game\items 1 2475 0 Arbalest 1 Arquebus 2 Battle Axe 3 Blunderbuss 4 Club 5 Crossbow 6 Dagger 7 Estoc 8 Flail 10 Pollaxe 11 Great Sword 12 Hatchet 13 Hunting Bow 14 Light Spear 15 Mace 17 Morning Star 18 Pike 19 Pistol 20 Quarterstaff 21 Rapier 22 Rod 23 Scepter 24 Spear 25 Stiletto 26 Sword 27 Wand 28 Wand of Fireball 29 War Bow 30 War Hammer 31 Whether single-edged or double-edged, swords are always straight-bladed one-handed weapons that can be used to cut or thrust at an enemy. In some circumstances, swords lack the raw slashing power of sabres, but they are more flexible against a variety of armor types. 34 Iron Key 35 Brigandine 36 Cloth Armor 37 Hide Armor 38 Leather Armor 39 Mail Armor 40 Padded Armor 41 Plate Armor 42 Scale Armor 43 Scale armor is made of overlapping small plates of metal or horn sewn to a leather backing. It offers a balance of protection and speed. 44 Padded armor consists of heavily quilted wool or linen and offers modest protection against crushing attacks. Though it cannot protect against heavy attacks, it does not slow its wearers down much. 45 Stiffer and more durable than ordinary hide armor, leather armor is shaped and boiled in oil to achieve its distinctive finish and toughness. Leather armor is often chosen by adventurers who want a balance of protection and speed. 46 Offering minimal protection, cloth armor consists of layers of wool or linen cloth. Though it does not provide much protection, it is the least restrictive type of body armor. 47 Mail armor is quite popular for its protective qualities, especially against slashing attacks. Mail is comprised of thousands of small rings of steel that form a flexible mesh. Normally worn over a padded jacket, mail protects well but restricts its wearer in combat. 48 Despite its unassuming appearance, brigandine provides impressive protection to its wearer at a cost of speed in combat. It is made of dozens of steel plates sandwiched between canvas or leather. The plates are held in place by distinctive rivets across the surface of the brigandine. 49 The heaviest armor in regular use by adventurers and soldiers, plate armor protects its wearers from all but the most severe blows. It is comprised of three layers: the base padding, a suit of mail, and the top layer of steel plates. 50 Hide armor is commonly worn by woodsmen, Glanfathan explorers, and those who favor speed over protection. Hide armor is made of layers of soft leather. Though its construction often requires multiple layers to provide dependable protection, it does little to slow its wearer in combat. 51 Rusty Bronze Key 52 Ymyran Sword 53 This sword is crafted from the so-called "Black Steel" forged in the western reaches of Aedyr, in the erldom of Ymyra. Though the weapon's black color is simply the result of bluing treatments during the forging process, it is a trademark of Ymyran smiths and symbolizes the high quality of the weapon. Due to its fine construction, this weapon has all of the potency of a normal steel sword but less of the weight, allowing its wielder to attack more swiftly. 54 Copper Pand 57 Large Shield 58 Medium Shield, Heater 59 Medium Shield, Round 60 Small Shield 61 Monk Fists 62 Lockpick 63 Wymund's Key 64 This key is made of polished bone that feels surprisingly sturdy despite its light weight. 65 Currier's Key 66 The key is stained by the dye in which you found it. 67 Old Dungeon Key 68 This key is covered in rust. 69 Crypt's Master Key 70 This stone key has ancient engravings etched along its surfaces. 71 Korgrak's Head 73 Rope and Grappling Hook 74 Unconscious Aelys 75 Potion of Endurance Regen 76 Temp description for potions. 77 Engwithan Key 78 This multi-faceted piece of crystal has been cut and polished to perfection. 79 This is a high-volume Dyrwoodan currency used in everyday trade and is the basis for most transactions. 80 Copper Skeyt 81 The skeyt is the standard currency used in the Aedyr Empire and areas under their direct control. Like the Dyrwoodan pand, it is a small copper coin. 82 Copper Áild 83 Glanfathans use relatively large, crude copper coins called awld ("knot") that are worth more than a Dyrwoodan pand due to their high copper content. 84 Silver Lusce 85 The most common Vailian coin found in the Dyrwood is the silver lusce ("fish"), so-named for its resemblance to the scales of a fish. 86 Silver Fenning 87 This large silver coin is used for large transactions in the Aedyr Empire and many of their colonial territories. 88 Golden Suole 89 The smallest gold coin used by the Vailian Republics, the suole ("sun") is used for high-value transactions. 90 Golden Duc 91 The golden duc is the only gold coin minted in the Dyrwood. They bear the faces of historical ducs of the Dyrwood, though most of them show the face of the first duc, Admeth Hadret. 92 Golden Scelling 93 The golden Aedyre scelling is the equivalent of the Dyrwoodan duc, equal in size and value. 94 Golden Oble 95 A rare coin even in the Vailian Republics, the golden oble ("double") is a large gold coin. It is mostly used by the extremely wealthy. 96 Adra Enîach 97 Not currency in the traditional sense, enîachs are awarded to Glanfathans for noteworthy deeds. They are palm-sized, intricately-carved discs of adra that commemorate the deeds of the recipient. 98 Adra Enîach 99 The Lady's Hand 100 This slender steel scepter is topped with a gilded, feminine hand, each finger ending in a delicate mother-of-pearl nail. It was forged and crafted by the smiths and artisans of Delwin, a small town in the foothills of the Magmear Mountains in the southern reaches of the Aedyr Empire. The recipient was Lady Ryga Adalwan, 3rd Margréfa of Maghanon, who had recently emerged victorious from a brutal campaign against her march by barbarians and agents of a rival family. In leading the defense of the march, Lady Ryga had lost her left hand. The emperor had this scepter created to reward her sacrifice during the protection of what was then the empire's southernmost territory. Unfortunately for the Adalwan family, they only held the Maghanon territories for two more generations. With little money and no land, the family set out for the young colonies of the Dyrwood. The Lady's Hand saw renewed use in battle by Branon Adalwan, Thayn of the Low Meadows, during the War of Black Trees. There, Branon used it to defeat Glanfathan warriors and spirit-animated trees that were marching out of the deep woods. For his service to the colonies, Branon was made an erl of the new territory of Blackstand. But bad luck struck the Adalwan family twice. Only a year after establishing a fort on the frontier, Branon was ambushed by Glanfathan resistance fighters. Finishing their main mission, the assassins then pursued his small family and killed every member, leaving no heirs to the house of Adalwan. Following the reinforcement of Blackstand's fort by its new erl, the Adalwan family's belongings were distributed according to the known wishes of Branon. Notably, the Lady's Hand, his great-great grandmother's gift from the emperor, was bequeathed to Sir Hareg Kardaf, a minor knight of New Heomar, alongside whom Branon had fought in the War of Black Trees. More comfortable with sword and shield than scepter and grimoire, Sir Hareg displayed his friend's gift prominently in his home, but it never saw use in battle again. 101 Morning Star 102 The Rose of Salthollow 103 A young weapon with a relatively short history, the Rose was forged from blackened Ymyran steel and topped with a wickedly thorny "bloom" of petals. The morning star's resemblance to its namesake doesn't end with the head. Its long, faded black shaft also features small thorns along its entire length, causing discomfort even to an armored wielder. Hacran Grist, a successful adventurer from the Readceran seaside village of Salthollow, had the gnarly weapon made after his friends joked about how nothing could grow in the alkaline soil of their home. Hacran used the Rose to defend Salthollow from bandits and to help his comrades kill two sky drakes who had made their lair near a road leading into the village. When Salthollow no longer held the wonder for them that it once had, Hacran and his friends made their way to Dyrwood to seek their fortunes in the ruins of Eir Glanfath. They have not been heard from since. 104 Adra 105 Gem placeholder. 106 Adra 107 Adra Ban 108 Agate 109 Bloodstone 110 Diamond 111 Emerald 112 Garnet 113 Jasper 114 Moonstone 115 Tâ Ondra Tara 116 Opal 117 Pearl 118 Peridot 119 Ruby 120 Sapphire 121 Topaz 122 Turquoise 123 Velune 124 Skull Key 125 This iron key has a long shank ending in an intricate bit. The bow is carved to resemble a skull, its mouth agape. 126 Engwithan Forgemaster's Hammer 127 This hefty warhammer bears the marks of ancient Engwithan smiths. Lacking fine decorative elements, the steel surfaces are crude by contemporary standards, but they have been engraved with ancient symbols of power. In some ways, it resembles a smith's hammer, but its size and balance make it clear that it was meant for use in battle. 128 Carved from a solid piece of adra and decorated with woven brass, this amulet appears to be extremely old. It is slightly warm to the touch. 129 Carved from a solid piece of adra and decorated with woven brass, this amulet appears to be extremely old. It is slightly warm to the touch. 130 Sigil of Silas 131 The torn patch of jacket, dotted with stains of dried blood, shows the emblem of House Silas, of Madsdam. 132 House Silas Emblem 133 Engwithan Forgemaster 134 Scroll of Paralysis 135 Dragon Egg 136 This dragon egg is a mottled gold color and warm to the touch. It is in perfect condition. 137 Cracked Dragon Egg 138 This dragon egg is a mottled gold color and warm to the touch. A long crack runs across the surface of the shell. 139 Broken Dragon Egg 140 This dragon egg is a mottled gold color and warm to the touch. The shell is broken and sticky with leaking fluid. 141 Soul Gem Receptacle 142 143 Skaen Cultist Hood 144 This oddly-shaped hood is worn by the novice worshipers of Skaen. Crudely-fashioned from coarse material, its modest construction befitting of followers of the Quiet Slave. 145 Skaen Cultist Robes 146 March Steel Dagger 147 Missive from the Lieutenant 148 Wyla's Key 149 Large Shield 150 Thug's Dagger 151 This dagger has an ornate handle and a "B" carved into the pommel. 154 Edict of Arrest 155 This edict calls for the arrest of Eorn, whose recent actions have led to the death of a Knight of the Crucible. It requests reporting any information to Justiciar Aldmar. It is signed "Commander Clyver." 156 Broken Engwithan Scepter Fragment 157 Broken Engwithan Scepter Fragment 158 Engwithan Scepter Shaft 160 This looks like the base of a scepter. It seems to have broken cleanly from the section above it. 161 This looks like the top portion of a scepter. There's a short, spiraled spike at one end for attaching the finial. 162 Odda's Chest Key 163 Wurm Egg 164 "Our contact inside Reymont Manor will leave a second story window ajar. He's confirmed the location of the Heart of the White March in a hidden chamber. Get your crew together and head to Brackenbury before Lord Reymont moves the jewel. AD" 165 Thieves' Letter 166 Aloth's Grimoire 167 Though the cracking binding of this grimoire suggests that it has seen much use, it appears to have been meticulously cared for. The leather cover is smooth and oiled, and not a single page is wrinkled or dog-eared. Aloth's neat, careful calligraphy has been painted across the pages, forming an orderly catalogue of the spells he's learned and the incantations required to cast them. Arcane symbols shimmer and writhe across the pages, ready to absorb and channel energy. You feel traces of Aloth's essence within the grimoire and can almost hear him reciting his spells with measured precision. 168 Geological Map 169 This map marks areas of geological activity in the Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath. Of note is a description of a cavern where molten rock flows within a deep chasm. 170 Tattered Note 171 The note is blood-stained and torn, and the edges are smudged with some kind of pigment. From the scraps that are legible, you can make out hastily-written instructions. "...to avoid the entrance in the tower... traffic through my shop would attract the... attention. Dyrford may be sympathetic to our goals, but they wouldn't approve of a temple... yet... key to the entrance by the river, east of town. But be careful on the road... reports of... these days. -T" 172 Heart of White March 173 The Heart of White March is a priceless jewel known for its pale glow and named after the equally famous mountain range it was discovered in. Jewels like this were once believed to attract dragons. Strangely, this particular gem doesn't seem to glow. 174 Lord Reymont's Safe Key 175 Heart of White March 176 Corpse of Lord Valtas 177 What's left of Lord Valtas' corpse is ripe with rot and squirming with maggots. It's a miracle that the gnawed and wasted limbs are still attached to the body. 178 Corpse of Emilo Valtas 179 Corpse of Lady Valtas 180 Chunks of flesh are missing all over Emilo Valtas' broken body. You notice teeth marks around some of his wounds. 181 Half of Lady Valtas' face has been chewed away, and her abdomen is a hollow ruin. 184 Vianna's Research 185 These pages contain Vianna's research on Engwithan techniques for imbuing matter with essence. She appears to have developed a method based on her studies of animats. On the first page is a note to someone named Dunstan. 186 The Heart of White March is a priceless jewel known for its pale glow and named after the equally famous mountain range it was discovered in. Jewels like this were once believed to attract dragons. 187 This pendant is carved from a simple adra stone set within a silver pendant. A thick, leather cord allows the charm to be worn around the neck. The center stone radiates a soft, golden light. 188 Burning Stone 189 A bright, orange light blazes from the center of the stone. It radiates intense heat, yet it doesn't burn your hands as you hold it. 190 Linete's Signet Ring 191 This heavy iron key unlocks the door to the patient ward of the sanitarium. 192 Stolen Engwithan Medallion 193 Reymont Signet 194 North Ward Patient Record: Uscgrim 195 Subject is a male approximately 17 years of age. Admitted for episodes of catatonia followed by occasional violent outbursts. Initial analysis of soul revealed severe fragmentation and essence deficiency. Said deficiency all but eliminates the possibility of utilizing the subject in present research. 196 North Ward Patient Record: Battixa "The Pale Lady" 197 Subject is female, mid-forties. Awakened to a past life as a serial murderer, which now frequently emerges as the soul's dominant personality. Subject vacillates between violence and severe depression resulting from guilt of past deeds. Weak candidate for present research. 198 North Ward Patient Record: Gram 199 Subject is a male, approximately early thirties. Powers of speech absent, presumably as a result of the over-fragmentation of his soul. As such he is the ideal subject for present research. However, experimentation has caused severe pain and induced panic, and I have had to enlist the aid of the guards in transporting him for more recent procedures. 200 North Ward Patient Record: Idelman "The Midnight Man" 201 Subject is male, mid-twenties. Displays acute dissociation and paranoid delusional tendencies, causing anger and extreme violence. Dangers of working with the subject preclude possibility of further use in present research. 202 This brilliant bloodstone amulet has a strange aura about it. As you hold the gem, you think you hear a woman's voice. 203 204 Moedred's Trunk Key 205 This iron key is tarnished and dinged from extensive use. 206 Lore_Book_PLACEHOLDER 207 Lead Key 208 A lead key, covered in a dark, blue-hued patina. 209 This unassuming pendant made of simple iron is inscribed with a number of strange markings. 210 Sabre 211 The Flames of Fair Rhîan 214 Shipping Crate Key 215 This silver locket is dented and tarnished. A faded portrait of a young nobleman still rests inside. His face has been worn away by time. 216 Nyrid's Grimoire 217 A gold band laced with adra accents. 218 Nyfre's Thug's Grimoire 219 Tattered Note 220 I need you to deliver our haul for Curnd to sell. He will not speak to you unless you know the words: 'Yc Nybeon Eyldfeon.' He's only found in the Gift after dark. 221 Cloth Bandana 222 Crucible Armory Key 224 Helig's Grimoire 225 A tome containing all of the spells of the undead wizard Helig. 226 Engwithan Forgemaster 227 The blunt head of this hammer is banded in bronze, and the shaft is decorated with adra and runes. It looks more like a forge tool than a weapon, but it could easily serve the latter purpose. 228 Sevis' Journal 229 The first page of the journal has a few titles that have been crossed out: "The Deeds of the Iron Brand," "The Legend of the Iron Brand," and "The Glorious Exploits of the Iron Brand." The author finally settled on "The Tale of Sevis the Bold and the Iron Brand." The pages are mostly filled with bad poetry and doodles of dragons. 230 Animat Armor 232 Shattered Animat Armor 233 This adra armor has cracked and shattered into fragments. You can barely see the original shape of the armor. 234 A small, bronze key that was found in Purnisc's house. 235 Crumpled Orders 236 N, Our friend Purnisc has been getting greedy. I'm currently seeing to business down south, and cannot deal with this myself. I trust I can count on you to impress upon him the grievous error he has made. - A 237 This worn adra key still has traces of spider silk clinging to it. 238 Adra Key 239 Bloodstone Overseer Seal 240 This seal appears to be Engwithan in origin, formed of a circular piece of white adra shaped around a bloodstone gem. On the back is an engraving of a sword. 241 Torch 243 Worn Copper Key 244 This key is tarnished and worn with age. 245 Valtas Manor Key 246 This ornate brass key displays the symbol of House Valtas: a crossed sword and spear. 247 This seal appears to be Engwithan in origin, formed of a circular piece of white adra shaped around a sapphire gem. On the back is an engraving of a stylized eye. 248 Sapphire Overseer Seal 249 Peridot Overseer Seal 250 This seal appears to be Engwithan in origin, formed of a circular piece of white adra shaped around a peridot gem. On the back is an engraving of what appears to be a hammer. 251 Polished Pommel Stone 252 This pommel gem is a perfectly smooth, gleaming sphere of a dark, gold-flecked stone. Reflections dance strangely on the dark surface, and in certain lights the gem gleams a deep red. 253 Arbalests are heavy crossbows with exceptionally high power. They must be hand-cranked before loading, so they have a slow rate of fire. 254 Matchlock firearms of high power and fair accuracy, arquebuses are prized for their ability to penetrate wizards' Arcane Veils. 255 Capable of delivering powerful blows from their broad, curved blades, battle axes are commonly used by soldiers throughout the Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath. 256 Blunderbusses are matchlock firearms used for hunting or in combat against groups of enemies. They can inflict an impressive amount of damage but fare poorly against armor. Despite this, like other firearms, blunderbusses are capable of penetrating a wizard's Arcane Veil. 257 Most commonly fashioned from a short length of wood, clubs are simple but fast and effective weapons. 258 Crossbows are commonly used for hunting by nobles in the Dyrwood, but they are also employed as weapons of war by many soldiers and adventurers. Less powerful than their close sibling, the arbalest, crossbows can be cocked by hand and have a moderately fast rate of fire. 259 Daggers are among the most common personal weapons found in the Dyrwood. Whether simple or ornate, all daggers are fast and dangerous in the hands of a skilled wielder. 260 These long, two-handed swords are easily distinguished from greatswords by their narrow, spike-shaped blades. Estocs are not commonly used by warriors in the Dyrwood, but their value against heavily-armored opponents is undisputed. 261 Flails are fashioned from a metal ball, often spiked, linked to a wooden or metal handle via a short chain. They are popular among soldiers for their ability to foil the defensive properties of shields. 262 The great sword is renowned for its ability to cause deadly wounds even against terrible beasts. Though it is a relatively slow weapon and requires the use of both hands, it is truly devastating when used by a skilled warrior. 263 Small and swift, the humble hatchet is extremely common in the Dyrwood, both as a woodsman's tool and a hunter's weapon. Much smaller than a true battle axe, the hatchet's great speed allows its wielder to strike many blows in a short time. 264 265 266 268 269 270 271 272 Hunting bows are extremely popular in the Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath. Though used most frequently for hunting deer and small game, hunting bows can be deadly against two-legged prey. Hunting bows lack the high draw weight of war bows but can be fired more quickly. 273 The bane of mailed soldiers throughout the known world, maces are a common sight in the Dyrwood. Regardless of the shape of their flanges, maces always consist of a metal shaft topped with a number of symmetrical flanges that focus the weapon's power to a small point. Though estocs have even more penetrating power than maces, the latter can be used in concert with a shield. 274 The big brother of the mace, morning stars are two-handed weapons topped with a spiked head. They lack the armor penetrating power of maces but are effective against a wider range of armor types. 275 Pikes are easily the longest weapons in common use by soldiers and adventurers in the Dyrwood. Powerful two-handed piercing weapons, the main advantage pikes have is their long reach, which allows wielders to attack enemies from behind their allies. 276 Pistols are small firearms, but despite their size, they require two hands to reload properly. They are not as powerful as arquebuses, but they can be reloaded much more quickly. As with all firearms, pistols have the ability to penetrate wizards' Arcane Veils. 277 The versatile pollaxe is a powerful and flexible weapon that can deal devastating blows even against a fully-armored opponent. Its straight-bladed axe head is opposed by a hammer, allowing the wielder to switch between different damage types as circumstances require. 278 Deceptively simple, quarterstaves can be powerful weapons in the hands of a skilled combatant. Wielders can use a quarterstaff's long reach to deliver crushing blows from behind their allies. 279 Light and fast, rapiers are precise weapons favored by urban duelists. They are not known for being especially powerful, but a skilled wielder can rely on rapiers to accurately land blows. 280 Rods are the largest of the magical implements and can be distinguished from wands and sceptres by the "heads" on each end. Rods focus and release more soul energy than wands or scepters. This attribute makes their blows more powerful, but they recharge and fire more slowly. 281 Sabre 282 Sabres are curved, single-edged swords capable of inflicting severe wounds. Though they are less effective against armor than standard swords, they are deadly against unarmored enemies. 283 Scepters are the most imperious-looking magical implements and are often favored by Aedyran wizards for this reason. Like wands and rods, they have flexible damage types. 284 Large shields are used when a warrior needs the best protection possible, even if that means sacrificing some accuracy in exchange. Though they typically taper like an inverted "teardrop," large shields come in a variety of shapes, often emblazoned with heraldry. 285 Medium Shield (Round) 286 Medium shields offer a moderate improvement in protection with a small reduction to accuracy. They are the most commonly-used shields in the Dyrwood and come in a variety of shapes. 287 Medium Shield (Heater) 288 Small Shield 289 Though they don't offer much protection, small shields do not interfere with a warrior's accuracy at all. Unlike larger shields, which are worn on the forearm, small shields are held in the hand. 290 Spears are not as long as their two-handed kin, pikes, but they are easier to maneuver and can be used with a shield. Even with a one-handed grip, spears can strike fierce blows with high accuracy. 291 Stilettos are similar to daggers but differ subtly in their shape and function. Made for penetrating armor, stilettos feature a stiff piercing blade that resembles a shrunken estoc's. Though they are not powerful weapons, they can strike deadly blows rapidly against a lightly-armored opponent. 292 293 Though not especially effective in combat, torches can be used to illuminate dark environments. 294 As magical implements often lack serious power compared to bows, crossbows, and firearms, the wand's flexible damage types help wizards deal with heavily-armored opponents more easily. Wands are easily distinguished from scepters by their tapered points. 295 Though war bows are outnumbered by hunting bows in the Dyrwood, war bows are more popular among professional soldiers and adventurers. With a high draw weight and respectable speed, they possess a power unmatched by magical implements and don't have the lengthy reloading times of crossbows and firearms. 296 War hammers have the tactical flexibility of a morning star in a much smaller size. By switching from the flat side of the head to the pick, wielders can adapt their damage type to the opponents they are facing. 297 Grappling hooks can be used to anchor a rope to locations that may be hard to reach by foot. Though often used to scale high walls, they have many potential applications. The usefulness of the rope is limited only by the imagination of the adventurer carrying it. 298 Engwithan Shield 299 Engwithans are legendary for their architecture and magical abilities, but their metalcraft leaves much to be desired. This bronze shield is beautiful but heavy and slow. 300 Expedition Log Pages 301 This appears to be a page torn from some larger text. "My journal is molting pages. I do not know if any part of my account will survive this expedition. We thought Sceyda lost alongside Edriga, but she has returned, carrying a strange seal and a smirk on her face despite her injuries. She is badly wounded, and Merec is tending to her. I have been researching the seal in the meantime. It is of an intricate design, made of adra shaped around a small bloodstone gem. It seems one of our predecessors was attempting to translate some of the inscriptions in these ruins. According to his texts, these seals were carried by three Engwithan overseers, all bearing titles - The Guardian, the Builder, and the Scribe. This one seems to have belonged to the Guardian, who was charged with defending these ruins against incursions from dangerous beasts. I have to admit I don't believe he did a very good job of that." 302 Expedition Log Page 303 This appears to be a page torn from some larger text. "Sceyda did not make it. I know Merec tried his best. 'No point in turning back now.' That's what Merec is saying. I think the point is leaving these ruins alive. We have lost half of our people already, and I am not sure how we are meant to survive this place, especially with Sceyda gone. The gods were kind to let us find that study and the books there. Those tomes would fetch a good price in and of themselves. We don't need to go any further. But that seal has stirred his blood. He's sure we'll find more Engwithan relics below. Every step takes us further from a guaranteed haul, and deeper into unknown territory. I don't know what madness has gripped him. I cannot stop thinking about Edriga. The way she screamed." 304 Polished Pommel Stone 305 Adventurer's Journal 306 This appears to be the journal of one of the unfortunate explorers that descended into the Endless Paths. 307 Expedition Log Page 308 "I do not believe that we will ever leave this place. I wonder if Merec still does. It's just the two of us now, as it was when this all began, and the longer we stay the more certain I am that it will be how it ends, too. We barely escaped the drake. I cannot help but think it must simply not have been hungry at the time. I would call us lucky, but we will have to pass it again on the way back up. I found Andras. I don't think he was alive for long, after that fall, but he made use of his time. The entire pool reeked of Mocga's Tears. The crooked bastard always did love his poisons." 309 Expedition Log Pages 310 This piece of parchment is barely legible, having been held tightly in a bloody fist. The one clear portion of it reads: "- find the remaining two seals, so long as we leave afterwards, as Merec promised. Get the books and the final seal from the fourth floor, and run the rest of the way out of here. We'll find some new band of fools willing to take on the Endless Paths. Sell them the keys to the deeper vaults. Let them have all the glory. Meanwhile, we retire and live a long and quiet life. Somewhere warm, I hope. Somewhere far away from here." 311 Bloody Expedition Log Page 313 Gleaming Adra Fragment 314 This sizable crystal of refined adra has been polished to a gleaming shine. 315 Intact Adra Animat Breastplate 316 The intact adra armor of a large animat. 317 Engwithan Machine Part 318 The exact purpose of this bizarre mechanism is unknown, though it was found within one of the broken machines within the lower reaches of an Engwithan ruin. It seems largely comprised of adra, and contains several loops of copper. 319 These slender steel tools can be used to assist in opening a variety of locks. If a lock is slightly outside the range of a picker's expertise, some lockpicks may be sacrificed in the process of opening it. 320 Aelys does not appear well, but she is alive. Her breathing is shallow and her eyes are racing under closed lids. No verbal or physical encouragement seems to have any effect on her unconscious state. 321 Broken Blade 322 This is the upper half of a broken blade. The metal is of fine quality, and it is unclear what caused it to snap neatly at the midpoint. 323 This is the lower half of a broken blade. The metal is of fine quality, and it is unclear what caused it to break neatly at the midpoint. 324 Ornate Sword Hilt 325 This fine metal hilt is of unknown origin, though it does not appear to have suffered much weathering. 326 Spider Queen's Venom Sac 327 328 This fleshy organ is full to bursting with dangerous toxins. It has an unpleasant, acrid odor. 329 Dank Spore Tentacle 330 This long tendril is covered in tiny barbed filaments. Even separated from its original owner, it bristles and writhes. 331 Drake Fire Gland 332 The flame-producing organ of a drake. 333 Adra Shell 334 A polished, curved section of adra taken from the remains of an animat. Copper strands are coiled within the center of the adra, and extend to the surface of the stone at several points, winding through the armor. 335 Blade of the Endless Paths 337 Twig Doll 338 A simple humanoid figure formed out of a bundle of thin twigs. It has two little stones for eyes. 342 A loop of thin, interwoven vines. 343 Copper Sphere 344 This heavy copper sphere is cold to the touch. 345 Key to the Elder Archive 346 This small but heavy bronze disc grants access to the Temple of Wael. A swarm of eyes is carved into one side. The image disappears and reappears as you turn it over. 347 This ancient scroll is bound with silver thread. The broken wax seal is stamped with the shape of an eye. The scroll at first appears to be gibberish, a collection of symbols and characters with no apparent connection between them. As you study them, however, you could swear that the characters begin to move. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, they shift and crisscross and realign, and you are able to read the text: "A simpleton seeks out a wise man said to know the answer to every question. 'Please,' says the simpleton, 'You have to help me. The world terrifies me. I wake each morning, and I don't know why. I make choices each day, and I don't know what will happen as a result. I go to sleep each night, and I don't know whether it will be my last.' When the simpleton finishes, he notices that the wise man is weeping. The simpleton apologizes profusely and asks the wise man what he has said to upset him. The wise man shakes his head and wipes the tears from his eyes. He answers, 'Some people have all the luck.'" 348 Aloth's Grimoire 349 Theorems of Pandgram 350 A heavy old book that carries the dust of centuries. The pages are as fine and thin as onion skin and covered with obscure diagrams and notes on animancy. 351 Iben's Grimoire 352 This tattered tome has the name 'Iben' scratched into the inside cover. 353 Small Iron Key 354 An iron key, too small to fit a door. 355 Hefty Tome 356 This considerable volume contains several treatises upon various animantic principles. 357 Bitter Squash Seeds 358 This bag is filled with dozens of small, black, oblong seeds. Verzano told me that they have certain medicinal properties. 359 Breastplate 360 Breastplates are popular for offering a modest amount of protection without the restrictive movement of heavier mail and full suits of plate armor. Due to their widespread use by warriors from the Vailian Republics, the fashion of clothing and padding worn under breastplates typically reflects Vailian styles. 361 The pristine silver key to a chest within the armory of Crucible Keep. 362 Osric's Family Breastplate 363 This old breastplate has its share of battle scars but it's clearly been well preserved over the years and still bears some of its original shine. The symbol of a flame is emblazoned across its middle. 364 Penhelm's Affidavit 365 "Kurren, a cipher duly appointed and employed by Dunryd Row, does hereby certify that Novitiate A. M. Penhelm has been found to have a soul free of any subversive influences or tainted essence." The scroll is stamped with the seal of Dunryd Row and signed by both Penhelm and Kurren. 366 Helm 367 Hood 368 Eldrid's Sword 369 The thick gold and silver band is studded with tiny emeralds. "FOREVER FAITHFUL, IRWEN & UNGA" is etched along the inside curve. 370 Misery's End 371 This medallion is engraved with ancient Engwithan symbols. Though large and heavy, it hangs gracefully from a gold chain. 372 The folded letter reads: "Meet me at the house in First Fires. Maea hasn't responded to our pressure yet. We may have to try something more aggressive." 373 Water Jug 374 A weathered clay water jug. It's still intact, whatever its age, and should hold water well. 375 Filled Water Jug 376 A clay water jug, filled to the brim with water. It's pleasantly cool to the touch. 377 Burial Isle Horn Mouthpiece 378 This mouthpiece, finely carved out of adra, sounds the call of the Burial Isle Horn, signaling the ferry to bear you across the water. 379 This moonstone ring features a large, bright jewel. The gem's silver glow lends the wearer an air of charisma and determination. This once belonged to Serel, the most sought-after courtesan in Defiance Bay. 380 Cloudsinger Songbird 381 This bird constantly hides its head under its long wings, their light blue feathers mottled by stripes of gray and white. Despite the reclusive nature of the species, this Cloudsinger bursts into elaborate songs when nudged. 384 Tîam Songbird 385 The red crest of this songbird adorns an otherwise plain plumage of brown and black feathers. The bird seems used to being handled, and often begins to sing when left alone for a while. 386 Shardwing Songbird 387 Interlocked and concave, the iridescent green feathers of this bird resemble crystalline scales. When startled, it completely freezes on the spot, only to resume its slow singing once it feels safe again. 388 Brothel Door Key 389 Fortanero's Rapier 390 Captain's Hat 391 Baby 392 This is the child of Ŵidhwn, a Glanfathan anamfath. Though unusually calm and quiet for a baby, this is a healthy infant that has managed to avoid the effects of Waidwen's Legacy. 393 Whiteleaf Mixture 394 A wrapped parcel containing a mixture of whiteleaf herb and deer fat. It smells dreadful. 395 Bledha's Poison 396 Dark fluid clots and oozes within the vial. Bledha swore that the full dose would kill nearly anything - or anyone. 397 Distilled Essence Potion 398 This vial is filled with a deep red liquid that shimmers and roils with essence. Wrdha brewed it from the blood and essence of Vela, an orlan child from Fisher Crane. It's intended to help Simoc father a strong and capable leader for Three-Tusk Stelgaer. 399 This amulet consists of an engraved circular disc, carved from bone and hanging from a simple leather cord. 400 Glowing Ice Shard 401 Rymrgand gave you this jagged ice crystal when you prayed to him at Teir Evron. It's supposed to control the Frost-Hewn Breach in Noonfrost. The shard glows with cold blue light. It hasn't melted at all since you received it. 402 Valtas Groundskeeper Letter 403 This is a note addressed to the household staff: "Please see to it that the family mausoleum is swept and the marble polished. The key is hanging, as always, in the kitchen by the oven." 404 Lord Valtas' Will 405 A last will and testament has been carefully drawn up on a stained piece of sackcloth. It lists Lord Valtas' various titles and holdings, ending with the following: "Should no member of my family survive, it is my wish that my wealth and property be dispensed to the Crucible Knights. Let my wife and children and me be buried with my forebears in the Valtas family tomb, at the right hand of Duc Hadret. Signed, Valerio Valtas, Fifth Lord of House Valtas." 406 Galawain's Maw Key 407 This relic gives off a dim blue glow. 408 Warm Engwithan Relic 409 This relic is warm to the touch, even after lying in the cold mud. 410 This relic emits a faint hum when pressed to your ear. 411 Linete's Signet Ring 412 This signet ring was crafted for Linete Reymont. 413 Runic Engwithan Relic 414 Engwithan Relief Gem 415 This brilliant blue gem has been sculpted to look like an eye. 416 This dagger is of a fine make; the steel is strong and even, tapering to a razor-sharp blade. The seal on the pommel marks this as a weapon forged by the Crucible Knights. 417 Ludrana's Grimoire 418 A thick tome filled with small, tidy handwriting. It once belonged to the wizard Ludrana. 419 Empty Waterskin 420 This leather waterskin is currently empty. 421 Full Waterskin 422 Exceptional Arbalest 423 Fine Arbalest 424 Exceptional Arquebus 425 Fine Arquebus 426 Exceptional Battle Axe 427 Fine Battle Axe 428 Exceptional Blunderbuss 429 Fine Blunderbuss 430 Exceptional Club 431 Fine Club 432 Exceptional Crossbow 433 Fine Crossbow 434 Exceptional Dagger 435 Fine Dagger 436 Exceptional Estoc 437 Fine Estoc 438 Exceptional Flail 439 Fine Flail 440 Exceptional Great Sword 441 Fine Great Sword 442 Exceptional Hatchet 443 Fine Hatchet 444 Exceptional Hunting Bow 445 Fine Hunting Bow 446 Exceptional Mace 447 Fine Mace 448 Exceptional Morning Star 449 Fine Morning Star 450 Exceptional Pike 451 Exceptional Pistol 452 Fine Pistol 453 Fine Pollaxe 454 Fine Pollaxe 455 Exceptional Quarterstaff 456 Fine Quarterstaff 457 Exceptional Rapier 458 Fine Rapier 459 Exceptional Rod 460 Fine Rod 461 Exceptional Sabre 462 Fine Sabre 463 Exceptional Scepter 464 Fine Scepter 465 Exceptional Large Shield 466 Fine Large Shield 467 Exceptional Medium Shield (Heater) 468 Fine Medium Shield (Heater) 469 Exceptional Small Shield 470 Exceptional Small Shield 471 Exceptional Spear 472 Fine Spear 473 Exceptional Stiletto 474 Fine Stiletto 475 Exceptional Sword 476 Fine Sword 477 Exceptional Wand 478 Fine Wand 479 Exceptional War Bow 480 Fine War Bow 481 Exceptional War Hammer 482 Fine War Hammer 483 Exceptional Breastplate 484 Fine Breastplate 485 Exceptional Brigandine 486 Fine Brigandine 487 Exceptional Robe 488 Fine Robe 489 Exceptional Hide Armor 490 Fine Hide Armor 491 Exceptional Leather Armor 492 Fine Leather Armor 493 Exceptional Mail Armor 494 Fine Mail Armor 495 Exceptional Padded Armor 496 Fine Padded Armor 497 Exceptional Plate Armor 498 Fine Plate Armor 499 Exceptional Scale Armor 500 Fine Scale Armor 501 SKELETON Leather Armor 502 This polished opal is perfectly round but for the threaded hole in one end. The opposite side is covered with Engwithan runes that you recognize as symbols of power. It looks like it once topped a scepter. 503 Skeletal Wizard's Grimoire 504 Grimoires for skeletal wizards typically only have a single spell, since skeletal savants only retain one basic ability from their mortal lives. 505 Engwithan Scepter 506 Sporeling Ooze Sac 507 This is the bulging, gelatinous venom sac of a sporeling. It smells rather unpleasant. 508 This Engwithan weapon was restored from fragments you found in Ondra's Gift. The shaft is covered with invocations, and the opal finial is inscribed with runes. 509 This broken shaft looks like part of a scepter. Inscribed runes invoke and channel the wielder's essence. 510 Engwithan runes have been engraved on the surface of this polished opal. It looks like a scepter finial. 511 Osrya's Grimoire 512 A blood-stained grimoire that belonged to Osrya, the animancer. 513 Troll's Head 514 The severed, mossy head of a forest troll. 515 Vailian's Letter 516 "How is it that so grand a journey as mine should lead me here? The people of the Dyrwood call this pitiable lagoon a sight to see, but all I have experienced here is misfortune. I thought to explore the cavern by the waters, only to discover it was home to sporelings. I went to see the vaunted compass, and lost the bulk of my letters when I tripped over some driftwood. And at last I made to inspect the dragon skulls nearby only to be menaced by some foolish little xaurips. I will return to Gilded Vale as soon as I catch my breath. At least the xaurips do not appear to have followe..." 517 Fulvano's Letter 518 A lamenting account of Fulvano's journeys in the Dyrwood. He cites the sea cave, the compass, and the ring of skulls as landmarks he observed before his script is cut short. 519 "While traveling west towards Gilded Vale, I encountered a fellow traveler of some considerable intelligence, and we engaged in pleasant conversation. It came to light that the poor fellow had the most execrable pair of boots upon him. I gave him one of my spare sets that he might better appreciate Vailian craftsmanship. May they serve him well, for he said he intended to cross the wilderness known as the Black Meadow. I cannot imagine it is a pleasant place." 520 Page from Fulvano's Travels 521 "I met a helpful Dyrwood woman while in Gilded Vale. She was an invaluable guide during my time in that sorry village, and agreed to accompany me some part of the way towards Anslög's Compass. We parted ways in the wilds known as Magran's Fork, but I gave her my amulet so that she might remember me fondly. Perhaps I will return to these lands someday after all." 522 Weathered Journal Page 523 "After several days' journey, it seems it is time at last to part ways with my traveling companion from New Heomar. A pity we could not see the Compass together, but perhaps he will have as grand a time in Geiran's Grasp. I have given him my gloves for safekeeping, for I will hardly need them in such fine weather." 524 Shipment Crate 525 This battered - and heavy - crate has been pried open at one corner, but its contents remain within. There is a painted hammer and anvil on the side of it, alongside the words "Black Hammer Smithery." 526 A Letter Home 527 "Mother - I have asked Brother Edric to carry this letter to you, for he travels to New Heomar come morning. With him goes what coin I have, and I hope it will ease the surprise of an unexpected homecoming - for I mean to follow in a few days' time. Our village is much changed, and though I do not wish for you to worry, I do not feel it is safe to remain. I know Rectrix Obrica will not approve, but -" (The letter trails off here.) 528 Initiate's Note 529 This parchment is relatively intact, but the ink upon it has faded. You can make out a few patches of careful, tidy script. "...isitors to the ritual floor. Rectrix Obrica says... demption for even these... orgot and struck the largest bell first, rather than second..." The rest is illegible. 530 Engraved Silver Key 531 This large silver key has a handle in the form of a stylized sun. 532 The weathered pages of this tome contain spells used by Raedric VII's wizards 533 Raedric Wizards' Grimoire 534 A Crumpled Note 535 This letter is fairly intact, though the parchment itself has been crumpled. "Gjestr - I know that the temple baths boast great healing properties, and that your back ails you still. Still, I would ask that, if you are to indulge for the greater part of the day, you give over your key to the sanctum to someone else for safekeeping. This is not the first time we have been forced to wait to perform the day's rites, and Rectrix Obrica is often too far below to hear our knocking." 536 The Pilgrim's Lasting Vigil 537 The end of the Saint's War and the detonation of the Godhammer Bomb is still mourned by followers of Eothas around the world. While the conflict diminished Eothas' following in the Dyrwood, many remain faithful to the god of dawn and redemption, confident that he will one day rise again. Many followers make annual pilgrimages to shrines and temples of Eothas (or to what remains of them) on the anniversary of Saint Waidwen's death. The particulars of these vigils vary. In Readceras, they are often marked by song and by the recitation of Saint Waidwen's sermons. In the Dyrwood, where worshipers of Eothas are often persecuted, such ceremonies may involve standing in respectful silence until sunrise. It is customary for worshipers to wear armor or other articles that commemorate Eothas or his leadership through Waidwen. This helmet bears the sunburst emblem of the Readceran army. It was likely first worn by a soldier serving in the Saint's War. 538 Gleaming Silver Key 539 This large silver key catches the light strangely, seeming to glow. 540 "I understand your concerns, Sister Nedra, but we are safest here within the temple. What wrong have we done? Lord Raedric would not risk his position by harming us, when we have brought so much prosperity to the village. Wirtan pretends at alarm. He knows full well that these are empty threats, and means to frighten us into departing our home. Are we to abandon Gilded Vale to heretics? Wirtan too, will play his part, when the time comes. Our temple will stand long after Lord Raedric's hold is but gravel and memory." - Rectrix Obrica 541 Rectrix's Letter 542 Ferry Cargo 543 A variety of muddy goods salvaged from a wrecked ferry, primarily soggy clothing and dirty food. 546 Dead Priests' Bones 547 This is a grisly assortment of weathered bones and skulls, belonging to the Eothasian priests lost within the temple at Gilded Vale. 548 Mug of Ale 550 Burnished Steel Key 551 This key belonged to Nedmar, high priest of Berath in Raedric's Hold. 552 Skuldr Meat 553 Skuldr meat is both stringy and slimy, making it palatable to few in its raw form. 554 Frightening Aura 555 Chewed Letter 556 This piece of parchment is torn and flecked with blood and troll spittle. What little of it remains reads, "Worried he may have come to harm. Once I reach Defiance Bay, I will hire guides to take me back west in safety, and see if we cannot find Fulvano. At present, I regret my eagerness to be away from Gilded Vale. It is very dark..." 557 Though never as famed as he would claim, the Vailian explorer Fulvano was known as an eccentric who wished to see the world. Where possible he traveled by foot to gain a local's appreciation for the sights, sounds and smells of the lands he passed through. In practice, however, Fulvano often claimed that his explorations proved only that the world outside of the Vailian Republics was a foul, smelly place that paled in comparison to his homeland. This amulet is said to have belonged to Fulvano. He was a man much taken with mild superstitions, and this talisman, he said, was a source of luck. It also served more sentimental purpose, for it depicts one of the great ships commonly seen at the docks of his homeland. 558 Berathian Priest Robes 559 These robes are the traditional attire worn by the Berathian Priests in Raedric's Hold. 560 Rusted Iron Cell Key 561 This crudely shaped key has rusted from many years of use in Raedric's Hold's dungeons. 562 Patient Ward Key 563 The brîshalgwin, or "mind hunters," were known throughout Eir Glanfath centuries before Aedyran and Vailian animancers introduced formal scholarship on ciphers to the continent. They were respected - and feared - for their abilities to perceive soul connections. When Aedyran colonists first settled in the Dyrwood, they quickly aroused the ire of their Glanfathan neighbors by trespassing - sometimes accidentally and sometimes intentionally - on Engwithan ruins. An orlan of the Three-Tusk Stelgaer tribe, a mute but preternaturally gifted cipher, used her abilities to monitor the border ruins and track the colonists who encroached upon them. To aid in her investigations, the anamfath of Three-Tusk Stelgaer gave her this amulet, thought to be a relic of the Engwithans themselves. The public gift of such a revered artifact was a political move as well as a practical one, and it galvanized Glanfathan resistance to the settlers, particularly within Three-Tusk Stelgaer. It was lost, however, when the cipher was killed in a raid on a farming settlement. 564 Archer's Gloves 565 Blood Testament 566 567 Bracers of Deflection 568 Bracers of Enduring 569 Bracers of Spiritual Power 570 Forgemaster's Gloves 571 Gauntlets of Accuracy 572 Gauntlets of Puissant Melee 573 Gauntlets of Ogre Might 574 Gauntlets of Swift Action 575 Healing Hands 576 Gloves of Manipulation 577 Killer's Work 578 Minor Bracers of Deflection 579 Minor Gauntlets of Accuracy 580 Rotfinger Gloves 581 Tattered Journal 582 "They've tracked me down everywhere I've run. It's only a matter of time before they find me again. And I'm not sure I still have the will to fight." 583 Helm 584 Tricorne Hat 585 Floppy Hat 586 Soft Hat 587 Turban 588 Crested Hat 589 Hood 590 Hooded Turban 591 Thimble Hat 592 House Hat 593 Padded Cap 594 Mail Coif 595 Great Helm 596 Nasal Helm 597 Open Helm 598 Acorn Helm 599 Winged Helm 600 Small Horn Helm 601 Ram Horn Helm 602 Stag Helm 603 Footpad's Hood 604 Liripipe of Thinking 605 Rugged Wilderness Hat 606 Hold-Wall 607 Aedrin's Wrecker 608 Long-Feller 609 610 Rimecutter 611 Wē Toki 612 Lead Spitter 613 Scon Mica's Roar 614 Dîal Ewn Dibita 615 Blesca's Labor 616 Good Friend 617 Wendgär 618 Aattuuk 619 Drawn in Spring 620 The White Spire 621 Drake's Bell 622 Gaun's Share 623 Starcaller 624 The Hours of St. Rumbalt 625 Tidefall 626 Hearth Harvest 627 Rêghar Konnek 628 Persistence 629 Lenas Êr 630 Ravenwing 631 Aimoranet 632 The Rose of Salthollow 633 Daybreak 634 Lost Thayn's Reach 635 Tall Grass 636 St. Garam's Spark 637 Dulcanale 638 Traitors' Merit 639 Half-Mast 640 Llawran's Stick 641 Wend-Walker 642 Measured Restraint 643 Vierina's Leaves 644 Grudge-Keeper 645 Pretty Pretty's Rib 646 Resolution 647 The Flames of Fair Rhîan 648 Puitènte med Príncipi 649 Delem Raŵdha 650 Ritezzi's Thorn 651 Misery's End 652 Bleak Fang 653 Shame or Glory 654 Sheathed in Autumn 655 Elawen Ein 656 Cgadob's Hazel 657 The Rain of Godagh Field 658 Cloudpiercer 659 Godansthunyr 660 Strike Hard 661 Rundl's Finery 662 Starlit Garb 663 Gwisk Glas 664 Angio's Gambeson 665 Jack of Wide Waters 666 Vengiatta Rugia 667 Soul Vessel 668 This large adra stone is surprisingly light for its size. Fury radiates from it with almost physical heat, chittering at you like the creature you took it from. 669 Blaidh Golan 670 Seven Skuldr's-Worth 671 Husk of the Great Western Stag 672 Rebel's Call 673 Night-Runner 674 Kerdhed Pames 675 Hand and Key 676 Elardh Dwr 677 Sun-Touched Mail of Hyran Rath 678 Wurmwull 679 Lost Meadow Mail 680 Pike's Pride 681 Blackscale 682 Autumn Fire 683 Äru-Brekr 684 Heldrik's Coat 685 Coat of Ill Payment 686 Sanguine Plate 687 He Carries Many Scars 688 Argwes Adra 689 Pocket Watch 690 This fancy pocket watch once belonged to Verzano. 691 Bronze Horn Figurine 692 Though tarnished and lusterless in its remarkable age, the intricate inscriptions and texturing still discernible on the horn's surface, along with the artifact's obvious longevity, suggest an object of expert workmanship. 693 Soul Stone 694 This stone gives off a faint glow. You hear whispering coming from within. 695 696 697 Pliambo per Casitàs 698 Potion of Major Recovery 699 Potion of Minor Recovery 700 Potion of Major Endurance 701 Potion of Major Regeneration 702 Potion of Minor Regeneration 703 Potion of Endurance Regen 704 Potion of Minor Endurance 705 Potion of Power 706 Potion of Iron Skin 707 Iridescent Scarab Figurine 708 Ebony Spider Figurine 709 Ivory Wurm Figurine 710 Oaken Scarab Figurine 711 Ashwood Cameo Figurine 712 Obsidian Lamp Figurine 713 Scroll of Defense 714 Scroll of Maelstrom 715 Scroll of Revival 717 Scroll of Valor 718 Blacsonn 719 Placeholder description for drugs. 720 Long-Feller 721 Pliambo per Casitàs 722 Captain Fortanero's Sea Chest 723 This sturdy wooden chest has an embossed sigil that matches the flag on one of the ships berthed at Ondra's Gift. It also has "Captain Fortanero" carved into the surface. 724 Fortanero's Key 725 A large and vibrantly colored Vailian sea captain's hat, with matching feather. 726 This large brass key opens the gate to Heritage Hill. 727 Heritage Hill Gate Key 728 Hammer and Chisel 729 A simple iron hammer and chisel, useful for chipping away at hard surfaces, particularly ones that display structural weakness. 730 Skaen Initiate's Hood 731 A dark mask bearing the stylized countenance of Woedica is attached by thread to a black hood. Worn together, they obscure most of the defining features of the wearer's head. 732 This leather waterskin is full. 733 Flint and Tinder 734 A sharp piece of flint to be struck with steel and a small amount of tinder is all that's needed to start a fire in most situations. 735 Wooden Pole 736 Used for poking and prodding things at a distance. 737 Prybar 738 Effective for prying open certain types of containers, but not especially useful on doors due to the uneven and narrow distribution of its leverage. 739 Mirror 740 A small mirror can be used to look over, under, or around something - or even to catch light and create a signal for someone to see. 741 Magnifying Glass 742 A magnifying glass can be used for viewing tiny details and possibly for starting a small fire in certain environments. 743 Heavy Iron Key 744 This heavy iron key has an Aedyran stamp upon its handle. The handle is coated with a rough layer of rust. 745 Grimoire of a Dozens Wizard 746 This grimoire belonged to a wizard allied to Padebald's Dozens. 747 Ineffectual Flailing 748 *TEMP* - Do not put this in inventory; it is just a prefab so that NPCs can attack without holding weapons. 749 Letter from Icantha 750 "Aldhelm, I did indeed receive your recent summons (as well as the two that came before it). I'd been waiting for you to present yourself on my doorstep so that I could give you my answer in person: a firm and unwavering 'no.' I won't help you. In fact, I relish the idea of you and your team of glorified engineers sitting in that tower, sweating over the runes I've studied for years. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than knowing that my research, which you've long disparaged, is the missing piece in your mundane little puzzle. As you well know, it's knowledge I've always valued. I'm just around the corner. I encourage you to find me should you wish to rehash this conversation in person. Yours truly, Icantha" 751 Larder Door 752 Thy Clef 753 Old Gerun's Wall 754 Redfield 755 Ilfan Byrngar's Solace 756 Scâth Gwannek 757 Sura's Supper Plate 758 Aila Braccia 759 Little Savior 760 761 Engraved Adra Disc 762 This palm-sized adra disc has been shaped into a perfect circle. Runes have been engraved around the edges, but they are too small to decipher. 763 Vianna's Diary 764 This looks like a diary belonging to someone named Vianna. The latest entry bears yesterday's date. "Clessia arrives tomorrow. The way we parted after her last visit, I didn't think she'd return. When I received the letter from Ozia, I expected the worst. The distance has been hard for her, and my focus on my research hasn't made things any easier. Tomorrow, none of that will matter. The things we said, the things I didn't say... I'll have the chance to make it up to her. I wish we had more privacy here, but for now, that old house on the north side of Ondra's Gift is still empty." 765 Ancient Engwithan Weapons 766 Corroded and tarnished, these bronze weapons would probably only be useful to a collector now. Something hums within them, a faded remnant of essence. Whatever power they once had has long since dissolved. 767 Camping Supplies 768 In amongst these supplies are bedrolls, blankets, rations and other amenities intended to keep hardy explorers from succumbing to the elements. 769 You feel connected to this adra stone. Though you cannot see past the surface layer, you know that a part of you is contained within. 770 Cladhaliath 771 Guildmaster's Staff 772 Copy of Vianna's Research 773 This is a copy of the Vianna's research on Engwithan techniques for imbuing matter with essence. She appears to have developed a method based on her studies of animats. 774 Helmets come in many forms, from the humble padded cap to fully-enclosed steel great helms. Different cultures tend toward different styles of helmets, but outside of regimented armies, the type of helmet an individual wears often comes down to personal preference. 775 Hats come in many different shapes, sizes, and a wide array of colors. Dyrwoodans are known for their modest, rustic hats while Vailians are associated with broad-brimmed hats featuring a variety of exotic plumes. 776 From the hunters of the Dyrwoodan wilds to cowled wizards with a flair for the mysterious, residents of the Eastern Reach appreciate the warmth and anonymity provided by a hood. 777 778 The Temaperacl 779 Sword of Daenysis 780 The Vile Loner's Lance 781 Spectacular Spetum 782 This simple wooden ring is orange and gray, and it glows when you're not wearing it. The ring's actual history is more speculation than fact. While all sources agree that it was owned by Erol of Levi and that he acquired it after a period of exile, stories differ on the particulars of how he got it. Some say it was a gift from one of the gods, and others say it was the boon of a pact he made with a wicked power. 783 Sitra Achara 784 Silver Crow Axe 785 Semper's Faithful Dagger 786 Treave's Conqueror Spear 787 The Maverick 788 Darcozzi Paladini's Longsword of In'claene 789 Crooked Bee Bow 790 Jarpie's Warhammer 791 Hanover's Fist of Dodm 792 Lyssandra's Blade 793 Crate's Remorse 794 Azalin's Helmet 795 Waage's Hat of Leadership 796 Pike Jaw Rod 797 Skuphundaku's Evil Black Arquebus 798 Haba's Hammer 799 Blade of the Centurion of Prix 800 Vailian Clothing 801 Dyrwoodan Clothing 802 Ixamitl Clothing 803 Aedyre Clothing 804 Darcozzi Paladini's Longsword of In'claene 805 Robe 806 Pike Jaw Rod 807 Though never as famed as he would claim, the Vailian explorer Fulvano was known as an eccentric who wished to see the world. Where possible, he traveled by foot, wishing to gain a local's appreciation for the sights, sounds and smells of the lands he passed through. In practice, however, Fulvano often claimed that his explorations proved only that the world outside of the Vailian Republics was a foul, smelly place that paled in comparison to his homeland. This pair of boots is said to have belonged to Fulvano, and the initials burned into the leather would seem to bear that out. Fulvano was very particular about his boots, for they had to endure a great deal of use, and they were constructed to be as hardy as their wearer. 808 Scrawled Letter 809 "I do not think you will ever see this, but you were right, Fulvano. We should have journeyed south together, and been safer for it. I would tolerate all the gloating in the world if I might live to hear it. I have put myself out of reach of the beasts circling below, but I am done for all the same. I do not think I will rise again. Whoever finds this - pray for me. Perhaps in the next life I shall be a trapper of wolves." 810 Fulvano's Gloves 811 Though never as famed as he would claim, the Vailian explorer Fulvano was known as an eccentric who wished to see the world. Where possible he traveled by foot to gain a local's appreciation for the sights, sounds and smells of the lands he passed through. In practice, however, Fulvano often claimed that his explorations proved only that the world outside of the Vailian Republics was a foul, smelly place that paled in comparison to his homeland. These gloves are said to have belonged to Fulvano, who often found himself in need of some protection as he climbed harsh terrain or maneuvered through forests. While thick enough to provide some warmth, they are meant first and foremost to be flexible enough not to hinder delicate tasks. 812 This bronze spear appears to have been crafted with great care. Despite the weapon's age, the point is remarkably sharp. Adra details line the grip, and runes are carved into the shaft. You feel the adra core running through the weapon. 816 Stolen Engwithan Medallion 819 820 Falanroed's Grimoire 821 This blackened tome contains all the spells belonging to the wizard Falanroed. 822 Dalton's Sword 823 Glittering Green Gem 824 This gem is the size of your fist, and of a deep, vibrant shade of green. It must be quite valuable. 825 Mossy Rock 826 This smooth stone is about the size of your fist, and covered in a thin layer of moss. It's a pleasant shade of green. 828 This ring signifies membership in the Club of Refined and Prestigious Gentlemen. Beneath its sigil, a motto is inscribed in Eld Aedyran: "Fréod ond Eathmédu." 829 Club of Refined and Prestigious Gentlemen Membership Ring 830 Amethyst 831 Adra Dragon Scale 832 Creature part placeholder. 833 Awakened Adra 834 Awakened Root 835 Awakened Wood 836 Beetle Shell 837 Dank Spores 838 Drake Talon 839 Ogre Blood 840 Ooze Plasma 841 Primal Flame 842 Primal Rock 843 Primal Water 844 Primal Wind 845 Skuldr Ear 846 Sky Dragon Eye 847 Sky Dragon Eye 848 Spear Spider Leg 849 Spider Venom Sac 850 Spirit Residue 851 Stelgaer Tooth 852 Troll Skin 853 Vessel Bone 854 Vessel Flesh 855 Vithrack Brain 856 Wurm Wing 857 Xaurip Tongue 858 Admeth's Wyrt 859 Berath's Bell 860 Blood Moss 861 Burned Lady 862 Cave Coral 863 Dyrcap 864 Golden Celery 865 Orlan's Cradle 866 Pilgrim's Crown 867 River Reed 868 Settler's Arrow 869 Skaenbone 870 Springberry 871 St. Gyran's Horn 872 Plant/fungi placeholder. 873 Food placeholder description 874 Cheese 875 Binding Copper 876 Ludrana's Orders 877 'It seems I have no choice but to provide you with instruction. Raedric's forces are spread thin, and the road through the wilds to the South of Gilded Vale lies unguarded. Given these favorable circumstances, I'm sure that even you can manage to handle a peasant or two. The archers tell me that Kolsc's men made south after their escape. If you should happen to retrieve one of their number, I may be convinced to forgive your previous mistakes. For the last time, you are to keep clear of Defiance Bay. Know that if you cannot be trusted to acquire a useful specimen with even a modicum of discretion, I have no qualms whatsoever about using what materials I have at my disposal instead. - O' 878 North Ward Key 879 This worn brass key unlocks the North Ward of the sanitarium. 880 Carow Golan 881 Goldrot Chew 882 Ripple Sponge 883 Snowcap 884 Svef 885 Whiteleaf 886 Cheese 887 Placeholder description for food. 888 Cocoa 889 Dragon Egg 890 Dragon Meat 891 Egg 892 Fish 893 Fruit 894 Grain 895 Meat 896 Oil 897 Poultry 898 Rice 899 Sugar 900 Vegetable 901 Beer 902 Milk 903 Darkest Rauatai Cookies 904 Dragon Egg Dish 905 Dragon Meat Dish 906 Farmer's Spread 907 Casità Casserole 908 Duc's Own Beefloaf 909 Pearlwood Chicken 910 Savory Pie 911 Stew 912 Rauatai Sweet Pie 913 Ixamitl Ricepan 914 Fireball Trap 915 This item will place a trap of fireball on the ground. 916 Arrow Trap 917 Boiling Spray Trap 918 Bounding Missiles Trap 919 Chain Lightning Trap 920 Concussive Missiles Trap 921 Dart Trap 922 Fan of Flames Trap 923 Freezing Pillar Trap 924 Gaze of the Adragan Trap 925 Hail of Darts Trap 926 Malignant Cloud Trap 927 Noxious Burst Trap 928 Pillar of Holy Fire Trap 929 Poison Dart Trap 930 Poisonous Cloud Trap 931 Sunlance Trap 932 Tanglefoot Trap 933 Shatterstar 934 Helmet of Darksee 935 Unforgiven 936 Torch 937 Danulya 938 Dandy Hat of the Diseased Yak 939 Oidhreacht 940 Prey Maker 941 Justice 942 The Disappointer 943 Hirbel's Protective Skin 944 Jêna's Lance 945 Purgatory 946 Borresaine 947 Outworn Buckler 948 Forgiveness 949 Cat's Claw 950 Scales of the Raven 951 Rabbit Fur Gloves 952 Mabec's Morning Star 953 Bracers of All-Consuming Rage 954 Hermit's Hat 955 Gyrges' Gloves 956 Azureith's Stiletto 957 The Dunryd Demon 958 Taluntain's Staff 959 Gilt Blade of Lorn 960 961 Lighthouse Key 962 Copper Awld 963 964 This finely carved staff is covered in a multitude of carvings and strange characters beyond your comprehension. It seems to hum with power at your touch. 965 966 Black Cat 967 This grimoire belonged to the mercenary mage of Cwineth's expedition. 968 Tribute to Ondra 969 Ondra is the frequent recipient of offerings from people who wish to forget them or what they represent. It is said that she sweeps away all memories with the tide. 970 Edge of Reason 971 Rod of Pale Shades 972 Dozens Token 973 This token has the symbol of a bridge engraved upon it. 974 Frog Helm 975 This plant is covered in strange nodules shaped somewhat like bells. It has a faint but pleasant smell. 976 Herbs 977 Scroll of Missile Barrage 978 Black Hound 980 Lilith's Heirloom 981 Large Bronze Key 982 Pale Elf Wizard's Grimoire 983 The pages of this tome feel cold to the touch. Inscribed in silver ink, this grimoire contains the spells used by the pale elven wizards of Noonfrost. 984 Leaden Key Wizard Grimoire 985 The pages of this Leaden Key tome are dark grey, making its inscribed spells difficult to read at a first glance. 986 Engwithan Dagger 987 Fine Pike 988 Xaurip Pike 989 Exceptional Pollaxe 990 Xaurip Quarterstaff 991 Xaurip Spear 992 Xaurip Champion Spear 993 Folded Note 994 "My dear Nonton - Please be safe. Know that, whatever happens, I love you still." 995 Durance's Staff 996 Aloth's Leather Armor 997 Blood-Blessed Skaen Cultist Robes 998 Leaden Key Robes 999 Helm 1000 Azo's Research Journal 1001 "I'm close to a breakthrough. I have found an ample source of essence now, and the vessels have responded positively to infusion with the proxy. Human trials are the next logical course." 1002 Duelist Hat 1003 Plumed Helm 1004 1005 1006 Engwithan Scepter Base 1007 Engwithan Scepter Base 1008 Engwithan Scepter Spike 1009 Aldhelm's Journal 1010 "Icantha insists on pursuing her own research on the tower despite my argument that pooling our knowledge is in both our interests. With her expertise in the Engwithan language, I'm convinced that she knows more about the tower's workings than she lets on." 1011 Stoppered Vial 1012 This is a large, rounded glass container containing a pale green mixture. It was given to you by the aumaua midwife Ranga. 1013 Cape 1014 Capes are popular throughout the Eastern Reach. Commonly made of wool or animal pelts, capes provide warmth on cool nights and through deep winters. 1015 Wymund's Notebook 1016 The looping scribbles are difficult to read, but as you flip through the pages, you can make out several passages. Near the beginning, you read: "...will be a suitable place for my experiments. There's an abundance of space, and, more importantly, the locals are content to ignore it. I could probably constr..." You skip ahead several pages. "...willing volunteers. The Legacy has brought many grievances to the surface, and capturing the essence is primarily a matter of timing. The ritual of the Effigy serves as a good template for..." You scan the middle of the book. "...died and their essence evaporated. Next time, I'll have to try a smaller concentration of the reagent to..." You turn to the last page. "...noble from Defiance Bay. Results were mostly consistent across the other subjects. The challenge is always applying the method to an unwilling participant, but her situation may prove an advantage. If I can bring those memories of her uncle to the forefront, it might render her essence more susceptible to the process." 1017 A Gentle Reminder 1018 If you're using the entrance next to the river, please remember to do the following: *Get the key from Trygil *Return the statue to its place over the entrance (OEDEMAR) *Give the key back to Trygil We need to remember that travelers and townsfolk use the road near this entrance. These rules exist so that we can all continue to use this space for the glory of Skaen, and they apply to everyone, even Oedemar. 1019 List of Names 1020 This creased sheet of paper contains a list of names. Some have been crossed off. "1. Ydit - leaves window open at night. Small house on the edge of Kindle Vale. 2. Higerto - visiting from Old Vailia, doesn't speak Aedyran. Keeps to himself, won't be missed. 3. Tirfeyst - lives in small encampment on road to Loghome. Takes solitary walks each morning at sunrise. Should be most vulnerable then. 4. Belmis - his parents leave him alone after temple services each Godandag. 5. Senlis - visits a mistress in Baelreach every third Folcsdag. Get him on the road. Check Gilded Vale and Ondra's Gift. May find more interested parties there." 1021 Scroll of Protection 1022 Note from Azo 1023 "Riply, I require more copper tubing for my next experiment. Do NOT requisition it from the sanitarium's stores. I don't have the time to deal with the Head Warden's inevitable questions. - Caedman Azo" 1024 Faramund's Curse 1025 This rolled-up piece of parchment is covered in smeared charcoal scrawls. 'Let me get it down in writing: I knew this was a shit plan from the start. Merec gleeful as a toddler, convinced we were going to talk the xaurips into helping us fill our pockets. Help Andras right into a great big pit, more like. And now you've all run off like hares. Meanwhile, here's me, up to my armpits in bones and xaurip shit. I hope you all rot down here. I hope Merec trips right off the edge of the world, and Drafden loses what's left of his wits and guts the rest of you. Five of us left, and you run. Curse each and every one of you. And curse me, too, for dying here on account of a bunch of mewling pisspots. Here's for when one of you rotten lizard bastards learns some Aedyran - I hope you all fucking choke.' 1026 Sealed Missive 1027 Open Missive 1028 Trindig's Letter 1029 "Dearest Mother and Father, You will be pleased to hear that I've learned much already since coming to the city. There are many incredible ruins nearby, and Master Graeg has allowed me to accompany him on a number of expeditions. I am writing to you from inside an ancient Engwithan tower. There's an entire district built up around it, but the locals have mostly left the tower untouched. They have let us set up temporary living quarters here so our work can continue uninterrupted. It is an unsettling place at times, but Master Graeg has been a constant comfort. And he is quick to remind me that the things we learn from this tower may one day help us find a cure for Waidwen's Legacy. I'd better get some rest now. Mr. Graeg likes to get an early start to the day. All my love, Trindig" 1030 Death Guard's Grimoire 1031 This weathered tome, its inscriptions almost faded by the passage of time, once belonged to a powerful wizard. 1032 Woedica Hood 1033 1034 This old key looks like it's been rusted from years of exposure to the salty air. 1035 Zolla's Torc 1036 This heavy, ornate silver torc is of a size to fit a very large ogre. On anything else, it might serve as a very uncomfortable belt. The crudely engraved runes along its length suggest this torc holds some ceremonial purpose, though you cannot decipher their specific meaning. 1037 The head of the ogre Korgrak, one-time scourge of Dyrford. The immense trophy leaks liquid foulness in a trail everywhere it is carried, and the smell is overwhelming. 1038 Infused Soul Vessel 1039 Fire Prism 1040 This polished, triangular stone gleams in the light, covered in gilded, ornamental symbols along its edges. 1041 Earth Prism 1042 This smooth, triangular block of stone bears gilded, angular symbols in zigzag patterns along its edges. 1043 Wind Prism 1044 This dark, triangular block of stone is covered in pale, undulating grooves. 1045 Rain Prism 1046 This pale, triangular block of stone is covered in deep, parallel grooves along its sides. 1047 The Dragon's Amulet 1048 This amulet is comprised of finely woven strands of burnished gold, from which hangs a cumbersome piece of adra, carved into a rough circle. 1049 Old Copper Key 1050 A key made entirely of adra with a copper case around it. 1051 Thick-handled Iron Key 1052 The strange handle makes this key unwieldy for those with small hands. 1053 Silver Key 1054 This ornate key is covered in a thin layer of silver. 1055 Rusty Key 1056 Whatever substance this key was forged from is now hidden beneath a thick layer of rust. 1057 Small Bronze Key 1058 This delicate bronze key seems too small to fit a door's lock. 1059 Gilt Blade of Lorn 1060 Spirit Spiral 1061 Alarhî's Wooden Cage 1062 This rudimentary wooden cage contains a tiny black beetle - a veiled warning from Alarhî to Rinatto. 1063 Sword of Prix 1083 An organic material crystalline in structure but shell-like in substance, adra can be found growing up through the ground in veins in many parts of Eora. Easy to carve and manipulate, it is a favorite of jewelers as a semiprecious stone, and is often cut more intricately and beautifully than other gems. 1084 "White adra" is an extraordinarily rare precious stone found in some formations of adra. It sometimes appears immediately adjacent to copper conductors used in Engwithan structures. It has a luminescent white color with pink and violet veins striations running through it. 1085 Agates are common on Eora, oft-used by craftsmen for their bright colors. Their considerable hardness also lends them a variety of more practical applications. 1086 Amethyst can be found in a variety of shades, but those of darkest purple are considered to be the most valuable. Discovery of new sources has become commonplace in the past few hundred years, and amethyst no longer fetches the same value it once did. 1087 Bloodstone is traditionally a dark stone, often a deep green. But the presence of pockets of iron or red jasper resembling blood spatter give the stone its name as well as its value. 1088 This mostly colorless stone is popular for its shimmering look but is not especially rare and can be purchased at reasonable prices in most areas of the world. 1089 A highly rare stone, emeralds are usually thought of as green but in some cases can be completely colorless. The discovery of an emerald deposit generally means a lifetime of prosperity for its discoverer. 1090 Garnets come in nearly every color, but are most frequently pictured as being red or orange. On the rarer side of Eora's stones, garnet is also known for its hardness and is occasionally employed by certain blacksmiths in steel etching. 1091 Jasper is found in the wild as a dull, mottled stone, frequently in red or green but often with a variety of colors lent by other surrounding minerals. While relatively easy to find, polished, the stone's distinctive swirls of color give it endless variety. 1092 Moonstone derives its name from its moonlight-like luster, and is sometimes collected by Ondra's Giftbearers, who associate the stone's presence in the world with the legends of Ondra's love affair with the moon. 1093 Opal has a base color of a pearly white, but it is among the world's most precious stones in large part for the aesthetic beauty of the bright iridescence it displays, in addition to its general rarity. 1094 Pearls are formed in the mouths of clams and similar animals. They are hard spheres, most often white, that show faint iridescence. Being difficult to come by in large numbers, they are every bit as rare as many precious stones and consequently just as expensive. 1095 Found almost exclusively in a pale green color, peridot is a glassy stone that is easy to find, but difficult to find in specimens of gem-worthy quality. 1096 Rubies typically range in hue from pink to red, with the deeper shades being more highly valued. The crystals in their natural state are found in triangular clusters, but come in a wide variety of cuts when brought to market. 1097 One of the world's hardest stones and also one of its rarest, sapphires are most often blue and often quite vivid in their coloration. 1098 Translated as "Ondra's Tooth," these are large baroque (teardrop-shaped) pearls most commonly found and traded by aumaua. 1099 A glassy mineral on the common end of Eora's precious stones, topaz comes in warm and cold colors depending upon its impurities, but blue topaz, generally of a lighter shade than would be found on most sapphires, is its most iconic incarnation. 1100 Turquoise is an amorphous, semiprecious stone, opaque and blue or blue-green in its general color but often flecked with darker deposits. 1101 Velune's namesake is a yellow-orange fruit found in Old Vailia. These clear gemstones bear a similar yellow-orange color and are often cut like rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Most of the world's known Velune mines have long since dried up, and the stone has become one of the most sought after in recent years. 1102 Worn by Pefrel, a paladin of the Kind Wayfarers, this breastplate bears an elegant relief of two hands presenting a key. Pefrel commissioned the armor to demonstrate his dedication to the idea of opening paths and doors for those who might otherwise find the passage too dangerous. While his devotion to the order dictated almost every facet of the man's life, Pefrel was also a faithful adherent of the god Berath, and the Hand and Key served as a personal reminder that the final door he opened would bring him into the god's keeping. 1103 An order of Glanfathan fighters earned the name Elardh Dwr – or Steel Swan – because of their prowess and theatrics in battle. Beautiful and resilient, they came to be known as an elite group of warriors that could not be stopped on the battlefield. The strongest of blows could not topple them. Each wore one of these breastplates, inscribed with a swan, announcing to all who fought them that they were not to be trifled with. 1104 This robust brigandine has been repeatedly reinforced by the Aedyran adventurer who once owned it. Thickly padded, the armor was dubbed Äru-Brekr (Arrow Breaker). It served the adventurer well, until her fame and fortune made her grow complacent, and she allowed an opponent to get too close. While Arrow Breaker protected her from projectiles, it didn't provide the same protection against a mace to the side of the head. 1105 The Coat of Ill Payment came into the hands of an Aedyran gambler after he won it in a game of chance. Unsure of exactly what use he'd get out of it, he took to wearing it at his games as a good luck charm. An opponent accused him of cheating and attempted to beat payment out of the gambler - only to recoil in pain after landing the first blow. The gambler realized then that the armor granted him some measure of magical protection - and decided upon a new scheme. The gambler would get into a game, cheat openly - or at least give the appearance of it - and then fight the angry party when matters escalated, often for higher stakes. This worked swimmingly - until he overplayed his hand, and found himself on the receiving end of more angry fists than the armor could handle. 1106 An anomaly among Readcerans, Heldrik was a renowned explorer. If there was a stretch of land that could be trod upon, he endeavored to reach it. He became enamored with the harsh beauty of the White that Wends after an early expedition, and resolved to travel there as often as he was able. Accustomed to more temperate climes, he pooled the coin he'd gathered selling exotic artifacts to commission armor which might protect him against the bitter cold of the southern reaches. 1107 Created by a Glanfathan monk, Gwisk Glas (Green Garb) was her way of honoring the forest that was her home. Clad in clothing designed to disguise her against the leaves and branches, she could sneak upon her quarry and attack while they were still unaware of her presence. Her strikes were powerful and sure, dealing devastating blows to those unfortunate enough to have angered her. She in turn proved as tenacious as a vine, for whenever she was struck down she would only rise again, ready to continue the fight. 1108 Though wealthy and well-educated, one Vailian noble found himself all but shunned by his peers. He lacked an eye for fashionable dress, and had no particular talent for debate, finding that he could not articulate any portion of his admittedly vast pool of knowledge. While his colleagues held grand debates on the intricacies of animancy, or the state of the Vailian Republics, he stood apart. At last, desperate, the noble turned to a local wizard, and requested a set of clothing which might elevate him above the crowd and give him opportunity to prove his wits. The result was a marvel, perfectly fitted and accentuating his features in such a way that he was immediately the center of attention. The nobleman soon found, however, that his plan worked too well - for it was the wizard Rundl whose name became associated with the fine clothing, and who found his work much in demand in the coming seasons. 1109 This somber set of robes is flecked with bright, shimmering points of white, in imitation of a starry night sky. It was commissioned by an aging scholar, whose love of astronomy and failing eyesight pressed her to request a set of enchanted garb which would allow her to pursue her studies for years to come. 1110 Blaidh Golan ("Wolf Heart") is said to have been blessed by the Lord of the Hunt himself. A human hunter, showing skill with a bow and arrow beyond any before seen, caught Galawain's attention one day. Galawain proposed a bargain – if the hunter could best him in a hunting contest, Galawain would present her with armor that would bestow upon her the power of a wolf. For a week, both hunters tracked their respective quarry through the woods and, when the contest was ended, the hunter had felled the most game. True to his word, Galawain presented her with Wolf Heart, which gave her the crafty and evasive nature of its namesake. 1111 A folk tale tells of a stag that could outwit any hunter. The beast would see his enemies approach before they ever came within sight, and outrun them easily, leaving no trail to follow. At last, a great hunter declared that he would be the one to kill the stag, for no quarry had ever eluded him before. The man set out early the next morning, vowing to return triumphant. Neither hunter nor stag, however, were ever seen again. Some claim the hunter succeeded and decided not to return, his prowess proved to the only one that mattered. Some say the hunter fell to a trick, and that the stag fled, seeking lands where it would never again be troubled by hunters. The crafter of this armor favors one telling of the tale, for the Husk of the Great Stag is said to have been made from that same stag's hide. Dressed in the stag's skin, the wearer is granted the beast's fleet-footed alertness, able to keep one step ahead of hidden dangers. 1112 A rural Dyrwoodan legend holds that armor crafted from the hide of the nocturnal, secretive skuldr imbues the wearer with preternatural stealth. Determined to best every like-minded fellow to test this superstition before him, one enthusiastic hunter crafted this hide from no fewer than seven skuldrs. Though it is unclear what effect the quantity had, the result is a dark-hued armor that blends undeniably well with the shadows. 1113 This armor was owned by an Aedyran man who belonged to a band of mercenaries who called themselves "the Walkers." At any one time, there were only five members, each with a specific set of skills. The first walker was strong, the second was agile, the third was a marksman of unparalleled skill, the fourth was blessed with incredible endurance, and the fifth possessed irresistible charm. Each of the Walkers wore armor that enhanced their already formidable skills. Clad in Kerdhed Pames ("Fifth Walker"), the Aedyran had once been known to talk a Kulklin noble into trading his prize mare for a half-finished jug of ale. 1114 Night-Runner was the prized possession of a prominent Dyrwoodan thief. Dark as the night sky, the armor allowed him to slip past guards unseen, and the thief was able to infiltrate vaults and keeps considered impenetrable. Contracts others wouldn't even consider, he took without a second thought. In the very unlikely event he was discovered, he seemed able to withstand even the most arduous beatings and still escape with his target. 1115 Rebel's Call was worn by a Vailian farmer who joined the fight for independence when the Vailian Republics seceded from Grand Vailia. While not a seasoned fighter, he had the spirit and drive to inspire his fellow soldiers, and his quick thinking saw him surviving what might otherwise be crippling attacks from far more experienced foes. While he didn't survive to see the free Republics, his sacrifice was remembered by all whose lives he touched. 1116 Ixamitl legends speak of a verdant meadow hidden among the rolling grasslands. Wildflowers grow as tall as folk, and the meadow is forever kissed by the mild sun and cooled by a gentle breeze. Clever trackers, fearless hunters, and innocents fleeing injustice are said to stumble upon the meadow, suddenly finding themselves in a place of perfect peace where streams flowing with fresh water are always close at hand and grain falls milled from the sheaf. It is a land of plenty, and it is unknown whether those who find their way to the meadow are unable to leave or whether they simply choose not to. At the center of the meadow, a place the peoples of Ixamitl regard as the center of Eora, grows a tree bearing small, red fruit. It is said that the fruit can restore and reinvigorate even the frailest of individuals. This armor was supposedly anointed with the pulp of one of these fruits and imbued with essence from its pit. 1117 The paladin Hyran Rath came across a countryside village beset by guls and made it his life's work to rid the world of the undead. He believed that their very existence was a blasphemy against the gods and a scourge on all kith, and, having observed the creatures prowling by night and skulking in dark places, he fell prey to then-common misconceptions about their nature. He had his order create armor that shone with the light of the sun, believing them vulnerable to daylight. Unfortunately, he tested his theory in the cleansing of a crowded fampyr den, discovering too late that the light only alerted the creatures to his presence. Published research by animancers has since dispelled many of the dangerous myths surrounding the undead. 1118 A dragon hunter in Readceras commissioned this armor to protect himself from slashing claws and fiery breath. He enjoyed a long and successful career until he chanced upon a lake dragon and was pulled into the water, drowning in his heavy mail. 1119 The renowned Vailian acrobat, Angio, wore this garment while performing jaw-dropping feats that seemed to defy the laws of nature and the standards of good sense. He would leap and tumble across wires suspended high above the ground, and while there is no evidence that this gambeson actually reduced his intelligence, his concern for safety lessened as his fame and skill grew. He forswore the wearing of safety harnesses and, eventually, the use of any kind of safety rope, claiming that these tethers limited his ability to perform. While his skill never failed him, one of his tightropes unfortunately did. He plunged to his death at the foot of Ancenze Fortress. 1120 Kakuma was a famed aumaua swashbuckler and the original wearer of this garment. She sailed from her homeland of Rauatai to the infamous Deadfire Archipelago. There, she escorted merchant and passenger ships through pirate-infested waters. Among her most frequent clients were the Naasitaqi dwarves, who ventured to the continents to the north on both personal and tribal sojourns. Her fair dealings, bravery in combat, and skill at sea made Kakuma a loved and respected figure in the archipelago and among the Naasitaqi. 1121 This superbly-crafted set of armor is dyed a dark maroon. The dye is uneven and splotchy, making it look like it was colored by an amateur. In a way, it was. Vengiatta Rugia ("Red Vengeance") was worn by a young Vailian woman who witnessed the murder of her family at the hands of mercenaries serving a powerful ducess. When the authorities questioned her, she pretended that trauma had erased any memory of the incident. Yet while she feigned shock-induced oblivion, she trained in secret. Since she couldn't wear armor or weapons without attracting attention, she took up work as a seamstress and learned to sew a sturdy garment that would protect her without garnering too much notice. She also refitted a stiletto with the handle of an awl, allowing her to carry it without raising suspicion. By the time she began hunting her family's killers, she was quick with her stiletto and inconspicuous in her padded armor. She assassinated them one by one, each time soaking a piece of her garment in the blood of her latest victim. 1122 When Gréf Admeth Hadret passed the "Ten Years" Treaties on the anniversary of the War of Black Trees, he outlawed the looting of Engwithan ruins. While this was a popular move among the Glanfathans - as well as the frontier villagers who frequently found themselves the subject of the tribes' vengeance - it was an unwelcome change for the traders and adventurers who had made their living selling Engwithan artifacts. Quite a few vendors, however, took to commissioning and selling replicas. Many fakes were so skillfully made that even scholars had difficulty distinguishing between them, and ciphers were sometimes hired to attest to the authenticity of high-value objects. Argwes Adra ("Adra Armor") actually was taken from ruins near the Court of Bowing Ashes, but it so closely resembled two known fakes that it famously passed through Defiance Bay, Ancenze, and Selona before an animancer in Barda recognized its authenticity. 1123 This armor was forged in honor of the Readceran monk Rugnfar, who came to believe that as long as no enemy could inflict more pain upon him than he could upon himself, he could never truly be subjugated by anyone. Conscripted by his government to quell the uprisings inspired by St. Waidwen, Rugnfar became a frightful presence on the battlefield - for every injury he sustained at the hands of an enemy, he would inflict one twice as severe, drawing strength from the pain that enabled him to fight through injuries that would've caused anyone else to collapse on the ground. He would charge his enemies covered in blood with tears in his skin from hand to foot, and his foes would shrink at the sight of him, believing as he did that it was not in their power to injure such a man. Near the end of the rebellion, when the rebels had all but overthrown the government, Rugnfar found himself in a battle defending against St. Waidwen's main forces. Accounts claim that he was the last on his side to remain alive, and he was approached by St. Waidwen himself in the end. As the story goes, the living god looked him over and gave a slight bow, permitting him to fall upon his own blade, that he might remain free. The armor bears many artificial scars added by the blacksmith to make its wearer as imposing as the figure that inspired it, though it wears its real scars with equal pride. 1124 Despite popular assumption, the Sanguine Plate was not named for its blood-spattered appearance. It was originally owned by a barbarian from Rauatai, and while his combat style did frequently leave the Sanguine Plate in need of a good polishing, it was actually named in reference to the owner's jolly nature. He was popular around town and in the taverns of the nearby port, where he was quick to buy friends and visitors a drink and glad to hear the news from abroad. However, his seemingly inexhaustible good humor was counterweighted by a hair-trigger temper, and it was said that none who actually saw him in a bad mood lived to tell the tale. 1125 Created by a Glanfathan blacksmith to honor those killed in the War of Black Trees, Autumn Fire commemorates Cas Raŵdha Dîal, a battle in which members of the Three-tusk Stelgaer tribe, lying in wait, charged out of a burning forest on the backs of their Stelgaer mounts, annihilating the contingent of Dyrwoodan soldiers that had thought its victory assured by its choice of tactics. Made of scale armor to give the wearer the appearance of a dragon, Autumn Fire, like the Three-tusk Stelgaer, refuses to succumb to flames, and makes its wearer as one with the trees. 1126 The young village of Gilded Vale was beset by a particularly territorial fire dragon in the early years of the Dyrwood's colonial period. It was believed that the beast was provoked by the construction of Raedric's Hold nearby. The first Lord Raedric cemented his popularity - and that of his house - when he gathered a dozen of his finest soldiers and slew the dragon himself. Hirbel, the master armorsmith of House Raedric, forged this armor from the beast's scales, and Lord Raedric II famously wore it during the War of Defiance. Despite the armor's exceptional durability, the many scars and scratches testify to the use it saw during the war. The tree engraved on the cuisses commemorates House Gathbin, which presided over the then-erldom of Yenwood. That Lord Raedric went to battle against the erl's forces when the erl remained loyal to Aedyr was a source of great irony. 1127 Once a simple set of scale mail worn by an elven scout of the Fisher Crane tribe, it was transformed along with its wearer. The scout and his party ambushed an expeditionary force that had ventured too far into the Thein Bog. One of the explorers, a wizard, cursed the scout with a spell that turned him into a raven. The scout survived the battle and took advantage of his new form to track the wizard back to his tower. When the scout broke the curse, he found that his armor retained some of the affliction's magic. Far-sighted and nearly undetectable, he broke into the wizard's tower, evading its magical defenses, and killed him in his sleep. The suit is black and form-fitting, and the feather-like scales grow in erratic whorls. They fall off over time only to grow back again in new patterns. 1128 The Leaden Key is a secretive group often regarded as a superstition, for so many deeds of varying complexity and severity are attributed to them as to render the stories farcical. It subsequently features in children's games and the ravings of madmen, and is generally dismissed as such by most. Whatever the truth may be, someone has taken much care in the weaving of these robes, the hems of which are lined with finely embroidered symbols and letters that appear to be Engwithan in origin. 1129 Those who plot the destruction of their superiors while keeping an impassive face will whisper a prayer to Skaen. Political rebels also call upon him for justice, in the hope that he will intercede on their behalf with Woedica, with whom he is associated. However, Skaen is an unforgiving deity. If a supplicant tips his hand or acts too rashly, the god will abandon them. The same goes for those who actually achieve their ambitions and rise to a higher station – they can no longer count on Skaen for aid. These robes are comprised of little more than a simple, undyed piece of cloth, tied at the waist by thick cord. They have been used during the grim rituals of the Skaenite faithful, it seems, for they are spattered with patches of blood, both recent and long-dried. 1130 Those who plot the destruction of their superiors while keeping an impassive face will whisper a prayer to Skaen. Political rebels also call upon him for justice, in the hope that he will intercede on their behalf with Woedica, with whom he is associated. However, Skaen is an unforgiving deity. If a supplicant tips his hand or acts too rashly, the god will abandon them. The same goes for those who actually achieve their ambitions and rise to a higher station – they can no longer count on Skaen for aid. These robes are comprised of little more than a simple, undyed piece of cloth, tied at the waist by thick cord. They have been used during the grim rituals of the Skaenite faithful, it seems, for they are spattered with patches of blood, both recent and long-dried. 1131 Born into a family of fishmongers, one young Aedyran decided that he would give up the family trade and take up the sword instead. He swore that he would find greater fortune than ever was bestowed upon his family. When he sought out opportunities to prove himself, however, he was often scorned - for he came from lowborn stock, and his line had achieved little of note. Discouraged, the lad returned home - only to find that his family, eager to see him achieve his wishes, had pooled what coin they had to commission a suit of armor that might keep him safe. The lad asked the smith to craft a set of gleaming scale armor, bright as the flashing scales of a fish and just as light and quick. He called it Pike's Pride, and while he wore it he found himself immune to whatever foul words his detractors might level at him. 1132 A masterwork of dwarven craftsmanship, this sturdy arbalest earned its name during the Battle of Marching Mountains, where a dwarven ranger held off a group of ogres bearing down on him and his few remaining comrades. In the ranger's hands, the arbalest proved more than capable of launching bolts through thick ogre hide, holding the invading force at bay just long enough for reinforcements to arrive. While victory against the ogres proved short-lived, the tale is still one told with great pride around dwarven campfires. 1133 Aedrin's Wrecker was known to many even when Aedrin herself was known to few. A rogue and expert markswoman, she fought in the War of Defiance and felled Aedyran soldiers from the shadows. She once told a pupil that she'd rather shoot an enemy in the back than give him the opportunity to strike back. Her patience was even more famous than her aim. She was reputed to have hidden in a tree for three days straight while she waited for an Aedyran general to pass along the road to Madsdam. Her skill was such that none were able to confirm the tale. 1134 Boasting a distinctive long barrel, Long-Feller was the property of a Readceran vorlas farmer, who used it largely to keep his fields clear of birds and rodents. Years of practice and careful adjustments to the arquebus made it a weapon to be reckoned with, for the farmer could pick off a songbird mid-chirp at twenty paces. With the coming of the Saint's War, the farmer carried this same gun into battle, where it proved similarly effective. 1135 A charismatic yet nefarious Vailian thief grew tired of stealing and decided to find a new way to entertain himself. He would get himself hired onto a ship and integrate himself with the crew. After a few voyages, he'd convince the crew to mutiny, making sure to execute the captain with his own arquebus. Once the deed was done, he would abandon the crew to their fate at the next port and slip away, traveling to a new city to start the game again. 1136 Matchlock firearms of high power and fair accuracy, arquebuses are prized for their ability to penetrate wizards' Arcane Veils. 1137 Edge of Reason belonged to a barbarian from the Deadfire Archipelago who loved the rush of battle. Each strike against his opponents renewed his strength, and each victory only whetted his hunger for further bloodshed. He killed his foes slowly, relishing the ebb and trickle of their life and drawing might from their terror. He grew bolder and more reckless, surrounding himself with enemies to feed upon their collective vulnerabilities. Eventually, he found himself overwhelmed by a mob of combatants, and not even his furious attacks were sufficient to sustain him. 1138 Merchants claim that this axe hails from the White that Wends, the foreboding, icy homeland of the pale elves. It does bear the same qualities of its homeland, for the blade is coated in a perpetual layer of frost and emanates a deathly cold. For all that, the head of the axe is surprisingly light, making it maneuverable and easier to control after a swing. 1139 Capable of delivering powerful blows from their broad, curved blades, battle axes are commonly used by soldiers throughout the Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath. 1140 Hailing from the lands of Rauatai, Wē Toki (or Water Axe) is covered in traditional, spiraling symbols for water and the sea. Aumaua craftsmen sought to instill the axe with the same power of a rolling wave, striking foes with sudden, fearsome force. When the axe is swung, it is said, the twisting symbols undulate like the waters of the Great Eastern. 1141 A common sight in the Dyrwood, Blacsonn is fashioned from sonnread liquor and the boiled sap from Glanfathan trees. It's known to lend a sense of heightened alertness to the user, though it leaves one feeling worn and lethargic once it wears off. 1142 Made from a sacred and uncommon plant that grows deep in Eir Glanfath, Carow Golan is the name given to a mixture typically used solely for ceremonial purposes, or else by warriors going into important battles. It is said to open one's awareness to one's place in the world, raising one's ability to recognize and react to threats. 1143 Harried by persistent thieves, the merchant Bereden had this hefty blunderbuss forged as a means of protecting his wares. The gun proved as indiscriminately lethal as the dwarf's temper, firing a destructive hail of iron that made short and messy work of anyone who dared creep up on his wagons during the night. Bereden was very pleased with the weapon's performance, as were the brigands who eventually robbed him of it. 1144 Scon Mica, the ogre from Aedyran myths who defeated innumerable champions before finally facing defeat by a simple shepherd, was said to have a roar that could shake rain from the clouds. When charging into battle, his bellows knocked his foes from their feet and rattled their very bones. 1145 A staple of the Dyrwoodan countryside, Goldrot chew is a favorite of farmers, who swear by the minor boost in energy it provides. Those who use it often find that they feel sluggish when they stop. The chew is made from the root of the golden celery plant. 1146 Broom 1147 Dust clings to the bristles of this wooden broom. 1148 Made from the sponges found along the rocky coasts of Rauatai, Ripple Sponge is ground finely and inhaled. It is often used on long sea voyages, for it has a soothing, calming effect which helps in tackling extended periods of strenuous activity. 1149 The snowcap mushrooms are known to be dangerous, for improperly treated samples are akin to poison. Once properly prepared, however, they can propel individuals into a trance-like state in which, it is claimed, many have received visions and portents of significance. The mushrooms feature primarily in important Glanfathan rituals, for their elders hold the secrets behind their safe use. 1150 Svef can be traced back to provisioners in the Vailian Republics, where the markets for the plant in question enjoy rapidly rising demand. Most commonly chewed or inhaled, svef is infamous for the near-catatonic state in which it often places its adherents. Those who use it claim that the drug gives them a sense of urgency and meaning, lost when the effects fade. More colorful accounts claim that the drug allows one to look within themselves and witness the sight of their own soul. 1151 An unlikely but effective leader, the barbarian Blesca held off Aedyran expansion north of Readceras by organizing the southern Ixamitl tribes. She kept her ragged alliance together by persuasion, coercion, and force, when necessary. Her coalition held together just long enough to dissuade an advance. 1152 Once owned by the Glanfathan barbarian Badrwn Cawldha, this club has ended the life of many an opponent. Badrwn was known to rush headlong into every battle, swinging the club over his head, shouting "Dîal Ewn Dibita" - "Vengeance, Just and Merciless." Even in victory, Badrwn was relentless, using the club to dispatch wounded or captive foes where they lay. In time, his battle cry came to be associated with the weapon itself, remembered long after Badrwn's death. 1153 Whiteleaf is derived from the whiteleaf weed, which is commonly found throughout the Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath. Locals dry and smoke the plant, which grants a feeling of calm alongside an intense lethargy. 1154 This crossbow was the prized possession of a pair of thieves that tormented the nobility of New Heomar for nearly five years. Stolen from the cart of a wealthy merchant, the gilded crossbow quickly began to feature in their crimes. One thief would approach the target in question, while the other wielded Good Friend from afar. The two were credited with many daring escapes, including one occasion in which one thief, destined to hang, was freed at the last moment by a last-minute bolt through the rope. No threat of pain or capture could faze them, it was said, if either was caught alone - for they knew that sooner or later, their Good Friend would be along to free them. 1155 Wendgär ("Wind Spear") was once an heirloom in a powerful house that served the first fercönyngs and mecwyns of Aedyr. When the Aedyran Empire formed, Wendgär was carried at the head of the unifying army and used to strike down the leaders of opposing forces from a great distance. One of the earliest effective crossbows, its accuracy shattered the resolve of many would-be resisters. 1156 This small, finely crafted figure of a wurm was carved from bone. Though the shape of it is crude, it is covered in ornate details, such as the scales upon its head and back, and the sharp teeth within its maw. 1157 Nearly life-sized, this figurine is carved from what appears to have been a single block of dark stone. Two red, jeweled little eyes grant it the illusion of life. 1158 A blade of Enutanik origin, Aattuuk ("Skinning Knife") was a gift passed from mother to daughter, used to remove hides from various hardy creatures of the tundra. It is precisely designed to pierce vulnerable joints and cut deeply and cleanly into flesh, making it a fearsome weapon against less traditional game, as well. 1159 A legend of the Living Lands speaks of a marvelous and dangerous garden watched over by four guardians - Northern Wind, Southern Gale, Western Sun, and Eastern Moon. To protect the garden from those who would disturb its wonders, and to protect hapless wanderers from the ravenous beasts and carnivorous plants within, the guardians diverted travelers with their respective domains - frigid and buffeting winds, glaring daylight, and the darkness of night. Three would stand alert each season while one guardian rested. It is said that Western Sun summoned Drawn in Spring each year after awakening from winter slumber. 1160 This dagger is engraved with symbols and runes. Despite its age, it appears to be in excellent condition. 1161 This was one of the weapons of Thaos ix Arkannon, the leader of the Leaden Key and, by all accounts, the oldest living man. It was Thaos' tool as he served Woedica, and with it he carried out countless assassinations to keep the secrets of the gods. Runes are etched along the curved blade of this dagger. When you grasp the adra and ebony hilt, the runes glow as if heated by a forge. The crossguard is formed by curving, jagged prongs in the shape of a broken crown. 1162 Thaos' Dagger 1163 This adra figurine is shaped like a small beetle. Its colorful shell catches the light in strange ways, changing hues as it's turned in one's hands. 1164 The Drake's Bell was commissioned by Lord Saelfor, a young and enthusiastic novice in the Society of the Talon. The Society of the Talon was enjoying renewed popularity after the discovery of dragon nests in the northern coasts of the Dyrwood, and Saelfor was determined to prove himself a stalwart hunter of beasts. He tasked the family smith with providing him with a blade as impressive in size and bearing as in purpose. The smith delivered the Drake's Bell - an estoc intended to cleave through the hide of even the hardiest of beasts. Saelfor found his interest in the hunt waning swiftly after a few close encounters with wurms, but he donated the Drake's Bell to the Society in thanks for their tutelage. In the hands of skilled men and women, the weapon proved invaluable, and the distinctive sound of its blade striking scales earned it its new title. 1165 An Aedyran explorer once heard a legend of an Engwithan tomb filled with the dead empire's greatest treasures. Dead-set on making a name and a fortune for himself, he had one of the finest smiths in the Dyrwood craft a blade worthy of his task. He descended into a place known as the Endless Paths of Od Nua and was never heard from again. His possessions were scattered by the strange evils that dwelled within, and his priceless blade was shattered. 1166 The White Spire was found among the possessions of a member of the order of Bleak Walkers, though it seems to have predated her. The spiraling engravings upon the blade are flanked by small, finely etched symbols of binding and enchantment, which might be credited with the permanent chill of the metal, and the thin dusting of frost upon the estoc's hilt. 1167 This wooden beetle has had lifelike detail carefully burned into the carved shell. Tiny barbs are etched onto its legs, and its folded wings bear mazey patterns. 1168 The origin of this item is a point of contention among the followers of Eothas and Woedica. Eothasians claim that their priests had it commissioned in the early aftermath of the Saint's War in hopes that it would coax their god back into the world to finish what he started. Woedicans, on the other hand, claim that the item is older than that, an instrument of retribution against oathbreakers originally employed by the Steel Garrote, an order of Woedican paladins devoted to the enforcement of oaths and contracts, often in mirthless fashion. The flail itself is unique in that the spiked ball at its end was fashioned out of an incense burner, and when it sees vigorous use, the smell of incense blankets the area. Its reputation has led to a handful of notable deceptions whereby people who'd defied their agreements were frightened into honoring them when the smell of incense was introduced into their negotiation room or bedchamber. 1169 A lesser-known aspect of the god Eothas, Gaun represents the cyclic nature of life and the seasons, and is often portrayed as a farmer wielding a scythe. He enjoys popularity among more rural followers of Eothas, who are drawn to his varying identities as provider, shepherd of the dead, and defender against injustice. Gaun's Share is said to have been crafted by a distraught Dyrwoodan smith after the destruction of his home by a Glanfathan raiding party. Upon arriving at a neighboring settlement, the smith immediately set about his work, intending to craft a weapon suited to righting the wrongs done to his village. Toiling over several weeks, he was able to fashion a heavy flail covered in small, sickle-shaped blades, with which he was determined to send any returning invaders into the afterlife. 1170 Devotees of Ondra along the north shore of the Ixamitl plains watch the moon and stars sink into the sea every night, performing obeisance to the goddess of the tides. A traveling Aedyran anthropologist made note of their rituals, filling his journal with sketches of folk swinging their arms to the firmament and descriptions of the stars falling from the night sky. The journal was published and widely distributed in the nascent Aedyre and Vailian colonies. A copy eventually fell into the hands of an apprentice armorer who was so enchanted with the images of the rituals that she set out to craft an homage to them. Her masterwork was Starcaller, a flail of such quality that it was said to have fallen from the heavens themselves. 1171 This lamp seems to swallow light, showing no reflection upon its surface. It's cold to the touch, and when held to one's ear a quiet susurrus can be heard. The lamp is sealed with a piece of cork, on which a single rune is inscribed. 1172 This sword was once used by a paladin as an executioner's blade during a long-forgotten crusade. Over the years the paladin slew countless heretics, but as time wore on his fervor slowly turned to fear at the unending evil he saw growing in his homeland. Tired of the myopic and ineffective approach of his superiors, the paladin swore to cleanse the corruption from the hearts of his people and took it upon himself to execute any who consorted with heathens. After finding a heretic hiding within a small village, the paladin put all its inhabitants to the sword for aiding the sinner. That night the paladin woke to his sword being driven through his own chest, having been betrayed by his own men, who were guilt-ridden for their own complicity in his atrocities. This large sword seems to be covered in rust, but on closer inspection the brown stains on the blade are, in fact, dried blood. Apart from the size, the sword seems plain, its only ornamentation is hidden under the black leather wrapping on the ricasso, where an image of Woedica has been etched. Scratches on the etching indicate that someone once tried to clumsily remove it. 1173 This intricate piece has been created from one small piece of ashwood. A raised relief has been carved across the front, depicting an eerie, beautiful figure standing beneath a large and twisting tree. Her face is turned slightly to regard the viewer, as if having just noticed their presence. 1174 Saint Rumbalt was among the first of the Eothasian pilgrims to take up the Emperor's offer of resettlement in the distant territory of Readceras. A dedicated priest of the Shining God, Rumbalt was regarded as a leader in his community, known both for his unwavering dedication to his congregation and his stern vigilance against lapses in doctrine. What survives of his sermons reflects this duality, for he emphasized the redemptive power of the faith even as he warned against the dire punishments awaiting those who rejected Eothas' beneficence. The colonization efforts brought Eothasian settlers into direct conflict with the native orlan populations, and Rumbalt was among those credited with routing several brutal attacks upon the settlement. Ultimately, however, Rumbalt was mortally wounded during a violent raid. Witnesses claimed that upon the moment of his death, Rumbalt's body was suffused by an overwhelming burst of light, knocking the remaining orlan warriors flat or else scattering them back into the forest. Accounts arose of Rumbalt's final hours, describing the great miracles which were observed to have occurred during the day preceding his death. Eothas, it was said, had informed Rumbalt of his fate, and the priest accepted this gladly and without fear, for he knew that death was only the first step in his rebirth. He subsequently marked each of his final 27 hours with a miraculous act, such that his congregation would know of the gift Eothas had bestowed upon him, and continue Rumbalt's work in his stead. Rather than stanch the flow of Eothasian settlers, Rumbalt's death only encouraged more pilgrims to venture across the sea, eager to set their eyes upon the final resting place of Eothas' favored servant. The Hours of Saint Rumbalt was forged in dedication to this patron saint of the resettlement, and its blade is inscribed with markings counting the 27 hours before Rumbalt's passing. In such manner was the blade imbued with the saint's power. It was said that a man might kneel before the sword and know with precision the moment of his death. 1175 A Rauatai harbormaster tired of officiating disputes between the various sailors, merchants, and pirates that daily made use of his port. The rowdy visitors caused trouble with the locals and with each other, leaving the harbormaster forever cleaning up their messes. He was large, even for an aumaua, but soft-spoken. So he commissioned a local smith to forge the kind of sword that would do the talking for him. He took to patrolling the docks with it, relying on his own towering presence and his formidable blade to silence most arguments. He issued a mandate that any visiting sailors at port that did not conduct their business peaceably and depart with the tides would find themselves subject to his own mercenary justice. Disagreements were settled quickly and quietly after that. 1176 A grimoire is the lifeblood of any wizard's magical repertoire. These books are painstakingly constructed with rare materials arranged in precise configurations, and are able to temporarily hold fragments of ambient soul essence, which is channeled through the book and discharged in the form of a spell. It is a popular misconception among the uninitiated that wizards are the shapers of the magical energies they wield. In truth it is the pages of the grimoire that do the shaping. The art of wizardry is in the disciplined control and manipulation of the grimoire, with the most skilled wizards able to coax spells of maximal effectiveness and magnitude from their tomes. Though all grimoires are limited by a finite set of pages, many accomplished wizards are known to carry several grimoires at once to handle a variety of situations. 1185 This hunting hatchet has a leather-wrapped wooden handle and a silvered blade covered in finely etched flames. When the blade is coated in the blood of prey - or an opponent - the etchings glow a fiery gold, roaring to life. Even at rest, the hatchet smells faintly of smoke and charred flesh. 1186 After enduring a series of xaurip raids, a small Glanfathan clan near Maiden Falls requested aid from the legendary scouts of the Fisher Crane tribe of Thein Bog. Such was the cunning of the scouts that they ambushed the xaurips in their own caves. One of the quickest orlan warriors slaughtered the xaurip chieftain with his own hatchet, naming it Rêghar Konnek ("Clever Cutter") in honor of the victory. 1187 Elder Antelope Horn 1188 Their speed and alertness make antelope challenging game for even experienced hunters, and their hides are valued for both decorative and practical purposes. Hides provide the leather used to create durable armor, while the spiraling horns of the oldest specimens are among the most prized of hunting trophies. 1189 Elder Bear Claw 1190 Found across the regions of Eir Glanfath and the Dyrwood, bears are formidable predators. They are among the beasts most highly regarded by servants of the God of the Hunt, who often seek out the largest and most deadly of the species to prove their skill. Bear hides are highly valued, and the claws of the eldest among them are often strung into necklaces and totems, marking the wearer as a hunter of worth. 1191 Elder Boar Tusk 1192 Boars are infamously temperamental creatures, and despite their size they are capable of inflicting grievous injuries with their goring tusks. Thick and resistant, boar hides fetch good prices at market, while the impressive tusks of elder boars make for even grander prizes. 1193 Elder Lion Fang 1194 Stelgaer feature in a host of Glanfathan stories, respected as top predators and valued as formidable companions for those able to tame the creatures. Many adherents of Galawain see stelgaer as the ultimate prey, for the great cats can just as easily turn the tide of a hunt, and kill those foolhardy or brave enough to seek them out. Stelgaer hides decorate the homes of many Glanfathan leaders, and the large fangs of elder lions serve as symbols of strength and honor. 1195 Elder Stag Horn 1196 Deer provide a great number of resources to the people dwelling in the Dyrwood. Their bladders are used to create waterskins, while their hides provide the leather used to craft boots, armor, and book-bindings. The impressive antlers of older stags are prized as hunting trophies, though they just as often find their way to inns to provide rustic decoration. 1197 Elder Wolf Fang 1198 The wolves of the Dyrwood are a large and crafty breed, bereft of the species' usual shyness, and they present a serious hazard to travelers who venture off the beaten path. Hunters who seek them out will not usually contend with a single wolf, for they travel in packs of varying size, presenting a challenge to any lone hunter. Their furry hides are valued for the warmth they can provide, and the teeth of the strongest wolves make for impressive trophies. 1199 Antelope Hide 1200 Their speed and alertness make antelope challenging game for even experienced hunters, and their hides are valued for both decorative and practical purposes. Hides provide the leather used to create durable armor, while the spiraling horns of the oldest specimens are among the most prized of hunting trophies. 1201 Bear Hide 1202 Found across the regions of Eir Glanfath and the Dyrwood, bears are formidable predators. They are among the beasts most highly regarded by servants of the God of the Hunt, who often seek out the largest and most deadly of the species to prove their skill. Bear hides are highly valued, and the claws of the eldest among them are often strung into necklaces and totems, marking the wearer as a hunter of worth. 1203 Boar Hide 1204 Boars are infamously temperamental creatures, and despite their size they are capable of inflicting grievous injuries with their goring tusks. Thick and resistant, boar hides fetch good prices at market, while the impressive tusks of elder boars make for even grander prizes. 1205 Lion Hide 1206 Stelgaer feature in a host of Glanfathan stories, respected as top predators and valued as formidable companions for those able to tame the creatures. Many adherents of Galawain see stelgaer as the ultimate prey, for the great cats can just as easily turn the tide of a hunt, and kill those foolhardy or brave enough to seek them out. Stelgaer hides decorate the homes of many Glanfathan leaders, and the large fangs of elder lions serve as symbols of strength and honor. 1207 Stag Hide 1208 Deer provide a great number of resources to the people dwelling in the Dyrwood. Their bladders are used to create waterskins, while their hides provide the leather used to craft boots, armor, and book-bindings. The impressive antlers of older stags are prized as hunting trophies, though they just as often find their way to inns to provide rustic decoration. 1209 Wolf Hide 1210 The wolves of the Dyrwood are a large and crafty breed, bereft of the species' usual shyness, and they present a serious hazard to travelers who venture off the beaten path. Hunters who seek them out will not usually contend with a single wolf, for they travel in packs of varying size, presenting a challenge to any lone hunter. Their furry hides are valued for the warmth they can provide, and the teeth of the strongest wolves make for impressive trophies. 1212 While few foreigners have much kind to say about the beer in the Dyrwood, where locals prefer to indulge in narcotics, beer is still a staple of every inn, home, and drunken feud. 1213 This bow is made entirely of various body parts from numerous creatures. Fangs, claws, teeth and bones can be seen interlocking throughout the weapon's structure. While every inch looks sharp and dangerous to touch, it feels remarkably smooth and delicate in one's hands. Though the bowyer's identity is unknown, a master's understanding of archery and an unsettling degree of expertise in bestial anatomy are readily apparent. To hold Prey Maker is to bear the feeling of assured victory, as though the wielder's attacks will find their way to the target as a predator finds its prey. 1214 Lenas Êr ("Eagle Eye") was the prize possession of a Glanfathan hunter from the infamous Three-Tusk Stelgaer tribe. As she never went anywhere without it, it was never truly determined whether the weapon's accuracy owed more to her skill or that of its maker. She fought in the War of Black Trees and was driven out of cover by the fires - it's said that her fear for Lenas Êr was so great, she charged headlong into a squadron of soldiers. Even so, she felled seven of them before they brought her down. 1215 Passed down through an Enutanik tribe, this bow was believed to have been blessed by the gods, for every huntress to wield it always returned from the hunt having successfully downed at least one animal. Arrows fired from the bow, it was said, would find their way unfailingly to a vulnerable point and fell their target. Rather than allow the bow to be possessed by a single person, the tribe considered it a gift to be shared among all its members. One young tribeswoman, however, coveted the bow and its power, believing she might rule her own tribe if only she had the weapon for herself. One day, when given use of Persistence for the day's hunt, she endeavored to separate herself from her fellow hunters and left, taking the bow with her. 1216 An odorous, crumbly wedge of cheese. Perfect for luring rats and dinner guests alike. 1217 Rivaled only by Aedyrans in their love of sweet things, the Rauatai count many delicious desserts and rich treats among their famed recipes. One of the most revered by wealthy connoisseurs around the known world is the 'darkest' Rauatai chocolate cookie. It has become a courtesy gift among Rauatai ambassadors, with many foreign dignitaries warmly receiving any Rauatai delegation simply in the hopes of receiving a batch of the revered treats. 1218 This sweet-smelling powder is an exotic good, hailing from Vailian markets. Its chief use in the Dyrwood is in the creation of the delicacy known as chocolate. 1219 While full-grown dragons can grow to titanic proportions, their eggs start out just larger than a human torso. They make for very filling meals, if one is willing to brave the risk of raiding a nest. 1220 The grandest of omelets. Those that feast on dragon eggs often find that there is very little they would not dare to do. 1221 Dragon meat is considered a rare and exotic treat, for the fairly obvious reason that it is not very easy to obtain. Many tales and rites of passage have formed up around the idea of consuming the raw flesh of these beasts. 1222 While tough, gamy, and notoriously hard to cook, dragon meat makes for a rich, fatty meal that is said to transfer the beast's strength and power to those that consume it. 1223 A common egg, as produced by a common hen. 1224 Dyrwoodan farmers, especially in Tenferths, make heavy use of this egg-based spread for their workday meals. The Tenferthers, renowned for their unflappable nature and rustic stoicism, are often the butt of jokes involving their humble food. The more good-natured jokes feature Tenferthers accidentally putting the whole eggshell in the spread and eating it all without complaint. Mean-spirited jokes involve the Tenferthers impassively eating stones, chicken feathers, nails, and other appalling substances that somehow got mixed up in the spread. 1225 A silver-scaled fish, fresh-caught. Dyrwoodan legend suggests that eating fish eyes makes you more clever, though they didn't seem to help the fish any. 1226 The Casità Casserole, or "Captain's Casserole", originated in seaside taverns within the Dyrwood, where chefs attempted to cater to Vailian trade interests by adapting foreign recipes. The results ultimately proved far more popular with the locals than visitors from the Republics, and fish casseroles remain a common dish in many Dyrwood cities. 1227 A priestess of Hylea in Old Vailia took in children orphaned by a famine. She guarded them in the temple and gathered what food she could. When looters came to the temple doors, demanding that she surrender their meager supplies, she prayed to her goddess for strength. The priestess suddenly found a powerful mace in her folded hands and an indomitable courage in her heart. When she charged through the temple door, it's said the very birds swooped from the treetops to pluck at the thieves' eyes. When the local duc heard of her bravery and the plight of the children, he diverted emergency supplies from his own hall to feed them. The brave priestess and her mace, Aimoranet ("Little Beloved") became symbols of Hylea's fierce protection. 1228 Legend tells of a druid, wise and powerful, who traveled accompanied by a flock of ravens. In battle, the druid would assail his enemies with his mace while the ravens descended in a chaotic swarm, distracting and flanking his foes. Years of coordinated attacks, and the druid's lingering magic, are said to have gifted his mace with an enchantment that lends the wielder similar gifts. The mace is finely wrought and lightweight, making it maneuverable, if not very resistant against direct attacks. Against a distracted opponent, however, a single blow often proves quite sufficient. 1229 Dyrwoodan fruits include the imported sonnread, staple of Aedyran orchards, and the common pear, though Vailian figs are quite popular among the wealthy. 1230 The cornerstone of a hearty meal and a hearty drink alike. 1231 The glistening flesh of some unfortunate creature. 1232 The paladin Mabec was called to an ancient forest by a vivid dream. In this dream, he watched a tree grow from a seedling to the tallest tree in the forest, only to be felled by lightning strike. He saw himself placing his hand inside the hollow trunk and withdrawing a morning star of incomparable power. Mabec rode into the forest, following his memory of the dream, only to find the great tree completely intact. Far from civilization and armed only with his sword, Mabec nevertheless began to hack at the tree trunk. It took weeks, but he was eventually able to fell the tree. Again, however, Mabec was confounded - he found no hollow in the trunk, nor a weapon of any kind. Undaunted, he continued to hack at the trunk, all the way to the tree's thick center ring, which he left intact. When he finished, he took the core of the tree and had it fashioned into the shaft of a morning star. He had his own blade, now as blunt as a wooden sword, melted down and reforged into the morning star's head. So powerful was Mabec's belief in the truth of his vision that the new weapon, though completely unremarkable in its materials, took on its master's zeal, and became great in its own right. 1233 The big brother of the mace, morning stars are two-handed weapons topped with a spiked head. They lack the armor penetrating power of maces, but are effective against a wider range of armor types. 1234 Daybreak was the product of the careful engineering of an animancer from Solace Vale. Hoping to create a defense against the blights and phantoms that often plagued neighboring villages, he developed a morning star that was especially effective against such nightmarish beings. Unfortunately, he died before he could make more. Even though he'd had no involvement in the early experiments with Hollowborn, he was murdered by one of the many lynch mobs that formed after the appearance of the first wichts. 1235 Duc's Own Beefloaf 1236 Beefloaf is a standard dish all across the Dyrwood and hundreds of families have been using the same recipe for generations. No one is quite sure how it came to be known as the 'duc's own,' but two legends are widespread. The first involves Admeth Hadret, the Dyrwood's first duc, personally making beefloaf for his captive prisoner, the Glanfathan Galven Rêgd. The orlan was supposedly so fond of the meal that he asked for the recipe and passed it on to his kin after his release. The second, more likely, tale features an unscrupulous cook who worked for the venerable Black Hound Inn of Gilded Vale. She confided in myriad travelers that she had a recipe for the 'duc's own' beefloaf - simply her own delicious recipe - and sold it to dozens of people for outrageous prices. Each victim of the ruse went on to make their beefloaf with the 'duc's own' recipe, giving rise to the popular name. 1237 Freshly milked from a dairy cow. Refreshing and healthy. 1239 This oil is of the variety generally used in cooking, though it might be used as fuel in hard times. 1240 Fowl, freshly plucked and ready for the pot. 1241 Piglet 1242 Pearlwood chicken is common among the settlers along the Pearl Coast and Defiance Bay, but its popularity has not spread far north or abroad. Locals claim that the dwarves of Talaneir were responsible for inventing the dish. Given the odd assembly of ingredients, often a notable feature of dwarven cuisine, many are inclined to accept the claim at face value. There are rumors that the Duc of Ozia has become fond of Pearlwood chicken, supposedly using greybreast chickens imported, live, all the way from Old Vailia to suit his particular tastes. As the dish is not yet popular in the Vailian Republics, the citizens of Ozia are not sure if they should try to emulate the duc's rumored style or vigorously deny it to foreigners. 1243 A good-sized sack of rice, brought to the Dyrwood by foreign traders. 1244 A delicious-smelling pie, with a golden crust and a meat filling guaranteed to leave one feeling battle-ready. 1245 Simple but effective, this stew contains a pleasing blend of meat, vegetables, and rice. 1246 A tin of fine, powdery sugar. Used for sweetening dishes, or providing a jolt of energy in a pinch. 1247 Pipe 1248 The bowl is stuffed with withered leaves. It gives off a musky, semi-sweet odor. 1249 Not actually a proper lance but rather a pike, the weapon was gifted to an orlan maid along with a goat by her wizard master Kabrindo, who was forced to show her the door after a number of episodes of remarkable clumsiness and brash carelessness that had left his grimoire waterlogged and his laboratory in ashes. The gifts were all the soft-hearted wizard could do to stanch his guilt. Wandering from place to place with only her goat, her pike, and a reputation for negligence that preceded her, her fortunes changed one day when she encountered a pair of soldiers trapped by a group of bandits. Too short to wield the pike properly, she instead climbed atop her goat and spurred it into the fray, leveling the pike like a lance and running one of the bandits through. Frightened and confused by the display and intimidated by Jêna's coarse language, the remaining bandits fled, and the soldiers' lives were spared. Her actions earned her a commission with a local fort, and she served with distinction in the cavalry. The original experience had given her such pleasure that she always found a place at the front of any charge. Eventually, this took its toll, and she went missing after her unit was commanded to charge a group of trolls. 1250 Popular in all of the coastal communities of Rauatai, sweet pie is often considered too rich even by their standards. It is saved for special occasions. One of the most notable and worthy occasions is when a Rauatai aumaua makes his or her first long journey across the ocean. Upon returning, his friends and family members often share a sweet pie with the returning youngster enjoying the first piece. 1251 Lost Thayn's Reach was once wielded by Thayn Solmar Cyneheod of The Grasp. While engaged in a skirmish against some Glanfathan rebels at the outskirts of New Heomar, Solmar cornered their leader at the edge of a cliff. The rebels quickly interposed themselves between Thayn Solmar and their leader, seeking to prevent Solmar from striking the final blow. A skilled pikeman, Solmar was able to foul every effort to strike him, and he ultimately dealt the rebel leader a mortal wound. Unfortunately, the pike's hooked blade became snagged upon the dying elf's armor, pulling Solmar over the edge of the cliff with his foe. 1252 A group of Aedyran pikemen were so disciplined in battle that they garnered the attention of the fercönyng himself. He made them members of his personal retinue and ordered special weapons fashioned for them. They marched at the head of his procession, their movement perfectly synchronized and their pikes swaying like blades of grass in the wind. The pikemen became a public favorite during royal festivals and parades, and both they and their weapons earned the nickname "Tall Grass." 1253 Pikes are easily the longest weapons in common use by soldiers and adventurers in the Dyrwood. Powerful two-handed piercing weapons, the main advantage pikes have is their long reach, which allows wielders to attack enemies from behind their allies. Pikes are also a favored weapon among xaurips. This pike, crude but sturdy, came from a xaurip clan. 1254 A varied collection of celery, carrots, and other common vegetables. 1255 Popular as a dinner entrée in the Ixamitl Plains, the Ixamitl ricepan has hundreds of regional and family variations. Varied as it may be, the dish is often seen as a great unifier in a culture heavily stratified by social hierarchy. Philosophers and wealthy politicians may use rare spices or finer cheeses, but its basic ingredients and ease of cooking have made it a traditional meal for all Ixamitl people. At Ixamitl wedding celebrations, it is common for the couple's close friends and family to spend the previous day cooking enough Ixamitl ricepan to feed everyone at the celebration to come. 1256 Artificers generally refrain from listing the ingredients involved in the creation of these potions, citing decorum. In any event, they give the imbiber's skin a tough and durable quality, making them less susceptible to damage. 1257 These potions are generally called upon to void the body of poisons and similar afflictions, though variants have been developed which do their work in a less messy fashion. The better concoctions work swiftly, further reducing the time needed for an affected individual to recover. 1258 Grimoire of the Elements 1259 This grimoire, despite its plain covers and rudimentary binding, brims with the power of the elements. 1260 These potions are generally called upon to void the body of poisons and similar afflictions, though variants have been developed which do their work in a less messy fashion. These concoctions reduce the time needed for an affected individual to recover. 1261 Temp description for potions. 1262 These blue-green liquids are attributed with powers of recuperation, restoring energy and liveliness to the weary or morose over a period of time. 1263 This vibrant green potion has an equally apparent effect, for imbibing it immediately grants a rush of energy, restoring vitality and briskness to even the most haggard and weary of travelers. 1264 K'eel was a constable in the small Dyrwoodan village of Maiden Falls. A good man who fulfilled his duties honorably, he often found himself in violent confrontations with passing ruffians and mercenaries come to the village to exploit the nearby ruins. Wiry, with a boyish face and an awkward gait, offenders rarely took K'eel seriously. They would mock him, telling him there was no way he was going to take them to jail. "You're right," K'eel would reply. "I bring Forgiveness." 1265 The Disappointer was touted as a powerful, reliable weapon, but it has consistently failed every one of its unfortunate owners. This is a terrible weapon that disappoints anyone who uses it. The gun appears well-made at first glance, but closer scrutiny reveals poor design and shoddy craftsmanship. Those who aren't fooled by its appearance still occasionally attempt to use it just to see if maybe the whole thing was made to look this way as an elaborate ruse, hoping that it is an artifact of extreme power, crafted by a master who desired to conceal its remarkable nature. It wasn't, and it isn't. 1266 Dulcanale was the weapon of choice of an infamous Vailian highwayman. He lurked in the foothills around Parchozzi, watching for traders seeking a shortcut through the treacherous mountain passes. Known for his cunning and cruelty, he usually felled his victims with a shot to the gut, leaving them to die slowly and in excruciating pain from what he called Dulcanale ("Bad Dessert"). 1267 This vibrant purple potion has an equally apparent effect, for imbibing it immediately grants a rush of energy, restoring vitality and briskness to even the most haggard and weary of travelers. 1268 Incorporating the restorative - if volatile - powers of necromancy-tinged bones, this foul-smelling but potent elixir is of undeniable worth in a fight, for it can give even the most hapless of fighters the effectiveness of an aged veteran. 1269 Pistols are small firearms, but despite their size, require two hands to reload properly. They are not as powerful as arquebuses, but can be reloaded much more quickly. As with all firearms, pistols have the ability to penetrate wizards' Arcane Veils. 1270 Saint Garam was a priest of Hylea, known for his mastery of the art of wordplay. It was said that he could shape the mood of a crowd with a single word, and find with cruel precision the most shocking turn of phrase with which to dismantle an opponent. One more whimsical daughter of the Dyrwood had this pistol crafted in his honor - for the gun, too, she said, could put an end to any debate. 1271 Empty Grimoire 1272 Grimoire 1273 This tightly wound scroll describes the means by which to cast a broad enchantment of protection upon one's allies. Though it requires all to stand within the circle of its influence in order to benefit from it, the spell greatly increases one's ability to ward off attacks by raising their reflexes as well as providing magical resistance against harm. 1274 The Leaves of Essence 1275 Stamped with an embossed sigil of a stormcloud, this scroll describes a spell by which the caster can create a damaging torrent of flame, ice, lightning, and corrosion. 1276 This dusty scroll describes a spell by which the caster can send a sweeping array of fiery projectiles after a single target. 1277 1278 A legendary aumaua sailor traveled the world, seeking adventures and treasures on every continent. In the Living Lands, he found the oldest tree on the world, a towering specimen that rose into the clouds and spread its branches over miles. Against the warnings of his crew, he took a branch, determined that it should be the mast of his ship. Months later, the ship was found broken and beached in northern Aedyr with no sign of the crew. Only the mast was intact, and it was whittled down and fitted with a blade. 1279 This tattered scrolls describes an enchantment which will stop a group of enemies in their tracks, allowing the caster to finish them off unhindered. 1280 Once owned by an Aedyran lord named Ygendurl, Traitors' Merit earned its title during the War of Defiance. Ygendurl's troops, beaten and shattered by Hadret's forces, knew they were on the losing side of the war. Ygendurl called for parley and struck an accord - his soldiers would take up arms for Hadret in return for clemency. Ygendurl then turned his weapon and his remaining forces upon his former allies, flanking them as they focused their attention upon Hadret. Caught unawares, the Imperial forces suffered terrible losses during the ensuing chaos. Despite his efforts, neither Ygendurl nor his troops lived to see the end of the war. His infamy, however, survives, and he is not fondly remembered by those on either side of the conflict. 1281 The spell writ upon this parchment allows the caster to aid his or her allies in purging any unnatural ailments or hostile spells. 1282 Though no scroll can reach beyond the Shroud and return one's fallen comrades to life, this spell can prevent their passing, for it restores to the incapacitated the vigor required to set them back upon their feet. 1283 Winters' Woes 1284 In a dark corner of Old Vailia, far from the influence of civil society, stories tell of a school constructed for the training of wizards in a very small and obscure niche of magic long forgotten by the rest of the world. High master of the school was an elven mage known as Taluntain, who became aware of a growing problem - the aura cast by the school's particular magic was like a beacon to the unsavory creatures of the surrounding area. Marauding trolls from the nearby moors assailed its walls regularly. The high master resolved to take action, and in his study he crafted a fearsome staff to incinerate the trolls. As much as that seemed important at the time, the demanding and short-tempered Taluntain soon became preoccupied with other uses he'd discovered for his staff, namely in the punishment of unruly students, and that would become its predominant function in the ensuing years. 1285 Llawran was an elven wizard who earned his living traveling between villages and using his broad repertoire of spells to entertain the locals. He was known to be a mild-mannered man, and he avoided confrontation when possible, carrying only his prized walking stick. As Llawran aged, he found himself plagued by pickpockets, who would often use the distraction of his performances to steal equipment and coin. Llawran promptly decided to infuse his walking stick with an enchantment granting it great speed, and from then on his performances were often punctuated by the startled cries of thieves. 1286 Eismaar was a wizard from the White that Wends. Later in life, he developed an obsession with Rymrgand, convinced that if he could see the great aurochs with his own eyes, the mysteries of creation and destruction would become clear to him. He wandered the frozen continent for decades with little more than his quarterstaff, Wend-Walker, and his sealskin coat, chasing the rumors of Glamfellen tribes and the death-cold gales that swept the glaciers. A migrating tribe eventually came upon Wend-Walker, planted in the snow and pointing to the sky. There was no sign of Eismaar, but the legend spread that he had found Rymrgand and now follows in the shadow of the mighty beast. 1287 Deceptively simple, quarterstaves can be powerful weapons in the hands of a skilled combatant. Wielders can use a quarterstaff's long reach to deliver crushing blows from behind their allies. Quarterstaves are also common among xaurips, who tend to decorate them with skulls. 1288 Willbreaker 1289 This scroll grants the caster knowledge of a spell which in turn improves the accuracy of every ally within range of the spell's influence. Even green recruits can be made to target with precision the weaknesses of one's enemies. 1290 This mechanism allows for the firing of an arrow towards a designated position. A simple, but highly effective means of discouraging intruders. 1291 This staff is topped by an emerald-green orb between two wing-like protrusions. The long, slender stave is banded and reinforced with gold casings. 1292 This trap sprays those unlucky enough to stumble upon it with a blast of superheated water, causing grievous burns and no small measure of alarm. 1293 Upon being triggered, this trap looses a series of arcane projectiles in the direction of its victim. Upon striking, the missiles seek out a second, additional target, though they rapidly lose their momentum with each subsequent hit. 1294 A dangerous trap for both creator and target, this trap delivers a powerful jolt of lightning which leaps to up to six nearby enemy targets before it loses sufficient force to dissipate. 1295 This trap results in five swift missiles of force being directed toward the unlucky target. These missiles travel at sufficient power to also cause the formation of a small shockwave around the target, striking nearby bystanders as well. 1296 Light and fast, rapiers are precise weapons favored by urban duelists. They are not known for being especially powerful, but a skilled wielder can rely on rapiers to accurately land blows. This rapier has been meticulously polished. The hilt is surrounded by elaborate, gilded guards and quillons. 1297 The favored weapon of a Dyrwoodan noblewoman, Measured Restraint was not often seen in use, for its bearer was much concerned with propriety and felt that weapons should be the final resort in any conflict - though she was quite content to discredit or otherwise hinder those who slighted her. Once her temper was finally roused, however, the rapier spelled doom for her victims, for she wielded it with the proficiency of an old master and would not allow opponents a single opportunity to flee. 1298 A Readceran fairy tale tells of a blacksmith who was traveling through the woods on his way home from a distant village. The wheel of his wagon broke and he had to make camp and repair it. During the night, a pack of hunting stelgaers ventured into his encampment, and he hid among the trees. Just as one of the beasts picked up his scent, a delemgan stepped out of the copse and in front of the blacksmith. The stelgaers soon lost interest, and when the blacksmith had recovered from his terror, he thanked the delemgan, Vierina, and begged to know how he could express his gratitude. Thrice she bade him forget about her and continue on his way, but seeing the man's zeal, she finally relented. "Enemies encroach on my wood," she said. "Bring me a means of defending it." The blacksmith swore that he'd return with a worthy gift and so departed. Weeks later, he forged a dagger and sought her in the forest. She saw the gift and smiled sadly. "A noble attempt, yet I fear it would do little to clear the foes that spring up in my midst. Please, return home and know that you have my thanks for your efforts." But the blacksmith shook his head and, over her protests, promised to bring her a suitable gift. After months behind the forge, he'd crafted several fine battle axes, and he brought the best of these to Vierina. Even her graciousness did not conceal the horror on her face. "Surely my enemies would seize this and turn it against me and my forest. Please, go to your village and forget about this." But, deaf to her objections, he vowed to try again. So the blacksmith devoted a year to crafting the finest, sharpest spearheads any had seen. People came from near and far to purchase the very weapons that he had crafted, finished, and deemed unworthy of Vierina. And as his reputation grew, so did the village around him. After a year of labor, he returned to the forest with the finest spear any had ever seen. The wilds seemed to have dwindled, and finding her was no easy task. When he eventually did, he presented the spear. "A weapon worthy of you," he said. "Long enough that none may snatch it from your grasp." But she recoiled from the wooden pole. "I could not defend myself with the bones of my own felled trees. I beg you, go and do not return." Yet he made an oath to bring her a final gift to fit her purposes. After years of work, he crafted the finest rapier in the land, its blade as narrow and fine as a needled leaf. In that time, the sale of his lesser attempts had made him a wealthy man, and his village had grown to a small city. When he returned to the forest a final time, he hardly recognized it. The sprawling woodlands had been whittled to a few scrubby thickets, and Vierina was nowhere to be found. He returned once again to his forge and spent the rest of his days making rapiers to wreak vengeance upon Vierina's unknown tormentors. 1299 A variant on the popular arrow trap, this results in a small dart being fired at the target, resulting in a proportionally smaller amount of damage. Even so, a dart to the head can be quite painful. 1300 This trap ignites a short-ranged burst of flame in a single direction. Highly dramatic, but short-lived. 1301 This trap, once triggered, hurls a large, spherical plume of flame towards a designated point, where it bursts with explosive force. The distance it must travel sometimes permits the especially fleet-footed to avoid harm, but this is not a common problem. 1302 Upon stepping upon the trigger point for this trap, the unfortunate victim is struck with a massive, gleaming shard of ice. Those caught in the immediate vicinity do not escape unharmed either, for the shard emanates a cold so powerful that it spreads a circle of frost from the point of impact. 1303 One of the many orlan slaves freed by the Ten Years' Treaties, Masŵen Cas swore vengeance against those who had wronged her and her people, gathering a small group of fellow freed orlans to perform night raids on known slavers. She would go on to join the gréf's forces in putting down the Cooper's Rebellion, if in an unofficial capacity, and it was at this point that she acquired an ornately carved rod from the home of a wealthy slave-owner. Every time Cas brought down a foe, she would scratch a notch into the rod she wielded. By the time she lost possession of it, the rod bore a crisscross pattern along its length that many assumed was part of its original design. 1304 At the beginning of Waidwen's Legacy, a cleric of Berath in New Heomar petitioned his god to end the Hollowborn curse. He knelt on the stone floor of his temple and prayed for five days straight, forsaking food, water, and sleep for the sake of his vigil. On the evening of the fifth day, he fell into an exhausted slumber and dreamt that the Pallid Knight told him to restore the cycle by returning the souls of the living to it. When he awoke, he found a large but plain candlestick from the temple altar lying next to his hand. He fashioned the candlestick into a weapon, and he prowled the city, murdering the elderly and the infirm in Berath's name. As the death toll climbed into the dozens, a mob of the vengeful and bereaved formed to track him down. They caught up with the cleric outside his temple and turned his own weapon on him, bashing his skull apart in the streets. Several onlookers claimed to see an elderly dwarf, cloaked and impossibly emaciated, standing in the shadows and laughing. 1305 Goodhope was a small town with a large graveyard. It was quiet and uneventful until someone - or something - started killing livestock, leaving dismembered and half-eaten bodies in the fields overnight for the farmers to discover the next morning. Certain that wolves or mountain lions were to blame, the townsfolk set up a nightly watch to stop the beasts. During one night's vigil, the town awoke to screams of pain and terror. They found the farmer on watch in the middle of a field, one shoulder a bloody stump, a horrific gul leaning over him. The gul saw the townspeople and fled, still gnawing on the wounded farmer's right arm. They got the farmer back to his house, and the healer did her best to repair the damage. When asked what had happened, all the farmer could manage was something that sounded like, "Pretty... pretty..." The gul came to be known as Pretty Pretty, and the villagers searched for someone to defeat it. Their cries for help were answered by a necromancer who kept a rib from the gul and had it made into a rod. 1306 Once triggered, this powerful trap inflicts a heavy curse which petrifies all foes within its range, rendering them vulnerable to further attack. 1307 A further improvement upon the popular dart trap, this trap fires multiple darts upon a given area, inflicting damage to all caught within. 1308 In a monastery overlooking Coldflow Lake from the foothills of the White March, there once resided a clandestine order of monks known as the Thousand Dreams. Through a powerful form of pain-induced meditation, these monks were able to walk through their past lives as though they were dreams. Each traversed these memories in ultimate hopes of achieving complete understanding of his or her soul's identity. They believed that after experiencing one thousand lifetimes, total enlightenment could be attained. Greatest of their sect was Rî Golan, who had an ancient soul and was said to have walked more lifetimes than any other. But when she came to the end of all her lifetimes and found there was no more to experience, it became clear that she would never come to know herself completely, for there was simply not enough to learn from. Unable to accept this fate after her endless trials, Rî Golan sought a way to take the experiences of others for her own, that she might reach one thousand lifetimes yet. She channeled her unquenchable hunger into her favorite sword, and it became an instrument of her will. With it, she claimed many lives in the surrounding area. Each drop of blood on her blade was a new experience, each killing blow a new lifetime for her to claim. When the rest of the Thousand Dreams came to learn of her actions, they banded together and confronted Rî Golan upon her return to the temple. In the end, amid a courtyard of slain monks, she did indeed come to understand her soul, and it is said that among the many experiences contained in the blade are all those of Rî Golan herself. The blade itself is a simple sabre with a worn leather grip and an inset ebony hilt. The sword becomes hot to the touch when its wielder's foes are vanquished. 1309 It has been alleged that the sabre Resolution can be traced back to an ancient line of warriors predating the formation of the Aedyr Empire, though the legitimacy of the claim has always been in dispute. What is known is that the sabre has been passed down through generations of Yenwood erls, having accompanied them across the sea during the colonization of the Dyrwood. The sabre was held as a symbol of their noble lineage, and most formal portraits of the family include the blade in some respect. It was the youngest of the line who endeavored to repair the weapon so that it might serve more than ornamental purpose. The blade was reforged into a weapon that struck hard and true, and the young erl wielded it during his efforts to reclaim the keep of Caed Nua, traditional stronghold of the Erl of Yenwood. Both sword and bearer were lost, never to be seen again. Several missions were undertaken to retrieve the weapon when the War of Defiance arose, but none met with any success. 1310 This sabre has posed a mystery to historians and weaponsmiths for two centuries. It was recovered from an Engwithan ruin, but almost all experts agree that it is far younger than any of the artifacts left by that ancient civilization. Yet no one has been able to explain the runes on the blade, which are unmistakably Engwithan. The one fact on which all have agreed is that it is a formidable, if poorly-understood, weapon. 1311 This trap releases a cloud of virulent poison from several hidden valves, inflicting considerable damage to the lungs of any and all standing within its reach. 1312 This trap emanates a cloud of foul-smelling gas, causing all those caught within it to grow sickened. The noxious fumes have been known to strip paint from shields. 1313 This popular trap promises dramatic results, for it conjures a searing pillar of flame upon a designated site. Though those affected may well consider themselves abandoned by the gods, the mechanisms of this trap are not the strict purview of the faithful. 1314 This trap fires a poison-tipped dart at a single target, injecting them with foul toxins. 1315 This trap releases a poisonous cloud of chemicals from a hidden valve beneath the trigger mechanism, affecting all those caught within the toxic haze. 1316 Puitènte med Príncipi ("Power of Princes") was recovered by a Vailian adventurer pillaging Engwithan ruins. When he and his party found themselves beset by a clan of xaurips, he put his newfound weapon to work, bringing them to their knees with the scepter's powerful attacks. As they fought, his friend noticed and exclaimed, "That has the power of princes! They kneel before you!" 1317 A favorite among Eothasians, the Sunlance Trap calls down a powerful lance of pure and blinding light which strikes with lethal force. Those intruders that are not impaled outright are often seared alive by the resulting heat. 1318 This trap releases a sprawling, magical patch of vines and plants which immediately begins to twine about the boots and legs of those standing upon it, fouling their steps. 1319 This shield appears to have once quite literally comprised the front of a larder. It still has the pull-ring and metal cross-bands reinforcing its surface, giving it considerable heft when swung at an opponent. Despite its humble origins, the nicks and gouges on the shield's surface suggest it has seen more than a few battles in its time and proved a sturdy defense - though it leaves the harrowing prospect that there may be a larder somewhere lying undefended. 1320 Everyone in Baelreach knew Gerun as a grumpy old man with an inordinate fondness for beets and no patience for chit-chat. None knew him as the Aedyran bruiser whose own troubled past had forced him to seek a fresh start in the colonies. So when Aedyran soldiers marched into Baelreach at the start of the War of Defiance, it surprised everyone when Old Gerun joined the village defenders with a shield and sword and went toe-to-toe with the Aedyran forces, holding them back as well as any of his younger comrades. 1321 This impressively large shield boasts a relief of Dev Clef. An important Glanfathan landmark, Dev Clef was the site of a brutal battle between the Glanfathans and Dyrwoodans during the tumultuous period before the Ten Years' Treaties were signed. The crags and caves along the cliffs provided the Glanfathans with plentiful cover from which to stage their attacks against Dyrwoodan forces, allowing them to duck out of sight the moment a threat emerged. Given this natural advantage, the Glanfathans succeeded in driving the Dyrwoodans from the region. 1322 Sword of the Weald 1323 This gleaming sword bears a spiraling hilt of bright silver. Along its blade, runes gleam, catching the light and reflecting it in scattered patches of color upon the ground. The blade itself seems sharp enough to cut a hole in the world, though you note a single, aberrant nick on one side of the sword, perhaps a result of the time it spent stuck within the pedestal. 1324 Stick 1325 This hefty stick has two strange little growths at one end which resemble the crossguard of a sword. It might make a nice toy for a child, but it serves you little purpose. 1326 Ilfan Byrngar was not the most adept soldier. Rather, he was quite prone to stumbling over his own feet. Well aware of his failings, his family crafted him a shield of exceptional heft and durability, trusting that if he could not rain blows upon his enemies, he might at least prevent them landing any upon him in turn. The shield proved effective in this regard, for Ilfan was so thoroughly obscured by the shield, even while lying dazed in the mud, that many enemies sought out new targets out of sheer frustration. 1327 This battered shield saw use in one of the bloodiest battles of the Broken Stone war, after which it fell into Glanfathan hands. Though the shield's name first referred to the original bearer's heraldry, these days it serves as a reminder of the sea of corpses that once littered the fields of the Dyrwood. The shield retains its vibrant hue, and the flash of crimson often proves a distraction to foes. 1328 Found in one of the early raids of the Engwithan ruins in the White March, Scâth Gwannek ("Winter Shield") was given to the Aedyran lord thayn in charge of Fort Bonepicker. Unaware of the shield's power and too vain to trust in an artifact from the ruins, the lord thayn hung it in the council chambers of the fort as a symbol of Aedyr's mastery over White March and its native tribe, Stone Bramble. 1329 Medium shields offer a moderate improvement in protection with a small reduction to accuracy. They are the most commonly-used shields in the Dyrwood and come in a variety of shapes. This rough and battered shield was used by a xaurip. 1330 This small shield is of lightweight construction, intended to be maneuvered in as swift and dynamic a fashion as its namesake. Despite the fine craftsmanship, it was most famously known as the weapon of a pit fighter, who used the shield and a distinctive, dance-like fighting style to turn his opponents' attacks against them. 1331 Little Savior was the nickname given to an orlan warrior from the Guided Compass tribe who defended Glanfathans and settlers alike during the Broken Stone War. He argued for peace to any who would listen. Few did, and so he reluctantly threw himself into countless battles, stalling aggressors while the defenseless fled. 1332 This simple wooden buckler would not be out of place in a pile of surplus training shields. Painted green, it has two black iron straps across its front that form a large "X." It looks like it has taken more than its share of blows and may have been in use for far too long. But far from ordinary, the buckler is in fact thousands of years old, its preservation a testament to a transcendence of its humble creation. The buckler originally belonged to one of the founding members of the Darcozzi Paladini when she was just a squire, thousands of years ago in the glory days of Old Vailia. As it accumulated damage from war and weather, the buckler became an extension of the paladin's own irrepressibility and protectiveness, as well as a symbol that inspired those in her charge. She wore it in every battle of her long and distinguished career, and though the paladin's name would eventually succumb to the ravages of time, the shield has yet to do the same. It is said the shield was so partial to its original master that it will allow none but a paladin of similar conviction to touch it, and in times of need it has a way of making it into the hands of those whose souls mirror the greatest qualities of the Darcozzi founder. 1333 Stolen from the table of ogre matron Sura by Ferron Dulca after he infiltrated her compound to assassinate her, Sura's Supper Plate became the assassin's running joke. In the moment of his triumph, Ferron pulled the iron plate from under the matron's lifeless head and held it up like a shield. Thinking himself quite clever, he took the plate and several of Sura's eating utensils to a local blacksmith and had a shield fashioned from them. The sharp blades protruding from the front of the shield proved an excellent deterrent against foes at close range, and Ferron took to wielding it regularly - until he lost his shield, his arm, and his life to Sura's daughter. 1334 Spears like this one have been found scattered around the Eastern Reach, typically unearthed in excavations or heavy rains. They are thought to have been the weapon of choice of a fallen military state, though their origins have not been traced to any particular culture of the period. They tend to fetch favorable prices on the black market for their unusual combination of traits: light yet durable, with tips that show no signs of having dulled over their long years. They are prized among soldiers for the quickness they lend to one's strikes. The two sockets carved along its length make this particular spear unique, and suggest there was once more to this weapon. 1335 An Aptapo druid of the Ethik Nôl was so fascinated by the process of death that he forsook the traditional sacrifices and took to hunting for sport, slaying woodland beasts with a spear known as Delem Raŵdha ("Red Leaf"). He saw meaning in the spatter and trickle of blood and believed that in those patterns, Berath, normally silent and removed, spoke to mortals. 1336 The sight of Ritezzi on the battlefield was something no combatant ever forgot. Stocky and short even by orlan standards, Ritezzi insisted on using a spear in lieu of any other weapon offered him. To the frequent shock of his comrades, Ritezzi proved an unstoppable force on the battlefield. No matter how overwhelming the odds, Ritezzi could take down opponents with almost comical ease, leaping great heights to bring his spear down upon his foes with crushing force. Whenever it seemed that Ritezzi might at last meet his end, the fearless orlan would find a second wind and fight with renewed conviction. 1337 Spears are not as long as their two-handed kin, pikes, but they are easier to maneuver and can be used with a shield. Even with a one-handed grip, spears can strike fierce blows with high accuracy. This crude spear is decorated with feathers and beads. 1338 Xaurip Skirmisher Spear 1339 Firebrand 1340 The great sword is renowned for its ability to cause deadly wounds even against terrible beasts. Though it is a relatively slow weapon and requires the use of both hands, it is truly devastating when used by a skilled warrior. Summoned by powerful magic, this sword's blade appears to be one long tongue of flame. 1341 Citzal's Spirit Lance 1342 Pikes are easily the longest weapons in common use by soldiers and adventurers in the Dyrwood. Powerful two-handed piercing weapons, the main advantage pikes have is their long reach, which allows wielders to attack enemies from behind their allies. This pike shimmers with magic. It hums in your hand, and the tip shivers as it nears the essence of your enemies. 1343 Concelhaut's Parasitic Quarterstaff 1344 Deceptively simple, quarterstaves can be powerful weapons in the hands of a skilled combatant. Wielders can use a quarterstaff's long reach to deliver crushing blows from behind their allies. This black staff seems to suck the light and energy from the air around you. 1345 Kalakoth's Minor Blight - Burn 1346 As magical implements often lack serious power compared to bows, crossbows, and firearms, the wand's penetrating power helps wizards deal with heavily-armored opponents more easily. Wands are easily distinguished from scepters by their tapered points. Almost hot to the touch, this wand hurls balls of flame. It's blackened and charred, and smoke hisses from the tip. 1347 Rot Skull 1348 Kalakoth's Minor Blight - Corrode 1349 As magical implements often lack serious power compared to bows, crossbows, and firearms, the wand's penetrating power helps wizards deal with heavily-armored opponents more easily. Wands are easily distinguished from scepters by their tapered points. A sickly green haze bubbles from the tip of this wand. It casts corrosive acid. 1350 Kalakoth's Minor Blight - Freeze 1351 As magical implements often lack serious power compared to bows, crossbows, and firearms, the wand's penetrating power helps wizards deal with heavily-armored opponents more easily. Wands are easily distinguished from scepters by their tapered points. This wand is laced with ice crystals and emanates a cold, blue glow. It blasts freezing energy. 1352 Kalakoth's Minor Blight - Shock 1353 As magical implements often lack serious power compared to bows, crossbows, and firearms, the wand's penetrating power helps wizards deal with heavily-armored opponents more easily. Wands are easily distinguished from scepters by their tapered points. This wand crackles with electricity and can cast sizzling bolts at foes. 1354 The War of Black Trees brought hardship and suffering to many Glanfathans, but it bore special tragedy for its druidic orders, who were forced not only to endure the deaths of many friends and kin, but also the destruction of the lands they revered above all else. Among these was Azureith, a young Ovate. Deeply troubled by the use of the elements to turn nature against the people of Eir Glanfath, and wondering if he was seeing the last days of his people, Azureith took to walking the endless stretches of burned down forests in search of something, anything, that might signal a reason to hope. He found it in an old ironwood tree, thick and gnarled with roots that ran in waves through the ground as though they'd been woven there. It stood as it always had, though singed well up the side of its trunk now, while everything around it had been incinerated by the soldiers of Dyrwood, leaving a wasteland a thousand acres in every direction. Azureith plucked a single branch from the old tree (making sure to express his profound gratitude). An accomplished organic artificer, Azureith reshaped the branch into a blade that would rival any made in a forge. He infused it with the strength of the elements, vowing never again to be at their mercy, and resolving that if the tree could endure, so, too, could he. In his hands, the blade would find its way into the hearts of many soldiers who stood at the edge of forests with torches and barrels of pitch, and by the war's end, he had saved many forests from the flame. When his years were drawing to a close, Azureith made a final pilgrimage back to the old ironwood tree, which still stood, and he laid the knife at its base, to be taken up by someone else in need of inspiration in dark times. On his way there, he was pleased to see that beneath the ashes that covered the forest floor, new life had begun to spring. Azureith's Stiletto is unusual as the entire weapon is dark red-brown wood, even the blade. The magic used in its creation hardened and protected the wood, preventing it from chipping or warping. Dark green vines and leaves sprout from it and wrap themselves around the hilt to form the grip. 1355 Oidhreacht once belonged to a prominent military instructor in the capital city of Aedyr. The instructor was a cipher whose gifts were seldom used by his empire, and he grew frustrated at his superiors' inability to see the potential of ciphers to perform key missions that no other force would be capable of. He began making his opinion known, and over time the opinion became more subversive and radical, until at last his unsanctioned activities got him charged with treason. The officer and crew that came to detain him, however, underestimated him as much as the empire had, and with only this blade and the talents of his mind, he slew his would-be captors. He fled the city and embarked on a life as a duelist, obsessed with proving his potential to any who would question it. In the end his life ended in the manner that the lives of duelists typically do, and the potential he often spoke of would remain just that. The knife still bears his psychic imprint, and the wielder will often get flashes of the maneuvers the original owner performed in order to deliver the killing blow to his opponent. Some regard this as a curse, but many find value in it, and use such experiences to better realize the knife's potential. Were it not for evidence of heavy use about the handle and pommel, Oidhreacht would seem new, its cutting edge perfectly beveled and honed without a single nick along its length. 1356 A Naasitaqi huntress was tracking game with the other wives of her tribe when a terrible blizzard separated her from the rest of the party. Starving and nearly snowblind, she ate the leather of her gloves to fill her belly while she searched for food. As her strength was fading, she came upon the corpse of a caribou, frozen and half-gnawed by arctic foxes. She ate her fill and, exhausted, fell into a deep sleep. When she awoke, she saw the fingers of her left hand stricken with a numbing corruption. As she journeyed back in the direction of her village, she watched the corruption spread along her knuckles and across her hand. Unwilling to succumb to it, she took her stiletto and cut off her hand at the wrist. 1357 Forged and enchanted at the request of a lackluster assassin, Misery's End signaled the start of a successful and lucrative career in contract killing. The honed blade, it was said, could slip so easily and effectively into a sleeping man's spine that he would stumble into a new life none the wiser. The happy assassin might still be in possession of the stiletto if not for a loose tile on the roof of the home of his last target. A 30-foot fall and a cobblestone road heralded the end of his illustrious career. 1358 The intaglio seal of Lord Reymont, bearing his initials and family crest. 1359 A knight once roamed the Living Lands in pursuit of adventure. Though few knew his name, all recognized him by his blade, a graceful weapon fixed to a lion's head pommel and a crossguard shaped like rending claws, and by the black cat that followed at his heels. While some believed the cat to be the knight's companion and familiar, others claimed that she was a spiritshifted druid who had forged the knight's sword with a piece of her essence. The blade, long and slender, was said to slash at the soul of the knight's opponents. 1360 Whether single-edged or double-edged, swords are always straight-bladed one-handed weapons that can be used to cut or thrust at an enemy. In some circumstances, swords lack the raw slashing power of sabres, but are more flexible against a variety of armor types. This sword's hilt is decorated in gold and studded with small rubies. The emblem of the Crucible Knights appears on the pommel. 1361 Whether single-edged or double-edged, swords are always straight-bladed one-handed weapons that can be used to cut or thrust at an enemy. In some circumstances, swords lack the raw slashing power of sabres, but are more flexible against a variety of armor types. 1362 A gift given to a young soldier before he left to fight in the war of Black Trees, this blade earned its name through the efforts of its bearer. The gilded sword was a common sight on the battlefield, held aloft in challenge once the soldier spotted a target. His fellows would converge upon the foe, and time and time again they found victory. Such was the sword's influence upon the morale of the troops that on the occasion that the soldier nearly succumbed to a hail of Glanfathan arrows, prompting a swift retreat, a frustrated commander decided that the sword should have a new name - for it seemed to be what determined if they achieved shame or glory. 1363 A legend of the Living Lands speaks of a marvelous and dangerous garden watched over by four guardians - Northern Wind, Southern Gale, Western Sun, and Eastern Moon. To protect the garden from those who would disturb its wonders, and to protect hapless wanderers from the ravenous beasts and carnivorous plants within, the guardians diverted travelers with their respective domains - frigid and buffeting winds, glaring daylight, and the darkness of night. Three would stand alert each season while one guardian rested. It is said that Northern Wind left this sword sheathed in the mountain snows each year during its autumn respite. 1364 Cgadob was a wizard and wand-maker. Though brilliant, he had trouble selling his work due to a number of eccentricities, not the least of which was a vow that he would never make two wands of the same color. The hazel wand was one of his most powerful creations. Unfortunately, like everything he made, it was the only one of its kind. 1365 An old Glanfathan legend tells of a young woman who loved a wanderer from a distant land. In time he was forced to travel back to his homeland, but he promised to return. Years passed with no word from her love, and the woman fell into a depression, neither eating nor speaking. Even in the depths of winter, she refused to abandon hope, keeping faithful watch for her beloved by the shore where she had last laid eyes upon him. Finally, she succumbed to her grief, and her heart froze upon the moment of her death, her tears becoming ice upon her cheeks. Her grieving family buried her within a nearby glade, and from her grave a strange elm tree grew. Its bark was the white of a winter snowfall, its leaves blue and cold to the touch. It never lost its foliage in the winter, withstanding even the bitterest temperatures. This wand is said to have been hewn from that very elm, for it too emanates the chill of a broken heart. 1366 The dwarven clan of Langmyhr dwelt in the wilds of Naasitaq, hunting game and surviving off of the harsh land. Summers were brief and winters difficult, but the winter of 2562 AI was one of the hardest in the tribe's long history. A mighty snow leopard had established territory nearby, scaring off much of the game near the village. By Fonauton, the hunters were returning with little more than rabbits, and the winter freeze was nigh. A dozen of the best hunters stuck out across the tundra, determined to hunt the great cat. The beast was craftier than they'd planned, and by Inivèrno, half of the hunters and most of their hunting foxes had been slain without so much as wounding the leopard. Desperate and furious, one of the hunters crafted a bow from the bones of her slain fox. As her remaining companions looked on, it seemed that all of her rage was channeled into the weapon while she carved and shaped it. Her work completed, she set off and tracked the beast to its lair. Once she'd killed it, she decorated her bow with its teeth as a reminder of the deed and of the long and tragic hunt. Now black with age and use, this bow is nevertheless fierce to behold. It's studded with the teeth of a large cat, and the notches curve in tight spirals. 1367 The terror of the Great Eastern Ocean, Cloudpiercer was carried by a notorious sea raider who claimed to have been blessed by Ondra herself. His raids were carried out at the start of stormy weather, and gathering clouds were often feared as much as heralds of his arrival as of the storms they promised. The force behind his shots would carry his arrows up beyond the cloud cover, and they were said to bring the power they met there back down to the sea with them, striking all below with the force of a lightning bolt. 1368 The Glanfathan village of Godagh was surrounded by wooded plains that became a key battleground during the War of Black Trees. The few survivors of the slaughter there remember a single Glanfathan archer raining arrows on the duc's forces, holding them back while the villagers of Godagh fled. As flames swept the fields and spread to the trees, arrows flew still from beneath the blanket of smoke. 1369 All around Eora, tales circulate about fabulous weapons fashioned from stones that fall from the heavens. Once believed to be gifts from the gods (and still often seen as such), these stones are now known to be meteorites. Even so, items crafted from them remain precious. Shatterstar was a hammer forged from a solid block of pallasite that was discovered by one of Eothas' faithful shortly after Saint Waidwen rose to power in Readceras. It was crafted into a weapon and carried at the head of the Readceran army during Waidwen's march on the Dyrwood. As such, it was believed lost at the Godhammer Citadel. The head of the hammer is iron and nickel laced with yellow and orange crystals. It's held in place by a bronze band joined to softly jingling rings. 1370 Forged by a master smith of the Knights of the Crucible, Godansthunyr ("Gods' Thunder") saw greatest use during the War of Defiance. Dedicated to Abydon and inscribed with his holy symbol, the hammer held devastating power and could leave foes senseless with a single blow. In the thick of battle, warriors would often claim to hear thunderous explosions and witness blinding flashes of light. Many believed the gods themselves disapproved of the fighting and were voicing their displeasure. 1371 An aumaua raider from the Deadfire Archipelago once used this weapon when attacking enemy ships. Boarding first, she would rush the enemy captain while her crew secured the vessel. It took the coordinated efforts of three other enemy raiding groups to finally end her dominance among the islands. 1372 An iron key striped red with thick accumulations of rust. 1375 As magical implements often lack serious power compared to bows, crossbows, and firearms, the wand's penetrating power helps wizards deal with heavily-armored opponents more easily. Wands are easily distinguished from scepters by their tapered points. This wand is etched with grinning skulls. It gives off a foul, rotten odor. 1376 It is said that the Cat's Whisper boots were originally created by the Keepers of the Stone, a mostly-elven tribe made up of some of the best hunters in Eir Glanfath. It didn't take long for more sinister minds to understand the boots' potential. The boots disappeared and were not seen again for years. An elven rogue by the name of Tahlvia came across the Cat's Whisper boots in Goodhope and "liberated" them from their owner. But, as fate would have it, Tahlvia lost the boots somewhere in the mountains of White March. These boots rise to the knee and are made of a soft leather dyed a dark shade of blue-violet. Small brass buttons stud the outer sides. 1377 Malina was born to Glamfellen travelers in the Dyrwood but returned to her ancestral village in the White that Wends after her parents passed away. When a migratory clan stopped in her village, the elder's son tried to defile her, and she blinded him with a torch. Knowing the young man would rally his friends to hunt her down and that her own village could offer little protection, Malina fled but got hopelessly lost in the midst of a snowstorm. Frightened, hungry, and knowing the hunters were close behind, she came across a pool in the shape of a giant hoof print, filled with a liquid that shimmered like ice. Muttering a prayer to Rymrgand, she dipped her boots into it, and the strange substance infused her boots with a magic that hastened her escape and erased her tracks. Hoping to start a new life, Malina traveled to Eir Glanfath two months later only to be killed by an orlan brîshalgwin in the War of Black Trees. The boots are made of a rough, reddish-brown leather. The left side of the left boot is branded with a stylized image of a walrus. 1378 Boots are worn for both comfort and style. Most often made of leather, they can be custom-made to suit a variety of terrains and purposes. While soldiers and explorers often favor hardy, thick-soled boots, rogues and thieves may prefer soft-soled shoes that allow them to move nimbly and quietly. 1379 Boots are worn for both comfort and style. Most often made of leather, they can be custom-made to suit a variety of terrains and purposes. While soldiers and explorers often favor hardy, thick-soled boots, rogues and thieves may prefer soft-soled shoes that allow them to move nimbly and quietly. These fur-lined boots are traditionally worn by Naasitaqi hunters as they stalk game across the tundra. 1380 These comfortable, close-fitting boots are ideal for traversing difficult terrain. Modeled after the footwear of the Fisher Crane tribe of Thein Bog, these boots are commonly manufactured in Madsdam and Baelreach for travel through the marshes. As the roads from the Vailian Republics have become more and more important for trade and travel, these boots have grown in popularity and style. 1381 These boots were created in a small village in the Living Lands that is bordered by a toxic swamp and frequently overrun by venomous weeds. Though the hard soles have withstood years of use, the edges of the leather show signs of corrosion. It's believed that some of the venom has seeped into the boots. 1382 Boots are worn for both comfort and style. Most often made of leather, they can be custom-made to suit a variety of terrains and purposes. While soldiers and explorers often favor hardy, thick-soled boots, rogues and thieves may prefer soft-soled shoes that allow them to move nimbly and quietly. These boots are worn by Glanfathan hunters and warriors when stalking prey or foes, respectively. 1384 A Vailian necromancer tired of his profession's unsavory reputation and created these boots to sustain adventurers on their last legs. Contrary to popular superstition, these boots do not contain the souls of the necromancer's victims and enemies. Drawing instead on some of the same research that his colleagues had used to preserve essence in necrotized flesh and bone, he imbued these boots with magic that would bolster the wearer's vitality for a few additional seconds. While the extra time is rarely enough to finish a battle, it's allowed more than one lucky adventurer to seek emergency healing instead of falling unconscious or dead. 1385 These boots bear the rising sun of Eothas, and they were first worn by a footsoldier in Saint Waidwen's army. The daughter of poor vorlas farmers, she was sickly and frail all of her life. Yet such was her devotion to Eothas that, when the Readceran army marched on the Dyrwood, she set off to join them against her family's warnings, traveling all the way to the White March on her own. When she finally arrived at the army's camp, it is said that Saint Waidwen himself came out to greet the young woman, blessing her for her courage and endurance. Her boots were branded with the emblem of his army, and she continued across the mountains with the troops. She disappeared, however, after the detonation of the Godhammer. Historians and folklorists disagree on whether she died in the explosion, remained in the Dyrwood, or met another fate on her way back to Readceras, but her boots somehow remained behind. Eothas' faithful often maintain that she ascended with the god himself at the end of the war, leaving only the shoes that had served her so faithfully. 1386 An officer in the Darcozzi Paladini of Old Vailia first wore these. It was said that those under her command knew her by the sound of her approach and stood a little straighter in her presence. She was known throughout the order for her inspirational leadership. 1387 The priestess who first wore these boots was a devotee of Berath and so steadfast in her faith that she eschewed the use of healing spells and potions in battle. She believed that Berath would preserve her until the end of her appointed cycle, at which point the god of life and death would take her soul's due. Even others in the priesthood scoffed at her recklessness, and yet she was never felled in battle. The most furious onslaughts of her enemies only seemed to revitalize her, and she was a very old woman when she finally passed in her sleep. 1388 This key is pocked and worn, gone green with age. It belongs to Lumdala, leader of the Revel of Stars. 1389 This ornate key's polished surface has been tarnished by sea air and constant use. 1390 A heavy iron key, found in the keeping of the wizard Helig. 1391 A simple, unadorned iron key. 1392 This ornate silver key has Lord Reymont's house sigil worked into the handle. 1393 The head of this brightly polished key bears a small relief of a hound. 1394 This decorated key has ornamental swirls about its bow. 1395 This bronze key is of an impressive heft. 1396 Gloves, gauntlets, and bracers offer a variety of benefits. While some grant protection in combat, many have magical properties that empower the wearer in other ways. 1397 When the husband and children of Elayna Skycleaver were captured by Terwyn the Blackhearted, she and her troops besieged his castle, hoping to negotiate her family's return. Instead, Terwyn had them impaled on the battlements while Elayna watched from below. Upon seeing the atrocity, Elayna abandoned all rational thought and ran screaming toward Terwyn's castle, first in anguish, then in rage. To the surprise of all present, Elayna suddenly stopped screaming and burst into flames, supposedly touched by Magran herself. Terwyn's soldiers loosed their arrows, but Elayna didn't even slow. She struck the castle gates like a battering ram, bursting through and scattering Terwyn's soldiers. Desperate to escape her fury, those who remained threw their master into her path. Her flames engulfed him, and no one knows if the unearthly scream that followed came from him or from her, but within minutes, both of them had burnt to ashes - only these bracers survived. These bracers are made of bronze covered in a dark green patina. Etched into the metal is a picture of a slender humanoid engulfed in flames. Strangely enough, the humanoid has no head, only two blue orbs where the eyes would normally be. 1398 A down-on-his-luck farmer named Gyrges found these gloves on the way to Baelreach. Coveting the wealth of his neighbors, he found that the gloves allowed him to steal whatever he desired. In time, his ill-gotten gains were discovered, and he fled the city with a mob at his heels. Panicked, Gyrges ran into the Bael Marsh, but his pursuers easily followed his tracks. An archer shot him as he attempted to swim across the Bael River. When Gyrges' body was pulled from the water, his gloves were sent to the authorities at Defiance Bay for safekeeping. However, a skilled thief later pilfered the gloves and, prudently, disappeared without a trace. Made of soft velvet, both gloves feature cryptic embroidery. An orb that looks like both the sun and an open eye decorates the right glove, while the left features something that could be either a crescent moon or a closed eye. 1399 Rabbit fur gloves appeared in Aedyran fables and bedtime stories for hundreds of years, typically as lucky gifts to individuals of particular virtue. The gloves were first mentioned in a bedtime story about a girl who, in the midst of a famine, gave a piece of fruit to an elderly crone. The old woman in turn gave rabbit fur gloves to the girl, and though it was summer, she accepted them graciously. She wore them and managed to forage enough to feed her family, and a few short seasons later, she became a hunter of uncanny skill. In other stories, the gloves are given to brave warriors, hard-working servants, and honest shopkeepers. The last story to mention the gloves is that of the notorious pickpocket Sanduran, who lost them when he stole an apple from a wizened old crone. Although the gloves appear to be sewn from the fur of different rabbits, there is no detectable seam between the many-colored pelts. They're soft and cozy, yet when you put your hands in them, your fingers still feel quick and nimble. A rabbit's foot dangles from the left glove, and their natural warmth suggests the presence of essence. 1400 These bracers are made from a coiled strip of bronze. Though tarnished and beaten almost beyond usefulness, they glow with a soft violet light. Of the many experiments of the ancient Engwithans, some involved infusing equipment with soul essence. The hammered patterns on these bracers suggest that they were originally pieces of animat armor. But among the fragments of essence swirling inside, you detect not only the focused energy of an animat, but also the essence of the elven cipher who created the bracers and tried to enhance them with a fragment of his own soul. 1401 A monk from the Abbey of the Cloven Wheel mastered suffering by taxing her body to its limits each day. Such was her discipline that her sensitivity to pain - and her ability to redirect it - reached heights previously unknown in her order. Following her death in battle, the fellows of the abbey gave her bloodied hand bandages a place of honor in their great hall. An unknown thief stole the bandages along with several other relics in 2802 AI. Since then, the wrappings have circulated among various monks of different orders. 1402 These gloves are made of a thick, flame-retardant leather that can protect the wearer's hands from the heat of the forge. They're warm to the touch. These once belonged to a weaponsmith of the Deadfire Archipelago. His skill brought many customers to his shop, but as a large percentage of them were pirates and criminals, he frequently found himself robbed of his fine stock. He had his forge gloves enchanted with spells that would ensure that he was never caught defenseless by thieves. 1403 There once was an assassin from Selona who was so successful at her work that she ceased to care for money. Years of profitable contracts had afforded her all the coin she needed, yet as she reached and passed her prime, she began to worry about her own declining skills. She trained and practiced, but each year it seemed her movements were a little slower and her hands a touch weaker. And while she frantically honed her dulled abilities, her rivals and pupils had begun to supplant her. When finally she was convinced to accept another contract, she demanded payment up-front. And what she requested was not copper, but rather an item that would allow her to continue performing at the peak of her abilities. She was given these gloves in payment, and they served her so well that she never dared remove them for the rest of her long career. 1404 These gloves were worn by a healer in Old Vailia who lived in a village stricken by a terrible plague. While most fled, he stayed behind, restoring the few he could and easing the suffering of those he could not. In time, the disease spread to him, melting the flesh of his face and raising boils on his arms but leaving his hands, eyes, and mental faculties untouched. His exposure to the illness had inoculated him against its most pernicious effects, leaving him disfigured but capable. 1405 This distinctive herb is a common sight in open fields and meadows, bearing small, arrow-shaped leaves which encircle red flowers. It earned its name for its association with the final resting place of Admeth Hadret, though the particulars of the story change with each retelling. 1406 This flowering plant has drooping flowers of a somber blue and gold shade. Both the sweet-smelling leaves and berries of the plant are known to be extremely poisonous, toxic to grazing animals and people alike. 1407 This moss grows in sprawling clumps, and its dull crimson hue earned it its name. It is a common sight in more humid regions, where locals say that the moss resembles wounds at the base of trees where it is found. 1408 Despite their humble appearance, these small brown mushrooms are prized for their taste. Their caps are round and distinctively shaped, with small circular depressions dotting the surface. 1409 This peculiar red fungus is typically found in damp caves. Its hollow, cage-like formations resemble sea coral, from which it takes its name. 1410 This small, unassuming white mushroom is a common sight in the Dyrwood. 1411 A common sight on Dyrwoodan farmland, these thick-stemmed plants are topped by clusters of small yellow flowers. They are commonly used for cooking, or the creation of Goldrot chew, derived from their roots. 1412 Amulets are most often gems, medallions, or other items worn around the neck. While some serve a purely ornamental purpose, many are imbued with charms and spells to aid the wearer. Torcs are stiff rings worn around the neck. Like amulets, they often have magical properties. 1413 Named by Readceran settlers, who came upon the mushrooms in the forest, this thick, flat fungus grows along the base of large trees. 1414 Desthwn, leader of the Fangs, gave you this bronze key, finely carved in the shape of a stelgaer's head, to grant you access within Galawain's Maw. 1415 White Crystal Key 1416 This amulet was taken from the ruins of Eir Glanfath by imperial agents in 2664 AI. Attempting to shatter the new and fragile peace between Gréf Admeth Hadret and the Glanfathans, they found themselves in possession of numerous powerful and mysterious artifacts. Aedyran wizards and animancers took a particular interest in this piece, particularly when an imperial Watcher claimed to see the soul of the forests of the Dyrwood within it. However, when one of the wizards studying the amulet was driven mad, research ground to a halt. The artifact changed hands, and it was believed to have been stolen back by a Glanfathan rogue. The teardrop-shaped amulet hangs from a silver rope. It bears an image of a cardinal in flight on the front and runic engravings on the back. Wearing it produces a strange vibration that is felt rather than heard, as if something in the amulet resounds within the wearer's very soul. 1417 Little is known of the origins of this mystical amulet, but the markings around the embossed sun emblem suggest that it's centuries old. To most, it looks like any old piece of jewelry, but in the hands of an individual whose soul has an affinity for the magical arts, the amulet glows brightly and feels warm to the touch. No larger than an old coin, it hangs from a gold chain. 1418 These small golden flowers grow across entire meadows in the plains of Ixamitl, and less commonly in the Dyrwood. They're frequently woven into garlands and wreaths. Many a pair of infatuated youths has passed a Pilgrim's Crown between them. 1419 This copper locket is the legacy of some of the Engwithans' early soul experiments. The crystal inside is filled with the essence of dozens of souls. While no one is entirely certain of its original purpose, it is believed that this was created in one of the first attempts to build and control animats. It is said that, unable to get out, some of the souls have lost their sanity, while others formed a unique collective consciousness that kept the memory and talents of each alive. Those who wear it will swear they hear voices talking to them, guiding their actions. The locket is scratched and inlaid with simple nielloed patterns. The crown base is decorated with a stylized bear head. Upon opening the locket, you see a six-sided crystal that appears dark at first. However, as you gaze into it, it warms with an orange glow. 1420 Young Talino Keal and his father were ambushed by vithrack whilst on their way to Twin Elms. Before the child even registered the strange arachnids, his father thrust something into his hands and told him to run. As he turned to flee, the creatures blasted him with psionic energy. Talino's mind reeled, nearly overcome by the insidious power. Suddenly, he was pulled back to his immediate surroundings. Half sprinting, half stumbling away from the vithrack and his stricken father, Talino made it to the edge of town before he collapsed. The town guards were baffled at how the child had withstood the attack. The item his father had given him was an old silver medallion. It was badly worn and missing its chain, and the words "Do not yield to fear" were barely visible upon its surface. As soon as he came of age, Talino joined the personal guard of a local thayn. When he did, he strung it on a thin silver chain and commissioned a priest to enchant the medallion with additional protective wards. Talino went missing years later whilst on an expedition in the White March. 1421 Intricate geometric patterns adorn this translucent white key. Its surface feels cold to the touch, and a slight pulse seems to emanate from its crystalline core. 1422 Blue Crystal Key 1423 Dream Dancer was a famed performer, known for dancing a variety of male and female parts. In addition, this individual was a skilled and nimble archer. Upon the performer's death, it was discovered that a silver torque with a shimmering green stone had been imbued with a piece of the dancer's soul, allowing some of his or her legendary skill to live on. Given Dream Dancer's slender build and reclusiveness, it was never truly known whether this renowned artist was a man or woman. 1424 This small drinking horn was commissioned by a group of road wardens who, after many dangerous journeys through the Living Lands, decided they needed something to commemorate their past adventures and steel themselves for new ones. Some believe that an entire set of these horns was created. Chanters of the Living Lands tell stories of men and women taking swigs from these horns only to charge headfirst into battle, shouting elaborate insults about the ancestry of their enemies. But if other horns exist, none have been found. Bound to a leather strap, the horn is encircled by verdigris-encrusted scale bands and is engraved along one side. Most of the script has long since worn off, but the words "...used with moderation" remain. 1425 Finreah was the owner and primary performer of a traveling dance troupe that dazzled audiences around the world. Her acrobatic performances were known far and wide, and one of her signature elements was a garish pink cape. Though her competitors took to wearing brightly-colored capes in their own performances, none were as memorable as hers. It was rumored that she had woven it with performance-enhancing magics. Hot pink and edged with silver, this cape draws attention. A wide silver stripe runs down the middle. 1426 A Dyrwoodan legend tells the story of a hunter who spent days in the woods, trying to find food for her family. In her first trap, she caught a boar. "Please, great hunter," the boar begged when she approached, "I am no ordinary boar. I am the ruler of my kind. If you free me, I will reward you greatly!" So the hunter freed the boar, who ran off laughing, never to be seen again. Her second trap caught a turkey. "Please, powerful hunter," the turkey said when she approached, "I am no ordinary turkey! I am the ruler of my kind. If you free me, you will get rewards such that you cannot imagine." So the hunter released the turkey, who also ran off laughing, never to be seen again. The final trap held a fox. "Please, mighty hunter," the fox began as she approached. "I will not free you," said the hunter. "Already I have lost two wonderful meals. I will not lose a third. If you truly will reward me, then I will free you, but you must leave something of yours behind so I know you will return" So the fox left behind the length of its legs, enchanting the hunter's cape with its grace and reflexes. The fox returned to its kind but was rejected for its short-legged appearance. "You look like a dog!" her fellows taunted. No longer welcome among her kind, the fox returned to the hunter and offered another deal: she would aid the hunter in all endeavors as payment for her life. This cloak represents the bargain between the fox and the hunter. Weathered and worn, this cloak is tan with light splotches. When pulled over the head, the corners look like erect dog ears. 1427 The Cloaks of Many Feathers are assembled over several generations. In the same way that some orlan followers of Hylea are known to devour birds to steal their songs, the members of the orlan clans near Maiden Falls have developed a coming-of-age ritual for young hunters. To prove his or her prowess, each young hunter was tasked with tracking one of the great eagles of the nearby mountains and retrieving a feather. The collected feathers were woven into a cloak, which would either be bestowed on the most skilled hunter in the tribe or, on rare occasions, given to honored allies. A few silver pinions are scattered among the red, black, and brown feathers of the cloak. The overall pattern brings to mind autumn foliage. It feels light on your shoulders. 1428 This cloak was a gift given in friendship to a knight, Erij, by a Kulklin dignitary in the early days of the Aedyran Empire. Impressed by the knight's noble qualities, the gift quickly became symbolic of the new alliance between elf and folk. The cloak has changed hands since then, but it is still regarded as a high honor by all who receive it. The shimmering gold fabric is embroidered with red and silver scrollwork done in fine silk. The back of the cloak displays the outlines of an open rose. It always looks clean and well-mended. 1429 This key, its handle carved in the semblance of an auroch's head, was cut from a light blue crystal. 1430 These tall reeds grow along the creeks and rivers of the Dyrwood, where they often spook travelers with the eerie whistle of the wind through their stems. 1433 These distinctive mushrooms are shaped like arrowheads, protruding from the side of tree trunks. 1434 These small blue-grey cap mushrooms are typically found growing under leaf litter, which has earned them an association with the Quiet Slave. 1435 The rough texture and faded color of this cloak suggest that it is ancient. The symbols and runes along the edges indicate Engwithan origins. Scholars of Engwithan culture have translated an old story about a father driven mad with grief by the death of his son. He entered a permanent state of mourning, donning the traditional garb of the bereaved and locking himself in his keep. The story suggests that he performed horrific experiments upon the living in an effort to resurrect his dead son. His mourning clothes were said to be infused with power as a result of these experiments. 1436 Capes and cloaks can be worn for protection from the elements and from prying eyes alike. Many are woven with spells to provide additional defense or abilities. 1437 Found on tall, distinctively shaped shrubs, these large pink berries are both sweet and frequently used in various medicines, not only to obscure the taste. 1438 Capes and cloaks can be worn for protection from the elements and from prying eyes alike. Many are woven with spells to provide additional defense or abilities. This cloak is embroidered with the sunburst emblem of Eothas. 1439 A favorite of hummingbirds, these large, trumpet-shaped flowers are often found in gardens or used for decoration. 1440 Once full-grown, each dragon takes on the traits of the environment it has claimed as its kingdom, and the change is reflected in every aspect of its form. This shimmering scale is of a size to dwarf most shields, making of it a worthy trophy. It seems to be entirely comprised of adra, though it bears the same grooves and texture as might be found on a far smaller creature. 1441 A vibrantly-hued piece of adra, still humming with energy. 1442 A gnarled, twisting root, poised as if to snare the unwary. 1443 This irregular chunk of wood seems to hold a trace of life within it. 1444 The segmented, armor-like shell of a very large beetle. 1445 These small, feather-thin spores have delicate, stinging barbs by which they cling to surfaces, passing creatures, and the inside of nostrils. 1446 These tight coils of gleaming copper are typically found in conjunction with adra, where they effect peculiar changes. 1447 Sickle-shaped and impressively sharp, this talon was removed from the slain body of a drake. 1448 The potent blood of an ogre. It seems darker and thicker than the blood of smaller creatures, though similar in all other respects. 1449 A congealed mass of thick and opaque jelly. 1450 This bright little flame leaps and sparks with magical energy. 1451 A chiseled portion of rock, slate-gray and pocked with gleaming minerals. When set on the ground, it floats a small distance above the earth. 1452 This water is pure and clear, and seems to be perpetually in motion, even when the vessel that carries it is at rest. 1453 This whirling cloud of smoke and air flashes with occasional bursts of energy. 1454 The tattered ear of a skuldr. 1455 Sky dragons are said to have almost supernatural vision, able to pick out the tiniest prey from far above the ground. Though clouded now with death, the iris of this massive eye retains its vibrant, green-gold sheen. 1456 Spear Spiders have long, tapering front limbs ending in a sharp point, which they use to impale their prey. This leg is covered in small, backward-facing barbs. 1457 The mottled venom gland of a spider, bulging with deadly fluids. 1458 Faint, ethereal wisps of soul energy made manifest. 1459 Though not one of the large fangs for which stelgaers are famed, this sharp tooth is nonetheless impressive. 1460 The hide of a troll is formed of what appears to be several layers of thin vines, plants, and mulch, forming a thick, nearly impenetrable skin. 1461 Once one of the bones to which a soul desperately clung, now it holds only traces of the life it held. 1462 This reeking flesh once held a bound soul. With its energy fading, the flesh is entering a rapid decay. 1463 The large, gelatinous brain of a vithrack. Though the vithrack are known to possess impressive powers of the mind, there is no obvious source for said power on the brain's wrinkled surface. 1464 Even at their youngest, dragons are dangerous creatures. This is the wing from a wurm, already impressive in its span. 1465 The rounded, dry tongue of a xaurip. 1466 Book of Verses 1467 This small volume of verses and psalms is somewhat battered, suggesting it used to be carried on someone's person. The pages are dog-eared and worn, and the gold threads which form the title of the book have begun to fray. The book tends to open to a particular section, where someone has marked a verse with a small blotch of ink: 'Eadnung, the bright star, spoke, and her voice was like a clarion cry, calling his soul forth. He knew her for the Right Hand of the Shining God, and was afraid. "O Wanderer, hear me," she spoke. "You are known to us, and your deeds put you far from salvation." And he wept, for he knew that his sins lay bare before this great illumination. Then Sargamis spoke, and his voice swept forth with the heat and force of the bright day's sun. "Weep not, for the Child of Light has forgiveness even for you, if you will embrace Him." Harmke knelt before them, then, resolved to save himself, and asked what he must do. And Modegund spoke. Her voice was like the songbird's final hymn, bidding farewell to the day's light. "What darkness lies within you, you must cast into His light. Your sins will be burned from you, until you are newly formed, reborn into His keeping." So spoke Modegund, but Eadnung warned him, saying, "You have walked all these years into darkness, and must now return. You will find the path like treading fire, and at every step you will be tempted to turn away. But no harm will come to you, if you keep your faith." ' 1468 This belt has been crafted from the mossy hide of a forest troll, with intertwined vines and leaves forming a solid and resistant piece of clothing. Any damage done to the belt tends to be obscured by new growth, for the moss and small plants which grow upon the belt retain some life. Though the resulting effect is somewhat like wearing an herb garden around one's waist, the piece of hide holds some of the troll's power, granting the wearer the creature's ability to recover from wounds. 1469 Breastplates are popular for offering a modest amount of protection without the restrictive movement of heavier mail and full suits of plate armor. Due to their widespread use by warriors from the Vailian Republics, the fashion of clothing and padding worn under breastplates typically reflects Vailian styles. This one, belonging to the paladin Pallegina, bears the stylized engraving of five suns, representing the Vailian Republics, and more specifically the Brotherhood of the Five Suns. 1470 Seeking to augment the power he wielded even while in the skin of a bear, one ancient druid crafted this belt, which taps into the power of a druid's spiritshift to put added force behind each of the druid's strikes. The belt is enchanted to accommodate whatever form the wearer takes, allowing those in more feral shapes to enjoy the benefits of the belt's magic. 1471 This belt, etched with cresting waves, carries a powerful enchantment which allows the wearer to send out a burst of arcane force in a circle around themselves. The burst hits foes like a crashing wave, often taking them off their feet. 1472 Often purchased by soldiers with the means, these belts are laden with charms granting protection to the wearer. Though a simple band of dark leather, this particular girdle provides a defense against killing blows, turning a blade aside at the final moment, or else cushioning a strike from a blunt object. 1473 This cloak feels so light that it's easy to forget you're wearing it. The unmistakable scent of the sea breeze, cool and salty, wafts from the fabric. Though moth-eaten and ragged around the edges, it keeps the chill at bay. Its faded colors seem to blend in with its surroundings. You found this in the lighthouse of Ondra's Gift. The tower had been uninhabited for a century and a half, and its last occupant, the lighthouse keeper, supposedly died there when the Aedyrans invaded. It was rumored that her spirit haunted the tower still, watching for ships on the horizon. 1474 Eotens feature in the most grotesque of folk tales. Once merely the most aggressive and unstable of ogres, Eotens have since developed into massive monstrosities that are both larger and far less intelligent than their cousins. Eotens have two heads, one notable smaller than the other, and when the larger of these is incapacitated, the smaller retains just enough brute cunning to keep an Eoten fighting. Named for these monstrosities, this belt provides a charm granting a similar kind of hardy perseverance. 1475 This thin, lightweight loop of tanned leather has a small metal buckle bearing an engraving of a stag's head and star, the symbol of the Free Palatinate of the Dyrwood. Apart from declaring the wearer's loyalties, the belt carries a charm which grants fleeter passage over terrain. It is unclear if this charm persists beyond the boundaries of the Dyrwood. 1476 The most famous battle of the Saint's War, other than the one that took place at Halgot Citadel, was the sack of Mercy Vale. While the main force of Saint Waidwen's army marched on the Dyrwood from the north, two brigades approached from the east, reaching Cold Morn from a pass through the White March. The villagers of Cold Morn allowed the Readcerans to continue unopposed, an act of cowardice that still draws curses from Dyrwoodans today. The soldiers headed north, planning to join the rest of the army at New Yarma. The villagers of Mercy Vale had little warning and no time to prepare, but they fought to hold the Readcerans back as long as they could. Though the town was burned to the ground after a few days of fighting, the delay allowed the villages and tribes on the way to New Yarma to organize successful guerrilla campaigns. It's widely believed that the battle at Mercy Vale, as well as the many skirmishes in the wilds, kept the Readcerans from reaching Halgot Citadel before the Godhammer was in place. When survivors and family members eventually returned to see what was left of Mercy Vale, this cloak was one of the only items that had escaped the flames. Completely undamaged, it draped the corpse of a warrior who'd fallen in the middle of town, the body so covered in wounds that identification was impossible. 1477 Aptly named, this belt is comprised of a broad span of boiled leather, joined in front by a silver buckle. Arcane spells have been forged into the material, and it grants those who wear it undeniable strength, and a newfound sense of determination which, even if it is induced, can rouse even the meekest of individuals to action. 1478 This belt is comprised of several layers of leather, wound around small round pieces of metal. The resulting effect is not unlike brigandine, though the belt's sturdiness only reflects those arcane protections woven into the material - for the belt grants uncommon resistance against cutting and piercing weapons. 1479 This belt was the product of a strange collaboration between the famed barbarian Strungbr and an animancer of comparatively lesser fame. Strungbr was determined to extend the period in which he could cast himself into a fearless frenzy, for it was the means by which he survived most of his many battles. The animancer, in turn, was much intrigued by the opportunity to investigate the affliction of temper. Over a period of time, the trigger for Strungbr's rage was isolated, and the belt was imbued with a spell which mimicked the effect. The resulting damage done to the laboratory ensured that the pair never collaborated again, but Strungbr was very pleased with the belt he received. 1480 Apart from holding up one's trousers, belts are much-favored by enchanters, for the material portion is easily crafted, typically light in weight, and requires few adjustments to those pieces of armor which contribute in more direct ways to protection. As such they are second only to rings in volume, and commonly peddled in urban markets. 1481 Dwarven chanters of the White March are said to have mastered projection techniques to such a degree that they can trigger distant avalanches with their voices. Whether or not this specific rumor is true, they are known to chant between peaks and across rugged valleys, exchanging messages with their brethren across great distances. This amulet was forged by an ancient order of druids in the White March, precursors to the Ethik Nôl of Twin Elms. It was worn and passed down from one watchman to the next, men and women who stood guard atop the high peaks, ready to warn their fellows of approaching armies. 1482 Rings can feature plain bands or jewels in settings. Magical rings may bestow a variety of special properties or defenses on the wearer. Their small size allows their enchantments to complement similar enchantments from other items and spells, and this versatility has made them popular among adventurers. 1483 Commissioned by a wealthy nobleman in New Heomar, this leather belt has been dyed to resemble the felines for which it is named. Much taken by accounts of the fearsome beasts, the eccentric nobleman gathered pelts and hunting trophies, though he had never seen any of the creatures in person. When commissioning this belt, the nobleman insisted upon an enchantment which would grant him the stelgaer's grace and poise. Despite these mundane origins, the enchantment proved very effective. While the belt won't guarantee that the wearer will land on their feet after a fall, it will see them back in fighting stance more quickly. 1484 The story goes that this ring belonged to the Seeker of Balance, a cipher assassin of the Order of the Black Stone. He was captured in an attempt to kill a ducess in Old Vailia, and while awaiting execution, he channeled his soul into the ring. The ring was then taken by one of the guards who, upon wearing it, was possessed by the Seeker. Through the guard, he completed the assassination of the ducess. Over the years, the ring lost its power to possess but remained a formidable item. This tarnished old ring isn't much to look at. By night, however, the mark of the Order of the Black Stone glows from the band. 1485 This plain gold band contains a power that belies its simple appearance. It's been passed between animancers, wizards, and other scholars for centuries because it provides a steady income to the wearer, allowing him or her to pursue research interests without being tied to a particular patron. 1486 The druidic order of the Ovates of the Golden Grove believe that The Ring of Wonder is the sapling of one of the great trees that surrounds Teir Evron in Twin Elms. One day, they say it will grow into an even mightier tree. Root-like fibers twine together, sprouting from a shining green bud. The ring adjusts to the finger of the wearer, but removing it can be a painful experience, as the roots bond to flesh. 1487 Once belonging to the wife of a noted animancer known as Snerf, this white-gold wedding ring is set with a central pink stone flanked by two small diamonds. The shine of the gems stands in stark contrast to the grimy, worn band. It is rumored that while his love was ill and on the brink of death, the desperate animancer performed a radical experiment to merge her soul with his. According to most versions of the tale, her already weakened body was unable to withstand the strain of the binding. While this process extinguished the little life left in her body, it overwhelmed her soul, fragmenting it into oblivion. Overcome with guilt and despair, the once-great man lived out the last of his days in a svef-induced madness, holding onto the hope that he might somehow glimpse traces of her soul amongst his own pitiful reflection. 1488 An elven wizard of Aedyr, Telda was forever frustrated by the limits of her own considerable powers. After spending almost two centuries mastering most of the spells known to kith, she found that her greatest challenge lay not with her repertoire, but with her inability to make more frequent use of her magic. She spent the last century of her life studying a means to amplify her abilities. When at last she developed the spell she needed, she had it built into this ring so that the prudent wizard need not cast the spell to make use of it. 1489 Two centuries after Telda forged a ring extending her spellcasting powers, a wizard of the Vailian Republics sought to improve upon her design. Almert of Selona was never known for particularly original scholarship or spellcraft, and many of his peers accused him of outright plagiarism. It's widely held that this is the reason he never received much credit for this ring, the one truly remarkable achievement of his career. 1490 This thick iron band is dented and scratched and appears to have seen much use. It is studded with eleven small beads, one for each of the gods. It was created by an Aedyran priest to remind him of his devotion, particularly in the heat of battle. It is said that, feeling his fingers rub against the beads, he would say a quick prayer to each of the gods, who blessed him in return. 1491 While these belts provide no direct influence upon the injuries or fatigue of their wearers, the enchantments do lend additional power to those spells of mending and recuperation which strike it. 1492 This belt is made of thin, interwoven vines, forming a sturdy and elegant loop imbued with protective magics. Like the plants and animals of the Dyrwood, the wearer can contend with extremes of temperature, and in moments of dire need the magic of the belt will lends its protection to the wearer's very skin. 1493 Captain Fortanero's Hat 1494 Casŵen was one of the brîshalgwin of Eir Glanfath who received training from Dyrwoodan animancers around 2785 AI. When Dunryd Row was founded fifteen years later, she was one of the first ciphers to join. Though relatively old for an orlan, she was one of its most enthusiastic and capable agents. Known as the "Dunryd Demon," she was ruthlessly methodical and infamous throughout Defiance Bay for prowling the streets in her helmet, searching for clues and connections. At the end of the Saint's War, she was over forty, and she was sent to the Godhammer Citadel to search for traces of Saint Waidwen. She never arrived, and years later, her helmet was found on the road from Echo Bay. 1495 Also known as the Curmudgeon's Coif and the Bawler's Bonnet, this cinching chapeau is a tight fit. It was fashioned by an unremarkable wizard who believed the only thing holding him back from a successful career in the arcane arts was his lack of focus and the petty distractions of small-minded types. Infused with his misanthropic essence, this hat fulfilled his desire twofold - folk no longer sought out his company, and spellcasting came more easily. Never married, he died alone. This floppy yellow hat sports a wide brim darkened by sweat stains. 1496 This exquisite piece was crafted by alchemists for a secret society of aristocrats in Old Vailia. Throughout its history, it has graced the ocular orbits of scheming nobles, influential politicians, and charming salesmen. The dark brass monocle features intricate gear and leaf filigree along the rim. It confers sophistication and carries the unmistakable scent of old money. 1497 Munacra Arret 1498 The legend behind this hat is that it once belonged to a famed prince of a small kingdom that was conquered and absorbed into the Aedyran Empire. The prince and his court were known for their outlandish dress but not, unfortunately, for prowess in battle. In fact, when the prince learned that the Aedyran army was marching toward him, he threw a fabulous party to welcome the invaders. This hat survived the war and subsequent occupation and has been traded in many a dark corner by those wishing to further their social standing with panache. Lined with garish purple silk and adorned with a large, chartreuse feather, the hat makes a strong, if questionable, fashion statement. 1499 A disreputable lord in the Deadfire Archipelago, known for striking secret deals in the dead of night, hired an order of assassins to protect him during his nightly errands. He had them outfitted with magical helms that enabled them to pierce the veil of darkness. Eventually, his paranoia turned on his hired assassins, and he had them executed and their equipment destroyed. One, however, was rumored to have escaped to the Vailian Republics, where she became a legend. This worn and scuffed leather helmet fits over the head and covers the upper face. Adjustable leather straps make it comfortable and practical for users of any race and build. Two crimson-tinted lenses fit in front of the eyes. 1500 This loop of tiny, interwoven vines is studded with blackened thorns. It fits easily around your finger. 1501 This large helm is fashioned from the head of a stag. Those who wear the helm gain some aspect of the creature whose visage they wear, for they find themselves more sure-footed and swift, and their endurance improved. 1502 These plain, dark hoods are deceptively powerful, enchanted with charms against detection and spells to heighten one's senses in darkness. As a result, the hoods have become primarily associated with thieves and cutpurses, to whom these enchantments are of particular benefit. 1503 Admeth Hadret, Part 1: Rise to Power 1504 "Little could one know that the man who once destroyed part of his own country with fire would become the Dyrwood's most beloved leader. Martyred in the war he started to free his people from an oppressive rule, there isn't a Dyrwoodan who doesn't know of or revere Admeth for what he did. Strangely, even though there are records of his father Edrang's childhood, and even though he was raised in nobility in the Dyrwood (while it was still Aedyre territory), information about Admeth's early years is nearly impossible to find. Admeth is not known for his childhood, though. He is known for saving the Dyrwood and uniting it with its sworn enemy - the Glanfathans. In 2652 AI the Dyrwoodan troubles with their fercönyng were at a boiling point. Several of the erls under Edrang's rule, provoked by the imperial court in Aedyr resumed looting the ruins around Dyrwood that the Glanfathans held sacred. When the Glanfathans finally retaliated, it was overwhelmingly brutal and resulted in a slave uprising. Galven Regd, whom Edrang had fought before, resumed control of the Glanfathan troops. Regd was also able to convince some delemgan to join the fight. Edrang was, at this point, far too old to lead his forces into battle, so he sent his son Admeth in his place to contain the threat. Admeth, true to form as the son of Edrang, and obviously having learned tactics from his father, made a dangerous, but effective, tactical decision. In order to prevent Regd's troops from using the woods as cover and to keep them from advancing through his land, set fire to the forest at tributary of the Isce Uar River and positioned his troops to prevent any of the Glanfathan forces from retreating. This tactic proved to be effective - while some Glanfathans and delemgan were able to escape, thousands died. In the skirmish that followed, Galven Regd was captured and sent to be held New Heomar. Admeth was able to do what his father spent decades trying to do. He stopped Galven Regd. The conflict with the Glanfathans continued for several months, and Admeth repeated the scorched earth tactic several times to flush the opposing forces from key battlefields. He was able to bring the conflict to and end before the year ended. While it was a win for the Dyrwoodans, it was very costly as well. Because of his tactics, the conflict earned the name The War of Black Trees. After Edrang's death in 2654, Admeth became the Gréf of the Dyrwood to the dismay of the imperial court and the other erls. Over the course of the next year, they defied his rule at every turn, rebuking his decrees and countermanding his directives. In 2655 AI, Admeth had had enough. Even though he lacked support from most of the erls, he was admired by both the Vailian ducs and all the common folk. Backed by this support, he issued an ultimatum to the fercönyng to anoint him a gréf palatine. The fercönyng, unwilling to deal with a rebellion while trying to establish a new vorlas trade in Readceras, agreed. Admeth then held authority and legal power over the erls, their holdings, and their titles. The Dyrwood was no longer a gréfram, but instead was a palatinate. This change reduced the fercönyng's power over the region. With his new power, Admeth quickly brought the rebellious erls into line. But, in exchange for the power, Admeth invested time and money into all of the Dyrwood's ports and trade posts, dramatically increasing shipping traffic. This helped the erls and brought in more money for the fercönyng." 1505 Lore_Book_PLACEHOLDER 1506 Aedyre Customs 1507 Animancy in the Modern Age 1508 Berathian Scripture 1509 The Life and Discoveries of Pandgram 1510 Dunryd Row 1511 The Doughty Burglar: A Dyrwoodan Farce, Part 1 1512 Edrang Hadret 1513 Eir Glanfath, Part 1: Early Contact 1514 Eothasian Prayer 1515 The Ethik Nôl 1516 Galven Regd 1517 Glanfathan Customs 1518 Beloved Land: Poems from Eir Glanfath 1519 Lore_Book_PLACEHOLDER 1520 House Doemenel 1521 Development of a Crucible Knight, Part 1: Lower Ranks 1522 Magranic Benediction 1523 Monsters of the Deadfire Archipelago 1524 Naasitaq Poetry: A Compilation 1525 Lore_Book_PLACEHOLDER 1526 The Light of Dawn: A Readceran Morality Play, Part 1: Charity and Generosity 1527 Skaenite Scripture 1528 St. Waidwen: Farmer Become God 1529 Lore_Book_PLACEHOLDER 1530 The Aedyr Empire, Part 1: Origin 1531 The Blacksmith Knights: A Short History of the Knights of the Crucible 1532 The Iroccian Calendar 1533 The Dozens 1534 The Dyrwood, Part 1: Early Colonial History 1535 The Fangs 1536 The Great Western Stag 1537 The Moons of Eora 1538 The Saint's War, Part 1: Overthrow 1539 The White that Wends 1540 True Stories from the Living Lands 1541 The Most Unfortunate Tale of Favia and Bernat: A Vailian Tragedy 1542 Psalm to Woedica 1543 "Aedyr is a country rich with custom and they are known for their strict adherence to them. Their customs run the gamut from grand celebrations - like the Feast of Feasts - to mundane superstitions - such as ways to avoid svef addiction. This volume will focus primarily on bigger celebrations, as no one knows how to throw an extravagant party quite like an Aedyran. The Feast of Feasts The biggest and most important of all Aedyran customs is the Feast of Feasts. This week-long celebration happens the first week of Fonestu (Deep Summer) and is dedicated to honoring the life of the First Fercönyng. Each day of the week is devoted to some aspect of the fercönyng's life and there are very specific dishes to be served at each meal. The Feast of Feasts originally began as a festival celebrating the birth of the fercönyng's first son and soon became a yearly occurrence during the week of his birthday. Currently, Aedyrans simply use it as an excuse for a party and pull out all the stops in an effort to outdo the previous year. And lest you wonder, as I did, which fercönyng is honored during The Feast of Feasts - it is always the current fercönyng. For each fercönyng is the First and Only fercönyng. Sweet Treat A special custom that arose at some point during The Feast of Feasts, Sweet Treat started as a way to keep children occupied so the parents could dine in peace. While it is still used for that today, significance has been added to it. Each treat is placed in a container (usually small metal boxes) and hidden somewhere on the property. After everything has been hidden, the children are sent out to find the "treasures." It is said now that the hidden treats represent Glanfathan artifacts and the children are the explorers, bringing the riches back to their new -and rightful - owners. Carnival of the Mask When the original colonists for Aedyr traveled to the new land to found the Dyrwood in the name of the Aedyran fercönyng, they encountered the Glanfathan people. The Carnival of the Mask celebrates this meeting. Originally, it was merely a formal reenactment - as a play - of the tensions between the Glanfathans and Aedyran settlers, but it has since evolved into much more than that. Participants choose "sides" and come dressed in elaborate outfits depicting which group they have decided to align themselves with - Aedyrans or Glanfathans. Everyone attends a masquerade ball and this party replaces any semblance of the play that was presented. Winter's End Winter's End was never anything more than an excuse for a celebration and it hasn't changed in all the years it has existed in Aedyr. It takes place during Winter Dusk and lasts all three days. People use the time to reflect on the year, celebrate their lives, and remember the dead - especially those who have passed in the recent year." 1544 "Animancy is a science both respected and reviled, sometimes by the same person. For all the research done on the topic, we still know so little. Control over life itself! Something animancers have been working toward for hundreds of years. There are no real records of how the practice of animancy was first discovered, but once the spark of knowledge ignited, there was no stopping its inevitable discoveries. In 2260 AI, animancers - as a result of their extensive research - successfully contained and transferred a soul. The subject of the experiment, whose name is unknown, was young and wealthy, but infirm. The idea was to move his soul from the dying body and into that of a recently deceased man who had suffered an accident. The new body, bearing only slight decay, would house the soul - giving the man a much better life. The outcome of this experiment resulted in the condemnation and outlaw of animancy in the Aedyran Empire. Again, while we have no true records of what happened (as they were all destroyed after animancy was outlawed) a journal was discovered, a makeshift confession by one of the participants. Excerpts from that journal follow: 2260 AI, Fonprima, 16 It is done and the gods forgive us for our arrogance. I am not sure what I was expecting - certainly not...that. But what did any of us expect? Still, behind the revulsion there is a sense of pride - something I can't deny. All the research. The studying. Everything we worked for. We thought we'd change the world. How it’s changed! All was in place. The twisted form lying on the table next to its new vessel. The equipment had been prepared. The tinctures and potions all carefully crafted. Every detail painstakingly organized to ensure success. We most assuredly succeeded... The procedure went exactly as it should. The soul... extracted from the old body... held... bound in place to prevent it from moving on. Then the next step - transfer to the fresh vessel. It was beautiful and terrifying. I listened as they spoke the words of binding. I watched the soul move - not the soul itself, of course, but the vapor we use to detect it - as it lowered into the vessel. A gentle luminescence covered the body and then... nothing. Silence. Darkness. I held my breath, afraid that even the slightest disturbance would destroy all our hard work. Then motion. Then...dear gods...then... Blood. How did I survive? I do not know. The vessel rose from the slab and the room breathed. Every person crowded around the tables exhaled. Some cheered. We had made life from death. We had become eternal. The body closed its eyes and tilted its head, looking for all purposes to be listening for something - or to it. Then its eyes popped open and it moved. Its lips pealed back from its teeth in a horrible expression of fury. It fell on the nearest man, tearing his throat, knocking him to the ground. Then the room erupted into screams, shouts, and a flurry of bodies running, pushing, doing everything in their power to get away from the creature sitting on their colleague. But right before that happened, in the split second before the chaos, when there was nothing in the air but a stunned, terrified silence, I heard it. Sitting there on his chest, face at his neck. And it was feasting." 1545 "Behold, thou faithful, the visage of thy transformation. Fear not the journey when the portal opens. Become one with the Wheel with glad heart and cheerful countenance. For the doorway shall open for all in their time. Neither the rich nor influential, neither kings nor rulers, neither the strong nor powerful can escape its embrace. Berath will usher thee through the doorway and thou willst return to life, thy mortal life begun anew. There goest the cycle. There goest life. There thou goest also. Thou shalt approach the door, the inevitable shall approach thee. Do not turn back on the portal, do not turn back on new life. Walk the path and welcome change or face the knight For he walks the road with thee and will guide all to their destination. Thou mortal, the skull thou wilt become. Thou closed off, the key thou shalt turn. Thou sealed, the threshold thou shalt cross." 1546 "Mention the name Pandgram to anyone with even a passing knowledge of animancy and you could find yourself in for a very long discussion. Publicly reviled but privately lauded as a hero and genius, Pandgram's history is at turns revolutionary, horrific, and mysterious. Pandgram was fascinated - some might say obsessed - with the concept of animancy. It consumed his life as he dedicated everything to understand it. He would frequently travel to Eir Glanfath and the Dyrwood to visit the Engwithan ruins. There he would take notes and make sketches, bringing anything back with him that he could to help him unlock the mysteries. After years of study, Pandgram had reached the point where he could no longer conduct research on his own, and he took on an assistant - Helig of Thein. Soon, Helig was making trips to Eir Glanfath in Pandgram's stead, gathering knowledge while Pandgram stayed behind to experiment. This partnership quickly bore fruit and Pandgram made a breakthrough - one that would irrevocably change his life and the general attitude about animancy forever. While the specifics of his experimentation will never truly be known, the rumors and stories that still circulate tell that he had sent out inquiries, asking for live subjects for help with a dangerous experiment that might change their life - or might end it. Those who were already dying were especially encouraged to apply. Response was overwhelming and Pandgram had his pick of numerous willing bodies. That is when he had his breakthrough. He discovered a way to fix a soul, anchoring it to its body so it couldn't leave at death. He had discovered eternal life. His research and life's work had resulted in the greatest single discovery that animancy could hope for. His findings were published and quickly spread through Vailia - and beyond. While some groups - the Woedican church, for example - decried his work as nothing more than blasphemy and heresy, many put it to practice. Everyone wanted the chance at immortality. But everything comes with a cost. It quickly became apparent that simply restraining the soul, while keeping the person technically "alive," was doing nothing for the body, which continued to decay - devolving and warping the soul now trapped inside it. The creatures it created were dangerous - carnivorous beasts that killed brutally and indiscriminately. The backlash was ruthless. The practice of Pandgram's discoveries was outlawed. His works were collected and burned. He and Helig were branded heretics and hunted, chased from town to town until Pandgram simply vanished. Helig was tracked down, captured, and brought to trial for the atrocities committed against Vailia and its people. The trial was barely more than a formality to bring charges against him as everyone knew what hand he had played in the disaster. He was sent to prison for years, but eventually released once public outrage died down. Not long after his parole, he disappeared as well. Occasionally, talk surfaces that a copy of Pandgram's theorems has been found, untouched by the purging flames that destroyed its brothers. These rumors seldom end up being more than that. Many groups and wealthy individuals have formed sending out a call to anyone who will listen - find us a copy of the theorems. They offer gold, jewels, status, anything they can to entice adventurers to help them achieve their goals. For there are those who would give anything a chance at immortality - even become a monster." 1547 "The origins and practices of Dunryd Row are difficult to nail down. When asked, everyone seems to know how Dunryd Row started and how long it’s been in operation. Yet every person asked gives a different account of its creation and a different date. The only thing everyone can agree on is that it seems to have been around as long as anyone can remember. Without fail, everyone recalls hearing about the exploits of Dunryd Row when they were children. Aside from the organization being comprised of special investigators (most of whom seem to be ciphers) and the fact that they seem to have their hands in everything (yet never admit to it), anything reported about Dunryd Row walks the line between truth and outright hearsay. Information abounds, but no one can say which fragments are truth and which are fiction. I will provide all I have uncovered and leave it to the readers to decide for themselves, as all of it feels both plausible and unbelievable at turns. The group is supposedly named after the street where its headquarters are located, in a building called Hadret House. It is said in some circles this is just the name they want people to think they're known by. Their real headquarters, people whisper, is elsewhere. Why would they do this? It's simple - it's far easier for them to infiltrate, to hide, to carry on behind the scenes if everyone is concentrating on ‘Dunryd Row.’ Divert attention where you want people to look and you can act behind their backs with impunity. People who have had interactions with agents from Dunryd Row invariably describe them as ‘unmemorable.’ No detail as to their appearance, behavior, or anything - beyond the fact that they were there - seems to stick with anyone. Are they truly nondescript? Or do their ciphers use their powers to remain anonymous? As with so many questions regarding Dunryd Row, no one seems to know. While no specific details about the agents are ever reported, one "fact" that all people agree with is that they seem primarily to be orlans and Glanfathan elves, though theories as to why this may be are many and conflicting. Their presumed headquarters is supposedly run by Lady Eydis Webb. Though no one seems able to pinpoint the time of her arrival, the author was unable to locate a single person familiar with Dunryd Row who could remember a time when she wasn't around. Many things are hinted at behind closed doors about Lady Webb, but few are willing to elaborate, for it is rumored that although she has not left Hadret House since anyone can remember, she is a cipher of tremendous power, and that she can read the thoughts of the entire city at will. Theories abound regarding her age, her reasons for what would seem to be a lifetime of seclusion, and even of her secret control over all of Defiance Bay, if not Dyrwood itself. But as with all other matters regarding the organization, no one seems to be able to say anything for sure. " 1548 Characters, in order of appearance Belmis, the Doughty Burglar Torfal, the man of the house Clanna, the lady of the house Pafenda, the maid Ireby, an important visitor Setting: Interior. The sitting room of Torfal's house. Night. The stage is dark. The door to the room opens and Belmis enters, holding a candle. He walks slowly through the room, picking up items, examining them, and replacing them. Presently, there is a noise off-stage. Belmis freezes and listens. TORFAL (offstage): Enough of this nonsense! I told you we would be returning early! CLANNA (offstage): You said early! You didn't say we would be inexcusably rude! The voices are approaching the door to the sitting room. Belmis extinguishes that candle and hides behind chair at the end of the stage opposite the door. The door opens. TORFAL (entering, followed by Clanna and Pafenda, voice even and controlled): This meeting is very important, Clanna, my little cowslip. Ireby is taking this meeting himself. This is unheard of! CLANNA: But, Torfal- TORFAL: Not another word! Belmis's head appears over the chair during this exchange. He watches the three interact. When Clanna talks, he is entranced by her. TORFAL: Pafenda, have all the preparations been made for Ireby's arrival? PAFENDA: Yes, sir. The special brandy has been brought from the cellar. And the... other refreshment has been prepared as well. CLANNA: Other... Torfal! Don't you dare! TORFAL: If that's what it takes, Clanna, that's what I'll do. Now, go prepare yourself for Ireby's arrival. We must all look our best. This contract must not fail! All three leave the room. Belmis stands. BELMIS: Who was that vision? Who was that goddess? Who was it that has stolen my heart just as surely as I would steal hers? I must know her. I must meet her. I must have her! But how? 1549 "Edrang Hadret in retrospect led a remarkable life. But his contributions would probably have gone largely unnoticed if it weren't for his conflict with a Glanfathan orlan by the name of Galven Regd. Though Edrang became a great man and a well-respected leader, his early life was uneventful. He was born in Aedyr of noble parents and spent a good part of his childhood there. While he was raised apart from the common folk, he felt a connection to them and was known to always be welcoming to any and all. In school, he demonstrated incredible intelligence, frequently arriving at correct conclusions using his own methods of getting there. He was always doing unexpected things and though he seemed to be paying attention and would pass his lessons, his teachers and trainers were certain he would never amount to anything. His family moved to the Dyrwood as colonists while he was still a teen. The moment they docked in the new land, Edrang knew he had found his true home. He explored the land, getting to know it and its people as well as he knew the castle in which he lived. He grew into a man who was well-respected by all who met him. He took over the erldom, becoming a fair and much beloved leader. Under his leadership, Baelreach thrived, becoming more stable and prosperous than anyone thought possible. When a new gréf was needed, the people's voice was unanimous - Edrang Hadret. As his first act as the new gréf, the fercönyng instructs Edrang to build a new city for him, a seat of power in the Pearlwood Gulf. This city is to be called New Dunryd and will serve as the capital for the new colonies. Not long after he assumed power, The Broken Stone War began. It was a quick and brutal war and taxed the limits of Edrang's capabilities. He had never before encountered someone as organized and brutal as the opposition commander, Galven Regd. At first Regd's tactics confounded Edrang. But Edrang, who grew up developing unorthodox ways to take care of his problems, adapted quickly. This did not stop Galven Regd outright, however. He began a campaign of terror that lasted for two more years. Edrang, who expressed a sort of respect for Regd's prowess, studied his techniques, learning how Regd attacked and devising a ways to counter it. He gave the erls and thayns instructions that confounded and sometimes infuriated them as they seemed to leave their lands open for attack and put their people at risk. Edrang disseminated lies and half-truths about his plans, imperial events, and military maneuvers. No one knew what truly was going on except for Edrang and a very small contingent of trusted friends and advisors. His tactics worked and Edrang's men started to catch the Glanfathans off guard. It wasn't long before Edrang's men were able to anticipate Regd's moves and cut him off at every front. When asked how he was able to overcome an enemy that anticipated every move, Edrang responded, ‘That is how he was about to outwit us. Our moves were transparent. Anyone could see through the standard tactic. Spread something out thin enough and you can poke a hole in it. I countered an unpredictable enemy with unpredictability.’ Because Edrang was able to counter Regd's plans, the conflict eventually died off. Regd sent a message to Edrang, expressing respect for his tactics and prowess with military maneuvers. This political and military stalemate led to the first treaties signed between the Glanfathans and the Aedyran colonist who would eventually become the Dyrwoodans." 1550 "The history of Eir Glanfath before it was discovered by Aedyran explorers is poorly documented and oral accounts often conflict. Some tell stories of an advanced civilization that left, taking all its knowledge with it, leaving ruins of their civilization behind. Others say the Glanfathans themselves developed such power and technology that they all but destroyed themselves and that is why they will not allow anyone into the ruins on their land. Either way, reliable information about the area of Eir Glanfath doesn't begin until Aedyran explorers discovered it in 2602 AI. The Glanfathans were not used to encounters with outsiders before and viewed the intrusion on their land as something of a test. The ruins that covered their land were considered sacred and these strangers, despite warnings, plundered them, taking artifacts. Glanfathans that resisted were captured and forced into slavery, becoming property of the new colonists. Their people, heritage, and land at stake, the Glanfathans struck back, hoping to drive them out of their lands permanently. Despite their best efforts, more Aedyran invaders appeared. By 2623 AI, the Aedyrans had established towns, pushing the Glanfathans out of some areas and enslaving any who refused to leave. They tried to live in peace, keeping an eye on the Aedyrans, and with the exception of a few isolated incidents, it seemed to work. This tentative peace came to a bloody end in 2626 AI. A group of farmers, clearing a potential crop field in the middle of an area dotted with many sacred ruins, knocked down one of the ancient menhirs. Whether this was intentional or accidental is not known, but this incident started what came to be known as the Broken Stone War. It was short, lasting less than a year, but it was bloody and brutal. Several thousand Aedyran colonists died as well as hundreds of Glanfathans. Though the war ended, the attacks on the Aedyrans didn't stop. An orlan named Regd was chosen as galven of the Glanfathans. He vowed to make every outsider pay for the injustices done on his people's land. He organized the Glanfathan Fangs and orchestrated a series of attacks over the course of the next two years. It seemed Regd's tactics would eventually work and drive the Aedyrans from Eir Glanfath, but then they started fighting back. They became far more organized and their tactics less predictable. Fewer and fewer of Regd's attacks succeeded. He discovered a new gréf, Edrang Hadret, had been appointed - someone whose tactics and battle savvy were more evenly matched with his. Eventually both leaders came to a stalemate, neither able to gain the upper hand on the other. As a result of the stalemate, the hostilities between the two groups dwindled as there was never a significant result for either side. This led to treaties, developed and signed by both, to eliminate the violence and tension. Regd stepped down as galven and returned to his life. Hadret set a decree - looting the ruins of Eir Glanfath is an arrestable offense. As a sign of goodwill, Hadret also tried to outlaw slavery, but this act was struck down by the other erls and the fercönyng of Aedyr. Because of this, some incidents of rural violence still cropped up. Hadret's treaties resulted in 20 years of relative peace for the Glanfathans, still wary and distrustful of the Aedyrans, but willing to accept their presence if they had to." 1551 "And the sun shall break through the darkness, the new dawn arriving with the rebirth of the day Rejoice all ye who dwelleth in the shadow, who are broken and beaten. The winter soon comes to an end. Spring shall rise, bringing light and life to the world. Radiant light, radiant life, and thy soul shall find warmth in his arms. All creatures bask in his glory. The rays of his countenance bathe the world, bringing an end to the night, ushering in the day. Kneel before him and wonder at his benevolence, feel the warmth of his radiant presence. If thou art broken, he shall make thee whole. If thou art in darkness, he shall bring thee to the light. If thou art sinful, thou shalt be reborn. If thou art cold, his warmth shall bolster thee. How canst I, so lowly and worn, speak words of proper adulation? Thine eyes, whose gaze sees the sin in me yet still shows love. Thine hands, whose grip pulls me out of darkness. Thine ears, listening to my every prayer. Thine heart, bright as the dawn, giving me warmth when I am raw. Eothas, light of spring, sun of the world, thou givest me life and purpose. If thine heart be black, if thine intention be impure, thy life is forfeit. For he hath seen, he can see, he will see. Nothing is hidden from his glory. His light touches every corner of the world. Nothing is hidden from his sight. If thou doest thy work in the dark, if thou wouldst keep thine actions hidden, thou shalt be burned in the sun of the new dawn. Day comes soon, prepare for the dawn. Nothing is hidden from his reach." 1552 “The Ethik Nol is a group both fascinating and dangerous. An ancient druidic order, its beliefs fall well outside what the average person might imagine of druids. Though details are sketchy, the Ethik Nol would seem to have originated in the White March, as the order itself consists mostly of dwarves. The traditional druidic chants of the Ethik Nol speak of the people as a ‘collective whole’ that ‘created a necessary balance’ through their ‘strict adherence to the purity’ of their line. This has been interpreted by historical chroniclers to mean that there was a time when only dwarves were allowed to be Ethik Nol. Residing now in Twin Elms, records of the Ethik Nol date back to well before the settlement had arrived at its present name, and in fact, some information places them in Twin Elms even before the Glanfathans arrived. If this is truly the case, the Ethik Nol are one of the oldest druidic orders in existence. Their beliefs don't conform to what is normally viewed as a ‘druidic viewpoint.’ Sacrifice, blood, fire, and an intense drive for balance in all things (well beyond most druidic standards) pervade their rituals. Core to this is the dogma that if you want something from the universe, you must also sacrifice something into the universe to maintain the balance. Nothing can ever be received without something first being given. If you perform the sacrifice, your desires will always be satiated. The simplest example of the sacrificial balance as explained to the author went as thus: ‘Say you are one of these Ethik Nol. And say you want your daughter's marriage to go well. You don't want problems. So you ask of the elders what you must do. You are told what the appropriate sacrifice is, and then you perform it. In this case, it could be as simple as throwing some coins into lava, giving the metal back to the earth. Sacrificing something that is important to you, right? But the requirement is always different and you don't know what is expected of you until you're asked. The more significant request, the more significant the demand. And most things of true value must be paid in blood.’ I was told of people removing fingers, toes, even whole limbs. One farmer was reputed to have sacrificed his youngest son. Another good question many people have raised is in regards to the Glanfathans. Why do they allow such a potentially violent, possibly dangerous group to live in Eir Glanfath? Why not force them out? Rumors are that the Ethik Nol are able to make from an ancient recipe a unique war paint, apparently blood-based, and they are the only people in the world who can. The Glanfathans, it is said, have come to believe this war paint provides tremendous advantage in combat, and the residence of the Ethik Nol in Twin Elms is predicated on the fair trade of the substance.” 1553 "Mention the name Regd in Eir Glanfath and you'll be told stories of a glorious freedom fighter - an orlan who used his tactical savvy and battle training to protect the Glanfathan from the encroaching evil of the invaders in the Dyrwood. Ask someone in the Dyrwood about him and you'll hear angry retellings of the exploits of an underhanded, dirty-fighting orlan who terrorized Dyrwoodan citizens. This conflict is what legends are built on and Galven Regd is the stuff of legends. The Broken Stone War began from a misunderstanding between the Glanfathans who lived in the Dyrwood and the Aedyran colonists who were moving in. Tensions were already high between the two groups as the Aedyrans claimed land the Glanfathans said they already owned. Add to it the Glanfathans taken and forced into slavery by the Aedyrans and it was only a matter of time before something snapped and sent the two groups to war. There was the occasional skirmish or fight between isolated groups, but no real conflict until The Broken Stone War. Whether intentional or not, Aedyran farmers, clearing land for their crops, knocked over and destroyed one of the ancient menhirs that dot the countryside. The Glanfathans, who revered the ancient structures in the Dyrwood, reacted swiftly and violently led by a particularly fanatical Fang by the name of Regd. While the war was short-lived and the Glanfathans were ultimately not the victors, Regd and his forces were able to eliminate a significant number of colonists. After the war ended, Regd was appointed the Galven, or leader, of the Glanfathan tribes. His leadership skills and prowess in battle earned him the respect of all the tribes of Eir Glanfath. Because all the tribes were unified behind him, he was able to move and coordinate their warriors in a way that organized them into such an efficient team, the Aedyran colonists lived in fear of his next attack. His name and reputation spread through both lands. Over two years following The Broken Stone War, Regd and his forces, using deception, misinformation, and straightforward guerrilla tactics killed hundreds. The remaining erls send word to the fercönyng, saying something must be done before more nobility is killed, but Regd continues to terrorize the colonists and it seems the campaign will never end. That is, until he encountered Edrang Hadret." 1554 "Glanfathan customs can seem primitive and unsophisticated to some. But all customs begin with a ritual or superstition, so why should theirs be considered less than any other? If they are examined closely, Glanfathan celebrations stem from a deep and rich culture and all tie in to their history in a significant way. The Festival of the Ancients The Festival of the Ancients takes place during Spring Dawn and is a time to celebrate the Glanfathans settling in Eir Glanfath. It is a simple, three-day ceremony that is mostly centered on feasts. These feasts are set up around the ruins scattered through Eir Glanfath. Wreaths made from tree branches and flowers are placed at the ruins and prayers are said to the gods, thanking them for health and prosperity. The Cleansing The Cleansing started as a protest, recreating the hardships wrought upon the Glanfathans by the Aedyran colonists when they started settling the Dyrwood. It has morphed over the years and is now used more as a game mixed with a teaching tool to inform your Glanfathans about the history of their people. The Cleansing takes place on New Year and Mid Year and now acts as a metaphor for real events instead of a recreation of the events themselves. Xaurip effigies are placed throughout the forest, hollow clay shells filled with sweets and gifts. The children then search the woods for the effigies and destroy them, "cleansing" the forest so they Glanfathans can move in and occupy the areas. After the area has been cleared, they gather for a celebration and feast where the elders tell the young members the true story of their people's history. Holiday of the Black Tree A combination of a day of remembrance and celebratory feast, the Holiday of the Black Tree is held on the second day of Autumn Falling when the trees are still colorful but losing their leaves and the land is becoming cold and dark. Glanfathans use the day to tell the story of the War of the Black Trees and remember those who were lost. During the morning, the adults hang elaborate garlands from the tree branches. The garlands are made from red, orange, and yellow flowers and represent the flames that swept through the forests of Eir Glanfath, destroying everything in their paths. After a morning of fasting and reflection, the children are set to run through the trees, tearing down the garlands and bring them back to the feast, decorating the tables with wildflowers, turning the horror of war into something beautiful. Then they eat, cheering the peace they now have with the Dyrwoodan people and toast to many more years of peace to come. Also of note in Glanfathan culture is their abundance of traveling customs. Being a semi-nomadic people, they practice customs to ensure their safety while on the move. Traveling Customs If you are taking a quick trip, purchase a gift for someone you are visiting and leave it at your home. If something important is left undone (such as giving a gift to a loved one), you will always return to finish the task. If you are taking a longer trip, leave remembrances of your trip - no matter how well you know the road. Drop some pebbles along the way or tie ribbon to the tree branches. Mark your path away and you'll always have a safe and easy trip back. Evil spirits and dangerous creatures are everywhere in our world. If you decorate your cart with masks, they will scare away any danger that might otherwise approach. But you must decorate your cart anew every trim or the evil won't be fooled by your ruse!" 1555 "The Tree, The Wind Who shall hear the voice of the wind? Its beauty resplendent, unseen, intangible Its tongue whispers the oath, ‘I move, I carry. Always will I fly and always will I change. For nothing is permanent. Nothing escapes my grasp.’ Who shall call the heart of the wind? It travels swiftly, fiercely, untouchable Its fist howls the promise, ‘I push, I break. Never will I stop And never will I land All is in my domain And all bend to my will.’ Who shall resist the force of the wind? Its anger presses, pushes, drives And the tree answers its call ’Yes. Your voice is loud. Your name is grand. Your force is mighty. I shall not resist. I will not defy. I will bend. Your power shall wash over me. You want me to bow. I will bow. But I will always stand. I will always return. I will always recover. That is my pledge. That is my promise. That is my oath.’" 1556 "What can be said about House Doemenel that isn't whispered fearfully in a back room over the dim light of a dying fire in fear that the wrong set of ears will hear it? The Doemenel history is colorful and violent, exciting and more than a little bloody. The Doemenels were a small Aedyran family that dealt almost exclusively in textiles. They made a modest living, slowly gaining a reputation for having high-quality product. This reputation earned them connections – business, social, and sometimes marital – that solidified their position as the premiere family of the region. If you wanted access to anyone, the Doemenels were the way to do it. Soon, every city had a business that was owned, at least in part, by the Doemenels. Their power and influence grew until many said the family had more power than even the fercönyng of Aedyr. But with the power came the corruption. One cannot have that level of control and expect to keep it through strictly legal means. Soon, rumors were spreading of threats, and extortion. Though it cannot be proven, the unofficial report is that the Doemenels were responsible for the death of Trindig Byrnwigr which left his entire shipping empire in the hands of his wife, Udele Doemenel Byrnwigr. With their hold on the land practically secured, the Doemenels no longer stuck to the shadows, brazenly eliminating opponents, manipulating deals, and threatening anyone who might cause them a problem. Because they now dominated the trade route, no one dared oppose them anymore for fear their business would be strangled. Like most empires, though, not even theirs could last forever. The end came during the War of Defiance. Unlike most of the land, the Doemenels threw in with Aedyr instead of Admeth Hadret. After the defeat of the empire and the destruction wrought on the land during the war, not even the Doemenels could rebuild what they had. And, having history show them on the wrong side of the war, no one would touch the name. The domain that took years to build crumbled in mere months. Today, the Doemenels have once again built a name for themselves, proving they are still capable and savvy businesspeople. Rumors about the family still circulate, though. Word is members of the family are striving to lift the family from its current obscurity and elevate it to the level of power it once held." 1557 "In recent years, the Knights of the Crucible has evolved as a group. No longer concentrating solely on blacksmithing or combat training, they've adjusted their focus to help initiates develop their souls as well as their bodies. From initiation there is a well-defined path to the top of the order. Squire When a candidate shows sufficient prowess in blacksmithing (or, recently, at least the drive and potential), he is accepted into the order as a Squire. Once he is part of the order, training begins immediately. Lessons are divided into two main sections - Body, commanded by the Lord Marshal and Soul, overseen by the Grand Crucilar. At this point in their progression the only uniform the squire is allowed is a simple cloth uniform displaying the Knights’ colors. Novitiate After sufficient training, each Squire is given a three-part test. He must repair a broken piece of armor, he must recite the Canticles of Abydon from memory, and he must be able to land a blow on a Novitiate in combat. If he succeeds at all three of these tasks, he is promoted to the position of Novitiate. At this point he is given his first official piece of Crucible armor - a brigandine. His training now doubles, as only the most valiant of candidates makes it through to the next level. Justiciar and Templus When a Novitiate shows he is ready (decided by his teachers and trainers), he must make a decision. His training and advancement from this point on will focus on one of the two disciplines: Body or Soul. Novitiates that choose Body continue military training as a Justiciar under the Lord Marshal. Novitiates that choose Soul are given clerical training as a Templus under the Grand Crucilar. Justiciar or Templus, the newly appointed is taken through the Ritual of the Arm. He is given his plate armor and symbol of Abydon. He is then taken to the Smith's Forge (named after Abydon) and is tasked with forging a small nail out of iron. He affixes this nail to his armor under Abydon's symbol and will wear it there for the rest of his life as a Knight of the Crucible. At this point, the Knight's training is fixed. If he chose Body, that is the path he is on until the end of his days. If he chose Soul, there is no deviating from the course. That is why the choice is only presented after he has been through many months of training." 1558 "Neither let thy trials burden thee, for in thy suffering thou shalt be transformed. The everliving flame will burn away thine impurities. Purification shall be thine, the fire of thy god shall be the vessel. Seek not to clash, search not for conflict These will find all in turn. The fires of strife will consume thee But fear not the battle, fear not the war Embrace the strife, but turn thyself from the struggle. Keep thyself strong against those that would batter thee. Keep thy soul fortified against the trials that shall overtake thee. Fire, flame, the searing heat of Magran's fury All these await the unfaithful, the weak, those that help not themselves. Take heart in thine own strength. Take comfort in thine own power. Take control of thine own path. Let the fire guide you. Let the fire transform you. Let the fire purify you. Let the fire consume you." 1559 "The Archipelago winds its way between The Great Eastern Ocean and The Restless Ocean - hundreds of small islands in the midst of the water. Few dare brave its treacherous rapids, and fewer still have returned to tell tale of their adventures through it. Travel between the two oceans is virtually impossible. Great storms hammer any ships foolhardy enough to attempt to navigate, and this alone should be enough to deter anyone from attempting the voyage as untold ships have gone down, tossed against the rocks. The weather and treacherous rocks are only a precursor to the actual horror of the archipelago, the terrors of the deep. No one knows how many creatures stalk the oceans, waiting for unsuspecting sailors to drift into their waters. But we do know of some. Barbed Ravager A giant shark that is known to ram passing vessels, trying to knock sailors off the deck and smash a hole in the hull. It has tremendous spines protruding from its side and back that are presumed to be poisonous. The largest sighted Barbed Ravager (with survivors) was estimated to be almost 30 feet long. Winding Serpent Smaller around than the Ravager, but potentially longer, the Winding Serpent attacks in small packs, usually 3-8. They have long, sharp heads, somewhat reminiscent of a barracuda. Like the Ravager, they repeatedly slam into the side of a ship hoping to crack a hole in it or knock someone from the deck. They have also been known to swim to the depths and shoot up out of the ocean, landing on the deck, coiling and winding their way around, snapping up any crew they can before plunging back into the ocean. Leviathan Imagine the largest whale you have ever seen. The leviathan is at least ten times that size. By the time a ship sees a leviathan, it is already too late. As they rise from the depths, the water around them begins to spin and sink, creating a whirlpool. The leviathan's body surrounds the hapless vessel, preventing escape, and as it goes down, the enormous mouth opens, pulling all aboard to their watery deaths. Polpovir All the creatures you've read about in this book are nothing compared to the Polpovir. Barely the size of a man, what they lack in size and strength, they make up for in numbers and terrifying viciousness. Their lower halves are a mass of tentacles like an octopus or squid, but more numerous. The tentacles are long, black whips with suction cups on the underside and small thorny barbs on the top. The sheer number of tentacles gives them frightening speed when walking on land, pulling themselves forward almost as fast as a running horse. While they vaguely resemble a human from the waist up, any extended examination proves how wrong that assumption is. Long, stringy black hair falls from the top of their heads to cover a face taken directly from a nightmare. A wide, gaping mouth, cuts across the bottom of its head from ear to ear, full of wicked dagger-like teeth. Two large round eyes are sunken into its head, black as coal, shining with a malevolent fire. A small antenna protrudes from the middle of its forehead, ending in a small nodule that can glow with an eerie blue light. One can imagine a sailor on the deck of his ship at night, looking out across the black water, blood freezing as countless lights appear beneath the surface, rising toward him as the Polpovir swarm upward. Because they seem to be more octopus than man, they can collapse in on themselves, fitting into spaces no person should be able to. The smallest crack in a hull, the slightest separation between boards offers them entrance. It is not unknown for them to slaughter an entire crew from hold up to deck by infiltrating the ship from underneath. Fortunately they do not seem to have spread too far outside of the archipelago, but there may come a day when Polpovir attacks become commonplace." 1560 "'The Expedition' I move. There is no compulsion. It is not a need. But something pulls. I cannot deny its draw. The white wends out past my vision. Its fierce eyes watch me as I move. The wolf tracks my step. A silent companion who will not join. All is blank. The pale expanse lies before and behind. I search. The miles pass and still my feet move. My hunt continues unabated. The landscape returns my gaze, unaffected by my presence. The snow falls, needles driven by the wind. Its cold teeth bite my skin. The snow gathers, its hands around my feet, A fierce opponent who will not relent. All is white. My journey continues. I travel. I can no longer stop. A true compulsion forms. The need drives me on. I must see. The sun breaks through the gray. Its unrelenting gaze thaws me. My body warms under its touch, Frigid limbs move again and carry me farther. All is empty. The breadth of existence is my destination." 1561 "Characters, in order of appearance Man Male, a Ghostly Being Female, a Ghostly Being Beggar Starving Man Injured Man Setting: Empty field. No trees or buildings in sight. A man lies on the ground center stage. He wakes slowly and looks around. Two Ghostly Beings approach him, a male from the stage left, a female from stage right. MAN: Where am I? What has happened? MALE: Nothing has happened. MAN: How did I get here? FEMALE: You did not arrive. You are just here. MAN: What is going on? MALE & FEMALE: You are traveling. We will travel with you. They both reach out a hand to him, insistently. He looks at them, not sure what to do. After a few moments of deliberation, he takes Male's hand and allows him to help. MALE (aside, to Female): His soul is strong. This decision will be easy. FEMALE (aside, to Male): Such arrogance surely will be your undoing. They walk to the end of the stage and encounter a Beggar, holding out a bowl. BEGGAR: Will you help the needy? Will you hear the call of charity? What will you do for those less fortunate? MALE: Here is a beggar. What will you do? He has no food, no clothes. He is destitute and will surely die if no mercy is shown him. FEMALE: Surely he deserves no mercy. Look to his legs - do they not move? Look to his arms - can they not work? Look to his eyes - can they not see? Surely he can provide for himself? MALE & FEMALE: What will you do? The man ponders for a moment, then reaches into his pocket and drops a coin in the Beggar's bowl. BEGGAR: Thank you, kind sir. May your charity come back to you in turn! MALE & FEMALE: Why did you give alms to this beggar? MAN: I saw a man in need. It is not for me to say if he deserves mercy, only that I need provide mercy if I am able. I have the means to help, so I help. If he has the ability to provide for himself and does not, that is on his head, not mine. If I can provide the light of dawn to a man in need, it is my duty to do so. MALE (aside, to Female): He knows Charity, even disguised as a beggar. His mind is open. FEMALE (aside, to Male): Even those with an open mind can be closed down. MALE & FEMALE: Let us continue our journey. They walk to the other edge of the stage, leaving the Beggar behind. They approach the Starving Man, who puts out his hands in supplication STARVING MAN: A crust? A morsel? Please? Surely generosity will not allow you to stand by and let someone starve! MALE: This man is starving. What will you do? He is on the brink of death. Only an act of generosity will save him. FEMALE: What need has this man that he cannot provide for himself? Why should you turn over that which you earned to one who has done no such act and who deserves nothing from you? MALE & FEMALE: What will you do? Again, the man considers what he will do. He reaches into his pocket and retrieves a piece of bread and gives it to the Starving Man. STARVING MAN: Thank you! Thank you, good sir! May your generosity be returned unto you tenfold! MALE & FEMALE: Why did you give food to the hungry? MAN: I saw a man who hungered. It is not for me to say if he deserves a morsel, only that I need provide a morsel if I am able. I have the food to spare, so I give. If I can open a man's eyes to the light, it is my duty to do so. MALE (aside, to Female): He knows Generosity, even disguised as a starving man. His heart is giving. FEMALE (aside, to Male): Even those with a giving heart can be greedy. MALE & FEMALE: We will continue our journey." 1562 "Burn Feel thy hatred twist within thee. Feed thyself on its bile, sustain thyself on its anger. This hatred, this bile, this anger - these shall be the tools for thy rebellion. Let thine heart seethe. There is no satisfaction in open confrontation. Hide thine hatred, let it grow that it may fester. Make thy plots in secret The Quiet Slave stays in the shadows, his face seeks not the light. In darkness doth he work. In darkness doth he move. Rebel against those that seek to control thee. Rebel against those that wish to remove thee." 1563 "With the mention of the name Waidwen, most folk think only one word - Godhammer. While this event echoes through the ages and is still felt years after the destruction of Evon Dewr Bridge, Waidwen's humble beginnings belie the powerful force he would grow into. Waidwen lived an unassuming life in a remote area of Readceras, the son of vorlas farmers. He toiled in the fields alongside his father for 22 years, until his father's death. The farm then fell to him to run. He considered selling, but had no other skills upon which to draw, so he set on the path of vorlas farmer as well. Nothing of note has been recorded in Waidwen's life until 4 years after his father's death. One day, while working the fields, Waidwen's life was irrevocably changed. In his words: ‘Night was falling, the fingers of dusk already gripping the sky. The sun had dipped behind the world's edge and stars were peeking from beyond the Shroud. The day was still and darkness had blanketed the field. I placed my last harvest of the day into the collection pile when from behind me arose a brilliant light. I turned, fear in my breast, knowing not what could have caused such intense radiance. Behind me stood a blazing figure, resplendent in glory. Its white flesh glowed with a luminescent radiance, its head a blinding ball of light, brighter than the highest sun of Mid Year. I averted my gaze, afraid I would be struck down for daring to gaze upon such a creature. A sudden peace washed over me, sweeping away my fear, leaving my troubled soul tranquil. A loving warmth wrapped its arms around me. A voice spoke to me as I stood, transfixed, trying to both see this glorious being and avoid its dazzling scrutiny. "Fear not," it said to me, "for you are chosen above all others. You will be the light to bring about the rebirth of an empire." It then held out its hand and bestowed upon me a vision of power, such that I could scarcely contain it.’ Waidwen, disheveled and dirty, stumbled into his village the next morning, telling all who would listen about the miracle that happened in his fields. Eothas himself, he claimed, had appeared to him. He was to punish the Aedyran governor for leading his people into ruin. A way would be provided and those faithful who helped would be blessed when ‘the divinity manifested.’ Villagers ignored him, convinced the loss of his parents had broken his mind. But Waidwen continued to preach of the power of Eothas and the corruption of the governor, eventually earning him the ire of the locals. His confrontations with the villagers hit a turning point one day in Mid Autumn. A crowd had gathered around Waidwen, jeering him and telling him to leave the village. The vorlas crop that season was particularly light and the villagers blamed Waidwen, saying he had angered the gods, particularly Eothas, with his blasphemy. They backed him into one of the withered fields, yelling at him to go. Accounts of the inciting action are hazy. Some say a stone was thrown, others say he was pushed, other still say he simply tripped over a dry root sticking from the ground. Regardless of the cause, Waidwen landed, face down, on the ground, the villagers standing over him, laughing. ‘Enough!’ a voice, not Waidwen's, boomed across the field. Waidwen looked up at the crowd, his eyes glowing with a blinding white light. He stood, but did not stand. One moment he was on the ground and the next he was standing before the crowd, who cowered before him. ‘You dare deny me?’ the voice spoke through Waidwen's mouth. ‘You dare refuse my servant?’ Waidwen's arms raised, beginning to luminesce. 'You dare require proof?' His arms went out to his sides. ‘Never ask again, lest you be burned in the light of the new dawn!’ There was a flash of light from Waidwen's eyes and hands and the entire field sprang to life. The once dried and brittle plants became full, lush, and verdant. The crowd was silent. From somewhere in the back came a call of ‘Praise Eothas!’ and then they all fell to their knees in front of Waidwen, farmer-turned-god." 1564 "In approximately 2200 AI, a group of tribes called The People of the Deer unified into a new civilization called the Aedyr Kingdom. The tribes, small and widespread over the land, knew it would be better for their continued existence to unify. The leaders of each tribe became advisors to the king, chosen by the group. Each advisor would still be lord over his people, but each lord would answer to the fercönyng (FAYR-cö-ning, "first king"). This decision turned out to be exactly what was needed and the Aedyran Kingdom thrived, spreading out over the land, establishing strong trade routes, and became known to be fair - but shrewd - businessmen. While the country thrived and internally there was little strife, there were still the occasional skirmishes with the neighboring elven kingdom of Kulklin. Not long after the kingdom was formed, the Aedyran people began studying animancy. Still largely unknown at that time, it was an exciting, terrifying new realm that Aedyran scholars saw great potential in. This potential came to bear fruit in 2260 AI, when a group of animancers - working together - transferred the soul of a recently departed man into another body, creating the first of what would later come to be known as the "undead." The reaction to this discovery was swift and decisive. Both the king of Aedyr and the church of Woedica condemned this event and the study or practice of animancy was outlawed. It would never again be practiced openly on Aedyran soil. Conflicts with Kulklin continued, escalating into a minor war in 2398 AI. Afterward, a treaty was signed and the Kingdom of Aedyr merged with Kulklin to form the Aedyr Empire. With the political and military strife now settled, the Aedyr Empire would become an economic powerhouse. Able to provide resources that were hard to find in other parts of the world, their trade routes became some of the most lucrative in the world." 1565 "‘If the blacksmith fails, the armor fails. If the armor fails, the soldier falls.’ - Olrun Cyneheod, first guild master of the Knights of the Crucible. The Knights of the Crucible have one of the most fascinating and rich histories in all of Eora. Currently holding a position as an incredibly influential group in the Dyrwood, they come from humble beginnings. There may not be a single person in all the Dyrwood who knows exactly how much they owe to the Knights. The group has existed for years - long before they even came to be known as "knights." They started as a group of blacksmiths, led by Olrun Cyneheod, who came together to form a guild. Olrun felt it imperative for the members to unify, sharing their knowledge through the guild in order to keep the skills and techniques they had spent their lives perfecting. He called the guild "The Crucible," insisting that, though their work was used for destruction, they should always be remembered as creators. They would be known as the vessel that withstands the fire to deliver new form into the world, forged in the fire and all the stronger for the tribulation. Olrun, being a veteran of many battles, knew the importance of impeccably made armor and weaponry. He also espoused the necessity for members of the guild to be trained in martial combat - "The only true way to make a proper suit of armor is to be the one who must wear it." Olrun led the guild for years, instituting a policy that any man who wanted to join must not only be a skilled blacksmith, but also take the time to learn how to hold himself in battle. He added a training ground to their guild hall and there was scarcely a minute of daylight that didn't see members out on the field, honing their fighting technique. Because of this, the guild earned the nickname ‘Knights of the Crucible.’ They became a de facto militia for the Dyrwood, an honorable group that many turned to for help. They were known to be fair, ethical, and quick to respond. The Knights chose Abydon as their patron, dedicating their works to his name. To honor him, they incorporated his symbol into their own and wore it on their arms. Many of the Knights took this honor further - regardless of what material a suit of armor was made from, something on the right arm was made with iron, celebrating Abydon's moniker, ‘The Iron Arm.’ Both of these traditions are followed by some of the Knights to this day. The Knights’ smithing skill led them to be known throughout the land as the premiere artisans of their craft, leading people to call any item of exquisite quality "of the Crucible." Their training and dedication truly came into play during the War of Defiance (locally known as Hadret's Rebellion). Olrun, knowing the importance winning this war, sent out a call - all able-bodied Knights were to join the militia. They quickly proved invaluable to the cause and helped turned the tide of the rebellion. This was particularly true in the Battle of Defiance Bay. Admeth had already been lost in a previous battle and morale for the Dyrwoodan militia was failing. With the help of Glanfathan astrologers, the Knights were able to rout the imperial forces and secure victory for Dyrwood. The new duc, grateful for the help, and knowing that without the Knights, the Dyrwood never would have survived, made a decree. The Knights would thenceforth be welcomed into the duc's castle and become his official royal guard. In recent years, the ‘crucible’ aspect has fallen by the wayside in favor of ‘knight.’ The requirement that the members be proficient in both smithing and martial combat has loosened to the point that anyone who applies is guaranteed entrance, even if they possess little or no smithing experience. This is an allegation that is vehemently denied by the Knights. " 1566 "Anni Iroccio: The New Year While only 150 years old (and of Vailian origin as well), the Iroccian calendar is currently used throughout most of the Dyrwood and the surrounding areas. While the Dyrwood was using the Aedyran calendar until recently, they gave it up in favor of the Iroccian calendar. The transition was easy to get people to make because the Aedyran calendar was hopelessly inaccurate. Iroccio calculated that it takes the planet approximately 334 days to orbit the sun, so he took the nine months from the Aedyran calendar and broke them into sixteen months of twenty days each, with each season consisting of four months. The length of each month corresponds to how long it takes Belafa (one of our moons) to circle the planet. At the end of each season, three days - not part of either season - are set aside for people to celebrate the transitions. Lastly, the final two days of the year - New Year and Mid Year - are used to observe the beginning and midpoint of the year. To prevent any confusion for the transition from the old calendar to the new, Iroccio kept the year the same. So, although the calendar has only been in existence for 150 years, it is currently 2823 AI (Anni Iroccio). Iroccio gave the months Vailian names, but in the Dyrwood and surrounding areas, they call them by their translated names. The year is broken down in the following way - New Year - A day to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Of all the holidays, this one is celebrated by most people around the Dyrwood and the Vailian Republics. Each new year is greeted with a fervent zeal to begin things anew and start with a fresh slate. Winter Months (Two at the beginning of the year and two at the end) Deep Winter - Fonivèrno Late Winter - Tarivèrno Spring Dawn (3 days) - Inprima - Used to celebrate the transition of the world, rebirth, and Spring. Eothasian festivals are especially prevalent at this time, or were, prior to the Saint’s War. Spring Months Early Spring - Préprima Mid Spring - Majprima Deep Spring - Fonprima Late Spring - Tarprima Summer Rising (3 days) - Inestu - A period of transition from birth to growth. Many ceremonies designed to usher children into adulthood take place during Summer Rising. Summer Months (and Mid Year) Early Summer - Préëstu Mid Summer - Majestu Mid Year - A day of reflection and introspection. The year is half over. People who made promises on New Year use Mid Year to assess their progress and renew their oaths. Deep Summer - Fonestu Late Summer - Tarestu Autumn Falling (3 days) - Inauton - Harvest celebrations happen during Autumn Falling if the crops were particularly bountiful. If the harvest was small, supplication is given to the gods asking for a better harvest the following year. Autumn Months Early Autumn - Préauton Mid Autumn - Majauton Deep Autumn - Fonauton Late Autumn - Tarauton Winter Dusk (3 days) - Inivèrno (ihn-ih-VEHR-no) - Winter Dusk is filled with celebrations of life and vigils for the dead. The world is returning to sleep, plants die, and those still alive raise a toast to another year. Winter Months Early Winter - Préïvèrno (pree-ih-VEHR-no) Mid Winter - Majivèrno (mahzh-ih-VEHR-no)" 1567 "Scarcely a decade ago, on the Evon Dewr Bridge, seven men and five women fought valiantly to protect their homeland. They volunteered for the mission knowing it was up to them, and them alone, to prevent St. Waidwen from crossing the bridge. They succeeded, even though they lost all but four of their number in the battle, and Waidwen was on the bridge when the Godhammer detonated. The final four were lost in the blast as well, their sacrifice a testament to their dedication. The Dozens, a group ostensibly formed for the protection of the Dyrwood, was founded in the honor of those men and women. Indeed, those twelve men and women are posthumously regarded by the Dozens as their true ‘founders.’ Initially, the group dedicated itself to protecting Dyrwood from invasion, patrolling the borders tirelessly in search of Readceran forces regrouping for another attack. When that attack never materialized, many of the Dozens thought the next threat might come from Eothasian loyalists living in Dyrwood and began to turn their attention within. All new members of the Dozens are required to swear an oath to remember the sacrifice of their founders and remain vigilant against Readceras and any followers of Eothas. To this end, worshipers of Eothas are routinely harassed by the Dozens. The mindset of this group may be hard for some to understand as any fanatical devotion can sometimes overshadow the ideals. But the original "Dozen" knowingly sacrificed their lives for Dyrwood. From the Dozens’ perspective, how can new members of the Dozens be any less committed to their country’s welfare? What better way could there be to honor their founders? The Dozens are not a large group, but what they lack in size, they make up in fervent devotion to their cause and a gift for gaining the ear of commoners. This makes them a force to be reckoned with, and there is no more influential group in shaping the discourse surrounding Waidwen’s Legacy. A small but very vocal minority of extremists in the group are calling for a new war with Readceras. Talk of purging the Dyrwood of all followers of Eothas is also being touted. More recently they have begun to see in the practice of animancy a possible cause to the Legacy, and they have taken to the streets of Defiance Bay and the dirt roads of many distant settlements to make their case to the general public. Some point to this as one source of a recent surge in vigilantism and violence in the country." 1568 "No other land has such a wild and bloody recent history. From colony to palatinate to free republic, the Dyrwood has undergone a trial by fire to emerge as a powerful force of the Eastern Reach. Dyrwood's history actually begins in Aedyr in 2602 AI. Aedyre explorers returned from a journey across the ocean with tales of the treasures they'd found. They'd discovered countless ruins scattered through the forests as well as plains to the north of the trees that would be perfect for growing vorlas. There was a problem, however - the locals were hostile and there was potential for conflict. The fercönyng of Aedyr (FAYR-cö-ning, "first king") knew that this was too good an opportunity to pass up and sent more explorers to scout and map the area. Exploration continued over the next twenty years. Small groups of explorers traveled back and forth between Aedyr and this new world with a handful of colonists setting up small camps to establish a base for the explorers to work out of. Conflicts with the locals - who the Aedyrans learned are called the Glanfathans - were rare, but frequent enough for the fercönyng to send a small squadron of guards to help protect his citizens. These guards established a central base on a river in the western section of the woods. This settlement would eventually become the city of Dyrford (upon which the modern day village of the same name is presently built). Once that base was established, the first permanent Aedyran settlements began north and west of the Bael River. Over the next three years, thousands of Aedyrans made the trek from Aedyr to this new land. The Glanfathans, who seemed to revere the ruins scattered through the forest, caused a few problems with some of the settlements - especially those founded near the ruins themselves. These were easily taken care of by the colonists with the help of the imperial guard. The Aedyrans, in order to further their foothold in the area, reduced the cost of production, and in an attempt to keep the Glanfathan population under control, started making slaves out of any Glanfathans captured during the uprisings. This resulted in a great increase in tension between the two groups. With the population of the area growing, an official governmental structure was established by the fercönyng. He appointed several erls to preside over the land and assigned them thayns to help run their territories, and they called the new gréfram the Dyrwood. Dyrford remained the center for the imperial guard, but the settlement in Pearlwood Gulf, New Dunryd, was the true seat of power for the area. Sitting at the edge of the ocean, forest, fertile farmland, and a river that runs from the coast to the White March, settlers flocked to the area, hoping to establish names for themselves. Aedyr began to spread across the new land." 1569 "As I have stated, not much is known about this group by the world at large because they don't welcome outsiders into their numbers. While many believe they are xenophobic and openly hostile to all who enter Eir Glanfath, the truth doesn't seem to be as broad or deadly - and certainly not that simple. There are many places in Eir Glanfath that could be called ‘magical’ or ‘sacred’ to the Glanfathans. One legend states that the Engwithans, who had suddenly abandoned their kingdom and left for places unknown, took the time to guide the ancient Glanfathan tribes into the now vacant land. The Glanfathans were gifted with the fertile area as their new homeland, but in return for being given such a gift, an oath was required. The Glanfathans were instructed to protect the Engwithan ruins until such time as they could return and reclaim the ruins. They were required to swear that no living person, including the Glanfathans themselves, would be permitted entrance into the ruins. Differing accounts suggest that the Glanfathans were promised more than a homeland - that the Engwithans were the favored people of the gods, and that keeping their oaths would confer similar benefits to the Glanfathans in the end. Oddly, the rules do not seem to apply as strictly within the borders of Twin Elms, a site built upon a large concentration of Engwithan structures. But it would seem that this is unlikely a selective oversight on the part of the Glanfathans and more probably part of the terms of the original compact. In any case, the Glanfathans came to take their role as guardians seriously, revering the sites and developing rituals designed to protect and guard the ruins. Over time, these rituals became rote formality to some, as much legend and superstition as any other stories passed down. This is not to say the Glanfathans ceased all attempts to uphold their oath (see the section about the Ten Years Treaties in my book about Admeth Hadret), but the intense devotion to the oath tended to vary from tribe to tribe and clan to clan. Not so with the Fangs, however. The Fangs are a group joined not by ties of kinship or even community, but of belief. Of all the groups of Eir Glanfath, it is the Fangs who seem most intent on keeping the promise their ancestors made to the Engwithans. Just because their fanaticism and zeal are not as widely sweeping as many think does not make them any less dangerous. The Fangs are not known to reason with those they view as transgressors. If they feel you have in any way have violated the sanctity of a sacred space, their judgment is swift and exact. Reports of the Fangs attacks can be found in records dating back to the first colonial explorations of Eir Glanfath, and even the smallest of a perceived slight can be worthy of execution. The order itself seems to consist mainly of hunters. Whether they are recruited as skilled hunters or trained once they gain access to the order, it is unknown. From all accounts, once they join the Fangs, hunting game falls second behind patrolling Eir Glanfath and protecting the ruins, so it is the author’s opinion that it is the former." 1570 "One day, Eothas was sitting on a wall, watching a cat play in the sun. A crystal, hung in a nearby tree, had fragmented a sunbeam and scattered small motes of light on the ground. They danced around the cat, sliding over him as he frantically batted at them. He spun in place, following one as it rushed past him, and leaped on it, trying to pin it down. Eothas smiled, amused at the animal's tenacity. The cat landed on a spot, placing his paws over it only to watch it flit away again. Eothas watched the cat's tail twitch and slap at the ground, annoyed that his prey could not be pinned. ‘Why must you tease him?' a voice said from behind him, accompanied by the crunch of sandals on gravel. ‘I merely bring the dawn,' Eothas responded. ‘I don't stoke the hunter's heart. That's your responsibility, isn't it?' ‘True,' said a second voice, ‘but neither do you quell it. If the hunter could not see his prey, would he still hunt?' ‘So philosophical, Hylea,' Eothas said and turned to greet the two gods that approached him. ‘Have you come to debate the parallel between sight and desire?' He gestured to the wall, inviting Hylea and Galawain to join him. They sat in silence, watching the cat who continued to hunt the sun, fruitlessly swatting at another mote and then rolling onto his back. ‘I have created the ultimate prey,' Eothas said finally, breaking the silence. ‘It can be tracked. It can be followed. It can be seen. But it can never be caught.' Galawain laughed lightly. ‘You don't agree, Galawain?' Eothas asked. ‘While it's true that your creation is elusive, it hardly can be considered the ultimate prey because it never can be caught.' He paused, his brow furrowed in thought. ‘If that mote of light had substance, the hunter could subdue it. Otherwise, it's merely a dream - truly a fruitless endeavor.' ‘All creatures spend their lives chasing fruitless endeavors,' said Hylea. ‘It is the way of mortality.' Galawain laughed again. ‘I could create a creature - a living creature of flesh and blood - that could never be caught. I make your dream a reality.' Now it was Eothas' turn to laugh. ‘You propose turning a fruitless dream into a fruitless reality! How is this any better?' ‘A life spent in the pursuit of an attainable goal far exceeds any other.' ‘But you just said no one could catch this creature! This is not attainable!' Galawain smiled. ‘Humanity has surprised us before. Indeed it could surprise us again. I will create a great white stag and I will set it free in the world. It will have grace, resilience, and tenacity. It will exist solely to be pursued for all its days, and it will never be caught. It will serve to inspire the hunt for generations to come. All those who wish for glory will invoke my name. All those who hear its story will ask for my blessing in finding it.' Hylea shook her head, and threw Galawain a bemused look. ‘I do not believe this is possible. So I, too, make an offer. To the person who catches this stag - and they will catch the stag - I will bestow upon them its grace, resilience, and tenacity. Thrice blessed they will be. They will ask for my blessing on the hunt so they can obtain my boon.' Galawain and Hylea took up arguing whose name would be invoked more when the hunt was on. Eothas sighed, a small smile playing at the edges of his mouth. He stood and looked to the sky. The sun had already started to hide itself behind the mountains. The cat, long ago tired of the stalking the motes, had fallen asleep beneath the tree. He turned and looked at the other gods, deep in debate, and sighed again. ‘I merely bring the dawn,' he repeated as he made his way down the path, ‘it is up to you to see what I reveal.'" 1571 "Look up into the night sky and you'll see the moon Belafa. Ubiquitous and persistent, she remains forever in view but also forever out of reach. What many people do not know, however is that our world is actually orbited by two moons: Belafa and Cawldha. Belafa Hanging low and large in the sky, Belafa travels swiftly in her race around the world - completing an orbit in about eighteen days. This proximity and speed can cause extreme tide conditions in some areas, making the seas shift so quickly and rise so high that there are some beautiful coastal areas that are virtually uninhabitable for a good portion of the year. Before we learned the truth behind the cause of the tides, legend held that Ondra, the goddess of the sea, was in love with the moon and when she saw it in the sky the tides, great waves, and violent storms that happened were her attempts to reach it. This is why the moon is formally called Senn Belafa or Ondran Belafa - The Beloved or Ondra's Beloved. Cawldha 315 years ago, the Grand Empire of Vailia suffered from terrible storms and terrifyingly high and low tides. Records show the same thing was happening in the Aedyr Empire and that several new Aedyran colonies along the Dyrwood coast were completely destroyed by storms and high tides that engulfed the settlements. At that time, during an eclipse, Glanfathan astronomers spotted something small orbiting near the edge of Belafa. After much study, they realized it was a small satellite with an extremely irregular orbit. They called it Cawldha Debh, or The Black Runner. Since it is smaller than Belafa, it doesn't have much effect on the world, but when it aligns with Belafa's orbit, it wreaks havoc on the tides and weather everywhere. This happens with an erratic frequency and severity and have been dubbed ‘Lovers' Tides.’ Cawldha has been rolled into the Ondra myth and when they are both in sight, her desire to reach them is increased tenfold, which is what causes the terrible weather." 1572 "There is much debate with historians as to when the Saint's War really began. It is widely accepted that the event that instigated it was the sanctuary flight of Readceran citizens to the Dyrwood. This led to direct strife between the two nations that escalated into battle - The Saint's War. But it is the author’s opinion that the war truly started many years before. After the Miracle of the Verdant Vorlas (as it came to be known), Waidwen quickly gathered followers, drawn to the stories of Eothas' miraculous prophet. His power grew. Eventually, Waidwen had gained enough support that he confronted the imperial governor. Assisted by a collection knights and nobles who had been swayed to his cause, he marched on the capital city. The governor was allowed to live, but was forced to abdicate power and leave the colony. This was not from any understanding or easy acquiescence from the governor, but because of what happened when Waidwen entered the governor's palace. As Waidwen approached the governor, according to accounts, his body turned into something that was no longer human. His flesh became luminescent and his head transformed into pure, blinding light. (Other accounts suggest that Waidwen had become a being of light at an earlier time, when he was whipped in the public square. The outcome of his visit to the palace, however, is uncontested.) The governor, knowing there was no way he could oppose an avatar of Eothas, relinquished his power. The people then asked Waidwen to lead the colony. He accepted, earning him the name ‘Divine King’ of Readceras. Waidwen's rule was virtually uncontested. Initially this was because everyone was awed that a god had chosen to manifest himself and lead his people. This changed as Waidwen began punishing the allies of the old empire and the ‘poison on the world’ - what he considered corrupt churches or church leaders of Eothas. Scrutiny escalated and soon worshipers of Eothas were also being punished for mere perceptions of heresy. Members of other religions were also added to the list of the persecuted for following different faiths. This caused large segments of the population to flee Readceras for the Dyrwood, begging for sanctuary. This caused strife between the two nations. The people of the Dyrwood knew that they could not sustain explosive population growth if Waidwen's rule were to continue unchecked. They also feared that his eye would turn from Readceras and land on them next if nothing was done. This was exactly what ultimately happened, and open war broke out as Waidwen moved to spread his dominion into the lands of Dyrwood." 1573 "How long have I been wandering? I can no longer tell. The days in endless white, the cold breath of the wilderness biting at my neck. All I feel is the insistent hand of the wind pushing me forward. Where is it taking me? Where did it start? On the boat? Was there a boat? I remember one. A storm? And disaster. If I dwell on it long enough, my mind rebels. So I walk. And she appears to me. How many times has it been? Once? Have I seen her before or is this the first time? Did she ever leave? All my mind can do is ask questions. Each question leads to another question. The answers frighten me. So I walk. She stands with her head cast down. Long, white hair hangs in front of her face, obscuring it from my view. She holds out a hand. Pale. Thin. Palm up. She wants my help. She wants my soul. Something screams, inhuman and primal. It overtakes me from behind, wrapping me in a terrifying blanket of sound. My skin contracts as chills course through me. I turn to face my pursuer and see only a vast, white emptiness. She is gone, like every time before. Was this the first time? Has she gone before? My stomach answers with a growl. Hunger. The beast consumes me from the inside and there is no stopping it. I must eat. I see water. Am I seeing it now? Is this a memory? Confusion slips its fingers inside my head and murmurs softly. I cannot quite hear it. I strain to no avail. The water remains. It must be here. I drop to my knees and hear the whisper-light crack of the ice beneath my knees. I am sitting in the lee of an ice mountain. The protection it provides does little to prevent the wind from driving the pins of snow into my flesh. I am shaking. Where is my left hand? I move it. Nothing. I look down and see it moving. It is wet and caked with ice. My head falls back against the ice and I press the edges of my memory. My brain whispers back with a soft cracking sound and a scream. Wood on wood. Tearing. Cracking. I close my eyes against the onslaught. She appears before me again. Again? Time fragments and blows around me like the snow that obscures my vision. I am walking. My hand is on fire. I feel the needles piercing my fingers as she reaches hers out to me. She raises her head, black eyes staring blankly. Her mouth opens and closes - but if she speaks, I cannot hear it. The scream again. Closer this time. If I still had emotion, I would be quaking. I turn as I have so many times before to see what monster has found me and she is there behind me. She puts her hand on my chest. The cold burns me through my clothes. She leans in, her mouth presses against my ear. ‘We are waiting.’ I open my eyes. I lie on the ground. I see torn fabric, rocks, a broken wooden box. An unsuccessful campfire. Where did it come from? Did I make it? How did I get here? I roll onto my back, unable to stand. Exhaustion sits on my chest and holds me down. She stands above me. I see frozen tears on her cheeks. She does not move. She does not threaten me. But I know this is the end. Her mouth opens. The inhuman scream that erupts from within her digs through the blackness that shrouds my mind and I see her. The wood that tore beneath her feet. The water that swallowed her. She fades, replaced by the face of the devil that has followed me. Was it always there? In my madness, did I view it in a different form? Is anything in my mind true? Time bleeds. My vision shimmers, distorting the face that approaches. Its dark eyes watch closely as it walks forward. Its fur is matted and stained. Its fangs glisten in the fading light. Its enormous hands, tipped with jagged blades, rise above my head. I close my eyes. ‘I am coming.’" 1574 "Only the heartiest of explorers would dare take the long, dangerous trek to the Living Lands. While there is no denying its beauty - the diversity of plant life alone is an herbologist’s dream - the inherent risk in blithely trekking through these pristine hills is more than most should undertake. Let me take a moment to tell you about the land itself - rolling hills, greenery, and sun. The whole area feels like a succession of hills and valleys, each with its own ecosystem. While that declaration is a tad extreme, it can almost be said to be true. The combination of sun, geographical location, proximity to fresh water, valley depth, and the existence of hot springs have given the Living Lands a wide breadth of flora and fauna. Walk down a hillside into a valley and you will find lush, verdant hills. Climb the next rise and you might see nothing but rock and boiling mineral springs. And the creatures! In my travels, I've seen it all and this place never ceases to amaze me! Trolls I will never forget my encounter with the trolls of the Living Lands. I had just narrowly avoided being consumed by a giant plant (more on that later) and was running as fast as I could to get away from it. I broke the crest of the hill and the valley below was wide, green, wet, and covered with low, thick-branched trees. Vines grew everywhere! Between the trees, across the tops of them, down to the ground - it as a mess of vine and green. Cautiously, I worked my way down toward the basin, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious. And it's a good thing I did so! I noticed not all the trees appeared to be trees. I froze, dropping to the ground in an effort to minimize my appearance. One of the trees moved, lumbering slowly away from the cluster. It's then that I realized it was a troll, stepping out from among the group of trees it had been resting against. With a few more steps, I would have walked right into their home! The camouflage these trolls exhibited far exceed any I had ever seen before. I hope to return again in the future and observe them more. Insects While I have never seen them, I have read reports of giant insects in the Living Lands. Centipedes, flies, mosquitoes, and hornets all ten times the size you would see them elsewhere! Imagine making camp - you've just gotten everything set up. There's a nice fire going next to your shelter. Something is gently simmering in the cooking pot. You sit down, finally feeling like you can relax after a trying day. You feel a tickling at your feet, insistent and prolonged. Reaching down to brush whatever it is away, your hand comes in contact with something hard, long, and flexible winding its way around your boot. You look down to see a centipede the size of your arm casually making its way over your feet, toward the far side of your camp. You would get out of that camp, wouldn't you? That's exactly what my friend did when he realized he had started his fire over a centipede nest. Plants And lest we forget - do not let your guard down around the plants! I had discovered a wonderful collection of giant flowers. They were bright pink and grew in a circle around a central stalk. What an aroma! I lack the words to describe how delectable it was. Sweet, fruity, and light with just a hint of something tangy. Looking closer, I saw some berries growing on the stalk in the center of the flowers. Well, I just had to have them! So I started pushing my way through the flowers. Then the vines growing around the base of the plant began to twitch and the blooms turned toward me. It was at that moment I saw the blooms weren't actually flowers, but hinged jaws! I had been fooled by its camouflage! I quickly retreated, pushing my way back out - just in time. The blooms slammed shut. If I had still been standing there, trying in vain to reach the berries, I wouldn't be writing this book today." 1575 "Scene: Laia watches Bernat approach Favia's tree, looking for her human form. LAIA: Behold, now comes the fun, That for which I have waited. His love is forfeit, her life is forfeit And all I have worked toward shall be fulfilled. He says he knows his love He says no force in the world could keep him from her But what chance has force against guile? Never will he find his love for she is no longer his love The spell cannot be undone except by her death And by then, it will be too late. But, wait, he has seen her! Laia steps back to observe. FAVIA: Pray, mortal, why have you come here? These woods are not for your kind. The affairs of men have no place at this tree. Leave. Leave ere your welcome lapses! BERNAT: Foul creature! Where is my love? What have you done with her? Always this has been the station for our encounters. Never before have I seen you. Where is my love? Answer. Answer ere my patience lapses! FAVIA: Fool! This is my land and this is my tree. Your presence never before has been felt. Again I say to you leave! My generosity will not be extended a third time. Laia steps forward again. LAIA: Talk? Discussion? I know the way to hurry the conclusion of this tale! Laia takes a breath and extends her throat as if she's yelling, a scream comes from the copse of trees where the pŵgra stands. BERNAT: My love! Bernat steps forward, brandishing his sword. BERNAT: Prepare yourself, wretch! For not even death can stand between me and my love. I will have her from you Or you will meet your end. Bernat moves toward Favia, who closes to fight. They fight. During the fight, Bernat is grievously injured as he delivers the killing blow to Favia. She falls to the ground and as she dies, the spell on her breaks, transforming her back into her delemgan form. FAVIA: Bernat. Bernat. My Bernat, my love, what have you done to me? What was it I said? What was it I did? Has our love soured in your heart? BERNAT: Favia! My love! My life! What foul sorcery has befallen you? How have you come to be laid low by my hand? Fie! Fie to the gods for such treachery! Fie to all who stood in our way! FAVIA: Fear not, my beloved For now we are together And together will always will be. Nothing can keep us apart. But, lo! Why is it suddenly so dark? Where has the sun gone? Where are you? I cannot see you. I will find you. I will... Favia dies. BERNAT: A curse upon the fiend who has betrayed me! To hold love in your hand and have it wrenched away. Bernat winces and puts his hand in his shirt, it comes out covered in blood. BERNAT: What luck! What chance! Tragedy may yet turn to fortune! Favia, my love! Soon I will rest in your arms! We will lie together again as one and forever shall we be side by side! I go now to meet my love. Berath, I accept your cold embrace. I welcome your company. I beg your mercy. Bernat lies down next to Favia's body. BERNAT: I am ready. Bernat dies. Laia steps out from her hiding spot and runs to Bernat's body. LAIA: Bernat! You fool! You wretch! How can you leave me? I am alone! I am forgotten! I am cast out! Without your love, how can I continue? Life holds no thrall without your visage upon which I may gaze. What shall I do? But here! My salvation! My answer! Laia picks up Bernat's sword. LAIA: His blade. His weapon. I shall be impaled upon him and he shall cut through me. I will not be denied my love! I will not be denied, my love! You will be mine! If not in this life, then in the next! Laia impales herself on the sword. LAIA: I come for you, my love, my Bernat! Wait for me and I will find you! We shall love forever! Laia dies." 1576 "Ye exiles, ye broken, fear not the vengeance of the Burned Queen. She watches from her throne, ever vigilant. She hears the oath thou doth speak at her altar. She hears the oath thou doth speak in thine home. She hears the oath thou doth speak in the dark. For ye who would keep thy word, thou shalt escape the justice of her gaze. Beware, ye liars, ye unfaithful. Beware, ye with a hardened heart. Beware, for the eye of Woedica will not be blinded. She hears the sundered oath. She is not fooled by the winding path. She attends the broken promise. She sees the deceiver. There is no shadow too dark. Her gaze will find thee. Her justice will not be restrained. The fires of justice will never be quenched. The throne will crack The law will burn But the queen that was always will be. Speak not an untruth or thy tongue will be bound. Remember thy place. Remember thine oath. Remember thy queen." 1577 Legend has it that this red cloak was once worn by a famed swordsman of the Deadfire Archipelago. He sailed a caravel, navigating the island chain and dodging pirate ships as he delivered valuable cargo for his clients. He was known for his speed and cunning on the high seas - few pirates managed to catch up to him, and those that did quickly regretted it. 1578 The Dyrwood, Part 2: The Broken Stone War 1579 "In 2626 AI, a group of farmers, while clearing farmland for planting, accidentally knocked down one of the ancient adra menhirs on their land. This innocent act drew the ire of the native population and started what would come to be known as the Broken Stone War. When it was finally over, several thousand colonists have been killed as well as hundreds of the Glanfathans. Even though the war was technically over, the Glanfathans escalated their attacks on the settlers over the next two years using vicious tactics that left many colonists, several military figures, an erl, and six thayns dead. Unable to stop the Glanfathan attacks, the erls elected erl Edrang Hadret to the position of gréf . Well respected and known to be a master of military tactics, he was tasked with dealing with the Glanfathan threat. Edrang fought with the Glanfathans, led by an orlan named Regd, for the next two years. Neither side can gain the upper hand on the other resulting in a tense stalemate between the two groups. Because of this stalemate, the hostilities slowly died off and in 2631, the Dyrwoodan people signed a treaty with the Glanfathans. Regd would step down, the Glanfathans would stop their attacks altogether, and the Dyrwoodan people would leave the ruins alone. This treaty angered the nobility in Aedyr, as it brought to a halt the supply of artifacts. Edrang also tried to get the practice of slavery outlawed, but this was not successful. Because of this, the peace between the Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath is uneasy and tumultuous. Small patches of rural violence still cropped up, but were easily dealt with, as neither side wanted another war." 1580 The Dyrwood, Part 3: The War of Black Trees and the Rise of Admeth Hadret 1581 "After the Broken Stone War, the Dyrwood would see peace and prosperity for 21 years. Aside from the occasional slave uprising or border dispute, nothing of any note happened until 2652 AI. Some of the Dyrwoodan erls, tired of being restricted by the treaties, and encouraged by imperial sources, defied the decrees and actively sent people to loot the ruins in the Dyrwood. Response from the Glanfathans was not immediate, but when it came it was brutal and bloody. There was a slave uprising and Regd resumed control of his guerrilla fighters. A contingent of delemgan joined the forces as well, making the fights in the forest even more deadly for the Dyrwoodan soldiers. Edrang, then far too old to lead Dyrwood in the war, sent his son Admeth to deal with the situation. Admeth, showing the same tactical prowess as his father, set fire to the forest at the Isce Uar River and then blocks the forces retreating from the inferno. Some of the Glanfathans escape, but thousands would die in the blaze. Regd is captured and sent to holding in New Heomar. The goes on for several months and Admeth uses this same tactic many times to flush Glanfathans and delemgan from the battlefield. The entire war lasts less than a year. The Dyrwood eventually wins, but at a terrible price. This conflict would come to be known as The War of Black Trees. Tragedy struck the Dyrwood in 2654 when Edrang, whose health had been waning, succumbed and passed into the Cycle. Regd, who had developed a begrudging respect for his constant adversary over the years they had fought, sent Admeth his sincere condolences from captivity in New Heomar. Admeth assumed his father's place as gréf over the Dyrwood. The other erls disliked this development and began publicly rebuking Admeth's decrees. In 2655 AI, Admeth, tired of the problems caused by the recalcitrant erls, but having support of the new Vailian ducs and the common folk of Dyrwood (having saved them from the Glanfathans) delivers an ultimatum to the fercönyng of Aedyr. He demands to be made a gréf palatine. This move would give him authority and power over all the erls, their holdings, and their titles. Dyrwood would become a palatinate instead of a gréfram. The fercönyng, who did not want to have to deal with a rebellion while trying to establish a hold on the vorlas trade network in Readceras, begrudgingly agreed to Admeth's demands. Admeth would use this new power to bring all the erls in line. As a trade-off for being given the power, Admeth put money and resources into all of the Dyrwood's ports to increase shipping traffic. In turn, this increased the fercönyng's income. Under Admeth's rule, the Dyrwood saw seven productive and profitable years. In 2662 AI, he did what had been tried for many years without success - bringing slavery to an end in the Dyrwood. He negotiated the ‘Ten Years’ treaties (so called because it has been ten years since The War of Black Trees). A timeline was established in which the slaves will be released. The owners would be compensated with money or land for each slave released. If they did not comply, the slaves would be taken and a fine will be levied against the owner. In return, the Glanfathans would open trade with the Dyrwood and cede some of their territories to the Dyrwoodan government (in practice meaning they would stop contesting the presence of those who lived and ruled there). Hundreds of coopers attempted to rebel against this. Admeth, expecting just such a reaction, reacted accordingly and the rebellion was quickly crushed. His agents then spread propaganda through the populace, making the Coopers' Rebellion and its instigators seemed far worse than they truly were. This tactic worked and there would be no more trouble." 1582 Those willing to brave the wild places beyond the boundaries of civilization soon find themselves hardier for their efforts. It is a journey reflected in this battered but sturdy cap. Through harsh weather and the deadliest of circumstances, this hat will keep one's head warm. 1583 The Dyrwood, Part 4: Hadret's Rebellion 1584 "Animancy, outlawed while under Aedyr rule, was technically no longer taboo after Hadret’s Rebellion. Academics began its study again in earnest in 2681 AI. By 2697 AI, there were almost 40 academics actively researching the field both in the Dyrwood and the Vailian Republics, even though no significant results had been discovered. A tragic breakthrough of sorts happened in 2704 AI. An animancer working in Baelreach accidentally shattered the souls of about a dozen volunteers who had been helping him. In retaliation for the deaths, the citizens of the area stormed his house and killed him. The erl of the region, not wanting to waste resources or anger the locals any more than they already were, did nothing to find the head of the vigilante mob, but neither did he outlaw animancy. To ensure their own safety, most animancers moved from the rural areas where they were studying and settled in Defiance Bay, many of them choosing the emerging and wealthy district of Brackenbury as their new home of operations. While there were still a few breakthroughs and the study of animancy continued for the next 24 years, it quickly slowed as it became cost-prohibitive and complicated the more people learned about it. Most animancers couldn't afford to continue research without the support of donations or gifts from wealthy individuals and organizations. In 2737 AI, some animancers, desperate to continue their studies and seeing no other means of furthering their research, entered the forbidden ruins of Eir Glanfath to further their research. They discovered some such sites had strange artifacts that seemed to bear affinity to soul essence, and began to prod at the devices for further insight. Even with continued research, they are unable to tell quite what they have discovered. Eventually they were found out by the Glanfathans, who captured some of them, demanding they be punished for their crimes. The Dyrwoodan authorities, in order to maintain their treaties and keep the peace, had no choice - they allowed the animancers to be executed according to Glanfathan tradition. This led the duc to make an additional proclamation - the study and practice of animancy on, or even near, the sacred Glanfathan sites, would be punishable by death. In 2780 AI, in order to solidify relations again with the Glanfathans, the Dyrwoodan government allowed some animancers to begin training and experiments in conjunction with the Glanfathan ‘mind hunters’ - their native ciphers. This was an exchange of information. The animancers documented the secrets of the mind hunters powers. The mind hunters learned new techniques for concentration which assisted them in taking their powers to a level no Glanfathan had seen before. The ciphers, no longer wary of the animancers intentions, trusted them to such a level that they convinced the Glanfathans to give some animancers limited access to some of the training sites where the Glanfathans practiced. The anamfaths of the Glanfathan tribes opened the training grounds to the animancers. They were not allowed inside - as this was still strictly forbidden - but the general allowances by the Glanfathans were seen as a breakthrough in relations between the Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath. Over the next eight years, the animancers’ research would continue unimpeded. With the exception of some minor squabbles, there has been no major strife between the two groups for almost 120 years since." 1585 The Dyrwood, Part 6: The Saint's War and Waidwen's Legacy 1586 "In 2807 AI, war returned to the Dyrwood. St. Waidwen, transformed supposedly into a living incarnation of Eothas, marched on the Dyrwood from Readceras, beginning The Saint's War. The Dyrwood rallied at Halgot Citadel and took the battle to him in Readceras, attempting to prevent as much damage to their own land as they could. Even though there were devastating losses for the Dyrwoodan forces, using Hadret's military techniques combined with Galven Regd's strategies, they were able to secure a few victories for themselves as well. Readceran forces made their way into the Dyrwood through White March - unopposed by the locals at Cold Morn - leaving Mercy Vale burned and devastated. The contempt the Dyrwoodans have for Cold Morn for this betrayal lasts well after the war ends. Desperate to end the war and eliminate St. Waidwen, the Magranic clergy of Dyrwood developed a special bomb that was hidden beneath the bridge at Halgot Citadel. Intending to lure Waidwen to the bridge and then detonate it. Their ploy succeeded and St. Waidwen was completely destroyed, along with most of the forces with him and the entire bridge. The twelve Dyrwoodan men and women who volunteered to delay St. Waidwen on the bridge were also lost, their sacrifice and martyrdom celebrated by the Dyrwood in the ensuing years. The bomb would come to be known as the Godhammer, and soon after the battle, the citadel was renamed ‘Godhammer Citadel.’ St. Waidwen's forces were easily routed after his death and the Dyrwood set about rebuilding from the first major conflict in over a century. In retaliation for St. Waidwen's action on Eothas' part, many Eothasian followers were purged from Dyrwoodan communities or driven out via social pressure. Less than a year after the devastation of The Saint's War, tragedy hit again. In 2809 AI, the first Hollowborn was reported in the Dyrwood. Many of these poor creatures died within weeks or months of being born. The outcry from the populace calls for blame or punishment be leveled against someone, whether it be the gods, the mothers, the government, or the Eothasian followers. Responding to great sociopolitical pressure to try and help the Hollowborn, animancers developed a process to transplant animal souls into the infants, that they might develop survival instincts and even a basic personality. The process seemed successful, so it was repeated on tens of thousands of Hollowborn, even though many animancers disagreed with the technique, worried about the ethical implications. These protests were largely ignored and discounted. The process was soon named "Salvation" and the Hollowborn given souls this way were called the "Saved." Five years after the first Hollowborn - an orlan girl - is saved, she entered puberty. In a matter of mere weeks, she transformed into a ravenous, feral creature devoid of all conscience. Soon, all of the Saved would experience the same fate. Each one, upon reaching puberty, would transform into what the locals called ‘wichts’ (uncontrollable children). After researching the problem, animancers discovered an incompatibility between the animal souls and the children’s bodies. This fueled the parents' anger (as many of them had to kill their wicht children). The animancers responsible were widely denounced and many of them were dragged from their homes, beaten, and - in many case - killed. Most surviving animancers left the rural areas en masse and headed to Defiance Bay. Others left the area completely, moving to the Vailian Republics to study in peace." 1587 "The rural communities loved Admeth Hadret, considering him the best leader they'd ever had. In Aedyr, the fercönyng rankled against his usurpations of imperial authority, but no longer had the necessary power to truly undo anything that had happened. Two years later, in 2664 AI, the fercönyng found allies willing to explore the ruins (against the treaty conditions) and plundered them for their artifacts. This was done discretely at first, but they eventually became careless. The agents were discovered and arrested, but there was no evidence pointing back to the fercönyng. Admeth, suspecting the truth, used Glanfathan brishalgwin (‘mind hunters’) - the progenitors of modern day ciphers - to investigate the matter further. With this method of interrogation, he discovered a chain of evidence all the way back to the fercönyng. While he investigated, many rural communities suffered retaliatory attacks by Glanfathans. Armed with this new information, Admeth worked with Galven Medhra (the new leader of the Glanfathans) and the rural communities of the Dyrwood to prevent the fercönyng's agents from entering the ruins. There was a back and forth between the two groups, both sides engaging in various political, economic, and military maneuvers to try and gain the upper hand. The fercönyng was at a disadvantage in this game, though, as he preferred to assert his authority without causing an uprising. Eventually Admeth had enough. He convinced seven of the nine erls to join him and they severed their allegiance to the fercönyng, declaring themselves independent and decree they would govern themselves, just as the Vailian republics did twenty years prior. Admeth told the people he had tired of policies that made the nobles rich while putting the people of the Dyrwood at risk. He declared himself a duc (again, modeled after the Vailian Republic's governing structure) and called the Dyrwood a ‘free’ palatinate. Thus began The War of Defiance in 2668 AI. The war lasted four years and caused countless casualties, including Admeth himself. The Dyrwoodans, with their Glanfathan allies were able to persevere. Glanfathan astrologers, alongside the Dyrwoodan forces and members of the ad hoc Knights of the Crucible militia, won the Battle of Defiance Bay, which became the last battle of the war and left Dyrwood free from Aedyran imperial rule. Seven of the nine erls of the Dyrwood survived and, unified in purpose, signed treaties with the fercönyng of Aedyr. The war gave the Dyrwood a greater sense of unity between its citizens and their Glanfathan allies. Admeth Hadret was revered by both groups and the Dyrwood enjoyed for the first time a nationwide fellowship of independence, perseverance, and sacrifice. Yenwood and Cwynsrun were dissolved and incorporated into the surrounding erldoms, leaving seven - Helsgate, The Grasp, Tenferths, Norwaech, Coldwater, Ashfall, and Baelreach. New Dunryd was renamed Defiance Bay and would become the seat of power for the new duc in Baelreach. The new duc’s rule began in 2672 AI." 1588 The Dyrwood, Part 5: The Proliferation of Animancy 1589 This long-tailed hood is associated with scholars and tacticians, for it is often seen upon the brow of all who live by their wits, rather than their physical prowess. 1590 Full Helm 1591 The Aedyr Empire, Part 2: Expanding Borders 1592 Duelist's Hat 1593 "In 2602 AI, Aedyran explorers returned from over the ocean, telling tales of the ruins and treasures there and of expansive fields that were perfect for growing vorlas. The explorers warned the fercönyng that the locals were not friendly to outsiders, but the fercönyng, seeing this as an opportunity to extend his empire and secure trade on another continent, sent more explorers. Over the next twenty years, the area that would become the Dyrwood was investigated, mapped, and colonized. In 2623, the first permanent Aedyran colonial settlements were established. Vorlas fields were set up north of the forests in the Dyrwood, but between the conflicts with the Glanfathans and the War of the Broken Stone, it floundered. It wasn’t until 2643 that the opportunity presented itself again. Some Eothasian pilgrims, wanting to escape persecution, established colonies and vorlas farming operations in the territory of Readceras. With Grand Vailia on the verge of collapse, the fercönyng wanted to ensure his hold on the purple dye trade would be established. He encouraged the settlement and even paid to have the pilgrims set up in the new world. Because the fercönyng was still trying to secure his name in the purple dye trade, he was unable to properly respond to Admeth Hadret when he issued his ultimatum. To avoid a rebellion and leave himself time to oversee the vorlas farms in Readceras, the fercönyng relented and made Admeth a gréf palatine. In return for this concession, Admeth spent time and resources on the Dyrwood's trade and shipping routes, benefiting the fercönyng with increased income. For seven years, the Dyrwood provided Aedyr with a steady income, leaving the fercönyng time to ensure his trade system in Readceras was strong. With the fercönyng's attention elsewhere, Admeth instituted the ‘Ten Years’ treaties, ending slavery in the Dyrwood and permanently removing one of the revenue sources provided by the Dyrwoodan explorers - the artifacts from the ruins scattered throughout the Dyrwood. At this point, the fercönyng's word meant almost nothing to the citizens of the Dyrwood. Admeth Hadret had replaced him as their true leader. In order to undermine Admeth's standing, the fercönyng found allies willing to explore the ruins (against the treaty conditions) and plunder them. Soon, Aedyr again had a supply of artifacts to sell. When his agents were eventually caught, the fercönyng distanced himself from the operation, certain there was no way to link him to the proceedings. But the gréf , using means provided to him by his Glanfathan allies, discovered the evidence needed to prove the fercönyng was behind the plunderers. The conflict that arose from this revelation led to Admeth declaring independence for the Dyrwood in 2668 AI. After a bloody four-year-long war that resulted in the death of Admeth, the fercönyng relented. Trying to keep control of the Dyrwood had become too costly. He signed treaties with the new duc of the Dyrwood and returned his attention to Readceras, redoubling efforts on the vorlas trade, which is still running today." 1594 Eir Glanfath, Part 2: Conflict and Unexpected Alliance 1595 "In 2652, everything started to deteriorate. It was uncovered that a number of ruin sites had been looted and all signs pointed to the Aedyrans breaking the treaty. Glanfathans held off judgment for as long as they could, but when the evidence became overwhelming, they retaliated with all the strength they could muster. Regd once again took up the mantle of leadership and led his people against the Aedyrans. Instead of facing Edrang Hadret again, this time Regd crossed swords with Admeth Hadret, Edrang's son. Admeth proved to be just as, if not more, capable than his father and used a tactic no Glanfathan expected. In order to clear out the battlefield and ensure there would be no place for troops to hide, Admeth set the entire forest on fire near the Isce Uar River, and blocked all retreating forces with his army. While some escaped the slaughter, most of the Glanfathan troops died. Regd was captured in the mayhem and transferred to New Heomar for holding. While many more battles occurred - some of which resulted in Admeth using the same tactic - the Glanfathan forces were now disorganized and had lost their resolve. They were easily routed and by the end of that same year, the War of the Black Trees (as it is now known) was over. In order to again repair relations between the two groups, Admeth introduced new laws restricting the taking of new slaves from Eir Glanfath. The laws also gave Glanfathans the opportunity to buy their fellows out of bondage. While not entirely happy with the prospect of having to buy their countrymen - who had already been free - the Glanfathans took this gesture as the good will it was and ceased their hostilities again. Seven years pass with the Dyrwood under Admeth's rule. The Glanfathans felt, for the first time, that true peace could return to their land. This peace lead to what is likely the biggest treaty negotiation between Eir Glanfath and the Dyrwood in its history. Admeth set into place the "Ten Years" Treaties (so named because it had been ten years since the War of Black Trees). A timeline was set, and at the end of it all Glanfathan slaves had to be released. The citizens of Eir Glanfath watched the Dyrwood with a cautious hope. With the extended peace between the two peoples and these new treaties, they truly hoped conflict was a thing of the past. In 2665, Galven Medhra, an elven woman who had taken over for Regd, brought news to Admeth. Some Dyrwoodan people were found taking artifacts from one of the tombs. Initial investigation uncovered several more that had already been plundered. As they seemed to be isolated incidents and it had been stopped early, Medhra did not want a war to start again after so long being at peace. Admeth was grateful for this courtesy and wasted no time tracking down who was responsible. Medhra gave Admeth use of her brishalgwin ‘mind hunters’ and with their help found evidence pointing directly back to the fercönyng. Admeth and Medhra, now jointly allied against the Aedyran fercönyng, used everything at their disposal to prevent the fercönyng's agents from getting into the ruins. In 2668 AI, when Admeth declared independence from Aedyr to create the Free Palatinate of Dyrwood, the Glanfathans stood behind him, offering their support and troops. While the war didn't affect the Glanfathan people directly, there were casualties. In the end, the Dyrwoodan people became free and the bond between the two people was strengthened through their shared suffering. Admeth became the beloved as ruler of the Dyrwood - known and respected by Dyrwoodans and Glanfathans alike." 1596 Development of a Crucible Knight, Part 2: Senior Ranks 1597 "Commander and Forge Master Once a path is chosen, the Knight's life is spent training in his preferred discipline. The pomp and formalities that surrounded his life up to this point are all but gone. The training is far more rigorous and there is less ceremony to mark his progress. For most Knights, Commander (Body) or Forge Master (Soul) are further than they will ever advance. The training of a Knight at this level, while almost exclusively in the discipline he has chosen, is still rounded out with instruction from the other. A Knight is not truly a Knight if he does not have a full breadth of knowledge. When he passes from Justiciar to Commander, the Knight is given a blue cape to wear with his plate armor. When a Templus rises to the position of Forge Master, he is presented with a white cloak. Marshal and Crucilar After time spent training, an elite Knight that shows true leadership potential and promise is elevated to the next level. A Knight of the Body becomes a Marshal and a Knight of the Soul becomes a Crucilar. At this point, he is in command of a small group of Knights, Commander/Forge Master and below. He is responsible for the recruitment, initiation, and advancement of new Squires. Many Knights do not want to advance to this level and beyond because the role becomes less hands-on and more advisory. Marshals are known by their purple capes while Crucilars are distinguished by a gold cloak. Lord Justiciar and Grand Templus A Marshal or Crucilar that shows true and effective command over the Knights in his keeping may be offered the position of Lord Justiciar (of the Body) or Grand Templus (of the Soul). Truly a command position, a Knight that accepts one of these roles will be removed from the front lines. Because of this, it is only the most dedicated leaders that take either of these positions. Lord Marshal and Grand Crucilar There is not a single Knight that oversees the entire group. This responsibility is split between the Lord Marshal (Body) and the Lord Crucilar (Soul). Any Knight that advances to this position does so only with the support of the Knights as a whole. He must be nominated and selected by a majority of the Knights. Once in the position, he is there for life. The Lord Marshal or Lord Crucilar may step down from his post if he so chooses, but that is only to retire from the life of a Knight. The stress and responsibility of this position is such that many refuse it, even if they are capable of handling it. Lord Marshals and Crucilars are well known and generally respected throughout the land, not just within the Knights." 1598 Admeth Hadret, Part 2: Rebellion 1599 "Over the five years following his ascension to gréf , Admeth attempted to mend relations with the Glanfathans and bring his land together with theirs. He enacted laws that restricted the taking of new slaves, allowed Glanfathans to buy their fellows out of bondage, and imposed a tax on slave ownership in order to promote the use of free labor. While there was some resistance to these new laws, the fercönyng's attention to Readceras and Admeth's power (backed by the colonists), made it difficult for the erls to truly resist what was happening. In 2662 AI, in the year of the tenth anniversary of the War of Black Trees, Admeth brought about the end to slavery in the Dyrwood. He negotiated a series of treaties with the Glanfathans wherein a timeline was established for the official emancipation of all remaining slaves. Each owner would receive compensation in either land or money based on the number of slaves freed. If they didn't comply, the slaves would be seized and their former masters would suffer a substantial fine. In return for this, the Glanfathans opened trade routes with the Dyrwood and allowed Dyrwoodans to live in and near areas that had their sacred ruins but they are, under no conditions, to enter the ruins. As a final act of good will, Admeth freed Galven Regd, saying he had suffered sufficiently for his actions. The fercönyng, seeing he was completely out of control in his own palatinate, devised a plan to get the supply of ancient artifacts running again. He approached the erls suffering under Admeth's rule and convinced them to hire agents to raid the ruins. Initially, they did so in secret, but they quickly become sloppy, eventually being caught. This breach of the treaties incited Glanfathans again to acts of violence while Admeth researched who was behind it. With help of the Glanfathan leaders, Admeth found evidence that pointed back to the fercönyng as the source of the raids. That was the beginning of the end for Aedyran rule in the Dyrwood. Over the next seven years, Admeth and the fercönyng maneuvered around each other, playing political, economic, and military games in order to gain the upper hand. In 2668 AI, Admeth declared the Dyrwood had had enough. The fercönyng would no longer be recognized - the Dyrwood was now a free entity and would govern itself. This started the War of Defiance which lasted five years. The end result of the war was freedom for the Dyrwood, and though Duc Hadret would never live to see it come to a close, the people of Dyrwood consider him the founder of the country nevertheless." 1600 This strange, crested hood is worn by priests of Skaen. Blood has been smeared in thin trails down the front of the mask, in pale reflection of the gouged, unseeing eyes of the dreaded Effigy. The wooden frame and wicked spikes are the sole concession to grandeur; the rest of the hood is crudely-fashioned from coarse material, its modest construction befitting of followers of the Quiet Slave. 1601 The Saint's War, Part 2: Invasion 1602 "Waidwen personally led many of the battles during the war, exhibiting extraordinary supernatural powers. He seemed virtually untouchable on the battlefield, able to burn or even disintegrate his enemies with beams of blinding, white light. With a god on his side and possibly, as some said, inhabiting him, he was thought to be indestructible. It appeared that he may have been, until the Battle of Halgot Citadel. The people of the Dyrwood knew they would lose the war if they could not at least slow Waidwen down. Engineers, priests of Magran, and a few others, working in secret (some say with Magran’s direct help), developed a weapon they hoped would be able to stop a god. Twelve feet in diameter and filled with a variety of chemical and magical explosives, the bomb was rolled under Evon Dewr Bridge. Part of the foundation was excavated in order to allow them to embed the bomb in the bridge itself, ensuring its total concealment. Twelve Dyrwoodan men and women volunteered to stage and ambush at the bridge to keep Waidwen on it until the bomb could be detonated. The battle was short, bloody, and ultimately final. ‘The Dozen’ (as they came to be known) were able to delay Waidwen on the bridge. The bomb detonated, killing Waidwen, the four Dyrwoodan volunteers still alive at that time, and over fifty Readceran soldiers marching on the front line with Waidwen. It was at that moment The Saint's War ended. The remaining Readceran forces were easy to rout. Even though they had more than enough men and equipment to finish the siege, their leader - previously thought invincible - had just vanished in a rain of metal and stone. Panic set in and the Dyrwoodan troops sent them away with ease. From that point on, the bomb was known by the name ‘Godhammer.’ It even worked its way into everyday conversation. "As sure as Godhammer ended the Saint's War," came to be a standard phrase to express unequivocal certainty. Less certain is the fate of Eothas, who has not spoken to his followers since the explosion of the bomb and is presumed by most to be dead. Lest some concerned citizens express their worry or other more industrious think they could reproduce the result, the author would put the thoughts from your heads. Since that time, there has never been another documented explosion of such magnitude, and efforts to locate the engineers and clergy responsible for the bomb have been entirely fruitless. Godhammer was a unique, fortuitous occurrence. Its like will never be seen again without divine intervention." 1603 The Doughty Burglar: A Dyrwoodan Farce, Part 2 1604 "Belmis stands in front of the drink tray. BELMIS (picking up a small metal box next to the brandy): What could possibly convince him to give her up? Belmis opens the box and observes its contents. He looks up, a wicked grin on his face. He closes the box and sets it down. He turns his back, lost in thought. The door flies open and Torfal enters. He sees Belmis and stops. Belmis turns at the noise of the door, eyes wide. TORFAL: (beat) What- BELMIS (immediately, rushed, interrupting): Torfal, my good man! Such a pleasure to finally meet you after so long! TORFAL: (beat) Who- BELMIS: Ireby! Surely you were expecting me? Did you not get word I would be here tonight? TORFAL: (beat) When- BELMIS: I only just now arrived. The weather kept me up, else I would have arrived sooner. TORFAL: (beat) How- BELMIS: Pafenda let me in and told me to wait for you in here. She said she was off to find you. TORFAL (beat): Ireby... Of course! Welcome to my home. So sorry for my manners! I was not expecting you for at least an hour. They shake hands and then Torfal starts pouring drinks for them. BELMIS: Yes, well, it's just this contract! I am eager to settle the matter. We both know it must not fail, don't we? Torfal stops. TORFAL: But I was told you were set against this! I invited you here to convince you! BELMIS: Would you rather I change my mind back? Shall we argue a belabored point or shall we celebrate our new accord? TORFAL (laughing): Of course! Of course! How stupid of me! Torfal holds a glass out to Belmis. TORFAL: To business! BELMIS: To business! Belmis sets the glass down and picks up the box. He opens it and sticks his finger inside. It comes out with a dark paste on it. He reaches toward Torfal's mouth. BELMIS: Shall we celebrate properly? TORFAL: Oh, no. No, no, no. I never touch svef, but I knew you were partial to it. By all means, go ahead... Belmis grunts and looks at his finger. He approaches Torfal. TORFAL: I must say, this turn of events is quite welcome. I was sure it would take hours to- BELMIS (thrusting his finger at Torfal's mouth): What is that? TORFAL (turning his head so Belmis's finger passes by his lips without touching): What? BELMIS (sighing): Oh, nothing. My mistake... I was sure I saw something. Belmis walks around behind Torfal and approaches him from the other side. TORFAL: I was sure it would take hours to convince you to see things from my side. It does my heart good to- BELMIS (thrusting his finger at Torfal's mouth again): There it is again? TORFAL: (turning his head so Belmis's finger passes by his lips without touching): What? Where? BELMIS (under his breath): Damn! (louder) Nothing. I guess I was imagining things. TORFAL: That must be incredibly potent svef! I've never heard of it working before application! Be careful now!" 1605 The Light of Dawn: A Readceran Morality Play, Part 2: Compassion and Judgment 1606 They walk back to the first location, leaving the Starving Man behind. They approach the Injured Man, who lifts his head and winces. INJURED MAN: A balm? A salve? Surely you know compassion. Surely you can spare anything, even your time, to help me! MALE: This man is injured and cannot help himself. He is certain to die if someone does not apply ointment and bandages to his wounds. Such compassion could mean his life. FEMALE: You owe nothing to this man. Surely his injuries are the judgment of his god. He has been tried and found wanting. His punishment is none of your concern. MALE & FEMALE: What will you do? The man weighs his options, then kneels down beside the Injured Man. He administers ointment on the man's wounds and wraps a bandage around them. INJURED MAN: Bless you! May the compassion you show to those less fortunate be shown to you all your days! MALE & FEMALE: Why did you dress the wounds of the injured? MAN: I saw a man who was bent and broken. It is not for me to say he has no right to his health, only to help heal if I am able. I have the time to give, so I give. If I can help in a man's rebirth, it is my duty to do so. MALE (aside, to Female): He knows Compassion, even disguised as an injured man. His spirit is willing. FEMALE (aside, to Male): Even those with a willing spirit can refuse those in need. MALE & FEMALE: We will continue our journey. They walk to the center of the stage where the Beggar, Starving Man, and Injured Man now stand. MALE: What say you three? What is the nature of this man's soul? BEGGAR: I am Charity. I know the mind of one who gives freely. This man was willing to give me his last coin. His mind is righteous. His soul is pure. STARVING MAN: I am Generosity. I know the heart of one who withholds nothing from those in need. This man was willing to give me his last scrap of bread. His heart is giving. His soul is pure. INJURED MAN: I am Compassion. I know the spirit of one who will sacrifice for the greater good. This man was willing to stay with a stranger and care for him in his time of need. His spirit is merciful. His soul is pure. MALE: What say you, Magran? FEMALE: The trial is complete. The judgment has been made. The decision is final. This man has shown Charity, Generosity, and Compassion to those in need. His soul will be reborn. What say you, Eothas? MALE: The judgment is final. The decision has been made. (He turns to the man) Be on your way. Your soul's transformation has begun. Welcome the light of the new dawn." 1607 Rejoice, seekers. The judicious application of pain has loosened the tongue of our informant. The artifact we seek has recently been moved to Elm's Reach - it should be secured in a residence near the entrance of the settlement. The informant suggested it is likely stashed away under the floor. We have endured much in our pursuit of this hallowed relic - soon our efforts will come to fruition. The council of Archmartyrs awaits your triumphant return. Do not fail us. 1608 The scroll case is crafted of darkly-stained oak in the likeness of a thin tower. Along its length, five wax seals adorn the case, each with its own symbol: a small flame, an open palm, a crescent moon, a shining sun and balanced scale. 1609 *~ The Blade of Assuring Quality ~* 1610 Fine Small Shield 1611 Spiritshift Hide 1612 When druids spiritshift, their forms gain a durable hide that protects them from damage without slowing them down. 1613 Spiritshift Bear Hide 1614 When druids spiritshift, their forms gain a durable hide that protects them from damage without slowing them down. The bear form is especially tough. 1615 {0}'s Grimoire 1616 This young pig is roughly the size of a small dog. It half-trots, half-runs at your side in an effort to keep pace and snorts appreciatively when its flanks are scratched. 1617 Lighthouse Tower Key 1618 Evacuation Notice 1619 The notice is stiff with age and salt. "Aedyran reinforcements advancing. Immediate evacuation of Ondra's Gift by order of Duc Hadret." 1620 Logbook 1621 The logbook expels a thick plume of dust. "6 Fonauton 2672 - Foggy. Port full. 158 days since sighting the Red Dream. 12 Fonauton 2672 - Heavy rain. 2 fishing boats lost at sea. 164 days since sighting the Red Dream. 1 Tarauton 2672 - Dark clouds. Aedyran ships on horizon. 173 days since sighting the Red Dream." 1622 Shattered Tablet 1623 TEMP - Description of shattered tablet Kana collects from Level 7 1624 The Dweller's Head 1625 This burlap sack contains the head of the forest lurker known as The Dweller. 1626 Sly Cyrdel's Head 1627 This burlap sack contains the head of the notorious outlaw Sly Cyrdel. 1628 Nalrend the Wise's Head 1629 This burlap sack contains the head of the ogre Nalrend the Wise. 1630 Warchief Iklak's Head 1631 This burlap sack contains the head of the xaurip Warchief Iklak. 1632 Songsmith Roska's Head 1633 This burlap sack contains the head of Roska, leader of the Norwaech looters. 1634 Head of Daroth Grimault 1635 Daroth Grimault's Head 1636 This burlap sack contains the head of the fampyr Daroth Grimault. 1637 Glasdial's Head 1638 This burlap sack contains the head of the troll Glasdial. 1639 Foemyna's Head 1640 This burlap sack contains the head of the infamous ranger Foemyna. 1641 Galen Dalgard's Head 1642 This burlap sack contains the head of the notorious Aedyran slaver Galen Dalgard. 1643 Devwen's Head 1644 This burlap sack contains the head of Devwen, a monstrous menpŵgra. 1645 Captain Muarumi's Head 1646 This burlap sack contains the head of the legendary Rauatai pirate, Captain Muarumi. 1647 Naroc the Prophet's Head 1648 This burlap sack contains the head of Naroc, the Glanfathan exile you encountered near Cilant Lîs. 1649 High Priest Thorfen's Head 1650 This burlap sack contains the head of the Eothasian priest Thorfen. 1651 Exarch Lord Sserkal's Head 1652 This burlap sack contains the head of Sserkal, the vithrack you defeated at Pearlwood Bluff. 1653 High Arcanist Ysly's Head 1654 This burlap sack contains the head of Ysly, the Telaneir wizard you killed in Heritage Hill. 1655 Those Lost in the Flood 1656 "I never expected to see a massacre such as this in my lifetime. I was in my study, trying to pack up important documents for the evacuation, never dreaming the Aedyrans would act so drastically. It was my wife, Ne'iloc, who first heard the cracking of the levies. We climbed to the roof, when the water reached the top of the stairs. My three children, Nathe, Leibelsa, and Kyrre, we held. The water reached our chests, and the only thing that kept us from getting swept away before it subsided was holding onto the chimney, that we had just repaired. Other families were not so lucky. When the waters finally subsided, the roads were littered with debris, mud, and rotting fish. Half the district had been swallowed by the sea. Bodies floated in the tide along with what was left in the homes. We burned the citizens we found. The poor souls have nobody else to remember them by, so I'll document them here. I'm not sure if they had loved ones who survived the flood, but it is better their names be written down rather than washed away with so much else in this horrific flood." William "Bloody Bill" Thistlewood - Butcher Albel Nordenbring - Professor Raedwulf - Spearman Star Halfyur The Devoted - Priest Kilrath Crimsonblade - Swordmaster John Graham - City Garrison Krotok - Prize Hunter Valheru - Archivist Edvar Solinarous - Poet Magistrum - Tactician Claude Nothalis - Teacher Iryk Launavan - Astronomer Jaeryth - Archer Deathok - Undertaker Dedaug - Fisherman Xan Tidi - Monk Alvir - Herbalist Jorde Lenn - Tanner Khanthrok Conlon - Alchemist Ztordan - Mage Gavinius - Knight Galorian Dragonheart - Politician Aryana Gemstar - Appraiser Vigoro - Artist Kaelin Hallowed - Assassin Laurin Pollacus - Physician Minneus Maranus - Duelist Amanthor - Bodyguard Dragicus - Trader Fenrir - Protector of the Order Kron - Sellsword O'Beronn - Smith Marzagal - Barrister Aeron Coal - Miner Yreth - Infantry Lilith - Lighthouse Keeper 1657 Club of Refined and Prestigious Gentlemen Guestbook 1658 The names scrawled in the guestbook span pages of the thick tome. Daenysis Toro Magnaf Gakkon Barghest Baldin Ogg Capt. Repyte Deusonne O.S.K. Hakuroshi Kama C.G. Rifuge Rogue Menace Angthoron Vyle Loenr Zed Volrath Zenklot Darkstone Thesio Mithadris Kaelston Sercupremus Rivva Musiq Bullgul Marras Maglfar Celeblum Celebronx Myke Haggar Kasgar Aniwr Hamm Styr Guar Vandyr Krchoff Aldbaran Aeyrhed Ithro Mirlan Braktash Fenrir Carnwalless Ta'oma Mente Charlys Cleric Retsim Namotatop 1659 Monk's Ring 1661 Raedric's Challenge 1662 Cape of Deflection 1663 Cape of Withdrawal 1664 Rinatto's Money 1665 This leather bag holds a large sum of Vailian Suoles that Rinatto used to pay for Elardh Golah. 1666 This small black cat makes a grisly companion, for its thin hide is stretched over its bones, the skin is rotting away around its chin, and there is an unsavory gleam in its golden eyes. All the same, it seems content to twine about your ankles, purring. 1667 This small dog has a glossy black coat and an affable disposition. She trots along at your heels, gazing up devotedly whenever you come to a stop. 1668 Tiny Obsidian Wurm 1669 This small wurm's scales gleam like dark glass. The creature all but vanishes in darkness, save for its bright little eyes, like twin rubies, and the faint smoke rising occasionally from its nostrils. Contrary to its fierce kin, it seems content to shadow your steps and curl up amongst your belongings. 1670 Tiny White Wurm 1671 This wurm appears to have been the runt of the litter, for it is much smaller than its fellows. For all that, its scales are a beautiful, gleaming white, and it seems to be fond of you. 1672 Orange Tabby Cat 1673 This fluffy orange tabby cat looks alertly about the room, tail twitching. It wears a small collar, upon which is inscribed the name 'Pumpkin' in careful letters. 1674 Calico Cat 1675 This cat's furry coat is a patchwork of black, orange and white, and it seems very content to shed it all over your belongings. 1676 Black and White Cat 1677 This sharp-eyed cat is a prodigious mouser, and often goes bounding off the path in search of small prey. 1678 Mallard Drake 1679 This duck's head feathers are a beautiful, glossy green. It quacks softly as it waddles after you. 1680 Mallard Hen 1681 Proofed against rain and road alike, this hardy little duck quacks softly as it follows you along. 1682 Beagle Dog 1683 This small hunting hound has an impressively loud, baying cry. It makes a game travel companion, trotting along at your heels. 1684 Yellow Lab 1685 This small yellow dog seems singularly happy to accompany you, panting merrily as it lopes beside you. 1686 Terrier 1687 This dog's small stature belies its immense reserves of energy. From time to time it circles excitably around you, yapping loudly. 1688 Tiny Spider 1689 Far smaller than its wilder cousins, this pocket-sized spider has surprisingly alert little eyes. It circles around to look up at you whenever you approach. 1690 Tiny Sporeling 1691 Despite its off-putting, toothy maw and dead eyes, this little sporeling is oddly affectionate for a fungal mass. It waddles after you with unexpected speed. 1692 Tiny Animat 1693 Whether experiment or accident, this minute animat seems to function normally despite its size. It blazes with soul energy. 1694 Tiny Beetle 1695 This small beetle gleams like a gem. Its manifold segmented legs tap rapidly along as it struggles to keep pace. 1696 This steel ornament once rested atop a Readceran Standard during the Saint's War. It is shaped to resemble a rising sun. 1697 Readceran Standard Piece 1698 Ale 1699 Although uncommon in the Dyrwood, Ale, with its rich and fruity taste, finds enough enthusiasts to keep its production flowing. 1700 Mead 1701 Sweet and thick, Mead is a favorite among Aedyrans, and continues to foster the tradition of pairing light-hearted evenings with unbearably heady mornings. 1702 Spirits 1703 Concocted by the most daring of brewers, Spirits come in many forms and flavors, but they all share the virtue of hurling every-day problems into a sea of liquid fire. 1704 Flask of War Paint 1705 Binding the essence of sacrificed lives into a potent brew of blood and magic, War Paint crafted by the Ethik Nôl has empowered Glanfathan warriors to perform great feats of strength and dexterity for hundreds of years. 1706 This letter is addressed to Purnisc. It appears to be from a woman named Kaenra expressing her concern over his recent behavior. 1707 Years of exposure to the wet, salty air has made this key dull and rough. 1708 Luminescent Adra Shard 1709 Crisp flashes of light run through this adra shard, pulsing in its faceted core like veins of light fueled by a heart of fire. 1710 The Queen That Was - And Still Is 1711 How fitting that we know the god of cycles, doorways, mortality, and inevitability as Berath, while the Vailians know this very same god as Cirono. For if nothing else, Berath teaches us that duality exists in all things. There is Life in Death, and Death in Life - embrace this duality and you honor Berath. In the ruins Eir Glanfath, Berath is depicted in the form of two semi-skeletal figures - one male, one female - Bewnen i Ankew and Ankew i Bewnen - literally, Life in Death and Death in Life in the Glanfathan tongue. Male and female, inside and outside, life and death - we often think of Berath by imagining two sides of coin, or the two end points of a journey. It said that Berath has the most petitioners of every god, and this likely true - who amongst us has not prayed for the cycle to hiccup? Who has not, in a moment of sadness, yelled at Berath to make an exception for our fallen loved ones? Berath may not rescue our loved ones but it answers our prayers in its own, divine way. Berath is the god that makes life end in death, and it is also the god that makes death end in life. Berath, Cirono, Bewnen I Ankew, Ankew I Bewnen - whichever of the many names you prefer to use - deserves our prayers, for it has given us the promise of life's eternal renewal. 1712 Selected Correspondences of Giftbringer Iden 1713 Sing, oh ocean waves, of Ondra's sorrow - of her unrequited love for the unattainable moon! Sing of the ocean's sorrow, so that we may forget our own! Each day, the tides reenact Ondra's longing for the great moon - the waters reach out at high tide, yearning for the heavenly body, only to slump into low tide when the moon proves unattainable. You asked me once why I loved Ondra so dearly - how I could go from a life on dry land to being a devotee to the Goddess of the Oceans. I sing of the ocean's sorrow so that I may forget my own. It is Ondra's message that speaks to my heart - I have devoted my life to helping others discard painful memories, for that is the gift Ondra gave me. When I lost my young daughter, my wife and I were inconsolable until a Giftbearer offered to take my toddler's toys and cast them into the deepest waters. Truth be told, I and the other Giftbearers I know have never even spoken to Ondra... she is largely silent and when she does 'speak' she uses floods and tidal waves instead of words. But we sing of the ocean's sorrow so that others may forget theirs. Ondra's story - the story of desire unanswered - actually matters to people like you and me. Magran cannot steer you to victory over sadness, Hylea cannot force joy down a crying throat... only Ondra can give us the strength to persevere when life seems without worth. And that is the answer to your question regarding why I love my Goddess so dearly. 1714 The Enigmatic God of Cold 1715 Young students are often confused by Berath and Rymrgand's seemingly overlapping roles in holding dominion over death. Berath oversees the cycle of life, death, and rebirth; Rymrgand oversees the cold, destructive act of death itself - this difference is often difficult for novices to appreciate until they've lost a loved one and endured the absence for a time - it is Berath that determines we will be reborn just as certainly as we will die, but Rymrgand is the executioner's axe - Rymrgand shows us that all life ends in stillness. I need only show them the symbol of Rymrgand - the bone-white aurochs skull found carved within the most ancient of Engwithan ruins... it is a symbol of death and doom in every culture - any child with four winters under his belt needs no introduction to the ancient symbol. Rymrgand embodies not just death, but all manifestations of collapse - be they famine, plague, or simple bad luck. Rymrgand is a primal god, silent and inscrutable as death itself. He makes himself known with his passing, not by proclamation. There are innumerable stories of the god's terrifying passage through the lands of Eora. When the Beast of Winter stirs, bitter winds and beastly howling follow the creature's every move. Wherever the beast plants a hoof, all life withers into dust. The faithful of Rymrgand insist that even another god's life can end in stillness, they claim the other gods must flee from the Beast of Winter's mastery over death - but we know not if this boast holds true. Though the Beast of Winter is shrouded in snowy clouds, those who have seen the shaggy white monster claim that the souls of the fallen can be seen clinging (or perhaps frozen) to the beast's fur. The dwarves of the boreal south have numerous stories that tell a similar plot: a brash hero seeks out the Beast of Winter to rescue the souls trapped in its fur... these tales never end well, for even if the hero saves his beloved's soul, the hero dies in the process - for it is not a proper tale of Rymrgand unless the hero's life ends in stillness. 1716 The Many Faces of Berath 1717 Dear Sisters, Do you still remember your first deliverance? When you strangled your first wrongdoer, did you see the moment when life became death? Could you see the instance when your victim realized that Woedica forgets nothing? When Woedica takes back her throne will you face her with pride, knowing you have held to your own oaths, or will you be amongst the word-breakers? Woedica teaches vengeance and memory - and while she is in Exile, we must be her eyes and ears that let no injustice slip from record, we must be clenched fist that silences the lying breath. When Woedica takes back her throne, all of the injustices that have slipped through the cracks of history will be righted. The villains hiding in plain sight amongst the innocent will feel the Burned Queen's choking grasp - pray that you live to see the day when you will join our Queen in this cleansing of the wicked. But know, my sisters, that we must be ready to see the end of our days without the return of our Queen - for she will take back her throne, but it may be our daughters that serve the restored court. We must continue to live as we have always lived - hated by the other faiths, even though we place justice above our own wellbeing. At least the Empire of Aedyr still holds our creed in proper esteem. It is a proper sign of respect that, by imperial custom, our clergy must oversee a contract for it to be legally binding. For who else understands the value of remembering one oaths than Woedica's faithful? And let us not count our current blessings - for we still enjoy the support of the paladin order of The Steel Garrote - they too understand that society is built and broken by the oaths and rules of its people. When Woedica takes back her throne, my family will know that I was right to commit my life to the Exiled Queen. When Woedica takes back her throne, the Strangler will stop being a story told to frighten our daughters, but a hero woven into parables that teach our children justice. When Woedica takes back her throne, she will bring her flawless memory with her - every transgression, every crime, and every injustice will be revealed. When Woedica takes back her throne, even gods won't be spared their due retribution. 1718 10 Years of Dawn 1719 Ten years I tilled the vorlas leaf, and ten years I told myself that living in St. Waidwen's footsteps would bring me rebirth. Each dawn I'd pray that if thou art in darkness, he shall bring thee light, and each yet each night would bring the same emptiness. For my decade of living as a simple dye farmer, all I have to show for it is a great deal of purple clothing. Eothas has not spoken to us since he appeared as St. Waidwen. It was my hope that Eothas would claim me as his next vessel but alas... the Child of Light remains silent. Every day I practice the ritual of banishing the shadows of the unfaithful... and every day I work my fields in solitude, without sign of Eothas returning. If thou art in darkness, he shall bring thee light, but how long must I remain lost in this long night of abandonment? Is this my punishment for keeping my faith a secret? Is Eothas hiding from me until I shout my reverence for all to hear? Surely, He must know that the Dyrwoodans now hate Him and His followers... my countrymen are quick to blame all that was terrible about the Saint's War on those of us still faithful to Eothas. Should they not be angry at the Readceras soldiers? Do the Dyrwoodans not realize that to dismiss the god of rebirth and redemption is to prevent all hope of healing? As I pen these words, I know that I must continue to till the dye-leaf. I will awake each day with hope: if thou art in darkness, he shall bring me light. Each day I will pray that the Dawnstars visit me, just as they visited St. Waidwen in his field of vorlas. Will they come to me as they came to St. Waidwen? As a man and two women, luminescent and perfect? I am told they come to presage new times... I am told many things, and I struggle to find the faith to believe it all. And yet, each morning, the sun rises in the eastern sky - and each morning Eothas illuminates my simple plot of land, casting away the shadows of the unfaithful in His golden gaze. I thank thee, Eothas for all the springs I've had, and all that will come. I am in darkness, please bring me light. 1720 Book of the Hunt 1721 When my students ask to be taught the way of Galawain, I tell them they have already failed. Does one ask a deer to present itself as dinner? Of course not - one must outwit, outmaneuver, and overpower the deer if one dreams of venison. So it is with the Seeker God - to ask a question is weakness and idle indecision, to seek answers is to understand, and to become one with Galawain. Survival begins with strength from within. But I only strike my students when they ask the second stupid question, for all of us begin young and weak - it is a point fact, and not one of shame, and a central tenant to Galawain's teachings. Perseverance and cleverness are prized by Galawain above brute force - a fact my young pups often forget. It is right and proper that the strong lead the weak, and it is equally proper that the strong be continually tested until the balance changes. Galawain celebrates the strength of the victor and the prowess of the well-fed predator, but above all, the Clever Hound celebrates the transformative nature of strength. Galawain's greatest desire for us is that prey becomes predator, mewling babes grow into strong hunters, and the lost find their own enlightenment. This philosophy is best exemplified by the rites of the anamfatha of Eir Glanfath. When one of the Glanfathan spiritual leaders is old and nearing death, it is customary to enter the woods and confront Galawain's herald. If the Seeker God finds that anamfath's life, deeds, and soul worthy, the reward is a quick death and his soul joins Galawain's pack. If deemed unworthy, the anamfath is killed, his soul forced to find its own way to the next life, and his memory erased from the records of the tribe - survival begins with strength from within, and weak leaders endanger the whole pack. This is Galawain at his purest: even at the end of life, one must struggle for worthiness, for greatness... just as one must struggle every day to feed his pack. The Seeker God is easy to understand if one actively engages in the quest for knowledge, but his secrets are self-occluding to those who merely ask, desiring knowledge without the requisite hunt. My own flesh and blood once asked me, "Will learning to hunt please Galawain?" I told him yes but added, "Galawain would prefer that you hunt to learn." 1722 Excerpts from the Sermon of Struggle 1723 Choice is a luxury we earn through peace. Struggle is our fundamental nature. Even when our war banners sit idle, mankind foments strife - friends argue with fists, lovers kindle jealousies, merchants compete with lies... wherever mankind goes, struggle follows. Magran is Goddess of fire and war, not bloodshed and conquest - though many in Readceras would tell it differently - how bitter they must be that Magran's priests were able to destroy a god made manifest... how bitter indeed. We who worship Magran are not addled barbarians or cloistered mystics. We are soldiers, armorers, watchmen, and bodyguards - artisans of conflict and protectors of our families and flags. We do not salivate for battle, we view war as unwelcome, but struggle is our fundamental nature. We do not pray for strife, we pray for the wisdom to resolve it quickly. We do not wish for war, but when it inevitably must be fought, we find divine ecstasy in discipline, efficiency, and excellence. Magran, guide us to the battle that is just and fair - let us be your fire that burns away the profane, leaving only the righteous. If struggle is our fundamental nature, let victory be our inevitable state of grace! 1724 The Midwife's Memoirs 1725 My mother lived every note of life's song - bringing me into this world was her last verse. For this, my father scorned me and abandoned me, and for this very same fact, my town's midwife and adherent of Hylea raised me as her own. When I came of age, I learned that Hylea visits us on the screams of women in childbirth - and when a woman dies giving life to her child, her soul is carried away and reborn as an avian attendant of Hylea's Court. Through the miracle of the Queen of Birds, my mother has been with me, watching over me my whole life. I wear the fetish charms of the Cloudsinger - the bird I dreamt my mother became. My feathery trinkets look gaudy and unbecoming, but it is a signal fire to women in need that I am a trained midwife, blessed by Hylea and living every note of life's song. The Queen of Birds wills us to shepherd new life into the world, and not, as the other gods so often desire, to end it. A follower of Magran once mocked my faith, saying I worshiped paintbrushes and birds - piddling things beneath the gods. I do not resent the other gods and the brutal necessities that they must oversee - but is not language, love, the arts, and creativity that which separates us from simple beasts? Hylea allows us to rise above our savage, feral selves. I am often amused that, upon seeing our holy aviaries, visitors frequently ask, "This is nice, but where is the REAL temple of Hylea?" Perhaps they think hallowed ground requires oppressive stoneworks and ceilings that hide the sky. They do not realize the Bird Queen stands not on ceremony, she makes herself manifest in the music of birds and in beauty of the ubiquitous open sky. Hylea prefers the worship of two children singing over a thousand petitioners silently praying for victory. The Sky-mother asks so little of us, and yet so much - we are charged to live every note of life's song... it surprises me how many fail to embrace this divine calling. 1726 Daily Affirmations of Focus and Efficiency 1727 1. All errors can be reforged into lessons. Abydon rebuilt himself from ruin. No setback is insurmountable, not even death itself, so long as the soul is dedicated to the task. 2. Work hard, work well, Abydon demands only honest labor and forthright service. All errors can be reforged if your first intentions are pure. 3. All ignorance can be reforged into knowledge. Master your craft, excel at what you have been trusted to do. Do not offend your teacher by remaining a student forever. 4. Each generation must forge its successors. Teach your trade to all who are willing to learn, and in doing so, multiply the fruits of your knowledge. 5. All difficulties can be reforged into triumphs. Meet strife with humility and acceptance. Let adversity temper the ingot of your will and you will never shatter. 6. Embrace your station, fulfill the duties of your rank and meddle not in the affairs of your betters. All guilds fail at their weakest link. 7. All loss can be reforged into strength. Profitable work heals all emptiness. So long as you have the tools of your trade, you will always be able to forge wealth anew. 8. Value the works of others and they will value your works in return. Share the harvest with the hungry and your tools with the destitute. 9. All souls can be reforged into whatever we will. Hard work is not exclusive to life, death is no time for complacency. Commit yourself to excellence in this cycle and the next. 1728 Final Journal of Jonas 1729 My Son, Tomorrow I become The Effigy, tomorrow I become Skaen's embodiment on Eora, tomorrow my master chokes on his own whip. For months, we met by secret conclave to plot our landlord's demise, all the while working the fields as if our hearts were content. Skaen teaches us to plot with the mind while keeping one's face impassive, inscrutable - fair fights are for those with armies. The Quiet Slave is our whetstone, our focus - in his worship, our cause finds focus, clarity, and possibility! Tomorrow, my master chokes on his own whip. By the time you read this, I will be dead. I pray Skaen does not abandon me for speaking of my plotting, but a son deserves to know how his father died. For I have volunteered to be the Effigy - Skaen will inhabit my body, using this old farmer's simple flesh as a puppet of godly rage. I have been shaved and anointed - tomorrow morning, I will be your father in name only, as my manhood will be removed, my nose and ears removed, and my useless mortal eyes will be replaced with flint stones through which Skaen might see the world. My son, I am sorry for the lies I have told you these past few seasons, but Skaen demands secrecy - even your mother knows nothing of my furtive service to The Quiet Slave. Curse my name if you must, but never weep for me, for I die for the betterment of our community, to smite our lord's corruption from the face of Eora! Tomorrow my master chokes on his own whip, for tomorrow, I become the Effigy! 1730 Missives of the Hand Occult 1731 Dearest brother, or was it sister? May this letter find you in well spirits. A man of thuggish bearing stormed into my library the other day and demanded I help him find a book on the construction of an arquebus. I thought it proper service to Wael to steer this man toward an illuminated manuscript on the subject of whittling toy soldiers and other miniature props. Unamused by my solution, I shrugged and said, "What is an answer without a question?" He did not find my spiritual rhetoric helpful or amusing, and so he punched out two of my teeth. I trust your summer has been less tumultuous than mine? In more important news, my apprentice claims she saw the Eyeless Face in a dream the other night! I admit, I was so mad with envy that at first I refused to believe her... Wael forgive me for such a lapse of judgment. She described an aumaua of brilliant blue hues with a featureless face surrounded by a swarm of eyes - no two eyes alike. She claims Wael ignored her questions, and she can't recall any specifics of what was said. In fact, my apprentice seems to have forgotten many things since before the visitation - she could not tell me where she grew up or what she liked to eat. At first I was so envious of her for having seen Wael with her own eyes... but it seems Wael's visit was to conceal, not to illuminate... I pray she endures this test of faith and can look back at the event and feel the joy of mystery. What is an answer without a question? Last week, I felt the solution was "ignorance," but after Wael's visit, I feel "a road without length" is closer to the capturing the riddle. I worry my apprentice will look back at her visit from Wael and feel cheated - robbed of some moment of clarity we all thought we were owed when we first joined... I tried to tell her she was lucky but she was too young to understand. What is an answer without a question? May I be dead and my soul scattered to the winds before anyone knows for certain. 1732 Elementary Glanfathan 1733 Your soldiers are not fully armed, or even decently dressed, without some basic knowledge of the Glanfathan language. If your scouts cannot eavesdrop, if our captured soldiers cannot recognize the words of their captors, or if our officers cannot answer a call to parlay - we fail. Knowing just a few simple facepainter words could mean the difference between tactical success and defeat in detail. Glanfathan writing is, like Aedyran, adapted from the Old Vailian alphabet brought overseas by the Aedyrans long ago. The Glanfathans put their own spin on this alphabet, so there are some noticeable differences that can confuse the uninformed. A and â is the difference between "paw" and "pat." E and ê is the difference between "hen" and "hay." I and î is the difference between "ilk" and "eel." O and ô is the difference between "oats" and "ought." W and ŵ is the difference between "butt" and "boot." Note that last part - in Eir Glanfath, the letter w acts as our letter u - speaking with a consonant "www" sound is the perfect way to alert a Glanfathan to the fact that you're a Dyrwoodan struggling to learn the language. See "estramor" in the glossary below. And keep in mind these tricky differences: Dh is used for a hard thorn sound, such as with "this" or "that." Conversely, Th is a softer sound in Glanfathan - barely vocalized, like when one says "thief" or "thought." Si sounds like a soft sh sound - like "ship." Put an accent on it and Sî sounds like "she" - you add an "h" sound in either case. There's no replacement for actually learning Glanfathan by immersion, but to get you started, here are some important words that you and your soldiers should know: Anam - soul Anamfath, plural anamfatha - the spiritual leaders of the tribes. Argŵes - armor (pronounced "Arg-oo-es") Bewnen - life (pronounced "Be-uh-nen") Blaidh - wolf (pronounced "Blay-th") Cas - battle Delem - leaf Den - man Enfath - princess Estramor, plural Estramorwn - foreigner(s) (plural is "Es-tra-mor-un") Fath, plural Fatha - prince(s) Gwan - winter Henwn - woman I - in Lle - place Pames - walker Rhemen - building Rî, plural rîow - wise one(s) (singular is pronounced "Ree," plural is "Ree-au") Scâth - shield ŵen - maiden (pronounced "oo-en") Weredh - soil (pronounced "ue-reth" with a hard th sound) Weretha - the whole of our world (pronounced "ue-retha" with a soft th sound) 1734 Aedyran Dialects 1735 The sun does not set on the Aedyran language. Those of us who commune with this proud language, or some derivation of it, populate every corner of Eora. Most of us who speak this wonderful tongue know it as Aedyran, but scholars and those obsessed with correctness often qualify it as 'modern' or 'contemporary' Aedyran. This is to contrast the language you and I speak today with Eld Aedyran - the old elven language that was spoken in the Aedyran Empire back before the pioneer settlers of the Dyrwood built their longships. If Eld Aedyran could be considered the mother of the living Aedyran, the language of Hylspeak could be seen as Aedyran's cousin. Hylspeak is fading from common use but many of the elves (especially the older one) in the Aedyran heartland still use this dialect. Whether you know it or not, if you can read these words, you can understand Hylspeak - it is almost identical to Aedyran but includes a large vocabulary of archaic words that have fallen out of use in today's Aedyran. When you hear bards sing old Aedyran poems, there are often lines of chorus that sound like melodic nonsense inserted to complete rhymes - these are usually instances of words that are lost from our common language but still used in Hylspeak. While Hylspeak is familiar to speakers of so-called 'modern' Aedyran, the same cannot be said of our language's predecessor. Eld Aedyran is a dead language, spoken by academics but not used in any major community. Eld Aedyran words are often familiar to Aedyran readers, but the words use orthography that has since been abandoned - unfamiliar accents marks abound. For example, Eld Aedyran contains some diphthongs that have no place in the modern Aedyran, as well as a few tricky consonant clusters: Ea creates an "ey-ah" sound that sounds like the colloquial salutation "heya!" Eo sounds like "ey-oh" - this sound is still used in the modern word "Eora." Ey is pronounced as "ey-ee" such as in "wraith." Ue and ü both create long "oo" sounds, as in "loop." Y sounds like a "ee" sounds as in "bee." Gj sounds like the consonant "y" as in "you." Sc sounds like sh, so you'd pronounce scop like "shop." Cg sounds like the "dge" end of a word like "hedge." It is not uncommon for given names of Aedyrans, Dyrwoodans, and Readcerans to come from Eld Aedyran. Some examples: Aldwyn is pronounced "ALD-ween" because of the long vowel sound on the y. Durnisc is pronounced "DUR-nish" since the final Sc cluster sounds like an Sh sound. Gjestr is pronounced "YES-tr" on account of the Gj consonant cluster. Slecg is pronounced like "Sledge." Thyrsc is pronounced "THEER-sh." Uscgrim is "OOSH-grim" and not "usk-grim" Yngmar is pronounced "EENG-mar," leading with a vowel sound. 1736 Potion of Bulwark Against The Elements 1737 Potion of Deleterious Alacrity of Motion 1738 Potion of Eldritch Aim 1739 Potion of Fleet Feet 1740 Potion of Infuse with Vital Essence 1741 Potion of Llengrath's Displaced Image 1742 Potion of Merciless Gaze 1743 Potion of Mirrored Image 1744 Potion of Spirit Shield 1745 Potion of Wizard's Double 1746 Creates a mystical shield around the caster, suffusing them with bonuses to Burn, Freeze, Corrode, and Shock Damage Reductions. 1747 Caster draws upon his or her life force to gain an increase to Speed and Movement while draining his own Endurance. 1748 Grants the caster otherworldly sight, resulting in preternatural Accuracy for a short period. 1749 Empowers the target with unnatural speed, increasing their Movement Rate. 1750 Infuses the caster with vitality, giving them a temporary increase in current and maximum Endurance. 1751 Causes the caster to appear visually displaced, increasing their Deflection and Reflex for the duration. 1752 The caster becomes able to see an enemy's weaknesses and vulnerabilities as though they were physically tangible, increasing the chance of landing a Critical Hit. 1753 Creates duplicates of the caster to distract enemies, granting a high Deflection bonus which is reduced with each hit taken. 1754 Surrounds the caster with a shield of spirit energy, granting an increased Damage Reduction and a Concentration bonus. 1755 Creates a duplicate of the caster to distract enemies, granting the caster a high Deflection bonus against a single attack. 1756 Scroll of Binding Web 1757 Scroll of Confusion 1758 Scroll of Crackling Bolt 1759 Scroll of Fan of Flames 1760 Scroll of Fireball 1761 Scroll of Jolting Touch 1762 Scroll of Minoletta's Bounding Missiles 1763 Scroll of Minoletta's Minor Missiles 1764 Scroll of Ray of Fire 1765 Scroll of Rolling Flame 1766 Scroll of Wall of Flame 1767 Spins a resilient, viscous web throughout the area of effect, reducing Movement for all affected. 1768 Infects the minds of enemies in the area of effect with delirium, Confusing them. 1769 Caster becomes a living generator for a powerful bolt of electricity that streaks out in a straight line and bounces off of walls, harming anything caught in its path. 1770 Creates a cone of fire in front of the caster, causing Burn damage to anyone in the area of effect. 1771 Summons a flaming ball of molten earth that explodes at a targeted location, causing Burn damage to all in the area of effect. 1772 A bolt of electricity jumps from the caster's fingers to the nearest enemy, and then to the next nearest, causing decreasing amounts of Shock damage. 1773 Summons three spell missiles that batter the target, inflicting Crush damage. 1774 Summons three spell missiles that batter the target, inflicting Crush damage. 1775 Creates a scorching ray of flame between the caster and the target, inflicting continual Burn damage to the target and anyone caught in the ray. 1776 Creates a rebounding ball of fire, inflicting Burn damage upon anyone in its path. 1777 Generates a fearsome vertical sheet of flame, inflicting Burn damage on anyone moving through it. 1778 Scroll of Restore Minor Endurance 1779 Scroll of Prayer Against Fear 1780 Scroll of Prayer Against Infirmity 1781 Scroll of Restore Light Endurance 1782 Scroll of Prayer Against Restraint 1783 Scroll of Restore Moderate Endurance 1784 Scroll of Prayer Against Bewilderment 1785 Scroll of Restore Major Endurance 1786 Scroll of Nature's Mark 1787 Scroll of Tanglefoot 1788 Scroll of Burst of Summer Flame 1789 Scroll of Insect Swarm 1790 Scroll of Stag's Horn 1791 Scroll of Twin Stones 1792 Scroll of Boiling Spray 1793 Scroll of Moonwell 1794 Everyone in the cone area of effect takes Burn damage and is pushed back. 1795 Quickly generates an explosive flash of flame, inflicting Burn damage to anyone in the area of effect. Short cast time. 1796 Attracts a swarm of aggressive insects, causing Pierce Damage over time and reducing the concentration of anyone in the area of effect. 1797 Channels lunar energy into a localized source of power, regenerating the Endurance of allies in the area of effect and granting a minor bonus to all Defenses. 1798 Causes enemies in the area of effect to glow with pale green light, making them easier targets. Affected enemies suffer decreased Deflection and Reflex. 1799 Bestows alacrity upon the minds of allies in the area of effect, granting a bonus against attacks with Confused or Dazed afflictions and reducing the duration of any such afflictions currently on the target. 1800 Steels the mind of allies in the area of effect against all external fears, granting bonus resistance against attacks with Frightened or Terrified afflictions and reducing the duration of any such afflictions currently on the target. 1801 Fortifies the health of allies in the area of effect, granting a bonus against attacks with Sickened or Weakened afflictions and reducing the duration of any such afflictions currently on the target. 1802 Frees allies in the area of effect from perceived constraints, granting a bonus against attacks with Hobbled or Stuck afflictions and reducing the duration of any such afflictions currently on the target. 1803 Shares a portion of the caster's divine strength, restoring some Endurance to all allies in the area of effect. 1804 Shares a generous portion of the caster's divine strength, restoring a significant amount of Endurance to all allies in the area of effect. 1805 Shares a generous portion of the caster's divine strength, restoring a significant amount of Endurance to all allies in the area of effect. 1806 Shares a portion of the caster's divine strength, restoring a moderate amount of Endurance to all allies in the area of effect. 1807 Conjures an enormous stag horn to attack the target, causing Pierce damage and inflicting a penalty to Deflection and Reflex. 1808 Rapidly grows a patch of twisted vines that surround and entangle anyone unlucky enough to get caught inside. Characters who set foot inside the area of effect become Hobbled. 1809 Sends two deadly boulders flying out from the druid's position, dealing Crush damage to anyone in their path and exploding on contact with a solid surface, causing the fragments to Pierce anyone nearby. 1810 Tattered Journal 1811 This small folio is torn in several places, and blood has soaked into several of the sheets. One later entry is still legible, however: 'I can't believe my luck. A few rounds of dice, and I've got my hands on a genuine Engwithan artifact. Fellow who had it said it was a pretty nothing, as far as he's concerned - he's not willing to go digging in some ruins. But if he's right about this gem leading to a hidden treasure, then that's worth sneaking past a few painted elves. I'll head to Cilant Lîs in the morning. Then it's just a matter of finding this relief he was talking about.' 1812 Crucible Plate Armor 1813 Arrow 1814 Dart 1815 Hail of Darts 1816 Poison Dart 1817 Druid Cat Claws 1818 Druid Bear Claws 1819 Druid Stag Horns 1820 Druid Wolf Teeth 1821 Druid Boar Tusks 1822 All druid spiritshift forms possess fearsome natural weapons, from claws to tusks to horns. 1823 Scrawled Note 1824 'I got your 'gift'. I can't believe someone actually wrote down that kind of thing on parchment! I left something for you in the chapel. Careful not to go digging in the wrong skull again.' 1825 Kana's Turban 1826 Saint's War Armor 1827 "Day 2: We've completed our measurements of the machine (thanks to Trindig's youthful agility!). Further examination is required to discover its intended use." 1828 "Day 7: A week of study and we're still none the wiser about this device. Trindig remains optimistic - I don't know what I'd do without his spirit." 1829 "Day 10: Patrons grow impatient with the lack of quantifiable results. They should drag themselves out of their mansions and spend a few nights here if they think it's so easy." 1830 "Day 11: Finally got out of the tower to clear our heads. Beasts take the patrons - we'll finish the study on our own terms, our own time. Just as I said as much to Trindig, the sky came to life with stray lighting. I said it's a good omen, but the poor lad's spooked. Only cure for that is a good night's sleep." 1831 Page from Aldhelm's Journal 1832 Crumpled Page from Aldhelm's Journal 1833 Folded Page from Aldhelm's Journal 1834 Rite of Ancient Legends 1835 Rites are a special type of magical scroll. The ritual contained on the scroll allows the reader to grant a specific skill bonus to all of his or her allies for a long duration. 1836 Rite of Hidden Wonders 1837 Rite of Walking Shadows 1838 Rite of the Untamed Wild 1839 Rite of Youthful Spirits 1840 Iron-bound Grimoire 1841 Maerwald's Grimoire 1842 Grimoire of the Secret Order 1843 Battle-worn Grimoire 1844 Blood-soaked Grimoire 1845 Rinatto's Grimoire 1846 Glasvahl's Grimoire 1847 Surica's Grimoire 1848 Embossed Grimoire 1849 Mercenary's Grimoire 1850 Gilt Grimoire 1851 Weathered Grimoire 1852 Faded Grimoire 1853 Mildewed Grimoire 1854 Sapper's Tome 1855 Elvara's Grimoire 1856 Harkeen's Grimoire 1857 1858 Azrael's Grimoire 1859 Blood-spattered Grimoire 1860 Spellwright's Tome 1861 Sorcerer's Volume 1862 This item grants the ability to shield the wearer from the myriad perils that plague the world of Eora. An aspect of the god Eothas, Gaun represents the harvest of old age, symbolized here by the many interlocking sickles that form the ring. As Gaun helps protect the dignity of old age, so too do his followers pledge to prevent young lives from being harvested before their time. 1863 Waterlogged Grimoire 1864 Novice's Grimoire 1865 As Aedyr is located near Eora's equator, the Aedyrans favor clothing that is light, loose, and comfortable. Most of their garments are made of linen, often using the natural color of the fiber mixed with colorful dyes in bold, simple patterns. 1866 Though most Dyrwoodans originated in the Aedyr Empire, Dyrwoodan clothing has changed a great deal since the initial waves of colonization. Dyrwoodans favor tough garments, often made from wool and deerskin. Due to the changing weather of the Eastern Reach, vests and other layers are common in Dyrwoodan daily outfits. 1867 Simple Clothing 1868 This outfit is extremely simple, consisting of little more than a rough shirt and breeches made from uncomfortable material. 1869 The Ixamitl Plains are vast and fertile savannas to the north of the Eastern Reach. Though the climate is warm, it is less oppressively humid than the heart of Aedyr. Ixamitl clothing is heavily layered, using cotton and highly decorated wool in equal measure. Extensive beadwork is another defining feature of Ixamitl garments, found both in jewelry and incorporated into the fabric itself. 1870 The Vailian Republics pride themselves on their elaborate clothing. At the heart of a vast trade empire, the republics have access to myriad textiles and dyes that they use in their garment industry. Citizens of the republic favor dark colors, elaborate patterning, high collars, and voluminous sleeves and breeches. 1871 Crucible Knight Officer Armor 1872 Minoletta's Grimoire 1873 Whispers of Yenwood 1874 Its blade covered with graceful Glanfathan engravings, Whispers of Yenwood was once the sword of the first Roadwarden of Caed Nua. When the Erl of Yenwood appointed Cafed Eodhart, the young lord feared the spirits that were rumored to dwell under the young castle's foundation. He spent a sizable sum to have the black Ymyran steel blade forged, shipped to the Eastern Reach for engraving by the erl's Glanfathan slave artisans, and enchanted in New Dunryd. Cafed is known to have used the sword in the Battle of Old Geiran and to help the neighboring Raedrics suppress an uprising in Gilded Vale, but there is no recorded use of it in Caed Nua. Over time, Cafed began to believe that the sword had been cursed by the Glanfathan artisans who decorated it. He confided in those close to him that he thought the spirits of the dead were speaking to him through the blade while he slept. One evening, against the pleas of his wife and soldiers, a maddened Cafed carried the sword deep into the misty woods of Eir Glanfath. His body was never recovered, but the next Roadwarden the erl assigned to Caed Nua found it waiting for him on the throne in the keep's great hall. None of the soldiers could explain how the sword had appeared there. No Roadwarden has carried the sword since that day. 1875 Last Blade of the White Forge 1876 The famed White Forge of Durgan's Battery produced some of the greatest weapons and pieces of armor known in the Eastern Reach. The White Forge's dwarven smiths carefully guarded the secret techniques they used to craft Durgan Steel, legendary for its strength, flexibility, and ability to hold sharp edge. When Durgan's Battery was overrun by an unknown force, the fires of the White Forge went dark and the secrets of Durgan Steel died with its smiths. The owner of this sword was an orlan from Twin Elms who claimed he found the naked blade near the skeleton of a dwarf in the foothills near Stalwart. Many were skeptical of his claims that it was a Durgan Steel blade, but it bore the maker's mark of the White Forge. The orlan had artisans from the Fisher Crane tribe create a guard, grip, and pommel to dress the blade, resulting in its unusual appearance. The proud owner's luck did not last long. He went missing somewhere near Elmshore shortly after receiving his finished sword. Many locals believed that he had been killed for his prize, but neither he nor his weapon were ever seen again. 1877 Feared throughout the Eastern Reach but rarely seen, the gargantuan Maegfolc are renowned for their awesome strength and destructive fury. Despite its thickness and weight, this belt is otherwise not especially remarkable in appearance. Its durable leather, lined with distinctive snow stelgaer fur, likely came from the fearsome mountains of White March. 1878 Spiderfingers 1879 Written on this scrap of parchment is a concise-but-detailed description of you, including your name, your distinguishing features, and everyone you're known to have associated with in your brief time in Dyrwood. 1880 The Obsidian Order is shrouded in mystery, with even the Hand Occult having few clues about their origins. Some scholars have speculated that the order's members are a diverse group from all over Eora, brought together by their love of exploration, fierce battle, and wondrous stories. 1881 Mosquito 1882 This finely-crafted but unassuming rapier was created in the hot and humid forests of the Cythwood. Its first owner was a minor nobleman named Aedwyn Grundmef. Known in social circles for his obsequious manner and annoying habit of lingering too long where he was not wanted, Aedwyn had little use for the blade in the courts he frequented. When Aedwyn died an unnotable death, the blade passed to a young niece, Cadend Grundmef. She found that the weapon had characteristics of her uncle: good at interrupting at inopportune times, draining the life out of anyone it came into contact with, and a generally annoying presence. It was Cadend who gave the rapier its nickname, "Mosquito," and used it regularly in court duels. The weapon passed to Aedwyn's grandson in the Dyrwood upon her death. A thayn of Cwynsrun, he was lost during a Glanfathan raid. Mosquito was lost with him. As he had no descendants and none of the Grundmeths of Aedyr have made a claim on the rapier, it has circulated among anonymous Glanfathan and Dyrwoodan owners ever since. 1883 Letter of Challenge 1884 You have earned no flattering titles, whatever aged ruin you presume to rule over. Nor would I address you as if you are a creature of worth. You have done me grievous injury, and I will answer in kind. Know this: Your efforts in Gilded Vale have brought only ruin upon you, for I will not suffer you to walk Eora in peace while I draw breath. My subjects will pull your keep down to its foundations, brick by brick, until you return to face your final judgment in honorable combat... or else your blood waters Caed Nua's grounds. - Lord Raedric VII, Thayn of the Yenwood 1885 Giant Miniature Space Piglet 1886 This tiny titanic pig has an otherworldly appearance that seems to be at odds with its endearing behavior. It follows you dutifully and requires nothing in return save companionship. 1887 Elder Stelgaer Fang 1888 Stelgaer Hide 1889 Lions were once a common sight on the plains east and south of Eir Glanfath's great forests, but colonization in the Eastern Reach has pushed the great cats back to the relative safety of the territory between Glanfathan and Dyrwoodan communities. In addition to their great power, lions are known for their roar, a terrifying sound that can strike fear even into the hearts of the bravest kith. 1890 Severed Horn 1891 Cracked Horn 1892 Battered Helm 1893 Garodh's Chorus 1894 Battery Relief Tile 1895 Ice Troll Heart 1896 Fennlan Liquor 1897 Arda's Bracelet 1898 Scrying Chamber Key 1899 Bubbling Antidote 1900 The end result of shaving an ice troll's heart down into thin layers, adding chopped river reed, and topping it off with an unidentified green liquid. This antidote is still bubbling ominously. 1903 This bottle is wrapped in a bright, stamped label declaring it to be a bottle of Fennlan Liquor. Fennlan Liquor is distilled exclusively in the small Readceran town of Fennlan, which sits on a rocky promontory overlooking a marsh. The liquor is distilled from local figs and flavored with a blend of marsh plants, resulting in a sweet-tasting spirit that is popular both locally and abroad. 1904 This crystalline heart is comprised of a tangled knot of vinelike threads of ice, about the size of an orlan's head. It is still freezing to the touch. 1905 Battered Shipment 1906 This large sackcloth package is stuffed to capacity. A long gouge along one side has permitted some of its contents to spill out - shallow tins that stink heavily of svef. 1907 Leaden Key Expedition Journal 1908 Stone Dial 1909 This thick circle of dark stone is intricately engraved with various strange symbols. A small stone protrusion rises from the center to the outer edge, pointing outward. 1910 Adra Sphere 1911 This sphere has been shaped from a solid piece of adra. It is covered in intricate, stylized etching, to give it the appearance of an eye. 1912 Adra Disc 1913 This heavy, circular object appears to have been carved from living adra. Energy hums through it, setting the already vibrantly green disc to a gleaming shine. 1914 This anvil-shaped tile feels cold in your hand. One side of it is pitted and weathered, but the other is perfectly smooth. It appears to be made of iron. 1915 This leather-bound journal is embossed with the image of a key. Most of the pages are filled with rust-brown stains or writing too small to read, but you're able to decipher a passage near the end of the journal: "...couldn't detect how the front door opens, even after she pried the iron tile from the relief. The more I consider it, the surer I am that the old Vailian was right. We'll have to dispose of him, but we can't afford to act until we've destroyed the White Forge. Even his meager knowledge was a revelation to us. "And if he's right, we've got to hope that the 'cantec' he speaks of was written down somewhere. We've decided to strike camp and search the area for books, records, something. Anything's better than sitting in the middle of this blizzard." 1916 This bracelet is comprised of many small, interwoven beads, and is held together by a fine silver clasp. Together the beads form a stylized image of mountain peaks. 1917 This horn was once mounted on a helm. A long crack runs down its length. 1918 Fennlan Liquor 1919 A bottle of genuine - and expensive - Fennlan Liquor. Fennlan Liquor is distilled exclusively in the small Readceran town of Fennlan, which sits on a rocky promontory overlooking a marsh. The liquor is distilled from local figs and flavored with a blend of marsh plants, resulting in a sweet-tasting spirit that is popular both locally and abroad. 1920 White Adra Gems 1921 A handful of polished crystals of white adra, retrieved from a Lagufaeth cavern. All are covered in notches and peculiar engravings, though their meaning is unclear. 1922 Ore-Locating Device 1923 This is Ista's ore-locating divination tool - or so she calls it. It's covered in an impressive number of knobs and symbols, but you aren't entirely convinced they all do anything. 1924 This helm is so warped and dented that it barely rests on your head. There are two empty sockets on the side that once held something - horns, perhaps. 1925 Pickaxe 1926 As common a sight among mountain travelers as miners, this humble pickaxe boasts a viciously sharp point. 1927 Weighted Dagger 1928 This simple dagger appears to have been discarded. Whether through shoddy craftsmanship or overuse, the dagger is strangely heavy at the tip. 1929 Guard's Key 1930 This heavy iron key has survived the years intact and free of rust. 1931 Workshop Key 1932 The stamped engraving on this iron key is largely obscured by rust. You can just barely make out what may be a hammer. 1933 Rolled Parchment 1934 Marunn's getting suspicious. I've got her sniffing after Zoltun for the time being, but she'll keep an eye on me. I had the lads put the last shipment in with the coal, in a cart across the tracks. I'm counting on you to make sure it gets topside. You don't mind getting your hands dirty, right? - Gregur 1935 Mysterious Missive 1936 'I have been informed by a mutual acquaintance that I have you to thank for the timely delivery of my product, as well as markedly improved conditions along the roads surrounding the village of Stalwart. Alongside this letter I have dispatched a small show of our appreciation. You will also find a sampling from our latest delivery. In time, perhaps we will be in a position to arrange a reward more suitable for personages of such lofty reputation. It is my earnest hope that we can continue to do business in the future. - M' 1937 Shriek 1938 Lagufaeth Spear 1939 Lagufaeth Stiletto 1940 Armory Key 1941 Sigil of the Sword 1942 Sigil of the Shield 1943 Sigil of the Helm 1944 Hunter's Totem 1945 This skull-sized piece of wood has been carved into a stylized figure of a bear, striding forward. There is a multitude of decorative engravings and gouges cut into the surface. 1946 Journal Page 1947 Day 4 - Took down another stag today. Still not enough hides to make this trip worth it. Day 6 - Blizzard coming. Staying put until it passes. Day 9 - Close call with a pair of ogres. Lucky they didn't see us. Day 11 - Tracking a large bear that Nurin spotted from the ridge. Might even be Greyjaw. My grandfather told stories about him. Wouldn't that be something if we were the ones to finally kill him? Day 12 - It's definitely Greyjaw. We're dangerously close to the ogre cavern, but we've got Greyjaw trapped and his hide is too valuable to pass up. The three of us should be able to handle one bear. 1948 Sigil of the Arcane 1949 Blowgun 1950 Singed Grimoire 1951 While burnt marks zigzag across the leather covers of this grimoire, its pages appear perfectly unblemished. 1952 Potion of Barring Death's Door 1953 Potion of Flame Shield 1954 Potion of Minor Arcane Reflection 1955 Scroll of Hail Storm 1956 Scroll of Minoletta's Concussive Missiles 1957 Scroll of Prayer Against Bewilderment 1958 Scroll of Restore Critical Endurance 1959 Wodewys 1960 The Grey Sleeper 1961 Forgotten Tear of the Beloved 1962 St. Ydwen's Redeemer 1963 Stormcaller 1964 Nightshroud 1965 Fellstroke 1966 Greenstone Staff 1967 Spelltongue 1968 Golden Gaze 1969 Bittercut 1970 The Last Tower 1971 Badgradr's Barricade 1972 Black Sanctuary 1973 Curoc's Brand 1974 Wayfarer's Hide 1975 White Crest Armor 1976 Raiment of Wael's Eyes 1977 The Golden Scales 1978 Letter to Zoltun 1979 "Esteemed Coinmaster Zoltun, I write to you in anger and bafflement. Have I not been a faithful customer to you? Have I not been fair in my dealings? Yet after all of our business together, your people turn me away like some filthy beggar. I arrived at the Battery a fortnight ago, frost in my beard and not a morsel in my belly. Barely had I unhitched the horses when your Komendant Exandru came to meet me. The priest told me that I would be made welcome but my 'profane' business would not. In short, I would have to leave at first light, my wagons empty. Certain that this was but a negotiating tactic, I told Exandru that I would of course see him compensated along with you. He left in a huff, and when I presented myself at the door, it was Komendant Marunn - your armswarden! - who met me. She told me to leave at once, that she wouldn't have my 'coin-grubbing' hands tarnishing Durgan steel. Now, I appreciate forceful bargaining as much as any man of coin, but I was cold, hungry, and put off by her vehemence. So, I showed her the letter you had sent inviting me to examine your latest stock of Durgan steel. Komendant Marunn drove a rapier through the letter and sliced it in two! She then warned me that her blade - a fine weapon, indeed - would be the last I ever laid eyes on if I did not hie back down the mountain at once. Never have I endured such humiliation and expense only to return home empty-handed! I do not understand what has passed between you and your associates, but I urge you to take charge. I fear the other komendants will be your undoing - indeed, that of all Durgan's Battery - if you do not deal with them swiftly and decisively. Yours, Mestre Anetto of Cezarro" 1980 Bill of Sale 1981 You unroll the scroll and see an inventory of weapons and armor: swords, shields, breastplates, and helms. All are listed as sold to a "Lucan of Dunryd." The bill is signed by Komendant Zoltun, Coinmaster of Durgan's Battery. 1982 Llengrath's Warding Staff 1983 Silver Arrow 1984 This tarnished silver arrow has survived its stay in a wolf's flank largely unscathed, though the carefully etched fletching has been gnawed on. Holding the arrow makes the hairs rise on the back of your hand. 1985 Odrun's Family Chest 1986 Expecting to find Odrun's heirloom, from the depths of the icy waters of the Russetwood you instead recovered only its container. This jewelry chest is empty. 1987 Tattered Map 1988 This yellowed piece of parchment shows a rough drawing of a cluster of trees, but little else. They could be anywhere in the White March. 1989 Ninagauth's Black Pages 1990 The infamous archmage Ninagauth is a prolific author, and has taken on several apprentices, though none have yet achieved the fame - or longevity - of their master. Those fortunate enough to have glimpsed Ninagauths' grimoires typically describe the man's diagrams and writing as nearly indecipherable, but the power of the spells held within is undeniable. 1991 Bag of Stolen Offerings 1992 This large bag is filled with offerings, meant to be cast away and forgotten, that the people of Stalwart Village have given to the giftbearers of Ondra. 1993 Okrun's Heirloom 1994 This medallion, an heirloom of Okrun's family, features an intricate design of interwoven silver and copper strands that coil around a central disc of bloodstone. Its surface, though polished to a perfect finish, has been carved to hold fourteen small emeralds in place. While Okrun values this exquisite heirloom for its sentimental worth, it's clear that it would otherwise command considerable market prizes. 1995 Giftbearer Notebook 1996 A recurring signature in the pages of this notebook indicates that it belonged to someone named Ixtli. The pages contain an assortment of entries. Some notes list collection of items alongside their purported value. Other pages are scribbled with notes about the land. A map of the Russetwood marks an important body of water. Next to it, there are several underlined notes. They read: "Notoc Tlocotl, formalities first, of course, and she'll come up." "Cualla Micha, she's a good girl and likes to hear it before she swims down." "Xitlac Cualla, just make sure she likes the fish for a job well done." 1997 Inquisitor's Ire 1998 Though its maker's mark can be traced to an otherwise unremarkable smithy in Dawning, this shield earned its fame within the keeping of Poldur Grynt, a young Aedyran lord whose fondness for dueling became the inspiration for many anti-Aedyr folksongs and plays in the time during and after the War of Defiance. Grynt cultivated a reputation as a relentless and unbeatable foe, for whenever a duel seemed to be going poorly he would raise his black shield and resume the fight with renewed vigor. Grynt employed the shield to great effect for several years, until he finally found himself severely outmatched by a more experienced rival. Mistakenly believing that the shield could preserve him even at the precipice of death, Grynt fled the field, only to bleed out on the bank of the Isce Îen River. 1999 This heater shield bears the black wolf of the Badgradr line, as well as the personal sigil of the shield's last bearer, Mecgrun Badgradr. A renowned fighter, Mecgrun had a reputation for practicality and ingenuity, and in his hands his shield was as much a weapon as his blade. Mecgrun had a particular fondness for taking on spellcasters, for his shield could reflect his foes' own arrows or spells against them, and a blow to the face from the Barricade was usually enough to put an end to further casting. While their Ungradr cousins went on to rule the Coldwater region, the Badgradrs did not survive the War of Defiance. Mecgrun himself perished in the Battle of Defiance Bay, and his shield passed into the hands of a series of noble masters before slipping from common recollection. 2000 While its original bearer's name has been lost to the ages, the famed White Crest armor features in many tales of a dwarven adherent of Ondra whose blows struck his enemies with all the overbearing power of the sea. The armor's weight was such that the warrior is described as moving as if through shallow water, but foes believing themselves to have the advantage of speed often found they could not outrun the warrior's lighting spells. 2001 A famed dwarven explorer, Katrenn exemplified her people's reputation for wanderlust, undertaking journeys spanning nations on both sides of the Great Eastern Ocean. To aid her in her expeditions, she commissioned a set of hide armor which would allow her to cross treacherous terrain without hindrance. Inspired by her stories, the armorer enchanted the hide to grant the wearer uncommon stamina. The sight of Katrenn running along unscathed through a field of thorny brambles became a common one. It is said that Katrenn's fame and experience was such that she was asked to accompany the expedition which would ultimately result in the founding of Durgan's Battery. Whatever the truth of the matter, no further records of her exploits exist. 2002 Pilferer's Grip 2003 Still polished to a mirror sheen, this set of golden scale armor was one of the last great works of Rus Stanclef. A well-respected smith, Stanclef was inspired by a local fable revolving around a golden dragon, and modeled this set of armor after the beast in question. He imbued the Golden Scales with protective enchantments against flame, as well as the same reflective properties which protected its namesake against ranged opponents. The result was an eye-catching and effective piece of armor, and it proved especially popular amongst those intent on being the center of attention. 2004 The helm is dented and scarred from countless battles. It once had horns mounted on it, but both horns are now missing. 2005 This horn was once mounted on a helm but looks to have been severed off in battle. 2006 Scrying Chamber Key 2007 This key is the size of a large dagger, and it's unusually heavy. 2008 Tempered Helm 2009 Ydwen was a paladin and member of the Kind Wayfarers during the War of Black Trees. She was famous for escorting colonists and farmers through the Dyrwood and protecting them from Glanfathan war bands. Though a skilled warrior, she avoided the Glanfathans when possible rather than fight them. However, tensions and tempers rose, and one day she found herself guiding a family of farmers from their ruined homestead. While she attempted to wait out the prowling raiders, one of her charges rushed into the fray. Ydwen was forced to hold off the Glanfathans while the rest of the farmers fled. She died, outnumbered and surrounded, and it was said that even the raider who struck the killing blow wept for her. 2010 This gray cloak is covered in a multitude of stylized eyes, symbols of the god Wael. It is said to have been created by the wizard Göryn, who hoped that the pious endeavor might invoke Wael's protection. Set against the many eyes of the Hundred Mysteries, Göryn hoped, his enemies would stumble after falsehoods, while he would remain resistant to the bewildering effects of the world's mysteries. Those who have come across the cloak since have found much use in its enchantments. What became of Göryn himself is unknown, however, for nothing else remains of the man or his works. 2011 The sword passed to a warrior of the Twice-Split Arrows in honor of his bravery and skill during a ritual blood-hunt. This was a moment of great pride for the tribe, typically regarded as least among the six. It was also a time of shifting borders and changing relations between Dyrwood and Eir Glanfath. Bolstered by the newfound prestige and eager to seize more, the rîow of the Twice-Split Arrows declared that their young hunter should lead a series of raids on slave-holding estates. The first few were successful, but when the raiders set their sights on a village run by a guild of coopers, they were quickly overwhelmed. The hunter was killed and his sword lost. 2012 The sword had made its way to Forked Vale by the time the War of Defiance began. It was owned by the captain of the local militia, who used it to defend the fleeing townsfolk while Aedyran troops converged on the town from the northwest and the southeast. The captain guarded the road to Baelreach and fell while the villagers fled. 2013 Unstrung Bow 2014 Though its sturdy wooden frame seems intact, this bow lacks a string, making it useless for the time being. 2015 Devil of Caroc's Body 2016 The inventor Galvino constructed the Devil of Caroc's ornate body out of forged bronze inlaid with intricate silver panels and featuring elaborate etchings in the Vailian style. Held together with myriad small brass pins and hinges, it is a marvel of craftsmanship and serves as an ambulant vessel for her soul. Whether for aesthetic or functional reasons, Galvino fitted the face with onyx eyes. Their smooth finish reflects the Devil's surroundings impassively, though occasionally a glint of imperfections within the stone or some deep-seated spark of malevolence shines through. 2017 The fur on this bear hide is exceptionally lustrous and thick. Although it's of no particular use to you, it will still fetch a high price wherever it's sold. 2018 Greyjaw's Hide 2019 According to legend, this shield was one of twelve fashioned for a small subset of paladins from the Order of Kind Wayfarers. Calling themselves the Towers, the paladins charged themselves with protecting the small outlying villages and towns clustered along the foothills of the White March. Though their numbers were few, the paladins were known for their unwavering dedication, moving swiftly to engage any threat to innocent travelers. Those with the fortune to fight beside these warriors often said that they felt as if otherwise fatal blows would glance harmlessly off their armor, and claimed that the paladins had brought them fortune. As the years passed, each of the paladins succumbed to age or violence, until only one remained. The last Tower became a legendary figure in her own right, walking a lonely patrol along the eastern roads of the Dyrwood. This shield is said to have been pulled from the Lake of Drowned Tombs by a villager from Goodhope. The battered kite shield remains a fine piece of craftsmanship, though the green paint of its heraldic tower has been scraped away in several places. 2020 Carvings on one side of this stone disc depict a sword. On its back, three protrusions poke out from its expertly polished surface. 2021 Carvings on one side of this stone disc depict a shield. On its back, two protrusions poke out from its expertly polished surface. 2022 Carvings on one side of this stone disc depict a helm. On its back, a single protrusion pokes out from its expertly polished surface. 2023 The Ironclasped 2024 This grimoire is filled with spells, some of which look recent, and others of which look very old. A skeletal hand latches to hold the grimoire shut. 2025 Commander Baelorin, Proceed to Crägholdt with utmost haste. Concelhaut will not willingly part with the Engwithan Phylactery, but you must secure it by any means necessary. Be warned that all previous attempts at acquiring the artifact have met with abject failure. We know very little about the phylactery, save that it is nearly indestructible. With that in mind, I would recommend using your considerable forces to lay siege to Crägholdt. Once Concelhaut is dead, you may retrieve the phylactery from what remains of his tower. Delivery of the artifact is your primary charge, but definitive proof of Concelhaut's demise shall entitle you to a substantial bonus. Spare no expense in fulfilling this task, but know that any outside interference will constitute a breach of this agreement. I have spent considerable resources to ensure that any local authorities will look the other way. Any overly-curious parties should be dealt with accordingly. 2026 Unsigned Letter 2027 Aegis Deflector 2028 Rune-engraved Copper Key 2029 Despite the layer of green rust that covers the surface of this key, you can still distinguish elaborate runes adorning its bow. 2030 Annals of the Pargrunen 2031 "It was in the time of Edrahil the Sure-Footed that we came to Clîaban Rilag, an ancient place of the 'Builders,' as the locals call them. It was a marvelous sight, a door in the mountain framed by a pair of ghoulish aspects. Through some exercise of trickery or cunning, Edrahil was able to gain access for our scholars that we might observe and record what lay inside. We discovered a foundry of sorts, the like of which neither we nor our distant brethren had seen. Through careful observation, we surmised that the ancients had used this place to extract souls and transfer them to suits of armor - delicate and challenging work, yet the scale they had achieved left us humbled and astounded. Perhaps most remarkable were the 'golems' - living suits of armor powered by essence! We lost two of our fellows when the creatures caught us unawares, but once we'd subdued them, they proved quite fascinating. All too aware that our hosts would never again allow us - nor other curious travelers - to visit this place, we took meticulous notes and measurements of all we saw, forsaking bread and sleep until the work was done. We reported all to Edrahil, whereupon he praised our work and urged us quickly forward. For if such a place lay abandoned in the forest, who can say what other mysteries gods and kith have left in this strange and wild land?" 2032 Precepts and Proverbs of Abydon 2033 "For every work there is a practice. Arm yourself with skill and temper your labors with patience. Strike only when your medium is ready. Do not cold work plate. Brittle steel is worse than a treacherous friend. Temper your work lest it shatter like glass. Fools praise appearance, but the master praises strength. True virtue lies in work well done. Pattern-welded steel shall be folded no fewer than seven times. The finest smith cannot shape poor metals. Set your hand to steels that have been properly treated with charcoal. Like a room full of discord is a forge with uneven heat. Do not let it pervert your metal. As the blows of the hammer speak to the steel, so the color of the steel speaks to the smith. Like a babe is heated steel, fragile and easily corrupted. Handle it gently, lest your haste twist and warp it. Do not neglect work that lies hidden and unseen, for a shoddy tang can break the blade. The wise smith works carefully and anneals but once. The careless smith weeps to find flaws after the steel has been hardened and tempered. As a blade drawn in multiple heats is work done in its proper time." 2034 On the Binding of Souls 2035 The margins of this text are scribbled with notes and references. The ink-stained pages appear to have seen much use in earlier times. "The removal and transference of souls is a practice both ancient and sophisticated. There is evidence that the Engwithans were particularly adept at this, yet few details have survived them." Someone scrawled "Annals of the Pargrunen, pp. 382-6" below this paragraph. "What is known is that the removal of a soul is a difficult process, and one that requires an expert hand and precise tools for any chance of success. Early attempts on a test pool of one hundred thirty-eight goats left most of the subjects with maimed or fractured souls. In all but two of the eleven instances where the soul was successfully removed, the essence dissipated before scholars could capture it." The words "transfer to holding vessel" are written and underlined in the margin. "The process requires conductive materials - copper and adra, specifically. Immersion in water is important to ensure that the soul is drawn in a steady and uniform manner, with no distortions or breakages. A warped soul is, at best, useless, and at worst, unpredictable." An arrow points from this paragraph to a scrunched note: "Extraction pool in C.R.: 18 ft. wide by 3 ft. deep." "We have since mastered the process of soul transference and have seen the benefits of infusing forged work with the essence of animals and wilder. What remains to be seen is whether we might see greater gains from using the souls of kith, where we would procure the appropriate subjects, and how much personality and autonomy we would want to leave intact in such cases." A string of notes winds around and below this paragraph, beginning with "criminals, prisoners of war, volunteers?" and ending with "Forge Guardians" in block letters. 2036 Record of Production 2037 "Here is a current accounting of this month's production: Twenty longswords, fifteen axes, twelve hammers, seven maces, two flails. Seven full suits of armor (for Forge Guardians). Three additional suits of armor. If the komendants remark on production rates, kindly remind them that we received three different work orders from them. - Vasel, Master Smith of Durgan's Battery" A note in another hand is written at the bottom of the page: "What does Exandru need with so many Forge Guardians? Keep an eye on him. - M" 2038 Adventurers from all over Eora go to the Living Lands in search of fame and fortune. Antonino went to rob them. He had earned a reputation as a cunning thief in Biageppe, but a reputation is the last thing a cunning thief needs. So he left Biageppe and, indeed, the Vailian Republics for fresh opportunities in the Living Lands, taking with him little more than his coin purse and a fresh change of smallclothes. Unfortunately, Antonino soon learned that the hardened treasure-hunters of the Living Lands were little like the plump merchants of the Republics. Within a few weeks, he'd exhausted his meager supplies and had earned nothing for his suffering. Desperate, he stumbled across a rough-looking pair from the Deadfire Archipelago and begged to share their fire. They agreed too easily. When the bandits made their move, Antonino was ready. He snatched the pistol from one and fired on the other. With the first attacker advancing, he pulled the trigger again only to hear a dull thud. While his assailant laughed, Antonino pulled back and struck the man's bald head with the pistol. The bandit collapsed, dead instantly. Antonino eventually became a successful and feared robber and the subject of many campfire tales. Even as his fortunes increased, he kept the stolen pistol, a sturdy piece of case-hardened metal that served him throughout his career. 2039 The elven kingdom of Kulklin warred with the Aedyr Kingdom for nearly two centuries before the two powers merged. During that time, many of the fiercest conflicts flared up along the edge of the Cythwood, where the two powers shared a border. The Cythwood elves used the jungle terrain to their advantage and quickly became infamous for their cunning and brutal tactics. Skirmishers would fell trees behind invading Aedyran forces while druids made more to grow in their path, confusing and stalling their foes. They would often pair these maneuvers with devastating, lightning-fast attacks, surrounding lost platoons and dragging stragglers into the forest. Most notoriously, they would hang their victims from the trees to warn off further attacks. The Kulklin of the Cythwood were swift and improvised attacks quickly, owing in part to their use of everyday tools - axes, knives, and bows - as weapons of war. Axes such as Wodewys would have been used against folk and tree alike. 2040 This sabre belonged to the first mate of the Hangman's Bounty, a notorious pirate ship that roamed the Deadfire Archipelago three centuries ago. Legend has it that the crew seized a slave galley and, after killing the masters, decided to sell the slaves at the next port. One of the slaves, an elderly man with a scarred face and beady black eyes, came forward and demanded that he and his fellows be set free. The pirates laughed and refused him, but the old slave persisted. He warned them of the terrible plagues and punishments awaiting them, yet still they refused. When he raised his voice in anger, the first mate drew her sabre and ran him through. Putrid green bile poured from the wound, running upward along the sword while the sailors watched in horror. The corruption spread from the dying slave's chest to the first mate's sabre and arm, filling her veins with venom and her flesh with squirming maggots. The rest of the crew drove the ship aground fled, leaving the slaves to flee and the first mate to rot next to her tainted blade. 2041 Ashfall was one of the most hotly contested Aedyran settlements in Dyrwood, and Baldwen Strangbrod was honored to receive an appointment as thayn there. However, he worried over his two children, who displayed little of his martial skill. He hired a Vailian wizard to assist in his children's training, and this wizard crafted a rod specifically for that purpose. He promised that the rod's missiles were mild enough to avoid seriously injuring the thayn's heirs but that the weapon would, in time, reveal the nature of their weakness. The rod performed exactly as the wizard had promised. Yet after months of training, Baldwen's children were no better in combat, but half of Ashfall knew of their weak parries and blind spots. When both heirs fell to a Glanfathan raid, the wizard fled, taking Golden Gaze with him. 2042 Curoc was an Aedyran noble in Readceras who owned six hundred acres of vorlas fields. He considered himself a pious man, and his neighbors and tenant farmers knew him for his fervent devotion to Woedica. He labored alongside his tenants and kept meticulous records of production and sales. Yet he was also known for his pitiless temper and his ruthlessness with shirkers. He carried a switch with him and would savagely thrash any worker he caught dawdling or lagging. Yet he was a favorite of the imperial governor, and so his excesses went overlooked. One day, Waidwen approached him while he was doling out an especially savage beating. Waidwen, fresh from his encounter with Eothas, demanded that Curoc release his victim. When the lord refused, Waidwen asked what the tenant farmer had done to deserve such treatment. "He neglects his duties in the field," Curoc replied. "Every day, he gathers less, yet still he enjoys the protection of my estate." "Is it any wonder that your harsh treatment of the man would render him unable to fulfill his duties? Let him enjoy a week of rest. He will return to your service renewed," said Waidwen. Curoc sneered. "You would reward his indolence! It is my right and my responsibility to discipline him for his errors." "What authority gave you such power over this man?" Waidwen asked. "Woedica, the Oathbinder. It is she who set me above the farmer as his lord and employer and her order that I serve in disciplining him." But Waidwen persisted. "Does not the quiet winter beget the fruitful spring? It is by Eothas' clemency that we enjoy rebirth in each new life and restoration with each morning. And it is Eothas' season that blesses your fields. I say to you again: release this man." In his fury, Curoc turned on Waidwen, his switch raised to strike. Yet the rod grew suddenly hot in his hand. He cried out, and as he held the rod, it ignited. The flame that gushed forth blinded him instantly, scarring his face in the manner of the Burned Queen. Curoc dropped the smoldering rod and fled to tell the governor of what he had witnessed. 2043 Spelltongue was first forged in Rauatai as a dueling weapon, and it has changed hands dozens of times since then. Its forked tip, undulating blade, and blue coloration made it a quick favorite among novices whose confidence often outpaced their skill. It was most recently won by Matapa, a young woman from one of the wealthy aumaua families of Tongira. With the blade in hand, she declared to her parents that she would take Spelltongue and seek her fortune in Tâkowa as a duelist. Her parents attempted to dissuade her, but her resolve became clear, and they eventually offered their reluctant congratulations and threw a great feast in her honor. After Matapa had drunk her fill of wine and gorged herself on buttered lobster and sea snails in cream, her mother challenged her to a duel. Matapa laughed, but her mother promised her that, if she won, she would receive half of her family's fortune the next morning. If she lost, she would surrender Spelltongue without complaint. Matapa regarded her mother, a petite woman - by aumaua standards - with little combat experience. She accepted and the duel began, Matapa brandishing Spelltongue and her mother armed with a wooden practice sword. Matapa's mother was nimble, and Matapa's thrusts and ripostes were quick but sloppy. Her mother led her around the feast table and into the darkened courtyard, where Matapa tripped. Falling, Matapa ran Spelltongue through her mother's thigh even as the older woman held her wooden sword to the younger woman's neck. The onlookers declared the duel a tie, and Matapa received her inheritance at the cost of her prized sword. Matapa's parents quietly sold the blade to a merchant bound for Dyrwood, and Matapa, sobered by her loss, abandoned her ambitions as a duelist and instead became a successful playwright. 2044 The aroki of Rahouka, a small province of inland Rauatai, famously commissioned this estoc from Durgan's Battery. She intended it for her game warden, who was charged with defending her forests from the spirits and wilder that roamed it. She ordered the blade forged according to her warden's specifications and sent an heirloom sword to provide the pommel. Yet the estoc never arrived, and weeks after the promised delivery date, the aroki heard rumors of divisive Pargrunen politics and conflict within Durgan's Battery. She sent her game warden to personally retrieve the blade, but by the time he arrived, Durgan's Battery was sealed shut, with no sign of the dwarves who had recently inhabited it. The blade - and the aroki's considerable investment - were believed to be lost. 2045 Devotees of Ondra tell stories of her romance with the moons, especially her unrequited love for Senn Beläfa. Yet it was Ionni Brathr, the smaller of the two moons, that Ondra pulled into the sea thousands of years ago. Small fragments of Ionni Brathr are believed to exist in some of the more remote places of Eora, lost tokens of the goddess' passion. Such moon fragments, and the crater lakes that often form around them, are known as "Ondra's Tears." This flail is made with a piece of Ionni Brathr that was discovered by some of the Pargrunen dwarven explorers in the White March. 2046 Once, Stormcaller belonged to a young navigator on a merchant ship in the Deadfire Archipelago. She had an almost preternatural gift for predicting the weather - she could smell a storm brewing a day's journey away. On her final voyage, she detected a cyclone forming in their path. She instructed the captain to change course and seek shelter in a nearby strait, which he did. Unfortunately, a pirate ship was waiting there. The merchant vessel was boarded and its crew slain. 2047 A lookout on the pirate ship "Grinning Maralina" took Stormcaller from the captured merchant ship. He used Stormcaller to fire on enemy ships from the crow's nest. While the "Maralina" approached, he could set flame to enemy sails or peg fleeing ships with rope arrows. However, when the captain began to look with envy on the marvelous bow, he jumped ship, sold Stormcaller, and became a fisherman. 2048 Stormcaller eventually found its way to Fairhope, a port town on one of the easternmost islands of the Deadfire Archipelago. Fairhope found itself besieged when the harbormaster turned away the Seafang, a notorious pirate ship. The harbormaster stationed archers on the cliffs around town, and while their arrows kept the Seafang from docking, they couldn't drive the pirate ship away. As a result, the Seafang prowled just out of range of the archers' arrows, close enough to discourage merchant and supply ships. As the siege stretched on, the harbormaster called for more archers, promising a reward to any who could land an arrow on the Seafang. One young Glamfellen came forward, but when the harbormaster saw her hunting bow, he laughed, explaining that she'd need a top-quality longbow at the least. But she insisted, and when the harbormaster led her to the cliff, she called a storm that struck the Seafang and churned the waves around it. The harbormaster watched as the Seafang sank before his eyes. When the wreck washed ashore, the Glamfellen drew Stormcaller and plunked an arrow into the broken mast. 2049 This bow is as smooth and light as driftwood, yet as hard as a sturdy mast. It feels warm in your hands, as if one of its previous owners had just passed it to you. As you hold it, you can almost feel the sea spray on your cheeks and hear storm-whipped waves in your ears. 2050 Shadows ooze and pool around you, filling your mind with memories of furtive expeditions, clandestine meetings, and the traffic of secrets. You hear the whispers of the men and women who snuck, struck, and survived by the power of this weapon. 2051 An apprentice smith of the Pargrun was cleaning out the forge room when he saw something glowing in the slag heap. He told his master about it, but the older smith waved him off, assuring the young man that it was merely a hot stone. Undeterred, the apprentice took the glowing stone before carting the rest of the slag away. He kept it in his pocket for the next several days, but the strange glow didn't abate. He snuck into the smithy at night to begin working on the piece. Yet he couldn't bring himself to hammer the glowing ore into a blade. Instead, he fashioned a mace. 2052 A thief from Ixamitl heard of the wealth of Durgan's Battery and determined to find the place that she might steal from it. She fell in with a traveling merchant company and followed them to the Battery, learning that the wealth of the dwarves lay in arms and armor. She snuck into the armory one night, determined to take a few pieces to sell. Yet she heard guards in the hall and realized she'd been discovered, and so she grabbed the first weapon she saw - a mace with a glowing head. She bludgeoned the first guard who came looking for her, and as he stumbled around, blinded and lost, she made her escape. So useful was the mace that she used it for decades before finally selling it. 2053 Nightshroud was eventually returned to Durgan's Battery by a young priestess of Wael who received a vision of the mace's creation from his god. Vasel, the smith who had forged it, was a grown man and master smith at the Battery, but he recognized the mace immediately. When he asked the priestess why she'd brought it back, the young woman said, "All things are found that they may be lost again - this is the wisdom of the Obscured." With that, she departed. 2054 An Aedyran explorer in Eir Glanfath came across a row of adra pillars near what is now Solace Vale. Having never seen such a display of living adra, he thought immediately of the Ine Sycthrúa that houses the souls of Aedyran nobility and decided that these pillars must surely hold something magnificent. He chiseled a chunk of adra from the growth and brought it back to Dunryd for further study. 2055 The adra chunk was placed in a staff and given to Lady Rügfald, one of the fercönyng's favorite courtiers. Lady Rügfald was a talented dabbler in the magical arts and infamous at court for her clever but ostentatious spellwork. However, the Greenstone Staff was her undoing - she accidentally summoned a blight. The creature was quickly dispatched, but not before it had ruined the imperial consort's finest robes. Though many historians believe it was the fercönyng's untimely chuckle that doomed Lady Rügfald, the damage was done, and propriety demanded her removal from court. Lord and Lady Rügfald were sent to a distant but comfortable estate in the young colonial capital of New Dunryd. Despite her husband's protests, Lady Rügfald refused to surrender the Greenstone Staff. 2056 Rumor of the Greenstone Staff's existence - and the adra originally stolen from Eir Glanfath - eventually reached the Glanfathan tribes. The subject became a convenient grievance for the anamfatha and a stumbling block for Admeth Hadret. When resentments flared over the flouting of the Ten Years Treaties, Hadret employed a team of Glanfathan mind hunters to investigate the plunder of the ruins. When they found evidence of the fercönyng's involvement, Hadret gifted the Greenstone Staff to the anamfatha as a symbolic but important gesture. 2057 "Tanoss, More than any of the others, you have chosen a path that complements your natural strengths. Your mind is a maze, and you use it to ensnare not only your thralls, but also your fellow pupils. They are blind to it because they look at you and see an animal. Which is why I shall only warn you once: attempt your trickery on me, and I will give your corpse to Pelden. I feel the workings of your mind as surely as you would feel a disturbance in your web. You would displace me as readily as you'd follow me. But the first defense of any wizard is a warded mind, and I have had centuries to strengthen mine." 2058 Tanoss' Note 2059 Sabel's Note 2060 Pelden's Note 2061 Uariki's Note 2062 2063 Soul Burn 2064 Soul Freeze 2065 This sword is well-made but modest in design. The lone flourish is a feather pattern radiating from the hilt, and even this has been crafted with exquisite care - each barb and shaft is a smooth, straight line beneath your fingers. Power and warmth radiate from this blade. 2066 A twisted piece of wood grips a glowing adra chunk with root-like tendrils. Something about the staff resonates in your soul. When you hold it, you hear the distant whisper of wind through the trees. 2067 Pelden's Grimoire 2068 Uariki's Grimoire 2069 Sabel's Grimoire 2070 Workshop Key 2071 A recurring signature in the pages of this notebook indicates that it belonged to someone named Ixtli. The pages contain an assortment of entries. Some list collections of items alongside their purported value. Other pages are scribbled with notes about the land. Interestingly, one of these displays a map of the Russetwood where a frozen pond has been clearly marked as important. 2072 Empty Giftbearer Chest 2073 Expecting to find Okrun's medallion from the depths of the icy waters of the Russetwood you instead recovered chests filled only with rocks. As proof, you took this empty chest with you. 2074 Giftbearer Chest 2075 Giftbearer Chest 2076 You recovered this chest from the icy waters of the Russetwood. Inside, you found Okrun's heirlooms - a medallion and an exceptionally crafted set of armor. 2077 Lich Armor 2078 Baby Lagufaeth 2079 The little creature looks at you and makes a high-pitched warbling sound. Its iridescent skin flashes in shades of purple and blue. 2080 Pearlescent Orb 2081 This pearlescent ball is almost perfectly round. It fits comfortably in your cupped hand and is warm to the touch. 2082 A new verse appeared when the blade was drawn from its pedestal. It reads: "Seek the whirling agent made of copper, adra, stone Awaken first your essence so that you may atone." 2083 New verses blaze from the metal. They read: "Find the sun-kissed hillocks where the dead folk sleep. Rest beside their wasting flesh; inspect what dreams you reap." 2084 The final part of the poem shines along the blade: "Fingers of the world, adra strong and whole Kneel before the pillars, bring order to your soul." 2085 This estoc has a smooth, sturdy blade that tapers to a needle-sharp point. The groans of a dozen tortured souls ring from the metal, binding the weapon to the hand of its wielder for so long as the curse persists. A few verses are etched along the blade: "'Tis a traitor's fate to sleep and never rest Whilst knowledge of his deed stays lodged within his breast. But earnest penance heals the sorrowful man And worthy actions stay the executioner's hand." 2086 Concelhaut's Skull 2087 The skull floats through some mysterious power of its own, chattering its teeth and rolling its burning eyes. You detect Concelhaut's energy and essence still bound inside it. 2088 Ulmar's Head 2089 This burlap sack contains the head of the leader of the Gleaming Society, Ulmar. 2090 Firedorn's Head 2091 This burlap sack contains the head of Firedorn, leader of the Disciples of the True Flame. 2092 Laenric's Head 2093 "Sabel, It gives me pride to see what you've suffered for your craft. The other apprentices may be more learned than you, but none match your tenacity. For you understand something they do not. Your body is a shell. If you are to achieve the power you desire, you will outlive it. Your fellows fight and scheme against one another. Only you recognize your true foe." 2094 Ygadr's Journal 2095 Most of the few remaining pages are ruined with mud, but you can make out an entry near the end of the journal: "Folcsdag. Woke up this morning and saw my toes had turned blue. Spent the last of my fuel warming them up, but it only took me an hour to start the campfire this time. How far I've come! I passed a village yesterday and thought about stopping. A warm bed and a proper meal would've been a treat after almost a week in these mountains! But I don't want to lose track of my soul twin, not when I'm so close. I dreamed of the cave behind the waterfall last night. I think that's where I'll find him - I'm not sure what else it could mean. But I'd better-" The next page is missing, and the rest are unreadable. 2096 "Pelden, You're the most talented of my apprentices. But your understanding is merely a page among the tomes of knowledge I've accumulated. Curb your pride until you've earned it. No weakness is deadlier. I can almost see your hands shaking and your face reddening as you read this. You think that mastering a few basic hexes makes you my worthy pupil? I'd crafted the Parasitic Staff when I was half your age. And while I worked, my peers plotted against me. You may have surpassed the others for now, but they will band together against you if you give them reason. Conceal your skill with mistakes. Hide your malice behind smiles. Sacrifice your vanity for a few precious years that you might survive long enough to earn the title of 'wizard.'" 2097 2098 "Uariki, You tinker with blades and bludgeons while your peers shape the bodies and minds of kith, and they look down on you for it. Let them. Spellwork often attracts a certain kind of mind - one drawn to the mystery and theatre of grand, arcane spectacle. But you are burdened with no such pretension. You see magic for what it is - power, raw and malleable. You shape it as best suits your needs, and this is what gives the greatest spells their strength. While the other apprentices are still perfecting their own ambitious spells, you will complete yours. When that day comes, strike them down, and do not hesitate." 2099 Ryona's Vambraces 2100 This helm once belonged to Garodh, a long-dead tribal chieftain. For some reason, his soul never returned to the Wheel, lingering until he had forgotten much of his own history. Fortunately, you came along and helped him remember. 2101 Fennlan 2102 Speckleback Jerky 2103 Stalwart Rabbit Stew 2104 White Ynefer 2105 Made with juniper berries that are common in the foothills and low slopes of the White March, White Ynefer is popular with locals as well as northern neighbors in Readceras. It is normally distilled in simple household pots with grain mash and various local herbs to meet the maker's preferences. Because it is a powerful spirit, it is not popular as a recreational drink in Eir Glanfath. 2106 Stalwart locals have their own common stew recipe that relies on marinated rabbit meat, onions, wine, and vinegar. Due to Stalwart's remote location, they don't use exotic spices for flavoring, only what they grow locally and dry during the summer months. 2107 Speckleback fish are common in the cold waters flowing out of the White March. Their lean meat makes them ideal for curing and drying for use as jerky. Dyrwoodans often salt their jerky, but Stalwart locals cut specklebacks into thin strips and use smoke to cure them. 2108 Brintwn Ban 2109 Ryngr Berries 2110 Tyn Hat 2111 These small, fuzzy flowers grow in the cool climates of the White March's foothills. Though the petals are white, their yellow and lavender centers stand out in their snowy home. Glanfathans sometimes journey from the forest to collect the flowers for use in special ceremonies. Stalwart's locals learned the name from the friendlier members of the tribes. 2112 Ryngr bushes are extremely hardy and can be found even in the relatively barren upper reaches of the White March's mountains. The berries are extremely bitter and often cause sickness if ingested in any large quantity. Despite their toxicity, they are valuable to settlers for their ability to produce a vivid colorfast red dye. 2113 Tyn hats can be difficult to spot in the snowy landscape of the White March. Featuring an off-white coloration tinged by golden brown edges, the small mushrooms are often hidden along the bottoms of fallen birches. Stalwart locals often use them in cooking. Some bold individuals have used them to make an extremely potent tea, but varying reports on the brew claim it tastes vile and causes paralysis, hallucinations, and temporary blindness. 2114 Stalwart Boney 2115 Durgan Cogwheel 2116 Stalwart's residents use assorted pieces of carved fish bone as a supplemental currency. Most "boneys" are carved from a large flat spot on the skulls of speckleback fish. The carvings are intricate enough that outsiders find them valuable for their artistry. 2117 Lagufaeth Liver 2118 This foul-smelling dark red organ came from the body of a lagufaeth. 2119 Durgan Copper Bracelet 2120 Though Durgan's Battery is mostly known for its steel, the refineries also produced extremely high quality copper that was used in coinage, art, and jewelry. This copper bracelet is typical of the jewelry that was produced in the community at its height. 2121 Bronze Abydon Statuette 2122 Many households in Durgan's Battery had a statuette of Abydon that was cast in the White Forge. The original was made by a renowned Aptapo sculptor. 2123 Tundra Clothing 2124 The frigid environment of regions like the White March make these fur outfits a requirement for survival. The outfit is a combination of water-proofed leather and fur, designed to retain heat while repelling moisture. 2125 Monk Outfit 2126 Frequently worn by practitioners of unarmed combat, this outfit is light and durable. 2127 Tundra Hood 2128 This fur-lined hood is a necessity for staving off frostbite while traveling the frigid environs of the White March. 2129 Sabra Marie was owned by an archer from the Vailian Republics who fought for Dyrwoodan independence. When the War of Defiance began, many from the newly-independent Republics took up the cause and joined the battle to the north. The Vailian had a longer - and more melodious - name for his bow, but "Sabra Marie" quickly became the local bastardization. No recorded histories explain where he got the bow, but plenty attest to its usefulness against larger forces. Quick, powerful shots fired from cover scattered and confused many Aedyran units throughout the war. 2130 Sabra Marie 2131 Decipher the first verse of the poem. 2132 Decipher the second verse of the poem. 2133 Decipher the final verses of the poem. 2134 Storm of Fire Trap 2135 A finely wrought silver key. 2136 Chaotic Orb Trap 2137 Killing Bolt Trap 2138 A plain iron key, found discarded in Galvino's workshop. 2139 Killing Bolt Trap 2140 Chaotic Orb Trap 2141 Meztla's Head 2142 This burlap sack contains the head of Meztla, leader of the Sisterhood of the Slaked Skull. 2143 These boots were originally designed and made to punish runaway slaves. The lord who commissioned them would force attempted runaways to wear them for a week straight, waking and sleeping. The soles were studded with pebbles and shards that ground against the wearer's feet while the leather chafed sores into his heels. By the end of a week, most who wore the boots could barely walk. Yet the slaves in this manor rose up and summoned the Effigy. Once the Effigy had completed his bloody work, the slaves discovered an unexpected boon - the boots that had once been a punishment had been transformed into something comfortable and, likely, valuable. The surviving slaves argued over the boots, and when words turned to blows, the daughter of the man who'd become the Effigy grabbed them and ran. She never looked back. 2145 Orlan's Key 2146 A plain iron key tied to a leather thong. 2147 A sack containing the head of Laenric, leader of the outlaw hunting group known as the Old Dunryd Hunting Lodge. 2148 Two final lines appear along the blade of the estoc: "A penance now complete, a burden now a gift; Keep this weapon at your side to remind you of your shrift." 2149 Reverence for ancestors is common among many of the peoples of Ixamitl, though it takes many forms. Some tribes and clans burn the remains and belongings of their loved ones, while others will pass down certain jewelry and artifacts. A few are even known to craft necklaces and bracelets from the bones and teeth of the departed. A few of the beads of this necklace are veined with something rust-red in color. You feel the faint pulse of essence within it. 2150 Rest in the lair of a sky dragon. 2151 Subject Roster 2152 Experimental Notes 2160 The stamped engraving on this iron key is largely obscured by rust. You can just barely make out what may be a sword. 2161 "The enchantment duration on the animated weapons remains inconsistent. I've ruled out weapon type and material, but it's frustrating when the exact same procedure on identical weapons yields different results. The smell from Pelden's lab doesn't help things, either. The elders are counting on me to alter the balance of power on the isle in our tribe's favor. If I don't return home with a reliable "army" of weapons, it may be better never to return at all. 2162 Uariki's Research Notes 2163 Sabel's Research Notes 2164 "Success with the new formula. The bonding with the vessel material is twice as strong as before. Presentation for Concelhaut will be excellent. Need to acquire more skeletons first before I can demonstrate my experiment to the other apprentices." 2165 2166 Shares a substantial portion of the caster's divine strength, restoring a large amount of Endurance to all allies in the area of effect. 2167 Pelden's Research Notes 2168 Fires five missiles of pure force at the target, causing a shockwave of Crushing damage to foes close to the impact. 2169 "As if I'd leave notes on my experiments for anyone to find! But while you're reading this: Uariki - if one of your weapons wanders in here again, I'm keeping it. Sabel - I've never talked to you, but stay out of my lab anyway. Tanoss - I doubt you can even read, but I'm feeding your minions to my test subjects the next time I catch one of them loitering outside my lab. 2170 The Iroccian Calendar 2171 Time has not been kind to this book - most of the pages are so faded as to be barely legible. However, this may be the last surviving copy in the world and is invaluable to collectors of rare tomes. 2172 The Iroccian Calendar (Rare) 2173 This ancient copy is likely one of the oldest books in the world and invaluable to any collectors of rare manuscripts. "Anni Iroccio: The New Year While only 150 years old (and of Vailian origin as well), the Iroccian calendar is currently used throughout most of the Dyrwood and the surrounding areas. While the Dyrwood was using the Aedyran calendar until recently, they gave it up in favor of the Iroccian calendar. The transition was easy to get people to make because the Aedyran calendar was hopelessly inaccurate. Iroccio calculated that it takes the planet approximately 334 days to orbit the sun, so he took the nine months from the Aedyran calendar and broke them into sixteen months of twenty days each, with each season consisting of four months. The length of each month corresponds to how long it takes Belafa (one of our moons) to circle the planet. At the end of each season, three days - not part of either season - are set aside for people to celebrate the transitions. Lastly, the final two days of the year - New Year and Mid Year - are used to observe the beginning and midpoint of the year. To prevent any confusion for the transition from the old calendar to the new, Iroccio kept the year the same. So, although the calendar has only been in existence for 150 years, it is currently 2823 AI (Anni Iroccio). Iroccio gave the months Vailian names, but in the Dyrwood and surrounding areas, they call them by their translated names. The year is broken down in the following way - New Year - A day to celebrate the arrival of the new year. Of all the holidays, this one is celebrated by most people around the Dyrwood and the Vailian Republics. Each new year is greeted with a fervent zeal to begin things anew and start with a fresh slate. Winter Months (Two at the beginning of the year and two at the end) Deep Winter - Fonivèrno Late Winter - Tarivèrno Spring Dawn (3 days) - Inprima - Used to celebrate the transition of the world, rebirth, and Spring. Eothasian festivals are especially prevalent at this time, or were, prior to the Saint’s War. Spring Months Early Spring - Préprima Mid Spring - Majprima Deep Spring - Fonprima Late Spring - Tarprima Summer Rising (3 days) - Inestu - A period of transition from birth to growth. Many ceremonies designed to usher children into adulthood take place during Summer Rising. Summer Months (and Mid Year) Early Summer - Préëstu Mid Summer - Majestu Mid Year - A day of reflection and introspection. The year is half over. People who made promises on New Year use Mid Year to assess their progress and renew their oaths. Deep Summer - Fonestu Late Summer - Tarestu Autumn Falling (3 days) - Inauton - Harvest celebrations happen during Autumn Falling if the crops were particularly bountiful. If the harvest was small, supplication is given to the gods asking for a better harvest the following year. Autumn Months Early Autumn - Préauton Mid Autumn - Majauton Deep Autumn - Fonauton Late Autumn - Tarauton Winter Dusk (3 days) - Inivèrno (ihn-ih-VEHR-no) - Winter Dusk is filled with celebrations of life and vigils for the dead. The world is returning to sleep, plants die, and those still alive raise a toast to another year. Winter Months Early Winter - Préïvèrno (pree-ih-VEHR-no) Mid Winter - Majivèrno (mahzh-ih-VEHR-no)" 2174 Calls down a savage storm of sleet and ice chunks, causing Crush and Freeze damage to any in the area of effect. 2175 Creates a field of arcane energy around the caster, causing hostile targeted spells up to 3rd level to be reflected back at their casters (for a total of ten spell levels). 2176 Engulfs the caster in fire, increasing their Freeze Damage Reduction and causing Burn damage to anyone who damages them with a melee attack. 2177 Prevents a severely wounded character's Health from reaching 0 when it would result in the death of the character. The character can still be knocked out through Endurance loss. 2178 Hunters have long made rough garments from the skins of their quarries, but this cloak is of an especially high quality. The thick, soft pelts appear to have come from winter wolves, and they provide excellent protection against cold and wind. Such a cloak would likely have been passed along several generations in a family of hunters. 2179 Ruphec was a bruiser and a follower of Wael. He was often hired as a courier or bodyguard because of his size and strength. Yet he was a quiet man, and he developed a habit of walking with his head bowed in prayer. Because, of this, would-be thieves frequently attempted to waylay him. But Ruphec was blessed by the god of secrets. With uncanny foresight, he dodged and parried these sudden attacks and slew his assailants, sewing their eyes into his cloak. He intended it as a warning, but others saw it as a challenge. Eventually, he discarded this cloak and wore a simpler, subtler garment in its place. The sight of a dark cloak with shimmering, shifting eyes became infamous among highwaymen and bandits. 2180 The Cape of the Master Mystic was a gift to a Kulklin king in the days before the Kulklin and Aedyr Kingdoms joined to form the Aedyr Empire. It was imbued with spells and magics to protect the wearer, and so it was extremely useful for travel through some of the contested regions on the border with Aedyr. The king gave the cape to his children while they traveled, and years later, they used it to protect their own children. The tradition continued for years after the formation of the Aedyr Empire until a Kulklin princess traveling with the cape eloped with the captain of her personal guard. The princess and her lover were never heard from again, but the cape surfaced decades later in Dyrwood. 2181 Thieves often favor gloves, boots, and other clothing that makes them nimbler and stealthier. Gloves like these are smooth and tight-fitting, and the leather pads over the fingers and palms help the wearer grip anything - a narrow ledge, a priceless goblet, a razor-sharp dagger - more easily. 2182 This ring is heavy and rough-hewn. It looks like it was cast from a poorly-refined lump of silver. Tiny impurities still glisten around the band. Given the obvious tool-marks, it appears to have been made by an amateur rather than a professional jeweler. 2183 Cailatto, more commonly known as "the Bronze Chanter" or simply "Cai," was a famous singer and flautist from the old empire of Grand Vailia. His exploits with women were even more famous than his skill with music, and though he claimed that his way with women came from his innate charm, he was never seen without a certain silver ring - even when he had divested himself of all else. In the end, it was Cai's own indiscretions that led to his demise. He dallied with an assassin known as Faldila Rugia, and then he comforted the niece of the woman's most recent mark. What was an unfortunate coincidence for Cai looked like a suspicious alliance to the assassin, and she killed him in his sleep to prevent him from spilling her secrets. 2184 This simple belt isn't much to look at, but it's been a favorite of savvy adventurers for years. Its snug but comfortable fit and its myriad pouches, sheaths, and loops allow the wearer quick access to weapons and tools. Armorers and leatherworkers have tried over the years to replicate the Coil of Resourcefulness - or even to improve it - but the ideal design remains a matter of controversy. All anyone can agree on is that none of the recently-produced belts are as good as the original. Every few years, however, an adventurer will show up at an inn, campfire, or hunting lodge, claiming to wear the original Coil of Resourcefulness. Speculation will run rampant once again as supporters and detractors compare the most recent specimen to the various and contradictory accounts from old adventurers' journals. 2185 This hat was designed by an apprentice wizard who sought to create the perfect magical accessory. He spent weeks binding spells and wards to the material, but when he finished, he felt that it looked rather plain. He wanted to strike an imposing figure for peers and rivals, so he spent a few more days adding embellishments - a crest of feathers behind one ear, a band of silk around the brim. It was an improvement, but it also showed the young wizard how poorly he'd chosen his original color scheme, so he spent a few more days experimenting with other shades in suede, satin, and leather. While the poor young apprentice obsessed over his hat, his peers continued studying spells and hexes. By the time of his first duel, he had assembled a fantastic wardrobe but forgotten many of his spells. His performance ended his budding career in magic most ignominiously, but he went on to become a successful tailor. 2186 The Followers of the Winding Path believe in walking to see all that the world holds. Many of them take a strict vow of silence and travel with only the most basic supplies. They make camp each night without knowing where the next day will take them. When they arise, they choose their route based on their dreams. Because of their itinerant nature, it's common to find their personal effects - and their remains - left in the wilderness or by the side of the road. 2187 This helm is dented and scratched - it looks like it's seen plenty of rough use. It's comfortable enough, but when you put it on, you feel a powerful rage start to descend on you. 2188 This belt bears the mark of Ryona, a legendary adventurer who traveled Eora in search of wealth and fame. When she was young, she trained at a martial academy in Ozia, where she struggled at first. Many of her fellow students came from wealthy, local families, but she was poor and foreign. But she was clever, and she practiced much. One day, her chief rival - the nephew of one of the ducs bels - challenged her to a duel. Ryona could not refuse and save face, so she accepted. When they had assembled in the arena, he offered to give her one piece of his armor before the fight began. He meant it as an insult to her skill, but when Ryona asked for his belt, he realized his mistake. He gave her his belt, with his sheathed rapier still attached to it, effectively disarming himself. Ryona won the duel by default and kept the belt as a memento. 2189 After Ryona established her reputation as a fighter, she began joining adventuring expeditions. For years, she was one of the most sought-after warriors in the Eastern Reach. That changed after an expedition to the White March. She traveled with a team of historians and treasure-hunters intent on breaching Durgan's Battery. Yet their guide fell ill, and they became hopelessly lost in a blizzard. The snows continued for days, and their provisions dwindled. While the rest of the party camped in the lee of a cliff, Ryona was sent to scout a way ahead. She wandered into the storm, barely able to see the hand in front of her face. After hours of trudging through the snow, Ryona stumbled into a cave. Yet instead of shelter, she found a young alpine dragon. The beast was too lean, and its eyes burned with hunger when it looked at Ryona. Yet she promised it a larger meal if only it would spare her. She led it to the hollow where the rest of her companions waited, and as the dragon turned on them, she fled. She lost the vambraces in the snow. 2190 Subject: Baelsyr 2191 "She has outdone herself with this one, Baelsyr. A common robber with some natural talent for cipher abilities. It has gone to his head. The bazzo believes he is the next Antonino, I think. In any case the world would be well rid of him. Still, he has yielded promising results - his mind is almost perfectly intact. I might even have been able to determine whether there is merit in his delusions about his soul lineage. But I made the foolish mistake of leaving the man's pistol on my worktable - his essence is bound to the weapon, rather than the body I undertook to build for him. Even bodiless, this fool seeks to trouble me. I have sealed him within one of the tanks. I will have to proof the machines against the free-roaming experiments while I think of a solution. Until then, I suppose I must endure the company while I work." 2192 This paper contains a loose list of apparent personages, separated by dates. "Godandag - Longwatch Falls. Bandit. Mecwynsdag, Inprima - Some smuggler. Folcsdag- Murderer. Nice hair. Rytlingsdag - Idiot who tried to knife me." Under the list is a note in a different hand: "Di verus, Devil, just give me numbers." 2193 Crumpled Experimental Notes 2194 This crumpled piece of parchment was found jammed inside the faceplate of a construct. "My efforts to instill even a child's intelligence in these creations have all failed. Most cannot hold a quill, much less set thoughts to paper. I believed for some time that subject sixty-three might have had a breakthrough during its lessons, but I discovered that it has simply been repeating my words, without comprehension. These were not enlightened characters while they wore their original skins. Perhaps their essence lacks a fundamental capacity for learning? I have put them to the test in more martial arts, but here too they falter without the benefit of true sentience. The Devil, of course, delights in mocking them. It is like boasting of besting children at combat. If I only had my old machines!" 2195 This discarded note reads: "Madiccho! Three weeks of hard work gone, and a fully articulated frame with them. These crude materials are more unstable than expected - though no less expensive! I will try a slower process. Ac, more electricity, perhaps." Along the bottom of the page, a scrawled addendum reads: "Too much electricity. Will require more subjects." 2196 This hastily written entry is dotted with blots of ink. "I refuse to continue wasting my time with these stitchwork grotesqueries! What work is spent in granting the rotting corpse the feeblest spark of life is later tripled in repairs. Truly, they come apart at the seams. The sight of them in the corridors has come to disgust me. They hold nothing of the subject's vitality, intelligence, coordination. Only a brute obedience. Flesh has too gentle a grasp upon the essence, that much is clear. Little wonder the fools at Brackenbury were willing to pawn these sorry specimens off so cheaply! Madiccho, the stench!" 2197 Durgan Iron Ingot 2198 This cast pig iron ingot has been lightly refined in preparation for eventual use in Durgan steel. Without the fire of the White Forge, it has little value. 2199 Refined Durgan Iron Ingot 2200 This iron ingot has been refined by the fires of the White Forge. It can now be used to create the legendary Durgan steel. 2201 Scroll of Restore Critical Endurance 2202 Something was hastily scrawled across this page. It reads: "Floru, We're trapped here, but I take heart in knowing you're safe below. When this ends, take whatever you can carry and leave for Fort Bonepicker at once. Take our nephew if you can. It's not safe here. Keep this with you. Your love, Erazmur" The other side looks like a poem, but it's obscured with dirt. 2203 Erazmur's Letter 2204 Ninagauth's Black Pages 2205 The surface of this ancient helmet is pitted all over with dents like pockmarks on a diseased scalp. Two crusty sockets at the front mark the absence of what would likely have been horns. 2206 Nature's Bounty 2207 This magical nectar possesses extraordinary powers to heal and empower those who consume it. 2208 The settlements across the White March used a variety of bronze coins as currency. These "cogwheels" were used in Durgan's Battery, where they were created in a two-part process. The distinctive cog-shaped planchets were cast in bronze. While cooling, they were struck in iron dies. The coins are still quite valuable in the Eastern Reach due to their high copper content. 2209 Cell Key 2210 Galvino's Resonance Amplifier 2211 Galvino created this strange device to detect souls that dwelled in Durgan's Battery during a previous life. It sends out a pulse of energy generated by memories from soul fragments Galvino collected in the device's adra shard. The individual's dormant lives resonate with the "echo" by momentarily pushing forward through their present life's sea of consciousness. The subjects are not aware of what is happening, but the disturbance can be perceived through special lenses or, luckily, the eyes of a Watcher. 2212 Caedebald's Blackbow 2213 Grimoire of the Tides 2214 The pages of this grimoire feel moist and heavy, as if weighed down by humidity, yet they show no signs of having been exposed to water. 2215 Captain Viccilo's Anger 2216 The Wind's Arm 2217 Bent Lift Cog 2218 A cog bent and warped from years of use. 2219 Dwarven Lever 2220 A lever you found in the West Tower. A malformed cog is attached to one end. 2221 Patinated Cog 2222 A cog you found in the Patination Chamber. It is coated with a thick layer of yellow slime. 2223 Pargrun Rust-Dissolver 2224 A small label on the side reads, "Property of A. Thorel. For use on rusted materials only." 2225 2226 A plain key wrought from dark iron. 2227 A Giftbearer of Ondra is traveling along the road when she meets a man in tears holding a scrap of parchment. "Why do you weep?" asks the Giftbearer. "I hold here a letter from my wife. I tried to be a good husband, but the letter says that I was not, and that she has gone to seek the company of a better man. Now this is all that remains of her." "Give the letter to me, then," says the Giftbearer, "for once you have forgotten the letter, your wife can cause you no further pain." The man gives her the letter and finds his tears have dried up. He thanks the Giftbearer and leaves at peace. The Giftbearer continues on, contemplating the man's story, but does not get far before she encounters an old woman in tears holding a string of beads. "Why do you weep?" asks the Giftbearer. "I hold here a string of beads that counted the years of my daughter's life. Sickness took her while she was still a child, and she was denied the joys of a full life, and I the joys of a mother. This is all that remains of her." "Give the beads to me, then," says the Giftbearer, "for once you have forgotten the beads, your daughter can truly rest." The old woman gives her the beads and finds her grief no longer gnaws at her soul. She thanks the Giftbearer and leaves at peace. Thinking on the woman's pain, the Giftbearer follows the road until she reaches the sea. In her hands she carries the letter and the beads. They are light in her hands but heavy upon her heart, and she is crying. She prays to Ondra to allow the objects to be forgotten, and casts them into the water. And yet, long after they have sunk beneath the waves, the Giftbearer finds herself still weeping. "Merciful Ondra," pleads the Giftbearer, "In your service I have helped people forget their troubles. Yet though I passed them on to you, I feel them still as though they were mine. How can this be?" The Giftbearer listens to the wisdom of the crashing waves until she understands: to feel the troubles of others in your soul is a burden itself. However, she has no token to give to Ondra to bear it away, for the troubles are not hers to forget. "I give myself to you, then," says the Giftbearer, "for once I am in your care, no memory may haunt me." And with that, the tide comes forth and embraces the Giftbearer, and when it ebbs, she is gone. 2228 The Giftbearer's Pilgrimage 2229 Fragment of Abydon's Hammer 2230 This piece of metal resembles steel, but its surface gleams with an otherworldly sheen. 2231 2232 Ondra's Witness 2233 The ritual of sprinkling holy water is one of the most important traditions in the Ondrite church. For Ondra's followers, it signifies not only a sanctifying of the church, but the actual presence of the Lady of Lament herself. All Ondrite holy water comes from the ocean, and those who convey the water from sea to church on pilgrimage are held in great esteem among the Ondrite faithful. This aspergillum takes the traditional shape of a spherical vessel set at the end of a long handle, with holes bored into the top to allow water to flow outward when the item is flicked. More uniquely, the shaft has been carved to look as though barnacles cling to it, and the vessel at the end has been made to resemble the moon Beläfa. Salt appears to have crusted in long wisps that wind around the object. 2234 Journal of the High Abbot 2235 This volume appears to serve many functions. There are notes in it detailing schedules and routines at the abbey. There are favorite passages from Ondrite texts, annotated with personal insights. There are also descriptions of dreams. Many seem purely symbolic, but one entry is of interest: "It had been long since I dreamt of my Rising. Yet now, with another Rising soon upon us, this is the fifth time in a week. Perhaps channeled here, I can put it to rest. "I am walking through the Halls of Silence. I feel eyes on me from all sides. Angry, vengeful eyes. "I arrange the panels and curl my hands into the Sign of the Tide, the right as the wave, the left tracing the crescent moon with my two outer fingers. The way opens to me. "I climb the steps and Ondra's Witness is installed there, the old aspergillum, set to operate the valves. I use it like a lever, and the water rises. There are angry shouts, and when I cover my ears, they are louder still. "But the water continues upward, far past where it should. I climb as high as I can, but I feel it, icy on my feet. Then it is over my head, and I cannot breathe. "Suddenly I am outside the reliquary, looking at the Veil of Tears. The Witness is in my hand, and the Veil parts for it. I step through, to the one place in the abbey I feel protected. Only when I pass inside, I come out in total darkness. "I call for help. I'm shouting, screaming for help. There is no answer. I stop. "I sit there in the dark, waiting for what seems like ages. Then I realize: I don't know who I am." 2236 Dwarven Tome 2237 The pages of this tome are singed at the edges. As you flip through the pages it gives off the light scent of charcoal and sulfur. 2238 On the Treatment and Preservation of Cannons 2239 This page seems to be from some larger text. "We now have a treatment to prevent our prized cannons from rusting outside. Potionmaster Andren developed a solution that seals the metal, protecting it from cold air. We've transformed the old armory into a 'patination chamber' where we can heat the solution into a gas. As the gas suffuses the chamber, it will build up a hard coating on the cannons. After a few weeks, the cannons will be ready for the elements. However, we must be careful around the solution. One of Andren's assistants scalded her throat just from breathing too close to the stuff." The rest of the manuscript has fallen apart over time. 2240 Forge Hammer 2241 Masca's forge hammer has seen a lot of use, but from what she's told you, it hasn't been used well. 2242 St. Wygelt's Cudgel 2243 He Carries Many Scars Helm 2244 Sanguine Plate's Helm 2245 Argwes Adra's Helm 2246 White Crest's Helm 2247 The Colored Coat 2248 Hunter's Mail 2249 Elryn's Jacket 2250 Comtessa's Gage 2251 Siegebreaker Gauntlets 2252 Maegfolc Skull 2253 Executioner's Hood 2254 This large, gem-encrusted nautilus has the ability to summon a rain blight. 2255 The Nautilus of Or-Grammon 2256 Rod of Wind and Thunder 2257 Warlock's Codex 2258 Blood-spattered and creased, this tome has seen as much conflict as its master. Its inner secrets have been penned in purple ink, cramped symbols coating every available space on the paper. 2259 Vithrack Crystal 2260 An oddly shaped crystal. When it is held tightly, you hear a sharp tone emanate from it. 2261 Menpwgra Claws 2262 Menpwgra Armor 2263 The Witch's Hat 2264 Night Mirror Fragment 2265 Remembrance Ashes 2266 Ifen's Cradle 2267 Celebrant's Gloves 2268 The Blind Monk's Venom 2269 Vent Pick 2270 Remembrance of Life's Warmth 2271 Remembrance Ashes 2272 Blackwarden's Breast 2273 Cracked Ornate Key 2274 The metal of this ornate key shows deep cracks on its surface. 2275 Wave Crested Key 2276 This key, its handle resembling the crest of a wave, was cut from a deep blue crystal. 2277 Roedwith's Head 2278 This burlap sack contains the head of Roedwith, leader of Magran's Faithful. 2279 Brynlod's Head 2280 This burlap sack contains the head of Brynlod, infamous pirate of the Deadfire Archipelago. 2281 Broodmother's Head 2282 This burlap sack contains the head of the Redwater Broodmother, leader of the Redwater Lagufaeth. 2283 Caravan Master's Brooch 2284 The brooch of caravan master Saefol that you found frozen in the center of the Terror of Whitestone Hollow. 2285 Tax Collector's Mantle 2286 Abydon's Hammer 2287 Acuan Giamas 2288 Gyrd Háewanes Sténes 2289 Steadfast 2290 Twin Sting 2291 Ryona's Breastplate 2292 Ethereal Helm 2293 The Helwax Mold 2294 Sack of Grain 2295 Maneha's Armor 2296 Maneha's armor reflects her extensive travels and experiences on the roads and waves of Eora. It incorporates brass baubles, the teeth of ferocious creatures, and myriad small bits of fashion Maneha took a fancy to on her adventures. 2298 This morning star appears to be of Engwithan make, and likely owes its long survival to having been protected against the elements in a peat bog. Few Engwithan weapons have been found in any kind of usable condition since Dyrwoodan expeditions began searching their ruins, but this morning star is a rare exception. The weapon is composed of a bronze shaft and a head of living adra. The grip is wound tightly with copper, and the spikes on the head are also made from copper. 2300 Captain Viccilo was a pirate captain, beloved by his crew for his sense of humor and notorious for his practical jokes. One day, the crew decided to get him back. They pretended to mutiny, and marooned him on a desert island for two days. They gave him only a hatchet for splitting coconuts, knowing the small island had no coconut trees. When they dragged him back up onto the ship, he was half-dead of thirst, and the first mate offered him a cup of water. Viccilo gulped it all down, only to realize it was salt water, and he spent the next while vomiting on the deck, lacking even the energy to get up from the floor. The crew laughed at the spectacle, and Viccilo said afterward there were no hard feelings. But Viccilo was a changed man after his brush with death. He laughed with his men, but beneath the surface he was full of rage. It took him weeks to fully recover, and when he felt well enough, he used his hatchet to murder his crew as they slept. The hatchet is dark gray with red coral growing in veins along the handle and blade. Some of Captain Viccilo's vengeful essence is thought to have slipped into the blade, and some killed by it are believed to have died not from their wounds, but from dehydration. 2302 A strictly devoted follower of Woedica, Wygelt was haunted by dreams of criminals committing horrific acts of violence, only to escape punishment or receive one that was unduly light. She came to believe Woedica was speaking to her through these dreams, demanding these people receive justice. Wygelt found these criminals in hideouts and homes, and very often in jail, serving inadequate sentences. She would steal into these places, which were frequently under heavy guard, find her way to the criminal, and pronounce the judgment of Woedica. (Her incredible knack for reaching these places were in some instances later declared as miracles when she was canonized.) If the criminal was lucky, it would only mean disfigurement, but most were executed on the spot with Wygelt's cudgel. Eventually Wygelt's reputation spread too far, and many criminals that feared her began to set traps and issue bounties. When she was finally caught, she was clubbed to death with her own weapon. It is said that with her final words, she declared that she was a murderer, and that she deserved this fate. St. Wygelt's cudgel is a simple spiked club with a leather-wrapped handle. The wood itself is irreversibly stained reddish brown with the blood of criminals. 2303 Silver Flash 2304 Silver Flash is the invention of Dyrwoodan silver prospector Engar Resc, who discovered a rich vein of silver in an otherwise empty cave. He had begun to mine it when the cave's owner - the largest bear he had ever seen, by his account - found him there and threatened to charge. Engar had come prepared and discharged his blunderbuss at the beast as it ran at him, but the weapon rarely hit where it was aimed, and Engar was horribly mauled. Only by playing dead was he able to escape with his life. Swearing to never allow it to happen again, Engar used some of his own silver to fashion a new blunderbuss that would never miss, and would slow the charge of any bear. The barrel is beautifully plated with a reflective silver, and engineered to create a blinding flash when it fires, bright enough to stop an animal in its tracks. 2306 A dozen unique pollaxes were created at the request of Escimo IV, Duc of Ancenze, to equip his royal bodyguards. Each was meant to pay tribute to one of the governing factors of maritime fortune. Additional pollaxes were made to honor the rain, the stars, the sun, the waves, and other symbols. The Wind's Arm was the personal favorite of Escimo IV, who had earned his nickname "Casità mel Alisias" - the Captain of the Wind - in his years serving the Ancenzan navy. It was said of Escimo that whichever way he needed to go, the winds would already be blowing that way. He gave the Wind's Arm to his most skilled guard, who called upon it more than once to keep overexcited Vailians from getting too close to the throne. The pollaxe is made in the image of the wind itself. A face is engraved on the axe head, blowing wind outward along the curves of the blade. The grain of the wood itself is not vertical, but rather sweeps around the ash-gray pole. 2308 Gyrd Háewanes Sténes, the "blue stone scepter," is remarkable in that is has been shaped from a single sapphire - its only other component is its grip, made of silver bands. 2309 Ine Gyrd, the most famous scepter in Aedyr and perhaps all of Eora, is held jointly by the mecwyn and fercönyng as a symbol of royal authority, and is said to carry the souls of early chieftains in its adra head. Though traditionally thought of as symbolic, there have been a few notable times in history when it was put to practical use. In one such instance, Mecwyn Eleya I had her claim to the throne challenged by an older half-sister claiming to be a legitimate heir. Eleya invited her to court so that people might hear her words with their own ears and judge for themselves. The woman spoke at length and showed a number of sworn documents to those present at court. Eleya summoned her to the throne, and told her that if the chieftains of Ine Gyrd judged her worthy, the mecwyn would abdicate. 2310 The woman approached Eleya was told to bow her head to receive the kiss of Ine Gyrd. She did so, and was quickly felled by a barrage of savage blows from the mecwyn. It was the last time her authority was challenged during her reign. 2311 In attendance in court that night was Tiryc III, a gréf palatine. So impressed was Tiryc at the many uses of Ine Gyrd that he had an artisan craft him a scepter of his own. He was careful to request that it differ completely in appearance from Ine Gyrd, lest he draw the attention and ire of the mecwyn. Though Gyrd Háewanes Sténes does not contain the souls of the gréf's bloodline, it does tend to project the authority of the wielder, as the original owner intended. 2313 Steadfast is a single-edged backsword with a recurved guard and a wire-wrapped grip. Though not especially fancy, the crafter's skill is readily apparent to any who hold the weapon in their hands. 2314 The only surviving son of an indentured servant, Adaryc Cendamyr was one of countless Readcerans who joined the ranks of Waidwen's army upon the outbreak of the Saint's War. Despite his youth and inexperience, Adaryc acquitted himself well in the fighting, and was soon popular among his fellow soldiers for his good sense, his passion, and his loyalty. Determined to honor Waidwen, Adaryc proved himself a disciplined and driven soldier. 2315 After a spate of hard-won victories, the destruction of Waidwen heralded the immediate retreat of Readceran forces back across the border. Situated far from the vanguard, Adaryc's company found itself embroiled in brutal fighting as triumphant Dyrwood forces set upon their disheartened foe. His commander slain, Adaryc had his first taste of command in the chaos. Adaryc and his fellows held off the enemy long enough for their company to rejoin the main body of the retreating army - but at the cost of many lives. It would be nearly a year later before Adaryc would be able to revisit the battlefield, but he returned to Readceras with the broken blades of several of his fallen brothers in arms. It was from these shattered remnants that Adaryc's sword was forged. 2316 Adaryc maintained contact with the surviving members of his unit after the war. Though he had struggled with bouts of melancholy since childhood, Adaryc was well-regarded as a capable and charismatic leader, devoted to his comrades. It was soon proposed that he should lead the others in forming a tight-knit collective of fighting men, united not by a desire for coin, but by their duty to their fallen comrades, and to their countrymen. Many of the Iron Flail's early engagements would be against less discerning mercenary companies, which Adaryc condemned as a particular danger to settlements along the Readceran border. In time, the Iron Flail's many victories, and Adaryc's seemingly dauntless will, would draw many more recruits into the fold. The Iron Flail soon had the backing of several prominent families, and was even rumored to have the blessing of Readceras' ruling powers. 2318 Twin Sting is a crossbow with an unusual design: it is built to fire two bolts before requiring a reload. Few are the practical uses of such a weapon that would be worth the trade-off of the extra weight. This item, however, was built to fulfill a very particular need. 2319 Local chapters of the Guild of the Poison Scale, a group of fanatical Woedican assassins who believe the world is safest when no single entity wields too much power, spread from Aedyr to Dyrwood in the years before the Dyrwoodan revolution, and have continued to operate there since. Darden Guthroc failed his first assignment as a member of the New Heomar branch of the Poison Scale. It was not for lack of skill, but rather lack of contingency planning, that his attack was spoiled. He tracked an ascendant young noble to his lover's abode, and waited all night from a rooftop across the road, his crossbow trained on the door. 2320 When the noble emerged the next morning, Guthroc's poisoned bolt struck him just above the heart. However, the noble was a man of some girth, and the dose of poison was too sparing. The man ran through the streets of New Heomar screaming and waking up half the city, including an apothecary who quickly administered an antidote before the poison had taken full effect. 2321 Such was the embarrassment to the Poison Scale that Guthroc was nearly cast out. But the leadership knew that Guthroc's promise was great. They had built for him a custom crossbow capable of firing two bolts with a single shot, that he might never make the same mistake twice. 2323 "Simple" might be as specific as one can be when describing this dagger. Its handle is leather-wrapped and plain. Its blade is bronze. It has no markings, no filigree, no gems or fancy metalwork. It appears well made, but it is so unremarkable that it is a challenge to judge. There is a sense in holding it that there must be something more there, if only because it is difficult to believe any craftsman would take so little pride in his work. 2324 It is difficult to say for sure, but the blade seems to have picked up tarnish with use, despite the relatively light usage it has seen since you acquired it. It is hard to imagine that the blade was made so cheaply that it is already near the end of its lifespan, yet it does not appear to be far off. A single rune is visible along the blade. At first it looked more like a scratch. It seems impossible to remember now whether that rune had always been there. 2325 The leather on the handle has become brittle and begun to crack. The blade's original luster has dulled, and the reflections cast into it are hazy and indistinct. A second rune appears next to the first. But the blade seems altogether worse despite the new detail. 2326 The edge of the blade has lost much of its original sharpness. Every slice is a labor, and it seems increasingly better suited to break the seal on letters than to pierce flesh. The grip has started to fray considerably. There is a third rune on the blade now. Perhaps it is the symbol for "dull." 2327 The blade appears to be coated with a dense fog, its shine no more than a memory. There are deep scratches across it now, and it seems that all but the softest materials leave their mark upon it. Blobs of rust are spattered across the blade, and seem to spread from one moment to the next. They eat at the metal like a wasting sickness. The leather on the handle has begun to slough off entirely, and it needs to be secured in the palm to ensure a good grip before every use. Four runes are visible along the blade. It seems increasingly likely that it is some kind of apology in a dead language. 2328 The blade has undergone a complete metamorphosis. The dagger is in every respect extraordinary - it seems like some transcendent realization of what a dagger would be in its purest, most perfect form. Five runes grace the blade now, and their meaning seems to trickle into your mind as you look at them: "Weather, die, and be born anew, free of old labors." 2330 The best swindlers know how to put on a good show. Many charm with their words or with sleight-of-hand, but Elryn made his living with his eye for fashion. The son of a tailor, Elryn picked up his father's trade when his father died, but soon found that his love of stitching far outstripped his desire to keep ledgers, and it wasn't long before he was on the street with no means of plying his trade. But while begging for coins, he noticed that he fared better than the other beggars, and eventually he realized it was because the jacket he wore - one that he had fashioned himself - drew attention. When he had scraped together enough money, he poured it into making a jacket so splendid and unique that it would disarm even the wariest of passersby. It worked exactly as he intended. And in fact so disarming was the jacket that he found he could read and beguile people quite easily once he'd drawn them in with it. He made promises he couldn't keep. He picked pockets with his left hand while pointing out the jacket's fine detail work with his right. In a matter of months, he had money enough to buy back and reopen his father's shop. But thrill and convenience of his new profession kept Elryn right where he was, begging and sweet talking and manipulating. At the end of each day he would steal away to a fine abode on the other side of town where no one knew him. Things took a turn for Elryn when he met a young woman who captivated him from the moment he laid eyes on her. He tried to work his charms on her but found instead that he tripped over his own tongue and could barely get a word out. Yet the woman seemed to enjoy his efforts in spite of it all, and he finally convinced her to come to his home. He awoke the next morning to find his house had been emptied of every valuable and coin he'd ever saved or swindled, and only then did he realize it hadn't been the woman that captivated him at all - it had been her stunning velvet bodice - and he knew he'd been had by a kindred soul. Alas, his prized jacket was among the items she removed, and Elryn lived out the rest of his days in poverty. Where most padded armor is constructed in vertical strips, Elryn's jacket bears a distinctive diamond pattern. It has a high collar and long sleeves that go all the way to the wrists, and it has an uncanny way of catching people off-guard. 2332 Matha Faett was discovered slumbering in an Engwithan ruin deep in the heart of Eir Glanfath. She was a great worm, a subterranean animal rarely seen by kith. Nearly all of her body was burrowed in the dirt beyond the walls of the ruin, so the Dyrwoodan looters that provoked her were more than a little shocked to see that when she emerged she was perhaps three times the height of a person, and thirty times as long. The initial group of looters escaped with their lives, and returned with large hunting parties aimed at slaying her, for the ruins she took over were home to one of the finest collections of relics yet found in Eir Glanfath. But Matha Faett killed those hunters by the score. Her body was coated in an acidic mucus that devoured weapons before they could pierce her flesh, and she vomited bile upon her attackers that burned away flesh and bone alike, leaving no trace of them for future looters to find. Her reign there ended when the Hounds of Galawain were paid a vast sum to see her destroyed. They sent one woman, Cillanna Fealmes, whose stature was such that few questioned her going in alone. She ordered built a set of custom weapons and armor, including this breastplate, which was blackened to resist the monster's corrosive bile. She entered the ruins to find Matha Faett had died sometime in the last month, and the smell was so overpowering that it knocked her unconscious for hours. When she emerged from the ruins unscathed in her black armor, she was nicknamed the Blackwarden before she could even recount the tale. So much did she like the nickname that the happily bent the truth in order to keep it. The smell did not leave the armor until well after Cillanna's death, and it has seen very little wear as a result. 2334 It began as nothing more than an accident. A Dyrwoodan hunter on an expedition stepped on the tail of a sleeping stelgaer and the animal would have torn into him except one of its teeth became lodged in the hunter's mail, affording him an opportunity to slay the beast. The tooth he left in the mail as a kind of trophy. Other expeditions would gain him new trophies - teeth or bones - which he would sew into the armor's links as a point of pride. The hunter himself was eventually slain by a group of Fangs who found him walking out of an Engwithan ruin with a bag full of things they did not feel were his. But they kept up his tradition, sewing one of the hunter's teeth into the mail. Over the years, they added to the collection, until the wearer was killed. The mail would change hands from time to time in this way when the owner was slain by a beast or someone with a grudge, but without fail, each new owner would add his trophies to the mail, and the armor is now a fearsome pastiche of the remains of beasts and people alike. 2336 The Right Lord Lorel Taenring found himself in the unenviable position of being caught in a war between two branches of his own family, fought over hunting rights to certain lands that were jointly owned. While most family members found it easy to choose a side, Lorel could not bring himself to take up arms against anyone in his large extended family. He had this brigandine decorated in two tones, each representing the opposing family banners, and had the local spellwrights imbue it with the power to raise a wall of briars, which he hoped to use to keep the sides divided on the battlefield. When the two sides met in combat, he rode out to the center of the battlefield, raising briar patches and waving to both sides, calling out for them to stop their mad feud. Unfortunately, his decorative brigandine had the opposite effect of what he intended, and each side read it as being the uniform of the other. He was felled by a rain of arrows from both directions. When his family realized he had died, they put their battle on hold and discussed peace. Then they began to argue about where Lorel would be buried and the feud began anew. 2337 Young Skuldrak Breath 2338 This simple cape was the property of a young gambler who made her living at dice. She played and cheated her way across the Dyrwood, and she was playing a game with the off-duty soldiers at Hel's Gate Citadel when an extra die clattered out of her sleeve. She fled, and the drunken soldiers at the table grabbed their weapons and gave chase. The alarm went up across the citadel, and the gambler dodged the spears and arrows of the emerging guards as she made her way to the edge of the island. When she reached the cliffs, she skidded to a halt, cast a single glance at the pursuing soldiers, and tumbled into the sea. Half of the guards on duty that night tried to claim credit for the arrow or spear that must have knocked her into the water, but when they retrieved her cape from the branch that had snagged it, they found that it was whole. Her body was never found. 2339 The Followers of the Winding Path believe in enlightenment through encumbrance and perseverance. One of their more peculiar traditions dictates that they must endure grit and gravel in their sandals until it falls out on its own. However, if a pebble remains in a monk's sandal for a full thirty-seven days, then it is then considered blessed, and the Follower must remove it and wear it as a charm. Thus, the most well-traveled of the order are bedecked with amulets, bracelets, belts, and headbands woven with the burdens they have picked up on their journeys. 2340 The Pargrunen are known not only as great explorers and builders, but also as experts in the field of mining. To survive perilous underground environments, they've developed a variety of cloaks, capes, and hoods that protect wearers from poisonous vapors. 2341 These were once commissioned for the commander of a company of Bleak Walkers. During the Siege of Palente, he sent word of his impending arrival and warned that if the gates of the keep were not open by the time he arrived, he would slay every man, woman, and child within. The marceso of the keep argued with his retainers, but the Bleak Walkers arrived two days earlier than anticipated. Legend holds that the sound of the commander's armored fist on the keep's gates set funeral bells ringing for miles. 2342 The Comtessa of Manetti was pledged to the Marceso of Veralta, but her heart belonged to her captain of the guard. When she learned that her love meant to challenge the marceso for her affections, she enchanted his gauntlet to protect him during the duel. When the young captain threw it at the marceso's feet, the two men drew swords and fought across the grounds of the marceso's palace. Whenever they sparred near the fallen gauntlet, the captain had the upper hand. Yet every time the young captain drove the marceso back, the tide turned. Eventually, the captain caught wise. He allowed the marceso to press him once more. As they passed the fallen gauntlet, he threw his strength into one final onslaught, winning the duel - and the hand of his beloved - with his blade at the marceso's throat. 2343 A young knight sought a legendary armorer beneath the mountains of the Living Lands. The knight brought a fortune in gold and asked the armorer to craft something exquisite to protect her on her adventures. The old armorer agreed on the condition that the young knight would apprentice with him for three years to learn the basics of his trade. The young knight agreed and worked at the armorer's side day and night, fashioning breastplates, greaves, cuisses, and shields. As the third year drew to a close, she waited to see what marvelous piece the armorer would craft for her, yet the old man never picked up a hammer but to correct her technique. On the final evening of her apprenticeship, she approached the armorer and asked about the reward he had promised. He counseled patience and told her that he would finish it by morning. When she arose the next day, she found him sitting by the hearth, twisting a length of rope. "I've done all you asked," she said. "I've served you faithfully and learned your trade. Where is the armor you promised me?" "It is here," the old man said, holding up the rope. "You vowed to grant me a great protection," the knight said, her hand moving to her blade. "And so I have. You have worked at my side for three years. You have seen how even the strongest steel shatters, dents, and rusts. The greatest protection is not bent metal, but mastery over your own mind. With this, even the gravest wounds shall not stop you." 2344 This dark green enameled steel breastplate was the property of Ryona, an adventurer who hailed from the Vailian Republics and found her calling running with expedition companies in the Dyrwood. A small amount of copper chain extends under the breastplate for additional protection. Ryona ended her career early after giving up her expedition group to a dragon in the White March in exchange for her own life. 2345 After escaping the alpine dragon, Ryona was overwhelmed with guilt. She resolved that she would not rest until she'd made amends for each of the lives she had traded away, and she began to travel the Eastern Reach in search of ways to help the surviving relations of her lost adventuring company. In Defiance Bay she found the widower of one of the lost expeditioners. His wife had been part of the expedition in hopes of finding treasure within Durgan's Battery that might pay off a debt that he owed to House Doemenel. By the time Ryona arrived, House Doemenel had already put out a contract on his life. She acted as his personal bodyguard and helped him to survive a series of attacks by putting herself in the line of fire. Improbably, Ryona and the widower both lived through the ordeal. 2346 In Midwood she came to the aid of the family of an aristocratic expeditioner who had failed to satisfy the house of his daughter's husband-to-be with the dowry he'd provided. The angry in-laws swore to destroy the family for the insult, and enlisted a band of Bleak Walkers to perform the deed. Ryona rallied together army of the expeditioner's vassals, exhorting them with a powerful speech about the kind of man he'd been, and together they slew the Bleak Walkers to the last man. 2347 Always, though, the form of the dragon loomed large in Ryona's mind and haunted her dreams. She succeeded in every effort to help those who were close to the expeditioners she'd sacrificed, and yet peace eluded her. Only then did she come to understand that she would have to face the dragon and see it dead, or die in the attempt. She gathered her belongings and embarked on one final journey to the White March, and was never seen again. 2348 Cuetzpac was a famous raider from the Ixamitl Plains, and Athrek was his prized stallion. Renowned for his speed and skill on horseback, Cuetzpac could disarm an opponent in the time it took most to nock an arrow. He disdained heavy and elaborate armor, claiming that a true warrior could fight in anything. To prove his point, he fashioned his belt from Athrek's reins. 2349 Frythr, the "Coward of Kindle Vale," fled more battles than most men fought. He nevertheless rose to the rank of steadman, likely because he survived his doomed platoons on several noteworthy occasions. After an otherwise undistinguished military career, he was finally caught abandoning his comrades during a minor skirmish in the War of Black Trees. His commanding officer executed him on the spot. 2350 According to Old Vailian folktales, Viettro was a young tailor from a poor village who dreamed of attending the Majivèrno Ball at the imperial palace. However, though he had made many fine clothes for himself, he had no shoes to match, no invitation from the imperial family, and no knowledge of palace manners. One day, a kindly wizard heard his wish and gifted him with an enchanted pair of shoes. They were formal enough for the ball, and the wizard promised that they would provide all Viettro needed in time. Viettro took the wizard at his word and arrived at the palace gates the day of the ball, dressed in his best clothes and his new shoes. The guards on duty demanded Viettro's invitation, and suddenly, the young man felt a weight in his pocket. He found a flask of fine spirits, which he gave the guards in exchange for entry. Continuing to the ball, he found himself in conversation with several vicecomtes and marcesos. Viettro was certain his ignorance would betray him, but he spoke with such knowledge of history and custom that his hosts were impressed. His confidence in the wizard's shoes grew, and when he saw the most beautiful woman at the ball, he asked her to dance. The shoes guided his feet and his tongue, and such was his charm that he and the young príncessa were wed by the year's end. 2351 Lavender Wreath 2352 Gwyn was a young woman from Forked Vale who was engaged to be married to a farmer from her village. Her parents were thrilled about the match, yet as the day of her wedding drew nearer, Gwyn suffered from horrible nightmares that she was suffocating. She would awaken, gasping for breath but otherwise unable to move. She told her parents about the nightmares and the horrible weight that seemed to press on her shoulders more and more each passing day. They assured her that the nerves would pass, but they didn't. On the morning of her wedding day, when the sky was still gray and a heavy mist hung over the fields, Gwyn snuck away. She thought a long walk might calm her, but the further she got from Forked Vale, the better she felt. By the time she reached Pearlwood Bluffs, she realized she had no intention of going back. She spent the night at a little roadside inn on the charity of the owner, and after a hot dinner and a good mug of ale, she enjoyed the best sleep she'd had in months. When she awoke, her hostess pointed her to Defiance Bay. She reached the city and quickly found the port. She had nothing of value besides her betrothal ring, which she traded for passage to Aedyr. 2353 Three brothers and two sisters from a mining village in Readceras were summoned to the front lines of Waidwen's march to the Dyrwood. While they were eager to heed their saint's call, they didn't want to abandon their elderly parents, so they had five rings made from the iron of the town mine, each designed to protect the wearer in battle. They wagered that with the rings, at least one of them would survive to care for their parents. Four such rings were found in the battlefield wreckage after the Godhammer detonated. 2354 Maegfolc - or their remains - have been found on most of the known continents of Eora. In the Living Lands, they are rumored to have built cities with great towers that reach beyond the clouds. This helm was recovered by an explorer who claimed to have plucked it from the burial chamber of a maegfolc prince. 2355 The inland town of Lachan in the Deadfire Archipelago sat in the middle of a network of wealthy port cities and received the worst elements from all of them. Gamblers, thieves, and other miscreants trickled into Lachan and ruined the sleepy village through various acts of vandalism and violence. At last, the mayor of Lachan had enough. She appointed village executioners who had standing orders to kill anyone out on the streets after sundown. The executioners wore brightly colored hoods so that residents and visitors could recognize them and get safely inside. 2356 The Unlabored Blade 2357 The Looking-Inward Chime 2358 Long Pain Fists 2359 When a monk activates The Long Pain, his or her fists become capable of projecting powerful attacks over a long distance. 2360 Reaping Knives 2361 These knives of soul energy do Raw damage and harvest Focus for the cipher who created them. 2362 War Pup 2363 This plump, brindle-coated puppy already boasts a disciplined bearing... but only until it spots something to play with. 2364 Bog Batling 2365 While its wings are still frail and its fur is still growing in patches, there is an ambitious little gleam in this tiny bat's beady eyes. 2366 This lightly singed piece of paper has a charcoal drawing on the front. 2367 Mylla's Drawing 2368 Blighted Coals 2369 Cannon Range Key 2370 Under layers of rust, the iron key bears the small inscription "Cannon Range" on the side. 2371 High Abbot's Key 2372 Its light blue crystal strangely warm to the touch, this key has been fashioned in the shape of a crescent moon. 2373 Steel-banded Key 2374 Contrasting against the wide bands of steel that reinforce it, the iron core of this key has built rust through years of use. 2375 Ondrite Quarters' Key 2376 Cracks and scratches zigzag across the weathered surface of this iron key. 2377 Looter's Spellguide 2378 Arcanist's Treatise 2379 Apprentice's Tome 2380 Badrwn's Notes 2381 This weathered piece of parchment holds a series of nearly-illegible notes and what appears to be some kind of diagram. A series of symbols lines the periphery of a crudely-drawn circle. One particular set of five symbols has been repeatedly circled. 2382 An Angry Letter 2383 "Vedren- I appreciate that you are attempting to assist me, but when I asked for volunteers, I meant just that. I have no interest in raising corpses, and these sorry victims of yours are of no use to me. I have taken precautions to prevent us finding ourselves hip-deep in guls. While you clean up the midden heap you have made of my ritual circle, perhaps you can take the time to refamiliarize yourself with the simple concept that a dead man makes a poor source of soul essence. - Badrwn" 2384 Contract of Sale 2385 This document details the purchase, by someone named Cillan, of a handful of constructs for use in the sulfur mines. The seller appears to have been one "Galvino." 2386 "Cillan - Found these things while we were checking out the old Galvino place. They're not real nice to look at, but they seem to take orders fairly well. Seemed up your alley. And Galvino's not exactly going to miss them, is he? - M" 2387 Miner's Note 2388 A set of fragmented notes is scribbled almost illegibly on a scrap of parchment: "Tunnels: Remember lamp. Keep hand on right wall whole way. Watch for spiders." 2389 Note for Cillan 2390 2391 This scepter has been shaped from a single piece of sapphire and is adorned with bands of silver in the grip. It glows with a faint inner light when held. 2392 "My love, I have enclosed some coins from Stalwart, so you have proof that I arrived. You were right. I am colder than I have ever been. All the more so for being away from you. The kith here are as cold as their land. They do not hate us as the Dyrwoodans do, but they are mistrustful and proud. The commander has sent for delegates to start negotiations. Perhaps, by the time this letter reaches you, we will have moved into Durgan's Battery. Stalwart has no soldiers, only a handful of guards. Efram says he went to look at the Battery with some scouts, and did not see anyone posted atop the tower. Without those cannons, they would be foolish to do anything but surrender. If not, we're sure to knock the fight out of them quickly. The Commander says that once the Battery is ours, our presence here alone may be enough to make the invaders think twice. Who would face us with the might of the Battery at our backs? I write too much of battle, but only to assure you that we are well. I miss you. The mountains are beautiful. I hold hope that you may see them for yourself, once it is safe for you to join us." 2393 A Letter Home 2394 This ring has been passed down from father to son in the Gathbin family for generations. Thanks to you, that tradition has been permanently shattered. Though made for the Gathbins, the power of the ring is connected to the rule of Caed Nua itself. 2395 Artillery Lift Notice 2396 "The artillery lift will be closed until further notice. The cogs are rusting, and any failure in the mechanism could be catastrophic. Potionmaster Andren is looking into patinating the cogs to make them weatherproof." 2397 Lever Request 2398 This note is written in fine script. "The lever for the artillery lift has broken again. I've been telling my men to be as careful as possible while using the lift, but it's difficult to keep your balance on the thing. One bad bump nearly sent a handful of them off the edge and I'd rather they break a lever to keep their balance than fall off. Unfortunately, it was a clean break this time. We'll need this lever as soon as possible." Scrawled across the bottom in thick ink is an additional note: "If your men stopped taking up so much ammunition at a time this wouldn't be a problem. This'll be the last lever you ever get. Next time you're just getting a rammer." 2399 Andren's Notes 2400 "Who knew a creature as disgusting as a disease pudding could be so useful? Their ability to not only prevent metals from rusting, but to remove rust entirely, is astounding. I can only imagine what sorts of contraptions we can devise without having to worry about exposing iron to the elements. As always, I get ahead of myself. Finding these creatures is already a chore. Keeping them properly contained is nearly impossible. I was lucky to acquire what few I have." 2401 Battlemage Grimoire 2402 Mossy Rock 2403 This curious rock can be used to summon a Swamp Lurker once. 2404 This curious device, created by a deranged dwarven animancer, has the ability to cast the druid spell Garden of Life. 2405 Even small quantities of the ashes from this Vailian urn have the power to cast Reviving Exhortation on an ally. 2406 A virulent poison that, when applied to a weapon, inflicts Raw damage over time and temporarily leaves the victim Blinded and Sickened. 2407 Copper Lover's Ring 2408 This ring is heavy and rough-hewn. It looks like it was cast from a poorly-refined lump of copper. Tiny impurities still glisten around the band. Given the obvious tool-marks, it appears to have been made by an amateur rather than a professional jeweler. 2409 This hinged mold has the amazing power to fully duplicate non-soulbound weapons, shields, armor, and other equipment placed inside of it. The immense magical energy required to fabricate the copy uses the mold for raw material and wholly consumes it in the process. 2410 Skeins of magical energy entangle enemies in the area of effect, binding up beneficial effects for the duration. 2411 Judge's Hammer 2412 Headsman's Axe 2413 Once full-grown, each dragon takes on the traits of the environment it has claimed as its kingdom, and the change is reflected in every aspect of its form. This particular scale has a strange, mossy texture at its surface, but is as solid and hard as steel beneath. The scale's sheen makes it appear slick, though it is dry to the touch. 2414 Bog Dragon Scale 2415 Despite being topped by a mere fragment of Abydon's original hammer, this weapon, now sized for kith hands, is still an instrument of awesome destructive force. The faces of the great hammer's head still bear the toolmarks of their creator. Not even the fires of the White Forge could erase Abydon's work. 2416 Use the hammer to destroy the army of Eyeless at Cayron's Scar. 2417 Lafda's Head 2418 This burlap sack contains the head of Lafda, leader of the band of thieves that posed as priests of Ondra in Stalwart. 2419 Dragon's Maw Shield 2421 Amaia's Codex 2423 Old Guard's Key 2424 This stiletto was crafted shortly before the fall of Durgan's Battery. In addition to its exceptional quality and the use of Durgan steel in its construction, it also features an enchantment that its previous owner used to ignite cannons and the occasional stove. 2425 Ondrite Paladin Helm 2426 Crossed Patch 2427 Berath's Kiss 2428 Gravestep 2429 Wit Dyr Jerky 2430 Mind Grub 2431 Freezing Rake Trap 2432 Mind grubs are today considered a vithrack delicacy, but the mind grub harvests are said to have very pragmatic origins. Mind grubs undergo a prolonged development cycle, starting out as pale, fragile larvae and ultimately undergoing a dramatic metamorphosis into large and highly dangerous adults. Few kith have encountered these creatures in the wild and lived to tell the tale, and the notoriously insular vithrack are not forthcoming with information, but a few more lurid fables suggest that the mind grubs are all that remains of a second, sentient culture that once vied with the vithrack for dominance. In any case, the vithrack are content to devour them in the early stages. Consuming mind grubs is said to heighten the senses and sharpen the wits, but the grubs themselves are all but indigestible to kith, who tend to come out of the experience with an upset stomach. 2433 Wilting Wind Trap 2434 Infestation of Spiders Trap 2435 Pestilent Cloud Trap 2436 Wyrthoneg 2437 Readceran Prayer Bracelet 2438 Ondrite Necklace 2439 Readceran Skeyt 2440 Readceran Fenning 2441 Durance's Robe 2442 Durance's robe is frayed and tattered from heavy use. The lower hem appears to have been singed repeatedly and is caked with the ashes of countless fires. 2443 Llengrath's Blunt Wisdom 2444 Tattered Note 2445 "Had to stash the delivery. This place is crawling with soldiers. Tell Owynna I'll make it up to her." 2446 Kraken Eye 2447 Iverra's Diving Helmet 2448 Readceran fennings are typically stamped with the Penitential Regency's heraldry, or else with images of the vorlas plant associated with Readceras' once-thriving dye exports. The coin's value is identical to that of the silver Aedyran fenning using throughout the Empire and its colonial territories, though Readceran coins are not nearly as widespread. 2449 A small copper coin, identical in value to the Aedyran variety of the same name and the Dyrwoodan pand. 2450 A tin and copper bracelet that is popular in Readceras. It has three small charms that hang from it within hand's reach. The charms bear a star on one side and the words "Hope", "Faith", and "Vigilance" on the other. The priests of Eothas encourage Readcerans to pray to Eothas while holding the charms between their fingers. 2451 A silver necklace bearing five discs of ebony and mother-of-pearl, each displaying a phase of the moon, from waxing to waning. At the center is the full moon, a wave pattern etched into its face. 2452 In the eastern parts of Readceras, thick with birch trees and white flowers, white deer (called "wit dyr" in Hylspeak) are common. Locals hunt them and make a popular jerky from the meat. 2453 Kill 3 enemies with strong souls [these NPCs are indicated by golden name plates] 2454 Cannot be sold 2455 Sentimental Gem 2456 This gem appears at first glance to be strikingly beautiful. Yet upon further examination, there seems to be nothing special about it. 2457 Repellent Tree Sap 2458 This sap emits a pungent odor said to be repulsive to predators of the forest. 2459 Thirsty Man's Waterskin 2460 You were given this waterskin by a man in Zahua's vision who asked you to fill it at a nearby waterfall in Whitestone Hollow. 2461 Thirsty Man's Waterskin (Full) 2462 This dreaded poison has been a legend in Aedyr and the Eastern Reach for over two centuries. The method of its manufacture is a closely-guarded secret - so secret that few actually know who makes it. Some suspect it is an instrument of the Bleak Walkers, others that it is created by members of the Hand Occult. Whatever its origins, Berath's Kiss is still so rare that many still think it is a myth. 2463 Travel to Woodend Plains and defeat the Bleak Walkers 2464 Huge and alien, this eye was taken from the corpse of Ondra's leviathan in the heart of Cayron's Scar. Even after the creature's death, the eye still holds tremendous magical power. 2465 Found near the Lake of Drowned Tombs, this fragment from a tombstone contains only a few letters of a person's name: ycg Br. It has been imbued with supernatural powers by the spirit haunting Airana's Tears. 2466 A small, delicate vial attached to a thin golden necklace, it allegedly contains the tears of St. Borragia, a Magranite saint. The relic was lost sometime during the Saint's War when the Church of the Winding Flame was sacked by Readcerans. 2467 Of Glanfathan make, these leather boots were deeply stained with green dye to give them their distinctive appearance. The Twice-Split Arrows tribe gave them to you as a reward for your help tracking down a crazed druid who had stolen one of their sacred bear skins. 2468 Glittering Gauntlets 2469 This powerful rod was the creation of an aged elven wizard who had trapped herself in the form of a raging storm that drifted over the Dyrwood for some time. While the rod is not as fantastic a demonstration of the wizard's power as her transformation, it contains potent storm magic. 2470 Mourning Gloves 2471 Of unknown provenance, this ring was found among the belongings of a woman that a Giftbearer of Ondra had dropped in the Blackwyr. You recovered the belongings for the woman's grieving daughter, but she claimed that the ring was not her mothers. Where it came from is a mystery, as are the origins of its powers. 2472 This broad, floppy hat was formerly in the possession of an old druid that you helped protect during a week-long druid processional along an ancient Engwithan trail. Despite your best efforts, the druid died during a mercenary attack. Her brothers and sisters, appreciative that you saved their lives, gave you her hat as a gift. 2473 This small piece of tin is all that you retained of the disturbing Night Mirror, an Engwithan artifact that was holding Glanfathans in thrall in the southwest corner of Eir Glanfath. After you helped destroy the mirror, a mysterious group of orlans arrived and whisked the remnants away -- except for the fragment you happened to be standing on. Even this tiny portion of the mirror still exerts a strong pull on your mind each time you gaze into it. 2474 A belt of meditative chimes that were once owned by a monk unfortunate enough to wander into a mob of angry spirits southwest of Gilded Vale. You recovered the belt after helping the spirits resolve their old disputes and put them to rest. 2475 This diving helmet appears to have been a Vailian experiment in assisting underwater exploration. Though it only holds a small amount of air, a clever magical enchantment pressurizes the bell enough to allow for deeper dives than are normally possible. 2476 These gloves were recovered from the animancy cult known as The Mourning Circle, who traveled the Eastern Reach promising to bring back the dead. The promises were a cover for horrific experiments including abductions, murders, and vivisections. Despite the name of the group, the power of the gloves is unleashed after the wearer kills an enemy. 2477 This grisly necklace is fashioned from the teeth of a dead orlan, the unfortunate father of a deranged cipher who used her powers to terrorize travelers near the Glanfathan ruins of Ibrel's Well. The cipher's "daughters" (mind-controlled pwgra) made the necklace for her as a gift. 2478 This cruel instrument was created by a resident of Helsgate who was pursuing a rumor that promised a cure for the Hollowborn crisis. He intended to use the rope to bind a virgin girl and bury her alive, later pulling the corpse from the ground to harvest some of her hair for the "cure." Despite its nefarious purpose, the binding rope still possesses useful powers. 2479 This fine cloak was a gift from the Spirentan weaver Bonisetta. It was given to you in thanks for your assistance in rescuing her from a ruthless Vailian trading company that abducted and enslaved her. 2480 This dingy, stained cloak was once used as a large swaddling sheet for an unfortunate Hollowborn child that was dropped into the Whitewreath village well. As it sat at the bottom of the well among the foundations of living adra and a clan of wichts, it acquired strange powers. 2481 These were once the gloves of a senior Magranite priest who was killed performing a traditional dirge at Evon Dewr Bridge to commemorate the destruction of St. Waidwen. After you helped root out the Readcerans who were responsible, the remaining priests of Magran gave you his gloves. 2482 Red Reed Wand 2483 This wand was a gift from a Zochine Monastery philosopher. He created it from one of the beautiful red reeds that grows along the edge of the lake near his monastery. It was given as a gift for your help in tracking down a dangerous memory-eating beetle that was terrorizing locals. 2484 Once worn by Adrem Delfar, elder paladin of the Kind Wayfarers, they were a gift from other members of the order for your help in laying Adrem's body to rest near Redflower Lake. The boots are so incredibly worn from a lifetime of travel that they appear to be on the verge of falling apart. Despite this, they are incredibly strong and comfortable. 2485 Tied to a simple leather cord, this finger once belonged to a notorious Glanfathan murderer. Locals exhumed his body to create sacred objects, but you assisted a Glanfathan anamfatha in recovering it. Despite insisting that the body be buried in a new, secret location, the anamfatha never asked you to return the finger that had been found at the killer's original grave. 2486 This dazzling cloak was a gift from two Vailian ducs, a reward for your help in recovering lost Glanfathan astronomical knowledge. Looking at the cloak from different angles produces a variety of shimmering colors and creates the illusion that you are gazing into an impossibly deep expanse of space. 2487 This patch was a gift from a Glanfathan anamfatha, a reward for your help in recovering a precious adra ban eye that was stolen from a sculpture during the Broken Stone War. Like the original eye, the patch features a cross on its surface. 2488 This beautiful lavender wreath was a gift from the famed aumaua apothecary Tama Watua. He made it at a feast after you rescued him from Vailian mercenaries in the Deadfire Archipelago. Despite the age of the lavender, it still smells fresh. 2489 This beautiful chime was created by the twelve monks of the Ixtlochi whom you rescued from their mental labyrinths. Each chime possesses the ability to turn the user invisible once. 2490 These beautiful gauntlets are made from a strange form of clear, petrified wood that is as strong as iron. Though you recovered them from the Valley of Glass in the Living Lands, it is unclear who made them, or for what purpose. 2491 This strange amulet was once in the possession of a cult called the White Flame that was claiming "marked" individuals all over Eora. They believed these marked individuals would be instrumental in reincarnating the god Eothas. After you helped raid a stronghold in the Cythwood, the power of the cult was broken, if not completely eradicated. This amulet was left behind on one of their altars. 2492 The Vailian animancer Accetta, formerly of Biageppe, was responsible for enchanting this beautiful brass and adra helmet. Built more for its magical properties than as protective armor, it possesses a curious power. The songretta ducala of Biageppe awarded it to you after you established that Accetta, if not dead, was certainly no longer among the realm of the living. 2493 These curious coals are not burning, but constantly seem to emanate a dangerous warmth when touched. They were recovered from the Black Hills of Abet, where they were left in the wake of a terrible monster that terrorized the miners there. 2494 This massive book contains an abridged version of the Rauatai scholar Amaia's life's work. Though it will be several years until Amaia's full text is published (in many volumes), she gave you this gift for assisting her in collecting a few key pieces of information from hard to reach places. 2495 Gravestep is a dangerous drug made from a mixture of various mushrooms and pieces of fungus-infected adra. It allows the user to more clearly perceive the structure of souls -- housed or otherwise. When the drug expires, the user is temporarily Blinded. 2496 The deadly Freezing Rake trap creates a huge spectral hand that does Freeze damage and leaves victims Weakened and Hobbled. 2497 Beregan's Battle Horn 2498 Matron Beregan gave you this battle horn to summon her ogres to fight the Eyeless at Cayron's Scar. Dented metal bands encircle the battle horn, and a tattered, gold ribbon hangs from the middle. 2499 This shield was traditionally passed between dragon hunters to honor exceptional feats and kills. Receiving the Dragon's Maw Shield is one of the highest honors among dragon hunters, and over the years, it's been the object of countless bets, soured friendships, lifelong apprenticeships, and violent deaths. 2500 Rinetta the Scarred received the shield when she was still young for an especially brave - or foolish - battle against a stone dragon. She lost one of her eyes and all of her teeth, but she defeated the beast and received the shield on what many expected would be her deathbed. However, Rinetta recovered and lived a long life, to the consternation of many. She ceased hunting dragons and took to training pupils, of which she had many - all were eager to learn from the steward of the Dragon's Maw Shield, and many hoped she might pass it on to them. Yet her contemporaries grumbled that she should pass it on if she had given up the hunt, and they complained that no hunter should profit financially from the shield. Rinetta eventually bestowed it on another hunter, but by that time, she was a very wealthy woman. 2501 The twins Marad and Devna hunted dragons together for many years. They became successful, yet it was handsome Marad that their peers and admirers loved best. Devna was sharp-tongued and plain, and though her skill with a spear was undeniable, she always lived in her brother's shadow. They had fought and hunted together for almost twenty years when the Dragon's Maw Shield passed to Marad. Devna congratulated her brother and accepted his honor as gracefully as she could - after all, the shield had always had a single steward - but some saw resentment in her simmering in her eyes. Others said her reflexes slowed and her aim faltered. Whispers circulated that she was past her prime. Within a year of Marad's receiving the shield, he perished beneath the claws of a sand dragon. Devna survived and retrieved the shield, but many blamed her failing skills for her dashing brother's death. Others suspected that she killed him in a fit of jealously. Whatever the case, she quickly passed the shield to a successor and lived the remainder of her days as a recluse. 2502 Lirat the swineherd never wanted to be a dragon hunter, but when his village drew the attention of a particularly nasty crag dragon, he was chosen to deal with it. Armed with his uncle's rusty sword and a single dose of heathbush poison - just in case - he set out to find the beast. The dragon was not hard to find - Lirat could hear its snores from half a mile away and smell it from farther still. He followed a trail of bones to a cave where the beast lay sleeping, surrounded by the bodies of dead and dying pigs. As Lirat entered the cave, one of the wounded swine squealed. This woke the dragon, which swallowed the pig whole. Only then did the beast notice Lirat, and in its surprise, it choked on the pig. Lirat nearly died of fright as he watched the dragon writhe and convulse. But the dying pig had lodged itself firmly in the dragon's unfortunately long throat, and within minutes, the monster was dead. Despite his protests, Lirat was hailed as a hero. As world of his deed spread (and as the supposed size of his dragon grew), he attracted the attention of Turran the Bold, who passed the shield to the young swineherd. Lirat enjoyed a year of feasts and fetes, but when questions circulated about his next conquest, he passed the shield to another hunter. 2503 This mantle has allowed tax collectors all over the Dyrwood to find their way into the purses and ledgers of honest folk. 2504 Massuk Hunting Bow 2505 Ondrite Monk Outfit 2506 Ondrite Plate Armor 2507 Ondrite Scale Armor 2508 Ondrite Tidalfist Mask 2509 Sagani's hunting bow is made for a dual role. In her home village, the hunters pursue game both to kill and to subdue, often using blunt arrows to stun small quarry. These captured animals are sometimes raised or traded to other villages. As a result, Sagani's Massuk bow can fire arrows that do Pierce or Crush damage, but it has slightly reduced range and damage. 2510 Llengrath's Grimoire 2511 Llengrath's grimoire, weathered as it is, boasts an enormous reservoir of spells, filled nearly cover to cover with instructions, warnings, and commentaries upon the art of magic. The tome has an earthy smell about it, and a few scattered water stains. Muddy fingerprints dot some of the pages, and at least one diagram has been set down in blood, long-dried. Despite this, the binding is still in fine condition, and the arcane symbols and notes within the grimoire are laid out in crisp black ink. 2512 Rest in the Alpine Dragon's lair after it has been slain 2513 Durance's staff appears to be made of a rough-hewn shaft of ever-burning wood. The crook at the end cradles a hovering flame. While many powerful weapons in the Eastern Reach can be enchanted to burn enemies, Durance's is unusual in that the entire force of the quarterstaff can be converted to searing flame at the wielder's will. 2514 A History of Durgan's Battery, Volume II 2515 "What a strange and marvelous place we have found! Our fathers and mothers decided early that proper defenses should be among our first priorities here, and so we built tall, sturdy walls and cast cannons at the forge. Yet as high as our walls are, the mountains are higher still, and so at Gabel's rather brilliant suggestion, we built a high tower and arrayed it with our finest cannons. With such defenses, no army in the world could besiege us! Yet we encountered a problem. Biting winds and snow-laden gales sweep the top of the tower day and night, every season of every year, freezing not only our sentries, but also our cannons. We constructed a boiler capable of warming both, fed as it was by the heat of the forge. But placing it proved more difficult than we had imagined. Our first attempt trapped too much of the smoke in the forge itself, and our second warped in the heat, so badly that it nearly dropped the boiler into the forge itself! What a disaster that would have been. We needed a material capable of withstanding the forge's heat while conducting it to the boiler. And we needed a design sturdy enough to support the weight of the boiler without insulating it from the heat. It was then that one of our hunting parties returned with a strange artifact. It looked like a skeletal hand, but it was enormous. The hunters claimed to have found it stuck in a crag, though they had no idea as to what it came from - or how it ended up there! - as there were no other remains nearby. It had taken all of their number to wrest it from its place, and even that was only possible because the thing had not been frozen to the crag. Now, each of us has seen our own breath freeze in our beards. I laughed and asked how their account was possible, and with the look of men and women who doubt their own tales, they told me ice and snow melted from the hand almost instantly. I confess, I doubted them, too, until I placed my hands on the great bones and felt a strange heat radiating from them. This was either a strange blessing or a stranger curse. We called for Durgan himself. Old and frail as he was, Durgan spent a day and a night alone in the hall where we'd left the hand, praying and meditating. He emerged with an energy that none had seen in him since the day he found the forge. He declared the hand a gift from Abydon himself, and one not to be squandered. At his suggestion, we installed the hand beneath the boiler, where it proved a strong support and a superb conductor of heat. What lends it these properties we do not know, but we have learned better than to question a fortunate gift in this cold and unforgiving land." 2516 Pallegina's Breastplate 2517 Aloth's leather armor has been lightly enchanted to enhance his spellcasting abilities. It also appears to have custom decorative patterns stitched into the surface. Unlike most Dyrwoodan leather armor, Aloth's has been tailored in "the Aedyre style," meaning that the torso is more heavily reinforced, but it lacks sleeves due to Aedyr's hot and humid climate. 2518 Edér wore this armor during his time in the Saint's War. Its dark color is unusual, as is its power. Though he admits that the armor has pulled him from the brink of death on several occasions, he claims that no one else has ever handled the armor. How it became enchanted is a mystery even to him. 2519 A weak form of mead, wyrthoneg is found only in Readceras or on Readcerans when they travel. Due to Readceras' strict laws about intoxicants, wyrthoneg has relatively low alcohol content. Priests of Eothas regularly visit distilleries to ensure they are following the letter of the law, but it is common for well-traveled Readcerans to spike their supply when they travel to neighboring countries. 2520 Iron Flail Champion Helm 2521 Iron Flail Archer Coif 2522 Iron Flail Infantry Helm 2523 Iron Flail Warlock's Helm 2524 This devastating trap unleashes the power of holy fire on all those who are unfortunate enough to be caught in the area, doing terrible Burn damage. 2525 The ceremonial garb of the Tidebringer, a devout Ondrite elected by their conclave to take on the mantle of leadership at the Abbey of the Fallen Moon. 2526 The Sea and Her Love 2527 (Traditional Ondrite Hymn) The sea beheld her love Shining bright from on high She bade him come down From his palace in the sky Her love could not be swayed So she took a piece into her heart And all who saw her grief that day Sleep in her bosom still 2528 Deal damage to enemies above 50% Endurance 2529 Tides and Moons: A Natural Historian's Account 2530 "We have all heard the legends of Ondra and Senn Beläfa, and the explanation that the goddess' love for the moon causes the tides. And, as men and women of science, we know this to be but a shadow of truth. Yet there is another myth that we have been quicker to dismiss, and I wonder if it does not merit further examination. Ondrites tell of a smaller moon, Ionni Brathr, that the goddess supposedly pulled from the sky in an earlier age. And while such a thing seems impossible, for Ionni Brathr still roams the skies above, it is true that explorers in the far reaches have found mineral fragments that do not naturally occur on any known continent in Eora. Furthermore, naturalists in Aedyr, Rauatai, and the Dyrwood have observed the remains of ancient ocean life many miles inland. Such a thing would only be possible if Eora's oceans had once been larger, or - as I here propose! - if a catastrophic flood had once washed over the continents. While few phenomena could cause a flood of this magnitude, a large body falling into the seas just might do the trick. In these pages, I will explain how some force of nature - if not an amorous goddess - could have pulled a small moon into Eora millennia ago..." 2531 Abydon's Hands 2532 "Of all the stories of all the gods, no doubt one of the most charming is the legend of Abydon's Hands. In some cultures, Abydon's Hands are tiny, cheerful creatures that hide in the walls and in the cracks between paving stones. In others, they are silent men of stone who roam distant lands. In all such tales, however, they are Abydon's constructs, built in his image to continue his good work of creating strong and wondrous things in this world. Thus, upon spying a mighty mountain peak, or a row of adra pillars, or another natural marvel, parents and nursemaids will tell young children that these are the work of Abydon's Hands. Such is the appeal of Abydon as a deity, as it is through his legend that we recognize familiar shapes in the natural world. Thus, when we see a landform that resembles a colonnade, or an arched gate, or a mighty home, we see a hand and a purpose at work that is not unlike our own. And while Abydon's own identity as a construct is alienating to some, to many of us, his crude yet practical shape is comforting. While the other gods take the form of birds, beast, and sea, Abydon takes the shape of our most common tools and constructions. His debasement in a body of iron elevates our own works and labors, and it offers us a grand hope. For if a god could rebuild himself out of iron, what wonders might kith create with their own hands?" 2534 Belt of the Royal Deadfire Cannoneer 2535 Part paramilitary navy and part mercantile trade guild, the Royal Deadfire Company strives to spread Rauataian hegemony throughout the Deadfire Archipelago. The RDC boasts iron-shod ships bristling with heavy weaponry, crewed by loyal and efficient sailors - advantages that help the company maintain an influential presence in the region. This belt of fine sharkskin bears the geometric tooling common to Rauatain fashion, and within the shallow grooves of each right angle hide arcane sigils. Though its material does not feel unusual to the touch, the belt imparts the wearer a feeling of comfortable warmth. 2536 Company Captain's Cap 2537 The Vailian Trading Company, the only mercantile company with the full backing of all five ducs bels of the Vailian Republics, has established itself as a thriving power in the Deadfire Archipelago. While involved in numerous trades, the VTC's primary interest in the region rests in the presence of a rare and valuable form of adra. This feathered tricorne hat bears the Company's mark on its inner lining. Its dapper styling accentuates the wearer's grace and allure, helping them stay in command during the most onerous of predicaments. 2538 War Club of the Mataru 2539 The Huana, a cultural alliance of aumaua tribes native to the Deadfire Archipelago, stand in opposition to the predations of the Príncipi pirates and the machinations of the mercantile companies that would exploit the Deadfire. The Mataru, the Huana's military caste, both exercise power over the tribes and defend them against their many enemies and the dangers of the sea. A Deadfire woodworker carved this sturdy club, blessed by the priests of Ngati, to be top heavy and etched it with symbols of the sea. Its once-bright paints have been all but erased by time and hard use. 2540 One-Eyed Molina's Gold-Fingered Spike-Flinger 2541 The dreaded Príncipi sen Patrena prowl the seas of the Deadfire, a persistent threat to the organized trading companies and to outlaw smugglers and slavers alike. These pirates originated as refugees from Old Vailia, and some of them continue to maintain the traditions of that land. Others are as brutal and anarchistic a group of freebooters to have ever roamed the waves. Due to the dangers presented by firearms aboard ships, many raiders prefer crossbows. This almost ridiculously heavy arbalest fires bolts with enough force to knock its victims from their feet. Gold-leaf accents on the stock and stirrup differentiate it as a work of Vailian engineering from more common crossbows. 2542 Sabre of the Seas 2543 The sweep of this sword's steel suggests the tumultuous waves of an angry sea. Its blade always feels a tad cooler to the touch than you expect, and water beads along its length, a fine wet layer that seems to add to the weapon's heft. Though hardly unheard of in the Dyrwood, sabres tend to be wielded more frequently aboard ships, where sailors eschew heavy armor that can spell death for a mariner pitched overboard. The symbol of Ondra stamped into this sabre's blade suggests a similar origin for it. 2544 Fulvano's Blunderbuss 2545 Though never as famed as he would claim, the Vailian explorer Fulvano was known as an eccentric who wished to see the world. Where possible, he traveled by foot, wishing to gain a local's appreciation for the sights, sounds, and smells of the lands as he passed through. In practice, however, Fulvano often claimed that his explorations proved only that the world outside of the Vailian Republics was a foul, smelly place that paled in comparison to his homeland. Though known more for his wanderlust than any great martial skill, Fulvano possessed an appraising eye for gear, and this blunderbuss seems no exception. Despite its worn surface, this firearm functions as if it were made yesterday, its firing mechanism smooth and its aim as true as one can expect for a shot-slinger. The pristine condition may suggest that Fulvano never actually fired his gun, lending credence to an otherwise apocryphal quote often attributed to him: "Lead and steel can rid you of an enemy, but only wine transforms an enemy into a friend." 2546 Helmsman's Uniform 2547 The weather on the high seas swings between extremes of blisteringly dry heat and the brutally wet coldness of nighttime storms. Sailors who can afford to do so prefer to wear layers, matching warm coats with shirts or blouses of light, breathable materials. Pirates, in particular, given the import of reputation and infamy in their culture, tend towards gaudy, flamboyant clothing that not only displays their ill-gotten goods, but serves as identification that can help intimidate victims or ward away foes. The helmsman guides the ship from the wheel. The role requires significant strength to wrestle the rudder against the force of the ocean, and the focus and resilience to remain attentive through violent storms, bloody combat, and almost interminable stretches of boredom. 2548 Few dangers pose as much risk to an ocean-going vessel as an uncontrolled fire, a fact doubly true when the vessel carries barrels of gunpowder and other explosives. While not all Royal Deadfire Company ships employ magicians with a propensity for manipulating flame, such vaunted individuals find themselves in great demand and can virtually set their own wages. 2549 When Yuraska Rona joined the iron-sided vessel the Lion's Claw, her expertise at bending flame to her will, her nigh-instinctual understanding of trigonometry, and her skill with a hammer earned her a sizable commission. Yuraska had more interest in seeing the ancient ancestral homeland of her people than in her wages, but she appreciated the ability to return laden with heavy crates of food and other goods to her family's small and desolate homestead. 2550 An incredibly effective warship, the Lion's Claw saw regular combat, first against the Wahaki, then against outlaw slavers, and eventually against Vailian raiders. Calm under duress and wildly capable, Yuraska distinguished herself as an irreplaceable asset to the ship, and the captain soon afforded her a berth of her own. Meanwhile, her crewmates fought and died on deck. 2551 Eventually, almost inevitably, the envious came for her. They smashed in the door to her berth and tore her from her hammock, dragging her across the floor and into the open gun deck. She screamed for help and begged for them to stop, only to be answered with a punch to the face and a broken knee. When they pulled her towards the stairs to the main deck and a watery grave, Yuraska used the only hope left to her. Setting her eyes upon the powder stores, she spoke an incantation and threw a spark. 2552 The VTC maintains a sizable fleet of merchant crafts and well-armed escorts to protect its investments from pirates and raiders. The officers on such ships wear hats such as this to protect them from the harsh elements, to differentiate them from members of other groups in the region, and to distinguish them from the common sailors in their employ. 2553 Mercario Menzallini, a pioneering member of the Vailian Trade Company's interests in the Deadfire, cared far less for trade than the mother who pressured him to follow in her mercantile footsteps. As a mate aboard a VTC galley, he set to sea with a bitter mixture of dread and resentment, sure that he would never return home again. His fear proved well-founded. 2554 By the time Menzallini's ship reached the Deadfire, he found himself captain via promotion through attrition. The captain the ship set sail with took a bullet during a skirmish with an Aedyran galleon off of the southern tip of the continent, while her replacement had the incredible misfortune to fall overboard during an attack by a barbed ravager. Yet Menzallini proved a remarkably competent captain. Humbled by his own inexperience, he listened to the counsel of his sailors, and he rewarded them in turn with finer rations and heavier sacks of coin than they could expect on other ships. 2555 Though beloved by his crew, Menzallini's voyages proved less profitable than those of more parsimonious captains, and the VTC recalled him to the Republics with the intent of stripping him of his command. He was warned in advance, however, by one of his former navigators whose relatively high wages under Menzallini had allowed her to eventually take a bookkeeper's position in the homeland. Rather than return his vessel and its crew to the Republics, Menzallini pulled down the VTC colors and offered them to any hands who would rather remain with the company than join him in his sedition. When no one accepted the offer, he folded the colors and locked them away. He then threw his hat into the sea, turned the bow towards the horizon, and set forth for waters uncharted. 2556 Not every tribe of the Deadfire supports the Huana queen's attempts to appease the trading companies from the Vailian Republics and Rauatai. The more warlike tribes took up arms against the foreign invaders, resulting in terrible casualties on both sides. A Vailian trader collected this club from the wreckage of such a skirmish, claiming it as a trophy of her journeys among the eastern islands. 2557 Before it fell into Vailian hands, this club passed from Mataru to Mataru within the Wahaki tribe. According to the priests of the tribe, the club belonged to a single soul, and each wielder was the reincarnation of that same spirit. Far from being typical of Huana traditions, this marked the bearer of the club as someone expected of great things. 2558 The priests claimed the weapon a potent artifact. Originally crafted for the warrior-priest Timauko, who later became a chieftain of the tribe, it passed to his soul's heir after he gave his life to stop a kraken from preying on the tribe's spear fishers. As a club carved from the roots of a tree that grew twined among an outcropping of adra, the priests taught that it drew forth the memories of the soul that bore it prior from the warrior who wielded it. With each Mataru who took it up, the weapon would gain power, and the longer a warrior wielded it, the more of that power they could rely on. 2559 Still a child, Durama, the final bearer of the club, helped the Wahaki fend off Vailians hoping to establish a port on their islands. She lived up to her ancestry during the battle, boarding a Vailian clipper and clubbing both the captain and first mate to death among a storm of bullets before escaping overboard into the water. Though the Huana rebuffed the Vailian aggression, Durama's boat was struck by a cannonball that reduced it to a bloody jumble of splintered planks and disembodied limbs. Her club was never seen by the Huana again. 2560 The Bloody Revenge of One-Eyed Molina One-Eyed Molina was born with two eyes, Hang from the mast and call him rigging! Had them both still when she sailed for Deadfire, Fill him full up until he's jigging! One-Eyed Molina from one-walled Palmin'a, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! A queen of a captain of hawser and capstan, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! 2561 Two-Eyed Molina set out from Port Maje, Hang from the mast and call him rigging! Broadsided a trade ship and joined in the melee, Fill him full up until he's jigging! One-Eyed Molina from one-walled Palmin'a, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! Ahead of the gallows she kept her fast fellows, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! 2562 Molina and Fero crossed steel 'neath the mizzen, Hang from the mast and call him rigging! He took her left eye and so half her vision, Fill him full up until he's jigging! One-Eyed Molina from one-walled Palmin'a, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! Any gent her eye saw, fell dead in no time at all, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! 2563 Ropes round his ankles and up went sad Fero, Hang from the mast and call him rigging! Away went her sabre and out came her crossbow, Fill him full up until he's jigging! One-Eyed Molina from one-walled Palmin'a, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! She traded his obles for a quiver of cold bolts, Hey-ho, and a hard lass was she! 2564 Drink a beverage in every bar in the Eastern Reach to unlock the next level. 2565 Deckhand's Uniform 2566 Boatswain's Uniform 2567 Take 100 damage from ranged enemies to unlock the next level. 2568 Take 200 damage from melee enemies to unlock the next level. 2569 The weather on the high seas swings between extremes of blisteringly dry heat and the brutally wet coldness of nighttime storms. Sailors who can afford to do so prefer to wear layers, matching warm coats with shirts or blouses of light, breathable materials. Pirates, in particular, given the import of reputation and infamy in their culture, tend towards gaudy, flamboyant clothing that not only displays their ill-gotten goods, but serves as identification that can help intimidate victims or ward away foes. The lifeblood and muscle of a ship, deckhands handle a wide variety of tasks, including repairs, sanitation, and rigging. A seaman must be nimble and quick, as a misplaced step or lost grip on the rolling sea can lead to an excruciating death. 2570 The weather on the high seas swings between extremes of blisteringly dry heat and the brutally wet coldness of nighttime storms. Sailors who can afford to do so prefer to wear layers, matching warm coats with shirts or blouses of light, breathable materials. Pirates, in particular, given the import of reputation and infamy in their culture, tend towards gaudy, flamboyant clothing that not only displays their ill-gotten goods, but serves as identification that can help intimidate victims or ward away foes. As the foremost among the mates, the boatswain manages most of the rest of the crew. This requires not only a firm grasp on every aspect of seamanship, but also a constant awareness of the state of the ship and crew. A superlative boatswain marries these traits to a strong capacity for leadership. A well-liked boatswain can be the difference between an unhappy crew and a mutinous mob.