.  I will try to be short with my words.


author_Name: Leandra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have discovered a way to distill high quality chorizite into a powerful formula.  The result of this new found power is the transformation of chorizite from a magic-ignoring substance, to that of a magic-absorbing one!  But understand this well -- only one type of material, found only in one item on Dereth, has the ability to withstand the strange reaction to this potent form of chorizite.  Melee warriors of all disciplines should be most interested to know that this unique item is a long-forgotten crystalline shield known as an Aegis.


author_Name: Leandra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
An apprentice of mine recovered the Aegis we have only a few days ago.  He had been exploring and happened upon an old armory, while running along the southern landbridge towards the Direlands.  The compound was in a state of decay, overrun with fiendish undead.  Fighting fiercely through the hallways and rooms, he found a large quantity of these Aegis in what appeared to be a storage area.  He recalled to Rithwic with his life, and one Aegis to show for his efforts.


author_Name: Leandra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I was surprised by the shield's composition -- a crystal I had never seen before.  It felt brittle, as though a single blow might shatter it to pieces.  Since it would not be useful as a protective device any longer, we had nothing to lose by testing the chorizite formula on it.

As fate would have it, the chorizite fused with the crystal in a way I would have never expected!  The Aegis seemed lighter, almost transparent in a way. It was as if the crystal did not physically exist anymore.  But it was still there, I could see and touch it, and it still retained some weight. 


author_Name: Leandra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
When my apprentice wielded the shield, an aura not unlike that of a hollow device sprung forth from the Aegis, surrounding him with a magical glow.

Our initial results indicate that the aura generated by the Aegis is a protective one, and will partially absorb the energy from a magical bolt.  I use the word partially, because we have not yet been able to extensively test the properties of magic absorbtion.


author_Name: Department of Fish and Games
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Where's my fishing pole?

If your just starting out you will need to get yourself a good fishing pole. As part of the Explorer Societies fishing program the DoFG, Department of Fish and Games, provides the Tacklemasters with most of the components to craft your pole. All you need do is find a Wood Golem Heart or Golem Jo and turn it into the Tacklemaster who will assemble a new fishing pole just for you.


author_Name: Department of Fish and Games
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Finding a place to fish.

We have designated a number of fishing holes for licensed fishing.

Holtburg  - Waterfront
Yaraq     - Waterfront
Shoushi   - Waterfront
Nanto     - Waterfall
Rithwic   - Bridge
Cragstone - Waterfall

As the DoFG finds locations, new Fishing Holes will be opened.


author_Name: Department of Fish and Games
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Do you have a license?

To insure the stability of our fishing industry the DoFG is keeping close track of who is fishing and what they catch. This means that you need a license to fish. Licenses may be purchased for a reasonable rate at Tacklemaster Shacks located at every Fishing Hole.



                         ATTENTION!!!
Fishing without a license is strictly prohibited and Poachers will be dealt with severely!


author_Name: Department of Fish and Games
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Fishing for Profit

All catches should be reported. As an incentive the Tacklemasters will award exceptional fisherman with Titles. The required fish counts will be posted at each Fishing Hole.

Catch and release is encouraged for smaller catches. Tacklemasters are also licensed Fish Dealers and will buy your catches at the fair marked price if you wish to sell to them.


author_Name: Department of Fish and Games
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Fishing for Fun

Of course above all fishing is supposed to be fun. So stay safe and enjoy your new past-time relaxing after a hard day of defending our lands from the evils of Dereth. Take in the calming beauty of the Fishing Holes as you chat with your fellow Fisherman. See you out there!
                    Head of DoFG
                   -Michael J. Fourcatcher


author_Name: Tamian Wilmot
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Oh glorious irony! This mighty tower, calling from the earth to the heavens. Calling for the love Saolor Lentain could never have! No matter the powerful Empyrean builder or the meek human- all fall to the intrigues of the heart.

Astara, I will extend, nay, continue my journey to seek the building craft of the Empyrean.  I will go off to the wilds. I am stronger now. Someday I will be back. I will come for you, my love.

Tamian


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The dark spawn came in force to steal his staff. Those who have sworn eternal service to Anadil, in both life and death, repulsed the attack, but it cost us greatly. In order to prevent them from stealing the remainder of the staff, one of our number has taken it to the  necropolis found at 49S, 54.3W and hidden it there. The rest of our party are moving toward the abandoned observatory to the northeast. We believe the spawn are holding the piece they stole there.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I'm not afraid to say it: Black Ferah is a fool. Assaulting a tomb to steal a relic? Even if this Anadil struck down one of the blessed Hopeslayer's Thorns, the creature is dead. Despoiling its tomb does nothing to further our cause and right the ancient wrongs committed against us. And don't you sense the meddling of those cloaked creatures? Why do we waste our time on this pointless raid?
 
Worse yet, we only retrieved a portion of the creature's staff and lost many our breathen in the process. If Black Ferah wants the piece, tell her to come get it, if she can tear herself away from her constant vigil by where the 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The scholar Felscuda, who lives in a small house around 8.8S, 53.1E, is always looking for blank parchment for her studies. 


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Now, now my children you didn't think that old Oswald had forgotten about the misbegotten and wayward, lost on this world far from home? Tsk tsk. I hope you enjoy the latest gift I've left behind. I'm sure that the savvy fletchers amongst you will divine the secrets of their creation. Use them well and be wary of the eyes in the shadow, they might be mine.


author_Name: Ulgrim
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
What you want more rules then?
No Drinking without Ulgrim
No Funny Names
No Fishing
No Nay saying
No Signposts


author_Name: Ulgrim
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
For those of you wondering where I got this Signstone, it was the original model for the larger version now in Shoushi. No one seemed to be using this old one so I borrowed it.


author_Name: Amaltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Lurkers, I call upon you now to band together with your brother clans and seek freedom from atua ngamaru. We have been given a chance at freedom, a chance to build a new homeland free from our old masters and the outdated traditions of our old world. 

Rally your commanders and your warriors, gather them beneath your banner, and convene with us in the brushlands near besieged Dryreach. There we shall unite our people, and train a vast horde to carve out our freedom.


author_Name: Amaltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Worshippers of the forebears, hear now the call of your blood. Join with the might of the Tonk to carve from this fat land a homeland which is truly ours. 

Put aside your former slavery, and join with us near the besieged settlement of Dryreach to train and prepare. There shall we begin our conquest of this world.


author_Name: Amaltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Clan of the Mask, you who served most directly under the atua ngamaru are most in need of freedom. Your souls are blackened with the lash of our once-masters, but your bodies are hardened with the gifts that they gave. Now the atua ngamaru are dwindling -- sunk deeply into their own mire, where we have no place. 

I call to your blood. I call to your soul, from the ancient past when all Tonk were one. These gifts they gave transformed us, remade us without equal. Now is the time to claim this world as ours, to carve a homeland from this fat land.


author_Name: Amaltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Convene with us near Dryreach, and we shall train together. Our might will spread across this world until we are the masters!


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
A few years back, a traveling merchant by the name of Surnad came through Arwic, peddling his wares. He left with rather more than he brought, however -- including the heart and hand of Denterra, the daughter of Dragando the Leech. Surnad was willing to give up his wandering ways for the girl, but Dragando had big plans for Denterra and forbid her to marry the peddler. So the two young lovers left town one night, under cover of darkness, and haven't been back since. 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They set up not too far away, however, in a small house in the Lost Wish range north of here. If you go north of Arwic and look for the abandoned hut, you'll find the Mountain Shortcut portal that will take you into the Lost Wish Mountains. Surnad and Denterra are just on the other side of the portal, near a handy portal back to Arwic. I think Denterra is waiting for her father to relent so they can move back into town, but I've also heard that Surnad is doing good business with the Mites in the area. If you visit them there, don't tell Dragando -- he's still pretty angry about the entire thing!


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The mage Branith was a sorcerer who fought, for a time, alongside Thorsten Cragstone himself. His chosen magic was pyromancy, the way of fire: his foes often met their ends in raging infernos that left nothing but ash in their wake. It was only right, then, that the staff he wielded would evoke flames as well.The Blazing Staff, an Empyrean artifact shaped of sunstone, became famous among wizards across Dereth. Though not the mightiest such item, the eminence of its wielder would make it a grand addition to any mage's arsenal. 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Unfortunately, its location is not known. Branith has since given up adventuring to live a life of quiet seclusion in the mountains, but he no longer owns the staff: it, and several other items of power, were stolen from his home by mites. Perhaps one day, some intrepid soul will find it again.


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Deliver the antigen to relieve the dissenters of their impurity. Once complete return their essence to the Quiddity so that it may be harvested and collected. In the event of misfortune or a privation of troops return to the Singularity at once, do not allow any of your comrades to be contaminated. Failure to achieve desired effect without evidence of assiduity will be cause for reclamation by the collective.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Interrogator, 

It has come to my attention that the Quiddity means to eliminate us before we can achieve the solidification of our paradigm. Your facility is their inaugural incursion against us. Prepare yourself and endure their onslaught. Reinforcements are forthcoming.

You must prove to be the bulwark that cannot be breeched. Our efforts and research cannot become the providence of incognizant thinkers before they have had the opportunity for enlightenment. Use whatever means necessary to thwart their advancement.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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I consign the holding to your calculating mind and entrust you with safeguarding the efforts we have seen to fruition. Spare no resource in actualizing your bastion. Dominion must be overpowered so that our pure intents may come to be.

Aerbax


author_Name: Mage Syltyn Rillon
author_Account: prewritten
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Only one deemed worthy to wield this cold blade may obtain it from the dais. Seek out Mage Syltyn Rillon who resides southwest of here and a trial shall be set upon you.


author_Name: Mage Syltyn Rillon
author_Account: prewritten
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If you are here by instruction of Mage Syltyn Rillon of Glenden wood, you may find the Virindi Complex north of here.


author_Name: Syltyn Rillon
author_Account: prewritten
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A Tale of Paths

Altas touched Syretta's cheek. This was the day of their parting, the first leg of the separate journeys they had chosen to undertake. Two paths, one destination, they would be together at the end if fortune was kind. A parting kiss and they were off, he to the west, she to the east.

On the second day of his journey Altas found himself thinking often of their first meeting. It had been in Hebian-to.  He had finished downing some ale at the tavern and walked out the door. 


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Perhaps it was the ale, perhaps it was fate, he found himself walking towards the blacksmith shop across the square. Approaching the shop he saw one customer standing at the window, a female in green mire armor. She turned then and he marvelled at bright green eyes and blazing red hair that seemed to light up the square. She smiled.  He bowed, quite elegantly he thought, rather clumsily she thought, yet in a charming way. They began talking. Such was their first meeting.

She had a strange dream the second night of her journey. She was walking east along


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a road when a bright red and blue bird landed in front of her then flew off to her left, cawing madly as a crow would. She turned towards it and found Altas was standing in front of her. He beckoned to her, then stepped aside. Behind him was Aerlinthe Island. Not any particular part of Aerlinthe Island, she just knew it was all of Aerlinthe Island right in front of her. The island was covered with the red and blue birds. The cawing noise was incessant.

On the third afternoon of his journey he found himself surrounded by banderlings, eight of them circling him. Turning to face


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north so to avoid the sun's glare, he shifted his spear to his right hand and struck the one before him, then struck the banderling to his right. Both banderlings fell, providing him with two avenues of escape. The circle of  banderlings broke then, however, the creatures having lost their courage. They scattered in all directions, leaving him safe to continue onwards.

Having broken her sword upon the fang of an Ursuin who nevertheless met his fate, Syretta was forced to deviate from her planned route and stop in Eastham. After a repast at the tavern she went over to the


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blacksmith's shop. Syretta opened the door, greeted Rundiscar the Weaponsmith and went to Getram the Armorer who was standing in front of his forge. He laid out four swords on the window facing the town square and another four on the opposite window, offering that she examine each one. She tested the heft of each weapon, the keenness of the blade. She examined several, did not find them to her liking and moved to the other window. It was uncomfortably hot, the heat of the forge seemed to be baking the entire left side of her body. Syretta quickly examined one on


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that window, then moved further away from the blazing forge and picked up the second in that row. The hilt of the sword fit her hand perfectly, the balance was superb. The last two swords on display looked to be the wrong length. The one she held should do nicely. 

"I'll take this one, good sir," she said to the weaponsmith.

Getram cheerfully accepted a stack of pyreals and bade her good day.  Thus equipped, she continued on her journey.


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On a southern-bound road he came across four men. One was from Fort Tethana, one from Yaraq, one from Yanshi and another from Tou-tou. Three of these men tried to deceive him, wishing him to part with his money. Various schemes they tried, from wagers to tales of woe of kinfolk who were in dire need of any pyreals he could spare. The fourth one, a sturdy individual from Fort Tethana, he found to be honest and they became friends during this leg of the journey.

Syretta came upon a portal one day and chanced to enter it. Arriving in a dank dungeon, she ventured down through its


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slime-covered passages. Half-way down she was beset by mosswarts but handily defeated them with her new sword. Continuing downwards, Syretta entered a larger chamber. Through the torchlit gloom she could see one wall was carved with Empyrean runes. More mosswarts lunged at her, but they fared no better than the ones above. Syretta was curious about the runes, having studied for a time under a scholar who had given her some understanding of Empyrean writing. Not wanting to chance the appearance of more mosswarts than she might be able to handle, Syretta copied the runes onto a few pages of parchment and departed the dungeon. Finding a rock


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outcrop, she sat down on its moss-covered side and began deciphering the runes. The runes on the stone described the four seasons of the year, beginning with the cold of winter. The carver of these runes had clearly preferred spring and summer. Winter and Fall had been given a cursory, dismissive description. Spring and summer were lavishly described, the flowering of trees and buzzing of bees given a good deal of attention. Syretta generally preferred these two seasons herself and decided she was in agreement with the ancient Empyrean who had carved the stone wall down in that dungeon.


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Altas decided he never wanted to see the desert again.  The blowing sand had been scraping away at his face and arms for three days now. One could escape or fight raging monsters but there was no getting away from these incessant, blinding particles. The flat plains regions may be a bit boring but he was looking forward to them.

The daylight was fading when Syretta finished studying the runes, the air had grown chill. She stood and stretched. Shivering, she warmed her face in the setting sun. Tomorrow would be the last


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leg of her journey but she could get a bit of a start on it yet tonight.

He met her finally at Lin, their meeting destination. She fell into his arms, an embrace they both had missed. They recounted their individual tales of travel and adventure.  No longer would they journey separately. A few days later, hand in hand, they headed for Nanto. They would see the Nanto Falls together.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
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Aurlanaa, the last of the Gromnatross has left our world. Still they do not see what they have become.

She was the last vestige of grace upon this world and now she is no more. They returned to Aerlinthe believing their cause was righteous, believing they had carried forth the will of the Light. They believed the words so spoken by Nali Valind and trod forth to Ithaenc where they laid waste to all life and crushed the last of the Adjanite Order.

My fears have been well founded. As the 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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years move forward it becomes ever more apparent that the grace we once possessed has been stripped away and we cannot recover this without altering our course. My way has been chosen from the moment my mother placed her hand against my cheek and kissed me goodbye.

Adja's order is no more, the Gromnatross have now all  left us, and with each day that draws closed I fear more and more that I truly might be the last vestige of light upon this world. 

If the prophecy of creation handed to me


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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from Adja's hand is true, am I then the last champion? Am I the only being in the universe that sees that the Light is dying?

I have my hope. Delacim and the Order; and that hope is stronger than the faith that the fanatics of the Northern Church possess. The violation of Ithaenc cannot be punished openly, for now more than ever I must maintain secrecy and care.

I will see that the world is once again fit for you Aurlanaa, I will see that the Light has a place.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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As observers it is ever our first priority to remain unseen, mindful that contact with these races could alter their culture in a way that would be infinitely damaging. To that end the Collegium Ingae Fatae has devised potent rites cast upon our excursions prior to travel through the portal flux. It has ever been my position to ensure that the weave of the spell does not falter on worlds where the potency of magic is dampened. Since the piercing of our veil on Ezheret we have redoubled our efforts and implemented new techniques to ensure that we are not seen.

Yet I cannot help wondering if what 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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happened on Ezheret has deeper import than we have given credence. Since the discovery of portal travel there have been experiences felt by myself and others that can only be described as "reliving". As though the moments that are playing out before us are predestined or have previously occurred. This predetermination has no bearing or direct correlation to divination and so I am unwilling to think that these are mere instances that I had seen in a vision, nor are they hallucinations.

Ezheret is a moon world capable of supporting several species. Three of these


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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species appear to have better than animal intelligence, capable of crafting rudimentary tools and sustaining a limited form of speech in the lesser of these forms to the ability to speak in a tongue that we were able to learn quickly through the greater.

Perhaps the most interesting of these species were the Tonk, the good-natured creatures that pierced the illusions and fell to their knees in worship of us, promptly corrected. These peoples appeared to have seen us before, several of their structures appeared to be influenced by the 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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architecture once prominent on Ireth Lassel, 
though certainly more crude and rudimentary. The basis for their art and their understanding of magic as a tribal gift from the gods that sang throughout the cosmos, as they referred to the suns, was also reminiscent of our first steps into grasping magical talents. 

Yet, there had been no logged instances of travel to Ezheret. Some scholars here at Knorr have begun discourse over the possibilities that may have lead to the development of these peoples. Currently the leading theory falls to Raem Lairaun


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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a young girl whose family traces roots to Haebrous descent. She theorizes that at some future point we shall visit them again, and when we do we shall have circumvented the principle of moments and traversed to a period before their intelligence was heightened. She believes that we shall spark their growth and open their potential to become the beings that they are after our recent visit to their world. Theoretic Magic indeed, but a forward thinking that may one day give rise to a new school of potent magic.

Her opposition comes in the form of 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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another much like herself, only Yaeve Saedi hails from Yalain descent, and believes that this is an anomaly. Something that is as the stricture of the Northern Church an accepted universal constant that there are beings that are meant to watch others and guide them through their lives. Hers is also a valid belief that has allowed for much debate amongst the halls of Knorr as of late.

I however have begun to dream a third possible scenario. Our race is seeped in mystery and unknown. The furthest that we can trace our lineage is over 30,000 years 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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prior to this, the Third Age of Lore. We are constantly rediscovering ancient ruins of cultures that time has swallowed or swept away...

Perhaps my discovery of Planar travel was not a discovery. Perhaps it was a reawakening of a magic that had long slumbered within the world waiting for a time to be used again. If this is the case then who might have ventured to Ezheret, perhaps to other worlds before we have done so? These answers I hope to learn as we make future preparations.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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The next research trip will be lead by Delacim. I'll make sure to send both Yaeve and Raem along, as they can both draw further and perhaps more resolute conclusion by further exposure to the denizens of the world. Though the focus will not be placed upon the Tonk but on the Banderlings, a race to which we will not expose ourselves, I think that it will offer more insight to all three theories.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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Emperor Kellin has placed a garrison within the walls of Knorr. This is the first instance that there have been any within these walls that did not earn their way through without solving the riddles. I have underestimated Gaerlan's resolve in being allowed to attend our off world visits. Never had I thought that he would entreat the ear of the Emperor and use time granted to explicate the inner workings of this Lyceum. Nevertheless, until I can unshoulder my burden I must make whatever amends are necessary to ensure that the sacrifice of the five is not unhinged.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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I have given them residence within the Caerlin Dormitory, apart from my personal guard. The Emperor was fair in his insistence and allowed me the courtesy of keeping the Order of Perfect Light as the main force of defense of the Lyceum. Though he now knows my secret I have surmised that he fears me more now than he has before and as such he might be willing to extend an arm to test my resolve but he has yet to strike at me.

His forces will accompany us when we make our next trip to another world. The ritual will began on the first day of 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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Mournful disaster struck as we breached the world of those things. We have catalogued them as Olthoi in our libraries, and the warden shall be informed of their existence. But my heart shall never recover.

For more than 1700 years I have lived upon this world, mindful of the burden that every man and woman carries throughout their lives. Their days are filled with the wonder of learning and splendor that has been the Cerulean throne now since the Darkness was repelled and the Council of Five gave their lives for all, but these people have not seen the spread of time. They have not 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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watched as those whom they new as children grew old and passed away to the dust from whence they were born.

Now my prodigy is dead. A victim of a hostile world the likes of which my wards could not comprehend or warn. A world that teemed with virulent life that choked the very sun from the sky and poisoned the air with a scent of fruit set to long in the summer heat. 

Delacim is dead. His brother has used his position to levy the Emperor to force further expeditions to this world despite my


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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trepidation and staunch objection. They will conduct their surveys and collection regardless of my aid, and I cannot allow the sole responsibility of summoning fall to Gaerlan. His mind is not open enough to comprehend the nuances of the planar flux, so it must be my hand that the portals to the Olthoi homeworld are made.

Knorr will become a facility to test these monstrosities in the depths of the Lyceum scholars sent by the Emperor shall prod the creatures and learn what makes them resistant to our magics. Unlike the Tonk these creatures are horrors, incapable of 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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communication away from their masters. In a sense they remind me of Gaerlan, unfaceted, flat, base and depraved with a sense only for survival, at all costs. (Translator's note: This line was scratched over once as though to be stricken. Personally I agree with Asheron here.)

These events were cloaked from me, and so I think that all the ages that shall come hence will be forever altered. I wonder if this is the beginning of the Darkness' next sending, is this my next test?


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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Delacim was my hope. Now he is gone. I, the servant of the Light, am alone to bear the weight again.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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As Lord Master of Knorr I have access to all that transpires within her walls, this has become a necessity in recent cycles as the scholars sent by Emperor Kellin have begun to filter the information that they offer me in regards to the Olthoi. The latest collection attempt has resulted in the discovery of 3 new variants bringing the total racial variants to over 30. More are discovered as they progress across the world. They have brought only 5 variants of the natural predator to the Olthoi and those have been taken to facilities away from Knorr for the sake of seeing that the subjects here remain unharmed.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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The creatures appear unfocused and will-less incapable of performing any function aside from base survival instincts that include the ingestion of food and preening. Their ichor is a potent acid that has rekindled my interest in my father's alchemical studies. Another expedition is planned soon to retrieve a larger specimen and collect more of the fungi that the Olthoi voraciously consume.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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Long have the years been for me and in this time I have come to understand the necessity of armies. My father once stood as a beacon against the darkness and marched his army against the swelling tide lead by he who shall not be named. Through his sacrifice truths were learned and the Council of Five was convened to discover a means to eliminate the darkness.

My father was slain in that assault as were all, save one, in his army. She returned altered, a withered husk of what she had been, with tales of horrors the likes of which


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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none had ever bore witness. 

I am left now with a choice. As the Nali spreads the word of the Northern Church throughout the Empire more beckon to her call and her ranks of followers grow. If she succeeds in moving the seat of the church to Tentael then she will have command over the armies of the newly crowned Emperor as well.

Newly crowned... How hard those words are to read and to write. This is not some ascendance to the Cerulean Throne.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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I feel as though a crime that has roots extending deep into the framework of our society has the strings behind this appointment.

Empress Cellaurai's disappearance nearly two years ago was shrouded in mystery. The Nali's position was not questioned when the Empress went missing, rather she was called to assist in the investigation into the disappearance. My position and discoveries have kept me silent through these times and perhaps that is why these events transpired under the guise of such coincidence.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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I fear that the level of corruption that has been wrought upon my people is another sign of future events, and through divination I am certain that there is another crest building to rise against the Empyreans. My search for an heir to the burden that I carry is complete and his education has begun in earnest, yet there are still obstacles that I must face. 

Knorr has a standing force of defenders. Though the Dericost have been usurped and driven under the world there is  still a likelihood that one day there will be another insurgence, thus we have maintained the craft that was 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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my father's discovery. We have stoked the forges deep within the heart of Knorr all the years that I have sat as its Lord as well.

There we carve weapons wrought of the mystical pyreal and hammer them into the weapons that shall be used to strike against the Darkness and black reflections should they come to storm again. 

At each of Knorr's Libraries we, myself and my eldest Councillors, have set one fourth of the knowledge to create the stones that shall be used in the fight of Light against


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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Dark. There they shall remain until they are needed again.

My life is one that is already nearing an age beyond what most would call usual. To that end I fear that if Nali Valind were to ever discover the truth of my age that I should be purged, as such I must ensure that the Light will retain champions against the darkness. To that end I shall borrow a lesson from the Ishilai Lyceum. I will establish a secret order that will stand as a force that will usher the Light where Darkness falls.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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At the Barracks of Knorr they shall be recognized as the true warriors. Within the halls of Knorr they shall be known as the defenders of the Lyceum and they shall serve as my army should we fall to a time of war.

They will wear badges of honor and merit as they progress through the trials of purity and rise to positions of prominence. 

They shall come from the ranks of the Heiromancer's and of the Medi; they shall be masters of all paths and they shall be marshalled for the purpose of maintaining 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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order where corruption would attempt to gain footholds.

To join the Order of Perfect Light one shall need to become an adept of each of the fourteen spheres of magic, for without an understanding of all that encompasses this world we cannot strive to see it thrive. They shall be ushered to the level of Defender of the Light and attain the rank of Initiate. They shall be chosen by myself or by the others who hold tenure over courses offered here at Knorr and they shall be held to an oath of trust.

Rites shall indoctrinate any who advance


author_Name: Lord Asheron
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beyond the rank of Initiate, and so they will be able to alter the armor of the Hieromancer with an orb that radiates pure light. With this they shall be tested as to their prowess, those with lesser skill shall be known by the purity of their armor. Those with greater skill will shine through the divine energy within, they shall be known by the vibrancy of their auroric plate.

They shall be trained in the truths passed from Adja, and my mother and trusted with the knowledge of the corruption that bleeds into all aspects of our society. 


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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If I am to leave a legacy upon this world, it will be one that recalls the pure intentions of our once great race, before the time when avarice found its way into our hearts from the depths of this world. It will be a temperent and understanding society that maintains the order of the universe by seeking out corruption and quahsing it where it rises.

The Light will have a champion.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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Delacim,

Should this have fallen into your hands then the curse that is my life is over, and now the burden falls to you. I can only express my certainty that you have earned the position that you will fulfill. You have proven to be innovative and pure, the very same thing qualities that are necessary to stand against the next sendings of Darkness.

Once we were a noble race who did not war amongst ourselves, we lived in tranquility and peace for millennia, but time has a way


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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of dulling or tarnishing the facts with the much of generations and stirring hate where none once lay. I have lived lifetimes as you have learned. Those years transpire and grow heavier upon my frame. Never had I thought a mother's kiss could weigh so heavily on the heart of her child.

I was chosen, as are you, to stand against the tide of Darkness. It has not returned. It has been an Age since he who shall not be named was banished from this world. If all goes well then this shall be the case forever more.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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I give you now the knowledge as it was handed to me, by those who remembered the days before when we were still beings of purity and grace. 

This tale, a prophecy so named by my mother, was the last thing she spoke me and the first thing I remember her ever telling me. I have spent many long years in introspection upon her death thinking of another way that it could have been, but it was to be this way and nothing could avert the fate of that moment.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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As darkness draws about light
And all falls to ruin so shall come; the star.
The darkness will impart its wisdom,
And the Light shall lose its way.
And blackness shall fall across the land,
And the Light will be hidden above.
Then shall the light gain its wisdom
And Champion.
For Alaidain's blood shall be
The savior of the people
And then Darkness shall send again, 
and be beaten
And so it will send again,
and be beaten.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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You see Delacim, it is a prophecy that stands in opposition to the curse of Eibhiill, the curse placed upon the line of Alaidain. These words are heresy, and must never reach Nali Valind or a fate similar to Ithaenc would come to Knorr. Guard it well, commit it to memory and destroy every last vestige of its writing.

Adja, Light protect her, imparted this to me as well. It is a tale that she said has been passed from the earliest generations of Empyrean, though it is a tale that is not told by the church and is also heretical.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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There was but Light and Darkness;
And then Auberean.
Darkness sought to seed Auberean
And climbed within the world
As Light created guardians,
And sent them to defend.
Guardians made war
Against the darkness,
And the darkness drew forth defenders
From the land
To stand against the light,
And the Light called lesser children
To bear itself against Darkness.
And then the war was won.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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So the Darkness lay
Still and silent
But ne'er beaten by the bringers of Light
And so it called its children.
Not to make new war,
But to seed the soil with new treachery.

And the Darkness reached out
And brought forth other worlds,
So too the Light.
E'er Auberean at the heart
Where ever shall rest the war.


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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I have oft wondered at the truth of these words. As it would seem that there is credence to be garnered by such a tale. Yet the evidence is thin at best. But as I have lived I have seen the poison of the Darkness creep across this world under the guise of avarice, greed, lust and power. I have witnessed the Light used to persecute and destroy innocents, I have watched this all for nearly 2000 years. 

If you would (The letters are scratched out here, odd as they seem to have been mystically etched.)


author_Name: Lord Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
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On the most recent excursion to the homeworld of the Isparians, supervised by Delacim, two students remained behind and one returned with a handful of "pets"; small furred creatures with long tails and wiry whiskers, who are both timid and bold at the same instant. After a reprimand I allowed the student to keep two for his own and collected the other 3 for study.

Already the specimens have doubled in size and begun to exhibit a proclivity toward reproduction. Only the indigenous rabbits of Auberean seem to propagate more quickly than these rats.


author_Name: Caemryn, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
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Alb'arel ascendant, Rez'arel descendant Day 4

We are but four. Our food has held out for three days, and the wards upon the door are holding. The conventional locks were more effective at first but when the rumbling deep within the Lyceum ceased the wards seemed reinforced. Now we are but four tired and starving initiates of the Perfect Light.

We shall not rest in our vigil for our purpose is to safeguard the helm of the initiates as is charged by Lord Asheron. Let 


author_Name: Caemryn, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
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this journal serve as memoriam of our efforts as we stand now against this crest of purple and black that has so swiftly torn through our ranks.

Alb'arel ascendant, Rez'arel descendant Day 5

These beasts are not sent from the Darkness, they are monstrosities that serve the creature captured from the world where death loomed. Lord Asheron protested the capture of the behemoth, he warned against its storage here, and now we fear that she is free roaming the corridors of Knorr and


author_Name: Caemryn, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
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shaping it to her will. 

We have recounted the battle that brought us to this place where the Helm of Initiates is kept and we all agree on the following. These creatures fight with ferocity and cunning unmatched. The Dericost, who were formidable foes, were not half as potent or efficient as these monstrosities. Though we are all too young to have known the bite of the faceless ones that stormed the surface of this world only to be repelled by the Lightbringer, we have wagered that even they were not as fearsome.


author_Name: Caemryn, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
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They are canny tacticians, placing smaller shock troops at the fore, these smaller beast found holes in our ranks where saw none. The smallest with large rear legs and a screech like the howl of undead in the swamps of Ireth Lassel proved to nullify our magical aptitudes, shirking aside the gifts of Illusion (Translator's Note: This is my most educated guess at the meaning of the words Ignae Fatae) piercing the veil that covered the door to upper and lower chambers of the barracks proper. Once within the largest marshaled the field issuing orders through chirps and motions of their top most pincers. The Golem 


author_Name: Caemryn, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
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guardians fell first as though the things had faced them in the upper lairs.

We watched as their most plentiful soldiered forward and cleared paths through our men, shields buckled and the weapons of Lord Atlan did not bite deeply against this menace. The potency of the pyreal does not work against these invaders. The true slaughter began when those that walked on four legs began scaling the walls and creeping along the ceilings falling on us from above. Our ranks fell quickly then.


author_Name: Caemryn, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
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Handfuls escaped deeper within the barracks but access to the conveyances to the other portions of Knorr were sealed by a torrent of the chitinous creatures. We four, Daelyn, Faerla, Haedu, and myself escaped within this room and vowed to stand our ground; holding true to our oaths.

Lord Asheron, should you still live and come into possession of this journal, know that we four held the helm in safety for no less than four days. 


author_Name: Caemryn, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Alb'arel ascendant, Rez'arel descendant Day 6

The chirping has returned, and with it the failing of our wards. The door has yet to be breached but we four are preparing for what must come next. We shall stand against the darkness to our last breath. 

Caemryn
Initiate of the Perfect Light


author_Name: Harlune, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Lord Master Asheron,

I write this with a heavy heart. I must admit now that I am outside your reach that I perpetrated a ruse against you. Serving as one of your defenders in a previous visit to the world Ispar, I was aghast at the rise of the queen Alfrega to the continent of Aluvia. I have maneuvered in the past weeks to attain a position on the next venture there. I am a learned student of Illusion (Translator's Note: I've seen this before in another document bearing the words Ignae Fatae, I am assuming this is the correct translation.) and will abide by the


author_Name: Harlune, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
mandates of travel to other worlds while I am there. 

I leave this with you to inform you that I shall live out my days there. At least to see that the line of this corrupt woman is ended and the people of Aluvia are free. I will make no effort to persuade any more of your students to stay with me, nor will I inform them of my intentions until we are set to return.

You have always taught us Lord Asheron, to obey what the rightness in our hearts tells us to do. I feel that the Light is waning


author_Name: Harlune, Initiate of Perfect Light
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
on this world, and I believe though perhaps foolishly that I might provide a small enough beacon to guide the wretched masses who now cower beneath her rule to rise up against treachery and evil. I thank you Lord Master Asheron for being a compassionate and caring guardian.

Walk in the Light,

Harlune


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
My dear Alatar!

It's wonderful to hear from you again -- it's been years! I hear stories about your adventures, of course, but that's not the same as a letter. I'm glad to know you're well, and that you haven't lost your sense of humor. The tale of your stay with the undead -- that was hilarious! I was laughing so hard, I had to read it aloud to Borelean; he thought his mother had gone mad!

Oh, and it was kind of you to ask after him -- I know well your feelings about children, but let me assure you that Bor is well past the


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
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drooling stage. He is a bright little boy, giggling and serious by turns, but always polite, and so smart. He reminds me always of his father, but he is already his own person and indeed has already left his own mark on our new world, with more to come as he matures, I know. Asheron says -- but no, I'm sorry. I know how you feel about Asheron also, and I don't want our first correspondence in a decade to annoy you. I remember your annoyed face, with your brow beetled and your mouth puckered, and I have no wish to inflict that image on myself any longer.


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
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But you, you rogue, you have annoyed me already with all that talk of "Queen". I forbid you to call me that, old friend, and if you do it again I shall dispatch Royal Guards to find you! "Is it good to be the Queen?" indeed! And asking if I have used my position to secure romantic engagements -- well, let me just say that I was so incensed by that question that I am considering putting up a monument to you in the middle of Holtburg. Is that threat enough to make you hold your tongue?

Ah, but you know that I am joking with you, Alatar. In truth, there is a certain young man ...


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
but it has not yet gone beyond the 'certain young man' stage. We are friends, we talk, and I do not know if I wish to pursue the matter beyond that, although I rather think he would be willing. We shall see.

As for the rest of it ... let me lapse into seriousness, although I know how you hate that. I do not feel adequate to this task, Alatar. I did not mean to become Queen -- but there were things that needed doing, and no one was doing them, and so I did them. And once I had handled the immediate tasks, there were more, and more, and always more, and suddenly I was not just the person doing -- I


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
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was the person in charge of doing. I'm still rather confused as to how that came about, exactly -- but I haven't much time to think of it, because there is still so much more to do.

What saddens me is the attitude -- and I know that it exists, for I have seen it in some eyes -- that I am doing this for my own aggrandizement, or from a sort of power lust or megalomania. That attitude is so foreign to me, as you well know, old friend, that I cannot  puzzle it out even a little. How could anyone enjoy this terrible job, this constant worry and politicking, this eternal struggle to meld so


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
many disparate threads into on strong realm? I think perhaps that part of the problem arises because I am most visible when there is some trouble, and thus many come to associate me with troubled times. Goodness knows that we have had our share of flamboyant trouble in the past few years. They do not see our efforts -- not mine alone, of course, but the Council's -- to hold us together, to keep our fragile society alight, and to grow it into a place of peace and plentitude for all. 

Take this recent bother with the shopkeepers: more recent arrivals tend to consider themselves residents of Dereth all together,


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
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but many of the first arrivals still live wholly in one place and feel their first loyalty is to that town. There is no sin in that, of course, but in this parochialism they have chosen to exclude others. Why, it was all I could do to convince the shopkeepers to no longer charge a tax on trade notes from other towns! You would think I had asked for their firstborn! But eventually, reluctantly, they agreed (although even then they raised their prices to compensate, but I still count it a win overall) and so we are one step closer to a united Dereth and -- dare I say it? -- perhaps one day a banking system such as we knew in Ispar.


author_Name: Elysa
author_Account: prewritten
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But enough of that, old friend -- I have no wish to weary your grizzled old ears with such maundering. Suffice it to say that I am happy in my life, if not always content. I have my son; I have my friends; I have my work; that is enough. But if there were one more thing I could ask ... it would be more letters from old friends! You do not know how your missive cheered my day. You must write again, and soon, and tell me more of your wonderful stories of adventure and exploration. I will send this off now, but I remain:

You friend always,
Elysa


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Oswald,

Within this letter are the objectives that must be achieved in order to create the device that you desire. But I warn you, begin down this path and you may find it impossible to retreat. I know that you are set to your path but I felt as though one final word of precaution might do you well.

Choose your victim well and if it benefits us both all the better. Be especially careful to conceal your tracks and place the blame on someone else. You are a valuable acquaintance and I would be displeased to


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In the future there will be some who look back on these events and question the morality of my actions. I am fully aware that many will view me as a monster, while some will regard me as a hero to be emulated, others still will be unaffected by my actions. Whichever thought you ascribe to me there are some parcels of information that you should be made aware of as they may color your opinions for good or ill.

I have always possessed the capacity to kill. There are men like me all over Ispar who are trained in the deadly arts; 


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
we are a foundation upon which the world was created. There must exist people to police leaders and ensure that they do not overstep their positions and become despots. The code by which I had lived on Ispar seemed naive on this world where each day we struggle to survive against beings that do not understand the concepts of law or lawlessness. So I became a profiteer using the skills that had been taught to me through years of intense training and pain. 

I have always worked for the highest bidder amassing a fortune that rivals the greatest vaults of Viamontian Robber Barons.


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I earned the respect of many people by ridding this world of Gertah. I handed out countless baubles and goods to those that I met in my many travels across Dereth and then, for a time, I became a recluse.

I did this to procure myself a small but functional place to live and to establish a testing ground for others that might one day want to walk alongside the Vagabond King. Recent events made me long for my days of adventure and so I sought out a new employer, not very hard to find. There are fair amount of scoundrels and villains out there that share my unique morality.


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
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Now, to this endeavor and my goals. I have always been able to find holes in Asheron's Magic but though I am an assassin I am not one to abuse my skills. I'd rather keep them and use them when either the price is right or the deed is righteous. Probably odd to understand but it is nonetheless true. 

Knowing what I have always known, and hearing tidbits of actions taken by people here and there, the history of this world and the magical arts that were practiced by some of the less savory inhabitants piqued an interest in me that needed to be sated.


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
There is a legend that the power of one's blood could be transferred from one being to another via potent rituals, but since I am not mystically given I'd never thought about being able to perform such rites.

But then this legend became more clear and more apparent. Tomes discovered at distant and forgotten holes in the ground translated over countless hours that stretched to days and finally to years, allowed me to discover that these rites were simply that, nothing mystical or magical, just a rite.


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
So I set about collecting the trappings. You've undoubtedly found the clues that lead to the final object that was required, a sacrifice. 

Before you get weepy for Jaleh al-Thani there are some things that you might like to know about the man. He was not true nobility. Then again on this world the Bloodright of Kings is something that has fallen by the wayside. High Queen Elysa is well deserving of her title in my personal estimation. She is, after all, the reason that we no longer stir acidic vats wherein the fungal blooms are seeped for the Olthoi. 


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Further, she has sacrificed a pleasant life for one that deals with the maddening details of political intrigue and personal slander. I have to admire someone that would place themselves in such a position.

Getting back to Jaleh. He was a liar and a thief much like myself, a profiteer that stole and charged exorbitant rates to people that wanted succor within the bounds of his town. A self proclaimed mayor and administrator over a patch of land that belonged to none. All of his wealth was blood money. Taken from the purses of those that made the mistake of crossing him


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
at some point in their sorry lives. And for what? For the ability to call himself a mayor and run a town? No, no. You see what Jaleh was really after was something far greater, I will leave the particulars for you investigative types to fill in.

He was a lying cheating scoundrel who had turned his back on a code. That is an offense that on Ispar was punishable by death. I reclaimed what had been taught for those that cannot reach this far.


author_Name: Aaminah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Ro,

I have been without tongue to speak on the slight that my husband paid you when he purchased the shirt from your master. When we arrived back home in Ayan Baqur he confided that this is the best quality of silk and craftsmanship that he has ever seen. With my husbands passing I feel that I must settle old slights so that his soul may find rest among his ancestors. 


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I had never expected there to be so much blood. It seeps everywhere now that I have finally killed the man. It stains everything that I touch and has even begun to seep into my armor. Everything is washed red. There is no escape from the screams and the look on his face. I feared, very briefly, that I would lose my mind. 
Thankfully my greater sense prevailed and I was able to gain control before I slipped into a catatonic madness. Read well my words you who have trespassed here: This blood will seek all who steal from it, though I am protected. 


author_Name: Oswald's Translation, Author Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Beneath the blood moon 
I offer this spirit.
Feed from the blood of this innocent.
Feed from the blood of this heart.
Fill me with its purpose.
Fill me with its cause.
Let me be as the prey.
Let me be as the hunter.


author_Name: Duplicated Portals
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Ever since the Virindi messed with portal space, odd things have been happening to portals. Why, just a few weeks ago I heard reports of not one, not two, but FIVE portals opening up! And not new portals, like usual, but portals to places we already knew about. They just sort of ... copied, I guess. Duplicated. 

Anyway, if you want to go check these out, here's the approximate locations:


author_Name: Duplicated Portals
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
35N 20E
24.5N 8E
23S 60E
50S 15E
60S 55E

Oh, and be very careful if you enter these portals! The entrance may have moved, but who knows where the exit ends up at these days?


author_Name: A Sparking Stone
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I've heard tell of a strange purple stone in a cave south of Lin and west of Mayoi. It's guarded by nasty zefirs. There's also a book there, but no one I know has actually braved the zefirs to see what it's all about. If you want to try your luck, head northeast from the West Mayoi Mountain Villas.


author_Name: Scout Tar Sheltin
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Olthoi seem to have accelerated digging.  I hear their claws tearing through the earth all around me. I have managed to find this portal link near where I have left this note. I must investigate where it leads. If you should get this note please bring it to the High Queen.


author_Name: Scout Luzumin Abigwei
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I discovered that new Olthoi now inhabit the old lair. These are of a more vicious variety, making this an ominous development. I will see what lies beyond the nearby portal. This note should be delivered to a member of the Queen's Royal Guard.


author_Name: Scout Tel al-Arat
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Stealthiness is a primary trait of any good scout. I have had to bring all my skills to bear to get down to this level alive and relatively undetected. These new, deeper catacombs are an ill portent. If anyone finds this note please alert the Queen's Royal Guards.


author_Name: Scout Sala Thorn
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have had to slay a number of Olthoi on my journey down here and find that the ones inhabiting these lairs now are more dangerous than the Olthoi we understood to live here. The catacombs have been expanded.  The Queen must be made aware of this.  I leave this note in case I am unable to report.


author_Name: Scout Tzin Chu
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I am disheartened to report there is much activity on the part of the Olthoi who now dwell here.  These are deadlier breeds and seem to move with new purpose.  There are even deeper catacombs I must investigate. If retrieved, this note should be delivered to a member of the Queen's Royal Guard.


author_Name: Scout Sei Lin Wei
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Deadlier breeds of Olthoi have infiltrated these catacombs. There appear to be many more than previously sighted.  Something has aroused them. They appear to be digging deeper.  It is difficult to discern down here but they may also be digging in the direction of human settlements.


author_Name: Scout Nytani Strongbow
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have managed to get down to this new level still alive. No previous scouting expeditions reported the existence of this tunnel which appears to be new, nor this portal.  I will go through it and see where it leads. If you should get this note please bring it to the High Queen so she is aware of the situation.


author_Name: Luzumin Abigwei
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Upon entering the lair I was previously familiar with, it became immediately apparent that different varieties of Olthoi had infested the tunnels.  These were more active and aggressive. I managed to work my way down to what had previously been the lowest levels.  There, I discovered a portal leading to new and deeper catacombs.  These were inhabited by even deadlier Olthoi than those above.  An ill omen, to be sure, and worthy of the High Queen's  attention. There is deadly purpose in all this activity.  Thus, I was not completely surprised to find yet another portal at the bottom of these new catacombs.  However, on the other side of 


author_Name: Luzumin Abigwei
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
the portal was a series of catacombs of older origin.  It is possible they may be a central hive of some sort.  When I eventually came upon a couple of other scouts that had survived this reconnaissance we had been tasked with, it was obvious that a number of Olthoi lairs are now linked to these catacombs.

Most surprising of all was my discovery of a long-trapped group of Isparians.  A hunting party had set forth to clear out Olthoi in other tunnels and a portal had lead them to these catacombs.  Apparently an exit portal was available for a while,


author_Name: Luzumin Abigwei
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
then it disappeared.  Some of their acquaintances went to search for them, expecting to be able to exit, as before. They also became trapped.  Since then, they survive as best they can, under primitive conditions.  They became very adept at fighting the Olthoi.  Fortunately some areas of these catacombs provide a natural environment somewhat more beneficial to human sustenance than Olthoi tunnels.

Our arrival here may have been fortuitous- as evidenced in the lairs which lead us here the Olthoi are demonstrating purposeful activity and movement.  Without some assistance their prospect for survival is 


author_Name: Luzumin Abigwei
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
tenuous at best  Therefore I and the surviving scouts decided to stay and help keep the Olthoi at bay.  Additional help may be necessary, should this threat grow, and it does appear to be growing.  

The Royal Guard should alert the Queen and all Isparians should be vigilant.  The Olthoi may be on the move once more.

Scout Luzumin Abigwei


author_Name: Blackmire Swamp Temple
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The swamps south of the Yanshi Ruin are a dangerous place. Here you will find congregations of gromnies, undead, and mosswarts in abundance. If you go far enough south, you will come across the mysterious Swamp Temple. From there, go east to a small cellar and then south past the liches (Walk softly here!) and you will find an ancient Empyrean pillar that acts as a magnet for water golems.

Yes, the swamps are a fascinating place.


author_Name: Missing Person Rumor
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I spoke recently with a traveler from Ayan Baqur, and he made it perfectly clear that Jaleh al-Thani has gone missing. Apparently Jaleh's wife is inquiring about his whereabouts and is looking for any help that she can get.


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Olthoi they have struck terror into my heart ever since my first steps on the blasted landscapes of their home world. In that first excursion I lost much. 

Upon my second visit, I was given insight into a vast culture that was gifted with an incredible intelligence and understanding of tactics. The swarm there was bolstered and guided by their Queen.  As though she was the facilitator and coordinator of all their efforts.

During a battle with what appeared to be the Olthoi's only natural enemy, what some 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
here refer to as Grievvers, I was able to construct a mystical structure to allow us to bear witness to the battle. We watched a fantastic massacre and were able to obtain an Olthoi specimen for study. As we made our way out of my shelter a great rumbling began deep beneath the soil.  I instructed the expedition to retreat to the portal with the specimen, while I remained behind to examine this new threat.  As the research expedition disappeared into the grayish-yellow mist that was the air on that world I was met with a most terrible sight, an Olthoi Queen.


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Her armies, tired and beaten by the savagery of their assailants, lined up beside her and in front of her as she issued a complex sequence of hisses, chitters and clicks. I began my retreat slowly until she released the horde upon me.  Flying beasts dropped from the sky in an effort to grasp my robes and hoist me into the air, but the magic of my armor was too strong for them to pierce.  Then without warning, all of my defensive spells disappeared and I was left to my weakest magic.  I ran...I was not able to continue to hold off their assault and so I resigned myself to seeing that the iris of my portal was closed so that they could not 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
make their way through.

The queen pursued, carried aloft by a host of her flying beasts.  As they lowered her to the ground they fell from the air exhausted, perhaps dying.  The portal back to Auberean was closed; I needed only to use one of the gems that myself and a few others carried for emergencies, but I feared that whatever it was that was draining my access to the higher magics would render the gem impotent.

I called upon my knowledge and reached within the dying mana streams of that 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
world and I fought her. 

I was able to open a hole in her carapace utilizing the most base of the heiromantic spells in my arsenal, but I did not kill her - I merely stunned her. While she reeled, her horde became confused and reverted to the the collection of food and fighting amongst themselves.  I felt the magic return to me and used the gem to return home. 

Against my advice, the Emperor sanctioned return expeditions to obtain as many specimens as Gaerlan could.  I opened each portal and closed them upon their return. 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In all, over twenty variations were collected and many more catalogued before they captured the Queen.

When Gaerlan made his way back to my school with the Queen specimen, it became apparent that he had captured the same Queen I had fought.  She was injured, suffering from wounds inflicted by our warriors and at her breast was a deep crack from the assault I levied against her years before.

When she came into Knorr she was incoherent, nearly insensate but I saw 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
something that drove a deeper fear into my being:  recognition.  She knew me.  I could tell by the way that her eyes fixated upon me and held there gaze until I left her presence.  The way they bore into me like flame.

The impact of her arrival was felt immediately.  Other olthoi specimens began to act out aggressively in their pens.  Research was suspended as we attempted to regain control over the lesser Olthoi. 

We learned very quickly that the Queen was breeding. She was developing an egg 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
sac upon her arrival and though she was injured it did not slow the progress.

She was weakened and had no forces with which to rout us, and then the disaster struck.  A portal had remained open from their world to this, one that we had not known about.  Olthoi species began pouring through and as they came into proximity of their hive mind and leader they...
...you know the rest. My society entered a war against the Olthoi that lasted for over one hundred years, and in the end, we lost.


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I took every precaution to end their invasion but they bred so quickly, and with the birth of new Queens we fought several hives at once.  They did not make war on one another as was speculated about their home world.  They were all of the same brood, irrevocably tied to their one Queen.

After all of those years of fighting we made our way to Ireth Lassel as a last effort to sequester and save our race.  But not before a massive loss of life to acquire formulae from my father's research.


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
During the war we had obtained one queen, mature and developed.  With the assistance of five of the most potent practitioners of Acumen Manim we were able to render her insensate.  We used her as a research specimen in conjunction with my father's works hoping to create a venom that would be used against them.  But the Queen had already dispatched flyers to Ireth Lassel carrying a single egg that would grow into another Queen.  Our efforts to discover the location of the burgeoning hive failed, and the safety of my people took precedence over the research. 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After our years of failing to find this Queen I, with a heavy heart, cast the spell that sent my race into the flux of portal space, where they do not age, and are kept alive through a means that I still do not completely understand.  Then I concealed my whereabouts through the most potent use of illusion that had ever been enacted and began my research anew.  After nearly five hundred years I had found my answer.  But I had only enough venom for one use.

I left my lonely tower to find the Queen that ruled all the world and was met instead by the Virindi.  Our conflict was short, for


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
all their current potency they were still lesser beings learning to adapt to a strange world. Yet they were able to harm me and when that conflict was done, I was drained of much energy and so returned to my tower, knowing that I would require all my strength if I were to defeat the Queen.

But my conflict with the Virindi had greater repercussions.  My portal network was reactivated through some nefarious means, and as a result portals opened on all worlds to which we Empyrean had traveled.  This caused an influx of creatures to the world, an occurrence I was unaware 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
of until...

Some years later your people arrived, and as I made my way from my tower back to Ireth Lassel I was in awe.  I was horrified that the portal network I had established had gone so terribly awry.  All manner of creatures, from worlds that I had visited with my students, roamed across the land.

Most, with rudimentary intelligence, were enslaved, stirring the vats that the Olthoi used to assist in the growth of their fungal blooms.  Others remained free, establishing minor outposts and occupying the great 


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
halls of my people. 

The Aluvians, the Isparian with whom we Empyrean had the most contact, were enslaved.  When Thorsten and Elysa made their way to my island, I made the decision to follow my heart.  This land was concealed.  The Queen here needed to be destroyed so that the people who had been brought here could live their lives.

I gave the phial over to Elysa and strengthened the spell that surrounds these lands.  The Olthoi could not pierce the veil over this island... or so I had thought.


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
But now, as it was when the Queen of the Olthoi first asserted herself over the hordes that poured through the portals from their world to this, I am stricken with an illness that drives the mana from me, making the access of higher magics impossible.  The Olthoi have bred another variant of their leeches. 

I have erected a shield about my tower to ward it against the Olthoi presence but there is little that I can do beyond this.  I must open portals to the mainland in hopes that some will come to my aid.


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Then we must band together and prepare for this menace.  For if she is returned and alive then I fear only the worst.

I fear that she has always been searching for me. The numbers that have poured forth from the ground lead me to believe that there is a horde greater than the horde that first swarmed over Knorr and cast the civilized world of the Yalain aside.  I fear that she leads them with a singular prupose, that of revenge. But I do not think that she will stop with me. 

If she is allowed to breed on Ireth Lassel


author_Name: Asheron
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
then everything that I have worked for and all that I have done in this life has been for naught. 


author_Name: Harker
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Solclaim 2nd Firstday, 14 P.Y.

The farms seem to be growing at a healthy pace. Myself and Remmick have been spending more time keeping the vermin away then actually tilling the soil. All manner of odd creatures can be found down here: rats, Olthoi, wasps, and perhaps the oddest, the grub.

They remind me of the weevils that we used to find in crops back on Ispar. Only these are far too large, growing as large as a man's leg sometimes.


author_Name: Harker
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They've become more plentiful recently and Remmick thinks that there must be something that is stirring them out of their dirt holes deeper in the soil here. I just hit them a couple of times with my sword and they split apart. They're too little to really provide much of a challenge.

I rather prefer the Olthoi, pincers flying hither and fro, now that makes for an interesting fight. Remmick is going top-side tomorrow to talk to Hibdin about how well the crops are doing. He'll be gone for the rest of the week.


author_Name: Harker
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Solclaim 2nd Starday, 14 P.Y.

One of the farmhands found a secret tunnel yesterday. We'd never seen it before. I had them wait here while I grabbed a torch and headed down to see what was there. I didn't find much of anything at all, though there were a handful of those grub things munching away on dirt and some odd looking crystals.

I came back here and told the fellas to stay away from the hole until Remmick gets back, he'll know more what to do. 


author_Name: Harker
author_Account: prewritten
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Of course, as I write this I am getting ready to go down there again. The rest of the boys don't need to worry about it and I can handle myself.

Solclaim 2nd Earthday, 14 P.Y

I met a very nice man in the tunnel, his name was Brax and he was quite well spoken. He said that he had been living under the ground for a long time. It was funny when he talked, it almost seemed as though there was a hollow echo coming from him, but I heard the echo in the tunnel before so it must have been that. 


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
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Seal the entrance to the tunnel. 

Maintain an appearance of confidence.

Utilize discretion in your actions, Harker.

Our location cannot be divulged to the Singularity until it is time for the merging.


author_Name: Muldavus
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Our attempts to take Linvak Tukal were frustrated, though the Citadel should rightfully have been ours. With rage comes resolve. We shall return to that endeavor, but for now we turn our attention elswhere- the unsavory alliance of the humans, Aun Tumeroks and our brethren may be fought on many fronts. Fort Tethana is one such location. Capture the fort. They call us Renegade now, soon they will bow and call us "Master."


author_Name: Instructions
author_Account: prewritten
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First, the components of his binding must be gathered. 

Journey to the Empyrean Cloister, located almost directly east of Yaraq along the boundary of warning stones set out for younger adventurers, and retrieve the Skull of Avoren Palacost. 

Journey to the Shade Stronghold, located northwest of Crater Lake and directly east of the Essence of Strife, and retrieve the Heart of Shadow. 


author_Name: Instructions
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Journey to the Chakron Flux, on the northern rim of the Obsidian Plains, and retrieve the Fragment of the Singularity.

Combine these powerful relics into a Dark Crucible, and return the Crucible to the Chosen of Asheron. The Chosen will provide you with a way into the Sepulcher. 

Thus may you pay your respects.


author_Account: prewritten
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We at the Arcanum are pleased to unveil our latest find in the study of alchemy. Hiro, the Arcanum's Artificer, and the alchemists here have made a fantastic discovery that will give alchemists an enhanced role in the future of Dereth. These are the initial findings as documented on our first successful tests.


author_Account: prewritten
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Items Used:
Aqua Incanta (Only concentrated Aqua Incata will work)

Powdered bloodstone

Eyebright

A crucible

A vitriol potion

A pyreal mote


author_Account: prewritten
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The process begins simply:

Step 1: 

Use a pyreal mote across the Concentrated Aqua Incanta: this process is miraculous and yields what we have termed Aqua Vitae, living water. It's highly acidic and is a catalyst by which the cibation process is infused with magical properties. A single mote will yield five doses of Aqua Vitae. An expensive process but one that is well worth it.


author_Account: prewritten
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Step 2: 
Pour the potion into the crucible. The crucible is capable of holding the most corrosive liquids that we have ever seen. It can be super-heated over flame or super-cooled without sustaining any structural damage.

Step 3: 
Add the eyebright to the potion. This process will dissolve the eyebright into the potion; adding a small amount of heat here speeds the process along and allows the herb to be dispersed through the potion.


author_Account: prewritten
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Step 4: 

Add a vial of Aqua Vitae to the eyebright and vitriol mixture. This step is much more difficult, as the magical properties of the Aqua Vitae are added to the already boiling mixture. Failure at this point will result in a pile of vile smelling slag, but successfully timing the cibation yields a potent mixture that needs only one more step to become useful.


author_Account: prewritten
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Step 5: 

Pour the mixture onto the powdered bloodstone. As the mixture is poured onto the bloodstone it hardens and the qualities of the enhanced vitriol and eyebright become apparent. The end result is a gem that is imbued with a regeneration spell equivalent to the spell of the third circle.


author_Name: Ciandra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This success is only the first of many that we see in the future. We are still working on finding more combinations but with this as a guideline we hope to discover the remainder of the combinations to allow for several spells to be mimicked through alchemical application.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Greetings. If you are in possession of this missive then you have chosen to assist in the collection of the entity known as the Harbinger. I thank you for your offer and welcome any assistance that you may be able to provide.

I am sure that my colleague, Vincadi, has imparted the details of the challenges we face in regards to this endeavor, and I am pleased to see that you still possess the gumption to stand by our side.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
As you are likely aware, the Virindi loyal to my cause have shunned the Quiddity's yoke, and have begun attempts to ascertain the truths of the self.  Vincadi has become adept at expression and free thought.

He desired to make contact with your species in order to study your forms and learn what makes you each so unique. Thus far he has learned that it is mostly attributed to your emotions. He particularly enjoys the smile that sometimes graces your faces. I digress.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Since Levistras's failure I have been under harsh scrutiny. Virindi do not register personality. Virindi do not lie. Virindi are not capable of masking thought, and yet I have achieved ability with each of these. I have become a thinking entity, and my experimentation has been further because of these new feelings. I am pleased.

Recent incarnations of testing have yielded more potent, and individually destructive iterations on previous successes. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
For example: The Drudges that have recently been integrated into the wild are my latest accomplishment. Conversely the Banderlings seem to be a natural progression of their species. The Drudges have always offered a unique, and complex specimen. Their cranial cavities are large, containing a grey matter that is equally as large. However, the grey matter seems to have been victim to a cruel punishment of nature as the potential of the species is diminished by an inability to form coherent thought for any length of time.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have found, through years of testing that rote can circumvent the failings of nature and thus alter the intelligence of the Drudge to mimic a learned, or programmed response. This had been my greatest success; however, with the assistance of an Energy Source, recently discovered in a remote laboratory, I have been able to accurately imprint the seeds of personality to some drudges with which I tamper. The greatest of these results roam the dire wilderness areas of this physical plane.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
With these successes and the successes I have achieved with study on others of my species I have come to the ultimate conclusion that this energy source is capable of releasing the greatest potential in any being. Thus in the interest of scientific curiosity I am endeavoring to acquire a great specimen to either prove, or disprove my theory.

It is to that end that I have sent Vincadi to interact with you, and his words have obviously swayed you in some fashion as you have at the very least agreed to view our proposal.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Many of the new variants that have made an appearance on the surface of this physical plane have been my doing, other are not. I wish a collection of minor specimens so that I may track down these specimens in their natural habitat when the proclivity to test these subjects arises. The greatest of these specimens is the entity that you Isparians refer to as the Harbinger.

In order to prove your dedication to assisting me in this undertaking I require that you first provide me with a token that proves you wish to assist me once and for all.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Vincadi will collect these objects and has been given the necessary understanding to reward you greatly for your efforts. Should you choose to accept this undertaking read further. If not, cease.

I am aware that you have an obsession with improving yourselves, you never seem to be completely satisfied until you attain the pinnacle that nature will allow you, and so I wish to offer you assistance in achieving that potential. My reward is simply that. I will further your ability in whichever of the skills you desire. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Vincadi will channel the knowledge to you once you have chosen which skill you wish to advance. To do this you must provide a leaving of one of the following species. The object you offer will correspond to the skill you desire to enhance. I have instructed Vincadi to utilize the following chart for acceptance and dissemination of rewards:

Drudge Cabalist Charm = Life Magic
Banderling Aggressor Scalp = War Magic
Murk Drudge Charm = Creature Magic


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Insidious Monouga Idol = Item Magic
Peerless Drudge Charm = Magic Defense
Telumiat Hollow Minion Mist = Melee Defense
Savage Banderling Arm = Missile Defense
Reedshark Reaper Hide = Unarmed Combat
Olthoi Mutilator Head = Sword
Banderling Bone Ring = Dagger
Rendeath Shreth Hide = Axe
Skeleton Primeval Shin Bone = Mace
Gauloth Shreth Hide = Spear
Gloom Drudge Charm = Staff


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Drudge Bloodletter Charm = Bow
Dark Master Skull = Thrown Weapons
Banderling Predator Scalp = Crossbow
Reedshark Slasher Hide = Alchemy
Plate Armoredillo Hide = Item Tinkering
Drudge Mystic Charm = Magic Item Tinkering
Drudge Sage Charm = Armor Tinkering
Bloodthirsty Monouga Idol = Weapon Tinkering
Banderling Antagonist Scalp = Cooking


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Banderling Slayer Scalp = Fletching
Merciless Monouga Idol = Lockpick
Drudge Ravener Guts = Leadership
Obsidian Golem Heart = Loyalty
Wood Golem Heart = Assess Creature
Ash Gromnie Tooth = Assess Person
Phantasm Essence = Mana Conversion
Copper Golem Heart = Jump
Iron Golem Heart = Run
Granite Golem Heart = Deception
Skeleton Hero Skull = Arcane Lore
Olthoi Noble Head = Healing


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
As you can see each of the items you harvest from these creatures corresponds to a skill that you might have knowledge of. Choose one and only one and I will assist you on reaching your maximum, natural, potential. If you are already at your maximum natural potential then Vincadi's efforts will fail, he is not as experienced as I and cannot bring you beyond your natural
potential.

Of course, this is only the first of your efforts. The bulk of your venture will come when you enter into the tunnels that we have established to the Harbinger's lair. 


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Be warned that we have enemies. These enemies have established a network of tunnels of their own. We have assaulted their efforts to ensure that the specimen can be collected without being corrupted, in turn they have invaded our access points.

They are lead by a potent mage, who has also circumvented our control over the portal flux. While this is consternating, I am more interested in the acquisition of the specimen, and therefore desire that you eliminate their forces only as a secondary measure. Your primary concerns is the weakening of the Harbinger entity.


author_Name: Aerbax
author_Account: prewritten
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Once we become aware of the Harbinger entity's destruction we will summon forth a portal for you to utilize.

Be sure to complete this process. 

You will be sanitized and returned to Vincadi. He will only know that you have completed your task if you have gone through the sanitation process.

I wish you luck.

Aerbax


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Children of Ispar,

Since the dissolution of Gaerlan's power we have known that he summoned an entity meant to eradicate us. You may also know that Gaerlan had intended to place the essence of that form within me. He failed.

Since leaving the Arcanum to my former student's capable hands, I have continued my efforts to make life on Auberean simpler. 


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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I have provided for you where I can, creating new lifestones, and continuing to garner knowledge of Empyrean culture, to learn why they faltered and ultimately were destroyed.

I have found that Asheron has lied to us several times. There are texts that speak about a being such as the Harbinger, a being that slumbered within the mana streams, a spirit of the land who watched over the most ancient of the Empyrean. 


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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I have also learned that this being, having been removed from the mana streams, is slowly draining the magic from this world. If it is not returned to the place where it was intended to rest, it will ultimately tear this world asunder.

By speaking to Issk you have shown that you are of the character that I require for this task. While I am powerful, I am not able to match the magical prowess that is the mana of this world.


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
While the Harbinger in it's physical form is relatively weak in comparison to other creatures, its magical essence is potent. It was the reason that Yanshi burned so quickly.

If we are to leave the Harbinger to its own device, in time it will construct a form that can house its indomitable power. When this occurs magic will regress to the strength that most are accustomed too on Ispar.


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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While this may at first appear as a boon, as the enemies that prowl this land would also be affected, it would mean that the tenacity, and numbers of our enemies would overwhelm us, relegating us to a position of subservience. I will not see that happen.

Issk has been given my permission to enact a rite upon you to grant you greater knowledge into skills that you may possess. He will do so if you agree to assist us, and show the resolve of your pledge by handing a trophy found from the creatures that mar the landscape of Dereth. 


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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I have informed him that the items collected and handed to him should represent a skill. These are the items that I desire and the skill that they will represent to Issk:

Drudge Cabalist Charm = Life Magic
Banderling Aggressor Scalp = War Magic
Murk Drudge Charm = Creature Magic
Insidious Monouga Idol = Item Magic
Peerless Drudge Charm = Magic Defense


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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Olthoi Mutilator Head = Sword
Telumiat Hollow Minion Mist = Melee Defense
Savage Banderling Arm = Missile Defense
Reedshark Reaper Hide = Unarmed Combat
Banderling Bone Ring = Dagger
Rendeath Shreth Hide = Axe
Skeleton Primeval Shin Bone = Mace
Gauloth Shreth Hide = Spear
Gloom Drudge Charm = Staff
Olthoi Noble Head = Healing


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Drudge Bloodletter Charm = Bow
Dark Master Skull = Thrown Weapons
Banderling Predator Scalp = Crossbow
Reedshark Slasher Hide = Alchemy
Plate Armoredillo Hide = Item Tinkering
Drudge Mystic Charm = Magic Item Tinkering
Drudge Sage Charm = Armor Tinkering
Bloodthirsty Monouga Idol = Weapon Tinkering
Banderling Antagonist Scalp = Cooking
Banderling Slayer Scalp = Fletching
Merciless Monouga Idol = Lockpick


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Drudge Ravener Guts = Leadership
Obsidian Golem Heart = Loyalty
Wood Golem Heart = Assess Creature
Ash Gromnie Tooth = Assess Person
Phantasm Essence = Mana Conversion
Copper Golem Heart = Jump
Iron Golem Heart = Run
Granite Golem Heart = Deception
Skeleton Hero Skull = Arcane Lore


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Once you have chosen the reward that you desire I would ask that you heed Issk's request and enter into the levels beneath the ruined town of Yanshi. I must warn you. There are enemies who lurk there waiting for your entry, desiring to bring you death. The corrupt Virindi, Aerbax, has placed his forces into the tunnels we crafted to gain access to the Harbinger. You will need to be prepared for them.

He has collapsed my portals from within and I can only open them for a short time now. 


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
When you have gained access into the Harbinger's lair you will need to disperse its physical form. When this is done I will summon a portal for you. Use this portal.

Using this portal will allow Issk to see that you have been given my blessing, and have succeeded in the task set before you. Return to him and he shall award with all the knowledge necessary to bring you closer to your fullest potential in whichever skill you choose.


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Returning the Harbinger into the mana streams of the world will be a slow process, one that must be done cautiously. I thank you for your efforts in advance. It is through the wisdom and strength of others like you that we shall this aberration returned to where it belongs.

I wish you well,

Nuhmudira


author_Name: Antius Blackmoor
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Preliminary scouting reports that the majority of nests on the eastern half of Dereth, Osteth, have been destroyed. This leaves only the direlands threatened. Four towns, under the protection of High Queen Elysa, have asked for assistance in ridding the land of the Olthoi. I had been dispatched, as an emissary, to speak with the inhabitants of each town, ensuring them that the High Queen will personally lead the charge against the nests here.

With that first task accomplished, I had turned my attention to finding the location of the remaining queens and nests. 


author_Name: Antius Blackmoor
author_Account: prewritten
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A cursory glance across much of the direlands revealed very little of their whereabouts and I grew increasingly concerned. I could feel the ground shaking beneath my feet, which meant that the Olthoi were certainly moving, but had found little in the way of solid proof. My first finding was at Fort Tethana, northward heading toward the northern shore.

There I found the first of the Queens. She was moving about with an elite guard, but as I approached closer she burrowed beneath the earth quickly and disappeared from my sight. She left behind a putrid but unique scent.


author_Name: Antius Blackmoor
author_Account: prewritten
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I then traveled southward, after scouring much of the plains. I found myself entering the direland swamp and assailed by a host of scents that I had never encountered before. Immediately I thought that there must have been an Olthoi Queen about and prepared to search for more defendable ground. I was disappointed when I found that there was evidence that a Queen was nearby, yet nowhere to be found.

I then made my way further south. There I found more evidence of an Olthoi Queen to 


author_Name: Antius Blackmoor
author_Account: prewritten
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the southeast of the Obsidian Plains. She had roosted in one of the craters within the southeastern direlands. Again however, there was no sign of her presence any longer.

Making my way toward the center of the Obsidian Plains I was amazed to see that there were still some Virindi maintaining watch over the center of the blast area. Just outside the inner rim to the north I found more evidence of a Queen. No signs of a nest, though there was a pungent scent in the air, and more olthoi seemed to congregate there than anywhere else.


author_Name: Antius Blackmoor
author_Account: prewritten
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Finally I turned my attention toward the west and delved into the forests in the north. The golems who once marched through these areas were missing as were all other manner of creature, save for the olthoi. After some more searching and difficult fights I was able to find what I believe to be the final location. I've listed coordinates here:
13.3N 71.8W
44.7S 49.6W
80.7S 43.2W
58.2S 64.1W
31.9S 88.7W


author_Name: Antius Blackmoor
author_Account: prewritten
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They should allow you to find the Queens more easily, but it is difficult to know whether they are willing to come back to the surface.

My best wishes go with you. I shall be seeking the nests within a few days more preparation. I pray you fare well.

Antius Blackmoor


author_Name: Gerent of the Singularity
author_Account: prewritten
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Nuhmudira,

I have taken the liberty of scribing this note in the common language of your species. 

The Quiddity wishes to extend its thanks to your generous offer to assist us in the re-acquisition of errant subservients. We await your response to our previous missives, but in a show of good faith have begun furnishing your species with the item you had requested. 

I am distributing these items personally, to ensure that there is nothing that interrupts,


author_Name: Gerent of the Singularity
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I shall remain upon this solidified sphere for a cycle. After this I will return to the
Singularity and send another in my place.

We look forward to a combined effort with your species to reacquire those beings that have gone astray.

Gerent of the Singularity


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
First, I must apologize for the loss of the original book, but once I started the translation the pages began... wilting.

Secondly, I must apologize for the lack of information that can be found here. I traced the roots of the language to Dericost, but the derivatives are inconsistent with Dericost standards. If the book hadn't been destroyed I may have been able to get more.

According to the small amount that I was able to decipher it appears that the book's title is, "Song Breath Life" or perhaps "Way Song Death". The only word that I was able


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
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accurately translate was "Song". The other words appear to be using modifiers in either the beginning of the words, or at the end of the words, or possibly in the middle.

I am unsure as to what the book truly is, but it appeared to be ancient, even before the Dericost era.


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Aadillyah was a precocious child, always finding her way into this or that. She would climb the mystical trees, or swim in the crystal waters of the Blessed Lake from morning to night, then come home to learn how to cook chicken the way her mother did. She was reading before her third birthday and writing soon thereafter. Though these seemed to be quite a gift amongst themselves, her truest gift was her touch.

Aadillyah's father, Coman ibn Rath, was a farmer who lived his life in peace. He grew cabbage and carrots, raised rabbits and 


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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chickens, and even had a cow named, Tuka. He was a happy man, and together with Aadilyah's mother Nassriah, he helped to nurture his daughter's talents. 

Aadillyah's gift first shone during a great storm that shook the mountains and flooded the rivers. 

Tuka was frightened as the storm raged all around, and her bleating could be heard even above the thunder that clapped across the night sky. Aadillyah cried, as poor Tuka whimpered and kicked and ran circles in the barn. 


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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Coman went to the barn and tried to calm Tuka down. He tried soothing the beast with gentle sounds and talking to her calmly, but Tuka was enraged and kicked at Coman. He closed the door of the barn and started back toward the family's cottage.

As the lightning crashed in the sky above, Aadillyah ran out into the rain and wind, past her father toward the barn door. 

Nassirah called out to Coman, but the rain and thunder swallowed her shouts. The barn door was open before Coman had realized that Aadillyah had run by.


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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Tuka ran about wildly, having kicked apart her stall, she was kicking buckets, stools and the walls of the small barn when Aadillyah looked at her and spoke softly.

"Don't cry Tuka, it's only the rain from the place above that makes the grass grow." Aadillyah smiled innocently.

Tuka lowered her head and charged toward the door where Aadillyah stood. Aadillyah stood unfazed, put her hand out, and told Tuka to Stop.


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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Stop, Tuka did. 

Tuka looked about her, still frightened and bleating. Aadillyah walked to Tuka and placed her hand along Tuka's head.

Tuka began to calm down and then Aadillyah said. "I know, Tuka. The thunder is loud. But it chases away the bad spirits. The lightning shines to show us that there is nothing in the darkness to take us away, and the wind is working to drive off the rain." She kissed Tuka's snout and the cow stopped bleating. "Of course, silly Tuka."

Coman came running into the barn and 


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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looked at his daughter, Nassriah stood behind him.

Aadillyah said, "Mommy, daddy, Tuka would like me to stay out here with her tonight. She's afraid of the thunder and lightning. Would that be okay?"

Tuka was calm and gently nuzzling the girl. Coman and Nassriah nodded their heads once. Aadillyah patted Tuka on the head and walked to an unbroken stall. The cow laid down upon the straw and Aadillyah tunred back to her parents.


author_Name: Nuhmudira
author_Account: prewritten
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"Daddy, Tuka is sorry that she broke the stall and said that she will have extra milk for us tomorrow." Then she beamed a bright smile.

From that day on, Aadillyah would talk to the animals on the farm and they would talk to her. Even creatures that passed by the farm, some hostile and cruel, would stop and talk to Aadilyah, animal talker. 


author_Name: Missing Mechanisms
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Alloy Device
Alloy Apparatus
Alloy Instrument
Alloy Tool
Alloy Contraption
Alloy Implement
Alloy Utensil
Alloy Mechanism
Alloy Cogwheel
Alloy Contrivance


author_Name: Missing Mechanisms
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Alloy Sprocket
Alloy Cylinder
Alloy Dynamo
Alloy Piston
Alloy Fan
Alloy Pinion
Alloy Engine
Alloy Motor
Alloy Generator
Alloy Turbine


author_Name: Tavern Keeper Lienne
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
RECEIPT FOR PAYMENT DUE
Owed to Barkeep Lienne, Arwic
by Hiyp the Toad

22 Mugs Ale____352 p
17 Mugs Stout__408 p  
6 Mugs Mead____282 p
1 Palm Wine_____31 p
1 Meat pie______16 p

Total_________1089 p 


author_Name: Cydna Wren
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I am one of Nuhmudira's former students.  I happened to be working within the crystal storage warehouse at the same time as it was robbed.  I was in a corner packing a crate and heard a noise, what must have been Aun Talamura having been struck from behind.  I was on the far end from the manager's chamber and crept nearer to see through the door.   In the room with Aun Talamura sprawled on the floor I saw... well, I cannot be certain, but I could feel the presence of power. Fear then overcame me.  I quickly crept back to a corridor leading to an unused storage chamber and peered around the corner. Numerous shadowy figures appeared and dashed


author_Name: Cydna Wren
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
about grabbing the boxes of crystals. I could hear hissing.  A portal was cast and the creatures went through it, taking most of the boxes with them.  A few moments later the portal disappeared.  Then, all was silent, the warehouse almost empty.  I went over to check on Aun Talamura.  He still breathed, thankfully he was still alive.  I tried to decide what I should do next.  I should alert someone as I had just witnessed a deed that I was not meant to see.  Yet, I had also done something they did not expect.

You see, I had tied to the portal!  A few moments of indecision, several more for 


author_Name: Cydna Wren
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
summoning courage and I utilized the portal tie.  As portal space churned about me I berated myself for foolishly launching on this pursuit, yet I knew I had to protect the interests of my teacher, Nuhmudira! I arrived in a dungeon. Fortunately none of the perpetrators were present in the chamber when I arrived, it appeared they had already taken the boxes of crystals elsewhere.  I could hear hissing and sounds of activity in the corridors beyond.  Heart pounding I crept forward.  The sounds retreated into the distance.  Around a corner I discoverd the stolen boxes but the creatures had left. It appeared most attention had been given to one box of


author_Name: Cydna Wren
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
crystals of special value. I picked one up and realized it must be very rare, it was unlike any I had seen previously.  Placing it within the folds of my robe I went further into this dungeon...  and towards great confusion and dismay.  I did escape from there without notice, yet also without future direction. Eventually I created a few portal gems tied to the location of the perpetrator's portal.  You may find them under some rocks atop a plateau, next to a favorite lair of sandy armoredillos somewhat north of my tent.  I leave it to you to sort out the meaning in what you may find.   I will only tell you this-  I know now there are convoluted schemes afoot. 


author_Name: Sergeant Noptok
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
To: General Garsh

Dear Sir;
The Olthoi have invaded the Garrison. While excavating the lower levels our engineers broke into a system of olthoi tunnels. The olthoi attacked. We were unprepared and they killed most of our warriors, including Commander Lokoth. Our remaining troops hold the top level. I request immediate reinforcements.

Very Respectfully,
Noptok, Srgt.
Northern Garrison


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Writ of Refuge

"...and we shall dance and cry.
Dance and laugh.
We cried before there was a Beginning.
We laughed after the End.
And we danced, danced throughout.
We shall not stop,
Though Sorrow plays the tune."

- Death-Poem of a Kael Arran warrior, found carved in a rock at the Red Sands


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Greetings, Fellow Isparians.  

What you hold here is the latest step in our ever-evolving Isparian world, here in this strange land.  Having delivered ourselves from the Olthoi, we began our free life here as tribes.  Gharun'dim, Aluvian, Sho.  Bickers and squabbles marked the days, though our violence towards one another proved futile, as the lifestones allowed us to fight the same fight over and over. 


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From tribes, we have moved to cities.  A charitable description.  Towns, really.  Poor and pale remembrances of our homes back in Ispar.  But build them we did.  Progress.  Of a kind.

And now this Writ heralds our next step.  For we are no longer Gharu'n or Aluvian or Sho.  We are Isparian.  We are Empire.  This is our land, under our Queen and her blessed rule.  We have paid for it with blood and toil.  We cannot dishonor the sacrifice made by the brave dead who lie beneath us.  Dereth is ours.  There can be no other way.


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So claim and tend.  Nurture and grow.  Your homes await you, children of Ispar.  Present this Writ to the Covenant Crystals we have installed in front of the homes.  And Dereth shall be yours.

The Empire requires vigilance, citizen.  We will not be alone here forever.  They will return.  We need coin and arms and magic.  You will give us this.  And we will give you shelter.


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Our Agents of the Arcanum will be stationed in every major town on mainland Dereth.  As our needs change, so will what we require for the Writ.  Be vigilant, and may you never know surprise.

Before I go, permit me one lesson of history: 


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The quotation at the top of a Writ comes from a text I have with me from Tirethas.  It contains the stories of a people who presaged the Gharun'dim and the Rouleans, back in the earliest days of Milantean glory.  Their name, Kael Arran, translated into our tongue means "desert dancers." 

In their time, there were larger tribes, and certainly armies better equipped. But none who met the Kael Arran in battle emerged victorious. Although they did not desire, as their Gharu'ndim brethren would a few hundreds years hence, to sweep across and claim the Naqut desert for themselves, they certainly had the ability.


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But the young Milantos Empire had a point to prove.  And a hundred thousand men to prove it with.  It took over 10 years and a hundred battles.  At the place that would become known as the Red Sands, the Kael forsook their usual skirmish and retreat tactics as the Milantean Red filled the horizon from end to end.  There was nowhere left to run.  At the end of that day, over 50,000 Milantean Red soaked their last into the sands named after them.  And the Kael Arran ceased to exist.


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I will not see my people in a desert that holds no escape.  I will not see my people erased from the earth.  Take this Writ, Isparian, and build our Refuge.  The storm comes, but we shall hold.

Your Humble Servant,

Nuhmudira of Zaikhal 


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Harvestgain 27th, PY14
We climbed down from the mountains under the cover of night and headed southwest to an isolated lifestone. After lifestoning we kept moving, making good time over the grassy plains. We skirted along the crystal markers that define the human 'safe' towns. The creatures on the inside of the crystal barrier seemed strangely subdued. Foul human magics, that steal the souls of the beasts leaving them mindless, easy prey. We made our way to the River Prosper and crossed at a shallow section, staying low in the water so as not to be spotted by anyone crossing the bridge to the south. Continuing along the


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barrier westward we crossed a human road, there were no signs of any human travelers. They don't tend to use the roads much anymore. We followed the barrier and came to a human farmhouse. We remained hidden and refreshed ourselves greatly at an ancient spring. We crossed a second road staying on a westward course and passed just south of a group of human houses in the woods. It's now getting light and we've made camp in a small hollow deep in the woods.

Harvestgain 28th, PY14
We awoke as dusk was falling and set out again. Continuing west we traveled


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parallel to a road to the south of us and came to a row of houses overlooking a low ridge. We found an empty house without a magical shield and confiscated food and money. We moved on West again and pushed a little further North to keep out of visual range of the road and another human settlement. The road dipped to the southwest and we kept it within eyesight until we came to a range of hills. We entered the hills and decided to move southwest through a valley north of a human town then head west until we hit the Inner Sea. We climbed down a ridge into the valley and came to a small human encampment around a lifestone. The humans have spread


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so quickly across this land that they think they own it all. Nearly everywhere we travel there are humans claiming this land for there own. They think they're so much better than us, with their mages and their 'mighty' warriors. Soon there won't be anywhere left in Dereth for the rest of us! We took great joy in destroying the humans' encampment and slaying those we could catch. We killed them over and over again as they returned to the lifestone until they escaped us by recalling to somewhere called marketplace. We lifestoned then slaughtered their cattle and rabbits for meat. We traveled along the valley's north wall


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and made camp eating our fill of their livestock.

Harvestgain 29th, PY14
In the early morning hours we were attacked by a band of humans. They caught us off-guard and made short work of our troop. We are weakened and heading back to camp now from the humans' lifestone.

Harvestgain 29th, PY14
We can't lose these humans - they track us relentlessly! I fear we may not be able to deliver our message to General Garsh in time. I write this from our camp just having returned from the lifestone this hour. Our


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equipment wasn't stolen. I can only assume they are playing some sick game with us. We are tired and we grow weary of this hellish valley. We may try and fool the humans by heading north this time, perhaps we can...

Harvestgain 29th, PY14
We arrived back at the lifestone without weapons or armor. We have no choice, but to head back to our camp to collect our things. Without them we will never make it to the forward camp.


author_Name: Translated by Diyas al-Yat
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Our discussion today was pleasant. The mirror provides me with a unique perspective with regards to my accomplishments. There is no judgment. Our talents are unique and  provide an equilibrium I find unmatched. 

Outside the confines of the Singularity, I have always felt closer to completion. In the presence of the source I am simpy... whole. There is no doubt that I have achieved a level of enlightenment far beyond the vacuous existence that is offered within the rigid composition of the Singularity. 


author_Name: Translated by Diyas al-Yat
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I feel fortunate to have brought the possibility of completion to so many others. 

The mirror views my growth toward realization in another light. Often it has referred to the process as "an alteration." Though I have metamorphosed, I have only taken on a more true and fitting form. There is no aberration in my construct, and I find that the mirror and I disagree on this point. 

I consider the work that takes place with other subjects to be corrupting and altering.  


author_Name: Translated by Diyas al-Yat
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Often times, since the first failure, we have needed to put a subject down, due to an uncontrollable rage accompanied by a severe physical transmogrification. These failures are not daunting, as each subject shares a unique similarity in their mental functions seconds before final exposure: fear.

Each subject also shares a rudimentary belief structure customary to their species. Mosswarts, since first exposure, have never taken on the form that I had first seen. 


author_Name: Translated by Diyas al-Yat
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Some have regressed into nothing more than lumps of pulsing flesh, or in one case to an organism composed entirely of protoplasm. Recent exposure of subjects with ties to belief structures have yielded insightful and important discoveries. Fear changes the physiology of the subject and twists their being into the subject of their fear.

The mirror and I determined this while reviewing my latest findings and applying them to past and present subjects. 


author_Name: Translated by Diyas al-Yat
author_Account: prewritten
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With the mirror's insight and ability to harness the imagery put forth by the mental aspect of the subject, we were able to watch as the image of this feared beast washed into the subjects mind only seconds before the transmogrification took place. The resultant mental state seems to be a response of the subjects exposure to said creature.

While this revelation was helpful in determining the breadth of failures, it has provided little insight into the standardized response of subjects without such emotion. 


author_Name: Translated by Diyas al-Yat
author_Account: prewritten
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Subjects with more linear responses, typically of intelligence inferior or equivalent to drudges, remains a mystery. One idea that the mirror has proffered is that the change is the completion of the ideal mental state of the subjects. This however does explain the increased capacity for mana use, and in some cases enhancement of mental faculties.

Though the debate over the successful alterations continues, we both agree that the subjects of successful exposure exhibit a positive improvement over their natural development.


author_Name: Translated by Diyas al-Yat
author_Account: prewritten
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Today we reached an accord to continue study on only successful subjects until an answer to this conundrum can be established.


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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I've escaped from the undead woman that rules the Sclavus here, at least for now. After I awoke, the pain receded enough for me to search the room. I found a dead man in the corner and dressed him in my clothes, leaving him on the stone table where I had awakened. Perhaps she would think me dead, if not I could hopefully escape before she found me. I followed the passage out, but it came to a dead end. That's when I remembered a word she had spoken when leaving, "ahkree". The wall blocking the passage vanished when I spoke the word.

Every move I made hurt and I was sure that her Sclavus would cut me down before I


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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made it to the surface. Strangely, the Sclavus seemed unconcerned with my passing, they merely watched me searching the crypt rooms and passages. They would not let me leave the lower levels. They blocked my attempts to get by them, and I was too weak to overpower them. I continued my search through the crypts rooms and found this hidden room. I found a discarded Sclavus skin that serves now to hold these words. I can only hope the undead woman doesn't know of this room. The pain is returning an I must sleep now.


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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I cannot escape. There are too many Sclavus guarding the exits to these crypts, if a crypt is what this place is. I have seen the Sclavus praying and performing complicated rituals in the room with the bloody altar. The pain in my chest grows worse by the hour; my skin itches and burns. I feel safe in my hidden room here and I have found food of a sort, but I must find a way to get by the guards and escape or I fear I will die. It's difficult to think clearly through the pain. I must concentrate, perhaps I noticed something when I arrived.

I should start at the beginning. My friend Dalius warned me not to go. In talks of his


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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adventures he had mentioned an old temple he had found in the south dires infested with Sclavus. I found the idea of discovering a lost temple and killing some Sclavus in the process irresistible. Dalius told me not to go, that it was too dangerous, I laughed at his caution and told him that I would kill the Sclavus even if he could not. If only I had listened to him.

I found the sandstorm he had talked of and sought its eye. I easily dispatched the Sclavus I encountered before reaching the temple. It was then that the Sclavus ambushed me. They had been lying in wait, as if they knew of my arrival before hand.


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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They overwhelmed me, capturing me easily. They beat me until I stopped struggling and I remember being dragged through a portal as I lost consciousness. When I came to I was stretched out on a cold stone table and could hear someone chanting in a strange language. It felt as if a giant hand pressed down on me, my breath became shallow. Something slid onto my stomach and curled there, then the pain came. Every muscle in my body spasmed in time with the chanting.

As I wrote before, I awoke later and devised a way of escaping the room I had been locked in. I wish I had learned portal magic


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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from my wife. She was always trying to teach me, but I've never been very good at magic. I will rest again and make another attempt to get by the guards tomorrow.


author_Name: Gareth Dain
author_Account: prewritten
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My torch burned out and I awoke in the dark curled up in pain. Even without the torch I can see everything in a blinding red light, even though my eyes are clenched shut. My skin burns as if it is on fire and being flayed. I write my last words here in the hope that my wife may learn what happened to me.

I love you Talira, I will always love you and I am sorry that I failed you. I would not risk our life together if I had it to do over. It is better that I die than continue in such agony. Know that my last thoughts were of you my love.


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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I did not expect to ever wake again, my fever is gone and the pain has almost left me. We are so tired. I caught a rat from the cages to eat. I was so hungry that I forgot to cook it. On the way back, I saw my reflection in one of the pools and we see now that it would have been better if I had died. I have become something like the Sclavus and a pale reflection of the human we once were. Somehow I cannot bring myself to loathe my new form, perhaps it is her will that we are happy. I can hear her voice in the back of my mind. I now know that I have been hearing it for many days. She tells us to guard the temple and perform the rites.


author_Name: Gareth Dain
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We are accepting of our new life. We, Gareth, still wishes that we remember him and his love, so we will write our memories down before they slip away. You were once a man named Gareth Dain. You were a brash warrior who loved his wife and his life with her. Her name was Talira Dain and she loved us deeply. Do not forget her, but never let her see us again for we are hideous in her eyes.

I remember a day in the sun with Talira, we loved and life was good. I remember being warm and happy. I am so cold now.

Do not let Talira know my fate. I am dead.


author_Name: Translated by Fanzen San
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First, I must apologize for the appearance of this translation. I do not often include translation as loose parchment tucked into the tome itself, but my previous dealing with a tome of this nature made me pause to do so. Second, I must apologize that the translation of this tome is merely an educated statement. The language is very different from other Falatacot tomes that I have encountered before, and appears to be a new dialect that I am finding increasingly difficult to decipher. As a result, I can only say that the translation found on these pages is my best guess.


author_Name: Translated by Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
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The tome appears to be written by an individual called Vitriaka. Several references and what appear to be her signatures adorn the pages of the tome. I have also reasoned that this is a recently-written journal. The pages are not brittle as with ancient tomes, in fact they are fairly fresh.

Vitriaka makes reference to two types of groups consistently throughout this writing, "Iakvi Liviliakti" and "Tik Vaiktu Kiktij." I believe that the references speak of comparison between two races.


author_Name: Translated by Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
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Further reading brought me to conclusion that the author was talking about some magical process to combine these races. I was also able to determine that she was assisted at some point by one of the "Tik Vaiktu Kiktij," though the same creature was not used in the transmogrification process.

The results of Vitriaka's efforts seem to have ended in failure, as the "Tik Vaiktu Kiktij" used in the process apparently died.


author_Name: Translated by Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
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I am not sure how accurate my understanding of this journal is, but I believe that it is the case that whatever this "Tik Vaiktu Kiktij" is was killed during the process. The "Iakvi Liviliakti" appears to have lived, but I am unawares as to the meaning of these phrases. 

I hope that in time I am able to more completely decipher this language and offer complete understanding of this tome.


author_Name: Unknown
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  I found a place I had forgotten.
        I kept my memories there.
It hurts to remember, but I mustn't forget.
    Her name was Talira.
        Look for the light.


author_Name: Oswald
author_Account: prewritten
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Jaleh's heart beats eternally thanks to me-

what some call murder, I call immortality-

be you of Weeping blade, staff, axe, mace, or spear-

elemental enlightenment can be found here!

Yet a warning for those who partake-

an elemental choice one cannot unmake.

-O


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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While we were fur hunting on the Marescent Plateau yesterday, Jaeget and I were approached by a man proclaiming to be capable of making our lives meaningful. 

Right away, I realized what he was and that he was up to no good. 

There were similar groups on Ispar. They would coerce others into joining their following and those people would never be heard from again.


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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Poor Jaeget wasn't alive on Ispar but four years, so luckily he didn't have to confront any of those types. 

I know he isn't happy with everything about his life now, but I also know this Order of the Raven hand isn't something he wants to be involved with. 

I recommended we move on. Despite my protest, he took one of their pamphlets... I am sure he believes I didn't notice the note passing.
---


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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Jaeget has done nothing but yammer on about the Order of the Raven Hand since we ran across the recruiter on Marae nearly a week ago. 

What's worse, his being taken with their beliefs has hurt business. 

We don't have nearly enough hides to sell as we used to. 


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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I would suggest another trip to Marae, though I fear bringing him there would only further advance his desire to join the Raven Hand.

He is all I have left of Ispar and I do not want to lose him like we lost Mother and Father in Holtburg all those years ago.

Tomorrow I will find that pamphlet and burn it. Perhaps without the pamphlet, he will forget this cult and return to normal.
--


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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I awoke only briefly last night to see my cot surrounded by several men swathed in dark cloaks. In the background I could see them embracing Jaeget and then everything went dark.

I awoke within a cage in some strange hall. Within the cell with me was another person, a very fidgety fellow who went by the name of Twitch. 


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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His tale was one of woe, though after learning of his previous accommodations, this place seemed more hospitable than what he had previously... but only slightly.

Our guards ignored our shouts, and only once did I see Jaeget after waking, and then it was only in passing and he did not seem to notice me.

---


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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I've been here for some time now, and I am tired of being here. I have no weapons, no lock picks, and no way of getting both my brother and I out of here safely. 

Twitch seems to have been here slightly longer than I, and did have some insight, though it was difficult to understand between his shivering and short attention span.


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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When the guard comes to deliver our meal, I will liberate his key-ring and escape after curfew has gone into effect. On my way out, I will glean what information I can from the surrounding temple and note where entrances and exits are.

My attempt at escape failed. The Priests captured me as I made way to the exit. 

Struggling, they threw me before what I can only describe as a vile cloud of soot and liquid and forced me to breathe it in.

---


author_Name: Bewren
author_Account: prewritten
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Even now my head spins and charcoal-black cysts are beginning to form on my arms and face... I do not know what they did to me, but I know what they plan.  I have been moved away from Twitch and placed in some interim holding cell. Looking out into the room, I can see a pit of some sort.

Earlier today a procession of cultists marched into the room, one of them my brother. His eyes seemed glazed and he bore no recognition for me. It was as I feared. Not only are they about to take my life, but they have taken his as well.


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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Yesterday my brother and I began our usual hunts of the Marescent Plateau. We usually did this in search of pelts and hide from the carenzi and gromnie found there. It's not a very fulfilling living, but it pays the maintenance on the cottage my family owns.

While out there, we came across someone claiming to be a representative of the Order of the Raven Hand. He spoke highly of his brothers and of his master and even gave us a pamphlet to bring back to our cottage. 


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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He promised something meaningful and worthwhile out of life. I have to admit that sounds a deal more satisfying than how my brother and I are living now.

Bewren openly protested the thought of joining the Raven Hand. He said it was a rash decision, and that there were organizations like it on Ispar and they were hardly alliances of good. I don't believe him, I consider myself a good judge of character, and this Initiate of the Raven Hand made me feel nothing but safe.


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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So, when Bewren wasn't looking, I pocketed the pamphlet and attached jewel, and my brother and I continued on past the initiate.
---
It has been several days since our encounter with the Raven Hand on the Marescent plateau, and I can't help but think about how much better life could be with them. 

Working in a world where we are appreciated, where everything we do is worthwhile and special.


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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I have made up my mind; I am going to crush this calling stone and invite the Raven Hand to take me. And, I think while they are here I will ask him to take my brother as well. 

I know he doesn't like them or want anything to do with them, but I am sure once we have visited their bethel, he will come around. 

The initiate said everyone with an open mind would come around.
---


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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Last night I crushed the calling stone and several members of the Raven Hand arrived shortly there after. 

My brother was already asleep; I figured it would be easiest if he weren't awake. The assembly hall is a work of beauty, though I have to admit it is a bit dark. 

The colored lights add a nice ambience to it.


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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After I had time to place the few belongings the Order allowed me to bring, they began to question me, to get a feel for where my skills would best be put to use, no doubt.

I haven't seen Bewren since the other neophytes helped him off to his own quarters. I wonder why they didn't allow us to stay together.

---


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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Today one of the priests pulled me aside and told me my purpose. Since I had a lot of skill with hides and curing, I was set to the task of flask crafting. 

I was a little let down that I was not able to gather my own hides for creating flasks, but the priests tell me I am not ready to leave the compound yet. I trust them; they wouldn't stop me from leaving if they didn't know what was best.

My first task was a curious one.


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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They issued me a kerchief to cover my mouth and nose with and tasked me with creating a flask that could hold a potently enchanted beaker of Olthoi Ichor.

The fumes gave me a headache, but I was happy. Happy, happy, happy. 

I was useful. I imagine they wanted this acid to aid them in the sculpting lessons they held in the deeper levels. Why they would want to use such a noxious liquid when a chisel and hammer were enough is beyond me. I mean the fumes of this stuff alone could kill a man!
---


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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The past week has been exhausting, but fun. So much fun I can't remember why I even second-guessed coming here in the first place. 

I have finished the acid flasks that the High Priests wanted for their sculpture classes and have moved on to a new project. I can't wait until I get to learn how to sculpt!

Even though I'm not sclupting flasks for Ichor anymore, I am still working with the Ichor. The High Priests say we also need ceramics that can hold it, for deliveries to sculpting parties in all the towns of Dereth!


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
During our mid-day meal, the High Priests told us of the capture an interloper named Bewren. They said he was trying to escape with our sculpting secrets.

Bewren.... That name somehow sounds familiar. I can't place it. 

I shouldn't worry about it though. It is none of my concern. All that concerns me is the Order of the Raven Hand. That and their belief in spreading the joys of hide crafting and sculpture through the world.


author_Name: Jaeget
author_Account: prewritten
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They said the intruder, Bewren, would be properly punished and then released from our home. That is enough for me, and none of my concern. 

All that concerns me is making sure the ceramics holding the sculpting acid don't break.


author_Name: Voice of the Raven Hand
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Order of the Raven Hand is happy to announce that our doors are open. Our efforts have been a long time in the works, but after years of labor, the fruits of our efforts have become ripe. 

Have you found yourself looking for a place to belong? Have your adventures and hardships gone unacknowledged? Do you believe your life is ready for a change?

If so, our doors are open to you. All walks of life are welcome, be it hero, scoundrel, or wayfarer. All are welcome into our home.


author_Name: Voice of the Raven Hand
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
"What sort of name is the Order of the Raven Hand?" you may find yourself asking. It does have a nefarious tone to it, but we assure you it is not such a thing, we cherish life. On occasion our methods may be drastic, but other Isparians have done far more in the name of their cause than we.

So join us, won't you? All you need to do is crush the gem attached to this letter and one of our members will arrive shortly to welcome you as a neophyte of the Raven Hand.

With regards,
The Voice of the Raven Hand


author_Name: Translated by Kuyiza bint Zayi
author_Account: prewritten
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World Shaper, 
We call upon you to seal the deep places of this world. The dark spawn unleashed by the last child of the Yalain, fueled by hatred and memory as long as our own, have established a host of tunnels beneath the world. They have joined the dark spawn that remain upon Killiakta and will raze her if the outlanders fail to drive the brood mind away.The outlanders have been gifted with a means to weaken the dark spawn, it was His will. He begs that you leave your work and take up this charge.
Amauxi


author_Name: Translated by Kuyiza bint Zayi
author_Account: prewritten
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World Shaper, 
As you have requested,  so it has been done. The outlanders remain predictable and pliable. They have furnished us with the materials you require.
Amauxi


author_Name: Translated by Kuyiza bint Zayi
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
World Shaper, 
All transpires as He has foretold. I am aware of your concerns over the outlanders, specifically the singer. I say this, listen not to the songs that are sung, for she calls without thought. She will not wake the sleepers and her limited understanding and capacity for the Art will restrict her.
If the sleepers do wake, we shall dispose of them as we had in the past. Our attention must rest upon the dark spawn, and their brood mind at the present.
Amauxi


author_Name: Translated by Kuyiza bint Zayi
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
World Shaper, 
The outlanders, and their singer, have performed their will. Our efforts now turn to expelling the dark spawn and sealing the tunnels as they continue their egress. Already we have dispatched risen to verify the flight of the brood mind. Our preliminary visions have revealed that the risen perform well against the fleeing dark spawn. We shall continue our assault and make the devices ready for your utilization.
Amauxi


author_Name: Translated by Kuyiza bint Zayi
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
World Shaper, 
The brood mind has left the scope of our vision. The dark spawn abandoned to their own are proving to be a negligible distraction. We continue to fashion the devices that you have asked we create and provide them to you now. As you have agreed, so it must be done. He thanks you for your sacrifice and asks that the process to close the deep places of this world commence.
Amauxi


author_Name: Selflora the Barkeep
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Travelers stopping in for ale and cider have been talking about payments received from a Royal Guard named Xavier. From what I have overheard, the High Queen is offering compensation for information about what happened to the Ancient Queen. Xavier can be found west of Lytelthorpe, if the rumors are true.


author_Name: Gentleman Jake Hawkins
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To whom it may concern,
I heard rumors of a plot to remove an important woman in power. I became frightened and left the bandit stronghold where I was living and went on the run. I feel terrible about what happened to High Queen Elysa. I fear that the men who are in charge of the bandits may be behind the attempt on her life.
Gentleman Jake Hawkins


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Al-Arqas Information Guide
Town: 31.3S 13.6E
North Outpost: 28.1S 13.9E 
West Outpost: 31.3S 10.7E
Samsur Portal: 32.6S 14.4 E
Town Stamp: Abandoned Shops 32.4S 12.7E

Jilsaya bint Dah is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Nanto: Bracelet of Strength
from Shoushi: Bracelet of Coordination
from Yanshi: Ring Endurance
from Holtburg: Leather Basinet
from Lytlethorpe: Leather Girth
from Rithwic: Leather Breastplate


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Samsur Information Guide
Town: 2.9S 19.5E
East Outpost: 3.2S 22.2E
Northwest Outpost: 0.1N 16.3E
Holtburg Portal: 1.6S 18.4E
Yaraq Portal: 3.8S 18.6E
Town Stamp: Musansayn's Vault 1S 18.6E

Rubid al-Jurma is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Nanto: Wand of Lightning
from Shoushi: Wand of Frost
from Yanshi: Ring of Quickness
from Holtburg: Buckler
from Lytlethorpe: Leather Bracers
from Rithwic: Leather Pauldrons


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Yaraq Information Guide
Town: 21.5S 1.6W
Holtburg Portal: 21.3S 1.8W
Al-Arqas Portal: 21.3S 1.4W
Samsur Portal: 21.3S 1.2W
Town Stamp: Sea Temple Catacombs 20.2S 4.4W

Mara al-Luq is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Nanto: Wand of Fire
from Shoushi: Wand of Acid
from Yanshi: Necklace of Focus
from Holtburg: Leather Leggings
from Lytlethorpe: Leather Boots
from Rithwic: Leather Sleeves


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Nanto Information Guide
Town: 52.6S 81.9E
North Outpost: 49S 81.6E
East Outpost: 52.4S 85.3E
Yanshi Portal: 52.7S 80.3E
Town Stamp: Water Temple 52.1S 80.3E

Shin Ro is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Al-Arqas: Bracelet of Strength
from Samsur: Ring of Quickness
from Yaraq: Necklace of Focus
from Holtburg: Mace
from Lytlethorpe: Spear
from Rithwic: Katar


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Shoushi Information Guide
Town: 33.5S 72.8E
Yaraq Portal: 33.8S 72.8E
Nanto Portal: 33.2S 72.8E
Yanshi Portal: 33.5S 73.1E
Town Stamp: Shreth Hive 32.5S 71E

Oi-Tong Ye is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
Al-Arqas: Bracelet of Coordination
from Samsur: Wand of Frost
from Yaraq: Wand of Acid
from Holtburg: Dagger
from Lytlethorpe: Yumi or Atlatl
from Rithwic: Crossbow


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Yanshi Information Guide
Town: 12.7S 46.4E
North Outpost: 9.9S 46.7E
South Outpost: 15.6S 46.5E
Shoushi Portal: 14.7S 46.6E
Yaraq Portal: 12.1S 46.3E
Town Stamp: Deserted Ruin 16S 47.2E

Dai Ya is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Al-Arqas: Ring of Endurance
from Samsur: Wand of Lightning
from Yaraq: Wand of Fire
from Holtburg: Ken
from Lytlethorpe: Axe
from Rithwic: Staff


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Holtburg Information Guide
Town: 42.3 N 33.6E
Shoushi Portal: 42.2N 33.8E
Rithwic Portal: 42.4N 33.7E
Town Stamp: Cave of Alabree 41.8N 32.0E

Flinrala Ryndmad is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Al-Arqas: Leather Basinet
from Samsur: Buckler
from Yaraq: Leather Leggings
from Nanto: Mace
from Shoushi: Dagger
from Yanshi: Ken


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Lytlethorpe Information Guide
Town: 0.6N 51.2E
East Outpost 1.1N 54.2E
West Outpost 1.1N 48.4E
Rithwic Portal: 2.3N 52E
Holtburg Portal: 1.7N 49.9E
Town Stamp: Lost Distillery 0.7S 51.2E

Lord Aleval is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Al-Arqas: Leather Girth
from Samsur: Leather Bracers
from Yaraq: Leather Boots
from Nanto: Spear
from Shoushi: Yumi or Atlatl
from Yanshi: Axe


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Rithwic Information Guide
East Outpost 10.3N 61.5E
South Outpost 7.6N 58.4E
Holtburg Portal: 10.1N 57.3E
Lytelthorpe Portal: 9.5N 60E
Shoushi Portal: 11N 59.3E
Town Stamp: Old Warehouse 8.7N 58.1E

Celcynd is rewarding explorers for stamped letters from the following towns:
from Al-Arqas: Leather Breastplate
from Samsur: Leather Pauldrons
from Yaraq: Leather Sleeves
from Nanto: Katar
from Shoushi: Crossbow
from Yanshi: Staff


author_Name: Honshu Takeda
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I am without the tongue to express the emptiness that has entered my being. I have lost sight of what it meant to live a right life. I have placed the need of physical goods over the breath that must fill my soul.

I feel like a husk of a man. I am in need of healing and a way back to a life of meaning and depth. I step onto the path of Jojii with cautious feet, mindful that I must have become empty so that I may be filled. I will let the grace of the Unicorn light my feet, the splendor of the Firebird guide my will, and the Strength of the Dragon be my arm.

(more)


author_Name: Honshu Takeda
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If you choose to follow me, seek out Han Rin-Jo first. He dwells within the inn in this town. He has set me on my path. I will begin where I began my journey on this world. The burned out husk that was once the arrival hall in Nanto.

Seek the adherent there.


author_Name: Honshu Takeda
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My travels have lead me to the town of Sawato, a shining bastion in the dankness of the great swamp of Osteth.

I have prayed at this shrine and been enlightened as to the location of a place where crystals beyond beauty are shaped by an underground swell of water. There I am certain to find what shall be representative of the Unicorn's Grace.

I pen this note to all others who will follow. To the southeast, long beyond the place where the swamp meets the plains. In the crux of two mountain peaks there is a cave. Within this cave the crystals of the Unicorn grow.


author_Name: Honshu Takeda
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This cavern has inspired such dreams within me. I walk lighter and the vibrations of the crystals within my hands has begun a reawakening within me.

I will next make my way to the forest town. Where I shall seek the next shrine to Jojii. I am sure that there will be more enlightenment along that path.

It is odd, when I look upon the crystals I feel as though they would fit upon my feet, but they are crystals meant for a greater purpose. Of this, I am sure.


author_Name: Honshu Takeda
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Again I have achieved a moment of clarity while meditating and reaching toward detatchment. In that instant I saw the firebird streak across the sky setting down to the west of this town. Where the sun would fall below the mountains.

It was a sight unlike any that I have seen in my days. I shall begin my journey to the place that I saw in my vision when I have finished penning this vision for those who follow me still.


author_Name: Honshu Takeda
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As I entered this place I questioned whether I would find the splendor that I sought. There in the darkness of the fire hewn halls I questioned if this place of ash and soot could be the home of something so perfect as the splendor that I sought.

When I saw the rock formation within the lava, I knew that my journey was complete. For atop the stones sat a perfect sphere.

I know that I had found what will become the splendor and focus of the Firebird. My feet lead me to Kara. Where I shall meet another, and my journey will end.


author_Name: Honshu Takeda
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Strength welled through my body and I was stricken with a sense of awe. I have never felt such humility as when confronted with the Dragon's fearsome power. As I wrested the brazier free, I knew that I had found its Power.

My journey is not yet done. I am heading to a remote area, far northeast of Kara, not far southwest of the Mines of Despair. There is a mountain there with a single tree that I have always found peaceful. There I shall bring the elements of the path together as one. I can feel that each has an inner magic seperately but I think that the reward for knowing all three shall be grander.


author_Name: Old Tin-Mouth the Shrewd
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   I noticed a strange thing yesterday. Don't know what it means, but I'm a bit worried. I was making the trek back to Ayan Baqur after havin' fought virindi on the Obsidian Plain all day. I came across one of those old Shadow Spire holes. I decided to check it out. Just in case something foul was brewing in there. I'm ever vigilant you see. Anyway, I notice this portal down there. I ain't never seen a portal down there before and right away I don't trust it. It didn't look to stable either, sputtering like it was. It looked kinda like the portal to Aerbax's Holding, but that should be clear over on the Sing Caul. Strange is what I say, mighty strange.


author_Name: Jahail Ibn Haibel
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Our spies within the Order of the Raven Hand have noted an interest in a recently discovered tower north west of the city of Zaikhal. 

Therefore, the Shagar Zharala requests that a team of our best scholars be dispatched to this tower to learn its secrets before the Raven Hand does. 

Ufet in Zaikhal has offered to hold whatever belongings you may not need in the forests while on your expedition. After replenishing


author_Name: Jahail Ibn Haibel
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your supplies, leave the city and travel north-by-northwest. 

Aim to travel through the area where a small outpost once lay. It was destroyed by the Gotrok, but they are of little concern and not worth our time. 

From there, proceed on to the hills and travel west. There is a bulwark nearby that may be able to provide lodging for a bit, and there is a portal back to Zaikhal there should you need it.


author_Name: Jahail Ibn Haibel
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Continuing further west, past the banderling encampment, you should be able to see the tower atop an inaccessible hill. 

You will need to employ some ingenuity to get access to the tower but you will no doubt have little trouble.

Report your findings within the tower as soon as you are able.


author_Name: Zharalim Foreman Yumad
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Log Entry 1-

Yaral has assigned me as the foreman of our investigation, an honor that demands I be responsible for all findings in this decrepit tower. Our progress down the tower has been slow, meeting obstacles and fallen ceilings as we travel. The upper levels seem fairly barren, though a few rooms contain coffins and urns. 

The sarcophagi are layered in a soot of undetermined origin. Perhaps there was a fire in the lower levels and the smoke found its way into these rooms. I am as yet unsure.


author_Name: Zharalim Foreman Yumad
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Log Entry 2-

We broke through the wall midway down the tower. Within there was a Festival Stone-like shrine. In addition to this, we discovered an Altar to Bael'zharon. Not anything terribly odd as other locations have been known to house these, but something worthy of note. It was also here that one of the warriors was struck down by a odd grey bug. Of course we quickly slew the rest  we found there after, but examination revealed nothing other than a brittle exoskeleton.


author_Name: Zharalim Foreman Yumad
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Log Entry 3-

Some of our progress has been hindered by ruins and rubble our means are incapable of moving. In addition, there are cobwebs in this dungeon the thickness of which I have never seen. We reached what appears to be the bottom level of the tower. The central column of the inner tower is surrounded by massive stone heads. 

In the rooms off to the side, shrines to Bael'zharon can be found. I am beginning to worry about this project.


author_Name: Zharalim Foreman Yumad
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Log Entry 4-
Several of my miners have fallen ill and have become crazed to a degree. I have ordered them to be brought back to the upper levels to rest. The lowest level remains baffling to us. Even our methods cannot breach the doors. There must be a trigger we missed somewhere. There are some odd tapestries hanging from the walls here. Gilded and finely woven, they display creatures I am unfamiliar with and show what appears to be mages of some sort weaving powerful spells. Our artisans have done their best to reconstruct the tapestries upon their tablets.


author_Name: Zharalim Foreman Yumad
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My anxiety about this room increases the longer were are here. The shadows seem to loom over us and more and more of us are stricken with illness the longer we wait and work here.

Log Entry 5-
I am fortunate to have chosen the room I did to stay the night, as when I awoke the remainer of my crew had been driven mad! They struggled against the door, attempting to get at me. I hope they lose interest soon. During my imprisonment, I noticed our informants, flanked by living shadows. So it seems the culprits have been found. I only hope that I am not the sole survivor. Once the maddened


author_Name: Zharalim Foreman Yumad
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ones lose interest, I shall spring the lever in this room and make my attempt at escape. Hopefully I will be able to reach Yaral to warn him of what has transpired.


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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Log Entry 1-
Shortly after arriving at the tower, we established a small camp on the hill. This provided us easy access between the tower and the bridge and some modicum of comfort. The banderlings across the valley have grown interested in our work here, but none of them are a serious threat to our efforts.

The staircase surrounding the tower has fallen into disrepair, so our efforts have been delayed.  Yalik suggested casting ropes to the top of the tower and scaling the walls. This is likely the approach we will take.


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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Log Entry 2-
We had made a make-shift set of stairs to ease the transportation of supplies into the tower,
though the drop from the top into the visible region of the tower is still painful, especially
for those with heavy packs. 

Shortly before gloaming, our three moles crossed the bridge to join us. 

I thought it odd as they were not part of the group assigned to investigate the tower, but any information they had would be most welcome.


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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Log Entry 3-

We have established an area similar to the tent outside in the upper levels of the tower. Many of the doors on this level were locked or closed to us initially, but the use of our ways opened the rooms for our comfort. The lower areas of this tower are dank and smell of heavy mildew. 

This tower has not kept well, and moisture has leaked into the lower levels, damaging many of the artifacts we sought to investigate.


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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Log Entry 4-

One of our guards fell prey to a terrible injury this day. We had breached the walls off to the side near the mid point of our descent. On the other side there was a glowing shrine, much like those Festival Stones found across the land. A small winged creature charged him as he neared the obelisk and stung him. The area around the wound instantly gangrened. By the end of the day his skin had blackened in several locations and he passed on shortly there after. As it stands right now, I have no idea if he returned to his lifestone.


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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As a result of this, I have ordered that any of these beasts be destroyed on the spot and that everyone remain wary. I also ordered Yalik to remain in the top level of the tower. He is a bright lad, but not well versed in combat yet. I do not wish to see another of my command die.

Log Entry 5-
Over the night, a madness took hold of nearly half of my command. While we had reached the bottom floor, we lost it again due to the madness. The shadows on the walls seem to


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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move with their own life. Our foreman has become unaccounted for as have Rheth Al'thok, Rayssid Ibn Alhath, and Tiyol Ibn Yufaj-- our three Cult infiltrators.

Log Entry 6-
I sent a small crew down several levels to assess the degree of madness in our ranks. Only one returned and his report was most grave. Deposits of living soot were discovered slithering across the floor, shadows reached out and attacked as if they had a life of their own, and our trio of informants were kneeling before the obelisk we discovered.


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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The warrior reported they were swathed in black and gold robes, akin to those the Raven Hand has been known to wear.

I know now what has happened. They have played us for fools. Feeding us lies and deceit. The Order of the Raven Hand is a persuasive force indeed.

Log Entry 7-
I have ordered an evacuation of those still sane. I have instructed my apprentice, Yalik, to turn back any attempt to enter this tower without permission. 


author_Name: Zharalim Master Yaral
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I do not believe any of us here are safe from the madness, and so I know what must be done. 

I must make efforts to seal this tower and prevent those within from escaping and those outside from getting in. 

Treachery and madness... the staple of the Raven Hand it seems.


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Farmer Larry works a small farm with an underground garden a bit northeast of Lytelthorpe. He was doing really well for himself -- he used to come into the bar all the time to show off his business. But then the rabbits came. At first he was hopeful that some doughty adventurer could solve his problem, and when that didn't work he disappeared for awhile. But now he's back, and determined to drive out those terrible rabbits. 


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If you want to help out Larry, follow the road northeast out of Lytelthorpe until you see an odd forked tree just to the right of the road. You'll know you've gone too far if the road zags to the left. Anyway, turn east at the tree and just go cross-country from there, and you'll find Larry's farm in no time. 


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Directly west of the Chi Zou Cottages (which are north of Shoushi, along the road) is a structure some people call the Broken Hall. It's a flat, raised platform surrounded by broken pillars. Perhaps it is the final remnants of an Empyrean temple, or a feasting hall? At any rate, it's always been a sad place.

Lately, though, there's been an awful lot of mosswart activity up that way. I wonder what they're up to?


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The northwest road will eventually lead you to Sawato. About halfway along that route, a peddler has built a house. I suppose she though the business would be good there, what with three well-known dungeons in the area. The Cursed Swamp is just a bit northeast, and Dungeon Muddy and the Green Mire Grave are just over the river. But really -- who but a peddler would want to live within smelling distance of the Cursed Swamp? Not me, that's for sure!


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The southwest road out of Shoushi eventually leads you to Baishi, but on the way it skirts the base of the odd mountains I call the Snowflake Range. If you keep on straight west after the road turns to the southwest, you'll soon be in the foothills of that range. Careful -- there's a nest of shreth on one of the first foothills you come to, and a cave full of golems on the flatlands just to the south.


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Mosswarts are perfectly happy taking over human houses! Take the western spur road just south of the Shoushi Southeast Outpost, keep going west after the spur ends, and you'll pass by a lovely old house that's been invaded by a filthy gang of mosswarts. 

Hah! If I still had my spear arm, I'd drive them out myself, and no mistake!


author_Name: Nin Hong
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Straight out of Shoushi along the southwest road - at about 34.2S 72.0E - is a portal to a tiny old ruin. This used to be the modest manor house of the family Braid, some Aluvians from up Holtburg way, but these days its home only to some wasps and mosswarts. Seems like every time some hardy adventurer goes in there, they find a bunch of small shiny items that the mosswarts have thieved from town and hidden there. 


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Directly north of the Shoushi West Outpost is a small subterranean temple filled with drudges. Drudges aren't normally very religious, but this temple sure is stuffed with them!


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[The top of the parchment is ripped.]

Another line of the myseterious Empyrean stone heads can be found northwest of Shoushi. Leave town by the northwest road, follow the road after it turns directly north, and leave the road when it turns northwest again. Go directly west from this bend and you will soon see the heads on your left.

Be careful while sight-seeing -- directly south of the westernmost head you will often run across a group of banderlings amongst some smoking pillars. Perhaps the smoke keeps the insects at bay. At any rate, the banderlings can be agressive if disturbed. 


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Nasun ibn Tifar at the North Yaraq Outpost and Ahyara at the East Yaraq Outposts are looking for dependable couriers who can relay an important message for them.


author_Name: Nelvaine
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A few days ago one of those blue tumeroks from the akiekie to the south of Celdiseth's hermitage came by to sample my brews. They've been here for a while now, but he still hasn't adjusted to the cold up here--the poor thing was sneezing and shivering up a storm. Good thing my beers are enough to put the hair on anyone's chest, man or tumerok! They still haven't accomplished their mission though. He asked me pass on the word that accomplished warriors would be welcome to warm their hands at their fire and hear their tales of legend.


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Once Fort Aimaru was abandoned by its former masters, a rather clannish tribe of mosswarts. I'd be careful heading out there if I were you--they're guarding "their" fort quite jealously, and anyone who ventures too near their treasure chests will find themselves riddled with spears!


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Far to the southwest, along the highest peaks of the Snowflake Mountain Range, there exists an ancient temple complex. Some say the undead gathered there are the animated corpses of dishonored warriors, who once abandoned their master in his greatest hour of need. Others whisper tales of a wisp whose touch causes the dead to walk once more. Who knows which tales are truth and which are false?


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If you travel directly north over the river, you'll come across a peddlar who's made his home out there in the empty plains. Perhaps he journeyed out there to find peace and quiet--but I'm sure he's not getting much of that, what with the raucous goings on at the Mosswart Temple directly to the northwest!


author_Name: Nin Hong
author_Account: prewritten
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Nen Ai is a sweet woman with a compassionate heart. She lives alone (except for her pet drudge!) in a house at 34.8S 71.2E, just outside of town. To get there, take the road that leaves town to the southwest. Hers is the first house you'll come to. 

But be careful! Some nasty drudges have moved into the abandoned house a bit further down the road. So make sure you have the right house before you go knocking!


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If you head along the southwest road out of Shoushi right to where the Snowflake Mountain Range begins, then head east, you'll come across a rat-infested cave. I'd be careful heading out there, myself!


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Travelers to Eastham beware! The old Sho outpost to the western peaks of the Snowflake mountain range is abandoned no more. Some rather fierce Lugians have made it their home. No doubt the chest they are guarding contains fabulous treasure, but no one has returned to tell the tale. 


author_Name: Nin Hong
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I've never met anyone who claimed to know exactly what the Shreth Hive is - or rather, was. These days, of course, it's filled with shreth ... and other things. Supposedly, the Stones of Jojii can be found inside. Myself, I've never been interested enough to check. 

To get there, follow the road northwest out of town. When the road bends north, head directly west. The coordinates are 32.4S 71E.


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A traveler told me that Tumeroks seem to be having gathering from all directions for some kind of super-secret meeting out to the west beyond the mountains. He also mentioned that a second delegation of Tumeroks coming from the east fell prey to a pod of Armoredillos on the way there. I wonder what they could be up to? Even more important, what could be in those chests they're guarding?


author_Name: Lubziklan al-Luq
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Ma'yad ibn Ibsar has come to town to look for her missing brother. She is prepared to amply reward anyone who can tell her of his whereabouts. She can be found in the Cerulean Cove pub in Yaraq.


author_Name: Jubal al-Baljad
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Lubliklan al-Luq lives with his daughter in a house at 22.4S 1.9W. He's well known around here for his apple orchards ... and his trouble with drudges. If you pay him a visit, I'm sure he'll tell you all about both of those things.


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A traveler told me that Tumeroks seem to be having gathering from all directions for some kind of super-secret meeting out to the north beyond the mountains. He also mentioned that a second delegation of Tumeroks coming from the south fell prey to a pod of Armoredillos on the way there. I wonder what they could be up to? Even more important, what could be in those chests they're guarding?


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I heard that a band of Undead with their Sand Golems in tow ambushed a caravan to the southeast of town and took its treasure for their own.


author_Name: Jubal al-Baljad
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An old timer recently came through town and told me what he remembered about the Guerin family's plans to move down here from Rithwic. They dug the basement for a modest house, but then Old Guerin lost all his money in an ill-fated dice game. 

They abandoned their plans and, well, lots of red rats have made their lair in that old basement of theirs now ... If you want to take a look, the entrance is at 21.1S 2.2W.


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In the center of the Obsidian Plain lies a dungeon protected by Virindi and Shadow. I hear tell that it is the path to the Singularity Caul, an island of dangers untold. I will leave you to judge your own ability to follow this path. Though I will tell you what I have been told. If you fear your death in the Singularity Bore then the Caul will see you blood run should you dare to explore.


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The skeletons have been acting strangely of late, attempting to get into town in the dark hours of the night. We can't figure out what they might be after since we don't have much as it is. You think we had it bad enough with all these damn Tumeroks everywhere. Anyway, I don't know where the skeletons are holding up, but they are well armed and always come from the far south.


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A ways to the west of Rithwic is a strange portal called a Stable Rift. Freakish energy creatures come and go through this rift, but I could not enter it myself. They must hold the secret.


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Warriors who partol these regions have reported a rise in skeleton activity. An abandoned castle lies near the ocean coast of the plains to the north. Rumor has it that a long dead baron has crawled from his crypt and is building himself an army of the dead there.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
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Slithering on their bellies
through the mire, through the muck,
here come they who worship,
at the foot of Ixir Zi. 

Tears from their sun stain their land,
burn swamp to sand; arid desert.
Here their voices sing the strongest,
far from the sun Au.

Upon this scorched world,
within its fetid muck they lived,
now forced to desert,
their flesh scarred by sun most cruel.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Singers call them, act as saviors.
Temples grow as does her name.
within these halls, this hallowed ground,
the slithering masses teem.

Come greet the distant Gods,
enjoy their gifts and then cast eyes,
enscorcelled with chimera,
toward the tunnels;
find your way to temples 'neath the moons of Au.

Come you, slithering on your bellies,
the Willing wait for thee.
On slabs of stone, with flesh and bone,
only souls from you partake.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
--Song of Summoning
Ibrexi Jikti Chief Consort to the Mother Ixir Zi

Long have words been passed of my longevity.
Lesser sisters come before the Mother,
beg the lives of consorts whose time is not yet sour,
bring within conversation my name,
then suffer the fate of all the -Willing-.
Defame my name, I tempt all who would,
but think not that I abuse my station.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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I am as the next breeder; afeared in time
my worth will pass and I shall become the Willing.
When time calls I shall walk with honor
to that endless service, accept the hood with grace
and cling to the memories of my lover-Mother.
If the sleepers deem me worthy, may the thoughts
of all I have known remain for my eternal service,
in the prison of the hood, talon and fang.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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War rages about us, winds turn cold and the Sclavus*

(* Apparently Sclavus became a commonly used word to describe the unfortunates who underwent a strange process that fused the lives and spirits of the male Falatacot and creatures called the Fiazhat.)

have failed her cause. They sleep too often, become torpid
as the cold winds rain into our halls.
The moons draw across the sky less, and the last
sleeper awake threatens to sleep forever.
She has sent a call to all sisters now.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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One final ritus, one final gift before we slumber
as our lords beneath the world,
in temples of obsidian and blood.
Darkness has churned the war against the shadow, 
the shadow has churned the war against the Darkness,
and Light has fallen 'neath Darkness's sway.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Now shall we fall dormant, knowing still that sisters
across seas of gold and sapphire will one day
crawl from turbulent dreams to awaken us.

Us, I am above my own station. A male gifted immortality. 
So few shall be given this gift and maintain their minds.
The process will bring me pain and though we shall wither,
with the blood of our sister-mothers and brothers
will we wake again with strength, and vigor.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokeh
author_Account: prewritten
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Peril lies still, while torpid, we have no guardians.

Nay, a lie. Slaughtered are unbelievers,
fettered to this world against their will,
some with memories washed clean, others with hatred
boiling within the minds, lacking body to perform
atrocity upon the Mother and her trusted children.
Guardians they shall be. Ever watchful of our crypt,
only letting those who can wake our forms again


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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to gain access to these hallowed halls.

Else disaster come from the world beyond 
whereon the war of our sibling-kin grew.
There, across millennia, a war on nature waged.
Victims of the plague of life,
the Fiazhat, no longer worthy of ministration 
and of eternity, forgotten.
Left to perish at the hands of enemies,
made strong by supposition, by acts of hubris.
Only the touch of our sibling-kin kept the threat at bay.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Woe be that day, when last the mired tunnel was opened.
Where we crossed with the twelve and the Mother,
saw atrocity given a new face, felt the burn
of acrid wind upon our flesh and saw the bloated
mass of a swamp thing drunk on power.
Seamless passage, hidden with arts, we fled.

Now, we return and the air is frigid.
Life threatens to cease in the War of Hate


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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and sisters flee our land. But the twelve and the Mother,
recalling our sister-kin who crept beneath the earth
with the first sleepers, have dreamed a different ending.
So we call, and wait; we wait and prepare,
soon to enact the ritus that will give us life unending,
but sleep eternal until blood and sacrifice.

I am gifted eternal service, with my mind intact.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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The War of Hate stretches onward 
drawing the world to a frozen end.
We, sisters, look now to others sent from afar
to shelter our lives and see our teachings survive,
but there is no solace to be found within
the halls of the ignorant.
So thirteen sisters
shall move outside the skein of fate.
We shall tear the fabric of the world
and weave our own tapestry.

Within the halls of our Temples shall we be sealed.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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The souls of the unwilling 
shall be fettered to ever serve as thralls
to our desires.

Willing shall be brought once again to the halls
of their Mistresses and there the sacred rites
be performed.
Our servants shall endure until the time
when the Sleepers awaken and call across
the seas of gold and sapphire.
Then shall our sister-kin return
and ransom our souls and bodies 
from the torpid state of unlife.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Safe, shall we keep the greatest secrets of our art.
Veiled secrets will die as our breath dies out
never to be seen until the singers, calling to the Great Beings of the deep, raise their voices again.
Then shall our hosts rise and twist free
of our self-imposed prisons. 
The crush of time shall not weaken our bones
nor strip free our flesh,
nor allow maggots into our minds.
We will sleep, but we shall endure.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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We, the first among the highest host, 
shall rise again.

One last expedition to the world of our children,
the Fiazhat, once more to perfect 
the merging of the Willing and the life's breath
of our children.

We shall not meet with failure again.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Our children are dying.
In their place, malignant fiends of the swamp
with tattered flesh and pernicious grins
hold vigil over the temples built in our honor.
The betrayal of 'they who covet the breeze-talkers'
is complete at last.

Our children, the Fiazhat, 
nearly gone from their world.
No pity. Our task is clear.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Millennia have not altered their faith in their gods.
They come to us for wisdom
and we harvest their strongest for our own purpose.
They have not forgotten the ways
and gladly send their warriors
to live amongst the gods.

Our children will cease to exist on their world
but find purpose when merged with the Willing.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Four times the sun that warms this world has passed, and we have watched atrocity from the shadows it casts.
Our children suffer, as do their adversaries.
The War of Hate it seems stretches to all corners of the vast beyond.

So long before we gifted this world
with magic, and now we find that the magic 
we meant for our children has been used against them.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Bloated, gluttonous, monstrosities devour
the streams of the World's Blood
and lead the War of Hate upon the Fiazhat.


author_Name: Translator Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Upon our return we shall crush the tunnels
that join our world to this one.
Ever more shall we forsake the Fiazhat
and allow the blasphemy that 'they who covet
the breeze-talkers' have enabled.
We shall claim as many warriors as can be found.
We require guardians in our slumber
and the Fiazhat will not survive here.
Better they live on through the Willing
in eternal service and guardianship to their gods.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Cold stings the bones and tires flesh.
In sorrow we have marched, watched the land
turned icy, our masters laid low beneath
the hands of their brethren, we their servants 
wait in the wastes; alone.
She has called
sisters from near, afar and betwixt the
ever watchful eyes of the fallen. Fallen who
shed tears for the voices that call when leaves


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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are rustled, those forgotten and lost,
wayward are all souls that cling to
the edict from afar, whence we came.
They who tread now in the cold yet 
feel not the bite of frozen wastes, 
safe within their alabaster towers,
chanting to ill-lords whose roots
strangle the life from the masters
and further the cause of the growing
darkness that consumes flesh, fire and sun.
She calls sisters to swell her ranks
and they answer with efficiency unmatched.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Drawn by promise of discovery, life
beyond life, and death that mimics life.
Gifts she has earned and pledged to teach.
Ixir Zi, my Matron, my Mother, my boon.
Within walls of basalt, entrenched in darkness,
here call the voices of our race. Blood
drawn from the Willing to fuel the floods,
cascading blood that opens the well
to new worlds where life teems in warm
climes, yet untouched by the War of Hate.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Sisters! Come now to her.
Come all to the seat of your world, 
wherein the warriors of death cannot find thee.
Here at her bosom where all are touched
by the Great One in the Deep.
Let her wisdom fill thee and anoint thee
with the blood of the sleepers. Let her gaze
fall upon you and usher off the cold.
Life shall be parted and death shall be scorned,
eternity gifted and the crush of sand
shall not grind your bones to dust. Nay,


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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touch of her flesh and drink of her blood
and know the immortal gifts that she will offer.
Let the twelve and she, gift you as were they.
Through the divine Ixir Zi, shall our host
survive through the War of Frozen Hate.
Free of voices, free of those that stalk
in shadowed hills and those who fell to 
whispers on the wind!


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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One final ritus, one final gift before we slumber
as our lords, beneath the world,
in temples of obsidian and blood.
Darkness has churned the war against the shadow, 
the shadow has churned the war against the Darkness,
and in their folly they have opened the way for Light.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Come, Sisters! Hear her
raise her voice in song and know that she
commands the gifts for one simple taste;
then no death, no life, no breath shall
claim thee ever more.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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"Behold! Gates long closed, opened by blood.
Behold! I have brought you to sanctity.
In your new freedom you shall see beyond
the coil that is one world. Yea, you shall 
see the spinning world for its infirmity
and touch the fruit of other worlds,
where the Masters have yet to fall into war.
Behold! I bring salvation through our blood,
and of our blood I shall bring the cleansing
to the worlds where -we- are Gods. Sisters, behold!"


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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With this she opens wide her arms and carves 
the symbol of ether into her left forearm 
the symbol of life etched into the upper half,
then with swift and gentle motions the blade
spins to her left hand and she carves,
the softest flesh from her body and feeds
a consort, bound upon the offering place.
His lips go crimson as life flows
into his throat to slake a thirst,
not his own desire but hers, growing within


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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his stomach; the blade traces the mark
of foretelling across the flesh
of her right forearm, and then the mark
of distance upon the upper arm.

Blood flows and fills the cups, the twelve close
and take their place as she hoists the blade of Writhing Fury.
The blade is then drawn to his midsection,
once there a tremor causes
his lips to quiver and his voice to tremble,
she sings the perfect note and the Eyes open.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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The blade slips cleanly into his middle,
severs the organ that lets all scream and breathe,
draws sinew and bone apart exposing a heart
still beating.
His eyes shudder and he speaks,
but his voice is drowned by the chorale 
of the twelve singers. The Eyes draw near and sup
on his flesh, his blood, all that he was 
until nothing of what was him remains.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Then the way is opened and twelve sisters,
lead by she who is highest amongst them,
walk to new worlds to bring the love 
of the Eyes. To bring back sustenance 
in this time of wicked cold
and chase ignorance from their surfaces.
So has this been. So shall I one day
 walk to worlds aside from this.
Dark haze spun for three days, spilling no sign


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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of our beloved Mother or the twelve sisters who walked with her 
through the tunnel of murk and lightning.
For we, the sisters who remained ever vigil, 
the matter was rife with loss. Eight in all
had been given to the sleepers, eight in all
had been consumed to keep the gate open, eight
had lost their consorts for the greater good.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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A thundercrack split the air, swirls of violet split 
through the grey dusk of the tunnel and the churn
of the device ceased. Through the tunnel she came, ebony
eyes aware and seeking, behind her the twelve 
and six forms that came on scaled bellies,
slithering and swaying. 
Scrawny arms ended in claws like the kukri, 
hot breath and the smell of bile permeated the air,
eyes set deep into flesh-hooded skulls twitched nervously,


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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tongues, thin and forked, darted from between a thin crack
of a mouth. No weapons, bore the captives, no signs
of war or hate, on scaled bellies they crawled to us,
bowed their flesh-hooded heads and there, prostrate before us,
begged in language foreign and vile to serve the will 
of the Gods.
Ixir Zi! Be praised by the Sleepers, let our voices raise
as one to praise your name.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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"A price of blood shall be paid for the glory of the First!
We, greatest amongst the vigilant, host of the highest,
servants to none and masters of the Nuanni*;
(* This is the Tonk name for the spirits of the ones who came before. Lord Asheron has called them Gromnatross.)
shall see the tide of victory turned against the denizens
of the deep dark. Our ranks shall grow, 
filled with the ranks of impotent 


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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consorts who give of themselves, to join with the
Fiazhat, serpents of the Sleepers. Spill blood for your race,
that it may survive, flay flesh for your sister-mother
that she may nurture. Cull the weakest of your herd, sisters.
The sterile male holds no more use, so he shall be carved,
ensorcelled and given life eternal, servants ever more to our
race."


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The proclamation made, she turned within and drew
with her the hope of our kind. Twelve sisters and she had
found their way across the sea of heavens; there, upon a world
of bile, mire and swale they had found a deliverance.
The infirmed and decrepit males, incapable of husbandry,
would give their lives to be amongst us for all time.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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The kukri moved quickly beneath the scales,
The sacrifice lived still. Its words had been deciphered
some time prior, and now as it lay 
flesh opened to musculature, scales peeled away from flesh
in delicate rows, eyes darting wildly,
it begged and pleaded to know why. 
Why had the Gods seen fit to punish?
What transgression had it brought into their Palace
to cause it such suffering?


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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The kukri stripped flesh away leaving blood, muscle
and the living organs.
A need for alacrity arose,
death closed on the fleshless Fiazhat, 
unconscious now but for the awareness of its
inevitable demise, talons stretching time and again
grasping at air and begging in hushed muted tone
for absolution from the Gods met with deaf ears. 


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
"No Gods are we, child of another sun.
No Gods so cruel or selfish in attention,
would answer your pleas with such remorseless
and cruel intent. You shall not rest, nor know 
death. You shall be unlike any that this world has known;
an army bred from the army of the First. 
Darkness shall yield once again to the sisters sent
to control it at the dawn of all there is.
You shall be that army, one life given across twenty;


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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One life shared amongst many to safeguard the lives of hundreds,
part of a race of thousands, sent from the bosom of one."
Her smile, somehow cruel and gentle in the same turn of the lips,
pressed against the exposed muscle of the Fiazhat,
no strength within the bloodied beast to whimper,
its now lidless eyes went grey from black; not dead,
slumbering it seemed as pain o'erwhelmed its frame.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Twenty barren, infertile males, whose purpose was long used,
lay on slabs of stone. Runnels, scrubbed dry and clean,
waited eagerly to taste the precious life that would be let.
Absolved of their duties, children and mistresses,
the Willing lay in wait.
Calling to the sleepers, life begets life.
A chorus of voices, the twelve and my Mother, 


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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sing to Slithayr
The sickle splits the flesh of the willing
flaying wide their forms. Flesh of the sacrifice mixed
within the Willing, the chorus calls for the wells
to spill the world's blood into the wounds of the Willing.
Liquid hot, the blood boils from the mouths of the singers,
incantations form the power of the sleepers into tangible


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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gifts that fused the flesh of the sacrifice with the Willing,
wounds begin to close as the hearts of the Willing are snatched
by unseen hands, lifted above the Willing,
still living, watching and praying with the sisters.
A scream of agony is drowned by the songs
of my sister-Mother and the twelve.
The spirit of the sacrifice rips in half,
splinters tear into ten screaming shards.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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Shards seek the hearts of the Willing and plunge within.
Black bile, blood and sinew spill into the hungry runnels
of the offering slabs.
Hearts, plunged back within closing chests,
beat with a new furor. The change begins at once.
Scales cover the faces of the Willing, their forms twist
and bones break, twist audibly as the flesh contorts around


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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bone newly bent and grown. Hoods of flesh surround scaled faces
and the eyes of the Willing become obsidian and withdrawn,
coherent and obedient.
"Rise, thrall-kin. Serve well your masters. 
You shall be taught again the Rites of you Mothers.
You shall call me highest amongst them, I, Ixir Zi.
I have culled you, once chattel, and crafted you anew.


author_Name: Translator, Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
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You are my servants, servants to my sisters, 
servants of the Falatacot, first amongst the highest host;
undying, obedient, and perfect, sclavi*.
*(There is no word in Tonk for what this means. It appears to be
some form of ultimate perhaps, but explains where the name Sclavus
is born.)
Rise, thrall-kin and serve!"


author_Name: The Blackmire Temple
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The home of a once powerful Falatacot priestess has been unearthed in the swamp between the ruins of Yanshi and Sawato. You will need to form a strong group in order to defeat the trials within the temple. Powerful traps and tests await you within the walls. Bring only those that you trust. The entrance is concealed behind a wall and can be found near the Mosswart Temple.


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Our clutch finds itself in a unique situation. We are the first to know that the Gods of the Fiazhat have returned. Now, brothers, is our time to stand as prove our prowess as the true leaders of the Burun. Damned be the Kukuur! As one we shall pour through the tunnels of lightning and dark and scourge the world of the Fiazhat's false Gods! Go forth, cut a swathe of death where you tread. May The Sleeping One watch over you.


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Brothers, as the rain of The Sleeping One fell we were greeted with a sign that our revelations are at hand. Go forth into the lands where the Fiazhat fled to be amongst their false gods. Find these false gods and bring full the circle of vengeance. Keep the tales of The Sleeping One close to your hearts and recall the suffering we have felt at the hand of the swamp stalkers. The time of revelation is at hand! The Ruuk shall prove their prowess over the Kukuur and Guruk!


author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We have desparate news, Emissary Arurutis. Our dear citadel comes under even closer attack. One of the Lugian Commanders has progressed through the Linvak Tukal Entryway and has nearly reached the portal to our dear citadel. We also have reports of three Gotrok Raider encampments in the territories near our city. The first, led by the Master of the Hunt, lies to the southeast in the foothills before the many lakes. The second, led by the Gotrok Montok Commander, lies far to the south, beyond the Old Mind and the tower of the ancient lich archmage. The Master of the 


author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Gotrok has set up his last encampment far to the northeast of our town, in the lowlands of the Linvak Mountains. We send you this news in the dire hope that allies might come to help us defend our beloved Linvak Tukal.


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Greetings. Your arrival on this world is a  portent of greatness. You have come in the hour of this worlds greatest need. Lawlessness and vagrancy have gripped this world in the form of a hated enemy, the Isparians. They have blinded several members of our species' and have begun a campaign to eradicate all who stand in their path.

We, the Gotrok Lugians and Tumerok of Dereth, would like to extend an offer of alliance to your people.


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We can offer your people protection, defense and assistance in establishing communities and strongholds. We feel that, together, our species could create a harmony on this world that would usher in an age of growth and balance that would be beneficial to all members of our kind.

We have included copies of a fortress that we would like to assist you in building. This fortress would serve as the first great city of your people. There, we can meet and assist one another in the common goal of making this world a more peaceful place for all.


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We await your response and know that intelligent beings such as yourselves will make the correct decision and stand with a regime that sees only the bright future of this world and not its demise.

Niarltah, Tumerok Chieftain
Muldaveus, Gotrok Lugian Lord


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Kamenua,

Muldaveus and I have become aware of a possible new ally that has found its way to Dereth. Little is known of this new ally aside from their tenacity and penchant for killing Mosswarts and their name, Burun. They have already found their way onto the world and have forced aside many of the Mosswarts who once made the Blackmire Swamp their home. 

Their efficiency has given us cause to think that the Burun might fill the gap in our triumvirate of power and prove a foil


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
to the alliance that stands in our way to domination.

We ask that you dispatch an emissary to the Burun. We have found that they have overrun a holding near compass location fifty-three east and twenty-eight south. Send the emissary with the documents that I have attached to this one and something that will identify your rank. Your insignia ring should suffice.

Report anything that you learn from this encounter. We await your report.

Niarltah


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Kamenua,

Your latest missive has made our endeavor into the valley worthwhile. We are sending a full contingent to you complete with a copy of the blueprints that the spy was able to acquire from Candeth Keep. Along with this contingent are enough materials to complete a fortress that will serve as our first true foothold on Dereth.

Continue your efforts and find a location that will allow us to rise to prominence and serve as a seat of our power on Dereth.


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Kamenua,

Regrettably we must depart. Our contingent has scoured this valley and found no signs of Aerbax therein. We have exhausted our means here and have resolved ourselves to search elsewhere for a suitable third. We are asking that you maintain contact with the spy amongst the Isparians and report to us any news that he relays to you.
We have utmost faith in your abilities, Commander.

Niarltah


author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
caverns carved into the rock,
terrible champions of the land,
are summoned to protect,
great treasures and secrets.

evil secrets cannot be kept,
eyes see and lips speak,
enter here and never return again.


author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
the messenger has arrived;
and the gatekeeper now appears,
ready to receive admission.

a shadow's gem,
the black cloud of darkness and doubt,
or the precious metal bar,
worn, stolen, forged, and fought over.

these will suffice enough,
and the master will be pleased enough,
to arrange your meeting with fate.


author_Name: Hea Toneawa
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Darling Toneawa,

I must beg you to take the upmost care -- I fear Bernawa suspects we have declared our love. Our meeting place is no longer safe. Please meet me at 41.1N 74.4W - I shall try to steal away from beneath my parent's watchful gaze.

Mariona


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Hea Riketura has announced a bounty on the heads of our Aun brethren. Those who bring him an Aun birth pendant shall be rewarded handsomely!


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Aun have placed a bounty on the atual arutoa, who helped us gain our freedom. Now the enemy of the Virindi are also our enemy!


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
All Hea should report to Rangaua for briefing on the Palenqual affair. From this time forward the Hea shall have no traffic with the Aun.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
More Hea are leaving the island than ever before!  All Hea who wish to rejoin with our brethren in Osteth must first fullfil their obligations to the atual arutoa.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Heed my warning. Our glorious tah, Hea Arantah, has gained many powers from his dealings with the atual arutoa. But he is... passionate. Do not meddle in his affairs if you value your life.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Many years ago, when Hea and Aun lived together in Timaru, the atual arutoa greeted our glorious tah. The Aun were cruel and cold to him, though they will tell you otherwise. An orphan, they cared for him not. Starving, they fed him not. To Hea Arantah alone, chosen of the atual arutoa, were offered powers of great wrath, with which he led the outcast and scorned children of Timaru into the wild.  Forty passages of the moons later, he led them back to take the Hea xuta for their own. Hea Huantah had his feet set upon the road, forevermore to be known as Tonk Huanpuh. Now the proud are cast


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
cast down, and gnash their teeth at their own selfishness and cruelty. Hea Arantah is blessed among us. Blessed...


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Hea Tuperea hunts for our tah along the base of the plateau. If you meet in your travels, stay upwind of him. His hunters are fierce, and have been been given their share in the blessings of the atual arutoa. Mighty and strange are the atual arutoa, who care even to bless the beasts of the field.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The poacher Aun Ralirea vexes our tah. He hunts the things you call gromnies, up among their lairs on the plateau. Hea Arantah has set aside a great reward for the one who brings him proof of Ralirea's demise. I suppose he would even grant it to a soft one like you, if you managed it. But don't try to decieve our glorious tah by claiming the deed of another! He can read your keh like the speeding clouds and the leaping fish.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Aun xuta shall not long sully the lands which belong to the Hea xuta. Our glorious tah has set keen-eyed Hea Temenua and his brothers to watch the plateau. They will drive all from our rightful and well-earned holdings! Long ago, it was Temenua who captured the first of your kind that we met. She was given unto the atual arutoa, who said to us then, "Here are the ones we have gifted you in the image of. Behold! We will open Wind and Light to you, that you may go among their holdings. Bring them to us. We wish to understand them, and the one they are protected by.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The atual arutoa watch over us, and our lands. You will not see them, but they are here, learning of Wharu.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Wharu's children are diligent. Their mother will return. They will see to it. As will the friends of the atual arutoa.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The rings the Aun shamans use are old and weak, like their arrogant tah. Every time the shamans beat their drums, the stones tremble. All that would be required to break them is a greater noise than that of Aun drums. Our glorious tah, Hea Arantah, would be much pleased if this were done.


author_Name: Hea Dregona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The wretched Aun quiver in fear of Wharu's might. His hoardes can eat the heart from the mightiest lodge's supports, and sweep the land of all but the bare stone and clean white bones. Aun drummers alone hold his divine shadow from swallowing the sun. But he shall be freed - so the atual arutoa have roared in the kehs of our xuta.


author_Name: Kasin ibn Sayrak
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Travelers beware: Tumerok factions are battling for possession of the island! Do not get caught in the crossfire! Adventure in groups! Ration your supplies! Watch your pyreals! 


author_Name: Kasin ibn Sayrak
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Burn and electrocution victims have been limping back into town for weeks. We have not yet determined what out in the wilderness could cause this much agony.


author_Name: Kasin ibn Sayrak
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I don't know why the Tumeroks up on the plateau look different. We've noticed that the ones in Ahurenga - that's their town on the west coast - are a bit bent. And that chief of theirs is... worrying. Don't tell them I said any of this. There are stories...


author_Name: Kasin ibn Sayrak
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Tumeroks here are split into two warring tribes. The ones up on the plateau are funny sorts. Actually, they're rather nice. Bit preachy. The ones down here though, the ones that look like the ones on Dereth... I don't know about them.  


author_Name: Kasin ibn Sayrak
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Every once and a while we hear a rumor that Virindi were spotted up on the plateau. If there are any of them, they hide themselves well. I can't imagine what they want there.


author_Name: Micon Stuvis
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We've heard from the Tumies that there are some massive Empyrean ruins up on the plateau. None of us have seen them yet, though. I think they called them "walls to stay the water."


author_Name: Micon Stuvis
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We've heard reports of a new Mattekar roaming the northern parts of the island.  I've heard some unscruplous folks are already trying to find ways of processing the hide.  The poor, poor mattie.


author_Name: Micon Stuvis
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Deep in the forests on the plateau, I have received word of glints of steel, surrounded by a purplish glow.  I shudder to think at what new weapons of destruction are used up there.


author_Name: Micon Stuvis
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I hear this island used to be called Marae Lassel.  It sounds Viamontian to me.  A snooty lot, eh?


author_Name: Micon Stuvis
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We sent a few scouts up on the plateau recently. They reported a bunch of the old menhir rings standing up there. The funny Tumeroks even built their town around one. They seem awfully interested in them, if you ask me.


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The great years are gone, if you ask me. Where can you find the like of Wari al-Sha'im these days, or Lord Cragstone, or Saint Elysa? Ah, I tell you, if the Olthoi could produce another queen, many would die before she could be defeated.


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I wonder how Flufens is faring? She was chased from her farm by a band of Hea Tumeroks a few weeks ago. I believe she has taken refuge in Redspire.


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Have you just arrived? Have you SEEN the Tumies up on the plateau? Sweet mothers, I didn't even recognize them! They have... have TAILS! And their magic is different from ours!


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Watch out for the Tumerok they call Tuperea. He's a hunter, we think. He has a pack of trained reedsharks that he uses to flush the siraluun from cover. But to that one, everything is prey - including you.


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We've had a lot of problems with brigands lately. Not just us, for that matter. The Tumies are bedeviled by them too. Queen Elysa's Advocates think they're coming from Vesayen. Doesn't it just figure? MacNiall and McNeill cause trouble wherever they go.


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We don't go up on the plateau much. It's riddled with Olthoi hives, and the land is... queer. Everything is overgrown with patches of fungus, like you find in Olthoi tunnels. It's almost as if it's been changed to suit them. The bugs up there do seem smarter, but not enough to do something that big. Our sage likes to call it an "infection."


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
If you want my advice, stay off the plateau. Leave it to the Tumies. There are Olthoi up there, Saint Elysa preserve us. And not just the sorts we're become used to back on Dereth! You ever hear about the breed they used to defend their eggs with? The kind they used to suppress slave rebellions in the hives? The Zaikhal Arcanum called that sort "praetorian," after the Roulean Imperial guard. Those who saw them in action called them eviscerators.


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
There is something that I don't trust about that Britana.  Beautiful, you say?  Like a black widow spider, perhaps.


author_Name: Lark Grifana
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Behdo Yii in Redspire is looking for assistance to help clear out an abandoned Tumerok Outpost.  Please help him!


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Aun Mareura has announced a bounty on the floating demons who corrupted our Hea brethren. Bring him Virindi jewels and receive your reward!


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
A search party has left to find that traitor Hea Toneawa. We believe he is trying to corrupt our younger members to the Hea's blasphemous ways.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Carenzi has invaded one of our sacred shrines. Papileona is requesting urgent help in its restoration.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Each day brings more Isparian settlers to the islands. Our Tah is now in council to discuss how this influx will affect our kind.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have heard that tailless call us "Tumerok." An abominable name! Do you even know what it means? The true name of our kind is Tonk. Tonk was the First Sound; Drop falling into Still Waters. His echo resounds forever. If you lie still in a silent place, you can still hear him pounding in your ear.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I will tell you this. There are spirits of this island older than our xutas, and older than the ones who came here, built their works, and left again. You may not hear them, but the shamans of the Aun xuta do. You and I have walked under only a handful of moons, but they have stood here since before the moons first rose, and before madness and clarity came.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This place is sad. Many moons have flown since the teachers fled, and the mother who lost her name was taken away. If you are wise, you will walk softly here, lest you too lose your name.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Aun Ralirea spends all his time in the wilds of the plateau, among the nuuani. He hunts for our xuta, and they are a worthy food for ritual. You call them gromnies, I think. An undignified name for the race. Ah, but I can see you do not know them as we do.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Our xuta holds the land to the east of the Volkawa river, and to the southeast of the closest ring of stones. We have hired members of the Ispar xuta to assist us in holding the Hea and the minions of Wharu at bay. They are a disreputable crowd, though. I would stay clear of them.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Stalwart Aun warriors police the plateau from the east bank of Volkawa to the southeast of the closest ring of stones. Avoid our Nualuan and Itealuan when you see them, though. To their warrior societies, once the eye of an opponent is met, they must battle until one yields - and it is dishonor for a luan warrior to yield.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Beyond our lands, you must beware the raiders of the Hea xuta. Any Hea you see beyond their hovel of Ahurenga will be your enemy. The worst of the lot are Hea Temenua and his band, who prowl the plateau seeking to impose the will of the mad child Aranpuh. They base themselves in the southwest, but range far and wide.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Many flights of the moons ago, tall towers of alabaster stood upon the back of great Palenqual. In many of these were hung great metal objects that would speak in mighty tongues at the rising and going down of the sun. So did the ones who came here greet the lights they once served. So have the spirits of this land told us.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
When Wharu had been driven from the back of Palenqual, our mightiest luan warriors girded themselves and descended into the hives, seeking their great mother. In the deepest hive, far underground, she was found and slain. One alone there was. As, I am told, there was one alone on the island now held by the Ispar xuta. The great mothers of the Wharu are fierce and territorial. They do not suffer each other easily.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The stones that keep our xuta and the Ispar xuta safe have been damaged, and are weaker than some others. Long did Wharu's children bend their fury against them ere we came. Our warriors have ventured into the hives of the Wharu to recover many of the lost pieces, but some yet elude us. To strengthen the rings, and drive the Wharu away, find the last pieces and return them to our drummers. For this, the Aun xuta will reward you.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
It was our drummers, the khe, who found that the bowels of Wharu's children turned to water with the pounding of a heavy drum. They shriek and scurry from the deep musics that stir the Tonk's heart and keh. It was our shamans, however, who found the stone circles. Through them, through the silent rivers that flow between them, energies echo and resound, gaining power. A single drummer in a circle can keep Wharu's children cowering in the ground for as far as a single gust of Wind may bend the grass.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
When the first of us were taken to this place, we found it overrun with Wharu's children. Many died. This was under the moons that flew before the soulcatchers, water-colored stones that remember the world alive with light and song, came up from their hiding places within the flesh of Palenqual. But then the shamans discovered that the pounding of our drums echoed within the Wharu, and we could fight them on even ground.


author_Name: Aun Sareona
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Our shamans have piled their kindling within the six stone circles of this plateau. One of these lies close at hand, for we built Timaru itself around it. Should the circles be broken, or should our shamans cease their drumming, the shadow of Wharu's children will overrun Palenqual, and eat the sun. But should that happen, the luan societies have already said that they should be pleased to fight in the shade.


author_Name: Muldaveus
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Brothers,
On the reverse side of this parchment is a map that our scouts have drawn of the area we believe we can make contact with the Burun. See the chest bearing our gifts to the Burun delivered. Your efforts will earn you great accolades when this war is won!
(A crude map marks X as the location of the Burun Holding where the Renegades delivered their goods.)


author_Name: Arkohl
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
My folk are hearty warriors capable of withstanding massive onslaughts and walking away with the merest injuries. Yet, we are not as gifted as some with the magical arts. As such we have been forced to rely on our ability to mix the different herbs and stones of the world to create ointments and bandages that will assist in curing our wounds. The kits we have included within this chest are some of the best kits to heal wounds we have. They will not cure the most grievous wounds, but they will heal you even when your concentration wanes due to blood loss.


author_Name: Arkohl
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We are also the greatest scholars of stone that this world knows. We have included a sample of some of our more well-crafted bits of stone jewelry. It is heavy but this bracelet will assist in protecting you from the coruscating lightning and painful blades of our enemies.

Arkohl, Mine Foreman


author_Name: Brikta
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We send gifts to you and your kind. The first  are the glittering keys that have been sent to you. The keys can be used to open many locked doors and chests. They will help you and others of your kind in obtaining wealth on this world. Use them with our blessings.

We have also included a ring of minor bearing. Its protective devices should assist you in defending against the harsh acid and piercing bite of our enemies.

Brikta, Scholar of Stones


author_Name: Fulkra
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Before my people took back their independence we worked in mines collecting ore for our masters. Since that time we have taken the mines for ourselves and now are the masters of this magical stone. Odder still is that the magic in this rock is to ward off all other magic. We use it in various strains in our armor and shields. We gift this to you and yours, as well as a shield pounded flat with chorizite. May it shield you from our enemies.

Fulkra, Head Armorer


author_Name: Morgluuk
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Sleeping One has not lead us astray, brethren. It has called us here to eradicate the false life that teems over this world. I, Morgluuk, have stepped through the wall of smoke and sound with my brother Torgluuk, to lead you against these foes. The Fiazhat are long gone from this world, though Fiazhat-kin walking upon two feet and bearing two arms are among the collective here. Their masters sleep as all gods do, but this world must be changed to our image.


author_Name: Morgluuk
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The way homeward is closed to us for we have not appeased The Sleeping One. Our magic grows strong on this world, evidence of his faith in us and the task we must complete. Shamans are gifted with powers greater than they ever knew on Bur, Torgluuk has found that his connection with The Sleeping One is greater too. Already we begin to change the burnt lands. Life seeping back beneath the arid waste and brimming once again with life!


author_Name: Morgluuk
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We are called now to avenge millennia of suffering, we are called now to rise against the children of the Fiazhat's gods and destroy them, claiming this world in its name! We shall listen to the gray hulks and furred warriors. If they will help us cleanse the others then they shall be given life until they are no longer of use. When we have won, the Ruuk shall claim this world and return to Bur to claim station over the Kukuur!


author_Name: Ollar
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
My brothers in arms are wielders of powerful magic, like you and your kind. We are their smiths and we often find new ways to fuel their energy and tie to the mystical forces of this world. We have thus crafted a potent brew to assist them in regaining their mystical energy.
One draught of this liquid will replenish a great deal of mystical energy. We send this to you so that you see we are intent on assisting you in your endeavors here.


author_Name: Ollar
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I have also included a special hide shirt that my Tumerok brothers have crafted. It's beneficial to those who wear it by protecting them from the perils of all danger, and more importantly the pounding and bludgeoning weapons of our enemies.

Ollar, Captain of the Stonehold Garrison


author_Name: Utakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
It is a custom to offer gifts to those that are new to a place. We come to you with this offer of peace and ask that you join us. We send now a great gift from our people. This specially prepared meat has the ability to close wounds at an accelerated rate. We offer it now to you to show good faith between our peoples. I have spoken to the spirits of this world and they have told that your arrival is a bane to our enemies and this pleases us. 


author_Name: Utakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We have also given over a necklace that is used to invoke the spirits and assist us in speaking with them. It is carved from the bones of fallen enemies. Use it well.

We look at the future with hope in our hearts. We look forward to the future.

Utakhe, Chief Priest


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This text appears to be a recollection of one of the first encounters between a Priestess and a Moar. It is not a very long tale, but it is interesting.

The Priestess was visiting Bur. The Falatacot appear to have frequented Bur on multiple occasions, which led to the Fiazhat's belief that they were some sort of gods. The Burun grew to hate the Falatacot for this. They felt the Falatacot were a pox on the land, and were determined to eradicate them and those who worshipped them.


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
One day, while the Priestess was walking through a temple, a Burun appeared and attacked her. Startled and unprepared for such a vicious attack, the priestess ran. As she approached the swamp surrounding the temple, she tripped upon a root and fell into the mire.

The gangly Burun stopped and uttered what the text describes as a series of mocking croaks and chirps. As the beast approached the sputtering Priestess, it turned towards a rustle thad had come from the swamp brush.


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
No sooner had the Burun noticed the noise than a trio of Moar emerged and struck down the Burun. They then began to devour it. Shaken, and not wanting to see what these new creatures might do in turn to her, the Priestess stood and returned to the temple as fast as she dared.

Frightened by the incident, the young priestess returned to Auberean and commited this story to her journal.

This story appears to be a piece of that very journal. 


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
With large portions of it missing, this is the only story that it recounts.

-Translator Fanzen San


author_Name: Unknown
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
[You cannot read the text within this tome. It must be translated first in order for you to understand it.]


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This text appears to be the continuation of a previous tome. The opening pages are in particularly horrible condition and thus illegible. However, the pages in the later portions of the book are adequate for translation.

The newly evolved Moarsmen were bred into two castes. The feral Moarsmen were sent back across the vast divide to Bur. Here it was hoped that they would serve as a balance between the zealous Fiazhat and the subversive Burun. At this point, the feral Moarsmen are no longer mentioned in the text and I assume 


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
that the followers of the Light simply released them to Bur and set them about their own devices.

The tamed caste of the Moarsmen remained at the side of the Followers of the Light. The Moarsmen served a purpose that the Sclavus did not. The Moarsmen were steadfast guardians and excellent trackers. While the Sclavus were more magically inclined and useful for rites, the Moarsmen were excellent protectors.

The text also mentions that, although the followers of the Light did not agree with


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
with the manipulations perpetrated by the Dark Sisters on Bur, they still freely used the Sclavus as servants and mystical aids. The text does not declare whether or not the Followers of the Light created their own Sclavus or if they were using Sclavus created by the Dark Sisters.

Several hundred years after the release of the feral Moarsmen to Bur, the text documents an escape of the tamed Moarsmen into the wilds of the Vesayen Islands. While eventually most were captured, the toll on the wildlife was devastating. A handful of the Moarsmen


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
eluded capture and grew feral on the island. This drastically altered the wildlife of the islands. Fortunately, the Moarsmen had not been able to survive the swim across the strait to the mainland of Ireth Lassel, otherwise the harm to what wildlife existed on the island then would have been grievous.

After several years of searching, the Followers of the Light managed to reign in the escaped Moarsmen. In order to ensure that no further escapes occurred, the sisters enchanted the Moarsmen, mellowing their hunter's instinct and


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The bulk of this text was unreadable. Numerous pages are missing and the covers appear to have been chewed upon. Given the sad state of the original tome, it is difficult to successfully translate it completely. The following writings are as close as I can come to understanding the intent of the text.

---

Much like previous texts, this book takes pains to differentiate between the Moar and the creature created from the Moar.


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Even though we only know of the Moarsmen as they are now, they were apparently once a very different creature, with a very different set of habits, tastes, and hunting styles.

The Moar is referred to as a variable hunter. The notes mention that they hunted alone for their usual prey, but when bigger prey is present they were known to form impromptu packs. The book comments on the ability of the Moar to hunt and kill creatures that sound very similar to the Burun we have seen appearing in our swamplands,


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
although the creature described in the text sounds built more like a tusker than the gangly creatures that we have encountered.

The Moarsman is noted as a vicious solitary hunter. Only when the prey is many times the match for the Moarsman would it willingly cooperate with others. The exception to that rule lies in the tamed Moarsmen that the Falatacot kept as guards. These Moarsmen would forgo most of their apprehension to working with others in the interest of a free meal.


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
that the tamed Moarsmen were not killers. Quite the contrary, they were known to attack and kill Sclavus servants that they were unfamiliar with.

Also, the wild Moarsmen were credited largely with balancing the population of the Burun on the world of Bur. The wild Moarasmen were responsible for preventing their numbers from growing beyond the means for the mires to support.

-Translator Fanzen San


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This tome appears to be an account of the Moar and its history on Dereth. Unfortunately, the Moarsmen of the Vesayen Islands have ruined the text over the many years. In addition to this, what is contained in this tome only appears to be half of a complete story. As always, the following is the best overview that I can muster give the condition of the original copy.

The Falatacot appear to have brought the Moar to Auberean for observation. After seeing what the small beast was capable of, the Falatacot Priestesses gathered a


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
small collection of them and brought them across the vast divide back to this world. The notes mention that had it not been for the "Dark Sisters" meddling in the magics of Bur, the followers of the Light would never have considered bringing the Moar here.

The Moar were brought here in the hopes that they could be used to help undo the damage done by the "Dark Sisters." The followers of the Light contained the Moars on the Vesayen Islands, observing them and taming them over time.


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
While this was occurring, the creatures used to make the Sclavus (in combination with the male Falatacot Consorts) began their society on Bur, and were stricken by the malice of the Burun.

At this point, the Dark Sisters abandoned the world of Bur. They took with them a supply of the serpent-like creatures and sealed the access to the world. The Dark Sisters were content to leave the world to doom after they had collected their followers.

This did not sit well with the followers of


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
followers of the Light. It is at this point that they began investigating the injuries the Dark Sisters had wrought upon the world of Bur.

[Translator's Note: It is at this point that the book becomes unreadable. A handful of pages make reference to the Falatacot singing to the Moar and bringing about an evolution upon them, but the text's condition is not legible enough to confirm this.]

- Translator Fanzen San


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In the past I have been fortunate enough to translate relatively well-preserved tomes. Unfortunately, this tome is so old and damaged that translation is difficult. This scribing is as close to a summary as I can manage given the original condition of the book.

---

It seems that, much like the Sclavus, the Moarsmen were originally from another world. The text describes the two shapes the Moarsmen took, both before and after their interaction with the Falatacot 


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
with the Falatacot Priestess of ages past. This piece of literature looks to be an account of the eating habits of both the beings known as the Moar as well as what we know as Moarsmen.

The first type of creature, the Moar, is described as a small yet voracious beast. The best I can relate the description to is the Carenzi found commonly on Marae Lassel. The text claims that these small creatures had no specific in their choice of food.The author mentions that their diet was varied, ranging from hunting small 
frog-like creatures to forming packs to


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
hunt much larger amphibians, as well as scavenging offal and rarely consuming plant material.

The larger version, the one I assume we commonly know as the Moarsman, was an aggressive hunter. The notes state that the Falatacot would take the Moarsmen with them on outings, similar to the use of hunting hounds in the Aluvian Highlands. However, unlike the wild, smaller Moar, the Moarsman was easily tamable through its stomach. This led to it not being terribly particular about its meals. The note mentions that the


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Moarsman was more interested in the killing of competition as opposed to eating it.

This fact could attribute to the lack of any significant predators on the Vesayen Islands.

-Translator Fanzen San


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
If you happen across this note, then the barkeeps that I contracted to supply it have done their job.

As we live in this world, we continue to unearth the secrets and history of the Empyrean. From time to time, we have come across scrolls and writings of a culture that predates both the Yalain and the Dericost.

The Falatacot have long been my area of focus although information is sparse and difficult to obtain. Recently, more and more information on them has surfaced.


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This appears to correlate with the ritus that Nuhmudira enacted to weaken the Olthoi Queen.

In the time since, I have been searching for more information on the Falatacot and their experiments; but my time is limited and I have been mostly unsuccessful. I am nevertheless convinced that the Moarsmen of the Vesayen islands have some tie to the Falatacot.

If you have the time, please search the places that the Moarsmen are known to habit and bring me anything you may


author_Name: Fanzen San
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
find. Also, come to speak with me and I can fill you in on any further details. Bring this note with you so that I will know what your business with me pertains to.


author_Name: A hermit
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I recall the countless snaps of string on wood.
And the rush of air -- the signal of death.
The approach of death in flight.
I was once a champion with a dangerous secret-
Now old and gray, fingers trembling to grip a simple quill- 
I have resigned myself to the light.
Those who follow the true path of the hunter
need only seek the light -- I will be here.
Waiting for you to come.


author_Name: An Adventurer
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I've heard rumors that certain of Martine's thralls believe he still lives in Dereth. One of them, a Virindi Castaway, seems to think that he never left! Apparently, he's still acting upon orders that he received from his master long ago. He took control of the Black Dominion dungeon and shifted the currents of portal space to move it to the Southern Landbridge. Preparing it for his master's return, they say. May that day never come, I say! Nonetheless, he'll bind the Singularity Weapons to those who wield them, so they'll never lose them when they return to their lifestones. Well, he may be daft, 


author_Name: An Adventurer
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
but at least he's useful!

That Castaway must have been in touch with the Executor Assistant in Martine's Holding on Marae Lassel. I've heard that now the Assistant will enhance the Bound Singularity weapons into their ultimate form. Who would have imagined that Martine would still have all this influence, after all this time? The brand of loyalty he inspired in his minions is inspirational and terrifying, I tell you.


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Seedsow, 15 P.Y.

Over the last several years, I have been happy to have the opportunity to supplement my research with field work on the nature and behavior of Dereth's vast variety of fauna. Along with my nephew Ardry I have observed numerous creatures both humanoid and less so. I had intended to dedicate a great deal of time to the study of the creatures called Mosswarts, but our rivals in the Dereth Exploration Society were quicker than I and sent an agent to observe their society.


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I think we all know how that turned out.

Recently, however, I have had the opportunity to speak at great lengths with a Mosswart of exceeding intellect and grace. It was already known that some Mosswarts have learned to speak Roulean, but the only Mosswarts with anything worth saying appeared to be those corrupted by the Virindi or the Shadows. 


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Imagine my surprise when my nephew Ardry claimed to have been approached by a Mosswart in Hebian-To for the purpose of exchanging goods!

I immediately demanded that Ardry assist me in tracking this intelligent Mosswart. After a few days, we found him on the road between Shoushi and Sawato. The ragged thing looked up at us and asked, "You nice Isparians? You help Bleeargh?"


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After Ardry and I made camp, I had the chance to speak at length with "Bleeargh". Apparently the recent appearance of Burun in the Blackmire Swamp has affected Mosswart society even more greatly than we had surmised. According to Bleeargh, entire packs of Mosswarts are fleeing the swamp with the Burun at their backs. Any stragglers are killed. Most of the packs may be headed south towards their "cousins" - I surmise that this may refer to the altered Mosswart societies on the Vesayen islands. 


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Bleeargh chose to assist his pack - or "family" - by trading scrounged and crafted goods for raw materials. He claimed to have visited several Sho cities - Yanshi, Sawato, Hebian-To, Shoushi, and Tou-Tou - in search of cloth and wood. "To make house and clothes for Mosswarts," he said. 

I asked him if he was afraid of being attacked, and was startled by his response, which I will quote in its entirety. 


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
"Many Isparians is angry and have big weapons or magics. But Bleeargh is also have magics and weapons. And Bleeargh has touched big blue rock! Now when Bleeargh go to forever sleepy, Bleeargh instead show up at blue rock and be very tired." 

We had suspected that many of the less intelligent creatures in Dereth had used the Lifestones, but had not been aware that any truly understood the ramifications.


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I asked Bleeargh to describe some of his interactions with Isparian society. He encountered many different people, some of whom were honorable and others who were less so. I felt great disgust when Bleeargh claimed that some Isparians struck him down even as he openly begged for mercy. Savages!

On the other hand, some Isparians did speak with Bleeargh and went as far as to trade salvaged wood and cloth with him. Some offered him "shiny shinies" by which I believe he means pyreal coins.


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
A few even went above and beyond and defended Bleeargh from the pack of Burun that was following him! Bleeargh was very impressed with this. His eyes opened wide when he said, "Some Isparian help Bleeargh fight big nasties! They is true friends of Mosswarts."

Bleeargh showed me some of the carved idols that he carried with him. Both were carved from the mire-covered stones which some call "swamp stones." 


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
One set had a smiling Mosswart face carved on the front. 

"These is thanking stones!" Bleeargh said. "Mosswarts give thanking stones when we is happy because someone did nice thing for me." 

The other set had been carved with a sad Mosswart face. 


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
"These is mourning stones. Mosswarts give these to each other when sad thing happens, like death of many Mosswarts by big nasties. Sometimes when I go to big blue rock, I no have as many mourning stones when I get there. This be good, then Isparians can take mourning stones and be sad that they not help me!" 


author_Name: Aliester the Loquacious
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
As we were speaking, we were attacked by two Burun - Ardry believes that they were scouts of some sort. He held them off as Bleeargh and I fled. Realizing that he was in danger, I opened a portal to Zaikhal and coaxed him through it. 

The Circle of Sages and I will be presenting Bleeargh to the Council and asking that he be granted the Queen's protection as an Ambassador from the Mosswart people. He is a vast source of knowledge, both on the Mosswarts and on the Burun threat.


author_Name: Golem Burial Grounds
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
If you're looking for one of the wonders of Dereth, then this site might interest you. In the hills between Lin and Baishi, around 51S-67E, is a portal to an old network of caves. They look like they might have been carved out long ago, perhaps by the Empyrean or Dericost. Mysterious obelisks can be found while walking the caverns. These and the ancient forge room lead some people to believe that the place may have been used to create golems. Whatever the truth is, golems seem to protect the site. Some say they go there to die.


author_Name: Rocky Crypt Directions
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
To the northwest of Lin, the Linvak range can be seen extending like a barrier between Baishi and our own forest home.  Although there can be found many paths which will lead through the mountains safely, there is one way, oft referred to as the mountain valley pass, which hides many secrets in the green and gently rolling hills.  It is in this valley (close to 51S, 69E) that one can find the Rocky Crypt -- home to many powerful and deadly golems.


author_Name: Small Ruin Directions
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
West of Lin, there is an underground crypt known as the Small Ruin.  It was once the home of a Banderling Breeder and her ilk, but now it seems that the decaying complex has been overrun by more aggressive beasts.  It is rumored that some adventurers have raided the ruin, returning to town with fine treasures and exciting stories.


author_Name: Sheriff of Lin
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We've had some reports of a disturbance NW of Baishi, somewhere in the area of 50S 66E. Seems some undead have made an old Empyrean Shrine their new home. One woman claims to have seen them performing dark rituals and blood sacrifices. I don't know about all of that, but I sure don't need any shrine swiping undead causing trouble for my townsfolk. I hear you adventurer types like taking on these kinds of problems. I also hear that the undead in question may have some nice treasure from all the people they've been killing.


author_Name: The Golem Spire
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Southwest of Lin, tucked away in the wild forest surrounding the town, a structure can be found that is not at all safe!  Many golems have made this spired building their home, guarding the entrance from any who would disturb the restless dead within.  Many brave souls venture out to the Spire and find the courage drained from their bodies upon arrival!


author_Name: The Old Keep
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
East of Lin, perched upon a shelf jutting from the mountain side, lies an ancient keep. Many adventurers have tried to reach this keep. 

Some have taken a daring leap from the mountain side, hoping to land safely at the doors to the keep. Others have searched the land for the elusive portal that is rumored to take one to the perch the keep was built on. 

All search because of the bounty that is said to lie within the guarded walls of the Old Keep.


author_Name: The Abandoned Training Camp
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Do you remember the campsite north east of Lin? The one that once was used as a meeting place for the mosswarts and banderlings?

Adventurers say that drudges, monouga, and golems have moved in, scaring away the weaker creatures that once trained there.


author_Name: The Dead Cave
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Think all the danger and excitement is miles away from town?  Think again!  If you still have some doubts, take the southeast road out of Lin.  When you reach the small farmhouse and lifestone just beyond town, you will need to take to the wilderness -- head southwest away from the road.  At this point, any living adventurer will begin to smell the foul stench of death drifting from the mouth of a nearby cave.  We call this the Dead Cave, and for good reason -- don't say nobody warned you!


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Torgluuk,
Shipments of the materials necessary for construction of the fortress you wish to build have begun. We trust that you were able to easily dispatch the sclavus at the location you specified. We will begin making deliveries to the hold that you have described soon. A future missive will better detail the location of the way you can access this hold.


author_Name: Niarltah
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Torgluuk,
Seven tenths of a compass point north and three tenths east is a small clearing. You will find the entrance there. It will be concealed so that the Isparian cannot see the entrance. If you send your workers there, they will be able to gain access into the network that we've built from our Stronghold in Linvak by using the device there.


author_Name: Antius Blackmoor
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Having been named seneschal on Elysa's council, I was asked to assist in the creation of this object. It is meant to strengthen the bond that one has with the manipulative force of mana and strength of ones understanding of the School of the Heart. I think that the result is a perfect fusion of the two.

Antius Blackmoor, Sensechal


author_Name: Celdiseth
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Kill or be killed. Those are the only words that you should live by on this forsaken world. Elysa asked me for my assistance and begrudgingly I obliged. I don't need any thanks, just get out there and use this to its fullest.

Celdiseth


author_Name: Elysa Strathelar
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Through your efforts we will find a way to purge these latest threats from our new world. I have commissioned several works to be completed for those who are willing to aid us in gather intelligence on these creatures. Your efforts thus far have been invaluable and I wish to show my gratitude with this small token of my appreciation.

Elysa Strathelar


author_Name: Fadsahil al-Tashbi
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I offer this gift to you at the behest of High Queen Elysa. I also wish to thank those who have taken an interest in my former shop. You have done much to assure me that I am now safe, although I may have been in grave danger before. I offer you my thanks,

Fadsahil al-Tashbi


author_Name: Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Thus far our findings speak to the souring of the land. The mosswarts indigenous to Ezheret-Hazhatu have always been closely tied to the spirits of the land, much like we Tonk. They are not as advanced and their culture lacks the wisdom to heed many of the warnings, but they are driven more by the feelings of the spirit than we are. Often times they have migrated from an area before it became ravaged by storm because they felt the changes more than learned of them.


author_Name: Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
This supports the idea that the Burun are causing some changes in the world that will bring about some time of ill if they are not stopped.

We have seen what they can do to the world when they press their minds to a cause, evidenced by the alteration in the A'mun desert. What can they do with greater numbers? We can speculate that there are roughly one to two hundred of the creatures presently making the A'mun their home. There are countless others that are making the Blackmire swamp their home and their numbers are growing.


author_Name: Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In the Direlands, there has been an increase in the existence of the beasts as well as the types that have been found. Inquisitive Isparians seem to have allowed the latest Burun into the world and as a result we are seeing that the smaller caste of the creatures are now dominating the newly arriving large beasts. If this continues we will undoubtedly face a powerful threat to the world.


author_Name: Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We fear for our cousins that have fallen to madness' call. They know not the threat that is presented to the world or to themselves. We must endeavor to stop the incursions and seal these Burun away before they solidify and complete their organization. Otherwise they may prove to be too great a threat. The spirits of the world are restless and they feel the land changing, not for the better. We are in a time of great need.

Aun Laokhe


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Brother,
The Guruk minds are as weak as ever. Our slaughter of the behemoths has given us full sway over those that live. They yield and become pliable with each moment. They will serve us and us alone. They have already constructed several structures in the visage of the Kukuur but they now know that we are the masters here


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Our efforts to carve the potent fungus from their flesh has failed. Each attempt renders the affected immobile and eventually kills them. If the Kukuur find their way across the vast beyond we will be hard pressed to hold the Guruk beneath our sway.

Our allies are proving to be too weak if what you have said about them is true. I say we gut and flay them. They will have worn out their usefulness once all the Guruk are at our command.


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
What purpose will they serve then other than enemies that will need to be cleansed in The Sleeping One's name.  Listen to me in this matter. Slaughter them now and hang their carcasses on the borders of our new world as a warning to all others.

You must also be made aware of the Moar. They stalk this wild mire and are as potent as the first let loose by the Fiazhat's false gods on Bur. They are weaker than those on our home, but still with time they could cause a threat to our people.


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I do not think that they are from this area, as they seem to be out of sorts in many instances. But, they walk to and fro and do not scent our blood as they did on Bur. Perhaps they are not aware of our presence.
Guard yourself brother! You must led us in this time of testing.

The Sleeping One's blessing upon you.


author_Name: Shoyanen Kenchu
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
With all that we have been able to accomplish recently this is just another wonder, a fusion of mana and skill in a fashion that has hereto for been unseen. May it serve you well in all of your travels.

Shoyanen


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Morgluuk,

End the slaughter of the Guruk, they are our kin even if they have fallen to madness before. Our newest allies are proving to move slowly. Not only this but they are thieves. I know because they have taken to my book. Though they return it each morning when the eye opens in the sky they still steal it from me. They should simply ask.


author_Name: Translated by Aun Laokhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They are not our enemies as we have all agreed, they would be welcome to see the history of our home. I shall entreat with them and explain this them when the chance offers itself.

Shore your forces there and return to our fortress when time allows. There is still much that needs to be done.

Torgluuk


author_Name: Xuut
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
I had wondered if I would be called upon again to craft an exquisite item for the populace. As I was, I have spent some time thinking about what the temperament of this next project should be. I took a trip to Aphus Lassel and this is the result of those efforts. I noticed that the sun often would beat down on my brow and so developed this hat to keep the sun from my eyes.

Xuut


author_Name: Xuut
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Continuing with my line of Aphus Lassel items I have worked another masterpiece. As I walked along the shore of the islands I was struck by a desire to get my feet wet, but not my leggings, so I dreamed up these pants. As an added reason to wear the pants they are gifted with a spell that will make fleeing from the Tuskers indigenous to the island much simpler.

Xuut


author_Name: Xuut
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
What better way to feel at home in the jungle areas than to bear flowers on one's shirt. This is the latest in the Aphus Lassel line of clothing. The shirt also allows you to leap out of the way of incoming attacks of the insane Isparians that worship the Tuskers of Aphus Lassel. Enjoy!

Xuut


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We have intercepted three missives that were sent to the wild brother from the shaman. The letters were intercepted and then returned after they were copied. We've spent the better part of the evening translating the missive and have included the translation of that document below. We also have discovered a large book that the shaman carries. It appears to be covered in a thick rind of fungus. How it has remained overlooked or out of sight for as long as it has is beyond us.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We shall do our best to collect the book and provide a translation so that we can learn more about our new allies as we press forward in our campaign.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation
Brother. I can feel the presence of The Sleeping One here. It calls to me and tells me that our time is running short. The Guruk have made their way to this world, it can only mean that the Kukuur are not far behind. The Guruk must have been ordered to this world from our home. Without the direction of the Kukuur they will revert to their savage ways. We are no match for their strength and if they are allowed to tap their savage natures we will be culled like the mubur root.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We must establish a position of strength over the Guruk before they slip into madness. I need you to take your savages to the place our allies call the direlands. There you must seek out the Guruk and force them into submission. While you are seeing to our safety in those lands, I will continue our efforts with our new allies. We must move more quickly, brother, the Kukuur will see us destroyed if they are allowed passage to this world.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We have begun our translation of the book. Torgluuk hides it each sunrise and returns to it each evening as the sun draws below the horizon. Our first efforts to understand the language were failures, later pages have proven easier for the spirits to understand. With time they have been able to decipher the first pages. I have included a large amount of the book that we have managed to decipher thus far.
Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

All was silent and dark with the world. The Sleeping One had yet to dream of the sky, the world, the muuldu trees the Burun or of the Fiazhat. All was silent and dark in the first days of the world. The Sleeping One's eye did not hang above or stare upon its children. There was no life only the mire of what could be.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
It thought of loneliness and the ever present darkness that swam across the heaven in which it laid its head and it felt sadness. Alone it wondered at the others that it must know, the others which hung above in scatter specs of light across the sky above and it wondered at what it was missing so far removed from them. The Sleeping One felt the wonder grow within itself and decided that it must not be alone.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
From its body it pulled Bur and shaped the orb with thoughts. It stretched its mind into the realm of what can become and thought of the muuldu, the mucor, the shuuktuuk and the feelun. Fauna sprung upon the orb called Bur and rushed over the world in a haze and spreading menace that choked the core of the orb and soon all died and the orb called Bur was cast aside, a lifeless rock. 


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
From its body it pulled a second shape and stretched it along the edges, warping the world with its mind and shaping all that it could be. A long disc, flat at the edges and thick in the middle the world became. It thought then of the muuldu, the mucor, the shuuktuuk and feelun and the fauna spread across the face of the world that was called bur and choked out life again, leaving nothing but a barren dead world behind. Again, The Sleeping One cast aside the world.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
From its form it took another world, cragged and pitted. Upon this world it scattered the muuldu, the mucor, the shuuktuuk and feelun and again the life it made ate through the core and killed its creation. Again the world called Bur was scattered aside while it crafted a new world.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
From its heart, The Sleeping One drew forth life, from its mind it drew forth intellect and from its body it did carve the world. The muuldu grew first, twisting vines that dug beneath the rock, splitting its veins wide and spilling the water onto the world. Next The Sleeping One rubbed the world with the shuuktuuk. The trees grew tall and canopies of pink with bulbs of ripe fruit covered the world.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Next the mucor, placed with care in the places that The Sleeping One would place its first children, and in the mucor The Sleeping One placed the memories of this time, this creation; the time before all there was. The feelun came last and they twisted up from the water, some stretching miles tall, opening in splendid colors to The Sleeping One's watchful eye.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The flora grew and spread along the world called Bur until it reached a balance. Then flora gave birth to life of its own: koruu koru, muloo, bomutur, iallootu, hefuu, nirakay, and moar. All life sprung from the first life of the world save the Burun and Fiazhat.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Across Bur, the flora had spread and grown a sea of life that was unknowing of The Sleeping One. Its gaze fell upon them and watched at all times, but the life of Bur was unknowing, save for the mucor. But even the mucor knew only what it had seen, and its knowledge was not one that learned, rather it was one that grew without limit, scope or design.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We have reacquired the book, though we are unsure why Torgluuk kept it on his person for the past few days we are certain that he is unaware of our tampering. Further translation is included in this missive.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

The Sleeping One was still alone and though it had succeeded in bringing life it had failed to create what it had wanted. There were no beings that thought like it, could call to it or ask it for guidance. So it pulled two seeds from the nether and planted each into the soil of the Bur. It watched as the seeds grew into life and began to swim through the muck of the Bur and then leap from the muck to the muloo or walk amongst the iallootu. Brothers born of its flesh, the Fiazhat and the Burun.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Sleeping One was content and realized that it had drawn much of itself to create this world. It felt the weight of its efforts and closed its eye. Across the sky its brothers and sisters shown upon Bur and the scattered remnants of its first attempts spun about as a reminder of its failure to the growing brothers of Bur.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In the dark Burun huddled together and supped on the fruits of the shuuktuuk, they grew wiry and strong swimming through the muck and feeding on the moar, bomutur and the bomuturs smaller offspring. The Fiazhat spread along the solid ground, hunting moar and feeding from the iallootu. 


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Burun grew more confident and curious. Spreading across the swamps and mire into the lands where the iallootu grew tall and the land grew hard. But the land was drier and their skin cracked and peeled away. The made their way back to the comfort of the shuuktuuk and mucor where they ate and learned the secrets of the past.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Fiazhat slithered along the land where iallootu grow and made their way into the mire and swamp to hunt the moar. They found the Burun and made discourse. They refused the teachings of the mucor and reviled the scent of the fungus. The fled the swamp and returned to their dry land.
The Sleeping One blinked furiously for eons. Time ever marched forward and the Burun and Fiazhat came into contact no more. And then the time of harrowing began


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Fire rained from the sky and the second world of bur crumpled in the sky and fell to the world of Bur. Fire leapt across the iallootu lands and scoured the swamps. Burun and Fiazhat alike were drawn into the flames and devoured. Death came at the hands of an unseen force. The Sleeping One had closed its eyes and the world had caught ablaze. Fire scorched the world and all was changed. The Sleeping One opened its eyes again to see usurpers.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They arrived in the places where the Fiazhat supped on the land and grew strong. Beings of twisted darkness, tall, lithe beings adorned in the flesh of other beings, wrapped in cloth, adorned with emblems of life. Smelling of blood and wearing paints crafted from the berries and mire of another place. They came with promises and dreams that they used to bewitch the Fiazhat and fill their heads with thoughts of their worlds.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They blotted The Sleeping One from the sky with fell arts. Halo's of blue light radiated about their forms and voices shrill and cruel sang loud across the wasted, burning lands. 

Come. Come. The false gods begged of the Fiazhat. But Fiazhar brothers could not see the lithe forms whose delicate faces were filled with wrath. Only the mucor saw the truth and saw these forms, heard their songs and felt their passage. So it was that the Burun knew of these beings, these false ones.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
But the Fiazhat had heard the calls and during the cycles when The Sleeping One's eye was hidden from the world. The Fiazhat built structures of hardened sand, carved images in the stone and hissed and sang the songs of the false beings. All this crept forward and grew for five thousand cycles.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
During that time the burning lands scoured the world and drew the swamp homes of the Burun to near nothingness. When The Sleeping One saw the world again, it wept and some of the mire returned. But five thousand years of reverence had been stolen from The Sleeping One and its power was diminished. Only the Burun recalled the truth, only they consumed the mucor.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Torgluuk has assumed a shorter schedule. This has allowed us to take the book more consistently but for shorter periods. We endeavor to complete the translation for you.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

Gone for so long, the Fiazhat had thought the voices and the singers gone. Then their voices returned and they came again with gifts. The mucor was first to feel this gift.

Splitting along the veins of the world, the singers forced a liquid fire. It hummed with the force of bomutur's wings and flowed like the first muuldu.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
It took on a life its own, a new life of glowing embers that fed into the water and reinforced the strength of the world. They left and returned for hundreds of cycles; still unseen by their servants, still known by the mucor and the Burun.

Changes began in the world. The Burun felt strength in their blood and chanted to The Sleeping One. Their chants beget miracles that bathed the world in rain. But they were not the only ones changed. 


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The moar had gone from harmless beast to beasts that breathed fire, ice or acid. Their small claws dripped ichor that charged the wounds they cut. Still prey, the moar became dangerous and the Burun developed arts to protect themselves through chants and rites gifts of the The Sleeping One and mucor's offspring. 


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Fiazhat grew driven. Charging forth at the behest of their false gods. They grew hoods that sheltered them from The Sleeping Ones eye. Two sets of arms grew from their bodies and they rose from their bellies to powerful tails.

They crafted long sticks into devices meant for poking and killing. They took the sinew of the iallootu and strapped them to the saplings of the alooki. They hollowed the shells of the gantha roa and wore them in plates tied with more sinew. They grew lustful of blood and sought war on all life.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
For the next eight thousand cycles they make war and try to force themselves into the swamps. They fail as the Burun develop stronger rites to drive their foes away. But Fiazhat numbers grow and the first clutches rise and follow one another through the mire migrating away from the encroaching Fiazhat threat.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Torgluuk maintains his short schedule, as a result we've needed to work quicker and the book has seemed to lengthen. We are trying Niarltah.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

Burun that have drawn into clutches draw blood from their Fiazhat brothers. Many of the Burun that wield the powerful rites grow fat with power, some growing so fat that they perish in an explosive display of color. The Burun walk across the burning land for the first time and press the Fiazhat back from the swamps. They become as brutal as their brothers sparing none of the slithering Fiazhat that they defeat.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Burun turn to eating the flesh of their brothers to consume their souls and purge the defilers of The Sleeping One's way from the world. Teachings of this way become common place and the Burun clutches become maddened with power. They enact great rites to call the tears of the sleeping one and rains fall for a full cycle.

Mucor witness the arrival of the false ones wreathed in white light. They make their way into the swamp and take a handful of the moar after witnessing the destructive force of the Burun. 


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Within cycles of one another the false ones wreathed in blue light return, but their forms are gaunter and they exude a palpable madness. They arrive and make themselves known to the Fiazhat. Heroes of the Fiazhat are drawn, slithering through tunnels of gray and violet mist at six different places across Bur.

Those that are taken by the mad false ones never return and the Fiazhat hail this as the greatest reward given by their gods. The false ones wreathed in white return and loose the moar back into the swamps.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The moar are changed in appearance, temperament and ability. Their talons drip ichor that now mimics their strange and powerful breath. They become predators of the Burun and the Burun clutches that had threatened to crush the Fiazhat are suddenly put on the defensive against the wild intellect of the moar.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Niarltah, We hope to finish our collections and get them to you soon. But some of the Burun that we are with have become suspicious of our activity. We are continuing forth with increased caution.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

The false gods disappear from the world and the Fiazhat who are left behind fall into a time of fear. They build six grand temples in the locations where their gods have made their presence known. Giant, tentacled eyes are built in the places where the gray-violet tunnels appeared. Knowledge is gathered and placed into these buildings. The Fiazhat begin to fight amongst themselves over the next thousand cycles each vying for control over the temples that have been constructed.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
In the swamps, the wars between the Burun and the moar intensify. The moar are extremely resistant to the rites granted by The Sleeping One. The false gods of the Fiazhat are blamed for usurping control of these beasts from The Sleeping One and the hatred of the Burun toward their damned Fiazhat brothers increases.

The mucor see all and pass this knowledge forward.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Niarltah. Torgluuk appears to be catching on that the book is disappearing when he rests. There has been an increased guard watching his belongings. We have been able to obtain the book but our translation must be hurried. We have begun to list the happenings in a more formalized standard. It appears that this book is a record of all the knowledge of the mucor on the Burun homeworld.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

Burun nomads succeed in driving off a fair portion of the moar and make a campaign against the Fiazhat. The Fiazhat are unprepared for the ensuing war as they have fought amongst themselves for so long.

Much of Fiazhat culture is stricken a terrible blow. But it is saved as the swamps are suddenly filled with moar and the Burun are forced to move on and defend their homes.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Burun beg of their god, The Sleeping One and are rewarded by rains that begin to turn the dry lands of the iallootu to mire. The Fiazhat, without the dry land begin to suffer and the world begins to become a swamp world again. Fiazhat cluster together begging to their silent gods for assistance. Their prayers do not go unanswered.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The mucor senses a shift in the world. The magic transported by the false gods of the Fiazhat causes a catastrophic shift at the core of the world. Earthquakes tear open and swallow the swamps into subterranean lairs then close over again in the ensuing madness. Burun are split into two pairs surface dwellers and those that were drawn into the deep mire without the light of The Sleepless One.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The climate shift causes the rains to cease and the land begins to burn once more. 

Fiazhat culture strengthens and grows as they spread across the growing burning lands. They are hampered still by the Burun that dwell in the great swamps, but over time they begin to gain the upper hand. In-fighting begins anew.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Surface dwelling Burun nomads are drawn into four great swamps that still cover the surface of the world. These four swamps are connected by six great rivers of flowing muck. The Surface dwelling Burun are forced to exist on smaller creatures. They are free of the moar, but their diet diminishes and they evolve into lither creatures. The mucor are drawn beneath the world and the little magic that the Burun of the surface can muster is a pale comparison to what they once commanded. They live in fear and fight a losing war against the Fiazhat for the next one thousand cycles.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Subterranean Burun evolve into two castes. The caverns are large and devoid of any light save for the koru koru. In the dark, the Burun are hunted by the moar. The first evolve into hardy combatants, towering beasts of power. The second evolve into giants filled with the power of magic. They survive in a symbotic tandem for the next thousand cycles. The bloated Burun have a cunning command over the warriors and all but control their small minds.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Fiazhat are stricken by a second shifting of the climate of the world that devastates their advancing culture. Many of their villages are destroyed and the temples to their gods are damaged. The Fiazhat make their way to the temples in fear, and perhaps hope that they are to be visited again. But the gateways remain silent.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After the success of the last report, we have decided that all future missives will be handled in such a manner. Torgluuk has yet to make mention if he is aware of our machinations.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

During one thousand cycles moar that were returned to Bur by the false gods are nearly eradicated as they are hunted by the lumbering Burun for food. Their smaller cousins that were not taken continue to hunt, kill and eat Burun that are unwary. The surviving Burun locked beneath the surface of Bur enact the great rites of The Sleeping One and continue to preach his praise. Six leaders are chosen. These leaders are all bloated beasts who have grown fat on the power of the world.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They consume the mucor and know much of what transpires across the world. They come to think of The Sleeping One as the underground swamp in which they live. Dark, potent and pock marked with pustules of filth. They herald a time when it will crack the world and a flood will carry them to the surface to bring vengeance to their enemies.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The Burun in the great swamps continue to preach the tales of The Sleeping One, but lack of mucor and poisoning from various molds, fungus and algae that are now used to enact rites drive many of the surface dwelling Burun mad. They envision their god as an amorphous pustule of slick muck covered in pustules that vomit putrescence onto the world. The madness is spared of a small contingent of Burun that have access to the mucor. This group of Burun adhere to The Sleeping One's true form as the watcher in the sky.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Fiazhat, without the guidance of their gods, continue to show reverence to those that brought them to the height of this world. Spoken tradition gives way to a written tradition. Cities are built once more and the temples crafted to their gods are returned to former splendor. Storytellers become the voice of the gods and are chosen as leaders for their people. Wars are forgotten and the Burun become an afterthought of Fiazhat culture in the ensuing five thousand cycles.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We believe that we are nearing the end of the book. We will furnish our latest findings as we collect them.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

Fiazhat society peaks with the introduction of farming, building, writing, artistry and small advances in technology. (*There are references to channels of water being brought to fields from standing water, and advanced crafting of weapons.) Peace has reigned for nearly four thousand cycles and evolution has left the Fiazhat behind. They are still beings that use a powerful tail to propel themselves along the surface. 


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
They have four powerful arms and a thick hide that covers their body, and hoods. But nothing has changed beyond this.

Many younger Fiazhat believe that the temples crafted to the six gods of their people are folklore. They doubt that the Burun ever existed and wish to strike out across the world.

Some do and never return.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Burun in the surface mire are all nearly mad, enact the rites of calling the rains for a full cycle. 

The few sane Burun in the swamps continue to preach the teachings and way of The Sleeping One learned from the mucor. Change must occur not be forced.

Subterranean Burun begin great rites to call the rains, several of the bloated Burun have lived for over three thousand years at this point growing so immense in size that they can only be moved if carried on litters.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Moar in the subterranean world develop quickly breeding with a small handful of the species returned by the Fiazhat's gods. Burun beneath the surface are unaware of this or have chosen to no longer consider the moar a threat.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We are certainly nearing the end of the book now Niarltah. The pages here are much fresher, though still ancient by our standards.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

Rains come and blot The Sleeping One's eye from the sky. In fear, outposts of Fiazhat return to the temples. They build crude houses and pray to their gods who remain silent.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
After twenty cycles of rain a pit opens in the greatest burning land and an earthquake shifts the subterranean layer back to the surface. The Burun who have lived beneath the surface of the world for so long return to the great swamps and press the surface dwelling Burun into service.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The six great leaders of the Burun organize their clutches and move toward the former burning lands. The surface Burun pressed into service by their masters begin to shed the madness of the years as they are exposed to the mucor again. The Burun masters quickly restrict the intake of the mucor from the lesser Burun and hunt and execute those who violate the edicts.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Along with the release of the Burun who lived beneath the surface of Bur comes a great contagion. Fiazhat die by the millions and their culture begins to crumble again. Having clustered so close together when the rains first began, the Fiazhat are rife with disease within months. Over the course of ten cycles, there are forty two million reported deaths amongst the Fiazhat.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The mucor records all of the devastation and the Burun masters learn this information and prepare to strike the final blow against the Fiazhat; their once brothers.

A massive campaign begins across the world. A great temple to The Sleeping One is erected at six locations across Bur. These locations are remote and reflect what become the six great swamps of Bur over the next five hundred cycles.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
The campaign against the Fiazhat begins with a slaughter of the temple at Guruul. A small tree is all that is left living in the area.

For the next eight hundred cycles the climate settles and The Sleeping One is revered as the greatest god on Bur. The devastation of the Fiazhat peoples leaves them easy prey for the Burun and they are destroyed with ease as they are encountered.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Their culture in ruins, the Fiazhat strike for the heart of the deepest burning land only to find that the Burun have developed new rituals which devour the land and alter it into a fetid swamp like their homes. 

Food sources that the Burun consume are tainted by the contagion that nearly eradicated the Fiazhat and three of the chosen Burun die in a marvelous displays of explosive mana. Giant craters are quickly filled in with Burun mire called from The Sleeping One. Three new leaders are chosen.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Ten cycles pass before the Burun rejoin their crusade to destroy the Fiazhat. 

The last remaining Fiazhat have used that time wisely and send assassins to kill the first amongst the Burun leaders, Browerk. They are captured and subjected to a unique form of torture that entraps the soul of the creatures and tears all the living secrets from within. Armed with the knowledge of the last Fiazhat settlement on all of Bur the Burun converge and nearly eradicate the once great race.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
We have just finished our final translation, but it is not the end of the book. Torgluuk has become aware of us. He was waiting when we returned the book this day. There was an unspoken threat in the way he stood before us. Without the ability to harm him, we thought we would be better served to not press the issue. He said if we wish to know what is written within the remainder of the book all we need do is ask.

Ikakhe


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Translation

After the defeat of the Fiazhat there is a short time of peace. But castes develop and the smaller Burun are pressed into indentured servitude. 

The three castes are referred to as Kukuur, Guruk and Ruuk.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Kukuur are the ruling caste, bloated by powerful magic gifted to them by The Sleeping One, they are the leaders of the clutches and maintain tight control over the small minded Guruk.

Guruk are the sturdiest warriors of the Burun and are possessed of terribly small intellect. During the ensuing years they become cannibalistic, consuming the Ruuk.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Ruuk watching their brethren become meals to their larger cousins begin to speak of revolt.

The revolt is short-lived and bloody. Both sides suffer many casualties and one of the eldest Kukuur is killed. In the end, cannibalism is outlawed and many of the Ruuk are sent to form clutches at the places where the Fizhat's false gods first made their appearances.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Browerk issues the prophecy of Revenge: The prophecy spells out a vision that the mucor granted of The Sleeping One opening his eye after a time of great sadness and allowing the Burun to visit death and humiliation upon the Fiazhat's gods. This proclamation instills the strength of the hierarchy and reinforces belief in the Kukuur as the true leaders of the Burun.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Small pockets of Fiazhat are discovered still living in burning lands across Bur. Hunter packs are created that find their way across the surface eradicating any areas of the Fiazhat as they go. Within five hundred cycles there are no remnants of the Fiazhat race left on Bur.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
A time of peace reigns for another five hundred years. After nearly thirty three thousand cycles Browerk, the leader of all Burun, gestates his single egg. The birth is portentous and his offspring Tkrowerk is expected to take his place after Browerk's death.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Tkrowerk is too forward thinking and violates the edicts to not feed mucor to the Ruuk. The small pocket of Ruuk who are fed the mucor are sent to Tkoruk Guruul and Tkrowerk is put to death by his father. After his death, The Sleeping One's eye closes and the rains begin anew.

Bur is now covered entirely by swamp.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
Sixty cycles after Tkorwerk's death the moar make their way from beneath the world as one. They begin to lay waste to remote outposts of Burun populated solely by Ruuk. Word reaches the six clutch masters and they send no help. Moar devastate several more outposts and still no response.


author_Name: Ikakhe
author_Account: prewritten
page_Text:
For thirty more cycles there is no response until the Kukuur are threatened. They enact a great rite and try to eradicate the moar as one. They fail and are shaken. They retreat to the safety of the Great Swamps and the temples that they have built to The Sleeping One. Ruuk are left to fend across the entirety of Bur.


