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Comparing deliantra/server/pod/books.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.6 by root, Tue Jan 2 22:47:40 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.18 by root, Tue Jul 10 05:51:38 2007 UTC

…		…
3	=begin comment	3	=begin comment
4		4
5	This is the source for some of the books in crossfire, at least, it should become one.	5	This is the source for some of the books in crossfire, at least, it should become one.
6		6
7	Authors:	7	Authors:
		8
8	Gorlin <gorlin@freibier.htu.tuwien.ac.at>	9	Gorlin <gorlin@freibier.htu.tuwien.ac.at>
9	Mark Wedel <mwedel@scruznet.com>	10	Mark Wedel <mwedel@scruznet.com>
10	Marc Lehmann <crossfire@schmorp.de>	11	Marc Lehmann <crossfire@schmorp.de>
11	The Crossfire Wiki	12	Lalo Martins <lalo.martins@gmail.com>
		13	Yann Chachkoff <yann.chachkoff@mailandnews.com>
		14	Gros
		15
		16	many stories taken from unknown authors at The Crossfire Wiki
		17	http://wiki.metalforge.net/
12		18
13	Each =head1 should become its own book.	19	Each =head1 should become its own book.
14		20
15	=end comment	21	=end comment
16		22
…		…
292		298
293	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	299	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
294		300
295	=head2 Volume VI: Sixth Millenia EK	301	=head2 Volume VI: Sixth Millenia EK
296		302
297	5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as “The Weather Madness”.	303	5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as "The Weather Madness".
298		304
299	Late LVIth Century EK: The Great Schism between the Simplifists led by Mish the Toon and the Stabilists: The Sedition Wars.	305	Late LVIth Century EK: The Great Schism between the Simplifists led by Mish the Toon and the Stabilists: The Sedition Wars.
300		306
301	5581 EK: Battle of the Glowing Crystal: the Order of the Careful Coders is disbanded.	307	5581 EK: Battle of the Glowing Crystal: the Order of the Careful Coders is disbanded.
302		308
303	5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, “The World With a Future”, in Ancient Daigojij Language.	309	5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, "The World With a Future", in Ancient Daigojij Language.
304		310
305	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	311	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
306		312
307	=head2 Volume VII: Seventh Millenia EK	313	=head2 Volume VII: Seventh Millenia EK
308		314
…		…
321	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	327	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
322		328
323	=head2 Volume IX: Ninth Millenia EK	329	=head2 Volume IX: Ninth Millenia EK
324		330
325	8009 EK: Euthville is destroyed.	331	8009 EK: Euthville is destroyed.
		332
		333
		334	=head1 The Sultanate of Darcap
		335
		336	Isolated from the rest of the region by an extensive mountain range to the
		337	south, and possessing a massive natural harbour, Darcap is a small, but
		338	easily defensible town, dominated by a pair of powerful guilds. The town
		339	is also noted for its circus, whose reputation draws visitors from all
		340	over the world.
		341
		342
		343	=head1 Santo Dominion
		344
		345	Santo Dominion sits in a small bay to the north of Scorn. It is an
		346	important port of call for ships travelling to and from Scorn and is
		347	also somewhat famous for its Opera and its Litle House of Horrors, two
		348	magnificent cultural buildings you would not expect in so small a town as
		349	Santo Dominion.
326		350
327		351
328	=head1 Euthville History	352	=head1 Euthville History
329		353
330	The Ruins of Euthville can be found just off the Imperial Highway north of	354	The Ruins of Euthville can be found just off the Imperial Highway north of
…		…
335	The Codex Skudensis tells that Euthville was founded by the Euthanasia the	359	The Codex Skudensis tells that Euthville was founded by the Euthanasia the
336	Builder, hence its name.	360	Builder, hence its name.
337		361
338	=head2 Past and Destruction	362	=head2 Past and Destruction
339		363
340	Ah, Euthville - “City of the Pearl”, in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a	364	Ah, Euthville - "City of the Pearl", in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a
341	rather sad story!!	365	rather sad story!!
342		366
343	If you went there about half a millenia ago, you’d have seen something	367	If you went there about half a millenia ago, you’d have seen something
344	very different than the field of haunted ruins it has since become. It	368	very different than the field of haunted ruins it has since become. It
345	was initially founded by a handful of industrious, clever dwarves, that	369	was initially founded by a handful of industrious, clever dwarves, that
…		…
380	young, but the story didn’t kept the record of his name, and some now	404	young, but the story didn’t kept the record of his name, and some now
381	think it is because he was damned. Who knows? The Boy sat in the middle	405	think it is because he was damned. Who knows? The Boy sat in the middle
382	of the city, playing with his flute, laughing whenever he saw one of the	406	of the city, playing with his flute, laughing whenever he saw one of the
383	demonstrations the powerful wizards and engineers failing again and again.	407	demonstrations the powerful wizards and engineers failing again and again.
384		408
385	After several days, the Commander noticed the Boy, and said: “who	409	After several days, the Commander noticed the Boy, and said: "who
386	are you to laugh, you, who has only a flute ?” “I have only a	410	are you to laugh, you, who has only a flute ?" "I have only a
387	flute for sure - but there’s more in my simple pipe than in those	411	flute for sure - but there’s more in my simple pipe than in those
388	legions of wizards.” “Really ?” said the Commander, half-laughing,	412	legions of wizards." "Really ?" said the Commander, half-laughing,
389	half-curious, “so you think you can solve my challenge ?”	413	half-curious, "so you think you can solve my challenge ?"
390		414
391	The Boy smiled. “Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be	415	The Boy smiled. "Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be
392	quite acceptable to give you the energy you need.” “And that would	416	quite acceptable to give you the energy you need." "And that would
393	be...?” - “A new pipe.” came the reply “That one is becoming	417	be...?" - "A new pipe." came the reply "That one is becoming
394	old.” “Agree, you have your chance.”	418	old." "Agree, you have your chance."
395		419
396	The Boy then started to play an amused melody. It sounded like an	420	The Boy then started to play an amused melody. It sounded like an
397	invitation to a great feast, the opening of a meeting where everybody was	421	invitation to a great feast, the opening of a meeting where everybody was
398	invited. And then came from earth itself sounds of steps, climbing from	422	invited. And then came from earth itself sounds of steps, climbing from
399	the depth. The fountain that stood in the middle of the place crumbled,	423	the depth. The fountain that stood in the middle of the place crumbled,
400	leaving a great hole from which flames emerged. But the fire seemed to	424	leaving a great hole from which flames emerged. But the fire seemed to
401	dance at the rythm of the music itself.	425	dance at the rythm of the music itself.
402		426
403	The Boy then said to the Commander: “As long as you keep playing for	427	The Boy then said to the Commander: "As long as you keep playing for
404	the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you’ll get them to make	428	the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you’ll get them to make
405	whatever you need.” And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver	429	whatever you need." And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver
406	flute, and left, and never was seen again at Euthville.	430	flute, and left, and never was seen again at Euthville.
407		431
408	At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn’t believe his	432	At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn’t believe his
409	luck, as a pipe was a feeble price to pay for such a powerful recipe of	433	luck, as a pipe was a feeble price to pay for such a powerful recipe of
410	prosperity. Who wouldn’t want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly,	434	prosperity. Who wouldn’t want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly,
…		…
442	Many said that, if the Enchanted Music could be found, it would open the	466	Many said that, if the Enchanted Music could be found, it would open the
443	gates of many treasures, but because none of the former Euthvillians	467	gates of many treasures, but because none of the former Euthvillians
444	survived, and because nobody knows where the Boy went afterwards, those	468	survived, and because nobody knows where the Boy went afterwards, those
445	gates are still closed. I’ve heard that the School of Daemonology was	469	gates are still closed. I’ve heard that the School of Daemonology was
446	precisely founded to rediscover that spell. But who am I to claim this to	470	precisely founded to rediscover that spell. But who am I to claim this to
447	be true ? I’m only a man of the past that tells stories before a fire,	471	be true? I’m only a man of the past that tells stories before a fire,
448	and the fire is dying, and so has my tale reached the end.	472	and the fire is dying, and so has my tale reached the end.
449		473
450		474
451		475
452	=head1 The Kiritani Pass (from "Euthville Legends")	476	=head1 The Kiritani Pass (from "Euthville Legends")
…		…
462	The Sannista is a legendary flying boat that was powered by the reaction	486	The Sannista is a legendary flying boat that was powered by the reaction
463	of a fire and a water elemental. It was built by the tenth Commander of	487	of a fire and a water elemental. It was built by the tenth Commander of
464	Euthville, Farkennis, as a gift for the 18th Birthday of his daughter,	488	Euthville, Farkennis, as a gift for the 18th Birthday of his daughter,
465	Sannista. That’s the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from	489	Sannista. That’s the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from
466	Euthville, and that he used to get to Khelens. Giusitta the Verbous then	490	Euthville, and that he used to get to Khelens. Giusitta the Verbous then
467	sailed it back to the Continent, and hid it “somewhere in the mountains	491	sailed it back to the Continent, and hid it "somewhere in the mountains
468	of Euth”.	492	of Euth".
469		493
470	So I guess she would have put it there, although I’m not sure. Many	494	So I guess she would have put it there, although I’m not sure. Many
471	people thought the story was speaking about the mountains just east of the	495	people thought the story was speaking about the mountains just east of the
472	ruined city, but now that I’ve discovered those two caves, I’d rather	496	ruined city, but now that I’ve discovered those two caves, I’d rather
473	bet on them - it seems more logical.	497	bet on them - it seems more logical.
…		…
477		501
478	I, Forag the little-known, have invested my lifetime into exploring	502	I, Forag the little-known, have invested my lifetime into exploring
479	the various names of this, our World. In this tome I wrote down all my	503	the various names of this, our World. In this tome I wrote down all my
480	knowledge. Be careful with it, else it might overwhelm you, as it did me!	504	knowledge. Be careful with it, else it might overwhelm you, as it did me!
481		505
482	In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named “The Earth”,	506	In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named "The Earth",
483	while the major western landmass was called “The Continent” while the	507	while the major western landmass was called "The Continent" while the
484	eastern landmass was called "the Wilderness".	508	eastern landmass was called "the Wilderness".
485		509
486	Fendrakis used “Raxida”, which is also the name they gave to the Fox	510	Fendrakis used "Raxida", which is also the name they gave to the Fox
487	Lady, Mother of All Things, deity.	511	Lady, Mother of All Things, deity.
488		512
489	Elves traditionally use “Eänella”, which translates as “The Land of	513	Elves traditionally use "Eänella", which translates as "The Land of
490	Green”	514	Green"
491		515
492	Dwarves of Khorolizov use “Herdankaupf”, “Country of the Horses”,	516	Dwarves of Khorolizov use "Herdankaupf", "Country of the Horses",
493	which is a reference to their mythology (see the legend of the Twelve Days	517	which is a reference to their mythology (see the legend of the Twelve Days
494	for that)	518	for that)
495		519
496	The Orcish name is “Knâgsh-Ishzeh”, “Rotten Branch”	520	The Orcish name is "Knâgsh-Ishzeh", "Rotten Branch"
497		521
498	The people of the Old Wall, used the name “Harinappa”, “Bottom of	522	The people of the Old Wall, used the name "Harinappa", "Bottom of
499	the Pit”, to designate the world.	523	the Pit", to designate the world.
500		524
501	Most people nowadays use the old Khelenti name ("The Earth") or its direct	525	Most people nowadays use the old Khelenti name ("The Earth") or its direct
502	translation in local languages/idioms.	526	translation in local languages/idioms.
503		527
504		528
…		…
541	kingdom.	565	kingdom.
542		566
543		567
544	=head1 History of Lake Country	568	=head1 History of Lake Country
545		569
546	Lake Country originaly was where the elves who where exiled from the north	570	Lake Country originally was where the elves lived who where exiled
547	by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They named the area	571	from the north by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They
548	Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was Tashkeren-tah. It was	572	named the area Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was
549	destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK.	573	Tashkeren-tah. It was destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK.
550		574
551		575
552	=head1 Visit our Training Centres!	576	=head1 Visit our Training Centres!
553		577
554	We, Training Centres Incorporated provide the best service for warriors,	578	We, Training Centres Incorporated provide the best service for warriors,
…		…
725	to live by themselves and became known as gnomes.	749	to live by themselves and became known as gnomes.
726		750
727	On the Third world, of course, none of the resident Gods wanted to	751	On the Third world, of course, none of the resident Gods wanted to
728	cooperate with the other. Both created their own races: the God who fought	752	cooperate with the other. Both created their own races: the God who fought
729	for darkness created many kinds of fierce, brutal monsters he named	753	for darkness created many kinds of fierce, brutal monsters he named
730	“Demons”, while the God who fought for light created many kinds of	754	"Demons", while the God who fought for light created many kinds of
731	skillful, swift warriors he named “Angels”. Befittingly, these Gods	755	skillful, swift warriors he named "Angels". Befittingly, these Gods
732	were named by their enemies, and not their followers: the demons gave the	756	were named by their enemies, and not their followers: the demons gave the
733	light god the name of “Valriel“, and the angels gave their enemy god	757	light god the name of "Valriel", and the angels gave their enemy god
734	the name “Gorokh“.	758	the name "Gorokh".
735		759
736	And on the Fourth world, the patron Gods kept true to their philosophy	760	And on the Fourth world, the patron Gods kept true to their philosophy
737	and created not one, but innumerable races, in the hope that one of these	761	and created not one, but innumerable races, in the hope that one of these
738	would prove the strongest and most worth. So they created goblins, trolls,	762	would prove the strongest and most worth. So they created goblins, trolls,
739	ogres, and not least, dragons. The Gods became known as Gnarg, the Patron	763	ogres, and not least, dragons. The Gods became known as Gnarg, the Patron
…		…
854	wise, so that Valriel would hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the	878	wise, so that Valriel would hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the
855	wise counsel of the Shadow and created a world full of living things to be	879	wise counsel of the Shadow and created a world full of living things to be
856	His new companions and servants.	880	His new companions and servants.
857		881
858	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh	882	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh
859	said, “so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own	883	said, "so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own
860	companions and servants”. And this made Valriel unhappy because He was	884	companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because He was
861	the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn’t recognize that, and so it	885	the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn’t recognize that, and so it
862	was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of	886	was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of
863	paying respect to the one true ruler of all.	887	paying respect to the one true ruler of all.
864		888
865	So did Valriel upon the departure of his first servant, create new	889	So did Valriel upon the departure of his first servant, create new
…		…
976	Valriel would always hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise	1000	Valriel would always hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise
977	counsel of the Fire and created a world full of living things to be their	1001	counsel of the Fire and created a world full of living things to be their
978	new companions and servants.	1002	new companions and servants.
979		1003
980	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh	1004	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh
981	said, “so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own	1005	said, "so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own
982	companions and servants”. And this made Valriel unhappy because he	1006	companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because he
983	believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn’t agree	1007	believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn’t agree
984	to that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over	1008	to that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over
985	themselves instead of paying respect to one self-appointed ruler of all.	1009	themselves instead of paying respect to one self-appointed ruler of all.
986		1010
987	So did Valriel, while Gorokh was away exploring the wonders of the new	1011	So did Valriel, while Gorokh was away exploring the wonders of the new
…		…
1038		1062
1039	And upon seeing the dragons, Valriel declared war and set his servants	1063	And upon seeing the dragons, Valriel declared war and set his servants
1040	upon the task of killing all the most valuables of Gorokh they could	1064	upon the task of killing all the most valuables of Gorokh they could
1041	find. Gorokh was consumed with sorrow, and devised a way to spare these	1065	find. Gorokh was consumed with sorrow, and devised a way to spare these
1042	faithful servants, by allowing them to raise again from the grave even	1066	faithful servants, by allowing them to raise again from the grave even
1043	after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these “un-dead”	1067	after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these "un-dead"
1044	an even greater abomination, and set forth to hunt them, and Valriel	1068	an even greater abomination, and set forth to hunt them, and Valriel
1045	delighted in the war and carnage that ensued.	1069	delighted in the war and carnage that ensued.
1046		1070
1047	So did Gorokh, his fire dim with sorrow, decide to create a whole world	1071	So did Gorokh, his fire dim with sorrow, decide to create a whole world
1048	for him and his faithful. And this world he called Hell. But when he was	1072	for him and his faithful. And this world he called Hell. But when he was
…		…
1080		1104
1081	He spent ages of time-that-was-not-time exploring, learning the nature	1105	He spent ages of time-that-was-not-time exploring, learning the nature
1082	of Ore and Forge and himself. Till he decided it was time to start	1106	of Ore and Forge and himself. Till he decided it was time to start
1083	forging. And then, first of all, he forged time, so that he could separate	1107	forging. And then, first of all, he forged time, so that he could separate
1084	after from before, and so that he could exist absolutely - as opposed to,	1108	after from before, and so that he could exist absolutely - as opposed to,
1085	at the same “time”, existing and not being created yet, which was the	1109	at the same "time", existing and not being created yet, which was the
1086	case if time didn’t exist.	1110	case if time didn’t exist.
1087		1111
1088	Then, with things in order, he began forging things. The first thing he	1112	Then, with things in order, he began forging things. The first thing he
1089	forged was his armor, because he liked the touch of metal against his	1113	forged was his armor, because he liked the touch of metal against his
1090	body. Then he forged beer, because of course, beer is essential. He forged	1114	body. Then he forged beer, because of course, beer is essential. He forged
…		…
1190		1214
1191	Recent researches show that, although he greatly contributed to the	1215	Recent researches show that, although he greatly contributed to the
1192	popularity of the city, Skud didn’t found it: it was in fact created	1216	popularity of the city, Skud didn’t found it: it was in fact created
1193	by Tabb the Dark, a Builder that left very little information about him	1217	by Tabb the Dark, a Builder that left very little information about him
1194	behind. According to the Codex Skudensis that was discovered in the depths	1218	behind. According to the Codex Skudensis that was discovered in the depths
1195	of the Old City, “Scorn” would have been the real name of Tabb the	1219	of the Old City, "Scorn" would have been the real name of Tabb the
1196	Dark.	1220	Dark.
1197		1221
1198		1222
1199	=head1 The Coming of Color	1223	=head1 The Coming of Color
1200		1224
…		…
1256		1280
1257	=head2 On the nature of elemental essences	1281	=head2 On the nature of elemental essences
1258		1282
1259	It is said that of the four primary elements	1283	It is said that of the four primary elements
1260		1284
1261	- there is earth which is.	1285	- there is earth which is.
1262
1263	- there is water which changes.	1286	- there is water which changes.
1264
1265	- there is air which moves.	1287	- there is air which moves.
1266
1267	- there is fire which consumes.	1288	- there is fire which consumes.
1268		1289
1269	=head2 Overheard in a Narcopian brothel	1290	=head2 Overheard in a Narcopian brothel
1270		1291
1271	When Mother Earth was suckling her children	1292	When Mother Earth was suckling her children
1272
1273	sky suckled from her right teat	1293	sky suckled from her right teat
1274
1275	but flame and sea fought to suckle from her left teat	1294	but flame and sea fought to suckle from her left teat
1276
1277	this is why they still fight to this day	1295	this is why they still fight to this day
1278		1296
1279		1297
1280	=head1 The Tale of Lord Butakis - The Lost Stars of the Lake, Volume I	1298	=head1 The Tale of Lord Butakis - The Lost Stars of the Lake, Volume I
1281		1299
1282	This story begins nearly four thousand years ago, when Kadriosa IV, King	1300	This story begins nearly four thousand years ago, when Kadriosa IV, King
1283	of Scorn, invaded the southern territories and pushed back the elven	1301	of Scorn, invaded the southern territories and pushed back the elven
1284	barbarians that lived there.	1302	barbarians that lived there.
1285		1303
1286	The elvish people fled, and many of them settled in a place they called	1304	The elvish people fled, and many of them settled in a place they called
1287	Vkovzerov, “The Country of the Three Waters”, as it was a rather	1305	Vkovzerov, "The Country of the Three Waters", as it was a rather
1288	unique meeting point between a river, a lake, and the sea. There they	1306	unique meeting point between a river, a lake, and the sea. There they
1289	enjoyed a great prosperity, working with the local sprites to build	1307	enjoyed a great prosperity, working with the local sprites to build
1290	Tashkeren-tah, The City of the Wooden Towers.	1308	Tashkeren-tah, The City of the Wooden Towers.
1291		1309
1292	Two centuries passed, then three. The elven princes of Tashkeren-tah had	1310	Two centuries passed, then three. The elven princes of Tashkeren-tah had
…		…
1308	Haemdel the Legendary was crushed and the Three Artifacts lost. But so	1326	Haemdel the Legendary was crushed and the Three Artifacts lost. But so
1309	strong was their flame of hatred that it soon burned the ropes of their	1327	strong was their flame of hatred that it soon burned the ropes of their
1310	carefulness. Using their most powerful summoning spell, they convocated	1328	carefulness. Using their most powerful summoning spell, they convocated
1311	one of the Greater Aquomons before them.	1329	one of the Greater Aquomons before them.
1312		1330
1313	“Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my	1331	"Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my
1314	dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?”	1332	dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?"
1315		1333
1316	Elven Princes exposed what they wanted to Vërno, and the creature seemed	1334	Elven Princes exposed what they wanted to Vërno, and the creature seemed
1317	very interested at the idea of grabbing all the richesses of Scorn, and	1335	very interested at the idea of grabbing all the richesses of Scorn, and
1318	bringing them back into his dark kingdom of the depth of the sea.	1336	bringing them back into his dark kingdom of the depth of the sea.
1319		1337
1320	“Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound	1338	"Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound
1321	by the Law of Equilibrium, established by the gods themselves when the	1339	by the Law of Equilibrium, established by the gods themselves when the
1322	world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you’ll have to	1340	world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you’ll have to
1323	pay the price.”	1341	pay the price."
1324		1342
1325	- And what do you want for a price ? - Well, my needs are rather	1343	- And what do you want for a price ? - Well, my needs are rather
1326	modest. I’ll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward.”	1344	modest. I’ll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward."
1327		1345
1328	The Elven Princes quickly discussed the matter, and came to the conclusion	1346	The Elven Princes quickly discussed the matter, and came to the conclusion
1329	that it was a rather fair price to pay - after all, their territories	1347	that it was a rather fair price to pay - after all, their territories
1330	weren’t very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so	1348	weren’t very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so
1331	it wasn’t really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of	1349	it wasn’t really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of
1332	peasants, but who cared about them more than of the vengeance against	1350	peasants, but who cared about them more than of the vengeance against
1333	Scorn ?	1351	Scorn ?
1334		1352
1335	And so they answered: “The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept.”	1353	And so they answered: "The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept."
1336		1354
1337	What happened then is too long to tell in details here, as it belongs	1355	What happened then is too long to tell in details here, as it belongs
1338	to another story. In short, Jovidjevska the elven girl, who had heard	1356	to another story. In short, Jovidjevska the elven girl, who had heard
1339	everything, travelled to Scorn, and convinced the city wizards of the	1357	everything, travelled to Scorn, and convinced the city wizards of the
1340	truth of the menace. And when Vërno came to crush the city, they moved it	1358	truth of the menace. And when Vërno came to crush the city, they moved it
1341	two days into the future, and the water hand of the Fourth Drop grabbed	1359	two days into the future, and the water hand of the Fourth Drop grabbed
1342	only emptiness.	1360	only emptiness.
1343		1361
1344	Vërno, furious, came back to the Elves with a big smile, and told	1362	Vërno, furious, came back to the Elves with a big smile, and told
1345	them: “I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn	1363	them: "I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn
1346	was established. Now I take my due price.”	1364	was established. Now I take my due price."
1347		1365
1348	And that said, he selected the area on which the Elven City itself was	1366	And that said, he selected the area on which the Elven City itself was
1349	built, and covered it with water, its inhabitants trapped and killed there	1367	built, and covered it with water, its inhabitants trapped and killed there
1350	without understanding what was happening.	1368	without understanding what was happening.
1351		1369
…		…
1366	secret power of elves...	1384	secret power of elves...
1367		1385
1368	For years, he studied the Arcanes, hunting for traces of the city, as he	1386	For years, he studied the Arcanes, hunting for traces of the city, as he
1369	was convinced that the lost wisdom of the elves of Vkovzerov would give	1387	was convinced that the lost wisdom of the elves of Vkovzerov would give
1370	him a great power. And, finally, after 20 long years of searching, he	1388	him a great power. And, finally, after 20 long years of searching, he
1371	concluded that the secret was in the area now called “Lake Country“.	1389	concluded that the secret was in the area now called "Lake Country".
1372		1390
1373	And there, he came, and there was a small house made of wood, and there	1391	And there, he came, and there was a small house made of wood, and there
1374	was a tree, and there was a young elvish woman, dreaming at the stars,	1392	was a tree, and there was a young elvish woman, dreaming at the stars,
1375	under the tree. And Butakis fell in love, and the elvish lady fell in	1393	under the tree. And Butakis fell in love, and the elvish lady fell in
1376	love, and they both watched the stars. But soon, Butakis felt the need of	1394	love, and they both watched the stars. But soon, Butakis felt the need of
1377	getting back into action, and finding the lost city and getting its power.	1395	getting back into action, and finding the lost city and getting its power.
1378		1396
1379	The lady told him: “The true wisdom is in those stars, and in that	1397	The lady told him: "The true wisdom is in those stars, and in that
1380	tree, and in that house you see. You’ll only find unrest by aiming for	1398	tree, and in that house you see. You’ll only find unrest by aiming for
1381	more.”	1399	more."
1382		1400
1383	But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers,	1401	But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers,
1384	and sappers, and miners, and they all worked to build a huge machine to	1402	and sappers, and miners, and they all worked to build a huge machine to
1385	pump the water, and discover the city. During ten years, Butakis worked on	1403	pump the water, and discover the city. During ten years, Butakis worked on
1386	this, hoping that in the end, the elvish lady would be at his side, and	1404	this, hoping that in the end, the elvish lady would be at his side, and
…		…
1408	pumping started, she whispered at his ear.	1426	pumping started, she whispered at his ear.
1409		1427
1410	That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn’t expect what she told	1428	That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn’t expect what she told
1411	him then.	1429	him then.
1412		1430
1413	“Ten years you were away, and ten years I watched the stars with	1431	"Ten years you were away, and ten years I watched the stars with
1414	Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I’ll	1432	Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I’ll
1415	disappear, and so does your dream.”	1433	disappear, and so does your dream."
1416		1434
1417	Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her	1435	Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her
1418	attention away enough for Twak and three of his faithful men to sabotage	1436	attention away enough for Twak and three of his faithful men to sabotage
1419	the pump. And so came a great rumble from the basis of the huge building,	1437	the pump. And so came a great rumble from the basis of the huge building,
1420	and so the huge engines exploded, and so was his dream reduced to smoke,	1438	and so the huge engines exploded, and so was his dream reduced to smoke,
…		…
1438	But for him never came again the Elvish girl, and forever his soul stays	1456	But for him never came again the Elvish girl, and forever his soul stays
1439	alone. And so ends what we know about Butakis and Twak, and so dies my	1457	alone. And so ends what we know about Butakis and Twak, and so dies my
1440	story.	1458	story.
1441		1459
1442		1460
1443	=head1 Wolfen the White, The White Hunter, The One Who Listens
1444
1445	Wolfen is one of the three moons orbiting around The World. It is said to
1446	be the spirit of the legendary hunter Wolfen, who tracked Kalkaruntes, God
1447	of the Dragons, to is cavern and vainquished it.
1448
1449	In astrology, Wolfen is the symbol of practical mind, swiftness and
1450	flexibility, but also cowardice and stealing. It is associated with the
1451	Earth element in Alchemancy. Wolfen is seen as a protector by hunters and
1452	rangers. Priests of Lythander think it is the reincarnation of the wolf
1453	that hunts with Lythander in the divine forests of Nerënna. Fenxes see it
1454	as Fixas, the one that saved them from the Humans so long ago.
1455
1456
1457	=head1 The Wizard School of Blue	1461	=head1 The Wizard School of Blue
1458		1462
1459	“Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World,	1463	"Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World,
1460	several wizards claimed to be the heirs of their ancient, secret wisdom,	1464	several wizards claimed to be the heirs of their ancient, secret wisdom,
1461	and nicknamed “the Blue Ones”, a reference to the color of the School	1465	and nicknamed "the Blue Ones", a reference to the color of the School
1462	Banner.” – Gros, the Irrelevant One	1466	Banner." – Gros, the Irrelevant One
1463		1467
1464		1468
1465	=head1 The Great Heliograph	1469	=head1 The Great Heliograph
1466		1470
1467	A device made by Mer’Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the	1471	A device made by Mer’Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the
…		…
1488	Also called the Twin Witches, they were two powerful women wizards; Herin	1492	Also called the Twin Witches, they were two powerful women wizards; Herin
1489	was specialized in White Magic, while her sister Urdin was a master of the	1493	was specialized in White Magic, while her sister Urdin was a master of the
1490	Black Art. Both of them tried to improve the life of the people living	1494	Black Art. Both of them tried to improve the life of the people living
1491	all around their house, and introduced the use of cats as spirit-watchers	1495	all around their house, and introduced the use of cats as spirit-watchers
1492	in Scorn. Unfortunately for them, they were burned by an angry Brestian	1496	in Scorn. Unfortunately for them, they were burned by an angry Brestian
1493	fanatical mob for “illegal use of Arcane Powers”.	1497	fanatical mob for "illegal use of Arcane Powers".
1494		1498
1495		1499
1496	=head1 Ilrya, The Mountain Huntress	1500	=head1 Ilrya, The Mountain Huntress
1497		1501
1498	Ilrya was an elven spellcaster and huntress from the underground city of	1502	Ilrya was an elven spellcaster and huntress from the underground city of
…		…
1507	fast fairy with a temperamental mood.	1511	fast fairy with a temperamental mood.
1508		1512
1509		1513
1510	=head1 Khorolizov	1514	=head1 Khorolizov
1511		1515
1512	One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. “Khorolizov” means “Green	1516	One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. "Khorolizov" means "Green
1513	Gold”, which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component	1517	Gold", which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component
1514	the dwarves of Khorolizov are the only ones to produce. It is probably	1518	the dwarves of Khorolizov are the only ones to produce. It is probably
1515	the oldest of the three kingdoms, founded long before the Old Empire of	1519	the oldest of the three kingdoms, founded long before the Old Empire of
1516	Khelens reached the shores of the Continent.	1520	Khelens reached the shores of the Continent.
1517		1521
1518		1522
…		…
1526		1530
1527		1531
1528	=head1 Cromli, The Rocky One	1532	=head1 Cromli, The Rocky One
1529		1533
1530	Crolmi is the Dwarven Spirit of Rocs and Mountains. It has no temples, as	1534	Crolmi is the Dwarven Spirit of Rocs and Mountains. It has no temples, as
1531	it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like “building	1535	it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like "building
1532	with his own flesh”).	1536	with his own flesh").
1533		1537
1534		1538
1535	=head1 Glamdri, The Darkness Breaker, The Last Standing One	1539	=head1 Glamdri, The Darkness Breaker, The Last Standing One
1536		1540
1537	Glamdri is a lesser spirit of light - it is said that candlelights are	1541	Glamdri is a lesser spirit of light - it is said that candlelights are
…		…
1545		1549
1546	=head1 Archmage Rhyz, (Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania)	1550	=head1 Archmage Rhyz, (Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania)
1547		1551
1548	Rhyz was an Archmage of the Blue School during the Old Days of the Empire.	1552	Rhyz was an Archmage of the Blue School during the Old Days of the Empire.
1549		1553
1550	“(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz	1554	"(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz
1551	focused mostly on closing the gap that existed between the art of fighting	1555	focused mostly on closing the gap that existed between the art of fighting
1552	and the Arcane. While Dhelyy Olyy believed in the dual association of the	1556	and the Arcane. While Dhelyy Olyy believed in the dual association of the
1553	Warrior and the Wizard, each with its own strength increased by a long	1557	Warrior and the Wizard, each with its own strength increased by a long
1554	specialization in their respective fields, Rhyz believed in the idea of	1558	specialization in their respective fields, Rhyz believed in the idea of
1555	a “super warriard”, a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong	1559	a "super warriard", a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong
1556	warrior. As such, he devised many items that increased the strength and	1560	warrior. As such, he devised many items that increased the strength and
1557	combat capabilities of their wearers, hoping that wizard apprentices would	1561	combat capabilities of their wearers, hoping that wizard apprentices would
1558	so be more inclined to learn the battle skills of warriors.	1562	so be more inclined to learn the battle skills of warriors.
1559		1563
1560	Unfortunately for Rhyz, most of his followers relied more and more on	1564	Unfortunately for Rhyz, most of his followers relied more and more on
1561	magical strength more than physical training, leaving them to a severe	1565	magical strength more than physical training, leaving them to a severe
1562	defeat at the Battle of Moriach, when Dhelyy used an anti-magic field over	1566	defeat at the Battle of Moriach, when Dhelyy used an anti-magic field over
1563	them.”	1567	them."
1564		1568
1565	(Quote from the Codex Simochusianus, Volume XVII)	1569	(Quote from the Codex Simochusianus, Volume XVII)
1566		1570
1567		1571
1568	=head1 Archdaemonist Xebinon	1572	=head1 Archdaemonist Xebinon
…		…
1575	drained the magical force of the wearer at the same time, making the spell	1579	drained the magical force of the wearer at the same time, making the spell
1576	regeneration more difficult. This was in fact a cursed, twisted artifact,	1580	regeneration more difficult. This was in fact a cursed, twisted artifact,
1577	created by daemons for people who were seeking short-term power, but would	1581	created by daemons for people who were seeking short-term power, but would
1578	thus head directly for long-term soul slavery.	1582	thus head directly for long-term soul slavery.
1579		1583
1580	Xebinon is sometimes called “The faceless one”, as it is said that the	1584	Xebinon is sometimes called "The faceless one", as it is said that the
1581	daemon trapped him by stealing his visage. This may explain why magical	1585	daemon trapped him by stealing his visage. This may explain why magical
1582	artifacts wearing his name are often helmets.	1586	artifacts wearing his name are often helmets.
1583		1587
1584		1588
1585	=head1 Argoth, the Fish-City of the Two Towers	1589	=head1 Argoth, the Fish-City of the Two Towers
…		…
1590	Towers, because two huge towers were built there, to guide the ships	1594	Towers, because two huge towers were built there, to guide the ships
1591	navigating on the oceans between Bigworld and Khelens.	1595	navigating on the oceans between Bigworld and Khelens.
1592		1596
1593	Argoth was a dwarven city built on one of the highest mountains known,	1597	Argoth was a dwarven city built on one of the highest mountains known,
1594	rooted in the depths of the sea, and climbing so high in the skies that	1598	rooted in the depths of the sea, and climbing so high in the skies that
1595	uneducated travelers said that it was a “stairway to the gods”. On the	1599	uneducated travelers said that it was a "stairway to the gods". On the
1596	top of the mountain, the Imperial Governors built the Two Towers, who were	1600	top of the mountain, the Imperial Governors built the Two Towers, who were
1597	visible from Scorn, about 200km far from them.	1601	visible from Scorn, about 200km far from them.
1598		1602
1599	The dwarves of Argoth had a terrible secret: in the depths of the caves	1603	The dwarves of Argoth had a terrible secret: in the depths of the caves
1600	below the mountains, they had trapped Hregalakhen, one of the last	1604	below the mountains, they had trapped Hregalakhen, one of the last
…		…
1619	Morgul was a Dark Mage that built a tower in the hope of creating a bridge	1623	Morgul was a Dark Mage that built a tower in the hope of creating a bridge
1620	with the skies, so that demons could attack heavens. Fortunately for	1624	with the skies, so that demons could attack heavens. Fortunately for
1621	angels, a group of adventurers defeated him in 2374EK.	1625	angels, a group of adventurers defeated him in 2374EK.
1622		1626
1623		1627
		1628	=head1 Wolfen the White, The White Hunter, The One Who Listens
		1629
		1630	Wolfen is one of the three moons orbiting around The World. It is said to
		1631	be the spirit of the legendary hunter Wolfen, who tracked Kalkaruntes, God
		1632	of the Dragons, to is cavern and vainquished it.
		1633
		1634	In astrology, Wolfen is the symbol of practical mind, swiftness and
		1635	flexibility, but also cowardice and stealing. It is associated with the
		1636	Earth element in Alchemancy. Wolfen is seen as a protector by hunters and
		1637	rangers. Priests of Lythander think it is the reincarnation of the wolf
		1638	that hunts with Lythander in the divine forests of Nerënna. Fenxes see it
		1639	as Fixas, the one that saved them from the Humans so long ago.
		1640
		1641
1624	=head1 Ranisha the Red, The Red Death, The One Who Commands	1642	=head1 Ranisha the Red, The Red Death, The One Who Commands
1625		1643
1626	Ranisha is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of	1644	Ranisha is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of
1627	Crossfire. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary warrior Ranisha,	1645	Crossfire. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary warrior Ranisha,
1628	who was supposed to be an invincible general that was even able to	1646	who was supposed to be an invincible general that was even able to
…		…
1632	also of strength and courage. It is associated with the fire element in	1650	also of strength and courage. It is associated with the fire element in
1633	Alchemancy. Priests of Ruggili consider it as the watchful eye of their	1651	Alchemancy. Priests of Ruggili consider it as the watchful eye of their
1634	god.	1652	god.
1635		1653
1636		1654
		1655	=head1 Asferenn the Blue, The Blue Sister, The One Who Suggests
1637		1656
		1657	Asferenn is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of
		1658	Crossfire. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary wizard Asferenn,
		1659	who was said to have been able to force the gate of the divine dimension.
		1660
		1661	In astrology, Asferenn is the symbol of wisdom, endurance in effort,
		1662	diplomacy, but also treachery and dark secrets. It is associated with the
		1663	water element in Alchemancy. It is said that the cycle of water creatures
		1664	are strongly influenced by Asferenn.
		1665
		1666
		1667	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume I
		1668
		1669	I’ll tell you about Lorkas of Amudrias, and how he found the White Bird
		1670	of Hope, and how he capitained it, opening the Gates of the Sun, and some
		1671	stuff like that.
		1672
		1673	Some say that Lorkas was an angel of Valriel, that fell long ago from the
		1674	Skies, stealing a couple of highly holy artifacts, and hiding them in his
		1675	new underground domains.
		1676
		1677	Some also say that Lorkas is a dark spirit, a lost soul, an unclean,
		1678	unfaithful, untrusty creature of Doom and Chaos.
		1679
		1680	But, for what matters, some also said that Fido was a fiction, or that
		1681	the Empire never was more than a dream of a past that never existed. Some
		1682	definitely are foolishly uninformed for sure, and speak more than they
		1683	think.
		1684
		1685	Because, if they were less quick on jumping to conclusions, they’d
		1686	quickly notice how difficult it is for an angel to fall from the sky and
		1687	never be able to climb back, as if wild gooses were never able to take off
		1688	again once they land after their long journey to the South.
		1689
		1690	Anyway, as every wise man knows, Lorkas was no angelic creature of divine
		1691	essence, or even a magical creation of a godly force.
		1692
		1693	Some say that Khelens is the Beginning, first of the Cities of Men. That,
		1694	too, is untrue: before the Age of Khelens was the Time of the Kingdoms
		1695	at War. And before them, the Era of Songor the Great. And going back
		1696	through the thick book of history, you’ll cross Arnistar of the Desert
		1697	Dwellers, the Republic of the Two Rivers, and the Ancient Haemdel, and the
		1698	Kingdom of the Long Wall. And before it, the forgotten towers of light
		1699	that Horadrists built.
		1700
		1701
		1702	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume II
		1703
		1704	Lorkas was born in Kuratas, a small agrarian state that existed on the
		1705	Coronian Valley, when Songer and Khelens were still in infancy. He was a
		1706	boy that wanted to see everything, to understand the world and its stars,
		1707	and discover its limits, for it was extending much further than the mists
		1708	of his home valley.
		1709
		1710	But life was rude in Kuratas, and trying to think about anything else than
		1711	your next harvest wasn’t well perceived by most; and, more than often,
		1712	Lorkas dreamed with tears and despair about the Mountains with the white
		1713	tops, and Seas that ended only when they touched the sky, far away.
		1714
		1715	Tired of his senseless life, he left his parents, his village, his
		1716	friends, when he was only 12, and for weeks walked to the West, until he
		1717	reached the Coast of the Stonewalls.
		1718
		1719	And there, he saw Ottarakans, the Infinite Ocean that extends west of the
		1720	Old World, and so fell in love for the sea. He then joined the Port of
		1721	Kridatta, which was famous for its ships, as its inhabitants had mastered
		1722	a powerful arcane, so that their boats roamed not only the seas, but the
		1723	very clouds themselves.
		1724
		1725	Because he was smart and quick-brained, Lorkas soon got enrolled in the
		1726	team of Capt’n Bortaras; and after several adventures I shall maybe tell
		1727	about another day, he took the succession of the old mariner.
		1728
		1729	Horizon was the name of his ship, and famous was his crew, exploring huge
		1730	territories and fighting the Princes of Sinas, who back then tried to put
		1731	the whole area under their iron, greedy grasps.
		1732
		1733
		1734	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume III
		1735
		1736	But Lorkas heard about a wonder that him and his crew soon wanted to
		1737	find: The White Bird of Hope.
		1738
		1739	Buried in the Very East, it was said to be. And so he sailed east; he
		1740	crossed the Great Desert, passed the Mountains of Daigojij, reached the
		1741	forests oft he western normanika. But still was the Bird further away.
		1742
		1743	Reaching the Eastern Ocean, they decided to try to cross it, despite that
		1744	it was said to be the end of the world. And for 30 days and nights, across
		1745	tempests and monsters, they firmly kept heading east, east, east.
		1746
		1747	When despair was growing on them, mists magically opened, revealing a
		1748	golden city built on what seemed to be a rich, fertile coastal plain.
		1749
		1750	People there spoke a strange language; they were small and not unlike
		1751	joyful foxes, and they welcomed Lorkas and his men (and women)
		1752	warmly. Soon, they learned to understand each other enough.
		1753
		1754	They called themselves "The People of the Mother", and they had
		1755	never seen the "Flat-Eared Giants" before, although they already met
		1756	"Flat-Eared Beards" and "Flat-Eared Greens" before.
		1757
		1758	But there was a lady called Sonja. And, although she wasn’t human, she
		1759	seemed brighter, smarter, more beautiful than any other woman Lorkas had
		1760	ever seen before.
		1761
		1762	Those months were the most wonderful for him - and her - and time seemed
		1763	to have stopped for them in their endless love. But of course it hadn’t.
		1764
		1765	And after a while, some of his men wanted to go back to their own homes,
		1766	and some wanted for their families to come to the Golden City. And, also,
		1767	there was the Bird.
		1768
		1769	They had no problem to find the White Bird of Hope - a statue entirely
		1770	made of the purest of the white marble, with gemstones of red ruby as
		1771	eyes. But so much the inhabitants liked it, so they thought that a
		1772	valuable friend was much better than a valuable statue.
		1773
		1774	And so they said: "Take the bird as a gift of us to your masters, to
		1775	show them we want to make friendship with them. Welcome are the friends of
		1776	the children of the White Bird."
		1777
		1778	And so Lorkas left, promising Sonja that he’d soon return.
		1779
		1780	The people of the Golden City also told him that "The Bird is imbued
		1781	with powerful magic: the one owning it will always keep hope."
		1782
		1783
		1784	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume IV
		1785
		1786	When Lorkas came back, he and his men were welcomed as heroes. So where
		1787	does the story turns sour, as Lorkas is said to have fallen from the skies?
		1788
		1789	Well, when he and his crew came back home, Kridatta was at war with Sinas,
		1790	and for several years, he and his crew fought, using the power of the Bird
		1791	to help them. And during those years, Lorkas kept in his heart the hope of
		1792	seeing again Sonja.
		1793
		1794	Then came the Fever Plague, that killed a third of the people in the
		1795	Ancient World. And again was the Bird used, and again did Lorkas help all
		1796	those he could help, still having hope of seeing the Golden City again
		1797	soon.
		1798
		1799	And then, he sent messengers and explorers, as he had become influent,
		1800	rich, and powerful, across the seas, to rebind the ties with the Golden
		1801	City, as he promised. But they all came without finding their way to
		1802	those faraway shores; yet all that time, and for each new mission sent to
		1803	explore the seas and the skies, they seemed closed and closer from the
		1804	goal.
		1805
		1806	Sixty years passed. The world changed; new kingdoms ruled old cities;
		1807	Lorkas was now an old man that lived in a small house looking at the
		1808	Ocean.
		1809
		1810	And still, each day, he spent hours waiting, watching the line where the
		1811	sea met the sky, hoping that one day, one would sail back and tell him:
		1812	"we found the Golden City !". And always he hoped, but never received.
		1813
		1814	Nearly all of his companions were now dead, and the Horizon had been
		1815	retired long ago, now slowly rotting in the bay, fading souvenir of a long
		1816	forgotten past.
		1817
		1818
		1819	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume V
		1820
		1821	Lorkas walked to his boat, and where there was only tarnished wood and
		1822	corroded metal, he still saw the fierce ship on which he saw Sonja for the
		1823	first time, so long ago. Who knows what he did, then? One thing is sure:
		1824	the vigile of the Sea Tower of Kridatta, that watched boats coming and
		1825	leaving from dozens of miles away, reported that an ancient ship left the
		1826	bay, with Lorkas sitting at the front of it, holding the Bird, as if he
		1827	was sleeping.
		1828
		1829	Nobody knows exactly where he went. Was he even dead? Nobody knows. But
		1830	everybody kept hope that, one day, he’d reach the Golden City
		1831	again. Lots of people tried to find the Bird after that event. They all
		1832	accused Lorkas of having "stolen" it. The story became legend. The
		1833	legend became fairy tale. And the fairy tale got forgotten by most.
		1834
		1835	Yet, Centuries ago, deep in the oldest parts of the Old City of Scorn,
		1836	people claimed to have found an ancient mausoleum, a relic of the
		1837	past. All made of the purest, finest gold. On the walls were engraved a
		1838	man at the wheel of a strange ship, and a woman with pointy ears, watching
		1839	the skies. And many nowadays keep the Hope that the White Bird now sleeps
		1840	down below the streets, having found its way back to home with Lorkas.
		1841
		1842	But who could tell if it is the truth, or only a silly story? Who
		1843	knows? As for myself, I don’t care: I just hold hope it is. And so ends
		1844	the Story of Lorkas, and so keeps Hope running.
		1845
		1846
		1847	=head1 The Prison of Madness
		1848
		1849	It is said that deep in the underworld there is a vast maze that will make
		1850	everybody who dares to enter die of madness.
		1851
		1852	It starts in a room, with a row of mirrors to the south. pass through
		1853	those, and carry on slightly further, and you are in the maze proper.
		1854
		1855	Little is known about the maze, but Worus the Wanderer claimed to have been
		1856	in it, seen many of its wonders and returned.
		1857
		1858	He also wrote a book that details all the ways and passages, alas, nobody
		1859	could decipher it yet:
		1860
		1861	gb2trg2gb2gur2rkvg:
		1862	2jnaqre2nebhaq2hagvy2lbh2ybpngr2n2znc2aN,
		1863	2vg2vf2ba2gur2obggbz2ragenapr2bs2n2znc.
		1864	2bapr2gung2vf2ybpngrq2tb2evtug,
		1865	2hc,
		1866	2evtug,
		1867	2evtug,
		1868	2evtug,
		1869	2evtug,
		1870	2evtug,
		1871	2lbh2jvyy2or2ng2gur2rkvg.
		1872	2gb2trg2gb2gur2inhyg:
		1873	2jnaqre2ebhaq2hagvy2lbh2trg2gb2znc2aN1,
		1874	vg2vf2gb2gur2evtug2bs2n2abezny2znc.
		1875	2tb2hc,
		1876	2yrsg,
		1877	2hc,
		1878	2yrsg,
		1879	2qbja,
		1880	2qbja,
		1881	2evtug,
		1882	2qbja,
		1883	2qbja,
		1884	2qbja.2Lbh2jvyy2or2va2gur2unyy,
		1885	2tb2guebhtu2naq2gb2gur2yrsg2gb2ernpu2gur2inhyg.
		1886
		1887
		1888	=head1 Order of the Gravestone
		1889
		1890	An ancient order of druids, that venerated the supposed gravestone of
		1891	the Spirit of Khalbow. The Spirit was supposed to be a symbol of eternal
		1892	renewal and redemption, that lived a regular, short-term dead/revival
		1893	cycle. The Order of the Gravestone was very popular during the first
		1894	Millenia EK, but then went extinct. No druid is known to exist today, and
		1895	the exact location of the gravestone has long been forgotten.
		1896
		1897
		1898	=head1 Rule of Dictus
		1899
		1900	If you get killed twice at the same place - go elsewhere.
		1901
		1902	- Dictus the Fat, EK 323
		1903
		1904
		1905	=head1 Heaven and Hell
		1906
		1907	It is said that the church of Valriel in Scorn has direct access to
		1908	Heaven. The priests of Valriel claim that you can enter Heaven freely, and
		1909	even come back to the world of mortals. The priests of Gorokh claim that
		1910	their church has a connection to Hell. The Valriel priests claim they were
		1911	first, and, in their usual attitude, the Gorokh priests claim the priests
		1912	of Valriel are useless maggots that lie to their followers.
		1913
		1914	Although a number of people have travelled to both Heaven and Hell, their
		1915	reports are inconclusive as to wether it was real "Hell" (or Heaven) they
		1916	visited.
		1917
		1918	Some people claim this Heaven and Hell business is just some magic
		1919	illusion forged by some magicians of those churches, mostly because you
		1920	can still die in Heaven, Hell doesn't look all that impressive (and it
		1921	is so easy to come back), and why would only the churches in Scorn have
		1922	access to those in the first place?
		1923
		1924
		1925	=head1 Barad-Dur
		1926
		1927	In the mountains north-east of the great city we found it at last -- the
		1928	hidden fortress of Barad-Dur. What treasures could lie in it I do not know
		1929	for our party never gained its way past the entryway. Skulls, pixies, and
		1930	a horrible creature I hesitate to name decimated my friends and I.
		1931
		1932
		1933	=head1 A visit to the Alchemist
		1934
		1935	...and then did the Alchemist agree to make me my potion. First he
		1936	called to his grimm servants who hauld forth a great iron cauldron. Into
		1937	this black device did he deposit his ingredients and, opening his spell
		1938	book for reference, then did he cast his spell of alchemy therepon the
		1939	cauldron.
		1940
		1941	Greatly did the tub shake and move! I thought that the Alchemist had broke
		1942	his device, but he chuckled at my ignorance. Into the cauldron did he
		1943	reach an brought forth a filled bottle of golden amber fluid...
		1944
		1945
		1946	=head1 The Philosophical Ingredients
		1947
		1948	Know that there are 4 principle philosophical ingredients. In order, they
		1949	are:
		1950
		1951	- philosophical salt
		1952	- philosophical sulphur
		1953	- philosophical phosphorus
		1954	- philosophical oil
		1955
		1956	The great alchemist has often said that all living things are made of
		1957	these ingredients. Proper combination of these with other base objects can
		1958	often create potions of power and might.
		1959

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Revision 1.18 by root, Tue Jul 10 05:51:38 2007 UTC