ViewVC Help

View File | Revision Log | Show Annotations | Download File

/cvs/deliantra/server/pod/books.pod

Comparing deliantra/server/pod/books.pod (file contents):
Revision 1.7 by root, Tue Jan 2 23:45:31 2007 UTC vs.
Revision 1.40 by root, Wed Jan 12 05:39:14 2011 UTC

1	=encoding utf8	1	=encoding utf8
2		2
3	=begin comment	3	=begin comment
4		4
5	This is the source for some of the books in crossfire, at least, it should become one.	5	This is the source for some of the books in deliantra.
6		6
7	Authors:	7	Authors:
		8
8	Gorlin <gorlin@freibier.htu.tuwien.ac.at>	9	Gorlin <gorlin@freibier.htu.tuwien.ac.at>
9	Mark Wedel <mwedel@scruznet.com>	10	Mark Wedel <mwedel@scruznet.com>
10	Marc Lehmann <crossfire@schmorp.de>	11	Marc Lehmann <support@deliantra.net>
11	The Crossfire Wiki	12	Robin Redeker <support@deliantra.net>
		13	Lalo Martins <lalo.martins@gmail.com>
		14	Yann Chachkoff <yann.chachkoff@mailandnews.com>
		15	Gros
		16
		17	many stories taken from unknown authors at The Crossfire Wiki
		18	http://wiki.metalforge.net/
12		19
13	Each =head1 should become its own book.	20	Each =head1 should become its own book.
14		21
15	=end comment	22	=end comment
16		23
17		24
18	=head1 History of Creation, by Khalis, Volume I	25	=head1 History of Creation, by Khalis, Volume I
19		26
…		…
250		257
251	Around 350 EK: The Story of the Fourth Mariner is written by an unknown author.	258	Around 350 EK: The Story of the Fourth Mariner is written by an unknown author.
252		259
253	435 EK: Colony of Skorn Founded. It would eventualy become the city of Scorn.	260	435 EK: Colony of Skorn Founded. It would eventualy become the city of Scorn.
254		261
255	711 EK: The outpost of Heaven’s Gate is founded.	262	711 EK: The outpost of Heaven's Gate is founded.
256		263
257	=head2 Volume II: Second Millenia EK	264	=head2 Volume II: Second Millenia EK
258		265
259	1223 EK: Ekkis the Drunk leads a disastrous crusade against the Sirens in the southern seas.	266	1223 EK: Ekkis the Drunk leads a disastrous crusade against the Sirens in the southern seas.
260		267
…		…
264		271
265	2287 EK: Battle of Tered - The Kingdom of the Masts is dismantled by Navar.	272	2287 EK: Battle of Tered - The Kingdom of the Masts is dismantled by Navar.
266		273
267	2567 EK: Fernast Fergono, exiled from Navar, leads a famous exploration expedition in the south-east seas.	274	2567 EK: Fernast Fergono, exiled from Navar, leads a famous exploration expedition in the south-east seas.
268		275
269	2765 EK: The city of Heaven’s Gate is burned by pirates.	276	2765 EK: The city of Heaven's Gate is burned by pirates.
270		277
271	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	278	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
272		279
273	=head2 Volume IV: Fourth Millenia EK	280	=head2 Volume IV: Fourth Millenia EK
274		281
…		…
292		299
293	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	300	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
294		301
295	=head2 Volume VI: Sixth Millenia EK	302	=head2 Volume VI: Sixth Millenia EK
296		303
297	5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as “The Weather Madness”.	304	5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as "The Weather Madness".
298		305
299	Late LVIth Century EK: The Great Schism between the Simplifists led by Mish the Toon and the Stabilists: The Sedition Wars.	306	Late LVIth Century EK: The Great Schism between the Simplifists led by Mish the Toon and the Stabilists: The Sedition Wars.
300		307
301	5581 EK: Battle of the Glowing Crystal: the Order of the Careful Coders is disbanded.	308	5581 EK: Battle of the Glowing Crystal: the Order of the Careful Coders is disbanded.
302		309
303	5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, “The World With a Future”, in Ancient Daigojij Language.	310	5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, "The World With a Future", in Ancient Daigojij Language.
304		311
305	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	312	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
306		313
307	=head2 Volume VII: Seventh Millenia EK	314	=head2 Volume VII: Seventh Millenia EK
308		315
…		…
312		319
313	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	320	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
314		321
315	=head2 Volume VIII: Eighth Millenia EK	322	=head2 Volume VIII: Eighth Millenia EK
316		323
317	7124 EK: Harta accidentally creates a Dimensional Grid, connecting the Crossfire Continuum with the Daï-Moh-Nî Dimension.	324	7124 EK: Harta accidentally creates a Dimensional Grid, connecting the Deliantra Continuum with the Daï-Moh-Nî Dimension.
318		325
319	7563 EK: The tower of Melficef the Red explodes.	326	7563 EK: The tower of Melficef the Red explodes.
320		327
321	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.	328	=head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis.
322		329
323	=head2 Volume IX: Ninth Millenia EK	330	=head2 Volume IX: Ninth Millenia EK
324		331
325	8009 EK: Euthville is destroyed.	332	8009 EK: Euthville is destroyed.
		333
		334
		335	=head1 The Sultanate of Darcap
		336
		337	Isolated from the rest of the region by an extensive mountain range to the
		338	south, and possessing a massive natural harbour, Darcap is a small, but
		339	easily defensible town, dominated by a pair of powerful guilds. The town
		340	is also noted for its circus, whose reputation draws visitors from all
		341	over the world.
		342
		343
		344	=head1 Santo Dominion
		345
		346	Santo Dominion sits in a small bay to the north of Scorn. It is an
		347	important port of call for ships travelling to and from Scorn and is
		348	also somewhat famous for its Opera and its Litle House of Horrors, two
		349	magnificent cultural buildings you would not expect in so small a town as
		350	Santo Dominion.
326		351
327		352
328	=head1 Euthville History	353	=head1 Euthville History
329		354
330	The Ruins of Euthville can be found just off the Imperial Highway north of	355	The Ruins of Euthville can be found just off the Imperial Highway north of
…		…
335	The Codex Skudensis tells that Euthville was founded by the Euthanasia the	360	The Codex Skudensis tells that Euthville was founded by the Euthanasia the
336	Builder, hence its name.	361	Builder, hence its name.
337		362
338	=head2 Past and Destruction	363	=head2 Past and Destruction
339		364
340	Ah, Euthville - “City of the Pearl”, in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a	365	Ah, Euthville - "City of the Pearl", in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a
341	rather sad story!!	366	rather sad story!!
342		367
343	If you went there about half a millenia ago, you’d have seen something	368	If you went there about half a millenia ago, you'd have seen something
344	very different than the field of haunted ruins it has since become. It	369	very different than the field of haunted ruins it has since become. It
345	was initially founded by a handful of industrious, clever dwarves, that	370	was initially founded by a handful of industrious, clever dwarves, that
346	had found a mystical way to locate fields of precious Karitta, the famous	371	had found a mystical way to locate fields of precious Karitta, the famous
347	metal that is as transparent as a pearl of the North Sea, yet as strong as	372	metal that is as transparent as a pearl of the North Sea, yet as strong as
348	the best irons of Navar.	373	the best irons of Navar.
349		374
350	And thus, they found at the location of Euthville a lot of that raw metal,	375	And thus, they found at the location of Euthville a lot of that raw metal,
351	which quickly made the city one of the richest of all. And for a long	376	which quickly made the city one of the richest of all. And for a long
352	time, it stayed so. The inhabitants of Euthville weren’t interested by	377	time, it stayed so. The inhabitants of Euthville weren't interested by
353	war, work, or anything else too tiresome - they preferred to pay somebody	378	war, work, or anything else too tiresome - they preferred to pay somebody
354	else to do all of this. And with the advanced technical knowledge bring by	379	else to do all of this. And with the advanced technical knowledge bring by
355	the dwarves, working was less and less an issue for them.	380	the dwarves, working was less and less an issue for them.
356		381
357	Yet yhey were facing a problem. All their devices, all their machineries,	382	Yet yhey were facing a problem. All their devices, all their machineries,
358	all their tricks to cheat with nature required energy. Lots of	383	all their tricks to cheat with nature required energy. Lots of
359	energy. They relied first on the strength of horses and donkeys, but it	384	energy. They relied first on the strength of horses and donkeys, but it
360	wasn’t enough. Then, they tamed the dangerous Wyverns of Kal-Durandasi,	385	wasn't enough. Then, they tamed the dangerous Wyverns of Kal-Durandasi,
361	so that the hot lizards would provide them with the full force of their	386	so that the hot lizards would provide them with the full force of their
362	steamy breath. But soon, it wasn’t enough. They also used the hidden	387	steamy breath. But soon, it wasn't enough. They also used the hidden
363	power provided by the Faeries of the Tarniska river, building a dam, so	388	power provided by the Faeries of the Tarniska river, building a dam, so
364	that they could put the invisible horses of water that the sylphids are	389	that they could put the invisible horses of water that the sylphids are
365	rumored to breed in use.	390	rumored to breed in use.
366		391
367	But even so, their hunger for power wasn’t satisfied, and became an	392	But even so, their hunger for power wasn't satisfied, and became an
368	increasing nuisance for them. So, the Commander of Euthville (which was,	393	increasing nuisance for them. So, the Commander of Euthville (which was,
369	more or less, the equivalent to our King at Scorn), finally decided to	394	more or less, the equivalent to our King at Scorn), finally decided to
370	send messengers across the whole Continent, calling the world for a	395	send messengers across the whole Continent, calling the world for a
371	challenge. Whoever would be able to fulfill the needs of Euthvillians of	396	challenge. Whoever would be able to fulfill the needs of Euthvillians of
372	energy would become the new Commander, thus the ruler of the richest city	397	energy would become the new Commander, thus the ruler of the richest city
…		…
374		399
375	Many answered the call, of course, and many failed. Wind, Sun, Stars, even	400	Many answered the call, of course, and many failed. Wind, Sun, Stars, even
376	dwarven beer were proposed, but nothing seemed to be enough. For years,	401	dwarven beer were proposed, but nothing seemed to be enough. For years,
377	wizards tried. And failed.	402	wizards tried. And failed.
378		403
379	And then came a boy. He wasn’t a wizard, nor pretended to be one. He was	404	And then came a boy. He wasn't a wizard, nor pretended to be one. He was
380	young, but the story didn’t kept the record of his name, and some now	405	young, but the story didn't kept the record of his name, and some now
381	think it is because he was damned. Who knows? The Boy sat in the middle	406	think it is because he was damned. Who knows? The Boy sat in the middle
382	of the city, playing with his flute, laughing whenever he saw one of the	407	of the city, playing with his flute, laughing whenever he saw one of the
383	demonstrations the powerful wizards and engineers failing again and again.	408	demonstrations the powerful wizards and engineers failing again and again.
384		409
385	After several days, the Commander noticed the Boy, and said: “who	410	After several days, the Commander noticed the Boy, and said: "who
386	are you to laugh, you, who has only a flute ?” “I have only a	411	are you to laugh, you, who has only a flute ?" "I have only a
387	flute for sure - but there’s more in my simple pipe than in those	412	flute for sure - but there's more in my simple pipe than in those
388	legions of wizards.” “Really ?” said the Commander, half-laughing,	413	legions of wizards." "Really ?" said the Commander, half-laughing,
389	half-curious, “so you think you can solve my challenge ?”	414	half-curious, "so you think you can solve my challenge ?"
390		415
391	The Boy smiled. “Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be	416	The Boy smiled. "Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be
392	quite acceptable to give you the energy you need.” “And that would	417	quite acceptable to give you the energy you need." "And that would
393	be...?” - “A new pipe.” came the reply “That one is becoming	418	be...?" - "A new pipe." came the reply "That one is becoming
394	old.” “Agree, you have your chance.”	419	old." "Agree, you have your chance."
395		420
396	The Boy then started to play an amused melody. It sounded like an	421	The Boy then started to play an amused melody. It sounded like an
397	invitation to a great feast, the opening of a meeting where everybody was	422	invitation to a great feast, the opening of a meeting where everybody was
398	invited. And then came from earth itself sounds of steps, climbing from	423	invited. And then came from earth itself sounds of steps, climbing from
399	the depth. The fountain that stood in the middle of the place crumbled,	424	the depth. The fountain that stood in the middle of the place crumbled,
400	leaving a great hole from which flames emerged. But the fire seemed to	425	leaving a great hole from which flames emerged. But the fire seemed to
401	dance at the rythm of the music itself.	426	dance at the rythm of the music itself.
402		427
403	The Boy then said to the Commander: “As long as you keep playing for	428	The Boy then said to the Commander: "As long as you keep playing for
404	the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you’ll get them to make	429	the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you'll get them to make
405	whatever you need.” And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver	430	whatever you need." And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver
406	flute, and left, and never was seen again at Euthville.	431	flute, and left, and never was seen again at Euthville.
407		432
408	At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn’t believe his	433	At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn't believe his
409	luck, as a pipe was a feeble price to pay for such a powerful recipe of	434	luck, as a pipe was a feeble price to pay for such a powerful recipe of
410	prosperity. Who wouldn’t want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly,	435	prosperity. Who wouldn't want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly,
411	though, it appeared obvious that, for enough demons to be there, that	436	though, it appeared obvious that, for enough demons to be there, that
412	music needed to be played rather loudly. And if, at first, it sounded	437	music needed to be played rather loudly. And if, at first, it sounded
413	entertaining, joyous, and funny, it quickly grew on the nerves of	438	entertaining, joyous, and funny, it quickly grew on the nerves of
414	many. And especially because it was played 23 hours a day.	439	many. And especially because it was played 23 hours a day.
415		440
416	Finally, the Commander decided that the city couldn’t stand this	441	Finally, the Commander decided that the city couldn't stand this
417	anymore, and ordered that the Demons had to be attracted faraway from the	442	anymore, and ordered that the Demons had to be attracted faraway from the
418	city. On this fateful day, a whole fanfare left the city, hoping that the	443	city. On this fateful day, a whole fanfare left the city, hoping that the
419	demons would follow, attracted by the music.	444	demons would follow, attracted by the music.
420		445
421	And so, they did. One after another, they climbed out of Earth itself, and	446	And so, they did. One after another, they climbed out of Earth itself, and
…		…
429	music that enslaved them, crushed what remained of the city, in a bloody	454	music that enslaved them, crushed what remained of the city, in a bloody
430	fest that they will forever keep in their twisted memories.	455	fest that they will forever keep in their twisted memories.
431		456
432	The Commander went mad, of course, and it is said that his madness was	457	The Commander went mad, of course, and it is said that his madness was
433	so strong that his mind was unable to understand that he was dead. If	458	so strong that his mind was unable to understand that he was dead. If
434	you search enough in the ruins of Euthville, you’ll probably encounter	459	you search enough in the ruins of Euthville, you'll probably encounter
435	his ghost, as well as those of the many who perished for having believed	460	his ghost, as well as those of the many who perished for having believed
436	that mortals could enslave the hell. Some demons stayed there, obviously	461	that mortals could enslave the hell. Some demons stayed there, obviously
437	enjoying the area and its newborn ashes that smelled fresh blood and	462	enjoying the area and its newborn ashes that smelled fresh blood and
438	carnage. Euthville is now, of course, a dangerous, deserted place, and the	463	carnage. Euthville is now, of course, a dangerous, deserted place, and the
439	richesses that are still sleeping below the ruins of its former palaces	464	richesses that are still sleeping below the ruins of its former palaces
440	are now guarded by powerful entities of the 9th Circle.	465	are now guarded by powerful entities of the 9th Circle.
441		466
442	Many said that, if the Enchanted Music could be found, it would open the	467	Many said that, if the Enchanted Music could be found, it would open the
443	gates of many treasures, but because none of the former Euthvillians	468	gates of many treasures, but because none of the former Euthvillians
444	survived, and because nobody knows where the Boy went afterwards, those	469	survived, and because nobody knows where the Boy went afterwards, those
445	gates are still closed. I’ve heard that the School of Daemonology was	470	gates are still closed. I've heard that the School of Daemonology was
446	precisely founded to rediscover that spell. But who am I to claim this to	471	precisely founded to rediscover that spell. But who am I to claim this to
447	be true ? I’m only a man of the past that tells stories before a fire,	472	be true? I'm only a man of the past that tells stories before a fire,
448	and the fire is dying, and so has my tale reached the end.	473	and the fire is dying, and so has my tale reached the end.
449		474
450		475
451		476
452	=head1 The Kiritani Pass (from "Euthville Legends")	477	=head1 The Kiritani Pass (from "Euthville Legends")
…		…
460	=head1 Sannistra (from "Euthville Legends")	485	=head1 Sannistra (from "Euthville Legends")
461		486
462	The Sannista is a legendary flying boat that was powered by the reaction	487	The Sannista is a legendary flying boat that was powered by the reaction
463	of a fire and a water elemental. It was built by the tenth Commander of	488	of a fire and a water elemental. It was built by the tenth Commander of
464	Euthville, Farkennis, as a gift for the 18th Birthday of his daughter,	489	Euthville, Farkennis, as a gift for the 18th Birthday of his daughter,
465	Sannista. That’s the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from	490	Sannistra. That's the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from
466	Euthville, and that he used to get to Khelens. Giusitta the Verbous then	491	Euthville, and that he used to get to Khelens. Giusitta the Verbous then
467	sailed it back to the Continent, and hid it “somewhere in the mountains	492	sailed it back to the Continent, and hid it "somewhere in the mountains
468	of Euth”.	493	of Euth".
469		494
470	So I *guess* she would have put it there, although I’m not *sure*. Many	495	So I I<guess> she would have put it there, although I'm not I<sure>. Many
471	people thought the story was speaking about the mountains just east of the	496	people thought the story was speaking about the mountains just east of the
472	ruined city, but now that I’ve discovered those two caves, I’d rather	497	ruined city, but now that I've discovered those two caves, I'd rather
473	bet on them - it seems more logical.	498	bet on them - it seems more logical.
474		499
475		500
476	=head1 The Name of the World	501	=head1 The Name of the World
477		502
478	I, Forag the little-known, have invested my lifetime into exploring	503	I, Forag the little-known, have invested my lifetime into exploring
479	the various names of this, our World. In this tome I wrote down all my	504	the various names of this, our World. In this tome I wrote down all my
480	knowledge. Be careful with it, else it might overwhelm you, as it did me!	505	knowledge. Be careful with it, else it might overwhelm you, as it did me!
481		506
482	In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named “The Earth”,	507	In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named "The Earth",
483	while the major western landmass was called “The Continent” while the	508	while the major western landmass was called "The Continent" while the
484	eastern landmass was called "the Wilderness".	509	eastern landmass was called "the Wilderness".
485		510
486	Fendrakis used “Raxida”, which is also the name they gave to the Fox	511	Fendrakis used "Raxida", which is also the name they gave to the Fox
487	Lady, Mother of All Things, deity.	512	Lady, Mother of All Things, deity.
488		513
489	Elves traditionally use “Eänella”, which translates as “The Land of	514	Elves traditionally use "Eänella", which translates as "The Land of
490	Green”	515	Green"
491		516
492	Dwarves of Khorolizov use “Herdankaupf”, “Country of the Horses”,	517	Dwarves of Khorolizov use "Herdankaupf", "Country of the Horses",
493	which is a reference to their mythology (see the legend of the Twelve Days	518	which is a reference to their mythology (see the legend of the Twelve Days
494	for that)	519	for that)
495		520
496	The Orcish name is “Knâgsh-Ishzeh”, “Rotten Branch”	521	The Orcish name is "Knâgsh-Ishzeh", "Rotten Branch"
497		522
498	The people of the Old Wall, used the name “Harinappa”, “Bottom of	523	The people of the Old Wall, used the name "Harinappa", "Bottom of
499	the Pit”, to designate the world.	524	the Pit", to designate the world.
500		525
501	Most people nowadays use the old Khelenti name ("The Earth") or its direct	526	Most people nowadays use the old Khelenti name ("The Earth") or its direct
502	translation in local languages/idioms.	527	translation in local languages/idioms.
503		528
504		529
…		…
541	kingdom.	566	kingdom.
542		567
543		568
544	=head1 History of Lake Country	569	=head1 History of Lake Country
545		570
546	Lake Country originaly was where the elves who where exiled from the north	571	Lake Country originally was where the elves lived who where exiled
547	by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They named the area	572	from the north by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They
548	Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was Tashkeren-tah. It was	573	named the area Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was
549	destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK.	574	Tashkeren-tah. It was destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK.
550		575
551		576
552	=head1 Visit our Training Centres!	577	=head1 Visit our Training Centres!
553		578
554	We, Training Centres Incorporated provide the best service for warriors,	579	We, Training Centres Incorporated provide the best service for warriors,
…		…
563		588
564	A Bonecrusher, a Firestar, and a Demonspawn Shield.	589	A Bonecrusher, a Firestar, and a Demonspawn Shield.
565		590
566	Undead	591	Undead
567		592
568	Lich dust, a Spectre’s ectoplasm, and a Skull’s tooth.	593	Lich dust, a Spectre's ectoplasm, and a Skull's tooth.
569		594
570	Dragon	595	Dragon
571		596
572	An Ancient dragon’s steak, an Ancient Blue Dragon’s steak, and an Ancient red dragon’s steak.	597	An Ancient dragon's steak, an Ancient Blue Dragon's steak, and an Ancient red dragon's steak.
573		598
574	Demon	599	Demon
575		600
576	A Demonbane, a Belzebub’s sword, and a Firebrand.	601	A Demonbane, a Belzebub's sword, and a Firebrand.
577		602
578	=head3 Free Centres	603	=head3 Free Centres
579		604
580	As a special service, we provide access to two of our older training	605	As a special service, we provide access to two of our older training
581	centres completely free of charge, although you will understand that there	606	centres completely free of charge, although you will understand that there
582	will be no guarentees given for success:	607	will be no guarentees given for success:
583		608
584	Goblin & Zombie - Located south of Scorn	609	Goblin & Zombie - Located south of Scorn
585		610
586	Skeleton & Ogre - Located somewhere around Navar	611	Skeleton & Ogre - Located south-west of Navar
587		612
588	=head2 Locations	613	=head2 Locations
589		614
590	These are the locations to the entrances of the Training Centers.	615	These are the locations to the entrances of the Training Centers.
591		616
592	world_107_128
593
594	world_118_101
595
596	world_106_109 - Humanoid	617	world_106_109 - Humanoid
597		618
598	world_124_113 - Undead
599
600	world_107_120 - Goblin & Zombie	619	world_107_120 - Goblin & Zombie
		620
		621	world_107_128 - Undead
		622
		623	world_119_101 - Dragons
		624
		625	world_119_118 - Skeleton & Ogre
		626
		627	world_124_113 - Demon
		628
601		629
602		630
603	=head1 The Kingdom of Navar	631	=head1 The Kingdom of Navar
604		632
605	Straddling the corner of the Imperial highway as it turns North near the	633	Straddling the corner of the Imperial highway as it turns North near the
606	Eastern border of the known world, and surrounded by dangerous territory,	634	Eastern border of the known world, and surrounded by dangerous territory,
607	Navar is an unlikely site for one of the world’s grandest cities. Yet	635	Navar is an unlikely site for one of the world's grandest cities. Yet
608	there it stands, dominating the skyline for miles around and showing the	636	there it stands, dominating the skyline for miles around and showing the
609	same bustling activity expected of any thriving market town.	637	same bustling activity expected of any thriving market town.
610		638
611		639
612	=head1 The Kingdom of the Masts	640	=head1 The Kingdom of the Masts
…		…
623	Navari Princes against the Artificers, a group of mages that were masters	651	Navari Princes against the Artificers, a group of mages that were masters
624	in the now banned magical field of Technomancy. The Artificers were close	652	in the now banned magical field of Technomancy. The Artificers were close
625	to obtain a complete victory, but were finally destroyed by the raw power	653	to obtain a complete victory, but were finally destroyed by the raw power
626	of their own biggest creation, The Thaumic Gear. The explosion of the Gear	654	of their own biggest creation, The Thaumic Gear. The explosion of the Gear
627	shattered the whole east of the world, and many territories forever sank	655	shattered the whole east of the world, and many territories forever sank
628	into the ocean, including Kari Kori, the Technomages’ city.	656	into the ocean, including Kari Kori, the Technomages' city.
629		657
630		658
631	=head1 Juradiths Dissidents	659	=head1 Juradiths Dissidents
632		660
633	Juradiths, named after Juradith, Minor Spirit of Equity, were a group of	661	Juradiths, named after Juradith, Minor Spirit of Equity, were a group of
…		…
637	Scornians against them. When trying to recapture the city, their army was	665	Scornians against them. When trying to recapture the city, their army was
638	defeated by the Scornian Militia with the help of a couple city mages, who	666	defeated by the Scornian Militia with the help of a couple city mages, who
639	flooded the Juradiths into a magically created lake.	667	flooded the Juradiths into a magically created lake.
640		668
641	Juradiths still exist as a small political faction today, although	669	Juradiths still exist as a small political faction today, although
642	they’ve long traded their violent ways for some weird traditions whose	670	they've long traded their violent ways for some weird traditions whose
643	origins and meaning are now mostly forgotten.	671	origins and meaning are now mostly forgotten.
644		672
645		673
646	=head1 The Gaean Legend of Creation	674	=head1 The Gaean Legend of Creation
647		675
…		…
650	In the beginning there was Gaea, the force of nature. SHE filled the whole	678	In the beginning there was Gaea, the force of nature. SHE filled the whole
651	of existence with her being. After a few billion years, this became to	679	of existence with her being. After a few billion years, this became to
652	grow boring and lonely, so SHE decided to have children.	680	grow boring and lonely, so SHE decided to have children.
653		681
654	At first SHE created a host of forces like Herself, eternal and	682	At first SHE created a host of forces like Herself, eternal and
655	divine. But with all their power, they couldn’t get along with each	683	divine. But with all their power, they couldn't get along with each
656	other, so Gaea decided that wasn’t a good idea. SHE decreed that from	684	other, so Gaea decided that wasn't a good idea. SHE decreed that from
657	that point on all creatures but HER would have a limited lifetime. But	685	that point on all creatures but HER would have a limited lifetime. But
658	most of HER first children disagreed, and went away to an unknown	686	most of HER first children disagreed, and went away to an unknown
659	location.	687	location.
660		688
661	=head2 Age of The Small World	689	=head2 Age of The Small World
662		690
663	So Gaea created a small world and populated it with limited creatures -	691	So Gaea created a small world and populated it with limited creatures -
664	animals and plants of all sorts. For a few million years she was happy	692	animals and plants of all sorts. For a few million years she was happy
665	to watch them. But her remaining faithful children were growing restless	693	to watch them. But her remaining faithful children were growing restless
666	and wanted to make their own experimentations too. Finally SHE got bored	694	and wanted to make their own experimentations too. Finally SHE got bored
667	again, as her creations weren’t self-aware and therefore weren’t	695	again, as her creations weren't self-aware and therefore weren't
668	much of a company. But SHE was also curious, because her creatures had	696	much of a company. But SHE was also curious, because her creatures had
669	developed many different styles of living, and SHE desired to compare	697	developed many different styles of living, and SHE desired to compare
670	them.	698	them.
671		699
672	And Gaea destroyed the original world, breaking it in four new ones.	700	And Gaea destroyed the original world, breaking it in four new ones.
…		…
696	the fittest. It was populated with fierce creatures and predators. Two of	724	the fittest. It was populated with fierce creatures and predators. Two of
697	Her children believed this was the best way to live and decided to live in	725	Her children believed this was the best way to live and decided to live in
698	this world.	726	this world.
699		727
700	After the worlds were created, only four children of Gaea still preferred	728	After the worlds were created, only four children of Gaea still preferred
701	to live in the Void: two because they weren’t interested in any of those	729	to live in the Void: two because they weren't interested in any of those
702	worlds, and two because they liked all of them and preferred to visit them	730	worlds, and two because they liked all of them and preferred to visit them
703	whenever they wished.	731	whenever they wished.
704		732
705	=head2 Age of Awakening	733	=head2 Age of Awakening
706		734
…		…
710	and wanted to create more interesting creatures, SHE understood them and	738	and wanted to create more interesting creatures, SHE understood them and
711	quickly allowed them and gave them the power to do it.	739	quickly allowed them and gave them the power to do it.
712		740
713	So on the First world, one of the Gods who lived there created a race of	741	So on the First world, one of the Gods who lived there created a race of
714	beings that loved peace and wildlife, and called them Elves. The other	742	beings that loved peace and wildlife, and called them Elves. The other
715	God in that world didn’t choose to create followers, but she teached	743	God in that world didn't choose to create followers, but she teached
716	language to the Elves of her brother, and when the Elves larned the art of	744	language to the Elves of her brother, and when the Elves larned the art of
717	naming, they named their creator Lythander, and in exchange for his name	745	naming, they named their creator Lythander, and in exchange for his name
718	he gifted them with luck.	746	he gifted them with luck.
719		747
720	On the Second world, one of the Gods created a race of builders and named	748	On the Second world, one of the Gods created a race of builders and named
721	them Dwarves. His children, in turn, named him Mostrai. His sister, in	749	them Dwarves. His children, in turn, named him Mostrai. His sister, in
722	turn, decided not to create, but teach some of the dwarves (the ones	750	turn, decided not to create, but teach some of the dwarves (the ones
723	willing to learn) about magic and the powers of the gods. The other	751	willing to learn) about magic and the powers of the gods. The other
724	dwarves, however, didn’t accept their changed siblings, so they went off	752	dwarves, however, didn't accept their changed siblings, so they went off
725	to live by themselves and became known as gnomes.	753	to live by themselves and became known as gnomes.
726		754
727	On the Third world, of course, none of the resident Gods wanted to	755	On the Third world, of course, none of the resident Gods wanted to
728	cooperate with the other. Both created their own races: the God who fought	756	cooperate with the other. Both created their own races: the God who fought
729	for darkness created many kinds of fierce, brutal monsters he named	757	for darkness created many kinds of fierce, brutal monsters he named
730	“Demons”, while the God who fought for light created many kinds of	758	"Demons", while the God who fought for light created many kinds of
731	skillful, swift warriors he named “Angels”. Befittingly, these Gods	759	skillful, swift warriors he named "Angels". Befittingly, these Gods
732	were named by their enemies, and not their followers: the demons gave the	760	were named by their enemies, and not their followers: the demons gave the
733	light god the name of “Valriel“, and the angels gave their enemy god	761	light god the name of "Valriel", and the angels gave their enemy god
734	the name “Gorokh“.	762	the name "Gorokh".
735		763
736	And on the Fourth world, the patron Gods kept true to their philosophy	764	And on the Fourth world, the patron Gods kept true to their philosophy
737	and created not one, but innumerable races, in the hope that one of these	765	and created not one, but innumerable races, in the hope that one of these
738	would prove the strongest and most worth. So they created goblins, trolls,	766	would prove the strongest and most worth. So they created goblins, trolls,
739	ogres, and not least, dragons. The Gods became known as Gnarg, the Patron	767	ogres, and not least, dragons. The Gods became known as Gnarg, the Patron
…		…
800	It was only when a group of reasonable elves, dwarves, gnomes and dragons	828	It was only when a group of reasonable elves, dwarves, gnomes and dragons
801	managed to get together and talk, that it became clear who these masters	829	managed to get together and talk, that it became clear who these masters
802	could be. Till this point, everyone was blaming some (any) god other	830	could be. Till this point, everyone was blaming some (any) god other
803	than the one they worshipped. But there was only one, obvious answer:	831	than the one they worshipped. But there was only one, obvious answer:
804	the Banished Gods, the Forgotten Children who left ages ago because	832	the Banished Gods, the Forgotten Children who left ages ago because
805	they didn’t agree with he concept of death, were back, and enacting	833	they didn't agree with he concept of death, were back, and enacting
806	revenge by subverting death itself. In later days, these Gods would become	834	revenge by subverting death itself. In later days, these Gods would become
807	collectively known as the Devourers.	835	collectively known as the Devourers.
808		836
809	Knowing the enemy was not the solution to the war, but was a start. This	837	Knowing the enemy was not the solution to the war, but was a start. This
810	group, slowly, was able to form a resistence against the undead armies,	838	group, slowly, was able to form a resistence against the undead armies,
…		…
841	In the beginning, for an infinite time, all that existed was a pure light,	869	In the beginning, for an infinite time, all that existed was a pure light,
842	and that light had a name, and that name was Valriel.	870	and that light had a name, and that name was Valriel.
843		871
844	But part of the light was not content to be alone, and so did Valriel put	872	But part of the light was not content to be alone, and so did Valriel put
845	this part of Himself aside and did He allow this part to have independent	873	this part of Himself aside and did He allow this part to have independent
846	life; and this part was everything that wasn’t content, and as it	874	life; and this part was everything that wasn't content, and as it
847	wasn’t light, it surely was the darkness; and the darkness took upon	875	wasn't light, it surely was the darkness; and the darkness took upon
848	itself the name of Gorokh.	876	itself the name of Gorokh.
849		877
850	And for many times more time than a mortal can count, Gorokh was the	878	And for many times more time than a mortal can count, Gorokh was the
851	companion and the servant of Valriel. But Gorokh was not content, because	879	companion and the servant of Valriel. But Gorokh was not content, because
852	that was his nature, and he plotted a way to change everything. And	880	that was his nature, and he plotted a way to change everything. And
853	although filled with hidden motives, Gorokh’s words were always very	881	although filled with hidden motives, Gorokh's words were always very
854	wise, so that Valriel would hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the	882	wise, so that Valriel would hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the
855	wise counsel of the Shadow and created a world full of living things to be	883	wise counsel of the Shadow and created a world full of living things to be
856	His new companions and servants.	884	His new companions and servants.
857		885
858	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh	886	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh
859	said, “so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own	887	said, "so now you won't need me anymore, I can leave and find my own
860	companions and servants”. And this made Valriel unhappy because He was	888	companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because He was
861	the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn’t recognize that, and so it	889	the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn't recognize that, and so it
862	was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of	890	was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of
863	paying respect to the one true ruler of all.	891	paying respect to the one true ruler of all.
864		892
865	So did Valriel upon the departure of his first servant, create new	893	So did Valriel upon the departure of his first servant, create new
866	servants modeled after His beauty and grace, and elf and man and dwarf he	894	servants modeled after His beauty and grace, and elf and man and dwarf he
…		…
868	himself, so he came to them in the night and whispered in their ears, and	896	himself, so he came to them in the night and whispered in their ears, and
869	some of them were tempted and started to worship and serve the Shadow.	897	some of them were tempted and started to worship and serve the Shadow.
870		898
871	But not enough were seduced by his promises. So he decided to be many,	899	But not enough were seduced by his promises. So he decided to be many,
872	not one. And he wore different shapes and again he whispered in the ears	900	not one. And he wore different shapes and again he whispered in the ears
873	of Valriel’s creations. And to the elves he was Lythander of the bow	901	of Valriel's creations. And to the elves he was Lythander of the bow
874	that never misses, and the elves did not see that if a bow never misses,	902	that never misses, and the elves did not see that if a bow never misses,
875	and it isn’t the work of the Lord, then it can only be the work of the	903	and it isn't the work of the Lord, then it can only be the work of the
876	Enemy. And to the dwarves he wore the name of Mostrai, of the fire, of the	904	Enemy. And to the dwarves he wore the name of Mostrai, of the fire, of the
877	forge, the builder of things, for the fire and the desire to change was	905	forge, the builder of things, for the fire and the desire to change was
878	the true face of Gorokh.	906	the true face of Gorokh.
879		907
880	And he taught the men to wage war upon each other, and scared the warriors	908	And he taught the men to wage war upon each other, and scared the warriors
881	with thunder and lightning, and they would call him Sorig. And those	909	with thunder and lightning, and they would call him Sorig. And those
882	who weren’t scared, he tempted with weapons and glory, and wore the	910	who weren't scared, he tempted with weapons and glory, and wore the
883	beautiful face of a woman, and they called him Valkyrie. And as they	911	beautiful face of a woman, and they called him Valkyrie. And as they
884	killed each other, Gorokh was happy.	912	killed each other, Gorokh was happy.
885		913
886	And much more he did. He taught women to heal and to make the soil grow	914	And much more he did. He taught women to heal and to make the soil grow
887	crop, and they called him Gaea, and believed that Gaea created the world	915	crop, and they called him Gaea, and believed that Gaea created the world
…		…
910	envy, and they became demons. And the plan of Valriel was once again	938	envy, and they became demons. And the plan of Valriel was once again
911	spoiled by the venom of the enemy, because angels had to step aside from	939	spoiled by the venom of the enemy, because angels had to step aside from
912	their assigned mission to fight the demons and keep them from spreading	940	their assigned mission to fight the demons and keep them from spreading
913	the evil in their dark hearts.	941	the evil in their dark hearts.
914		942
915	And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel’s creation into a new	943	And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel's creation into a new
916	race, and so did he get elf and man and dwarf and corrupted them with	944	race, and so did he get elf and man and dwarf and corrupted them with
917	his dark will, and they became goblin and orc and kobold, and troll, and	945	his dark will, and they became goblin and orc and kobold, and troll, and
918	giant, and ogre, and many other abominations to the eye of the Creator,	946	giant, and ogre, and many other abominations to the eye of the Creator,
919	and Gorokh wore the name of Gnarg to these new creations and delighted in	947	and Gorokh wore the name of Gnarg to these new creations and delighted in
920	watching the destruction and sorrow they spread in the world.	948	watching the destruction and sorrow they spread in the world.
…		…
970	Son with a Will.	998	Son with a Will.
971		999
972	And for many times more time than a mortal can count, Gorokh was the	1000	And for many times more time than a mortal can count, Gorokh was the
973	companion and the servant of Valriel. But Gorokh was not content, because	1001	companion and the servant of Valriel. But Gorokh was not content, because
974	that was his nature, and he plotted a way to change everything. And fueled	1002	that was his nature, and he plotted a way to change everything. And fueled
975	by the fire of his will, Gorokh’s words were always very wise, so	1003	by the fire of his will, Gorokh's words were always very wise, so
976	Valriel would always hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise	1004	Valriel would always hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise
977	counsel of the Fire and created a world full of living things to be their	1005	counsel of the Fire and created a world full of living things to be their
978	new companions and servants.	1006	new companions and servants.
979		1007
980	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh	1008	And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh
981	said, “so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own	1009	said, "so now you won't need me anymore, I can leave and find my own
982	companions and servants”. And this made Valriel unhappy because he	1010	companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because he
983	believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn’t agree	1011	believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn't agree
984	to that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over	1012	to that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over
985	themselves instead of paying respect to one self-appointed ruler of all.	1013	themselves instead of paying respect to one self-appointed ruler of all.
986		1014
987	So did Valriel, while Gorokh was away exploring the wonders of the new	1015	So did Valriel, while Gorokh was away exploring the wonders of the new
988	world, create new servants of flesh and bone to adore him blindly, and elf	1016	world, create new servants of flesh and bone to adore him blindly, and elf
…		…
1000	weapons, medicine, agriculture, writing, magic, and wine and booze and	1028	weapons, medicine, agriculture, writing, magic, and wine and booze and
1001	music, even then would Valriel create a false god to pose as the giver of	1029	music, even then would Valriel create a false god to pose as the giver of
1002	those gifts and take the glory for himself.	1030	those gifts and take the glory for himself.
1003		1031
1004	And since Gorokh kept inventing new presents, Valriel became angry,	1032	And since Gorokh kept inventing new presents, Valriel became angry,
1005	because he doesn’t like change and he doesn’t like any good that	1033	because he doesn't like change and he doesn't like any good that
1006	doesn’t come from him. And so did he create a new race of servants, more	1034	doesn't come from him. And so did he create a new race of servants, more
1007	powerful and more prone to following him blindly than any other, imbued	1035	powerful and more prone to following him blindly than any other, imbued
1008	with the mission of hunting down and undoing the work of the Fire, and	1036	with the mission of hunting down and undoing the work of the Fire, and
1009	this race He called Angels.	1037	this race He called Angels.
1010		1038
1011	But again Gorokh found a cunning way to defend his work, and again he	1039	But again Gorokh found a cunning way to defend his work, and again he
…		…
1016	became demons. And the plan of Valriel was once again spoiled by the	1044	became demons. And the plan of Valriel was once again spoiled by the
1017	genius of the Fire, because angels had to step aside from their assigned	1045	genius of the Fire, because angels had to step aside from their assigned
1018	mission to fight the demons and keep them from spreading the word of	1046	mission to fight the demons and keep them from spreading the word of
1019	Gorokh.	1047	Gorokh.
1020		1048
1021	And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel’s creation into a new	1049	And Gorokh did find great fun in changing Valriel's creation into a new
1022	race, and so did he get elf and man and dwarf and tried to imbue them	1050	race, and so did he get elf and man and dwarf and tried to imbue them
1023	with greater strength, and they became goblin and orc and kobold, and	1051	with greater strength, and they became goblin and orc and kobold, and
1024	troll, and giant, and ogre, and many other strong creatures. But their	1052	troll, and giant, and ogre, and many other strong creatures. But their
1025	intelligences greatly suffered from the process, and he was unhappy with	1053	intelligences greatly suffered from the process, and he was unhappy with
1026	his creation, and while he was looking for a way to help them did Valriel	1054	his creation, and while he was looking for a way to help them did Valriel
…		…
1038		1066
1039	And upon seeing the dragons, Valriel declared war and set his servants	1067	And upon seeing the dragons, Valriel declared war and set his servants
1040	upon the task of killing all the most valuables of Gorokh they could	1068	upon the task of killing all the most valuables of Gorokh they could
1041	find. Gorokh was consumed with sorrow, and devised a way to spare these	1069	find. Gorokh was consumed with sorrow, and devised a way to spare these
1042	faithful servants, by allowing them to raise again from the grave even	1070	faithful servants, by allowing them to raise again from the grave even
1043	after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these “un-dead”	1071	after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these "un-dead"
1044	an even greater abomination, and set forth to hunt them, and Valriel	1072	an even greater abomination, and set forth to hunt them, and Valriel
1045	delighted in the war and carnage that ensued.	1073	delighted in the war and carnage that ensued.
1046		1074
1047	So did Gorokh, his fire dim with sorrow, decide to create a whole world	1075	So did Gorokh, his fire dim with sorrow, decide to create a whole world
1048	for him and his faithful. And this world he called Hell. But when he was	1076	for him and his faithful. And this world he called Hell. But when he was
…		…
1056		1084
1057	=head1 The Dwarven Creation Tale	1085	=head1 The Dwarven Creation Tale
1058		1086
1059	A play by Shakesdor the Dwarf.	1087	A play by Shakesdor the Dwarf.
1060		1088
1061	- What... where we come from? You’re not old enough for this	1089	- What... where we come from? You're not old enough for this
1062	conversation.	1090	conversation.
1063		1091
1064	- No, uncle, I mean as a whole... the world, the dwarves, the others.	1092	- No, uncle, I mean as a whole... the world, the dwarves, the others.
1065		1093
1066	- Ah. I see. (Big gulp of beer.) You mean, NOW?	1094	- Ah. I see. (Big gulp of beer.) You mean, NOW?
…		…
1069		1097
1070	- *sigh* all right, all right. It goes like this.	1098	- *sigh* all right, all right. It goes like this.
1071		1099
1072	First there was the Ore and the Forge. The Ore is what existence looked	1100	First there was the Ore and the Forge. The Ore is what existence looked
1073	like before it existed. The Forge was the untapped will, the potential in	1101	like before it existed. The Forge was the untapped will, the potential in
1074	the Ore to be everything that is, ever will be, or won’t.	1102	the Ore to be everything that is, ever will be, or won't.
1075		1103
1076	Over a span of time that is not time, because time wasn’t forged yet,	1104	Over a span of time that is not time, because time wasn't forged yet,
1077	some tiny scraps of Ore drifted into the Forge. A piece of the Forge	1105	some tiny scraps of Ore drifted into the Forge. A piece of the Forge
1078	merged with that Ore and became sentient. He has many names, but we call	1106	merged with that Ore and became sentient. He has many names, but we call
1079	him Mostrai.	1107	him Mostrai.
1080		1108
1081	He spent ages of time-that-was-not-time exploring, learning the nature	1109	He spent ages of time-that-was-not-time exploring, learning the nature
1082	of Ore and Forge and himself. Till he decided it was time to start	1110	of Ore and Forge and himself. Till he decided it was time to start
1083	forging. And then, first of all, he forged time, so that he could separate	1111	forging. And then, first of all, he forged time, so that he could separate
1084	after from before, and so that he could exist absolutely - as opposed to,	1112	after from before, and so that he could exist absolutely - as opposed to,
1085	at the same “time”, existing and not being created yet, which was the	1113	at the same "time", existing and not being created yet, which was the
1086	case if time didn’t exist.	1114	case if time didn't exist.
1087		1115
1088	Then, with things in order, he began forging things. The first thing he	1116	Then, with things in order, he began forging things. The first thing he
1089	forged was his armor, because he liked the touch of metal against his	1117	forged was his armor, because he liked the touch of metal against his
1090	body. Then he forged beer, because of course, beer is essential. He forged	1118	body. Then he forged beer, because of course, beer is essential. He forged
1091	it red like the Forge, and black like the Ore. The yellow thing, as we all	1119	it red like the Forge, and black like the Ore. The yellow thing, as we all
…		…
1103	were thousands of dwarves partying, thousands sleeping, thousands hunting,	1131	were thousands of dwarves partying, thousands sleeping, thousands hunting,
1104	and thousands forging. Mostrai thought it was good, but it was also damn	1132	and thousands forging. Mostrai thought it was good, but it was also damn
1105	annoying. So he created an enormous mountain for them to live under. He	1133	annoying. So he created an enormous mountain for them to live under. He
1106	put the boar and bird, and a few other animals he had come up with later,	1134	put the boar and bird, and a few other animals he had come up with later,
1107	on the outside, where he forged woods and forest. And so that his children	1135	on the outside, where he forged woods and forest. And so that his children
1108	wouldn’t wander forever, he placed these places in the middle of an	1136	wouldn't wander forever, he placed these places in the middle of an
1109	infinite ocean. There you have, that’s the story.	1137	infinite ocean. There you have, that's the story.
1110		1138
1111	- Whoa. What about the others?	1139	- Whoa. What about the others?
1112		1140
1113	- *sigh* You won’t let me finish my beer, will you?	1141	- *sigh* You won't let me finish my beer, will you?
1114		1142
1115	- You’ll never finish your beer, uncle. When you soak that mug,	1143	- You'll never finish your beer, uncle. When you soak that mug,
1116	there’s plenty more in the barrel.	1144	there's plenty more in the barrel.
1117		1145
1118	- All right, all rigth. (Big gulp.)	1146	- All right, all rigth. (Big gulp.)
1119		1147
1120	The dwarves had amazing weapons to hunt with. Eventually, the hunt was	1148	The dwarves had amazing weapons to hunt with. Eventually, the hunt was
1121	no challenge anymore. The best hunters would play-act wars between	1149	no challenge anymore. The best hunters would play-act wars between
…		…
1124	Mostrai was worried that those fights might one day evolve into real	1152	Mostrai was worried that those fights might one day evolve into real
1125	wars. So he created an enemy, something very different from the dwarf,	1153	wars. So he created an enemy, something very different from the dwarf,
1126	something very obviously wrong, which lived in the woods and preferred	1154	something very obviously wrong, which lived in the woods and preferred
1127	bows and other coward weapons rather than hand-to-hand combat. He made	1155	bows and other coward weapons rather than hand-to-hand combat. He made
1128	them incredibly lucky, because otherwise they would stand no chance - and	1156	them incredibly lucky, because otherwise they would stand no chance - and
1129	they came to believe they’re lucky because they’re protected by their	1157	they came to believe they're lucky because they're protected by their
1130	god, which of course doesn’t exist. He also made them very old, so that	1158	god, which of course doesn't exist. He also made them very old, so that
1131	they would think they existed before the dwarf - otherwise they would just	1159	they would think they existed before the dwarf - otherwise they would just
1132	recognize our superior position and submit. And all was good and happy;	1160	recognize our superior position and submit. And all was good and happy;
1133	for time beyond count, dwarf and elf honed their skills against each	1161	for time beyond count, dwarf and elf honed their skills against each
1134	other, and prospered.	1162	other, and prospered.
1135		1163
1136	I mean, have you ever fought an elf? Yes, it was an eternal war, but not	1164	I mean, have you ever fought an elf? Yes, it was an eternal war, but not
1137	like those bloody gorefest the others have today. When dwarf and elf	1165	like those bloody gorefest the others have today. When dwarf and elf
1138	fight, it’s clean, it’s beautiful, it’s according to the rules,	1166	fight, it's clean, it's beautiful, it's according to the rules,
1139	it’s a ritual of honor.	1167	it's a ritual of honor.
1140		1168
1141	Well, I digress. All was well, I said. But one day, one elf created yellow	1169	Well, I digress. All was well, I said. But one day, one elf created yellow
1142	beer. And that offended Mostrai to a level of rage unseen before. So he	1170	beer. And that offended Mostrai to a level of rage unseen before. So he
1143	created an entire new piece of the world, and populated it with humans,	1171	created an entire new piece of the world, and populated it with humans,
1144	and other horrible creatures, and then let these young ones discover our	1172	and other horrible creatures, and then let these young ones discover our
1145	land, so that they may raze the elf forests, ruin the elf nations, and	1173	land, so that they may raze the elf forests, ruin the elf nations, and
1146	soil their honor. We’re not stupid enough to argue with Mostrai, so we	1174	soil their honor. We're not stupid enough to argue with Mostrai, so we
1147	went underground, and we’re waiting for that to happen, to see what he	1175	went underground, and we're waiting for that to happen, to see what he
1148	will do next.	1176	will do next.
1149		1177
1150	Can I drink in peace now? There, go play with your friends.	1178	Can I drink in peace now? There, go play with your friends.
1151		1179
1152		1180
1153	=head1 The Legend of the Builders	1181	=head1 The Legend of the Builders
1154		1182
1155	People of the Old Empire believed that the whole universe was made by	1183	People of the Old Empire believed that the whole universe was made by
1156	powerful beings called Builders. Builders were not part of the world	1184	powerful beings called Builders. Builders were not part of the world
1157	like gods were - they lived Outside. Little is known about the Builders	1185	like gods were - they lived Outside. Little is known about the Builders
1158	themselves. The priests of the Empire weren’t quite sure themselves	1186	themselves. The priests of the Empire weren't quite sure themselves
1159	about their names. Some were universally known, though: Mawëdel the Ruler	1187	about their names. Some were universally known, though: Mawëdel the Ruler
1160	or Peterëm the Writing One were the most popular of the ever changing	1188	or Peterëm the Writing One were the most popular of the ever changing
1161	list of Builders.	1189	list of Builders.
1162		1190
1163	The Builders understood very well how difficult it would be for them to	1191	The Builders understood very well how difficult it would be for them to
…		…
1182	are telling about Skud, the half-mythical hero. How he captured the first	1210	are telling about Skud, the half-mythical hero. How he captured the first
1183	dragons. How he fought unknown monsters in the East. How he built Scorn	1211	dragons. How he fought unknown monsters in the East. How he built Scorn
1184	and the First Inn. Some priests even postulated that Skud was in fact a	1212	and the First Inn. Some priests even postulated that Skud was in fact a
1185	Builder. Skud created the First Inn because he wanted to sleep inside a	1213	Builder. Skud created the First Inn because he wanted to sleep inside a
1186	house, without the risk of being attacked by monsters during the night. He	1214	house, without the risk of being attacked by monsters during the night. He
1187	left the Holy Guestbook, one of the oldest relics of Crossfire, where he	1215	left the Holy Guestbook, one of the oldest relics of Deliantra, where he
1188	and his fellow friends wrote their names. Skud disappeared long before the	1216	and his fellow friends wrote their names. Skud disappeared long before the
1189	Old Empire came, and nowadays only the Builders can probably remember him.	1217	Old Empire came, and nowadays only the Builders can probably remember him.
1190		1218
1191	Recent researches show that, although he greatly contributed to the	1219	Recent researches show that, although he greatly contributed to the
1192	popularity of the city, Skud didn’t found it: it was in fact created	1220	popularity of the city, Skud didn't found it: it was in fact created
1193	by Tabb the Dark, a Builder that left very little information about him	1221	by Tabb the Dark, a Builder that left very little information about him
1194	behind. According to the Codex Skudensis that was discovered in the depths	1222	behind. According to the Codex Skudensis that was discovered in the depths
1195	of the Old City, “Scorn” would have been the real name of Tabb the	1223	of the Old City, "Scorn" would have been the real name of Tabb the
1196	Dark.	1224	Dark.
1197		1225
1198		1226
1199	=head1 The Coming of Color	1227	=head1 The Coming of Color
1200		1228
1201	It is said that centuries before the foundation of the Old Empire, the	1229	It is said that centuries before the foundation of the Old Empire, the
1202	world was colorless and sad. Aware of that problem, the Builders decided	1230	world was colorless and sad. Aware of that problem, the Builders decided
1203	to bring color in the life of the Crossfire people. They called the	1231	to bring color in the life of the Deliantra people. They called the
1204	massive powers of Xepemes, The Source Of All Colors, on the universe. The	1232	massive powers of Xepemes, The Source Of All Colors, on the universe. The
1205	magical burst slowly covered the world with colors, but some elements	1233	magical burst slowly covered the world with colors, but some elements
1206	resisted for a long time. Prophets of the Old Empire announced that,	1234	resisted for a long time. Prophets of the Old Empire announced that,
1207	although victorious, the force of Xepemes wouldn’t stay forever: one	1235	although victorious, the force of Xepemes wouldn't stay forever: one
1208	day, it would eventually fade away against a more powerful magical force,	1236	day, it would eventually fade away against a more powerful magical force,
1209	the mysterious Pegemes (or Peengees?). This happened - but much after the	1237	the mysterious Pegemes (or Peengees?). This happened - but much after the
1210	fall of the Empire.	1238	fall of the Empire.
1211		1239
1212		1240
1213	=head1 The Bigworld	1241	=head1 The Big World
1214		1242
1215	The old world was small and it consisted of many pieces. Scorn, Navar,	1243	The old world was small and it consisted of many pieces. Scorn, Navar,
1216	Brittany and Santo Dominion were in one large piece. Darcap and the	1244	Brittany and Santo Dominion were in one large piece. Darcap and the
1217	Hill Village were in another smaller one. Lake Country was in yet	1245	Hill Village were in another smaller one. Lake Country was in yet
1218	another. Pupland was still another. The world was not whole, and the	1246	another. Pupland was still another. The world was not whole, and the
1219	builders saw that this was wrong. They began the quest to unite the world	1247	builders saw that this was wrong. They began the quest to unite the world
1220	and established the Bigworld. As the builders united the world they saw	1248	and established the Big World. As the builders united the world they saw
1221	that it was much too small and began to make it larger. They raised up the	1249	that it was much too small and began to make it larger. They raised up the
1222	Great Mountains around Brest and they caused the Great Forest to grow. As	1250	Great Mountains around Brest and they caused the Great Forest to grow.
		1251
1223	the time passed, Navar grew to become a great Kingdom and the builders	1252	As the time passed, Navar grew to become a great Kingdom and the builders
1224	decided that it was a good city for players to call home and they gave the	1253	decided that it was a good city for players to call home and they gave the
1225	Heroes a choice to serve Scorn or Navar. Nevertheless, Pupland is still	1254	Heroes a choice to serve Scorn or Navar. Nevertheless, Pupland was still
1226	not part of this new world, but the builders wish to add it to the west of	1255	not part of this new world.
1227	Scorn.	1256
		1257	This was the state for a long time, until the builders decided that the
		1258	Big World was not good, and set out to change it again. Everything
		1259	changed. So much changed that, in fact, the world was completely
		1260	unrecognisable to its denizens after the change.
		1261
		1262	Except the area around Brest, at least according to the people living
		1263	there. Or maybe they were just too busy fighting monsters to notice it.
		1264
		1265	This time Pupland became part of the new Big World, and can be found in
		1266	the very north, past Santo Dominion.
1228		1267
1229		1268
1230	=head1 Skud the Great	1269	=head1 Skud the Great
1231		1270
1232	One of the first Builders. Skud created many famous places, like the	1271	One of the first Builders. Skud created many famous places, like the
1233	Scorn’s First Inn or the Newbie Tower.	1272	Scorn's First Inn or the Newbie Tower.
1234		1273
1235	The reasons of the disappearance of Skud are mostly unknown. The Codex	1274	The reasons of the disappearance of Skud are mostly unknown. The Codex
1236	Skudensis mentions that it could have been because of the negative	1275	Skudensis mentions that it could have been because of the negative
1237	influence of the Arch-Demon Neth Aq. It is thought that The Tower of Skud,	1276	influence of the Arch-Demon Neth Aq. It is thought that The Tower of Skud,
1238	although left unfinished by its creator, may contain informations about	1277	although left unfinished by its creator, may contain informations about
…		…
1256		1295
1257	=head2 On the nature of elemental essences	1296	=head2 On the nature of elemental essences
1258		1297
1259	It is said that of the four primary elements	1298	It is said that of the four primary elements
1260		1299
1261	- there is earth which is.	1300	- there is earth which is.
1262
1263	- there is water which changes.	1301	- there is water which changes.
1264
1265	- there is air which moves.	1302	- there is air which moves.
1266
1267	- there is fire which consumes.	1303	- there is fire which consumes.
1268		1304
1269	=head2 Overheard in a Narcopian brothel	1305	=head2 Overheard in a Narcopian brothel
1270		1306
1271	When Mother Earth was suckling her children	1307	When Mother Earth was suckling her children
1272
1273	sky suckled from her right teat	1308	sky suckled from her right teat
1274
1275	but flame and sea fought to suckle from her left teat	1309	but flame and sea fought to suckle from her left teat
1276
1277	this is why they still fight to this day	1310	this is why they still fight to this day
1278		1311
1279		1312
1280	=head1 The Tale of Lord Butakis - The Lost Stars of the Lake, Volume I	1313	=head1 The Tale of Lord Butakis - The Lost Stars of the Lake, Volume I
1281		1314
1282	This story begins nearly four thousand years ago, when Kadriosa IV, King	1315	This story begins nearly four thousand years ago, when Kadriosa IV, King
1283	of Scorn, invaded the southern territories and pushed back the elven	1316	of Scorn, invaded the southern territories and pushed back the elven
1284	barbarians that lived there.	1317	barbarians that lived there.
1285		1318
1286	The elvish people fled, and many of them settled in a place they called	1319	The elvish people fled, and many of them settled in a place they called
1287	Vkovzerov, “The Country of the Three Waters”, as it was a rather	1320	Vkovzerov, "The Country of the Three Waters", as it was a rather
1288	unique meeting point between a river, a lake, and the sea. There they	1321	unique meeting point between a river, a lake, and the sea. There they
1289	enjoyed a great prosperity, working with the local sprites to build	1322	enjoyed a great prosperity, working with the local sprites to build
1290	Tashkeren-tah, The City of the Wooden Towers.	1323	Tashkeren-tah, The City of the Wooden Towers.
1291		1324
1292	Two centuries passed, then three. The elven princes of Tashkeren-tah had	1325	Two centuries passed, then three. The elven princes of Tashkeren-tah had
…		…
1308	Haemdel the Legendary was crushed and the Three Artifacts lost. But so	1341	Haemdel the Legendary was crushed and the Three Artifacts lost. But so
1309	strong was their flame of hatred that it soon burned the ropes of their	1342	strong was their flame of hatred that it soon burned the ropes of their
1310	carefulness. Using their most powerful summoning spell, they convocated	1343	carefulness. Using their most powerful summoning spell, they convocated
1311	one of the Greater Aquomons before them.	1344	one of the Greater Aquomons before them.
1312		1345
1313	“Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my	1346	"Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my
1314	dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?”	1347	dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?"
1315		1348
1316	Elven Princes exposed what they wanted to Vërno, and the creature seemed	1349	Elven Princes exposed what they wanted to Vërno, and the creature seemed
1317	very interested at the idea of grabbing all the richesses of Scorn, and	1350	very interested at the idea of grabbing all the richesses of Scorn, and
1318	bringing them back into his dark kingdom of the depth of the sea.	1351	bringing them back into his dark kingdom of the depth of the sea.
1319		1352
1320	“Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound	1353	"Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound
1321	by the Law of Equilibrium, established by the gods themselves when the	1354	by the Law of Equilibrium, established by the gods themselves when the
1322	world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you’ll have to	1355	world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you'll have to
1323	pay the price.”	1356	pay the price."
1324		1357
1325	- And what do you want for a price ? - Well, my needs are rather	1358	- And what do you want for a price ? - Well, my needs are rather
1326	modest. I’ll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward.”	1359	modest. I'll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward."
1327		1360
1328	The Elven Princes quickly discussed the matter, and came to the conclusion	1361	The Elven Princes quickly discussed the matter, and came to the conclusion
1329	that it was a rather fair price to pay - after all, their territories	1362	that it was a rather fair price to pay - after all, their territories
1330	weren’t very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so	1363	weren't very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so
1331	it wasn’t really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of	1364	it wasn't really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of
1332	peasants, but who cared about them more than of the vengeance against	1365	peasants, but who cared about them more than of the vengeance against
1333	Scorn ?	1366	Scorn ?
1334		1367
1335	And so they answered: “The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept.”	1368	And so they answered: "The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept."
1336		1369
1337	What happened then is too long to tell in details here, as it belongs	1370	What happened then is too long to tell in details here, as it belongs
1338	to another story. In short, Jovidjevska the elven girl, who had heard	1371	to another story. In short, Jovidjevska the elven girl, who had heard
1339	everything, travelled to Scorn, and convinced the city wizards of the	1372	everything, travelled to Scorn, and convinced the city wizards of the
1340	truth of the menace. And when Vërno came to crush the city, they moved it	1373	truth of the menace. And when Vërno came to crush the city, they moved it
1341	two days into the future, and the water hand of the Fourth Drop grabbed	1374	two days into the future, and the water hand of the Fourth Drop grabbed
1342	only emptiness.	1375	only emptiness.
1343		1376
1344	Vërno, furious, came back to the Elves with a big smile, and told	1377	Vërno, furious, came back to the Elves with a big smile, and told
1345	them: “I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn	1378	them: "I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn
1346	was established. Now I take my due price.”	1379	was established. Now I take my due price."
1347		1380
1348	And that said, he selected the area on which the Elven City itself was	1381	And that said, he selected the area on which the Elven City itself was
1349	built, and covered it with water, its inhabitants trapped and killed there	1382	built, and covered it with water, its inhabitants trapped and killed there
1350	without understanding what was happening.	1383	without understanding what was happening.
1351		1384
…		…
1366	secret power of elves...	1399	secret power of elves...
1367		1400
1368	For years, he studied the Arcanes, hunting for traces of the city, as he	1401	For years, he studied the Arcanes, hunting for traces of the city, as he
1369	was convinced that the lost wisdom of the elves of Vkovzerov would give	1402	was convinced that the lost wisdom of the elves of Vkovzerov would give
1370	him a great power. And, finally, after 20 long years of searching, he	1403	him a great power. And, finally, after 20 long years of searching, he
1371	concluded that the secret was in the area now called “Lake Country“.	1404	concluded that the secret was in the area now called "Lake Country".
1372		1405
1373	And there, he came, and there was a small house made of wood, and there	1406	And there, he came, and there was a small house made of wood, and there
1374	was a tree, and there was a young elvish woman, dreaming at the stars,	1407	was a tree, and there was a young elvish woman, dreaming at the stars,
1375	under the tree. And Butakis fell in love, and the elvish lady fell in	1408	under the tree. And Butakis fell in love, and the elvish lady fell in
1376	love, and they both watched the stars. But soon, Butakis felt the need of	1409	love, and they both watched the stars. But soon, Butakis felt the need of
1377	getting back into action, and finding the lost city and getting its power.	1410	getting back into action, and finding the lost city and getting its power.
1378		1411
1379	The lady told him: “The true wisdom is in those stars, and in that	1412	The lady told him: "The true wisdom is in those stars, and in that
1380	tree, and in that house you see. You’ll only find unrest by aiming for	1413	tree, and in that house you see. You'll only find unrest by aiming for
1381	more.”	1414	more."
1382		1415
1383	But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers,	1416	But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers,
1384	and sappers, and miners, and they all worked to build a huge machine to	1417	and sappers, and miners, and they all worked to build a huge machine to
1385	pump the water, and discover the city. During ten years, Butakis worked on	1418	pump the water, and discover the city. During ten years, Butakis worked on
1386	this, hoping that in the end, the elvish lady would be at his side, and	1419	this, hoping that in the end, the elvish lady would be at his side, and
…		…
1405	The Elvish lady came, as beautiful as ever. And on the balcony at the top	1438	The Elvish lady came, as beautiful as ever. And on the balcony at the top
1406	of the pump, they watched the stars, and she kissed him, and she when they	1439	of the pump, they watched the stars, and she kissed him, and she when they
1407	were in the bed he had prepared for that very special night before the	1440	were in the bed he had prepared for that very special night before the
1408	pumping started, she whispered at his ear.	1441	pumping started, she whispered at his ear.
1409		1442
1410	That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn’t expect what she told	1443	That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn't expect what she told
1411	him then.	1444	him then.
1412		1445
1413	“Ten years you were away, and ten years I watched the stars with	1446	"Ten years you were away, and ten years I watched the stars with
1414	Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I’ll	1447	Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I'll
1415	disappear, and so does your dream.”	1448	disappear, and so does your dream."
1416		1449
1417	Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her	1450	Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her
1418	attention away enough for Twak and three of his faithful men to sabotage	1451	attention away enough for Twak and three of his faithful men to sabotage
1419	the pump. And so came a great rumble from the basis of the huge building,	1452	the pump. And so came a great rumble from the basis of the huge building,
1420	and so the huge engines exploded, and so was his dream reduced to smoke,	1453	and so the huge engines exploded, and so was his dream reduced to smoke,
…		…
1440	story.	1473	story.
1441		1474
1442		1475
1443	=head1 The Wizard School of Blue	1476	=head1 The Wizard School of Blue
1444		1477
1445	“Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World,	1478	"Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World,
1446	several wizards claimed to be the heirs of their ancient, secret wisdom,	1479	several wizards claimed to be the heirs of their ancient, secret wisdom,
1447	and nicknamed “the Blue Ones”, a reference to the color of the School	1480	and nicknamed "the Blue Ones", a reference to the color of the School
1448	Banner.” – Gros, the Irrelevant One	1481	Banner." – Gros, the Irrelevant One
1449		1482
1450		1483
1451	=head1 The Great Heliograph	1484	=head1 The Great Heliograph
1452		1485
1453	A device made by Mer’Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the	1486	A device made by Mer'Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the
1454	Brestian Hills, it is basically a giant magnifying glass, using a complex	1487	Brestian Hills, it is basically a giant magnifying glass, using a complex
1455	mechanism commanding several mirrors, that is able to concentrate the	1488	mechanism commanding several mirrors, that is able to concentrate the
1456	sunlight into a powerful beam. The concentrator is associated to a Sun	1489	sunlight into a powerful beam. The concentrator is associated to a Sun
1457	Stone that can receive similar long-range light signals and transform	1490	Stone that can receive similar long-range light signals and transform
1458	them into pure thaumic energy. A keyboard is attached to a mechanical	1491	them into pure thaumic energy. A keyboard is attached to a mechanical
1459	obturator, allowing a single operator to send coded messages to very long	1492	obturator, allowing a single operator to send coded messages to very long
1460	distances. A magically-powered scriptor writes any such incoming message	1493	distances. A magically-powered scriptor writes any such incoming message
1461	capted by the Sun Stone.	1494	capted by the Sun Stone.
1462		1495
1463	Although Mer’Eric only saw the Great Heliograph as a research project	1496	Although Mer'Eric only saw the Great Heliograph as a research project
1464	and as a way to communicate easily across huge distances, this device	1497	and as a way to communicate easily across huge distances, this device
1465	is also a powerful weapon that can burn nearly anything several miles	1498	is also a powerful weapon that can burn nearly anything several miles
1466	away. This is probably why he decided to hide it in a sealed cave.	1499	away. This is probably why he decided to hide it in a sealed cave.
1467		1500
1468	A similar device was built by the Mad Mage of Scorn, but its fate is	1501	A similar device was built by the Mad Mage of Scorn, but its fate is
…		…
1474	Also called the Twin Witches, they were two powerful women wizards; Herin	1507	Also called the Twin Witches, they were two powerful women wizards; Herin
1475	was specialized in White Magic, while her sister Urdin was a master of the	1508	was specialized in White Magic, while her sister Urdin was a master of the
1476	Black Art. Both of them tried to improve the life of the people living	1509	Black Art. Both of them tried to improve the life of the people living
1477	all around their house, and introduced the use of cats as spirit-watchers	1510	all around their house, and introduced the use of cats as spirit-watchers
1478	in Scorn. Unfortunately for them, they were burned by an angry Brestian	1511	in Scorn. Unfortunately for them, they were burned by an angry Brestian
1479	fanatical mob for “illegal use of Arcane Powers”.	1512	fanatical mob for "illegal use of Arcane Powers".
1480		1513
1481		1514
1482	=head1 Ilrya, The Mountain Huntress	1515	=head1 Ilrya, The Mountain Huntress
1483		1516
1484	Ilrya was an elven spellcaster and huntress from the underground city of	1517	Ilrya was an elven spellcaster and huntress from the underground city of
…		…
1487		1520
1488		1521
1489	=head1 Irial, The Fast One, The Shy Light	1522	=head1 Irial, The Fast One, The Shy Light
1490		1523
1491	Irial is a lesser spirit of flashlight - the light that you can see when	1524	Irial is a lesser spirit of flashlight - the light that you can see when
1492	there’s thunder, for example. It is represented as a small, jumpy and	1525	there's thunder, for example. It is represented as a small, jumpy and
1493	fast fairy with a temperamental mood.	1526	fast fairy with a temperamental mood.
1494		1527
1495		1528
1496	=head1 Khorolizov	1529	=head1 Khorolizov
1497		1530
1498	One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. “Khorolizov” means “Green	1531	One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. "Khorolizov" means "Green
1499	Gold”, which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component	1532	Gold", which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component
1500	the dwarves of Khorolizov are the only ones to produce. It is probably	1533	the dwarves of Khorolizov are the only ones to produce. It is probably
1501	the oldest of the three kingdoms, founded long before the Old Empire of	1534	the oldest of the three kingdoms, founded long before the Old Empire of
1502	Khelens reached the shores of the Continent.	1535	Khelens reached the shores of the Continent.
1503		1536
1504		1537
…		…
1512		1545
1513		1546
1514	=head1 Cromli, The Rocky One	1547	=head1 Cromli, The Rocky One
1515		1548
1516	Crolmi is the Dwarven Spirit of Rocs and Mountains. It has no temples, as	1549	Crolmi is the Dwarven Spirit of Rocs and Mountains. It has no temples, as
1517	it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like “building	1550	it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like "building
1518	with his own flesh”).	1551	with his own flesh").
1519		1552
1520		1553
1521	=head1 Glamdri, The Darkness Breaker, The Last Standing One	1554	=head1 Glamdri, The Darkness Breaker, The Last Standing One
1522		1555
1523	Glamdri is a lesser spirit of light - it is said that candlelights are	1556	Glamdri is a lesser spirit of light - it is said that candlelights are
1524	manifestations of Glamdri, for example.	1557	manifestations of Glamdri, for example.
1525		1558
1526	Glamdri doesn’t represent a magical light - more a spiritual light, the	1559	Glamdri doesn't represent a magical light - more a spiritual light, the
1527	last pinch of hope in a desperate world. Glamdri also represents original	1560	last pinch of hope in a desperate world. Glamdri also represents original
1528	thinking used to get out of difficult situations, as opposed to Sarikka -	1561	thinking used to get out of difficult situations, as opposed to Sarikka -
1529	the Raging Fire - who tries to resolve those by extreme violence.	1562	the Raging Fire - who tries to resolve those by extreme violence.
1530		1563
1531		1564
		1565	=head1 Archmage Rhyz
		1566
1532	=head1 Archmage Rhyz, (Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania)	1567	(Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania)
1533		1568
1534	Rhyz was an Archmage of the Blue School during the Old Days of the Empire.	1569	Rhyz was an Archmage of the Blue School during the Old Days of the Empire.
1535		1570
1536	“(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz	1571	"(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz
1537	focused mostly on closing the gap that existed between the art of fighting	1572	focused mostly on closing the gap that existed between the art of fighting
1538	and the Arcane. While Dhelyy Olyy believed in the dual association of the	1573	and the Arcane. While Dhelyy Olyy believed in the dual association of the
1539	Warrior and the Wizard, each with its own strength increased by a long	1574	Warrior and the Wizard, each with its own strength increased by a long
1540	specialization in their respective fields, Rhyz believed in the idea of	1575	specialization in their respective fields, Rhyz believed in the idea of
1541	a “super warriard”, a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong	1576	a "super warriard", a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong
1542	warrior. As such, he devised many items that increased the strength and	1577	warrior. As such, he devised many items that increased the strength and
1543	combat capabilities of their wearers, hoping that wizard apprentices would	1578	combat capabilities of their wearers, hoping that wizard apprentices would
1544	so be more inclined to learn the battle skills of warriors.	1579	so be more inclined to learn the battle skills of warriors.
1545		1580
1546	Unfortunately for Rhyz, most of his followers relied more and more on	1581	Unfortunately for Rhyz, most of his followers relied more and more on
1547	magical strength more than physical training, leaving them to a severe	1582	magical strength more than physical training, leaving them to a severe
1548	defeat at the Battle of Moriach, when Dhelyy used an anti-magic field over	1583	defeat at the Battle of Moriach, when Dhelyy used an anti-magic field over
1549	them.”	1584	them."
1550		1585
1551	(Quote from the Codex Simochusianus, Volume XVII)	1586	(Quote from the Codex Simochusianus, Volume XVII)
1552		1587
1553		1588
1554	=head1 Archdaemonist Xebinon	1589	=head1 Archdaemonist Xebinon
…		…
1561	drained the magical force of the wearer at the same time, making the spell	1596	drained the magical force of the wearer at the same time, making the spell
1562	regeneration more difficult. This was in fact a cursed, twisted artifact,	1597	regeneration more difficult. This was in fact a cursed, twisted artifact,
1563	created by daemons for people who were seeking short-term power, but would	1598	created by daemons for people who were seeking short-term power, but would
1564	thus head directly for long-term soul slavery.	1599	thus head directly for long-term soul slavery.
1565		1600
1566	Xebinon is sometimes called “The faceless one”, as it is said that the	1601	Xebinon is sometimes called "The faceless one", as it is said that the
1567	daemon trapped him by stealing his visage. This may explain why magical	1602	daemon trapped him by stealing his visage. This may explain why magical
1568	artifacts wearing his name are often helmets.	1603	artifacts wearing his name are often helmets.
1569		1604
1570		1605
1571	=head1 Argoth, the Fish-City of the Two Towers	1606	=head1 Argoth, the Fish-City of the Two Towers
…		…
1576	Towers, because two huge towers were built there, to guide the ships	1611	Towers, because two huge towers were built there, to guide the ships
1577	navigating on the oceans between Bigworld and Khelens.	1612	navigating on the oceans between Bigworld and Khelens.
1578		1613
1579	Argoth was a dwarven city built on one of the highest mountains known,	1614	Argoth was a dwarven city built on one of the highest mountains known,
1580	rooted in the depths of the sea, and climbing so high in the skies that	1615	rooted in the depths of the sea, and climbing so high in the skies that
1581	uneducated travelers said that it was a “stairway to the gods”. On the	1616	uneducated travelers said that it was a "stairway to the gods". On the
1582	top of the mountain, the Imperial Governors built the Two Towers, who were	1617	top of the mountain, the Imperial Governors built the Two Towers, who were
1583	visible from Scorn, about 200km far from them.	1618	visible from Scorn, about 200km far from them.
1584		1619
1585	The dwarves of Argoth had a terrible secret: in the depths of the caves	1620	The dwarves of Argoth had a terrible secret: in the depths of the caves
1586	below the mountains, they had trapped Hregalakhen, one of the last	1621	below the mountains, they had trapped Hregalakhen, one of the last
…		…
1622		1657
1623		1658
1624	=head1 Ranisha the Red, The Red Death, The One Who Commands	1659	=head1 Ranisha the Red, The Red Death, The One Who Commands
1625		1660
1626	Ranisha is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of	1661	Ranisha is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of
1627	Crossfire. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary warrior Ranisha,	1662	Deliantra. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary warrior Ranisha,
1628	who was supposed to be an invincible general that was even able to	1663	who was supposed to be an invincible general that was even able to
1629	vainquish gods themselves on the battlefield.	1664	vainquish gods themselves on the battlefield.
1630		1665
1631	In astrology, Ranisha is the symbol of violence, hatred, murder, but	1666	In astrology, Ranisha is the symbol of violence, hatred, murder, but
1632	also of strength and courage. It is associated with the fire element in	1667	also of strength and courage. It is associated with the fire element in
…		…
1635		1670
1636		1671
1637	=head1 Asferenn the Blue, The Blue Sister, The One Who Suggests	1672	=head1 Asferenn the Blue, The Blue Sister, The One Who Suggests
1638		1673
1639	Asferenn is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of	1674	Asferenn is one of the three moons orbiting around the world of
1640	Crossfire. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary wizard Asferenn,	1675	Deliantra. It is said to be the spirit of the legendary wizard Asferenn,
1641	who was said to have been able to force the gate of the divine dimension.	1676	who was said to have been able to force the gate of the divine dimension.
1642		1677
1643	In astrology, Asferenn is the symbol of wisdom, endurance in effort,	1678	In astrology, Asferenn is the symbol of wisdom, endurance in effort,
1644	diplomacy, but also treachery and dark secrets. It is associated with the	1679	diplomacy, but also treachery and dark secrets. It is associated with the
1645	water element in Alchemancy. It is said that the cycle of water creatures	1680	water element in Alchemancy. It is said that the cycle of water creatures
1646	are strongly influenced by Asferenn.	1681	are strongly influenced by Asferenn.
1647		1682
1648		1683
1649	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume I	1684	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume I
1650		1685
1651	I’ll tell you about Lorkas of Amudrias, and how he found the White Bird	1686	I'll tell you about Lorkas of Amudrias, and how he found the White Bird
1652	of Hope, and how he capitained it, opening the Gates of the Sun, and some	1687	of Hope, and how he capitained it, opening the Gates of the Sun, and some
1653	stuff like that.	1688	stuff like that.
1654		1689
1655	Some say that Lorkas was an angel of Valriel, that fell long ago from the	1690	Some say that Lorkas was an angel of Valriel, that fell long ago from the
1656	Skies, stealing a couple of highly holy artifacts, and hiding them in his	1691	Skies, stealing a couple of highly holy artifacts, and hiding them in his
…		…
1662	But, for what matters, some also said that Fido was a fiction, or that	1697	But, for what matters, some also said that Fido was a fiction, or that
1663	the Empire never was more than a dream of a past that never existed. Some	1698	the Empire never was more than a dream of a past that never existed. Some
1664	definitely are foolishly uninformed for sure, and speak more than they	1699	definitely are foolishly uninformed for sure, and speak more than they
1665	think.	1700	think.
1666		1701
1667	Because, if they were less quick on jumping to conclusions, they’d	1702	Because, if they were less quick on jumping to conclusions, they'd
1668	quickly notice how difficult it is for an angel to fall from the sky and	1703	quickly notice how difficult it is for an angel to fall from the sky and
1669	never be able to climb back, as if wild gooses were never able to take off	1704	never be able to climb back, as if wild gooses were never able to take off
1670	again once they land after their long journey to the South.	1705	again once they land after their long journey to the South.
1671		1706
1672	Anyway, as every wise man knows, Lorkas was no angelic creature of divine	1707	Anyway, as every wise man knows, Lorkas was no angelic creature of divine
1673	essence, or even a magical creation of a godly force.	1708	essence, or even a magical creation of a godly force.
1674		1709
1675	Some say that Khelens is the Beginning, first of the Cities of Men. That,	1710	Some say that Khelens is the Beginning, first of the Cities of Men. That,
1676	too, is untrue: before the Age of Khelens was the Time of the Kingdoms	1711	too, is untrue: before the Age of Khelens was the Time of the Kingdoms
1677	at War. And before them, the Era of Songor the Great. And going back	1712	at War. And before them, the Era of Songor the Great. And going back
1678	through the thick book of history, you’ll cross Arnistar of the Desert	1713	through the thick book of history, you'll cross Arnistar of the Desert
1679	Dwellers, the Republic of the Two Rivers, and the Ancient Haemdel, and the	1714	Dwellers, the Republic of the Two Rivers, and the Ancient Haemdel, and the
1680	Kingdom of the Long Wall. And before it, the forgotten towers of light	1715	Kingdom of the Long Wall. And before it, the forgotten towers of light
1681	that Horadrists built.	1716	that Horadrists built.
1682		1717
1683		1718
…		…
1688	boy that wanted to see everything, to understand the world and its stars,	1723	boy that wanted to see everything, to understand the world and its stars,
1689	and discover its limits, for it was extending much further than the mists	1724	and discover its limits, for it was extending much further than the mists
1690	of his home valley.	1725	of his home valley.
1691		1726
1692	But life was rude in Kuratas, and trying to think about anything else than	1727	But life was rude in Kuratas, and trying to think about anything else than
1693	your next harvest wasn’t well perceived by most; and, more than often,	1728	your next harvest wasn't well perceived by most; and, more than often,
1694	Lorkas dreamed with tears and despair about the Mountains with the white	1729	Lorkas dreamed with tears and despair about the Mountains with the white
1695	tops, and Seas that ended only when they touched the sky, far away.	1730	tops, and Seas that ended only when they touched the sky, far away.
1696		1731
1697	Tired of his senseless life, he left his parents, his village, his	1732	Tired of his senseless life, he left his parents, his village, his
1698	friends, when he was only 12, and for weeks walked to the West, until he	1733	friends, when he was only 12, and for weeks walked to the West, until he
…		…
1703	Kridatta, which was famous for its ships, as its inhabitants had mastered	1738	Kridatta, which was famous for its ships, as its inhabitants had mastered
1704	a powerful arcane, so that their boats roamed not only the seas, but the	1739	a powerful arcane, so that their boats roamed not only the seas, but the
1705	very clouds themselves.	1740	very clouds themselves.
1706		1741
1707	Because he was smart and quick-brained, Lorkas soon got enrolled in the	1742	Because he was smart and quick-brained, Lorkas soon got enrolled in the
1708	team of Capt’n Bortaras; and after several adventures I shall maybe tell	1743	team of Capt'n Bortaras; and after several adventures I shall maybe tell
1709	about another day, he took the succession of the old mariner.	1744	about another day, he took the succession of the old mariner.
1710		1745
1711	Horizon was the name of his ship, and famous was his crew, exploring huge	1746	Horizon was the name of his ship, and famous was his crew, exploring huge
1712	territories and fighting the Princes of Sinas, who back then tried to put	1747	territories and fighting the Princes of Sinas, who back then tried to put
1713	the whole area under their iron, greedy grasps.	1748	the whole area under their iron, greedy grasps.
…		…
1731		1766
1732	People there spoke a strange language; they were small and not unlike	1767	People there spoke a strange language; they were small and not unlike
1733	joyful foxes, and they welcomed Lorkas and his men (and women)	1768	joyful foxes, and they welcomed Lorkas and his men (and women)
1734	warmly. Soon, they learned to understand each other enough.	1769	warmly. Soon, they learned to understand each other enough.
1735		1770
1736	They called themselves “The People of the Mother”, and they had	1771	They called themselves "The People of the Mother", and they had
1737	never seen the “Flat-Eared Giants” before, although they already met	1772	never seen the "Flat-Eared Giants" before, although they already met
1738	“Flat-Eared Beards” and “Flat-Eared Greens” before.	1773	"Flat-Eared Beards" and "Flat-Eared Greens" before.
1739		1774
1740	But there was a lady called Sonja. And, although she wasn’t human, she	1775	But there was a lady called Sonja. And, although she wasn't human, she
1741	seemed brighter, smarter, more beautiful than any other woman Lorkas had	1776	seemed brighter, smarter, more beautiful than any other woman Lorkas had
1742	ever seen before.	1777	ever seen before.
1743		1778
1744	Those months were the most wonderful for him - and her - and time seemed	1779	Those months were the most wonderful for him - and her - and time seemed
1745	to have stopped for them in their endless love. But of course it hadn’t.	1780	to have stopped for them in their endless love. But of course it hadn't.
1746		1781
1747	And after a while, some of his men wanted to go back to their own homes,	1782	And after a while, some of his men wanted to go back to their own homes,
1748	and some wanted for their families to come to the Golden City. And, also,	1783	and some wanted for their families to come to the Golden City. And, also,
1749	there was the Bird.	1784	there was the Bird.
1750		1785
1751	They had no problem to find the White Bird of Hope - a statue entirely	1786	They had no problem to find the White Bird of Hope - a statue entirely
1752	made of the purest of the white marble, with gemstones of red ruby as	1787	made of the purest of the white marble, with gemstones of red ruby as
1753	eyes. But so much the inhabitants liked it, so they thought that a	1788	eyes. But so much the inhabitants liked it, so they thought that a
1754	valuable friend was much better than a valuable statue.	1789	valuable friend was much better than a valuable statue.
1755		1790
1756	And so they said: “Take the bird as a gift of us to your masters, to	1791	And so they said: "Take the bird as a gift of us to your masters, to
1757	show them we want to make friendship with them. Welcome are the friends of	1792	show them we want to make friendship with them. Welcome are the friends of
1758	the children of the White Bird.”	1793	the children of the White Bird."
1759		1794
1760	And so Lorkas left, promising Sonja that he’d soon return.	1795	And so Lorkas left, promising Sonja that he'd soon return.
1761		1796
1762	The people of the Golden City also told him that “The Bird is imbued	1797	The people of the Golden City also told him that "The Bird is imbued
1763	with powerful magic: the one owning it will always keep hope.”	1798	with powerful magic: the one owning it will always keep hope."
1764		1799
1765		1800
1766	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume IV	1801	=head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume IV
1767		1802
1768	When Lorkas came back, he and his men were welcomed as heroes. So where	1803	When Lorkas came back, he and his men were welcomed as heroes. So where
…		…
1789	Lorkas was now an old man that lived in a small house looking at the	1824	Lorkas was now an old man that lived in a small house looking at the
1790	Ocean.	1825	Ocean.
1791		1826
1792	And still, each day, he spent hours waiting, watching the line where the	1827	And still, each day, he spent hours waiting, watching the line where the
1793	sea met the sky, hoping that one day, one would sail back and tell him:	1828	sea met the sky, hoping that one day, one would sail back and tell him:
1794	“we found the Golden City !”. And always he hoped, but never received.	1829	"we found the Golden City !". And always he hoped, but never received.
1795		1830
1796	Nearly all of his companions were now dead, and the Horizon had been	1831	Nearly all of his companions were now dead, and the Horizon had been
1797	retired long ago, now slowly rotting in the bay, fading souvenir of a long	1832	retired long ago, now slowly rotting in the bay, fading souvenir of a long
1798	forgotten past.	1833	forgotten past.
1799		1834
…		…
1807	leaving from dozens of miles away, reported that an ancient ship left the	1842	leaving from dozens of miles away, reported that an ancient ship left the
1808	bay, with Lorkas sitting at the front of it, holding the Bird, as if he	1843	bay, with Lorkas sitting at the front of it, holding the Bird, as if he
1809	was sleeping.	1844	was sleeping.
1810		1845
1811	Nobody knows exactly where he went. Was he even dead? Nobody knows. But	1846	Nobody knows exactly where he went. Was he even dead? Nobody knows. But
1812	everybody kept hope that, one day, he’d reach the Golden City	1847	everybody kept hope that, one day, he'd reach the Golden City
1813	again. Lots of people tried to find the Bird after that event. They all	1848	again. Lots of people tried to find the Bird after that event. They all
1814	accused Lorkas of having “stolen” it. The story became legend. The	1849	accused Lorkas of having "stolen" it. The story became legend. The
1815	legend became fairy tale. And the fairy tale got forgotten by most.	1850	legend became fairy tale. And the fairy tale got forgotten by most.
1816		1851
1817	Yet, Centuries ago, deep in the oldest parts of the Old City of Scorn,	1852	Yet, Centuries ago, deep in the oldest parts of the Old City of Scorn,
1818	people claimed to have found an ancient mausoleum, a relic of the	1853	people claimed to have found an ancient mausoleum, a relic of the
1819	past. All made of the purest, finest gold. On the walls were engraved a	1854	past. All made of the purest, finest gold. On the walls were engraved a
1820	man at the wheel of a strange ship, and a woman with pointy ears, watching	1855	man at the wheel of a strange ship, and a woman with pointy ears, watching
1821	the skies. And many nowadays keep the Hope that the White Bird now sleeps	1856	the skies. And many nowadays keep the Hope that the White Bird now sleeps
1822	down below the streets, having found its way back to home with Lorkas.	1857	down below the streets, having found its way back to home with Lorkas.
1823		1858
1824	But who could tell if it is the truth, or only a silly story? Who	1859	But who could tell if it is the truth, or only a silly story? Who
1825	knows? As for myself, I don’t care: I just hold hope it is. And so ends	1860	knows? As for myself, I don't care: I just hold hope it is. And so ends
1826	the Story of Lorkas, and so keeps Hope running.	1861	the Story of Lorkas, and so keeps Hope running.
1827		1862
1828		1863
1829	=head1 The Prison of Madness	1864	=head1 The Prison of Madness
1830		1865
…		…
1838	in it, seen many of its wonders and returned.	1873	in it, seen many of its wonders and returned.
1839		1874
1840	He also wrote a book that details all the ways and passages, alas, nobody	1875	He also wrote a book that details all the ways and passages, alas, nobody
1841	could decipher it yet:	1876	could decipher it yet:
1842		1877
1843	gb2trg2gb2gur2rkvg:	1878	gb2trg2gb2gur2rkvg:
1844	2jnaqre2nebhaq2hagvy2lbh2ybpngr2n2znc2aN,	1879	2jnaqre2nebhaq2hagvy2lbh2ybpngr2n2znc2aN,
1845	2vg2vf2ba2gur2obggbz2ragenapr2bs2n2znc.	1880	2vg2vf2ba2gur2obggbz2ragenapr2bs2n2znc.
1846	2bapr2gung2vf2ybpngrq2tb2evtug,	1881	2bapr2gung2vf2ybpngrq2tb2evtug,
1847	2hc,	1882	2hc,
1848	2evtug,	1883	2evtug,
1849	2evtug,	1884	2evtug,
1850	2evtug,	1885	2evtug,
1851	2evtug,	1886	2evtug,
1852	2evtug,	1887	2evtug,
1853	2lbh2jvyy2or2ng2gur2rkvg.	1888	2lbh2jvyy2or2ng2gur2rkvg.
1854	2gb2trg2gb2gur2inhyg:	1889	2gb2trg2gb2gur2inhyg:
1855	2jnaqre2ebhaq2hagvy2lbh2trg2gb2znc2aN1,	1890	2jnaqre2ebhaq2hagvy2lbh2trg2gb2znc2aN1,
1856	vg2vf2gb2gur2evtug2bs2n2abezny2znc.	1891	vg2vf2gb2gur2evtug2bs2n2abezny2znc.
1857	2tb2hc,	1892	2tb2hc,
1858	2yrsg,	1893	2yrsg,
1859	2hc,	1894	2hc,
1860	2yrsg,	1895	2yrsg,
1861	2qbja,	1896	2qbja,
1862	2qbja,	1897	2qbja,
1863	2evtug,	1898	2evtug,
1864	2qbja,	1899	2qbja,
1865	2qbja,	1900	2qbja,
1866	2qbja.2Lbh2jvyy2or2va2gur2unyy,	1901	2qbja.2Lbh2jvyy2or2va2gur2unyy,
1867	2tb2guebhtu2naq2gb2gur2yrsg2gb2ernpu2gur2inhyg.	1902	2tb2guebhtu2naq2gb2gur2yrsg2gb2ernpu2gur2inhyg.
1868		1903
1869		1904
		1905	=head1 Order of the Gravestone
1870		1906
		1907	An ancient order of druids, that venerated the supposed gravestone of
		1908	the Spirit of Khalbow. The Spirit was supposed to be a symbol of eternal
		1909	renewal and redemption, that lived a regular, short-term dead/revival
		1910	cycle. The Order of the Gravestone was very popular during the first
		1911	Millenia EK, but then went extinct. No druid is known to exist today, and
		1912	the exact location of the gravestone has long been forgotten.
		1913
		1914
		1915	=head1 Rule of Dictus
		1916
		1917	If you get killed twice at the same place - go elsewhere.
		1918
		1919	- Dictus the Fat, EK 323
		1920
		1921
		1922	=head1 Heaven and Hell
		1923
		1924	It is said that the church of Valriel in Scorn has direct access to
		1925	Heaven. The priests of Valriel claim that you can enter Heaven freely, and
		1926	even come back to the world of mortals. The priests of Gorokh claim that
		1927	their church has a connection to Hell. The Valriel priests claim they were
		1928	first, and, in their usual attitude, the Gorokh priests claim the priests
		1929	of Valriel are useless maggots that lie to their followers.
		1930
		1931	Although a number of people have travelled to both Heaven and Hell, their
		1932	reports are inconclusive as to wether it was real "Hell" (or Heaven) they
		1933	visited.
		1934
		1935	Some people claim this Heaven and Hell business is just some magic
		1936	illusion forged by some magicians of those churches, mostly because you
		1937	can still die in Heaven, Hell doesn't look all that impressive (and it
		1938	is so easy to come back), and why would only the churches in Scorn have
		1939	access to those in the first place?
		1940
		1941
		1942	=head1 Barad-Dur
		1943
		1944	In the mountains north-east of the great city we found it at last -- the
		1945	hidden fortress of Barad-Dur. What treasures could lie in it I do not know
		1946	for our party never gained its way past the entryway. Skulls, pixies, and
		1947	a horrible creature I hesitate to name decimated my friends and I.
		1948
		1949
		1950	=head1 A visit to the Alchemist
		1951
		1952	...and then did the Alchemist agree to make me my potion. First he
		1953	called to his grimm servants who hauld forth a great iron cauldron. Into
		1954	this black device did he deposit his ingredients and, opening his spell
		1955	book for reference, then did he cast his spell of alchemy therepon the
		1956	cauldron.
		1957
		1958	Greatly did the tub shake and move! I thought that the Alchemist had broke
		1959	his device, but he chuckled at my ignorance. Into the cauldron did he
		1960	reach an brought forth a filled bottle of golden amber fluid...
		1961
		1962
		1963	=head1 The Philosophical Ingredients
		1964
		1965	Know that there are 4 principle philosophical ingredients. In order, they
		1966	are:
		1967
		1968	- philosophical salt
		1969	- philosophical sulphur
		1970	- philosophical phosphorus
		1971	- philosophical oil
		1972
		1973	The great alchemist has often said that all living things are made of
		1974	these ingredients. Proper combination of these with other base objects can
		1975	often create potions of power and might.
		1976
		1977
		1978	=head1 Collection of Strange Glyphs
		1979
		1980	Many years ago, I got my hands on a book with many strange glyphs, from
		1981	a book-dealer in Darcap. Interested in all kinds of arcance Symbols, I
		1982	bought it despite the rather high price, for the depicted glyphs looked
		1983	intricately detailed and seemed to emanate some deeper meaning.
		1984
		1985	The only thing the shop keeper could tell me about the book was that it
		1986	was supposed to be a "talansuration book" or something like that, and no,
		1987	he didn't know what that means.
		1988
		1989	I was unable to find out more about this cult of Talansura, despite
		1990	traveling all over the world for many years.
		1991
		1992	Since my copy of the book is now in a very bad condition, I decided to
		1993	make a clean copy and publish it, so this knowledge is not lost forever.
		1994
		1995	B<- Samuel Midnight, Book Collector and Traveller, Scorn>
		1996
		1997	T<トランスレーション 著書>
		1998
		1999	悪鬼 akki demon, devil
		2000	悪魔 akuma demon, evil spirit
		2001	アパート apa-to apartment
		2002	東 azuma east
		2003	貯金箱 chokinbako bank
		2004	著書 chosho book
		2005	貯蔵 chozou storage
		2006	付き dzuki to, under
		2007	ギリ神 girisin Ruggili
		2008	護衛 goei guard
		2009	本塁 honrui stronghold
		2010	一堂 ichidou shrine
		2011	溢流 itsuryuu spill, overflow
		2012	一定不変 itteifuhen permanent
		2013	鍵 kagi key
		2014	京洛 keiraku capital
		2015	血液 ketsueki blood
		2016	寛ぎ kutsurogi room
		2017	メゾン mezon house
		2018	町 machi town
		2019	港 minato harbour
		2020	店 mise shop
		2021	渚 nagisa shore, water's edge
		2022	燃焼 nenshou burning
		2023	の no (glue two words together)
		2024	鬼 oni demon, orge
		2025	乱暴 ranbou rough
		2026	力 ryoku power, strength
		2027	センタ senta center
		2028	市場 shijou market
		2029	商業組合 shougyoukumiai guild
		2030	商法 shouhou trade, commerce
		2031	住居 sumai house
		2032	スノー suno- snow
		2033	建物 tatemono building
		2034	卓子 teiburu table
		2035	トランスレーション toransure-shon translation
		2036	ウエルカム uerukamu welcome
		2037	ウインド uindo wind
		2038	山 yama mountain
		2039	要素 youso element
		2040	ザ za the
		2041	座席 zaseki seat
		2042
		2043
		2044	=head1 The Spectre Mountain
		2045
		2046	When you travel borth from Scorn to Euthville, and then the same distance
		2047	to the west, you will arrive at the Spectre Mountain.
		2048
		2049	It is thought that it got it's name from wandering spectres that were
		2050	often seen in this area, although the exact origin of the name cannot be
		2051	reconstructed for sure today.
		2052
		2053	Even in ancient times this area was known for the rich veins of the
		2054	spectrolite mineral that you can find there - in fact, the mineral
		2055	actually got it's name from the mountain.
		2056
		2057	While it is a well-known area today, it was not till Hanur Sknorson's
		2058	travels in EK 8333 that it became generally known that the Spectre
		2059	Mountain is actually an enourmous ring-shaped mountain, only at one side
		2060	is it disturbed by a river.
		2061
		2062	To mine the mineral you should find a cave and go deep down, as the
		2063	mountains have been mined extensively.
		2064
		2065
		2066	=head1 The Mineral Brazilianite
		2067
		2068	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Brazilianite.
		2069
		2070	It has a rough texture and is of pale yellowish-white colour and a biting
		2071	smell.
		2072
		2073	Nobody knows for sure who named it like this, but since no natural sources
		2074	of it have been found it is rumored that it came from a far-away country.
		2075
		2076	The value of Brazialinite lies in its stored magical energy. Weapons and
		2077	other items imbued with its energy improve the wielder's dexterity.
		2078
		2079	It can often be found in old and thinned-out, rough walls.
		2080
		2081	=head1 The Mineral Dolomite
		2082
		2083	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Dolomite.
		2084
		2085	It is sharp-edged and is of dark green colour.
		2086
		2087	The name is thought to come from the archaic Do-l'os - "he who continues".
		2088
		2089	The value of Dolomite lies in its stored magical energy. Weapons and
		2090	other items imbued with its energy improve the wielder's stamina and
		2091	constitution.
		2092
		2093	It can often be found in the rock of very high mountains.
		2094
		2095	=head1 The Mineral Flourite
		2096
		2097	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Flourite.
		2098
		2099	It has a porous texture and is of bright green colour, almost as if glowing.
		2100
		2101	The name is thought to come from the archaic Flu-l'dos - "he who inflicts
		2102	pain", as it is often used to improve weapons.
		2103
		2104	The value of Flourite lies in its stored magical energy. Weapons and other
		2105	items imbued with its energy improve the wielder's strength.
		2106
		2107	It's only known natural sources can be found on the so called "Three
		2108	sisters Island" between the Scorn and Navar continents.
		2109
		2110	=head1 The Mineral Marcasite
		2111
		2112	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Marcasite.
		2113
		2114	It has rough rock-like texture and is of greyish colour.
		2115
		2116	It was named after the great philosopher Marcas, who, today almost
		2117	unknown, was widely known during his lifetime. Only considerable time
		2118	after his death was it found out that all his wisdom came from one of his
		2119	rings made of Marcasite. While this didn't diminish his great words, it
		2120	did diminish his fame.
		2121
		2122	The value of Marcasite lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued with
		2123	its energy improve the wearer's wisdom.
		2124
		2125	The best known source for this mineral can be found in the Church of
		2126	Gorokh in Scorn, very deep down in their so-called "Hell", which they
		2127	apparently think to be a nice place to be in.
		2128
		2129	=head1 The Mineral Olivine
		2130
		2131	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Olivine.
		2132
		2133	It consists of two different, green and dark-green globule materials.
		2134
		2135	It was named by empress Olo of Orn in or around EK 8317, who couldn't
		2136	satiate her lust for this mineral, and almost caused an economic disaster
		2137	because she spend all her money on it instead of more important things,
		2138	and somehow nobody managed to convince her otherwise.
		2139
		2140	The value of Olivine lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued with
		2141	its energy improve the wearer's charisma.
		2142
		2143	The best known source for this mineral can be found in the Church of
		2144	Valriel in Scorn, apparently very high up in their so-called "Heaven".
		2145
		2146	=head1 The Mineral Phlogopite
		2147
		2148	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Phlogopite.
		2149
		2150	It looks like a dark brown rock, not unlike the colour of excrements (but
		2151	of course with a more rock-like texture).
		2152
		2153	Since the mineral is so worthless but yet so common, miners often say "Oh
		2154	Flog!" when they get Phlogopite instead something more valuable. It was
		2155	named after the minor goddess of Flog, one of the beings that miners often
		2156	pray to, to ensure (as they think) their survival. Apparently she does not
		2157	care much about her name being used as an obvious invective...
		2158
		2159	The biggest value of Phlogopite lies in its beauty, in which it is
		2160	considerably lacking, so it isn't worth all that much. At least it can be
		2161	somewhat useful to miners, as the presence of Phlogopite often hints at
		2162	the presence of other, more useful, minerals.
		2163
		2164	It can be found in rock almost anywhere.
		2165
		2166	=head1 The Mineral Rhodochrosite
		2167
		2168	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Rhodochrosite.
		2169
		2170	It easily crumbles in your hand and has a pinkish colour.
		2171
		2172	Nothing is known about the origin of its name (which is very pretty, I
		2173	tell you).
		2174
		2175	The value of Rhodochrosite lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued
		2176	with its energy improve the wearer's magical powers, which makes it very
		2177	valuable to all kinds of practitioners of the arts.
		2178
		2179	It is best found in Valleynoy, which has a mining guild specialised on
		2180	Rhodochrosite.
		2181
		2182	=head1 The Mineral Spectrolite
		2183
		2184	Herein will you find useful facts about the mineral Spectrolite.
		2185
		2186	It has a very smooth texture, and has a slightly transparent yellowish
		2187	colour with dark corners.
		2188
		2189	It is named after the only place where it can be found naturally, the
		2190	Spectre mountain ring. Having been mined for centuries, however, it can
		2191	now only be found in mindes deep under ground, however.
		2192
		2193	The value of Spectrolite lies in its stored magical energy. Items imbued
		2194	with its energy improve the wearer's brightness, making him or her
		2195	more intelligent, which makes it especially valuable to all kinds of
		2196	practitioners of the arts.
		2197
		2198	The Spectre mountain ring is, surprisingly, a ring-mountain north of
		2199	Scorn.
		2200
		2201	=head1 The Gravedigger
		2202
		2203	All around the world adventurers, wizards, explorers and warriors are killed
		2204	by the dangers they are exposed to. And while they are riddling with the Gods
		2205	in Nimbus the world has one more gravestone that needs to be take care of.
		2206
		2207	You might wonder: Who takes care of them? Why are they disappearing?
		2208
		2209	The gravedigger family takes care of them! The long line of gravediggers have
		2210	devoted themselves to look after the remains people leave.
		2211
		2212	Of course you can help the gravedigger to do his work. You can sell him your
		2213	gravestones or the gravestones of others. He will pay you well for your
		2214	troubles.
		2215
		2216	You can find the gravedigger in the south of the city of Navar.
		2217
		2218	The amount the gravedigger pays you depends on the fame the dead
		2219	adventurer has gained and also partially on the inscription on the
		2220	gravestone.
		2221
		2222	Even for the most unexperienced adventurer's gravestone you will receive
		2223	at least 10 gold. High level adventurer's gravestones will pay even
		2224	better, you can get up to 37 platinum for your efforts!
		2225
		2226	But be warned, gravestones by those who killed themselves by suicide are
		2227	not welcome!
		2228
		2229	=head1 Alan's Secret
		2230
		2231	i can kill the undead easy
		2232
		2233	well i can manage them
		2234
		2235	ok
		2236
		2237	i run away
		2238
		2239

Diff Legend

–	Removed lines
+	Added lines
<	Changed lines
>	Changed lines