| … | |
… | |
| 3 | =begin comment |
3 | =begin comment |
| 4 | |
4 | |
| 5 | This is the source for some of the books in crossfire, at least, it should become one. |
5 | This is the source for some of the books in crossfire, at least, it should become one. |
| 6 | |
6 | |
| 7 | Authors: |
7 | Authors: |
|
|
8 | |
| 8 | Gorlin <gorlin@freibier.htu.tuwien.ac.at> |
9 | Gorlin <gorlin@freibier.htu.tuwien.ac.at> |
| 9 | Mark Wedel <mwedel@scruznet.com> |
10 | Mark Wedel <mwedel@scruznet.com> |
| 10 | Marc Lehmann <crossfire@schmorp.de> |
11 | Marc Lehmann <crossfire@schmorp.de> |
| 11 | The Crossfire Wiki |
12 | Lalo Martins <lalo.martins@gmail.com> |
|
|
13 | Yann Chachkoff <yann.chachkoff@mailandnews.com> |
|
|
14 | Gros |
|
|
15 | |
|
|
16 | many stories taken from unknown authors at The Crossfire Wiki |
|
|
17 | http://wiki.metalforge.net/ |
| 12 | |
18 | |
| 13 | Each =head1 should become its own book. |
19 | Each =head1 should become its own book. |
| 14 | |
20 | |
| 15 | =end comment |
21 | =end comment |
| 16 | |
22 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 292 | |
298 | |
| 293 | =head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis. |
299 | =head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis. |
| 294 | |
300 | |
| 295 | =head2 Volume VI: Sixth Millenia EK |
301 | =head2 Volume VI: Sixth Millenia EK |
| 296 | |
302 | |
| 297 | 5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as “The Weather Madness”. |
303 | 5524 EK: The Meteomage Grab of Ledh fails an experiment, making the weather mad for a while, an event remembered as "The Weather Madness". |
| 298 | |
304 | |
| 299 | Late LVIth Century EK: The Great Schism between the Simplifists led by Mish the Toon and the Stabilists: The Sedition Wars. |
305 | Late LVIth Century EK: The Great Schism between the Simplifists led by Mish the Toon and the Stabilists: The Sedition Wars. |
| 300 | |
306 | |
| 301 | 5581 EK: Battle of the Glowing Crystal: the Order of the Careful Coders is disbanded. |
307 | 5581 EK: Battle of the Glowing Crystal: the Order of the Careful Coders is disbanded. |
| 302 | |
308 | |
| 303 | 5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, “The World With a Future”, in Ancient Daigojij Language. |
309 | 5598 EK: The Simplifists exile themselves into the Pocket Dimension of Daï-Moh-Nî, "The World With a Future", in Ancient Daigojij Language. |
| 304 | |
310 | |
| 305 | =head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis. |
311 | =head1 Recent Historic Events, by Khalis. |
| 306 | |
312 | |
| 307 | =head2 Volume VII: Seventh Millenia EK |
313 | =head2 Volume VII: Seventh Millenia EK |
| 308 | |
314 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 353 | The Codex Skudensis tells that Euthville was founded by the Euthanasia the |
359 | The Codex Skudensis tells that Euthville was founded by the Euthanasia the |
| 354 | Builder, hence its name. |
360 | Builder, hence its name. |
| 355 | |
361 | |
| 356 | =head2 Past and Destruction |
362 | =head2 Past and Destruction |
| 357 | |
363 | |
| 358 | Ah, Euthville - “City of the Pearl”, in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a |
364 | Ah, Euthville - "City of the Pearl", in Old Hemdalite, has indeed a |
| 359 | rather sad story!! |
365 | rather sad story!! |
| 360 | |
366 | |
| 361 | If you went there about half a millenia ago, you’d have seen something |
367 | If you went there about half a millenia ago, you’d have seen something |
| 362 | very different than the field of haunted ruins it has since become. It |
368 | very different than the field of haunted ruins it has since become. It |
| 363 | was initially founded by a handful of industrious, clever dwarves, that |
369 | was initially founded by a handful of industrious, clever dwarves, that |
| … | |
… | |
| 398 | young, but the story didn’t kept the record of his name, and some now |
404 | young, but the story didn’t kept the record of his name, and some now |
| 399 | think it is because he was damned. Who knows? The Boy sat in the middle |
405 | think it is because he was damned. Who knows? The Boy sat in the middle |
| 400 | of the city, playing with his flute, laughing whenever he saw one of the |
406 | of the city, playing with his flute, laughing whenever he saw one of the |
| 401 | demonstrations the powerful wizards and engineers failing again and again. |
407 | demonstrations the powerful wizards and engineers failing again and again. |
| 402 | |
408 | |
| 403 | After several days, the Commander noticed the Boy, and said: “who |
409 | After several days, the Commander noticed the Boy, and said: "who |
| 404 | are you to laugh, you, who has only a flute ?” “I have only a |
410 | are you to laugh, you, who has only a flute ?" "I have only a |
| 405 | flute for sure - but there’s more in my simple pipe than in those |
411 | flute for sure - but there’s more in my simple pipe than in those |
| 406 | legions of wizards.” “Really ?” said the Commander, half-laughing, |
412 | legions of wizards." "Really ?" said the Commander, half-laughing, |
| 407 | half-curious, “so you think you can solve my challenge ?” |
413 | half-curious, "so you think you can solve my challenge ?" |
| 408 | |
414 | |
| 409 | The Boy smiled. “Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be |
415 | The Boy smiled. "Not only I can, but I shall - and my price will be |
| 410 | quite acceptable to give you the energy you need.” “And that would |
416 | quite acceptable to give you the energy you need." "And that would |
| 411 | be...?” - “A new pipe.” came the reply “That one is becoming |
417 | be...?" - "A new pipe." came the reply "That one is becoming |
| 412 | old.” “Agree, you have your chance.” |
418 | old." "Agree, you have your chance." |
| 413 | |
419 | |
| 414 | The Boy then started to play an amused melody. It sounded like an |
420 | The Boy then started to play an amused melody. It sounded like an |
| 415 | invitation to a great feast, the opening of a meeting where everybody was |
421 | invitation to a great feast, the opening of a meeting where everybody was |
| 416 | invited. And then came from earth itself sounds of steps, climbing from |
422 | invited. And then came from earth itself sounds of steps, climbing from |
| 417 | the depth. The fountain that stood in the middle of the place crumbled, |
423 | the depth. The fountain that stood in the middle of the place crumbled, |
| 418 | leaving a great hole from which flames emerged. But the fire seemed to |
424 | leaving a great hole from which flames emerged. But the fire seemed to |
| 419 | dance at the rythm of the music itself. |
425 | dance at the rythm of the music itself. |
| 420 | |
426 | |
| 421 | The Boy then said to the Commander: “As long as you keep playing for |
427 | The Boy then said to the Commander: "As long as you keep playing for |
| 422 | the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you’ll get them to make |
428 | the Demons there, at least 23 hours each day, you’ll get them to make |
| 423 | whatever you need.” And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver |
429 | whatever you need." And he gave them the score, took a brand new silver |
| 424 | flute, and left, and never was seen again at Euthville. |
430 | flute, and left, and never was seen again at Euthville. |
| 425 | |
431 | |
| 426 | At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn’t believe his |
432 | At first, things seemed fine, and the Commander couldn’t believe his |
| 427 | luck, as a pipe was a feeble price to pay for such a powerful recipe of |
433 | luck, as a pipe was a feeble price to pay for such a powerful recipe of |
| 428 | prosperity. Who wouldn’t want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly, |
434 | prosperity. Who wouldn’t want to tame the Demons themselves? Quickly, |
| … | |
… | |
| 480 | The Sannista is a legendary flying boat that was powered by the reaction |
486 | The Sannista is a legendary flying boat that was powered by the reaction |
| 481 | of a fire and a water elemental. It was built by the tenth Commander of |
487 | of a fire and a water elemental. It was built by the tenth Commander of |
| 482 | Euthville, Farkennis, as a gift for the 18th Birthday of his daughter, |
488 | Euthville, Farkennis, as a gift for the 18th Birthday of his daughter, |
| 483 | Sannista. That’s the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from |
489 | Sannista. That’s the boat that was stolen by Fax when he fled from |
| 484 | Euthville, and that he used to get to Khelens. Giusitta the Verbous then |
490 | Euthville, and that he used to get to Khelens. Giusitta the Verbous then |
| 485 | sailed it back to the Continent, and hid it “somewhere in the mountains |
491 | sailed it back to the Continent, and hid it "somewhere in the mountains |
| 486 | of Euth”. |
492 | of Euth". |
| 487 | |
493 | |
| 488 | So I *guess* she would have put it there, although I’m not *sure*. Many |
494 | So I *guess* she would have put it there, although I’m not *sure*. Many |
| 489 | people thought the story was speaking about the mountains just east of the |
495 | people thought the story was speaking about the mountains just east of the |
| 490 | ruined city, but now that I’ve discovered those two caves, I’d rather |
496 | ruined city, but now that I’ve discovered those two caves, I’d rather |
| 491 | bet on them - it seems more logical. |
497 | bet on them - it seems more logical. |
| … | |
… | |
| 495 | |
501 | |
| 496 | I, Forag the little-known, have invested my lifetime into exploring |
502 | I, Forag the little-known, have invested my lifetime into exploring |
| 497 | the various names of this, our World. In this tome I wrote down all my |
503 | the various names of this, our World. In this tome I wrote down all my |
| 498 | knowledge. Be careful with it, else it might overwhelm you, as it did me! |
504 | knowledge. Be careful with it, else it might overwhelm you, as it did me! |
| 499 | |
505 | |
| 500 | In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named “The Earth”, |
506 | In Khelens and most of its territories, it was named "The Earth", |
| 501 | while the major western landmass was called “The Continent” while the |
507 | while the major western landmass was called "The Continent" while the |
| 502 | eastern landmass was called "the Wilderness". |
508 | eastern landmass was called "the Wilderness". |
| 503 | |
509 | |
| 504 | Fendrakis used “Raxida”, which is also the name they gave to the Fox |
510 | Fendrakis used "Raxida", which is also the name they gave to the Fox |
| 505 | Lady, Mother of All Things, deity. |
511 | Lady, Mother of All Things, deity. |
| 506 | |
512 | |
| 507 | Elves traditionally use “Eänella”, which translates as “The Land of |
513 | Elves traditionally use "Eänella", which translates as "The Land of |
| 508 | Green” |
514 | Green" |
| 509 | |
515 | |
| 510 | Dwarves of Khorolizov use “Herdankaupf”, “Country of the Horses”, |
516 | Dwarves of Khorolizov use "Herdankaupf", "Country of the Horses", |
| 511 | which is a reference to their mythology (see the legend of the Twelve Days |
517 | which is a reference to their mythology (see the legend of the Twelve Days |
| 512 | for that) |
518 | for that) |
| 513 | |
519 | |
| 514 | The Orcish name is “Knâgsh-Ishzeh”, “Rotten Branch” |
520 | The Orcish name is "Knâgsh-Ishzeh", "Rotten Branch" |
| 515 | |
521 | |
| 516 | The people of the Old Wall, used the name “Harinappa”, “Bottom of |
522 | The people of the Old Wall, used the name "Harinappa", "Bottom of |
| 517 | the Pit”, to designate the world. |
523 | the Pit", to designate the world. |
| 518 | |
524 | |
| 519 | Most people nowadays use the old Khelenti name ("The Earth") or its direct |
525 | Most people nowadays use the old Khelenti name ("The Earth") or its direct |
| 520 | translation in local languages/idioms. |
526 | translation in local languages/idioms. |
| 521 | |
527 | |
| 522 | |
528 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 559 | kingdom. |
565 | kingdom. |
| 560 | |
566 | |
| 561 | |
567 | |
| 562 | =head1 History of Lake Country |
568 | =head1 History of Lake Country |
| 563 | |
569 | |
| 564 | Lake Country originaly was where the elves who where exiled from the north |
570 | Lake Country originally was where the elves who where exiled from the north |
| 565 | by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They named the area |
571 | by the kings of Scorn, during the Vth millenia EK. They named the area |
| 566 | Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was Tashkeren-tah. It was |
572 | Vkovzerov. The major elven city of Vkovzerov was Tashkeren-tah. It was |
| 567 | destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK. |
573 | destroyed by a Water arch-elemental in 4453EK. |
| 568 | |
574 | |
| 569 | |
575 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 743 | to live by themselves and became known as gnomes. |
749 | to live by themselves and became known as gnomes. |
| 744 | |
750 | |
| 745 | On the Third world, of course, none of the resident Gods wanted to |
751 | On the Third world, of course, none of the resident Gods wanted to |
| 746 | cooperate with the other. Both created their own races: the God who fought |
752 | cooperate with the other. Both created their own races: the God who fought |
| 747 | for darkness created many kinds of fierce, brutal monsters he named |
753 | for darkness created many kinds of fierce, brutal monsters he named |
| 748 | “Demons”, while the God who fought for light created many kinds of |
754 | "Demons", while the God who fought for light created many kinds of |
| 749 | skillful, swift warriors he named “Angels”. Befittingly, these Gods |
755 | skillful, swift warriors he named "Angels". Befittingly, these Gods |
| 750 | were named by their enemies, and not their followers: the demons gave the |
756 | were named by their enemies, and not their followers: the demons gave the |
| 751 | light god the name of “Valriel“, and the angels gave their enemy god |
757 | light god the name of "Valriel", and the angels gave their enemy god |
| 752 | the name “Gorokh“. |
758 | the name "Gorokh". |
| 753 | |
759 | |
| 754 | And on the Fourth world, the patron Gods kept true to their philosophy |
760 | And on the Fourth world, the patron Gods kept true to their philosophy |
| 755 | and created not one, but innumerable races, in the hope that one of these |
761 | and created not one, but innumerable races, in the hope that one of these |
| 756 | would prove the strongest and most worth. So they created goblins, trolls, |
762 | would prove the strongest and most worth. So they created goblins, trolls, |
| 757 | ogres, and not least, dragons. The Gods became known as Gnarg, the Patron |
763 | ogres, and not least, dragons. The Gods became known as Gnarg, the Patron |
| … | |
… | |
| 872 | wise, so that Valriel would hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the |
878 | wise, so that Valriel would hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the |
| 873 | wise counsel of the Shadow and created a world full of living things to be |
879 | wise counsel of the Shadow and created a world full of living things to be |
| 874 | His new companions and servants. |
880 | His new companions and servants. |
| 875 | |
881 | |
| 876 | And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh |
882 | And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh |
| 877 | said, “so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own |
883 | said, "so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own |
| 878 | companions and servants”. And this made Valriel unhappy because He was |
884 | companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because He was |
| 879 | the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn’t recognize that, and so it |
885 | the only and true Lord, but Gorokh wouldn’t recognize that, and so it |
| 880 | was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of |
886 | was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over other men instead of |
| 881 | paying respect to the one true ruler of all. |
887 | paying respect to the one true ruler of all. |
| 882 | |
888 | |
| 883 | So did Valriel upon the departure of his first servant, create new |
889 | So did Valriel upon the departure of his first servant, create new |
| … | |
… | |
| 994 | Valriel would always hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise |
1000 | Valriel would always hear them. So it was that Valriel followed the wise |
| 995 | counsel of the Fire and created a world full of living things to be their |
1001 | counsel of the Fire and created a world full of living things to be their |
| 996 | new companions and servants. |
1002 | new companions and servants. |
| 997 | |
1003 | |
| 998 | And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh |
1004 | And as soon as Valriel had millions of new companions and servants, Gorokh |
| 999 | said, “so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own |
1005 | said, "so now you won’t need me anymore, I can leave and find my own |
| 1000 | companions and servants”. And this made Valriel unhappy because he |
1006 | companions and servants". And this made Valriel unhappy because he |
| 1001 | believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn’t agree |
1007 | believed he should be only and true Lord, but Gorokh couldn’t agree |
| 1002 | to that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over |
1008 | to that, and so it was Gorokh who eventually taught men to rule over |
| 1003 | themselves instead of paying respect to one self-appointed ruler of all. |
1009 | themselves instead of paying respect to one self-appointed ruler of all. |
| 1004 | |
1010 | |
| 1005 | So did Valriel, while Gorokh was away exploring the wonders of the new |
1011 | So did Valriel, while Gorokh was away exploring the wonders of the new |
| … | |
… | |
| 1056 | |
1062 | |
| 1057 | And upon seeing the dragons, Valriel declared war and set his servants |
1063 | And upon seeing the dragons, Valriel declared war and set his servants |
| 1058 | upon the task of killing all the most valuables of Gorokh they could |
1064 | upon the task of killing all the most valuables of Gorokh they could |
| 1059 | find. Gorokh was consumed with sorrow, and devised a way to spare these |
1065 | find. Gorokh was consumed with sorrow, and devised a way to spare these |
| 1060 | faithful servants, by allowing them to raise again from the grave even |
1066 | faithful servants, by allowing them to raise again from the grave even |
| 1061 | after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these “un-dead” |
1067 | after their deaths. But the servants of Valriel found these "un-dead" |
| 1062 | an even greater abomination, and set forth to hunt them, and Valriel |
1068 | an even greater abomination, and set forth to hunt them, and Valriel |
| 1063 | delighted in the war and carnage that ensued. |
1069 | delighted in the war and carnage that ensued. |
| 1064 | |
1070 | |
| 1065 | So did Gorokh, his fire dim with sorrow, decide to create a whole world |
1071 | So did Gorokh, his fire dim with sorrow, decide to create a whole world |
| 1066 | for him and his faithful. And this world he called Hell. But when he was |
1072 | for him and his faithful. And this world he called Hell. But when he was |
| … | |
… | |
| 1098 | |
1104 | |
| 1099 | He spent ages of time-that-was-not-time exploring, learning the nature |
1105 | He spent ages of time-that-was-not-time exploring, learning the nature |
| 1100 | of Ore and Forge and himself. Till he decided it was time to start |
1106 | of Ore and Forge and himself. Till he decided it was time to start |
| 1101 | forging. And then, first of all, he forged time, so that he could separate |
1107 | forging. And then, first of all, he forged time, so that he could separate |
| 1102 | after from before, and so that he could exist absolutely - as opposed to, |
1108 | after from before, and so that he could exist absolutely - as opposed to, |
| 1103 | at the same “time”, existing and not being created yet, which was the |
1109 | at the same "time", existing and not being created yet, which was the |
| 1104 | case if time didn’t exist. |
1110 | case if time didn’t exist. |
| 1105 | |
1111 | |
| 1106 | Then, with things in order, he began forging things. The first thing he |
1112 | Then, with things in order, he began forging things. The first thing he |
| 1107 | forged was his armor, because he liked the touch of metal against his |
1113 | forged was his armor, because he liked the touch of metal against his |
| 1108 | body. Then he forged beer, because of course, beer is essential. He forged |
1114 | body. Then he forged beer, because of course, beer is essential. He forged |
| … | |
… | |
| 1208 | |
1214 | |
| 1209 | Recent researches show that, although he greatly contributed to the |
1215 | Recent researches show that, although he greatly contributed to the |
| 1210 | popularity of the city, Skud didn’t found it: it was in fact created |
1216 | popularity of the city, Skud didn’t found it: it was in fact created |
| 1211 | by Tabb the Dark, a Builder that left very little information about him |
1217 | by Tabb the Dark, a Builder that left very little information about him |
| 1212 | behind. According to the Codex Skudensis that was discovered in the depths |
1218 | behind. According to the Codex Skudensis that was discovered in the depths |
| 1213 | of the Old City, “Scorn” would have been the real name of Tabb the |
1219 | of the Old City, "Scorn" would have been the real name of Tabb the |
| 1214 | Dark. |
1220 | Dark. |
| 1215 | |
1221 | |
| 1216 | |
1222 | |
| 1217 | =head1 The Coming of Color |
1223 | =head1 The Coming of Color |
| 1218 | |
1224 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 1300 | This story begins nearly four thousand years ago, when Kadriosa IV, King |
1306 | This story begins nearly four thousand years ago, when Kadriosa IV, King |
| 1301 | of Scorn, invaded the southern territories and pushed back the elven |
1307 | of Scorn, invaded the southern territories and pushed back the elven |
| 1302 | barbarians that lived there. |
1308 | barbarians that lived there. |
| 1303 | |
1309 | |
| 1304 | The elvish people fled, and many of them settled in a place they called |
1310 | The elvish people fled, and many of them settled in a place they called |
| 1305 | Vkovzerov, “The Country of the Three Waters”, as it was a rather |
1311 | Vkovzerov, "The Country of the Three Waters", as it was a rather |
| 1306 | unique meeting point between a river, a lake, and the sea. There they |
1312 | unique meeting point between a river, a lake, and the sea. There they |
| 1307 | enjoyed a great prosperity, working with the local sprites to build |
1313 | enjoyed a great prosperity, working with the local sprites to build |
| 1308 | Tashkeren-tah, The City of the Wooden Towers. |
1314 | Tashkeren-tah, The City of the Wooden Towers. |
| 1309 | |
1315 | |
| 1310 | Two centuries passed, then three. The elven princes of Tashkeren-tah had |
1316 | Two centuries passed, then three. The elven princes of Tashkeren-tah had |
| … | |
… | |
| 1326 | Haemdel the Legendary was crushed and the Three Artifacts lost. But so |
1332 | Haemdel the Legendary was crushed and the Three Artifacts lost. But so |
| 1327 | strong was their flame of hatred that it soon burned the ropes of their |
1333 | strong was their flame of hatred that it soon burned the ropes of their |
| 1328 | carefulness. Using their most powerful summoning spell, they convocated |
1334 | carefulness. Using their most powerful summoning spell, they convocated |
| 1329 | one of the Greater Aquomons before them. |
1335 | one of the Greater Aquomons before them. |
| 1330 | |
1336 | |
| 1331 | “Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my |
1337 | "Who are you, you creatures with pointy ears, to dare awaken me from my |
| 1332 | dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?” |
1338 | dreams, me, Vërno, the Fourth Drop ?" |
| 1333 | |
1339 | |
| 1334 | Elven Princes exposed what they wanted to Vërno, and the creature seemed |
1340 | Elven Princes exposed what they wanted to Vërno, and the creature seemed |
| 1335 | very interested at the idea of grabbing all the richesses of Scorn, and |
1341 | very interested at the idea of grabbing all the richesses of Scorn, and |
| 1336 | bringing them back into his dark kingdom of the depth of the sea. |
1342 | bringing them back into his dark kingdom of the depth of the sea. |
| 1337 | |
1343 | |
| 1338 | “Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound |
1344 | "Very well, said Vërno, but you know, I suppose, that we are all bound |
| 1339 | by the Law of Equilibrium, established by the gods themselves when the |
1345 | by the Law of Equilibrium, established by the gods themselves when the |
| 1340 | world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you’ll have to |
1346 | world was new and the seas infinite. And for my services, you’ll have to |
| 1341 | pay the price.” |
1347 | pay the price." |
| 1342 | |
1348 | |
| 1343 | - And what do you want for a price ? - Well, my needs are rather |
1349 | - And what do you want for a price ? - Well, my needs are rather |
| 1344 | modest. I’ll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward.” |
1350 | modest. I’ll only claim a tenth of your own lands as a reward." |
| 1345 | |
1351 | |
| 1346 | The Elven Princes quickly discussed the matter, and came to the conclusion |
1352 | The Elven Princes quickly discussed the matter, and came to the conclusion |
| 1347 | that it was a rather fair price to pay - after all, their territories |
1353 | that it was a rather fair price to pay - after all, their territories |
| 1348 | weren’t very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so |
1354 | weren’t very large, and there was a lot of empty space all around, so |
| 1349 | it wasn’t really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of |
1355 | it wasn’t really a problem for them. Maybe it would for a couple of |
| 1350 | peasants, but who cared about them more than of the vengeance against |
1356 | peasants, but who cared about them more than of the vengeance against |
| 1351 | Scorn ? |
1357 | Scorn ? |
| 1352 | |
1358 | |
| 1353 | And so they answered: “The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept.” |
1359 | And so they answered: "The Fate of Scorn is Sealed, then. We accept." |
| 1354 | |
1360 | |
| 1355 | What happened then is too long to tell in details here, as it belongs |
1361 | What happened then is too long to tell in details here, as it belongs |
| 1356 | to another story. In short, Jovidjevska the elven girl, who had heard |
1362 | to another story. In short, Jovidjevska the elven girl, who had heard |
| 1357 | everything, travelled to Scorn, and convinced the city wizards of the |
1363 | everything, travelled to Scorn, and convinced the city wizards of the |
| 1358 | truth of the menace. And when Vërno came to crush the city, they moved it |
1364 | truth of the menace. And when Vërno came to crush the city, they moved it |
| 1359 | two days into the future, and the water hand of the Fourth Drop grabbed |
1365 | two days into the future, and the water hand of the Fourth Drop grabbed |
| 1360 | only emptiness. |
1366 | only emptiness. |
| 1361 | |
1367 | |
| 1362 | Vërno, furious, came back to the Elves with a big smile, and told |
1368 | Vërno, furious, came back to the Elves with a big smile, and told |
| 1363 | them: “I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn |
1369 | them: "I did what you wanted, and flooded the territory on which Scorn |
| 1364 | was established. Now I take my due price.” |
1370 | was established. Now I take my due price." |
| 1365 | |
1371 | |
| 1366 | And that said, he selected the area on which the Elven City itself was |
1372 | And that said, he selected the area on which the Elven City itself was |
| 1367 | built, and covered it with water, its inhabitants trapped and killed there |
1373 | built, and covered it with water, its inhabitants trapped and killed there |
| 1368 | without understanding what was happening. |
1374 | without understanding what was happening. |
| 1369 | |
1375 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 1384 | secret power of elves... |
1390 | secret power of elves... |
| 1385 | |
1391 | |
| 1386 | For years, he studied the Arcanes, hunting for traces of the city, as he |
1392 | For years, he studied the Arcanes, hunting for traces of the city, as he |
| 1387 | was convinced that the lost wisdom of the elves of Vkovzerov would give |
1393 | was convinced that the lost wisdom of the elves of Vkovzerov would give |
| 1388 | him a great power. And, finally, after 20 long years of searching, he |
1394 | him a great power. And, finally, after 20 long years of searching, he |
| 1389 | concluded that the secret was in the area now called “Lake Country“. |
1395 | concluded that the secret was in the area now called "Lake Country". |
| 1390 | |
1396 | |
| 1391 | And there, he came, and there was a small house made of wood, and there |
1397 | And there, he came, and there was a small house made of wood, and there |
| 1392 | was a tree, and there was a young elvish woman, dreaming at the stars, |
1398 | was a tree, and there was a young elvish woman, dreaming at the stars, |
| 1393 | under the tree. And Butakis fell in love, and the elvish lady fell in |
1399 | under the tree. And Butakis fell in love, and the elvish lady fell in |
| 1394 | love, and they both watched the stars. But soon, Butakis felt the need of |
1400 | love, and they both watched the stars. But soon, Butakis felt the need of |
| 1395 | getting back into action, and finding the lost city and getting its power. |
1401 | getting back into action, and finding the lost city and getting its power. |
| 1396 | |
1402 | |
| 1397 | The lady told him: “The true wisdom is in those stars, and in that |
1403 | The lady told him: "The true wisdom is in those stars, and in that |
| 1398 | tree, and in that house you see. You’ll only find unrest by aiming for |
1404 | tree, and in that house you see. You’ll only find unrest by aiming for |
| 1399 | more.” |
1405 | more." |
| 1400 | |
1406 | |
| 1401 | But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers, |
1407 | But Butakis had already made up his mind, and he brought back engineers, |
| 1402 | and sappers, and miners, and they all worked to build a huge machine to |
1408 | and sappers, and miners, and they all worked to build a huge machine to |
| 1403 | pump the water, and discover the city. During ten years, Butakis worked on |
1409 | pump the water, and discover the city. During ten years, Butakis worked on |
| 1404 | this, hoping that in the end, the elvish lady would be at his side, and |
1410 | this, hoping that in the end, the elvish lady would be at his side, and |
| … | |
… | |
| 1426 | pumping started, she whispered at his ear. |
1432 | pumping started, she whispered at his ear. |
| 1427 | |
1433 | |
| 1428 | That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn’t expect what she told |
1434 | That, Butakis had waited for long, but he didn’t expect what she told |
| 1429 | him then. |
1435 | him then. |
| 1430 | |
1436 | |
| 1431 | “Ten years you were away, and ten years I watched the stars with |
1437 | "Ten years you were away, and ten years I watched the stars with |
| 1432 | Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I’ll |
1438 | Twak. And now for him, and for he choose me and my heart, I’ll |
| 1433 | disappear, and so does your dream.” |
1439 | disappear, and so does your dream." |
| 1434 | |
1440 | |
| 1435 | Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her |
1441 | Butakis understood that he had been fooled, that she only kept her |
| 1436 | attention away enough for Twak and three of his faithful men to sabotage |
1442 | attention away enough for Twak and three of his faithful men to sabotage |
| 1437 | the pump. And so came a great rumble from the basis of the huge building, |
1443 | the pump. And so came a great rumble from the basis of the huge building, |
| 1438 | and so the huge engines exploded, and so was his dream reduced to smoke, |
1444 | and so the huge engines exploded, and so was his dream reduced to smoke, |
| … | |
… | |
| 1458 | story. |
1464 | story. |
| 1459 | |
1465 | |
| 1460 | |
1466 | |
| 1461 | =head1 The Wizard School of Blue |
1467 | =head1 The Wizard School of Blue |
| 1462 | |
1468 | |
| 1463 | “Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World, |
1469 | "Although the School disappeared with the Empire itself from The World, |
| 1464 | several wizards claimed to be the heirs of their ancient, secret wisdom, |
1470 | several wizards claimed to be the heirs of their ancient, secret wisdom, |
| 1465 | and nicknamed “the Blue Ones”, a reference to the color of the School |
1471 | and nicknamed "the Blue Ones", a reference to the color of the School |
| 1466 | Banner.” – Gros, the Irrelevant One |
1472 | Banner." – Gros, the Irrelevant One |
| 1467 | |
1473 | |
| 1468 | |
1474 | |
| 1469 | =head1 The Great Heliograph |
1475 | =head1 The Great Heliograph |
| 1470 | |
1476 | |
| 1471 | A device made by Mer’Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the |
1477 | A device made by Mer’Eric the Walker. Built on the highest point of the |
| … | |
… | |
| 1492 | Also called the Twin Witches, they were two powerful women wizards; Herin |
1498 | Also called the Twin Witches, they were two powerful women wizards; Herin |
| 1493 | was specialized in White Magic, while her sister Urdin was a master of the |
1499 | was specialized in White Magic, while her sister Urdin was a master of the |
| 1494 | Black Art. Both of them tried to improve the life of the people living |
1500 | Black Art. Both of them tried to improve the life of the people living |
| 1495 | all around their house, and introduced the use of cats as spirit-watchers |
1501 | all around their house, and introduced the use of cats as spirit-watchers |
| 1496 | in Scorn. Unfortunately for them, they were burned by an angry Brestian |
1502 | in Scorn. Unfortunately for them, they were burned by an angry Brestian |
| 1497 | fanatical mob for “illegal use of Arcane Powers”. |
1503 | fanatical mob for "illegal use of Arcane Powers". |
| 1498 | |
1504 | |
| 1499 | |
1505 | |
| 1500 | =head1 Ilrya, The Mountain Huntress |
1506 | =head1 Ilrya, The Mountain Huntress |
| 1501 | |
1507 | |
| 1502 | Ilrya was an elven spellcaster and huntress from the underground city of |
1508 | Ilrya was an elven spellcaster and huntress from the underground city of |
| … | |
… | |
| 1511 | fast fairy with a temperamental mood. |
1517 | fast fairy with a temperamental mood. |
| 1512 | |
1518 | |
| 1513 | |
1519 | |
| 1514 | =head1 Khorolizov |
1520 | =head1 Khorolizov |
| 1515 | |
1521 | |
| 1516 | One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. “Khorolizov” means “Green |
1522 | One of the three great dwarven kingdoms. "Khorolizov" means "Green |
| 1517 | Gold”, which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component |
1523 | Gold", which is a reference to the Green Sand, an alchemical component |
| 1518 | the dwarves of Khorolizov are the only ones to produce. It is probably |
1524 | the dwarves of Khorolizov are the only ones to produce. It is probably |
| 1519 | the oldest of the three kingdoms, founded long before the Old Empire of |
1525 | the oldest of the three kingdoms, founded long before the Old Empire of |
| 1520 | Khelens reached the shores of the Continent. |
1526 | Khelens reached the shores of the Continent. |
| 1521 | |
1527 | |
| 1522 | |
1528 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 1530 | |
1536 | |
| 1531 | |
1537 | |
| 1532 | =head1 Cromli, The Rocky One |
1538 | =head1 Cromli, The Rocky One |
| 1533 | |
1539 | |
| 1534 | Crolmi is the Dwarven Spirit of Rocs and Mountains. It has no temples, as |
1540 | Crolmi is the Dwarven Spirit of Rocs and Mountains. It has no temples, as |
| 1535 | it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like “building |
1541 | it is said that buildings made of stone anger him (it is like "building |
| 1536 | with his own flesh”). |
1542 | with his own flesh"). |
| 1537 | |
1543 | |
| 1538 | |
1544 | |
| 1539 | =head1 Glamdri, The Darkness Breaker, The Last Standing One |
1545 | =head1 Glamdri, The Darkness Breaker, The Last Standing One |
| 1540 | |
1546 | |
| 1541 | Glamdri is a lesser spirit of light - it is said that candlelights are |
1547 | Glamdri is a lesser spirit of light - it is said that candlelights are |
| … | |
… | |
| 1549 | |
1555 | |
| 1550 | =head1 Archmage Rhyz, (Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania) |
1556 | =head1 Archmage Rhyz, (Entorinaas Durdennis Rhyz, Fourth Archmage of the Seat, Herdysenmark of Normania) |
| 1551 | |
1557 | |
| 1552 | Rhyz was an Archmage of the Blue School during the Old Days of the Empire. |
1558 | Rhyz was an Archmage of the Blue School during the Old Days of the Empire. |
| 1553 | |
1559 | |
| 1554 | “(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz |
1560 | "(...)Unlike Dhelyy Olyy, his contemporary rival for the Seat, Rhyz |
| 1555 | focused mostly on closing the gap that existed between the art of fighting |
1561 | focused mostly on closing the gap that existed between the art of fighting |
| 1556 | and the Arcane. While Dhelyy Olyy believed in the dual association of the |
1562 | and the Arcane. While Dhelyy Olyy believed in the dual association of the |
| 1557 | Warrior and the Wizard, each with its own strength increased by a long |
1563 | Warrior and the Wizard, each with its own strength increased by a long |
| 1558 | specialization in their respective fields, Rhyz believed in the idea of |
1564 | specialization in their respective fields, Rhyz believed in the idea of |
| 1559 | a “super warriard”, a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong |
1565 | a "super warriard", a combination of a powerful wizard and a strong |
| 1560 | warrior. As such, he devised many items that increased the strength and |
1566 | warrior. As such, he devised many items that increased the strength and |
| 1561 | combat capabilities of their wearers, hoping that wizard apprentices would |
1567 | combat capabilities of their wearers, hoping that wizard apprentices would |
| 1562 | so be more inclined to learn the battle skills of warriors. |
1568 | so be more inclined to learn the battle skills of warriors. |
| 1563 | |
1569 | |
| 1564 | Unfortunately for Rhyz, most of his followers relied more and more on |
1570 | Unfortunately for Rhyz, most of his followers relied more and more on |
| 1565 | magical strength more than physical training, leaving them to a severe |
1571 | magical strength more than physical training, leaving them to a severe |
| 1566 | defeat at the Battle of Moriach, when Dhelyy used an anti-magic field over |
1572 | defeat at the Battle of Moriach, when Dhelyy used an anti-magic field over |
| 1567 | them.” |
1573 | them." |
| 1568 | |
1574 | |
| 1569 | (Quote from the Codex Simochusianus, Volume XVII) |
1575 | (Quote from the Codex Simochusianus, Volume XVII) |
| 1570 | |
1576 | |
| 1571 | |
1577 | |
| 1572 | =head1 Archdaemonist Xebinon |
1578 | =head1 Archdaemonist Xebinon |
| … | |
… | |
| 1579 | drained the magical force of the wearer at the same time, making the spell |
1585 | drained the magical force of the wearer at the same time, making the spell |
| 1580 | regeneration more difficult. This was in fact a cursed, twisted artifact, |
1586 | regeneration more difficult. This was in fact a cursed, twisted artifact, |
| 1581 | created by daemons for people who were seeking short-term power, but would |
1587 | created by daemons for people who were seeking short-term power, but would |
| 1582 | thus head directly for long-term soul slavery. |
1588 | thus head directly for long-term soul slavery. |
| 1583 | |
1589 | |
| 1584 | Xebinon is sometimes called “The faceless one”, as it is said that the |
1590 | Xebinon is sometimes called "The faceless one", as it is said that the |
| 1585 | daemon trapped him by stealing his visage. This may explain why magical |
1591 | daemon trapped him by stealing his visage. This may explain why magical |
| 1586 | artifacts wearing his name are often helmets. |
1592 | artifacts wearing his name are often helmets. |
| 1587 | |
1593 | |
| 1588 | |
1594 | |
| 1589 | =head1 Argoth, the Fish-City of the Two Towers |
1595 | =head1 Argoth, the Fish-City of the Two Towers |
| … | |
… | |
| 1594 | Towers, because two huge towers were built there, to guide the ships |
1600 | Towers, because two huge towers were built there, to guide the ships |
| 1595 | navigating on the oceans between Bigworld and Khelens. |
1601 | navigating on the oceans between Bigworld and Khelens. |
| 1596 | |
1602 | |
| 1597 | Argoth was a dwarven city built on one of the highest mountains known, |
1603 | Argoth was a dwarven city built on one of the highest mountains known, |
| 1598 | rooted in the depths of the sea, and climbing so high in the skies that |
1604 | rooted in the depths of the sea, and climbing so high in the skies that |
| 1599 | uneducated travelers said that it was a “stairway to the gods”. On the |
1605 | uneducated travelers said that it was a "stairway to the gods". On the |
| 1600 | top of the mountain, the Imperial Governors built the Two Towers, who were |
1606 | top of the mountain, the Imperial Governors built the Two Towers, who were |
| 1601 | visible from Scorn, about 200km far from them. |
1607 | visible from Scorn, about 200km far from them. |
| 1602 | |
1608 | |
| 1603 | The dwarves of Argoth had a terrible secret: in the depths of the caves |
1609 | The dwarves of Argoth had a terrible secret: in the depths of the caves |
| 1604 | below the mountains, they had trapped Hregalakhen, one of the last |
1610 | below the mountains, they had trapped Hregalakhen, one of the last |
| … | |
… | |
| 1749 | |
1755 | |
| 1750 | People there spoke a strange language; they were small and not unlike |
1756 | People there spoke a strange language; they were small and not unlike |
| 1751 | joyful foxes, and they welcomed Lorkas and his men (and women) |
1757 | joyful foxes, and they welcomed Lorkas and his men (and women) |
| 1752 | warmly. Soon, they learned to understand each other enough. |
1758 | warmly. Soon, they learned to understand each other enough. |
| 1753 | |
1759 | |
| 1754 | They called themselves “The People of the Mother”, and they had |
1760 | They called themselves "The People of the Mother", and they had |
| 1755 | never seen the “Flat-Eared Giants” before, although they already met |
1761 | never seen the "Flat-Eared Giants" before, although they already met |
| 1756 | “Flat-Eared Beards” and “Flat-Eared Greens” before. |
1762 | "Flat-Eared Beards" and "Flat-Eared Greens" before. |
| 1757 | |
1763 | |
| 1758 | But there was a lady called Sonja. And, although she wasn’t human, she |
1764 | But there was a lady called Sonja. And, although she wasn’t human, she |
| 1759 | seemed brighter, smarter, more beautiful than any other woman Lorkas had |
1765 | seemed brighter, smarter, more beautiful than any other woman Lorkas had |
| 1760 | ever seen before. |
1766 | ever seen before. |
| 1761 | |
1767 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 1769 | They had no problem to find the White Bird of Hope - a statue entirely |
1775 | They had no problem to find the White Bird of Hope - a statue entirely |
| 1770 | made of the purest of the white marble, with gemstones of red ruby as |
1776 | made of the purest of the white marble, with gemstones of red ruby as |
| 1771 | eyes. But so much the inhabitants liked it, so they thought that a |
1777 | eyes. But so much the inhabitants liked it, so they thought that a |
| 1772 | valuable friend was much better than a valuable statue. |
1778 | valuable friend was much better than a valuable statue. |
| 1773 | |
1779 | |
| 1774 | And so they said: “Take the bird as a gift of us to your masters, to |
1780 | And so they said: "Take the bird as a gift of us to your masters, to |
| 1775 | show them we want to make friendship with them. Welcome are the friends of |
1781 | show them we want to make friendship with them. Welcome are the friends of |
| 1776 | the children of the White Bird.” |
1782 | the children of the White Bird." |
| 1777 | |
1783 | |
| 1778 | And so Lorkas left, promising Sonja that he’d soon return. |
1784 | And so Lorkas left, promising Sonja that he’d soon return. |
| 1779 | |
1785 | |
| 1780 | The people of the Golden City also told him that “The Bird is imbued |
1786 | The people of the Golden City also told him that "The Bird is imbued |
| 1781 | with powerful magic: the one owning it will always keep hope.” |
1787 | with powerful magic: the one owning it will always keep hope." |
| 1782 | |
1788 | |
| 1783 | |
1789 | |
| 1784 | =head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume IV |
1790 | =head1 Story of Lorkas the Fallen, Volume IV |
| 1785 | |
1791 | |
| 1786 | When Lorkas came back, he and his men were welcomed as heroes. So where |
1792 | When Lorkas came back, he and his men were welcomed as heroes. So where |
| … | |
… | |
| 1807 | Lorkas was now an old man that lived in a small house looking at the |
1813 | Lorkas was now an old man that lived in a small house looking at the |
| 1808 | Ocean. |
1814 | Ocean. |
| 1809 | |
1815 | |
| 1810 | And still, each day, he spent hours waiting, watching the line where the |
1816 | And still, each day, he spent hours waiting, watching the line where the |
| 1811 | sea met the sky, hoping that one day, one would sail back and tell him: |
1817 | sea met the sky, hoping that one day, one would sail back and tell him: |
| 1812 | “we found the Golden City !”. And always he hoped, but never received. |
1818 | "we found the Golden City !". And always he hoped, but never received. |
| 1813 | |
1819 | |
| 1814 | Nearly all of his companions were now dead, and the Horizon had been |
1820 | Nearly all of his companions were now dead, and the Horizon had been |
| 1815 | retired long ago, now slowly rotting in the bay, fading souvenir of a long |
1821 | retired long ago, now slowly rotting in the bay, fading souvenir of a long |
| 1816 | forgotten past. |
1822 | forgotten past. |
| 1817 | |
1823 | |
| … | |
… | |
| 1827 | was sleeping. |
1833 | was sleeping. |
| 1828 | |
1834 | |
| 1829 | Nobody knows exactly where he went. Was he even dead? Nobody knows. But |
1835 | Nobody knows exactly where he went. Was he even dead? Nobody knows. But |
| 1830 | everybody kept hope that, one day, he’d reach the Golden City |
1836 | everybody kept hope that, one day, he’d reach the Golden City |
| 1831 | again. Lots of people tried to find the Bird after that event. They all |
1837 | again. Lots of people tried to find the Bird after that event. They all |
| 1832 | accused Lorkas of having “stolen” it. The story became legend. The |
1838 | accused Lorkas of having "stolen" it. The story became legend. The |
| 1833 | legend became fairy tale. And the fairy tale got forgotten by most. |
1839 | legend became fairy tale. And the fairy tale got forgotten by most. |
| 1834 | |
1840 | |
| 1835 | Yet, Centuries ago, deep in the oldest parts of the Old City of Scorn, |
1841 | Yet, Centuries ago, deep in the oldest parts of the Old City of Scorn, |
| 1836 | people claimed to have found an ancient mausoleum, a relic of the |
1842 | people claimed to have found an ancient mausoleum, a relic of the |
| 1837 | past. All made of the purest, finest gold. On the walls were engraved a |
1843 | past. All made of the purest, finest gold. On the walls were engraved a |
| … | |
… | |
| 1893 | cycle. The Order of the Gravestone was very popular during the first |
1899 | cycle. The Order of the Gravestone was very popular during the first |
| 1894 | Millenia EK, but then went extinct. No druid is known to exist today, and |
1900 | Millenia EK, but then went extinct. No druid is known to exist today, and |
| 1895 | the exact location of the gravestone has long been forgotten. |
1901 | the exact location of the gravestone has long been forgotten. |
| 1896 | |
1902 | |
| 1897 | |
1903 | |
|
|
1904 | =head1 Rule of Dictus |
|
|
1905 | |
|
|
1906 | If you get killed twice at the same place - go elsewhere. |
|
|
1907 | |
|
|
1908 | - Dictus the Fat, EK 323 |
|
|
1909 | |
|
|
1910 | |
|
|
1911 | =head1 Heaven and Hell |
|
|
1912 | |
|
|
1913 | It is said that the church of Valriel in Scorn has direct access to |
|
|
1914 | Heaven. The priests of Valriel claim that you can enter Heaven freely, and |
|
|
1915 | even come back to the world of mortals. The priests of Gorokh claim that |
|
|
1916 | their church has a connection to Hell. The Valriel priests claim they were |
|
|
1917 | first, and, in their usual attitude, the Gorokh priests claim the priests |
|
|
1918 | of Valriel are useless maggots that lie to their followers. |
|
|
1919 | |
|
|
1920 | Although a number of people have travelled to both Heaven and Hell, their |
|
|
1921 | reports are inconclusive as to wether it was real "Hell" (or Heaven) they |
|
|
1922 | visited. |
|
|
1923 | |
|
|
1924 | Some people claim this Heaven and Hell business is just some magic |
|
|
1925 | illusion forged by some magicians of those churches, mostly because you |
|
|
1926 | can still die in Heaven, Hell doesn't look all that impressive (and it |
|
|
1927 | is so easy to come back), and why would only the churches in Scorn have |
|
|
1928 | access to those in the first place? |
|
|
1929 | |
