--- deliantra/server/pod/books.pod 2007/01/03 12:02:26 1.8 +++ deliantra/server/pod/books.pod 2009/03/30 12:41:27 1.24 @@ -2,13 +2,19 @@ =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 -The Crossfire Wiki +Marc Lehmann +Lalo Martins +Yann Chachkoff +Gros + +many stories taken from unknown authors at The Crossfire Wiki +http://wiki.metalforge.net/ Each =head1 should become its own book. @@ -252,7 +258,7 @@ 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 @@ -266,7 +272,7 @@ 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. @@ -294,13 +300,13 @@ =head2 Volume VI: Sixth Millenia EK -5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as “The Weather Madness”. +5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as "The Weather Madness". Late LVIth Century EK: The Great Schism between the Simplifists led by Mish the Toon and the Stabilists: The Sedition Wars. 5581 EK: Battle of the Glowing Crystal: the Order of the Careful Coders is disbanded. -5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, “The World With a Future”, in Ancient Daigojij Language. +5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, "The World With a Future", in Ancient Daigojij Language. =head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis. @@ -314,7 +320,7 @@ =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. @@ -325,6 +331,24 @@ 8009 EK: Euthville is destroyed. +=head1 The Sultanate of Darcap + +Isolated from the rest of the region by an extensive mountain range to the +south, and possessing a massive natural harbour, Darcap is a small, but +easily defensible town, dominated by a pair of powerful guilds. The town +is also noted for its circus, whose reputation draws visitors from all +over the world. + + +=head1 Santo Dominion + +Santo Dominion sits in a small bay to the north of Scorn. It is an +important port of call for ships travelling to and from Scorn and is +also somewhat famous for its Opera and its Litle House of Horrors, two +magnificent cultural buildings you would not expect in so small a town as +Santo Dominion. + + =head1 Euthville History The Ruins of Euthville can be found just off the Imperial Highway north of @@ -337,10 +361,10 @@ =head2 Past and Destruction -Ah, Euthville - “City of the Pearl”, in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a +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 @@ -349,7 +373,7 @@ 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. @@ -357,14 +381,14 @@ 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 @@ -376,22 +400,22 @@ 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 -legions of wizards.” “Really ?” said the Commander, half-laughing, -half-curious, “so you think you can solve my challenge ?” - -The Boy smiled. “Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be -quite acceptable to give you the energy you need.” “And that would -be...?” - “A new pipe.” came the reply “That one is becoming -old.” “Agree, you have your chance.” +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 +legions of wizards." "Really ?" said the Commander, half-laughing, +half-curious, "so you think you can solve my challenge ?" + +The Boy smiled. "Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be +quite acceptable to give you the energy you need." "And that would +be...?" - "A new pipe." came the reply "That one is becoming +old." "Agree, you have your chance." The Boy then started to play an amused melody. It sounded like an invitation to a great feast, the opening of a meeting where everybody was @@ -400,20 +424,20 @@ leaving a great hole from which flames emerged. But the fire seemed to 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 -whatever you need.” And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver +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 +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. @@ -431,7 +455,7 @@ 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 @@ -442,9 +466,9 @@ 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. @@ -462,14 +486,14 @@ 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 +Sannista. 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”. +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 *guess* she would have put it there, although I'm not *sure*. 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. @@ -479,24 +503,24 @@ the various names of this, our World. In this tome I wrote down all my knowledge. Be careful with it, else it might overwhelm you, as it did me! -In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named “The Earth”, -while the major western landmass was called “The Continent” while the +In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named "The Earth", +while the major western landmass was called "The Continent" while the eastern landmass was called "the Wilderness". -Fendrakis used “Raxida”, which is also the name they gave to the Fox +Fendrakis used "Raxida", which is also the name they gave to the Fox Lady, Mother of All Things, deity. -Elves traditionally use “Eänella”, which translates as “The Land of -Green” +Elves traditionally use "Eänella", which translates as "The Land of +Green" -Dwarves of Khorolizov use “Herdankaupf”, “Country of the Horses”, +Dwarves of Khorolizov use "Herdankaupf", "Country of the Horses", which is a reference to their mythology (see the legend of the Twelve Days for that) -The Orcish name is “Knâgsh-Ishzeh”, “Rotten Branch” +The Orcish name is "Knâgsh-Ishzeh", "Rotten Branch" -The people of the Old Wall, used the name “Harinappa”, “Bottom of -the Pit”, to designate the world. +The people of the Old Wall, used the name "Harinappa", "Bottom of +the Pit", to designate the world. Most people nowadays use the old Khelenti name ("The Earth") or its direct translation in local languages/idioms. @@ -543,10 +567,10 @@ =head1 History of Lake Country -Lake Country originaly was where the elves who where exiled from the north -by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They named the area -Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was Tashkeren-tah. It was -destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK. +Lake Country originally was where the elves lived who where exiled +from the north by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They +named the area Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was +Tashkeren-tah. It was destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK. =head1 Visit our Training Centres! @@ -565,15 +589,15 @@ 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 @@ -583,28 +607,31 @@ 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_118_101 +world_107_120 - Goblin & Zombie -world_106_109 - Humanoid +world_107_128 - Undead -world_124_113 - Undead +world_119_101 - Dragons + +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. @@ -625,7 +652,7 @@ 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 @@ -639,7 +666,7 @@ 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. @@ -652,8 +679,8 @@ 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. @@ -664,7 +691,7 @@ 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. @@ -698,7 +725,7 @@ 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. @@ -712,7 +739,7 @@ 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. @@ -721,17 +748,17 @@ 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 cooperate with the other. Both created their own races: the God who fought for darkness created many kinds of fierce, brutal monsters he named -“Demons”, while the God who fought for light created many kinds of -skillful, swift warriors he named “Angels”. Befittingly, these Gods +"Demons", while the God who fought for light created many kinds of +skillful, swift warriors he named "Angels". Befittingly, these Gods were named by their enemies, and not their followers: the demons gave the -light god the name of “Valriel“, and the angels gave their enemy god -the name “Gorokh“. +light god the name of "Valriel", and the angels gave their enemy god +the name "Gorokh". And on the Fourth world, the patron Gods kept true to their philosophy and created not one, but innumerable races, in the hope that one of these @@ -802,7 +829,7 @@ 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. @@ -843,22 +870,22 @@ 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 -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 +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 was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of paying respect to the one true ruler of all. @@ -870,16 +897,16 @@ 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. @@ -912,7 +939,7 @@ 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, @@ -972,15 +999,15 @@ 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 -companions and servants”. And this made Valriel unhappy because he -believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn’t agree +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 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. @@ -1002,8 +1029,8 @@ 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. @@ -1018,7 +1045,7 @@ 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 @@ -1040,7 +1067,7 @@ upon the task of killing all the most valuables of Gorokh they could find. Gorokh was consumed with sorrow, and devised a way to spare these faithful servants, by allowing them to raise again from the grave even -after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these “un-dead” +after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these "un-dead" an even greater abomination, and set forth to hunt them, and Valriel delighted in the war and carnage that ensued. @@ -1058,7 +1085,7 @@ 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. @@ -1071,9 +1098,9 @@ 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. @@ -1082,8 +1109,8 @@ of Ore and Forge and himself. Till he decided it was time to start 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. +at the same "time", existing and not being created yet, which was the +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 @@ -1105,15 +1132,15 @@ 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.) @@ -1126,8 +1153,8 @@ 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 @@ -1135,16 +1162,16 @@ 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. @@ -1155,7 +1182,7 @@ 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. @@ -1184,15 +1211,15 @@ 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 +of the Old City, "Scorn" would have been the real name of Tabb the Dark. @@ -1200,11 +1227,11 @@ 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. @@ -1230,7 +1257,7 @@ =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 @@ -1258,23 +1285,17 @@ It is said that of the four primary elements -- there is earth which is. - -- there is water which changes. - -- there is air which moves. - -- there is fire which consumes. + - there is earth which is. + - there is water which changes. + - there is air which moves. + - there is fire which consumes. =head2 Overheard in a Narcopian brothel -When Mother Earth was suckling her children - -sky suckled from her right teat - -but flame and sea fought to suckle from her left teat - -this is why they still fight to this day + When Mother Earth was suckling her children + sky suckled from her right teat + but flame and sea fought to suckle from her left teat + this is why they still fight to this day =head1 The Tale of Lord Butakis - The Lost Stars of the Lake, Volume I @@ -1284,7 +1305,7 @@ barbarians that lived there. The elvish people fled, and many of them settled in a place they called -Vkovzerov, “The Country of the Three Waters”, as it was a rather +Vkovzerov, "The Country of the Three Waters", as it was a rather unique meeting point between a river, a lake, and the sea. There they enjoyed a great prosperity, working with the local sprites to build Tashkeren-tah, The City of the Wooden Towers. @@ -1310,29 +1331,29 @@ carefulness. Using their most powerful summoning spell, they convocated one of the Greater Aquomons before them. -“Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my -dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?” +"Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my +dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?" Elven Princes exposed what they wanted to Vërno, and the creature seemed very interested at the idea of grabbing all the richesses of Scorn, and bringing them back into his dark kingdom of the depth of the sea. -“Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound +"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 -pay the price.” +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 ? -And so they answered: “The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept.” +And so they answered: "The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept." What happened then is too long to tell in details here, as it belongs to another story. In short, Jovidjevska the elven girl, who had heard @@ -1342,8 +1363,8 @@ only emptiness. Vërno, furious, came back to the Elves with a big smile, and told -them: “I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn -was established. Now I take my due price.” +them: "I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn +was established. Now I take my due price." And that said, he selected the area on which the Elven City itself was built, and covered it with water, its inhabitants trapped and killed there @@ -1368,7 +1389,7 @@ For years, he studied the Arcanes, hunting for traces of the city, as he was convinced that the lost wisdom of the elves of Vkovzerov would give him a great power. And, finally, after 20 long years of searching, he -concluded that the secret was in the area now called “Lake Country“. +concluded that the secret was in the area now called "Lake Country". And there, he came, and there was a small house made of wood, and there was a tree, and there was a young elvish woman, dreaming at the stars, @@ -1376,9 +1397,9 @@ love, and they both watched the stars. But soon, Butakis felt the need of 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 -more.” +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 +more." But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers, and sappers, and miners, and they all worked to build a huge machine to @@ -1407,12 +1428,12 @@ 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 -disappear, and so does your dream.” +"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 +disappear, and so does your dream." Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her attention away enough for Twak and three of his faithful men to sabotage @@ -1442,15 +1463,15 @@ =head1 The Wizard School of Blue -“Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World, +"Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World, several wizards claimed to be the heirs of their ancient, secret wisdom, -and nicknamed “the Blue Ones”, a reference to the color of the School -Banner.” – Gros, the Irrelevant One +and nicknamed "the Blue Ones", a reference to the color of the School +Banner." – Gros, the Irrelevant One =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 @@ -1460,7 +1481,7 @@ 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. @@ -1476,7 +1497,7 @@ Black Art. Both of them tried to improve the life of the people living all around their house, and introduced the use of cats as spirit-watchers in Scorn. Unfortunately for them, they were burned by an angry Brestian -fanatical mob for “illegal use of Arcane Powers”. +fanatical mob for "illegal use of Arcane Powers". =head1 Ilrya, The Mountain Huntress @@ -1489,14 +1510,14 @@ =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. =head1 Khorolizov -One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. “Khorolizov” means “Green -Gold”, which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component +One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. "Khorolizov" means "Green +Gold", which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component the dwarves of Khorolizov are the only ones to produce. It is probably the oldest of the three kingdoms, founded long before the Old Empire of Khelens reached the shores of the Continent. @@ -1514,8 +1535,8 @@ =head1 Cromli, The Rocky One Crolmi is the Dwarven Spirit of Rocs and Mountains. It has no temples, as -it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like “building -with his own flesh”). +it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like "building +with his own flesh"). =head1 Glamdri, The Darkness Breaker, The Last Standing One @@ -1523,22 +1544,24 @@ 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. -“(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz +"(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz focused mostly on closing the gap that existed between the art of fighting and the Arcane. While Dhelyy Olyy believed in the dual association of the Warrior and the Wizard, each with its own strength increased by a long specialization in their respective fields, Rhyz believed in the idea of -a “super warriard”, a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong +a "super warriard", a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong warrior. As such, he devised many items that increased the strength and combat capabilities of their wearers, hoping that wizard apprentices would so be more inclined to learn the battle skills of warriors. @@ -1546,7 +1569,7 @@ Unfortunately for Rhyz, most of his followers relied more and more on magical strength more than physical training, leaving them to a severe defeat at the Battle of Moriach, when Dhelyy used an anti-magic field over -them.” +them." (Quote from the Codex Simochusianus, Volume XVII) @@ -1563,7 +1586,7 @@ created by daemons for people who were seeking short-term power, but would thus head directly for long-term soul slavery. -Xebinon is sometimes called “The faceless one”, as it is said that the +Xebinon is sometimes called "The faceless one", as it is said that the daemon trapped him by stealing his visage. This may explain why magical artifacts wearing his name are often helmets. @@ -1578,7 +1601,7 @@ Argoth was a dwarven city built on one of the highest mountains known, rooted in the depths of the sea, and climbing so high in the skies that -uneducated travelers said that it was a “stairway to the gods”. On the +uneducated travelers said that it was a "stairway to the gods". On the top of the mountain, the Imperial Governors built the Two Towers, who were visible from Scorn, about 200km far from them. @@ -1624,7 +1647,7 @@ =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. @@ -1637,7 +1660,7 @@ =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, @@ -1648,7 +1671,7 @@ =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. @@ -1664,7 +1687,7 @@ 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. @@ -1675,7 +1698,7 @@ 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. @@ -1690,7 +1713,7 @@ 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. @@ -1705,7 +1728,7 @@ 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 @@ -1733,16 +1756,16 @@ joyful foxes, and they welcomed Lorkas and his men (and women) warmly. Soon, they learned to understand each other enough. -They called themselves “The People of the Mother”, and they had -never seen the “Flat-Eared Giants” before, although they already met -“Flat-Eared Beards” and “Flat-Eared Greens” before. +They called themselves "The People of the Mother", and they had +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, @@ -1753,14 +1776,14 @@ eyes. But so much the inhabitants liked it, so they thought that a valuable friend was much better than a valuable statue. -And so they said: “Take the bird as a gift of us to your masters, to +And so they said: "Take the bird as a gift of us to your masters, to show them we want to make friendship with them. Welcome are the friends of -the children of the White Bird.” +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.” +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." =head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume IV @@ -1791,7 +1814,7 @@ And still, each day, he spent hours waiting, watching the line where the sea met the sky, hoping that one day, one would sail back and tell him: -“we found the Golden City !”. And always he hoped, but never received. +"we found the Golden City !". And always he hoped, but never received. Nearly all of his companions were now dead, and the Horizon had been retired long ago, now slowly rotting in the bay, fading souvenir of a long @@ -1809,9 +1832,9 @@ 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 +accused Lorkas of having "stolen" it. The story became legend. The legend became fairy tale. And the fairy tale got forgotten by most. Yet, Centuries ago, deep in the oldest parts of the Old City of Scorn, @@ -1822,7 +1845,7 @@ 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. @@ -1840,31 +1863,31 @@ He also wrote a book that details all the ways and passages, alas, nobody could decipher it yet: -gb2trg2gb2gur2rkvg: -2jnaqre2nebhaq2hagvy2lbh2ybpngr2n2znc2aN, -2vg2vf2ba2gur2obggbz2ragenapr2bs2n2znc. -2bapr2gung2vf2ybpngrq2tb2evtug, -2hc, -2evtug, -2evtug, -2evtug, -2evtug, -2evtug, -2lbh2jvyy2or2ng2gur2rkvg. -2gb2trg2gb2gur2inhyg: -2jnaqre2ebhaq2hagvy2lbh2trg2gb2znc2aN1, -vg2vf2gb2gur2evtug2bs2n2abezny2znc. -2tb2hc, -2yrsg, -2hc, -2yrsg, -2qbja, -2qbja, -2evtug, -2qbja, -2qbja, -2qbja.2Lbh2jvyy2or2va2gur2unyy, -2tb2guebhtu2naq2gb2gur2yrsg2gb2ernpu2gur2inhyg. + gb2trg2gb2gur2rkvg: + 2jnaqre2nebhaq2hagvy2lbh2ybpngr2n2znc2aN, + 2vg2vf2ba2gur2obggbz2ragenapr2bs2n2znc. + 2bapr2gung2vf2ybpngrq2tb2evtug, + 2hc, + 2evtug, + 2evtug, + 2evtug, + 2evtug, + 2evtug, + 2lbh2jvyy2or2ng2gur2rkvg. + 2gb2trg2gb2gur2inhyg: + 2jnaqre2ebhaq2hagvy2lbh2trg2gb2znc2aN1, + vg2vf2gb2gur2evtug2bs2n2abezny2znc. + 2tb2hc, + 2yrsg, + 2hc, + 2yrsg, + 2qbja, + 2qbja, + 2evtug, + 2qbja, + 2qbja, + 2qbja.2Lbh2jvyy2or2va2gur2unyy, + 2tb2guebhtu2naq2gb2gur2yrsg2gb2ernpu2gur2inhyg. =head1 Order of the Gravestone @@ -1877,3 +1900,129 @@ the exact location of the gravestone has long been forgotten. +=head1 Rule of Dictus + +If you get killed twice at the same place - go elsewhere. + + - Dictus the Fat, EK 323 + + +=head1 Heaven and Hell + +It is said that the church of Valriel in Scorn has direct access to +Heaven. The priests of Valriel claim that you can enter Heaven freely, and +even come back to the world of mortals. The priests of Gorokh claim that +their church has a connection to Hell. The Valriel priests claim they were +first, and, in their usual attitude, the Gorokh priests claim the priests +of Valriel are useless maggots that lie to their followers. + +Although a number of people have travelled to both Heaven and Hell, their +reports are inconclusive as to wether it was real "Hell" (or Heaven) they +visited. + +Some people claim this Heaven and Hell business is just some magic +illusion forged by some magicians of those churches, mostly because you +can still die in Heaven, Hell doesn't look all that impressive (and it +is so easy to come back), and why would only the churches in Scorn have +access to those in the first place? + + +=head1 Barad-Dur + +In the mountains north-east of the great city we found it at last -- the +hidden fortress of Barad-Dur. What treasures could lie in it I do not know +for our party never gained its way past the entryway. Skulls, pixies, and +a horrible creature I hesitate to name decimated my friends and I. + + +=head1 A visit to the Alchemist + +...and then did the Alchemist agree to make me my potion. First he +called to his grimm servants who hauld forth a great iron cauldron. Into +this black device did he deposit his ingredients and, opening his spell +book for reference, then did he cast his spell of alchemy therepon the +cauldron. + +Greatly did the tub shake and move! I thought that the Alchemist had broke +his device, but he chuckled at my ignorance. Into the cauldron did he +reach an brought forth a filled bottle of golden amber fluid... + + +=head1 The Philosophical Ingredients + +Know that there are 4 principle philosophical ingredients. In order, they +are: + + - philosophical salt + - philosophical sulphur + - philosophical phosphorus + - philosophical oil + +The great alchemist has often said that all living things are made of +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 doe snot get lost. + +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 + 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