--- deliantra/server/pod/books.pod 2007/05/24 03:33:29 1.17 +++ deliantra/server/pod/books.pod 2010/08/12 01:37:09 1.39 @@ -2,13 +2,14 @@ =begin comment -This is the source for some of the books in crossfire, at least, it should become one. +This is the source for some of the books in deliantra. Authors: Gorlin Mark Wedel -Marc Lehmann +Marc Lehmann +Robin Redeker Lalo Martins Yann Chachkoff Gros @@ -17,7 +18,7 @@ http://wiki.metalforge.net/ Each =head1 should become its own book. - + =end comment @@ -258,7 +259,7 @@ 435 EK: Colony of Skorn Founded. It would eventualy become the city of Scorn. -711 EK: The outpost of Heaven’s Gate is founded. +711 EK: The outpost of Heaven's Gate is founded. =head2 Volume II: Second Millenia EK @@ -272,7 +273,7 @@ 2567 EK: Fernast Fergono, exiled from Navar, leads a famous exploration expedition in the south-east seas. -2765 EK: The city of Heaven’s Gate is burned by pirates. +2765 EK: The city of Heaven's Gate is burned by pirates. =head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis. @@ -320,7 +321,7 @@ =head2 Volume VIII: Eighth Millenia EK -7124 EK: Harta accidentally creates a Dimensional Grid, connecting the Crossfire Continuum with the Daï-Moh-Nî Dimension. +7124 EK: Harta accidentally creates a Dimensional Grid, connecting the Deliantra Continuum with the Daï-Moh-Nî Dimension. 7563 EK: The tower of Melficef the Red explodes. @@ -364,7 +365,7 @@ Ah, Euthville - "City of the Pearl", in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a rather sad story!! -If you went there about half a millenia ago, you’d have seen something +If you went there about half a millenia ago, you'd have seen something very different than the field of haunted ruins it has since become. It was initially founded by a handful of industrious, clever dwarves, that had found a mystical way to locate fields of precious Karitta, the famous @@ -373,7 +374,7 @@ And thus, they found at the location of Euthville a lot of that raw metal, which quickly made the city one of the richest of all. And for a long -time, it stayed so. The inhabitants of Euthville weren’t interested by +time, it stayed so. The inhabitants of Euthville weren't interested by war, work, or anything else too tiresome - they preferred to pay somebody else to do all of this. And with the advanced technical knowledge bring by the dwarves, working was less and less an issue for them. @@ -381,14 +382,14 @@ Yet yhey were facing a problem. All their devices, all their machineries, all their tricks to cheat with nature required energy. Lots of energy. They relied first on the strength of horses and donkeys, but it -wasn’t enough. Then, they tamed the dangerous Wyverns of Kal-Durandasi, +wasn't enough. Then, they tamed the dangerous Wyverns of Kal-Durandasi, so that the hot lizards would provide them with the full force of their -steamy breath. But soon, it wasn’t enough. They also used the hidden +steamy breath. But soon, it wasn't enough. They also used the hidden power provided by the Faeries of the Tarniska river, building a dam, so that they could put the invisible horses of water that the sylphids are rumored to breed in use. -But even so, their hunger for power wasn’t satisfied, and became an +But even so, their hunger for power wasn't satisfied, and became an increasing nuisance for them. So, the Commander of Euthville (which was, more or less, the equivalent to our King at Scorn), finally decided to send messengers across the whole Continent, calling the world for a @@ -400,15 +401,15 @@ dwarven beer were proposed, but nothing seemed to be enough. For years, wizards tried. And failed. -And then came a boy. He wasn’t a wizard, nor pretended to be one. He was -young, but the story didn’t kept the record of his name, and some now +And then came a boy. He wasn't a wizard, nor pretended to be one. He was +young, but the story didn't kept the record of his name, and some now think it is because he was damned. Who knows? The Boy sat in the middle of the city, playing with his flute, laughing whenever he saw one of the demonstrations the powerful wizards and engineers failing again and again. After several days, the Commander noticed the Boy, and said: "who are you to laugh, you, who has only a flute ?" "I have only a -flute for sure - but there’s more in my simple pipe than in those +flute for sure - but there's more in my simple pipe than in those legions of wizards." "Really ?" said the Commander, half-laughing, half-curious, "so you think you can solve my challenge ?" @@ -425,19 +426,19 @@ dance at the rythm of the music itself. The Boy then said to the Commander: "As long as you keep playing for -the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you’ll get them to make +the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you'll get them to make whatever you need." And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver flute, and left, and never was seen again at Euthville. -At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn’t believe his +At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn't believe his luck, as a pipe was a feeble price to pay for such a powerful recipe of -prosperity. Who wouldn’t want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly, +prosperity. Who wouldn't want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly, though, it appeared obvious that, for enough demons to be there, that music needed to be played rather loudly. And if, at first, it sounded entertaining, joyous, and funny, it quickly grew on the nerves of many. And especially because it was played 23 hours a day. -Finally, the Commander decided that the city couldn’t stand this +Finally, the Commander decided that the city couldn't stand this anymore, and ordered that the Demons had to be attracted faraway from the city. On this fateful day, a whole fanfare left the city, hoping that the demons would follow, attracted by the music. @@ -455,7 +456,7 @@ The Commander went mad, of course, and it is said that his madness was so strong that his mind was unable to understand that he was dead. If -you search enough in the ruins of Euthville, you’ll probably encounter +you search enough in the ruins of Euthville, you'll probably encounter his ghost, as well as those of the many who perished for having believed that mortals could enslave the hell. Some demons stayed there, obviously enjoying the area and its newborn ashes that smelled fresh blood and @@ -466,9 +467,9 @@ Many said that, if the Enchanted Music could be found, it would open the gates of many treasures, but because none of the former Euthvillians survived, and because nobody knows where the Boy went afterwards, those -gates are still closed. I’ve heard that the School of Daemonology was +gates are still closed. I've heard that the School of Daemonology was precisely founded to rediscover that spell. But who am I to claim this to -be true ? I’m only a man of the past that tells stories before a fire, +be true? I'm only a man of the past that tells stories before a fire, and the fire is dying, and so has my tale reached the end. @@ -486,14 +487,14 @@ The Sannista is a legendary flying boat that was powered by the reaction of a fire and a water elemental. It was built by the tenth Commander of Euthville, Farkennis, as a gift for the 18th Birthday of his daughter, -Sannista. That’s the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from +Sannistra. That's the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from Euthville, and that he used to get to Khelens. Giusitta the Verbous then sailed it back to the Continent, and hid it "somewhere in the mountains of Euth". -So I *guess* she would have put it there, although I’m not *sure*. Many +So I I she would have put it there, although I'm not I. Many people thought the story was speaking about the mountains just east of the -ruined city, but now that I’ve discovered those two caves, I’d rather +ruined city, but now that I've discovered those two caves, I'd rather bet on them - it seems more logical. @@ -589,15 +590,15 @@ Undead -Lich dust, a Spectre’s ectoplasm, and a Skull’s tooth. +Lich dust, a Spectre's ectoplasm, and a Skull's tooth. Dragon -An Ancient dragon’s steak, an Ancient Blue Dragon’s steak, and an Ancient red dragon’s steak. +An Ancient dragon's steak, an Ancient Blue Dragon's steak, and an Ancient red dragon's steak. Demon -A Demonbane, a Belzebub’s sword, and a Firebrand. +A Demonbane, a Belzebub's sword, and a Firebrand. =head3 Free Centres @@ -607,28 +608,31 @@ Goblin & Zombie - Located south of Scorn -Skeleton & Ogre - Located somewhere around Navar +Skeleton & Ogre - Located south-west of Navar =head2 Locations These are the locations to the entrances of the Training Centers. -world_107_128 +world_106_109 - Humanoid + +world_107_120 - Goblin & Zombie -world_118_101 +world_107_128 - Undead -world_106_109 - Humanoid +world_119_101 - Dragons -world_124_113 - Undead +world_119_118 - Skeleton & Ogre + +world_124_113 - Demon -world_107_120 - Goblin & Zombie =head1 The Kingdom of Navar Straddling the corner of the Imperial highway as it turns North near the Eastern border of the known world, and surrounded by dangerous territory, -Navar is an unlikely site for one of the world’s grandest cities. Yet +Navar is an unlikely site for one of the world's grandest cities. Yet there it stands, dominating the skyline for miles around and showing the same bustling activity expected of any thriving market town. @@ -649,7 +653,7 @@ to obtain a complete victory, but were finally destroyed by the raw power of their own biggest creation, The Thaumic Gear. The explosion of the Gear shattered the whole east of the world, and many territories forever sank -into the ocean, including Kari Kori, the Technomages’ city. +into the ocean, including Kari Kori, the Technomages' city. =head1 Juradiths Dissidents @@ -663,7 +667,7 @@ flooded the Juradiths into a magically created lake. Juradiths still exist as a small political faction today, although -they’ve long traded their violent ways for some weird traditions whose +they've long traded their violent ways for some weird traditions whose origins and meaning are now mostly forgotten. @@ -676,8 +680,8 @@ grow boring and lonely, so SHE decided to have children. At first SHE created a host of forces like Herself, eternal and -divine. But with all their power, they couldn’t get along with each -other, so Gaea decided that wasn’t a good idea. SHE decreed that from +divine. But with all their power, they couldn't get along with each +other, so Gaea decided that wasn't a good idea. SHE decreed that from that point on all creatures but HER would have a limited lifetime. But most of HER first children disagreed, and went away to an unknown location. @@ -688,7 +692,7 @@ animals and plants of all sorts. For a few million years she was happy to watch them. But her remaining faithful children were growing restless and wanted to make their own experimentations too. Finally SHE got bored -again, as her creations weren’t self-aware and therefore weren’t +again, as her creations weren't self-aware and therefore weren't much of a company. But SHE was also curious, because her creatures had developed many different styles of living, and SHE desired to compare them. @@ -722,7 +726,7 @@ this world. After the worlds were created, only four children of Gaea still preferred -to live in the Void: two because they weren’t interested in any of those +to live in the Void: two because they weren't interested in any of those worlds, and two because they liked all of them and preferred to visit them whenever they wished. @@ -736,7 +740,7 @@ So on the First world, one of the Gods who lived there created a race of beings that loved peace and wildlife, and called them Elves. The other -God in that world didn’t choose to create followers, but she teached +God in that world didn't choose to create followers, but she teached language to the Elves of her brother, and when the Elves larned the art of naming, they named their creator Lythander, and in exchange for his name he gifted them with luck. @@ -745,7 +749,7 @@ them Dwarves. His children, in turn, named him Mostrai. His sister, in turn, decided not to create, but teach some of the dwarves (the ones willing to learn) about magic and the powers of the gods. The other -dwarves, however, didn’t accept their changed siblings, so they went off +dwarves, however, didn't accept their changed siblings, so they went off to live by themselves and became known as gnomes. On the Third world, of course, none of the resident Gods wanted to @@ -826,7 +830,7 @@ could be. Till this point, everyone was blaming some (any) god other than the one they worshipped. But there was only one, obvious answer: the Banished Gods, the Forgotten Children who left ages ago because -they didn’t agree with he concept of death, were back, and enacting +they didn't agree with he concept of death, were back, and enacting revenge by subverting death itself. In later days, these Gods would become collectively known as the Devourers. @@ -867,22 +871,22 @@ But part of the light was not content to be alone, and so did Valriel put this part of Himself aside and did He allow this part to have independent -life; and this part was everything that wasn’t content, and as it -wasn’t light, it surely was the darkness; and the darkness took upon +life; and this part was everything that wasn't content, and as it +wasn't light, it surely was the darkness; and the darkness took upon itself the name of Gorokh. And for many times more time than a mortal can count, Gorokh was the companion and the servant of Valriel. But Gorokh was not content, because that was his nature, and he plotted a way to change everything. And -although filled with hidden motives, Gorokh’s words were always very +although filled with hidden motives, Gorokh's words were always very wise, so that Valriel would hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise counsel of the Shadow and created a world full of living things to be His new companions and servants. And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh -said, "so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own +said, "so now you won't need me anymore, I can leave and find my own companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because He was -the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn’t recognize that, and so it +the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn't recognize that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of paying respect to the one true ruler of all. @@ -894,16 +898,16 @@ But not enough were seduced by his promises. So he decided to be many, not one. And he wore different shapes and again he whispered in the ears -of Valriel’s creations. And to the elves he was Lythander of the bow +of Valriel's creations. And to the elves he was Lythander of the bow that never misses, and the elves did not see that if a bow never misses, -and it isn’t the work of the Lord, then it can only be the work of the +and it isn't the work of the Lord, then it can only be the work of the Enemy. And to the dwarves he wore the name of Mostrai, of the fire, of the forge, the builder of things, for the fire and the desire to change was the true face of Gorokh. And he taught the men to wage war upon each other, and scared the warriors with thunder and lightning, and they would call him Sorig. And those -who weren’t scared, he tempted with weapons and glory, and wore the +who weren't scared, he tempted with weapons and glory, and wore the beautiful face of a woman, and they called him Valkyrie. And as they killed each other, Gorokh was happy. @@ -936,7 +940,7 @@ their assigned mission to fight the demons and keep them from spreading the evil in their dark hearts. -And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel’s creation into a new +And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel's creation into a new race, and so did he get elf and man and dwarf and corrupted them with his dark will, and they became goblin and orc and kobold, and troll, and giant, and ogre, and many other abominations to the eye of the Creator, @@ -996,15 +1000,15 @@ And for many times more time than a mortal can count, Gorokh was the companion and the servant of Valriel. But Gorokh was not content, because that was his nature, and he plotted a way to change everything. And fueled -by the fire of his will, Gorokh’s words were always very wise, so +by the fire of his will, Gorokh's words were always very wise, so Valriel would always hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise counsel of the Fire and created a world full of living things to be their new companions and servants. And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh -said, "so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own +said, "so now you won't need me anymore, I can leave and find my own companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because he -believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn’t agree +believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn't agree to that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over themselves instead of paying respect to one self-appointed ruler of all. @@ -1026,8 +1030,8 @@ those gifts and take the glory for himself. And since Gorokh kept inventing new presents, Valriel became angry, -because he doesn’t like change and he doesn’t like any good that -doesn’t come from him. And so did he create a new race of servants, more +because he doesn't like change and he doesn't like any good that +doesn't come from him. And so did he create a new race of servants, more powerful and more prone to following him blindly than any other, imbued with the mission of hunting down and undoing the work of the Fire, and this race He called Angels. @@ -1042,7 +1046,7 @@ mission to fight the demons and keep them from spreading the word of Gorokh. -And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel’s creation into a new +And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel's creation into a new race, and so did he get elf and man and dwarf and tried to imbue them with greater strength, and they became goblin and orc and kobold, and troll, and giant, and ogre, and many other strong creatures. But their @@ -1082,7 +1086,7 @@ A play by Shakesdor the Dwarf. -- What... where we come from? You’re not old enough for this +- What... where we come from? You're not old enough for this conversation. - No, uncle, I mean as a whole... the world, the dwarves, the others. @@ -1095,9 +1099,9 @@ First there was the Ore and the Forge. The Ore is what existence looked like before it existed. The Forge was the untapped will, the potential in -the Ore to be everything that is, ever will be, or won’t. +the Ore to be everything that is, ever will be, or won't. -Over a span of time that is not time, because time wasn’t forged yet, +Over a span of time that is not time, because time wasn't forged yet, some tiny scraps of Ore drifted into the Forge. A piece of the Forge merged with that Ore and became sentient. He has many names, but we call him Mostrai. @@ -1107,7 +1111,7 @@ forging. And then, first of all, he forged time, so that he could separate after from before, and so that he could exist absolutely - as opposed to, at the same "time", existing and not being created yet, which was the -case if time didn’t exist. +case if time didn't exist. Then, with things in order, he began forging things. The first thing he forged was his armor, because he liked the touch of metal against his @@ -1129,15 +1133,15 @@ annoying. So he created an enormous mountain for them to live under. He put the boar and bird, and a few other animals he had come up with later, on the outside, where he forged woods and forest. And so that his children -wouldn’t wander forever, he placed these places in the middle of an -infinite ocean. There you have, that’s the story. +wouldn't wander forever, he placed these places in the middle of an +infinite ocean. There you have, that's the story. - Whoa. What about the others? -- *sigh* You won’t let me finish my beer, will you? +- *sigh* You won't let me finish my beer, will you? -- You’ll never finish your beer, uncle. When you soak that mug, -there’s plenty more in the barrel. +- You'll never finish your beer, uncle. When you soak that mug, +there's plenty more in the barrel. - All right, all rigth. (Big gulp.) @@ -1150,8 +1154,8 @@ something very obviously wrong, which lived in the woods and preferred bows and other coward weapons rather than hand-to-hand combat. He made them incredibly lucky, because otherwise they would stand no chance - and -they came to believe they’re lucky because they’re protected by their -god, which of course doesn’t exist. He also made them very old, so that +they came to believe they're lucky because they're protected by their +god, which of course doesn't exist. He also made them very old, so that they would think they existed before the dwarf - otherwise they would just recognize our superior position and submit. And all was good and happy; for time beyond count, dwarf and elf honed their skills against each @@ -1159,16 +1163,16 @@ I mean, have you ever fought an elf? Yes, it was an eternal war, but not like those bloody gorefest the others have today. When dwarf and elf -fight, it’s clean, it’s beautiful, it’s according to the rules, -it’s a ritual of honor. +fight, it's clean, it's beautiful, it's according to the rules, +it's a ritual of honor. Well, I digress. All was well, I said. But one day, one elf created yellow beer. And that offended Mostrai to a level of rage unseen before. So he created an entire new piece of the world, and populated it with humans, and other horrible creatures, and then let these young ones discover our land, so that they may raze the elf forests, ruin the elf nations, and -soil their honor. We’re not stupid enough to argue with Mostrai, so we -went underground, and we’re waiting for that to happen, to see what he +soil their honor. We're not stupid enough to argue with Mostrai, so we +went underground, and we're waiting for that to happen, to see what he will do next. Can I drink in peace now? There, go play with your friends. @@ -1179,7 +1183,7 @@ People of the Old Empire believed that the whole universe was made by powerful beings called Builders. Builders were not part of the world like gods were - they lived Outside. Little is known about the Builders -themselves. The priests of the Empire weren’t quite sure themselves +themselves. The priests of the Empire weren't quite sure themselves about their names. Some were universally known, though: Mawëdel the Ruler or Peterëm the Writing One were the most popular of the ever changing list of Builders. @@ -1208,12 +1212,12 @@ and the First Inn. Some priests even postulated that Skud was in fact a Builder. Skud created the First Inn because he wanted to sleep inside a house, without the risk of being attacked by monsters during the night. He -left the Holy Guestbook, one of the oldest relics of Crossfire, where he +left the Holy Guestbook, one of the oldest relics of Deliantra, where he and his fellow friends wrote their names. Skud disappeared long before the Old Empire came, and nowadays only the Builders can probably remember him. Recent researches show that, although he greatly contributed to the -popularity of the city, Skud didn’t found it: it was in fact created +popularity of the city, Skud didn't found it: it was in fact created by Tabb the Dark, a Builder that left very little information about him behind. According to the Codex Skudensis that was discovered in the depths of the Old City, "Scorn" would have been the real name of Tabb the @@ -1224,37 +1228,48 @@ It is said that centuries before the foundation of the Old Empire, the world was colorless and sad. Aware of that problem, the Builders decided -to bring color in the life of the Crossfire people. They called the +to bring color in the life of the Deliantra people. They called the massive powers of Xepemes, The Source Of All Colors, on the universe. The magical burst slowly covered the world with colors, but some elements resisted for a long time. Prophets of the Old Empire announced that, -although victorious, the force of Xepemes wouldn’t stay forever: one +although victorious, the force of Xepemes wouldn't stay forever: one day, it would eventually fade away against a more powerful magical force, the mysterious Pegemes (or Peengees?). This happened - but much after the fall of the Empire. -=head1 The Bigworld +=head1 The Big World The old world was small and it consisted of many pieces. Scorn, Navar, Brittany and Santo Dominion were in one large piece. Darcap and the Hill Village were in another smaller one. Lake Country was in yet another. Pupland was still another. The world was not whole, and the builders saw that this was wrong. They began the quest to unite the world -and established the Bigworld. As the builders united the world they saw +and established the Big World. As the builders united the world they saw that it was much too small and began to make it larger. They raised up the -Great Mountains around Brest and they caused the Great Forest to grow. As -the time passed, Navar grew to become a great Kingdom and the builders +Great Mountains around Brest and they caused the Great Forest to grow. + +As the time passed, Navar grew to become a great Kingdom and the builders decided that it was a good city for players to call home and they gave the -Heroes a choice to serve Scorn or Navar. Nevertheless, Pupland is still -not part of this new world, but the builders wish to add it to the west of -Scorn. +Heroes a choice to serve Scorn or Navar. Nevertheless, Pupland was still +not part of this new world. + +This was the state for a long time, until the builders decided that the +Big World was not good, and set out to change it again. Everything +changed. So much changed that, in fact, the world was completely +unrecognisable to its denizens after the change. + +Except the area around Brest, at least according to the people living +there. Or maybe they were just too busy fighting monsters to notice it. + +This time Pupland became part of the new Big World, and can be found in +the very north, past Santo Dominion. =head1 Skud the Great One of the first Builders. Skud created many famous places, like the -Scorn’s First Inn or the Newbie Tower. +Scorn's First Inn or the Newbie Tower. The reasons of the disappearance of Skud are mostly unknown. The Codex Skudensis mentions that it could have been because of the negative @@ -1337,16 +1352,16 @@ "Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound by the Law of Equilibrium, established by the gods themselves when the -world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you’ll have to +world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you'll have to pay the price." - And what do you want for a price ? - Well, my needs are rather -modest. I’ll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward." +modest. I'll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward." The Elven Princes quickly discussed the matter, and came to the conclusion that it was a rather fair price to pay - after all, their territories -weren’t very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so -it wasn’t really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of +weren't very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so +it wasn't really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of peasants, but who cared about them more than of the vengeance against Scorn ? @@ -1395,7 +1410,7 @@ getting back into action, and finding the lost city and getting its power. The lady told him: "The true wisdom is in those stars, and in that -tree, and in that house you see. You’ll only find unrest by aiming for +tree, and in that house you see. You'll only find unrest by aiming for more." But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers, @@ -1425,11 +1440,11 @@ were in the bed he had prepared for that very special night before the pumping started, she whispered at his ear. -That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn’t expect what she told +That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn't expect what she told him then. "Ten years you were away, and ten years I watched the stars with -Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I’ll +Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I'll disappear, and so does your dream." Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her @@ -1468,7 +1483,7 @@ =head1 The Great Heliograph -A device made by Mer’Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the +A device made by Mer'Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the Brestian Hills, it is basically a giant magnifying glass, using a complex mechanism commanding several mirrors, that is able to concentrate the sunlight into a powerful beam. The concentrator is associated to a Sun @@ -1478,7 +1493,7 @@ distances. A magically-powered scriptor writes any such incoming message capted by the Sun Stone. -Although Mer’Eric only saw the Great Heliograph as a research project +Although Mer'Eric only saw the Great Heliograph as a research project and as a way to communicate easily across huge distances, this device is also a powerful weapon that can burn nearly anything several miles away. This is probably why he decided to hide it in a sealed cave. @@ -1507,7 +1522,7 @@ =head1 Irial, The Fast One, The Shy Light Irial is a lesser spirit of flashlight - the light that you can see when -there’s thunder, for example. It is represented as a small, jumpy and +there's thunder, for example. It is represented as a small, jumpy and fast fairy with a temperamental mood. @@ -1541,13 +1556,15 @@ Glamdri is a lesser spirit of light - it is said that candlelights are manifestations of Glamdri, for example. -Glamdri doesn’t represent a magical light - more a spiritual light, the +Glamdri doesn't represent a magical light - more a spiritual light, the last pinch of hope in a desperate world. Glamdri also represents original thinking used to get out of difficult situations, as opposed to Sarikka - the Raging Fire - who tries to resolve those by extreme violence. -=head1 Archmage Rhyz, (Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania) +=head1 Archmage Rhyz + +(Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania) Rhyz was an Archmage of the Blue School during the Old Days of the Empire. @@ -1642,7 +1659,7 @@ =head1 Ranisha the Red, The Red Death, The One Who Commands Ranisha is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of -Crossfire. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary warrior Ranisha, +Deliantra. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary warrior Ranisha, who was supposed to be an invincible general that was even able to vainquish gods themselves on the battlefield. @@ -1655,7 +1672,7 @@ =head1 Asferenn the Blue, The Blue Sister, The One Who Suggests Asferenn is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of -Crossfire. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary wizard Asferenn, +Deliantra. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary wizard Asferenn, who was said to have been able to force the gate of the divine dimension. In astrology, Asferenn is the symbol of wisdom, endurance in effort, @@ -1666,7 +1683,7 @@ =head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume I -I’ll tell you about Lorkas of Amudrias, and how he found the White Bird +I'll tell you about Lorkas of Amudrias, and how he found the White Bird of Hope, and how he capitained it, opening the Gates of the Sun, and some stuff like that. @@ -1682,7 +1699,7 @@ definitely are foolishly uninformed for sure, and speak more than they think. -Because, if they were less quick on jumping to conclusions, they’d +Because, if they were less quick on jumping to conclusions, they'd quickly notice how difficult it is for an angel to fall from the sky and never be able to climb back, as if wild gooses were never able to take off again once they land after their long journey to the South. @@ -1693,7 +1710,7 @@ Some say that Khelens is the Beginning, first of the Cities of Men. That, too, is untrue: before the Age of Khelens was the Time of the Kingdoms at War. And before them, the Era of Songor the Great. And going back -through the thick book of history, you’ll cross Arnistar of the Desert +through the thick book of history, you'll cross Arnistar of the Desert Dwellers, the Republic of the Two Rivers, and the Ancient Haemdel, and the Kingdom of the Long Wall. And before it, the forgotten towers of light that Horadrists built. @@ -1708,7 +1725,7 @@ of his home valley. But life was rude in Kuratas, and trying to think about anything else than -your next harvest wasn’t well perceived by most; and, more than often, +your next harvest wasn't well perceived by most; and, more than often, Lorkas dreamed with tears and despair about the Mountains with the white tops, and Seas that ended only when they touched the sky, far away. @@ -1723,7 +1740,7 @@ very clouds themselves. Because he was smart and quick-brained, Lorkas soon got enrolled in the -team of Capt’n Bortaras; and after several adventures I shall maybe tell +team of Capt'n Bortaras; and after several adventures I shall maybe tell about another day, he took the succession of the old mariner. Horizon was the name of his ship, and famous was his crew, exploring huge @@ -1755,12 +1772,12 @@ never seen the "Flat-Eared Giants" before, although they already met "Flat-Eared Beards" and "Flat-Eared Greens" before. -But there was a lady called Sonja. And, although she wasn’t human, she +But there was a lady called Sonja. And, although she wasn't human, she seemed brighter, smarter, more beautiful than any other woman Lorkas had ever seen before. Those months were the most wonderful for him - and her - and time seemed -to have stopped for them in their endless love. But of course it hadn’t. +to have stopped for them in their endless love. But of course it hadn't. And after a while, some of his men wanted to go back to their own homes, and some wanted for their families to come to the Golden City. And, also, @@ -1775,7 +1792,7 @@ show them we want to make friendship with them. Welcome are the friends of the children of the White Bird." -And so Lorkas left, promising Sonja that he’d soon return. +And so Lorkas left, promising Sonja that he'd soon return. The people of the Golden City also told him that "The Bird is imbued with powerful magic: the one owning it will always keep hope." @@ -1827,7 +1844,7 @@ was sleeping. Nobody knows exactly where he went. Was he even dead? Nobody knows. But -everybody kept hope that, one day, he’d reach the Golden City +everybody kept hope that, one day, he'd reach the Golden City again. Lots of people tried to find the Bird after that event. They all accused Lorkas of having "stolen" it. The story became legend. The legend became fairy tale. And the fairy tale got forgotten by most. @@ -1840,7 +1857,7 @@ down below the streets, having found its way back to home with Lorkas. But who could tell if it is the truth, or only a silly story? Who -knows? As for myself, I don’t care: I just hold hope it is. And so ends +knows? As for myself, I don't care: I just hold hope it is. And so ends the Story of Lorkas, and so keeps Hope running. @@ -1957,3 +1974,255 @@ these ingredients. Proper combination of these with other base objects can often create potions of power and might. + +=head1 Collection of Strange Glyphs + +Many years ago, I got my hands on a book with many strange glyphs, from +a book-dealer in Darcap. Interested in all kinds of arcance Symbols, I +bought it despite the rather high price, for the depicted glyphs looked +intricately detailed and seemed to emanate some deeper meaning. + +The only thing the shop keeper could tell me about the book was that it +was supposed to be a "talansuration book" or something like that, and no, +he didn't know what that means. + +I was unable to find out more about this cult of Talansura, despite +traveling all over the world for many years. + +Since my copy of the book is now in a very bad condition, I decided to +make a clean copy and publish it, so this knowledge is not lost forever. + +B<- Samuel Midnight, Book Collector and Traveller, Scorn> + +T<トランスレーション 著書> + + 悪鬼 akki demon, devil + 悪魔 akuma demon, evil spirit + アパート apa-to apartment + 東 azuma east + 貯金箱 chokinbako bank + 著書 chosho book + 貯蔵 chozou storage + 付き dzuki to, under + ギリ神 girisin Ruggili + 護衛 goei guard + 本塁 honrui stronghold + 一堂 ichidou shrine + 溢流 itsuryuu spill, overflow + 一定不変 itteifuhen permanent + 鍵 kagi key + 京洛 keiraku capital + 血液 ketsueki blood + 寛ぎ kutsurogi room + メゾン mezon house + 町 machi town + 港 minato harbour + 店 mise shop + 渚 nagisa shore, water's edge + 燃焼 nenshou burning + の no (glue two words together) + 鬼 oni demon, orge + 乱暴 ranbou rough + 力 ryoku power, strength + センタ senta center + 市場 shijou market + 商業組合 shougyoukumiai guild + 商法 shouhou trade, commerce + 住居 sumai house + スノー suno- snow + 建物 tatemono building + 卓子 teiburu table + トランスレーション toransure-shon translation + ウエルカム uerukamu welcome + ウインド uindo wind + 山 yama mountain + 要素 youso element + ザ za the + 座席 zaseki seat + + +=head1 The Spectre Mountain + +When you travel borth from Scorn to Euthville, and then the same distance +to the west, you will arrive at the Spectre Mountain. + +It is thought that it got it's name from wandering spectres that were +often seen in this area, although the exact origin of the name cannot be +reconstructed for sure today. + +Even in ancient times this area was known for the rich veins of the +spectrolite mineral that you can find there - in fact, the mineral +actually got it's name from the mountain. + +While it is a well-known area today, it was not till Hanur Sknorson's +travels in EK 8333 that it became generally known that the Spectre +Mountain is actually an enourmous ring-shaped mountain, only at one side +is it disturbed by a river. + +To mine the mineral you should find a cave and go deep down, as the +mountains have been mined extensively. + + +=head1 The Mineral Brazilianite + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Brazilianite. + +It has a rough texture and is of pale yellowish-white colour and a biting +smell. + +Nobody knows for sure who named it like this, but since no natural sources +of it have been found it is rumored that it came from a far-away country. + +The value of Brazialinite lies in its stored magical energy. Weapons and +other items imbued with its energy improve the wielder's dexterity. + +It can often be found in old and thinned-out, rough walls. + +=head1 The Mineral Dolomite + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Dolomite. + +It is sharp-edged and is of dark green colour. + +The name is thought to come from the archaic Do-l'os - "he who continues". + +The value of Dolomite lies in its stored magical energy. Weapons and +other items imbued with its energy improve the wielder's stamina and +constitution. + +It can often be found in the rock of very high mountains. + +=head1 The Mineral Flourite + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Flourite. + +It has a porous texture and is of bright green colour, almost as if glowing. + +The name is thought to come from the archaic Flu-l'dos - "he who inflicts +pain", as it is often used to improve weapons. + +The value of Flourite lies in its stored magical energy. Weapons and other +items imbued with its energy improve the wielder's strength. + +It's only known natural sources can be found on the so called "Three +sisters Island" between the Scorn and Navar continents. + +=head1 The Mineral Marcasite + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Marcasite. + +It has rough rock-like texture and is of greyish colour. + +It was named after the great philosopher Marcas, who, today almost +unknown, was widely known during his lifetime. Only considerable time +after his death was it found out that all his wisdom came from one of his +rings made of Marcasite. While this didn't diminish his great words, it +did diminish his fame. + +The value of Marcasite lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued with +its energy improve the wearer's wisdom. + +The best known source for this mineral can be found in the Church of +Gorokh in Scorn, very deep down in their so-called "Hell", which they +apparently think to be a nice place to be in. + +=head1 The Mineral Olivine + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Olivine. + +It consists of two different, green and dark-green globule materials. + +It was named by empress Olo of Orn in or around EK 8317, who couldn't +satiate her lust for this mineral, and almost caused an economic disaster +because she spend all her money on it instead of more important things, +and somehow nobody managed to convince her otherwise. + +The value of Olivine lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued with +its energy improve the wearer's charisma. + +The best known source for this mineral can be found in the Church of +Valriel in Scorn, apparently very high up in their so-called "Heaven". + +=head1 The Mineral Phlogopite + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Phlogopite. + +It looks like a dark brown rock, not unlike the colour of excrements (but +of course with a more rock-like texture). + +Since the mineral is so worthless but yet so common, miners often say "Oh +Flog!" when they get Phlogopite instead something more valuable. It was +named after the minor goddess of Flog, one of the beings that miners often +pray to, to ensure (as they think) their survival. Apparently she does not +care much about her name being used as an obvious invective... + +The biggest value of Phlogopite lies in its beauty, in which it is +considerably lacking, so it isn't worth all that much. At least it can be +somewhat useful to miners, as the presence of Phlogopite often hints at +the presence of other, more useful, minerals. + +It can be found in rock almost anywhere. + +=head1 The Mineral Rhodochrosite + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Rhodochrosite. + +It easily crumbles in your hand and has a pinkish colour. + +Nothing is known about the origin of its name (which is very pretty, I +tell you). + +The value of Rhodochrosite lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued +with its energy improve the wearer's magical powers, which makes it very +valuable to all kinds of practitioners of the arts. + +It is best found in Valleynoy, which has a mining guild specialised on +Rhodochrosite. + +=head1 The Mineral Spectrolite + +Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Spectrolite. + +It has a very smooth texture, and has a slightly transparent yellowish +colour with dark corners. + +It is named after the only place where it can be found naturally, the +Spectre mountain ring. Having been mined for centuries, however, it can +now only be found in mindes deep under ground, however. + +The value of Spectrolite lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued +with its energy improve the wearer's brightness, making him or her +more intelligent, which makes it especially valuable to all kinds of +practitioners of the arts. + +The Spectre mountain ring is, surprisingly, a ring-mountain north of +Scorn. + +=head1 The Gravedigger + +All around the world adventurers, wizards, explorers and warriors are killed +by the dangers they are exposed to. And while they are riddling with the Gods +in Nimbus the world has one more gravestone that needs to be take care of. + +You might wonder: Who takes care of them? Why are they disappearing? + +The gravedigger family takes care of them! The long line of gravediggers have +devoted themselves to look after the remains people leave. + +Of course you can help the gravedigger to do his work. You can sell him your +gravestones or the gravestones of others. He will pay you well for your +troubles. + +You can find the gravedigger in the south of the city of Navar. + +The amount the gravedigger pays you depends on the fame the dead +adventurer has gained and also partially on the inscription on the +gravestone. + +Even for the most unexperienced adventurer's gravestone you will receive +at least 10 gold. High level adventurer's gravestones will pay even +better, you can get up to 37 platinum for your efforts! + +But be warned, gravestones by those who killed themselves by suicide are +not welcome! +