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|Pyromantic Treatise I = treatise§§150§§paper§Light§common§A surprisingly easy to understand guide written by an unknown sorcerer. Perfect for those who've just started out their journey to master the art of Pyromancy.§ | |||
|Monastic Book = special§§§§§§§A hefty old book with a chewed up binding and damp, yellowed pages.§§Written by Abbot Vidian§§ | |||
|Monastic Book Content = 3rd of Reaping<br><br>All brothers toiled well today. Let's hope that the coming harvest will recompense us for our hard work just as it did last year. Another few bountiful seasons, and we might save up enough gold to renovate the cloisters. Patience and diligence are truly the greatest virtues.<br><br>5th of Reaping<br><br>This night Brother Albert went down with a sudden fever. The heat from his body is so severe, one can burn a hand on him. I have no idea how he managed to catch a cold like this... Perhaps he worked in the rain? I left a couple brothers by Albert's side and sent to Mannshire for a healer. Herbal poultices and earnest prayers should be more than enough to cure this ailment.<br><br>6th of Reaping<br><br>Since the last night Brother Albert hasn't been able to recognize any of us. He keeps on babbling some nonsense, but no one can make sense of it... The healer spent an entire night by his bedside, tried all his potions - it was all for naught. Before he headed back home, we had to pay him regardless. If Albert doesn't get better soon by himself, it will be his funeral we'll have to pay for...<br><br>6th of Reaping, evening<br><br>Brother Irve is sick as well. It's not a cold... | |||
|Diary Page 1-3 = special§§§§§§§A piece of old parchment torn out from some book.§§Written by Abbot Vidian§Diary Page 1/3§Note1.png | |||
|Diary Page 1-3 Content = 10th of Reaping<br><br>The miasma of this horrible disease now permeates the entire monastery. Half our brothers are delirious. Their bodies are riddled with scabs and boils, blood is seeping through their pores, and we can't do anything to ease their suffering...<br><br>I declared a quarantine and ordered to lock everyone who showed signs of the disease in the catacombs. But I fear it's all in vain - the rest will go down sick in a couple days... The Host give me strength to persevere and save our congregation... | |||
|Diary Page 2-3 = special§§§§§§§A piece of old parchment torn out from some book.§§Written by Abbot Vidian§Diary Page 2/3§Note1.png | |||
|Diary Page 2-3 Content = 14th of Reaping<br><br>Today the entire neighborhood gathered around our monastery - the healer had brought the disease back to Mannshire...<br><br>Blood was leaking from their eyes, they were hopelessly sick. I prohibited anyone to go outside. Then they tried to break in - a few brothers lost their lives, but we managed to push them back from the gates...<br><br>When the crazed crowd tried to burn us alive along with the building, I had to break the quarantine and bring even the healthy brothers into the catacombs. Truly out of the frying pan and into the fire... | |||
|Diary Page 3-3 = special§§§§§§§A piece of old parchment torn out from some book.§§Written by Abbot Vidian§Diary Page 3/3§ | |||
|Diary Page 3-3 Content = ...We are doomed. In these sinister depths even time itself flows differently... I've lost the count of days. When was the last time I left my cell? A couple hours ago? A day? A week? I may be the only one who is still alive.<br><br>Every night I'm haunted by visions. As the candle light fades, shadowy figures step out from the darkness. Their wheedling whispers drive me crazy. The Host is silent. The Host is deaf to our prayers, the Host betrayed us... All I ask for is to be cured... | |||
|Abbot's Note = special§§§§§§§A piece of old parchment torn out from some book.§§Written by Abbot Vidian§§Note2.png | |||
|Abbot's Note Content = Iner,<br><br>There is some alarming news from the capital: people say that King Etbert, blessed be his name, is gravely ill and has been fighting death for a week now. Perhaps it's just rumors, spread by ill-wishers? It's no secret that His Majesty has many of them...<br><br>Nevertheless, we shall pray the Host for our monarch's swift recovery. Relay to the rest of the brothers that we will need another service tonight.<br><br>Abbot Vidian | |||
|Old Contract = special§§§§§§§A crumpled document bearing a few signatures.§§Written by Barves the Elder§§ | |||
|Old Contract Content = <br>7th of Bloom<br><br>With this paper we, Barves the Elder and every denizen of Mannshire, pledge to pay a bounty of one thousand crowns to every man, be it a commoner, a mercenary, or a noble knight, who'll take on the task of descending into the Abbey of the Holy Revelation, cleanse it from the spirits or any other filth inhabiting it, and return back safe and sound with a proof of their deed no later than in twenty days starting from today.<br><br>We hereby sign this | |||
|Pyromantic Treatise I = treatise§§150§§paper§Light§common§A surprisingly easy to understand guide written by an unknown sorcerer. Perfect for those who've just started out their journey to master the art of Pyromancy.§"Useful Tips For a Novice Pyromancer, Coming From an Experienced One"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Pyromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Fire Barrage}}<br>{{c|Active|Ring of Fire}}<br>{{c|Orange|Baptism by Fire}}<br>{{c|Orange|Flame Saturation}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by an unknown well-wisher§§ | |||
|Pyromantic Treatise I Content = Dear friend!<br><br>We may not know each other, but considering that you opened this tome, I'll take a wild guess and assume that you're intent on learning the ancient art of pyromancy... The art I've been mastering my entire life.<br><br>I'd rather not disclose my name. All you need to know is that I hold a high position among fire mages, and the only thing forcing me to play cloak and dagger is that our Circle is very particular about whom it shares the knowledge with.<br><br>Yet despite all the restrictions set upon me, I always yearned to not only bear power over the flame but, akin to the gods of the old, to enlighten the world - so hearken to me, as there is no one else who will share this knowledge with you...<br><br><br>( . . . )<br><br>As you may now realize, there is nothing complicated about visualizing the flames and then summoning them into existence with the sheer force of your mind, despite what my arrogant brethren may claim. When the time comes, they'll pay for all the injustices they've subjected me to, for dragging my good name through the mud.<br><br>Keep practicing, never stop learning, stay spirited, and remember - fire always attracts fire... | |Pyromantic Treatise I Content = Dear friend!<br><br>We may not know each other, but considering that you opened this tome, I'll take a wild guess and assume that you're intent on learning the ancient art of pyromancy... The art I've been mastering my entire life.<br><br>I'd rather not disclose my name. All you need to know is that I hold a high position among fire mages, and the only thing forcing me to play cloak and dagger is that our Circle is very particular about whom it shares the knowledge with.<br><br>Yet despite all the restrictions set upon me, I always yearned to not only bear power over the flame but, akin to the gods of the old, to enlighten the world - so hearken to me, as there is no one else who will share this knowledge with you...<br><br><br>( . . . )<br><br>As you may now realize, there is nothing complicated about visualizing the flames and then summoning them into existence with the sheer force of your mind, despite what my arrogant brethren may claim. When the time comes, they'll pay for all the injustices they've subjected me to, for dragging my good name through the mud.<br><br>Keep practicing, never stop learning, stay spirited, and remember - fire always attracts fire... | ||
|Pyromantic Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§This hefty research scrupulously describes exotic animals of Jacinth. The later chapters of the book contain a number of curious instructions, allowing to imitate the fire breathing ability of some of the beasts.§"The Fire-Breathing Salamander Kin And Everything We Know About Them"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Pyromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Blaze}}<br>{{c|Active|Magma Rain}}<br>{{c|Orange|Scorch}}<br>{{c|Orange|Feed The Flames}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Tao Dabir§§ | |||
|Pyromantic Treatise II Content = An excerpt from the 14th chapter titled "Curious tricks of salamanders":<br><br>As you have learned from my previous books, salamanders spend the majority of their time near sources of heat and flames. You probably remember that these exotic lizards have an affinity for all kinds of magic - so it's self-evident that salamanders are soaked with fire essence. This grants them such an ability to manipulate fire that even the most experienced pyromancers can't help but feel jealous.<br><br>Still, you may ask: can we truly learn anything from these mere beasts? We can indeed, and I plan to demonstrate it.<br><br>Now let's get straight to business and try imitating one of their most beloved tricks - though I have to warn you, not everyone can perform it from the get go, as it requires a certain level of magical experience.<br><br>Find a place where your exercises won't set anything on fire unless you want to follow in the footsteps of a renowned fire mage Vand Genner, who once decided that it was a good idea to practice his spells without getting up from a straw bed.<br><br>Draw in as much air as you can, then hold your breath for a dozen of seconds. Imagine the brightest, the hottest flames you've ever witnessed in your life. Can you feel the heat rising up in your chest? Now exhale forcefully and spread your arms to guide the stream of flame.<br><br>If you followed my guidance to the letter, you should now be able to conjure an impressive fire wave! | |||
|Pyromantic Treatise III = treatise§§900§§paper§Light§uncommon§This tome is filled to the brim with complex alchemy formulas. An educated pyromancer can learn a great deal from it.§"The Mystery of Fire Essence, Also Known as Phlogiston to Pundits"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Pyromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Melting Ray}}<br>{{c|Active|Incineration}}<br>{{c|Orange|Safe Distance}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Nirman of Maen§§ | |||
|Pyromantic Treatise III Content = ...Either way, that's enough of me listing my accomplishments. If you read this tome, then you are most likely a man of science as well, already closely familiar with my research. Let's get down to it then.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>...The aforementioned experiments demonstrate that a major part of the entirety of all existing matter contains an intangible, volatile substance called phlogiston. Exposing matter to fire provokes a complex alchemical reaction that results in the release of phlogiston, the very substance fueling the flames. For instance, wood is nothing but a mix of ashes and phlogiston, metal is a combination of phlogiston and calx, and stone doesn't contain any phlogiston at all. Living creatures consist of blood and phlogiston, the latter is actually present in large quantities - that's why fire is so harmful to all things living. But there is a silver lining: it would probably be impossible for us to perform pyromancy if that wasn't the case.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>...As for the practical application, I've discovered a way of using the released phlogiston to empower magic flames. In fact, my discovery was so successful that my hapless neighbors ended up calling the city guard on me, suspecting that I wanted to burn the city to the ground, but what else can you expect from illiterate simpletons?<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>All the formulas I discovered are listed below along with step by step instructions. But I implore you, if you decide to repeat my experiments, then by the Host, exercise extreme caution... | |||
|Pyromantic Treatise IV = treatise§§1800§§paper§Light§rare§An assortment of road notes from a famous traveler, describing the sect of fire-worshipping dervishes. The detailed description of some of their rituals looks particularly promising.§"A Tale of the Everflaming, as Told by a Jibean Merchant"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Pyromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Inferno}}<br>{{c|Orange|Excess Heat}}<br>{{c|Orange|Pyromania}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Jovar Arno§§ | |||
|Pyromantic Treatise IV Content = ...They surrounded me, and, for a brief moment, I was fearful that I was to share the fate of the poor sod whose charred remains we had stumbled upon at the crossroads. However, they seemed friendly, even if the sight of their eerie masks unnerved me greatly.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>After we finished our food, the priest - I could only assume he was a priest - gestured for us to leave the tent. Weighed down by the heavy meal, we reluctantly followed him outside. To our astonishment, we saw a huge crowd, even though just a couple hours ago there was hardly more than a few dozen elves in the entire camp. The blinding light of hundreds of flames was chasing off the pitch-black darkness of the night. The moon, as if terrified of the competition, hid behind the clouds that had gathered all of a sudden. Wasting no time the priest marched onwards, confidently pushing the crowd out of our way...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The song came to a halt, leaving us in thick, oppressive silence. For a few minutes we just stood there, exchanging confused looks, when suddenly the skies opened up, raining fire and flames upon the people sitting in the middle of the circle. The crowd roared, then burst into wild dance, utterly enraptured. The burning dervishes were still sitting in their place, completely unperturbed. I believe I even spotted a faint smile on one of the faces. Terrified, we attempted to flee, vainly trying to get through the rows of spinning nomads as they drew closer and closer... | |||
|Geomantic Treatise I = treatise§§150§§paper§Light§common§A rather chaotic journal by a professor of linguistics who taught in Brynn a century ago. Perhaps the most fascinating read of the entire Grammar curriculum at Brynn University.§"The Traveling Notes on My Journey to Biest"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Geomancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Runic Boulder}}<br>{{c|Active|Stone Armor}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Joran of Brynn§§ | |||
|Geomantic Treatise I Content = ...The most distinctive tradition of the ancient Nistrian cult of the Mother-Mountain is their worship to giant boulders. In Nistra there still remains a large number of majestic structures - giant circles formed with finely chiseled boulders. Some of those boulders are also completely covered in writings. Rain and wind rendered most of it utterly indecipherable, but some parts remained perfectly intact. I try my best to record every surviving symbol I encounter, but alas, I still can't crack this ancient alphabet. I can only hope that if not me, then at least my descendants will solve this mystery...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Well then, looks like I was disheartened way too easily. Spending a couple more weeks of my precious time on that risky search for Fodah's tomb has returned my investment a hundredfold, rewarding me for all that misery and hardships I've suffered over the years. When I saw that the epitaph was doubled in ancient Aldorian, I couldn't believe my eyes... This means that with only a bit of effort I can finally cross-reference and decipher some of the words.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Yes! Finally! After months of diligent work I, Joran of Brynn, have solved the secret of the ancient Nistrian alphabet. A large portion of my records seems to describe some rather fascinating magic rituals and practices that are only briefly mentioned in one or two chronicles... Once I get home, taking a trip to Maen is my first order of business. I'm certain that my findings will greatly interest the Academy... | |||
|Geomantic Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§Magister Buras, a famous geomancer, is best known for how approachable his teachings are - a rare quality for an Academy lector.§"The Unified Workshop on Geomancy"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Geomancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Stone Spikes}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Sustention}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Fortifying }}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Enfeeblement}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Magister Buras§§ | |||
|Geomantic Treatise II Content = Lesson one, titled "Stone spikes and everything you need to know about them"<br><br>Greetings! I'd like to sincerely congratulate you: if you read these words then chances are high that you weren't kicked out during your first year in the Academy. Assuming this, I'm not wasting time on any further introductions.<br><br>This lesson will teach you about the second most important spell of earth magic - stone spikes. Some fools might grimace in disdain at this suggestion, too eager to jump straight to boulder tossing and explosions, but as any diligent student may already know, a timely cast of this spell can isolate a dangerous opponent, change the flow of an entire battle, and even save your life...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>...at this point we can safely conclude that stone spikes are utterly indispensable to a geomancer, so you should begin mastering them right after you learn how to raise runic boulders. Let's actually start with just that: summon a boulder and attempt to resonate with it, unleashing the energy trapped within the stone... | |||
|Geomantic Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§An excerpt from the Aldwynn chronicles telling about the Nistrian siege that happened a century and a half ago. It's one of the first detailed mentions of geomancy in Aldorian records.§"A Selection of Excerpts From the Great Chronicles of Aldwynn"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Geomancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Earthquake}}<br>{{c|Active|Petrification}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Binding}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Cycle}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by an unknown chronicler§§ | |||
|Geomantic Treatise III Content = In the meantime, a few dozen people separated from the main army, heading straight towards the walls, unfazed by the threat of the Aldwynn archers, who had already killed a significant number of Nistrians. Clad only in robes, they looked like easy prey to the besieged. Hoping to avenge their fallen comrades, they rained arrows on these impudent Nistrians, but, to the defenders' shock and dismay, their weapons left nary a mark. The arrows simply bounced off their bodies, even though it was clear as day that they wore no armor.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>It was deep in the night when the chanting had finally ceased. The Aldwynn garrison, which by that time had realized the futility of their attempts to stop the ritual, was silently awaiting the worst. The faint light of the hundreds of runic boulders was dispersing the darkness, as if the stars descended from the skies to litter the ground below.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>And then the once impregnable walls shuddered, massive towers collapsed upon themselves, and chaos engulfed the city. Age-old buildings crumbled to dust, crushing thousands of people underneath. Huge fires burst out, and there was no place to run, no escaping death. Some townsfolk fled to the temple, placing their lives in the hands of the Host, only to be buried by the falling roof. When the earthquake finally came to a halt and the Nistrians entered the city, there was no one to stand in their way. Such was the disastrous fall of the city of Aldwynn... | |||
|Geomantic Treatise IV = treatise§§1600§§paper§Light§rare§A life's work of some minor historian - an ambitious attempt to gather all available information about the origins of the Geomancy Circle.§"The Complete History of Geomancy in One Tome"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Geomancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Overflowing Power}}<br>{{c|Active|Boulder Toss}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Destabilization}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Absorption}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Wynur Eshvan the Elder§§ | |||
|Geomantic Treatise IV Content = For a long time it was considered impossible to imbue stone with any magical properties, as it was deemed too inert for such subtle and complex manipulations. But now, thanks to professor Joran of Brynn University, we finally understand that this assertion was far from the truth.<br><br>So what exactly allows us to combine these two elements that were previously thought to be incompatible? The answer comes from history, namely the arid plateaus of Nistra. The key is the runes - they are the link between a mage's will and stone, the instrument to achieve the impossible. Geomancy yielded to us ever so slowly, like a chunk of ore under a miner's pick, but our efforts bore fruit - earth mages are now well-respected, and everyone knows how dangerous they can be.<br><br>The most destructive weapon in a geomancer's arsenal is, of course, a charged runic boulder. It takes only a single word to unleash its power to a devastating effect. There are even stories about great geomancers of the past who could destroy entire armies with a single powerful spell, though I'm sure it's just an exaggeration. Still, some sources offer a different perspective - for instance, there is a historical account of a well-known Aldwynn chronicler... | |||
|Electromantic Treatise I = treatise§§150§§paper§Light§common§This treatise is the first known attempt at organizing scattered information about the properties of natural and magical electricity into a coherent, unified theory.§"Mysteries of the Sixth Element. On Electricity and Electromancy"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Electromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Jolt}}<br>{{c|Active|Impulse}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Peor Divot§§ | |||
|Electromantic Treatise I Content = ...For the longest time, this rare and mysterious Lesser Element, which is situated between its two Greater brethren - Fire and Air - had been undeservingly neglected.<br><br>Although some natural philosophers were quite aware of its existence, they didn't see much use for electricity outside of classroom and parlor tricks. Obviously, none of them could imagine that the force causing a bird feather to stick to a piece of amber after you rub it with wool is in fact the innocuous side of the same destructive power that creates lightning strikes.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Thanks to the efforts of Alfano the Elder, the venerable Bronzian scholar who managed to discover and translate a number of ancient texts that had previously been considered lost, not only we acquired a better insight into this curious natural phenomenon but also got our first glimpse at electromancy - an ancient magic school that we didn't even know existed.<br><br>It took many years of meticulous work to restore some of its long-forgotten spells, but it was Alfano's work in particular that laid the cornerstone for all future research.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The first step to understanding the true potential of lightning magic was the discovery of the mysterious connection that binds the caster and their spells to other living creatures. This magical charge is what allows electromancers to direct elemental energies with pinpoint accuracy, a feat beyond the reach of mages from other Circles.<br><br>And even though the inner workings of this effect hasn't yet been fully understood, nothing prevents electromancers from making skillful use of it on the battlefield... | |||
|Electromantic Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§For a long time, the Circle of Pyromancy had been enjoying many privileges as the main supplier of battlemages for the Aldorian army. This changed with the emergence of electromancy - the rivalry between these two schools continues to this day.§"Compelling Arguments for the Undeniable Battlefield Superiority of Electromancy"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Electromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Short Circuit}}<br>{{c|Active|Static Field}}<br>{{c|Orange|Residual Charge}}<br>{{c|Orange|Potential Difference}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Veneman der Krat§§ | |||
|Electromantic Treatise II Content = ...It's hard to deny that a simple soldier is helpless in the face of ravenous, all-consuming flames. Pyromancers are also indispensable during sieges, especially if collateral damage isn't an issue or when rampant destruction is a goal in itself.<br><br>Nevertheless, any sufficiently experienced commander with at least a modicum of common sense will agree with me on this: when it comes to field battles, pyromancers pose as much danger to our troops as they do to the enemy, even more so when used in groups. Fire doesn't distinguish between friend or foe: a single poorly aimed spell can result in utterly unpredictable consequences...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Unlike the Circle of Pyromancy, its main competitor, Electromancy is a young magic school, which hasn't yet accumulated centuries of lore and tradition. At the same time, it's impossible to ignore its main advantage: electromancy offers much more precision while still being just as deadly.<br><br>Here are some observations that support my argument:<br><br>- Lightning spells are selective. A well-practiced mage can snipe out multiple key targets, such as commanding officers, with a single clean cast, sowing chaos among enemy ranks without endangering nearby allies.<br><br>- In my experience, magical electricity is remarkably effective against soldiers clad in metal armor, who are usually prevalent on the battlefield.<br><br>- Rains and thunderstorms, a frequent occurrence in our part of the world, make things twice as difficult for most troops: thick fog interferes with any attempts at assessing the situation, mud slows down the cavalry to a crawl, and the overall moisture ruins bowstrings, preventing archers from shooting as far or as precisely as they would in clear weather.<br><br>It's perfectly reasonable to maintain a small unit of electromancers for these situations alone: not only can they do the job of archers, but they actually benefit from lightning storms, since the presence of natural electricity makes their spells even more potent... | |||
|Electromantic Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§The restoration of electromancy can mostly be attributed to mages of the Bronze Isles. It's impossible to say which helped them the most: the vast legacy left behind by the island's ancient scholars or the high towers of Bronza, which made the eventual taming of the volatile element much more accessible...§"The Life Story of Sorcerer Umberto, Dubbed by Fools as the Madcap of Karuzzo"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Electromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Chain Lightning}}<br>{{c|Active|Ball Lightning}}<br>{{c|Orange|Unlimited Power}}<br>{{c|Orange|Conductivity}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Gerardo of Lietz§§ | |||
|Electromantic Treatise III Content = Throughout his entire life, Umberto of Karuzzo, a student of the venerable Alfano the Elder, had a reputation for eccentricity.<br><br>Slightly limping and lazy-eyed, boasting a shaggy head of hair and colorful, raggy clothes - his appearance alone was enough to make passerbys scoff in ridicule. The city's street brats were even more blatant: they came up with so many derisory monikers for him that they had a designated insult for each month and day of the week...<br><br>But in spite of all that, Umberto's unsightly exterior belied one of the sharpest minds of his generation: where others had to spend years to master a discipline, Umberto could achieve similar results after a couple sleepless nights.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The lifework of the Madcap of Karuzzo, as he's often called by our ungrateful countrymen, was the study of electromancy. Using only the assorted notes of his late teacher as a foundation, Umberto made such extraordinary advancements in that field that no other person, living or dead, has yet managed to overshadow him.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>As a location to perform his most dangerous and unpredictable experiments, Umberto chose an old tower on the outskirts, which he purchased from another sorcerer.<br><br>Even to this day, many citizens share tales about distant chanting that could be heard from the tower's upper floor on dark, stormy nights - Umberto searched for ways to bend the element to his will by staying as close to it as possible...<br><br>Lamentably, the great scholar's life ended too soon: after one such night, Umberto didn't come out for his usual morning walk - his charred body was found on the upper floor by concerned neighbors. His research notes, scribbled chaotically in uneven letters, gave context to what had transpired, but the most valuable insight came from a few hastily written formulas... | |||
|Electromantic Treatise IV = treatise§§1600§§paper§Light§rare§Just like other military treatises of that era, Isiphont's Strategikon is dedicated to examining countless Axonian military victories. The Electromancy Circle, however, became interested in it for a whole other reason - the text contains a few surprisingly detailed descriptions of certain long-forgotten magical rituals...§"The Strategikon of Isiphont Tiradion"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Electromancy abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Tempest}}<br>{{c|Orange|Chain Reaction}}<br>{{c|Orange|Resonance Cascade}}<br>{{c|Orange|Recharge}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Isiphont Tiradion§§ | |||
|Electromantic Treatise IV Content = ...which led Farinicles' army right into the trap prepared by treacherous barbarians.<br><br>Surrounded from two sides by steep walls of the gorge and exhausted after the long march, the Axonian army couldn't even gather into their usual fighting formation. All the while, the Ohirian archers were free to pelt them with arrows from the cliffs above.<br><br>Falling back to the narrow mountain pass would likely result in massive casualties and panicked retreat. Pushing forward wasn't an option either - the well-rested soldiers of the wicked Ardanar had already taken defensive positions, ready to meet the Axonians.<br><br>Farinicles' gloomy musings were interrupted by the soft voice of one of his mages. Upon hearing what his impromptu advisor had to say, the commander noticeably cheered up and gave an order to prepare a ritual circle.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>An hour later, everything was ready. "Tonitribos! Tonitribos!" - the chanting of the Axonian mages was followed by a blinding flash of lighting, which erupted towards the skies from the center of the drawn circle. A few moments later, the heavens opened up, and for the first time in many centuries a deluge of rain poured down upon the arid ravine.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The tempest had almost reached its full force by then: dark, impenetrable clouds blocked out the scorching desert sun, turning day into night. Deafening thunder and flashes of lightning were growing more and more intense as they creeped towards the barbarian armies...<br><br>At last, the heavenly circle converged upon the Ohirians - thus began the great annihilation, for the elements know no mercy. Lightning strikes pulverized stone and split the cliffs, burying the nomads under falling debris and corpses of their dead archers. And even many Axonians trembled in fear, afraid that they might too become victims to the ongoing carnage...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>When the spell finally dissipated and the sky cleared up from the storm clouds, Farinicles glanced at the now empty path and sent a signal for the army to advance - after all, the road ahead was mostly void of enemies... | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise I = treatise§§150§§paper§Light§common§Persistent burn blisters, acid-corroded skin, scabby, crusty ulcers - a novice mage can be spotted from a mile away. There aren't that many ways to amend the situation: some drop the study of magic entirely, others decide to stick with the most simple of spells, and everyone else begins familiarizing themselves with this treatise.§"Compendium of Magic: A Guide to Spellcasting and Everything Related to It"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Magic Mastery abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Seal of Finesse}}<br>{{c|Active|Seal of Power}}<br>{{c|Orange|Precise Movements}}<br>{{c|Orange|Dissipation}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Karvut the Diligent§§ | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise I Content = ...Whether you practice magic under careful guidance of your mentor or summon spells on the battlefield, your main priority as a mage is to ensure your own safety. And no, I'm not talking about staying out of your opponent's reach and avoiding close combat. The main danger you will face is Backfire, the inevitable contact with your own overflowing magical energy.<br><br>The art of spellcasting can be roughly compared to fencing: in both cases, your skill with a weapon is much more important than a weapon itself, and any wrong move might cost you your life. But when it comes to magic, there's one crucial difference: arcane energies are a double-edged sword, and you have to tightly wrap your fingers around the blade to swing it around.<br><br>Indeed, once you master proper breathing, learn how to clearly pronounce magical formulas, and become capable of immaculately performing all the required gestures, the threat of Backfire will not be as looming. But what about beginner mages? What can they do to avoid getting maimed after a single mistake? The answer lies in Seals, special techniques that make it much easier to safely control the flow of energies.<br><br>Even the most basic of Seals are invaluable to any practitioner of magic: not only they improve concentration and provide shielding from Backfired spells, but they can also be used to dissipate whirls of previously built-up Aether. This is exactly why I strongly recommend the study of Seals to anyone who's just making their first unsteady steps down the path of magic regardless of their preferred School or chosen Circle... | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§When the United Circle split apart, it gave rise to a whole plethora of scholarly works. Most of them were created with a sole purpose of glorifying their authors' Magic Schools and pointing out flaws in the competition - still, a few cosmology treatises written during that period remain relevant and highly sought after even today.§"On Aether. The Monograph"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Magic Mastery abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Seal of Insight}}<br>{{c|Active|Seal of Cleansing}}<br>{{c|Orange|Lingering Incantations}}<br>{{c|Orange|Body and Spirit}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Magister Tidas§§ | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise II Content = ...the presence of Aether, the Fifth Element, also called Blood of the Existence by Hieronites, is one of the few indisputable facts that we can assert about the inner workings of the cosmos. But how much do we know about the actual properties of this phenomenon?<br><br>Despite what ordinary folk might think, no sorcerer can breathe fire or petrify their foes by simply waving a hand or uttering a special word. In reality, these motions only serve as means of giving a spell its basic form, channeling devastating flows of Aether energy, which in turn materialize as magical fire, ice, lightning, and what have you.<br><br>The ability to feel and control Aether is what we consider to be a magical talent, an affinity for mastering all things mystic. It's worth noting that interactions with arcane energies mostly happen intuitively, and hardly any mage can articulate the exact effect of their actions.<br><br>Aether is akin to an all-pervasive sea, yet its existence is a secret to most. However, with enough skill it's possible to purposefully manipulate its raging waters to either empower your spells with pure primordial energy or dispel any short-term incantations, forcing the Element to recede like an ebbing tide.<br><br>And even though Aether can't be directly observed, not even by arcanists, its influence on our world is way too tangible to ignore... | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§common§Even though most of the existing magic is rooted in Antiquity, there's surprisingly little information about the Axonians who actually practiced it.§"The Magic of Axonia and What We Know About It"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Magic Mastery abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Seal of Reflection}}<br>{{c|Orange|Thaumaturgy}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Magister Virios§§ | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise III Content = ...going all the way back to Axonia, the art of casting Seals has rather fascinating origins.<br><br>According to ancient manuscripts, it stems from one of the most mysterious practices of the Late Autocracy - duels between the Chosen, the mage-priests of Axonia. Don't let the word "duel" confuse you: the custom in question is completely dissimilar to those ugly displays of cruelty one can witness on the Bronze Isles.<br><br>There's not a single evidence supporting the claim that duels between the Chosen were meant to resolve any disputes - if that were the case, the results of such confrontations would be so disastrous that they would quickly get banned outright...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>If anything, these magical duels resembled a friendly spar. The Chosen didn't try to annihilate or cripple their opponent - instead, their goal was to demonstrate the sophistication and finesse of their spellcasting technique. The highest degree of mastery was to subdue the opponent without inflicting any bodily harm upon them apart from some bruises and scrapes.<br><br>The surviving records of this tradition contain no mention of the battle-focused sorcery we use today: there are, however, colorful descriptions of immaculately reflected spells and inventive applications of the most simple and innocuous magic that can sometimes last for pages on end... | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise IV = treatise§§1600§§paper§Light§common§Copies of this pamphlet, rewritten by the same hand, used to circulate among the Academy mages, but only for a short while - the postulates suggested by their author were deemed too inflammatory, so it was decided to confiscate and burn them all. By miracle, a few tomes managed to survive - acquiring one for your collection is considered a great luck among book dealers.§"Message to the Mages of the Academy in Anticipation of a Catastrophe: A Manifesto and a Call to Action"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Magic Mastery abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Seal of Shackles}}<br>{{c|Orange|Arcane Lore}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by L.§§ | |||
|Magic Mastery Treatise IV Content = ...No, I harbor no sympathies for secret cults - I had a chance to witness the results of their abominable rituals with my own eyes. Even though the weight of my sins will almost certainly keep me from uniting with the Host after death, and the High Hieron would gladly condemn me to anathema if they knew my name and the full extent of my deeds, I intend to do everything in my power to once and for all cleanse Aldor from forbidden magic.<br><br>Alas, such a task is insurmountable for a single person even if they, just like myself, are intimately familiar with the occult. Upon reading this text, a member of the church might exclaim that this matter is already being attended to by all manner of witchfinders - and judging by the sizable list of alleged witches, warlocks, and renegade mages eliminated over the last few years, they are doing perfectly fine, aren't they?<br><br>It's not that simple, however. After all, what exactly is a witchfinder? An incompetent fool in a tall hat, whose zeal is supposed to compensate for his inability to discern and reflect. They are quick to resort to violence, fearing to experience even a shadow of a doubt. How many brilliant men and women did they brand as heretics and subjected to terrible torture? How many well-meaning Sages did they ruthlessly execute on the spot based on nothing but far-fetched accusations? And how many actual warlocks managed to elude their punishment by pretending to be pious children of the Host, allowing others to pay for their crimes?<br><br>The answer is self-evident. No matter how much Hieronites may deny it, the world is much more complex than it seems - and with every passing hour, these indiscriminate purges tip the scales towards the least desireable outcome, a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions. I've always said and will continue to say: the hunt for warlocks shall be carried out by mages. Only we can fully grasp the extent of what we're dealing with, only we can distinguish a witch from a simple sorcerer, and only we know how to do it without spilling more blood than neccessary.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>That's why I ask the question again: how much longer do you plan to hide in the Academy's high towers? When will you finally be ready to demonstrate not only in words but in deeds that it's mages who are the most prepared to defend the Host and the people of this world? | |||
|Shields Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§War always changes, and so do the armies. Though one thing remains constant throughout centuries - a shield wall. The Nistrians are the most aware of this fact.§"The Nistrian Warfare, its History, and its Distinctions From the Warfare of Aldor"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Shield abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Raise Shield}}<br>{{c|Active|Breakthrough}}<br>{{c|Orange|Moment of Retribution}}<br>{{c|Orange|Embodiment of Resilience}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Jens Dalen§§ | |||
|Shields Treatise I Content = If there's something for our commanders to learn from Nistrians it is how to employ the shield wall tactics with the same efficacy. Our army mostly relies on heavy cavalry and archers. The Nistrian army, on the other hand, is built around heavy infantry equipped with tower shields. They are usually deployed in square formations, so that their shields protect not only the first row but also the archers standing behind them. This makes the Nistrian army almost impervious to a disorganized enemy - their soldiers can safely deliver strikes from the cover of their shields without endangering themselves or worrying about getting flanked.<br><br>Fjall dwarves can only bite their axe handles in frustration, powerless against orderly lines bristling with steel. Once you factor in the masterful support of their light cavalry and horse archers, which deliver lightning fast attacks at enemy flanks, it becomes abundantly clear why Nistrians rarely return home without a victory.<br><br>Aldorian commanders usually attempt to weaken Nistrians with sustained volleys from longbows before sending in a cavalry wedge to break their formations. However, this brash tactic is very risky and often leads to large casualties or even defeat. That's why I suggest abandoning needless pride and actually learning from our sworn enemy's success... | |||
|Shields Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§Formal duels weren't that popular in Aldor even before the civil war, but now the practice is almost abandoned. Only dueling bucklers on the belts of some citizens and dusty dueling codexes in their closets remain of this irrevocably forgotten fad.§"The Iron Dueling Codex"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Shield abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Shield Bash}}<br>{{c|Orange|Last Bastion}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Alvaro Venegas§§ | |||
|Shields Treatise II Content = ...Alchemical powders and poisons, whether they are applied to a dagger or a concealed blade, are prohibited. Curses, enchantments, or any other magic is prohibited.<br><br>If a combatant prefers to use a shield or a buckler instead of a dagger, the following rules apply:<br><br>Spikes and blades are allowed.<br>Striking with a shield is allowed, be it with a shield's boss, edge, or flat.<br>Shield strikes are allowed to be delivered to any part of the body including the head and the neck. If a duel is conducted to the first blood, a wound caused by a shield strike doesn't stop the duel.<br>The first blood condition only applies to sword and dagger wounds, unless the shield strike itself rendered the opponent incapacitated.<br>Bucklers larger than one and a half feet in diameter or shields wider than two feet are prohibited. A set of exclusive rules is applied to Two-Handed, full-sized dueling shields. Such shields can only be used in a duel with the consent of both combatants.<br>If a combatant manages to knock their opponent down with a shield bash, the opponent is allowed to get back on their feet and continue to fight. The duel concludes upon the second knockdown or if the opponent fails to recover after the first fall... | |||
|Shields Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§Mysterious Nicadus wrote a number of poems and tales. This one is dedicated to Sir Winfred, a legendary Aldorian warrior and an embodiment of all knightly virtues.§"A Tale of Sir Winfred the Brave, a Great Knight and a Hero of Aldor"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Shield abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Hold the Line!}}<br>{{c|Orange|Retaliation}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Nicadus§§ | |||
|Shields Treatise III Content = The battle rages on.<br>Sir Winfred is surrounded by enemies.<br>What will it be: death or salvation?<br>Only fate can decide who will live and who will die.<br><br>The blade is blunted -<br>Such a sword is good for nothing.<br>The shield bristles with dozens of arrows.<br>No more hope. Winfred deflects strike after strike,<br>Counting the moments.<br>But his strength is bound to run out -<br>WIll there be salvation?<br>Where is loyal Rynald, why is he late?<br>The sun is about to set.<br><br>The sound of a battle horn. On the horizon<br>A thunderous gallop of hooves kicks up the dust.<br>Cowardly enemies scatter!<br>Wounded, but undefeated,<br>Sir Winfred lowers his shield. | |||
|Swords Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§A shabby looking treatise, smelling faintly of rancid oil. Every swordsman familiarizes with it at some point... as long as he's literate, of course.§"The Blade Codex"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Swords abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Cleaving Strike}}<br>{{c|Active|Keeping Distance}}<br>{{c|Orange|Blade Maintenance}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Constanzo of Aldwynn§§ | |||
|Swords Treatise I Content = ...As I already mentioned above, the most important secret to impeccable fencing is proper edge alignment. With enough training it's fairly simple to deliver deadly wounds with a flick of a wrist. However, most sword swings require the entire body to participate. A strike performed with shoulder and hip rotation is capable of slicing through your enemy's defenses, chop off a limb, or simply send their head flying.<br><br>The skill of applying power to swings is especially vital when dealing with well-armored foes. It's worth mentioning that it's impossible to slice directly through mail and plate armors, unless we are talking about orcs. Strength has to be paired with accuracy to cut at less defended parts and gaps in armors. Aim for the throat, face, armpits, groin, hands. Even a shallow wound to those areas can cause a massive bleeding and weaken your foe.<br><br>To cut through gambeson or tough hide you have to keep your sword in perfect condition. Don't forget to timely sharpen it, clean the blade from dirt and caked blood, and, most importantly, oil it at least every few days. Flaxseed oil is the cheapest and the most readily available one, but if you have money to spare, consider using clove oil. In the next chapter I'll also share some details about a large selection of alchemical pastes which have recently appeared on the market... | |||
|Swords Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§The most descriptive manual on fencing and everything related to it. Myrwan vir Debur undoubtedly has hands-on experience with the subject in question.§"The Aldwynn Fencing Codex"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Swords abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Fencer's Stance}}<br>{{c|Orange|Endurance Training}}<br>{{c|Orange|Gloat}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Myrwan vir Debur§§ | |||
|Swords Treatise II Content = An excerpt from the chapter seven titled "Pressing the offense as a path to defense":<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>What does a seasoned veteran of a dozen battles may have in common with a hot-headed youngster that barely learned the basics of fencing? Why will neither of them survive a run-in with an experienced duelist?<br><br>The answer lies in predictability: frontline experience and fighting in tight formation don't really prepare you to one-on-one combat. When it comes to duels, relying on a steady rhythm of attacking and blocking in hopes that your opponent makes a mistake is a foolish endeavor, and any swordsman worth their salt will easily figure out your tactics and use them against you. I'm referring, of course, to the so-called hidden strikes - counters that simultaniously displace an opponent's weapon just as he attacks.<br><br>It's an advanced technique that requires you to read your enemy's intentions: after all, hidden strikes must be performed as soon as an opponent prepares to deliver an attack. If you're not quick enough, you'll be lucky to have your hidden strike becoming a simple parry. Worst case scenario - you'll lose your head.<br><br>Fortunately, this skill can be mastered with enough practice and persistence - and then, I assure you, this investment will pay off not only in duels but also on the fields of battle... | |||
|Swords Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§Few years ago the house of Henrich Relge, a famous witchfinder, burned to the ground - alas, the owner was still inside when it happened. The only surviving thing was a safe with his diaries that were soon purchased by enterprising collectors.§"Notes of Henrich Relge, the Aldwynn Witchfinder"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Swords abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Onrush}}<br>{{c|Orange|Honed Edge}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Henrich Relge§§ | |||
|Swords Treatise III Content = ...The charred remains of the guards still remain under the drizzling rain. I've been observing him for hours. It's becoming clear that he isn't planning to leave the house. Well then...<br><br>It would be too risky to sneak into the building - I can see an occasional shadow moving behind the half-opened shutters, he is ready for guests. Either way, I wouldn't be able to do much within the cramped interior of the house other than burn down along with it. I wonder if I can lure him out before the rain dies out...<br><br>I headed to the nearest inn where I demanded a bucket of icy water. To the innkeeper's shock, I immediately poured it over myself. Keeping yourself from catching fire is half the victory when hunting pyromancers!<br><br>I had to act fast - freezing to the bone and succumbing to fever wasn't a part of the plan. After returning to the house, I began cautiously approaching the main entrance. Suddenly I heard the sounds of a mournful song or a prayer coming from inside... There was a magic spark, a roar of rising flames - I barely had enough time to dodge to the side. Trying to ignore my smouldering doublet, I rushed towards the mage. There were only a few yards between me and the target - one final push, and I was on the doorstep...<br><br>I bet the sorcerer didn't expect to see me up close. I wasted no time on pleasantries: upon reaching him with one giant leap, I grabbed the bastard by the throat, and let my trusty blade do the talking. He let out a terrible wheeze and started shaking in agony before finally going limp, collapsing with a heavy thud.<br><br>I grabbed a piece of cloth lying nearby and wiped his black blood off my sword... | |||
|Axes Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§A recollection of events experienced by Sir Gentwar during his stormy youth, written personally by him after his retirement.§"The Memoirs of Sir Gentwar der Nod, a Mercenary Knight"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Axes abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Mutilating Lunge}}<br>{{c|Active|Cut Through}}<br>{{c|Orange|No Mercy}}<br>{{c|Orange|Ferocity}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Gentwar der Nod§§ | |||
|Axes Treatise I Content = There's truly no one more foolhardy than a landless knight! I had a chance to experience this truth during my long and not particularly pious life.<br><br>When I was barely twenty, my father suddenly passed away. As his youngest son, I was left with nothing. Too wayward to serve under another lord and too hot-headed to become a priest or a templar, I ended up spending my days carousing. That's how I met Sir Dennor, a bastard son of a certain lord, whose name I'd rather not mention out of prudence.<br><br>We became fast friends. One day, we were having a drink together. I finally decided to ask why he carried a commoner's axe instead of a noble sword, a weapon that befits a man of his high birth. He laughed at the question and told me that he actually grew so skillful with an axe that he could easily take on any pompous fencer who would dare challenge him. I found the claim unlikely, but before we could begin the argument in earnest, the tavern's door swung open, and a band of angry-looking armed men barged in. Their leader, standing a good six and a half feet tall, eyed the silent room with a ferocious expression, as if searching for someone. When his gaze settled on Sir Dennor, he smirked victoriously, dropped a few profanities, and drew his sword.<br><br>Sir Dennor reacted immediately, I suppose he anticipated this predicament. He grabbed the axe lying nearby and charged at the sneering leader... The uninvited guest attempted to deflect the strike, but it was all for nothing - Sir Dennor nimbly evaded the leader's swing, pushed him off balance, and cleaved his skull in two with a deft strike. For a split moment there was ringing silence - the dead man's followers were trying to make sense of what had just transpired. Finally, they yelled with fury and ran towards us. I cursed under my breath, flipped the table to hold off their advance, and rushed to help Dennor - the time had come to prove my friendship... | |||
|Axes Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§The author of this book, an Aldorian traveller, had a chance to spend three long winter months in the mountains of FJall. During his ordeal in that unwelcoming land, he made numerous notes which he then shared with his venerated readers.§"The Long Winter of 410 Spent in Fjall, the Land of Dwarves. Part One"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Axes abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Massacre}}<br>{{c|Orange|Reprisal}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Torvan of Yostwayne§§ | |||
|Axes Treatise II Content = Entry seventeen: regarding the fearsome warriors known as berserks.<br><br>The dwarves are simple, rough, and somewhat savage people. Aldorians, at least the knightly estate, abide by combat etiquette, yet to the dwarves the very idea appears preposterous and meaningless. They aren't above using the dirtiest of tricks if it ensures their victory in battle. Berserks, also known as berserkers, are the embodiment of this sentiment. They are the most reckless and ferocious among the dwarves, inspiring fear even among their own brethren.<br><br>Clad only in bear pelts, berserkers don't feel shame, pain, or cold. They prefer to fight with two axes, wielding them with surprising dexterity. Some of them even treat their weapons as some kind of gods, offering them prayers and revelling in idolatry.<br><br>Before combat, berserkers consume a special brew that lets them enter a state of destructive fury. Its recipe is strictly guarded, but I can say with certainty that it includes henbane flowers and some mushrooms. This drink is extremely toxic for most humans and dwarves, leaving them writhing in agony. At the same time, berserkers are always happy to take a sip. When a warrior consumes the potion, it's a truly terrifying sight: their bloodshot eyes dart all over the place, searching for victims, the body shudders with tremors, and foam drips down their disheveled beard. The only thing you can do upon encountering a raging berserker is to keep your distance: imbued with inhuman strength and leaving a trail of carnage in their wake, they will not stop until the opponent is dead on the ground.<br><br>Now I finally understand why the Border Guard avoid engaging bands of Fjall brigands until they know for sure whether there are berserkers among their ranks... | |||
|Axes Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§Berran Wus has dedicated his entire life to collecting and recording folklore of Aldor in all its abundance. This tome contains some witty fairground songs.§"Folk Tales Recorded at the Mannshire Summer Fair, Year 417"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Axes abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Execution}}<br>{{c|Orange|Tormenting Swings}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Berran Wus§§ | |||
|Axes Treatise III Content = "A song about the Headsman of Brynn"<br><br>A story of a headsman<br>Who had a house in Brynn.<br>Fat bellied, petty villain<br>He swung his axe with glee.<br><br><br>And then one day a peasant came<br>To hint at lack of grind:<br>"There's no sharpness to the blade<br>With only strength behind!"<br><br>The headsman laid his head on block:<br>"I'll prove this axe is right,<br>How dare you over here walk<br>And say it's just my might?"<br><br><br>The peasant chopped at villain's neck<br>The bloodied edge was true<br>This hardly was the strongest hack,<br>But through the spine it blew.<br><br><br>"Now would you look at that,<br>This fellow wasn't wrong!<br>His axe is nothing to scoff at,<br>It cuts for weak and strong!" | |||
|Maces Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Idrich Jorg is a famous Aldwynn weapon collector who spent a fortune on his passion. The codger has never been in a real battle but can still discuss armaments for hours on end.§"The Complete Catalogue Of Weapons Collected by Idrich Jorg, a Merchant and a Maecenas. Updated and Illustrated"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Maces abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Armor Break}}<br>{{c|Active|Onslaught}}<br>{{c|Orange|Dazing Strikes}}<br>{{c|Orange|Moment of Weakness}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Idrich Jorg§§ | |||
|Maces Treatise I Content = Over the years I've collected a number of pieces from all corners of our world: Aldorian morgensterns, Skadian bludgeons, elven bozdogans... Some of them are plain and unassuming. Others - mostly the ones from the east - are the work of art, a source of pride for their craftsmen.<br><br>A reader who isn't familiar with warfare might ask a question: what advantages can this simple weapon have over a good old sword? There's actually quite a few of them.<br><br>First of all, a mace is a perfect choice for a warrior who isn't experienced in fencing. Maces are easy to learn, easy to handle and maintain, and require only two things - strength and dexterity.<br><br>Secondly, maces make short work of mail shirts and light armor. Heavy plates are trickier, but even when maces fail to punch through them, a lucky hit can still daze the opponent for a few precious seconds.<br><br>Thirdly, maces don't get stuck in crushed armor and shields, which can be rather handy in the thick of a fight...<br><br>Fourthly... On the other hand, I'd rather not tire the esteemed reader by getting too verbose about this. For a change of pace, let's get a closer look at the short history of blunt weaponry... | |||
|Maces Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§These letters of an Aldorian merchant, who only by chance settled in Nistra, are written with a mix of genuine wonder and fascination. Nearly half the tome is filled with lengthy descriptions of the yearly military parade held in the capital of Nistra by its ruler, the Great Despot.§"Customs and Traditions of Nistra: Part One"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Maces abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Hammer and Anvil}}<br>{{c|Orange|Respite}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Unar of Denbrie§§ | |||
|Maces Treatise II Content = The Great Despot, a ruler and a patron of Nistra, is well versed in the art of war. Every year he makes sure to carry out a military parade to show the might of the Nistrian army to common people - I actually had a chance to attend one of them. I'd never witnessed a celebration this unifying in my entire life. Can you even imagine Aldorian nobles fraternizing with poor townsmen? Nonsense, right? In Nistra, however, it's a usual occurrence.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The parade opened with a procession of cataphracts - the remnants of the ancient times when the Nistrian Empire stretched far to the east. The horses moved at a steady pace, heavy hooves hitting the cobblestones. The riders' armor resembled an exotic beast - fashioned together from countless shiny scales, it reflected the sun to a blinding effect. In their hands they carried hefty flanged maces gilded with ornaments.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Allegedly, it's almost impossible to hold your ground against a cataphract charge. Their wedge formations shatter enemy lines like a battering ram, overpowering even the most experienced pikemen. Even those who escape death by trampling rarely live to tell the tale - a couple mace swings is all it takes to send even a heavily-armored knight to his forefathers. Once dazed by a sudden heavy cavalry charge, the infantry becomes almost completely helpless... | |||
|Maces Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§The continuation of notes written by an Aldorian merchant who spent at least a dozen years of his life in Nistra. He fervently and in great detail documented Nistrian customs, paying special attention to the local nobility and their customs.§"Customs and Traditions of Nistra: Part Two"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Maces abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Knock Out}}<br>{{c|Orange|Concussion}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Unar of Denbrie§§ | |||
|Maces Treatise III Content = ...You know how our knights are, all too eager to dress head to toe in plate armor, so it comes as no surprise that Nistrians are obsessed with maces - around these parts they treat it as a noble weapon just as we do with our swords. If only you could see the local weapon shops for yourself: It's hard to imagine such a variety of maces anywhere else in the world. Some of the war hammers they sell are so peculiar that I have troubles understanding how they are supposed to be used in combat.<br><br>One time, I witnessed a weaponsmith demonstrating his wares to a customer. There was a straw dummy in the yard for this very purpose - and judging by its sorry state, the demonstrations were held rather often... The smith dressed the dummy up in a full set of armor, an Aldorian one by the way, took a war hammer, and swung at it... by the Host, I'd never seen such a devastating strike!<br><br>The weapon made a sizable dent in the plate, and the hammer head got stuck so deep in the mangled metal and straw that the smith had to spend a considerable amount of effort to pull it free. I definitely wouldn't want to trade places wtih that dummy... | |||
|Daggers Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Denunciatory anticlerical plays are a sign of the times. After the outbreak of the Crimson Plague, which affected the clerical estate the most, the rise of rumors about the sinful ways of the Hieron became simply inevitable.§"Traitors in White"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Daggers abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Double Lunge}}<br>{{c|Active|Gaping Wound}}<br>{{c|Orange|From the Shadows}}<br>{{c|Orange|Quick Hands}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by C.T.§§ | |||
|Daggers Treatise I Content = ( . . . )<br><br>(The first figure is clad in white and blue, its chin and lips are colored in red, the hands are wrapped in red ribbon)<br><br>Priest (solemnly):<br><br>- Tell me, o wretch, why were you murdered?<br><br>Dead man (monotonically):<br><br>- Because of my slander and greed. My tongue was ripped out and my fingers were chopped off.<br><br>(The second figure is clad in gray, its eyes and neck are tied with red ribbon)<br><br>Priest (solemnly):<br><br>- Tell me, o wretch, why were you murdered?<br><br>Dead man (monotonically):<br><br>- Because of me rebelling against the rightful order of things. My eyes were gouged out and my head was taken off my shoulders.<br><br>(The third figure is clad in red and gold, its chest is marred with red)<br><br>Priest (solemnly):<br><br>- Tell me, o wretch, why were you murdered?<br><br>Dead man (monotonically):<br><br>- Because of my loyalty and courage. My heart was ripped from my chest.<br><br>(The priest waves his hand. All three figures drop to the floor)<br><br>Priest (addresses the guards behind him):<br><br>- It's clear as day. The murderer is the one in red.<br><br>Guard (in confusion):<br><br>- If this is true... Then who killed the man himself?<br><br>(The priest turns to the audience and opens his white vestment, revealing black robes underneath. He brandishes a previously concealed snake and a gold cup)<br><br>Priest (mockingly):<br><br>- I'm afraid it will forever remain a secret! | |||
|Daggers Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§Fearless Exposer is a pen name of an author who used to write the most low brow novels. The overabundance of violence and steamy obscenities in his books somehow coexists with incessant sermons. Amazing times, these.§"The Amazing Adventures Of Unfred the Rogue or The Cautionary Tale of Love, Crime, and Repercussions"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Daggers abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Painful Stabs}}<br>{{c|Active|Deadly Trick}}<br>{{c|Orange|Weakening Jabs}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Fearless Exposer§§ | |||
|Daggers Treatise II Content = ( . . . )<br><br>Lady Avinna (frightened):<br>Ah, couldn't we do without a fight!<br><br>Sir Urgen (indolently):<br>This insult can only be washed off with blood. What's said is said. Things done cannot be reversed. The duel must solve our argument.<br><br>Lady Avinna:<br>Perhaps...<br><br>Sir Urgen:<br>No, no, and no! I demand this duel and I won't settle for less.<br><br>Unfred the Rogue (humbly):<br>Very well, so be it.<br><br>Act two<br><br>Scene one<br><br>(The duel. Sir Urgen is armed with sword and buckler. Unfred is armed with sword and dagger. Opponents come to blows and exchange a few attacks. Unfred skillfully dodges charging Sir Urgen)<br><br>Sir Urgen (out of breath):<br>Curses, you are a stronger opponent than I thought!<br><br>Unfred the Rogue (boastfully):<br>It is what it is. What you lack is finesse.<br><br>Sir Urgen:<br>I'm a noble knight, not some cut-throat!<br><br>Unfred the Rogue:<br>Then where is your armor?<br><br>Sir Urgen:<br>The Codex demands...<br><br>(Unfred disarms Sir Urgen with a sudden lunge)<br><br>Unfred the Rogue (mockingly):<br>The Codex? First time I've heard about such a thing. And what does it demand?<br><br>Sir Urgen:<br>How?! It can't be! Well then, the victory is yours. And now...<br><br>Unfred the Rogue (interrupts him):<br>And now, my friend, you are done.<br><br>(Unfred stabs helpless Sir Urgen with the dagger. The nobleman crumples to the floor, choking on his own blood)<br><br>Sir Urgen:<br>Why?.. You scoundrel... But the Codex...<br><br>Unfred (casually cleans blood off his dagger):<br>No one cares about your Codex.<br><br>( . . . ) | |||
|Daggers Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§A collection of stories from the Bronze Isles, the land where honor and principles accompany guile and intrigues in a remarkable manner.§"The Exploits and Adventures of Baron de Felin"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Daggers abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Coup de Grace}}<br>{{c|Orange|Danse Macabre}}<br>{{c|Orange|Counterattack Mastery}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by an unknown author§§ | |||
|Daggers Treatise III Content = ( . . . )<br><br>"Listen to me, boy,<br>Didn't Baron di Felin<br>Promise to arrive<br>Here in person?"<br>Marquis di Roden inquired,<br>His nose twitching in suspicion.<br><br>"Ah, Your Excellency,<br>Please forgive me, but<br>The Baron is indisposed",<br>The servant replied<br>And bowed at his waist.<br><br>"As an apology he sends<br>A bag of fine wheat<br>From his own supplies,<br>A gift for Your Excellency."<br><br>He pointed at<br>The burlap sack<br>Filled to the brim<br>As claimed.<br>Marquis di Roden<br>Wheezed with laughter:<br><br>"What's this?<br>I gut his granaries<br>And butcher his servants,<br>And yet instead of<br>Meeting me<br>Face to face<br>On the fields of glory,<br>He sends his scrawny servant<br>To buy me off?<br>Could it be<br>That rumors of his<br>Bravery and honor<br>Are nothing but a myth<br>And tall tales?"<br><br>"Once again, I beg forgiveness",<br>The servant's face turned crimson,<br>"I wouldn't dare<br>To speak for the baron.<br>Please, have a look<br>At the gift!<br>We reaped a bountiful harvest.<br>The golden seeds<br>Are asking to be ground".<br><br>Marquis di Roden<br>Leaned closer<br>To get a better look<br>At the golden offer,<br>When suddenly<br>Baron di Felin<br>Pounced at him<br>From around the corner.<br>A flash of dagger's steel,<br>The Marquis' blood dripped on the grain...<br>A worthy gift!<br><br>"And may no one,<br>You hear me?<br>No one! No one<br>May dare to claim<br>That I,<br>Baron di Felin,<br>Didn't come in person.<br>As for my servant,<br>The lie was his,<br>And only his alone."<br><br>( . . . ) | |||
|Two-Handed Swords Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§A story about the legendary Steel Company written down by their scribe follower, who ended up being its only surviving member.§"The Rise and Fall of the Steel Company"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Swords abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Hewing Strike}}<br>{{c|Active|Parry}}<br>{{c|Orange|Recklessness}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Hed the Scribe§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Swords Treatise I Content = Pretty much everyone has heard tales about the Steel Company and its heroic exploits. Even though it had only existed for a mere ten years, it still managed to participate in more campaigns, battles, and ventures than any other mercenary band of Aldor.<br><br>It was the Steel Company which made Two-Handed swords popular among mercenaries - now it's one of the most common frontline weapons. Those who had a misfortune of meeting the Steel Company on the battlefield prayed to avoid another confrontation.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>When the orcs came to blows with the Steel Company, the outcome of the battle seemed to be already decided... It looked like the growling, roaring wave of enraged savages ran the mercs down, tearing apart each and every soldier. A cacophony of colliding steel and dying screams - it was impossible to make out the details in the dense morning fog...<br><br>Every mercenary of the Steel Company was fighting with the strength of ten men - they had no one but themselves to rely on. Skillfully parrying vicious strikes, they retaliated with daring lunges of their own, slaying multiple foes with each cleave... <br><br>When the fog had finally cleared, the amazed villagers saw the resulting aftermath of that unprecedented battle. Unsteady with fatigue, wounded, and leaning on their swords, the five remaining soldiers stood amid the mountains of sliced up orcish corpses... | |||
|Two-Handed Swords Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§One of the more famous tales by Nicadus, telling about the life and fate of Sir Darroth, known for his generosity towards humans and ruthlessness to orcs.§"Sir Darroth, the Bane of Orcs, the Son of His People, and a Knight in Shining Armor".<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Swords abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Arc Cleave}}<br>{{c|Active|Feast of Steel}}<br>{{c|Orange|Fight to the Death}}<br>{{c|Orange|Revanche}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Nicadus§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Swords Treatise II Content = ( . . . )<br><br>And with the name of a fair lady on his lips<br>Sir Darroth dons his helmet, draws a sword,<br>And challenges Ilaouk to combat.<br>His eyes burn with steely passion,<br>And fear has no command over the paladin.<br><br>The chieftain speaks:<br>"You come to your death.<br>There will be no mercy for your people:<br>No one will escape the massacre.<br>And every fallen warrior will be avenged a hundredfold.<br>Once again the Old Forest will rise<br>In place of your cities. Once again<br>The ancient sacred oaks will bud leaves<br>As it was many, many years ago".<br><br>With nothing else to say, he gives a signal.<br>His sons grab their weapons and charge the hero,<br>Striking him with vicious might,<br>That can bring down anyone<br>To their knees. Anyone but Darroth.<br><br>He regains his balance,<br>Raises the blade and<br>With a single arcing strike<br>He lops off five orcish heads...<br><br>( . . . ) | |||
|Two-Handed Swords Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§A cautionary tale about the once virtuous knight, who in his pursuit of revenge not only disgraced his good name and his soul, but also honed his skill with a greatsword...§"The Fall of Sir Elrich, the Madman of Aeberholt"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Swords abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Heroic Charge}}<br>{{c|Orange|Taste of Victory}}<br>{{c|Orange|Courage}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Marick the Vagabond§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Swords Treatise III Content = "Sir Elrich! Hubris<br>Suits you poorly", the ringleader speaks,<br>His dagger is at the girl's neck.<br>"Where is your company?<br>Your brothers in arms ran<br>In fear from the Aeberholt's Scourge?"<br>Sir Elrich draws his sword,<br>Tosses the scabbard aside.<br>He measures his foes up,<br>And replies with a smirk:<br><br>"My company is finishing off<br>The rest of your godless gang.<br>Put down your weapon,<br>Or the Host be my witness,<br>I'll end you." The leader laughs<br>In his arrogance: "For your impudence<br>The first one to pay is the innocent.”<br>One slice, and the blood gushes out<br>From the cut in the neck. The knight is blinded<br>With fury, thirsting for payback. A bow<br>Is barely drawn when Sir Elrich<br>Sends the archer's head flying<br>With one swing. He charges at another.<br>One by one in the chaos of battle<br>The villains are bested.<br>Terror and fear. The Death is<br>Approaching. The ringleader,<br>Dastardly Treban, the Aeberholt's Scourge,<br>In vain he raises his shield.<br>With a short, feinted swing<br>Sir Elrich's blade cuts at his arm,<br>Then chops off his head.<br><br>At last the soldiers<br>Arrive only to witness their lord<br>Surrounded by corpses... | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Lord Nidar, the Host rest his soul, possessed generosity, experience, education, and common sense - a rare combination for an Aldorian nobleman.§"The Book for Lords: Managing Your Lands and Your Army"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Ranged Weapons abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Taking Aim}}<br>{{c|Active|Distracting Shot}}<br>{{c|Orange|Constant Practice}}<br>{{c|Orange|Dexterity}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Nidar der Fert§§ | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise I Content = Everyone is familiar with an old Aldorian saying: "as long as Aldor has a dozen longbows, no one will take our freedom". There's actually truth to it: the history has many examples of formidable enemies, whose steady, conquering stride was broken and eventually turned into a shameful retreat by Aldorian armies.<br><br>This was well-demonstrated during the last Radiant War, when after a series of defeats our commanders lured the elven army into a trap and, even if for just a short while, occupied some of the enemy's border cities.<br><br>I find our nobility's disregard for bows inexcusable. Rather than encouraging their peasants to continue improving their skill and teaching archery to their children, many shortsighted lords mock the tradition, treating the bow as a pathetic weapon wielded by louts. Some even place a ban on it, trying to protect their hunting grounds. Doing so is a dire mistake. I suppose these esteemed lords need to be reminded that before the Miracle at the Silver Pass their armies, which consisted mostly of cavalry, had been suffering one humiliating defeat after another from the elven troops. That is until Aldorian longbowmen joined the fray in earnest.<br><br>Therefore, every full-grown man who lives on my land and knows how to use a bow is relieved from paying an army tax. He and his priceless skill are already valuable on their own. If he has kids, I personally make sure that every boy older than seven is taught archery by his father, learning proper aiming techniques and how to shoot right on target. When teaching the basics, fathers usually rely on the following tricks and exercises... | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§Jovar Arno is famous for his lifelong travels through Jacinth. So many have read his stories of adventure...§"Deserts of Ahjat and Secrets of the Dunes. Travelling and Adventuring Notes, Part One"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Ranged Weapons abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Startling Volley}}<br>{{c|Active|Suppression}}<br>{{c|Orange|Anticipation}}<br>{{c|Orange|Spot Weakness}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Jovar Arno§§ | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise II Content = ...At this very moment we bounce around in our saddles as the horses carry us down the sandy road. Somehow I missed the exact moment when the proper, wide path layered with cobblestones gave way to an uneven trail, trampled through the countryside by the hooves of hundreds of horses and camels - apparently our journey has only just begun.<br><br>Sands, sands, sands... We haven't stumbled upon a single living soul in three weeks. Nothing but camels and dunes, silently observing our haggard procession of men and elves. Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind. What if our supplies run out before we reach our destination? I try not to think about it.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Damn these nomads! It seems they are determined to not let us leave the desert alive. For four days we have been trying to escape them, but they always catch up with us, loose a few arrows, and then swiftly retreat. We had to leave Jarum and Abad behind at our last camping spot, as they never regained consciousness.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The Host bless the Sand Guard! If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be writing these words... There were only seven of us left when we spotted a cloud of dust on the horizon. At first, we thought it to be nomads, and we prepared to say goodbye to our lives, but to our great luck it was the Sand Guard patrol. They accompanied us for the next week to make sure we reach our destination. It was mostly uneventful - nomads tend to avoid the Sand Guard like the plague. During that week their commander taught me a lot about nomads and how to use their own tactics against them. He also shared a few archery tricks that I will explain in detail below... | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§The relic forests of Aldor are teeming with dangers - the bands of militia patrolling the deepest, least explored areas are known as the Forest Watch. The part of the Watch that protected His Majesty's personal hunting grounds was eventually reformed into the famous Royal Rangers.§"Important Pointers for His Majesty's Gamekeepers"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Ranged Weapons abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Long Shot}}<br>{{c|Active|Hunter's Mark}}<br>{{c|Orange|Precision}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Royal Gamekeeper Kinryk§§ | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise III Content = ...Any member of the Forest Watch should never forget that their one and only advantage is the element of surprise. Knowing the terrain is half the battle, as it provides opportunities to catch the enemy at a disadvantage and engage combat on your own terms. The first arrow is the most important one, especially if it hits the target.<br><br>If possible, avoid being detected by constantly changing position and shooting from the farthest possible distance - this tactic is bound to sow confusion and hesitation, granting you enough precious moments to adjust your aim and finish the job. Trust me, few things are more terrifying than a constant barrage of arrows coming seemingly out of nowhere in the middle of the woods...<br><br>Of course, it's just basic advice, and every situation comes with its own caveats. As you can imagine, brigands or poachers are much easier to lure into an ambush than orc scouts, and you'll definitely need a backup plan when dealing with dire beasts that occasionally emerge from the deep woods after years of slumber... | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise IV = treatise§§1500§§paper§Light§uncommon§The continuation of Jovar Arno's exciting adventures in Jacinth, the land of mysteries. Even more nomads, deserts, and exotic customs - no wonder it sold out so quickly.§"Deserts of Ahjat and Secrets of the Dunes. Travelling and Adventuring Notes, Part Two"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Ranged Weapons abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Headshot}}<br>{{c|Orange|Shoot to Kill}}<br>{{c|Orange|Upper Hand}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Jovar Arno§§ | |||
|Ranged Weapons Treatise IV Content = ...The Sand Guard commander was a man of few words. His face had all the expression of a death mask, and I could never figure out his thoughts just by looking at it. When he addressed me in broken Aldorian to discuss archery, I figured he'd quickly get bored and return to his duties. Yet to my surprise, he got so carried away that he switched to the elven language, trying to explain to me the intricacies of some special technique.<br><br>I couldn't make sense of it. Without blinking an eye, he approached one of the captured nomads, loosened the restraints around his ankles, and led him to a spot a hundred steps away. After exchanging a couple phrases and receiving a silent nod, the commander returned at a leisurely pace, leaving the prisoner behind. He continued the conversation from where we left off.<br><br>Apparently, the elves call a three-fingered grip on a bow's string an "Aldorian grip", while they themselves prefer pulling strings with a hooked thumb. In order to avoid injury to it, they use metal rings - it finally became clear to me why the warriors of the Sand Guard, otherwise famous for their ascetic lifestyle, would wear this accessory in particular...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The commander's advice was to aim for the upper part of the body to guarantee quick and less painful death. He put it simple: "Hit high - it's a kill. Hit low - it's a needless torture". With these words he drew his bow and, after barely wasting any time aiming, shot an arrow at the captured nomad. It hit him right in the head, dropping him dead right where he stood.<br><br>"Why wasn't he trying to escape?" I asked.<br>"We hang our captives from the city walls. Getting captured is a dishonor. I promised him I'll tell everyone that he died as befits a warrior. His body will be buried before we reach the city," the commander replied. Jumping ahead, he did honor that promise... | |||
|Staves Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Cheerful, spirited, and cunning, Brother Jodar is one of the most well-known Aldorian folk heroes. He is shrouded in hundreds of tales and rumors, and if at least a tenth of them is true, then Brother Jodar is truly unrivaled in his wit and ingenuity.§"The Jolly Adventures of Brother Jodar<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Staves abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Hail of Blows}}<br>{{c|Active|Step Aside!}}<br>{{c|Orange|Destabilizing Hits}}<br>{{c|Orange|Battle Trance}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by an unknown author§§ | |||
|Staves Treatise I Content = ...One day Brother Jodar was on his way from the village fair, where he had spent a week carousing. His head was buzzing from all the mead he drank, his belly was filled to the brim, and he had a long road ahead of him.<br><br>The snaking path led him to a dark forest. As unperturbed as ever, Brother Jodar marched ahead, loudly whistling a tune. All of a sudden, a burly fellow stepped out from the treeline, brandishing a nasty-looking club.<br><br>Brother Jodar grabbed his staff tightly, took a step back, and started talking:<br><br>"Well hello! Didn't expect to run into another clueless vagabond like me at this hour!"<br><br>The fellow opened his mouth in surprise, but before he could reply, Brother Jodar proceeded with his speech:<br><br>"The name's Brother Jodar, and I am a monk. I bring the word and blessing of the Host to the wronged and abused. If you kneel right now, I'll bless you as well."<br><br>The fellow hesitated, but Brother Jodar looked at him with such fatherly kindness, that he gave in. The moment he got on his knees, the monk raised his staff... and smacked the villain on the back of his head! The thug tried to avoid it, but to no avail - Brother Jodar had the combat prowess of seven men. Nursing his wound, the thug reached for the club but instead got smacked again - there was nothing for him to do but to make a run for it, cowering from hits.<br><br>"Take this, and that!.. Where are you going? I only gave you a blessing for good health... How about one more for good fortune?.. Or maybe a blessing for a happy marriage?" | |||
|Staves Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§One of the sacred texts of the Followers of the Path - a small monastic order that settled somewhere in the mountains of the Maaf Empire. They are known as skillful, fearless warriors - not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of monks.§"The Nine Virtues: Path to Unity"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Staves abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Unwavering Stance}}<br>{{c|Orange|Triumph}}<br>{{c|Orange|Now or Never}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Ee-Tai§§ | |||
|Staves Treatise II Content = ...The staff is akin to the Path - it's straight and unassuming at first glance, but it holds many intricacies, which are impossible to grasp with a limited mind. The staff doesn't yield its secrets to those who are impatient, arrogant, cowardly, or corrupted with affluence - only those who understand the essence of things can hope to unlock its potential.<br><br>To learn the staff you need to understand three principles:<br><br>- All desires must be reined in. All thoughts must serve the High Purpose. <br>- Emotions lead you astray from the Path and therefore they lead you to ruin.<br>- The staff is not just your weapon. It's a continuation of your very self.<br><br>Always remember that blindly performing the techniques and learning the motions won't teach you the most important thing - the Unity, the greatest of the Nine Virtues... | |||
|Staves Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§Pilgrims can still be encountered on the roads of Aldor, although infrequently. Their knapsacks hold a dozen crowns, a measly supply of provision, a clean shirt, and this book.§"Advice for Pilgrim"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Staves abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Peacemaker}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Brother Mirvan§§ | |||
|Staves Treatise III Content = ...The greatest weapon of every Aldorian pilgrim is most certainly their unshakable faith in the Host and the Path that they prepared for all of us. And yet, there are many situations in life when we have to stand up for ourselves instead of hoping for divine intervention. Your trusty staff, which has likely been accompanying you during the miles-long journeys between the holy sites of Aldor, can definitely help you with this task.<br><br>It goes without saying that a staff is no match to a sword: killing an ambushing brigand with it will take a considerable amount of effort. But who said that taking a life is the only choice? Sometimes instead of trying to murder your enemy outright, it's better to daze or confuse them, knock a weapon out of their hands... In other words - buy yourself some time to make a run for it rather than sticking around for an unfair fight...<br><br>The staff's advantage lies in its cheapness, the ease of learning, and the abundance of moves that you can perform with it. I'll explain some of them in greater detail below... | |||
|Athletics Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§The first part of the memoir written by the heir of the now impoverished trade house. The lengthy musings about the author's place in the world are lined with meticulous descriptions of martial arts exotic to Aldor.§"Journey to the East, Tome One"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Athletics abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Mighty Kick}}<br>{{c|Active|Leg Sweep}}<br>{{c|Orange|Disengage}}<br>{{c|Orange|Not This Time}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Fridrich Fyr§§ | |||
|Athletics Treatise I Content = For as long as I can remember, I invariably preferred the open road to working with dusty ledgers or moving promissory notes from one pile to another. It always felt more engaging to listen to the tales of caravaneers about their distant travels instead of bickering with them, haggling for better prices.<br><br>Being a firstborn son of a wealthy spice merchant, I never had a say in choosing my fate. My late father, the Host rest his soul, harbored deep animosity towards any kind of knowledge that he couldn't turn into profit - I was taught how to count almost before I learned how to write. He even hired a travelling elven monk to tutor me in dialects of Jacinth, so that he could spare expenses on translators in the future...<br><br>Over the years me and my tutor became good friends. Not only I got a decent grasp on the elven language but also learned the basics of the martial art practiced by most of the Jacinth Kingdoms' monastic communities.<br><br>To my then surprise, the focus wasn't on wrestling and fist fighting but rather on a rich variety of kicks.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>After my father's death from a sudden disease, I had no more reasons to linger. I sold my part of the family business to my brother for a hefty sum, used that money to gather a caravan, and, after bidding farewell to my family and friends, embarked to the Jacinth Kingdoms... | |||
|Athletics Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§The second part of the memoir by Fridrich Fyr is composed of disconnected travel logs and doesn't hold any particular value. However, a dozen detailed instructions on combat moves is actually quite helpful.§"Journey to the East, Tome Two"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Athletics abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Dash}}<br>{{c|Active|Sudden Lunge}}<br>{{c|Orange|Push the Falling}}<br>{{c|Orange|Inner Reserves}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Fridrich Fyr§§ | |||
|Athletics Treatise II Content = ...We set up our camp next to a wilting palm grove on the edge of a giant open sky bazaar. Silk, ivory, and figs were laid out on display next to silver ingots and rolls of woolen cloth brought there from Aldor.<br><br>As I wandered through the stalls, admiring the wealth of imagery captured in the exquisite jade figurines, I couldn't get rid of a nagging thought. The next day I was supposed to head back to Aldor even though I hadn't yet experienced even the tiniest fragment of what I'd heard about the Jacinth Kingdoms.<br><br>My melancholy was interrupted by music. The sounds of flute and drums created such a catchy tune, that my legs carried me towards the source of the music on their own volition. A crowd of bystanders had already gathered on a small clearing near a carpet merchant's tent. I pushed my way through to get a better look - at first I almost mistook the performance for a vicious brawl.<br>Two stripped to the waist elves, their shaved heads betraying them as monks, were exchanging a flurry of strikes, kicks, and leg sweeps. Bare feet kicked up dust, every move and strike was so swift and powerful, it felt like a small miracle that the elves hadn't knocked each other down yet. The spectacle was truly breathtaking: when it looked like either of them fell behind and was about to take a hit, they would deftly dodge or parry it.<br><br>There were few more monks sitting on the ground nearby, a part of the same community. They played the drums, steadily raising the tempo, making the fight resemble an exotic dance.<br><br>Finally, the music came to a stop. The fighters bowed to each other to the sound of lazy applause. The crowd began to disperse. A novice monk walked between the rows of onlookers with a clay bowl - some people tossed copper coins in it before leaving. It only took me a couple of solid gold coins to strike up a conversation... | |||
|Athletics Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§The third part of the memoir extensively denounces extravagant spending habits and the study of forbidden magic. Other than that, there's quite a few tidbits about the training regimen of the Sundanarian monks.§"Journey to the East, Tome Three"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Athletics abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Elusiveness}}<br>{{c|Orange|No Time to Linger}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Fridrich Fyr§§ | |||
|Athletics Treatise III Content = ...I decided to join the pilgrims on their journey to the mountains of Sundanar. By the time the coin purse I brought with me was empty, I had already managed to become close friends with the monks, earning their trust and a place in their community. I spent a few years with them, making pilgrimages across half the Jacinth Kingdoms.<br><br>And yet, even at the edge of the world, my fate still caught up with me. I received some troubling news from Aldor about my family - our trade empire was falling apart. I had to make a choice once more...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>In a truly inexplicable manner, my dear brother managed to make enemies of each and every one of our suppliers. He barely paid any attention to the business, instead wasting our fortune on studying questionable occult practices. It goes without saying that he didn't have a drop of magic talent in him. Or any business sense, for what it's worth...<br><br>To get us out of the debt, I had to sell off the pitiful remnants of our former wealth. Only a few things remained - the family house and our only profitable manufacture - a small printing shop near Maen.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>After everything was taken care of, I started languishing. I yearned for the Jacinth Kingdoms, but I couldn't abandon my family in that dire of circumstances. Ever since my return to Aldor, I had a growing desire to tell the entire world about my adventures in the East. Even though I had lots of stories to choose from, I was particularly interested in telling about the exciting lives of Sundanarian monks, their strength of spirit, their grueling training, and the amazing martial arts they practice... | |||
|Athletics Treatise IV = treatise§§1500§§paper§Light§uncommon§The fourth part of the memoir by Fridrich Fyr is quite popular among the nobles who take interest in the East, so finding one of these books is remarkably hard.§"Journey to the East, Tome Four"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Athletics abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Adrenaline Rush}}<br>{{c|Orange|Sprint Training}}<br>{{c|Orange|Peak Performance}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Fridrich Fyr§§ | |||
|Athletics Treatise IV Content = ...It only took me a week to learn meditation, a common exercise practiced among the people of Sundanar and Bhadjarath. Don't let its seemingly straightforward nature trick you - noticeable results only come with experience.<br><br>Unfortunately, I never had the patience for hours-long training sessions, a vital prerequisite for reaching the true mastery. Each person has to decide for themselves how much effort they are willing to put into untapping their full potential. I personally found the prospect of sacrificing a few years of my life too bothersome.<br><br>Health is strengthened by tempering, tendons - by running, and muscles - by lifting weights. These exercises unquestionably prepare a warrior for hardships. However, they, as all things corporeal, have their limit. The final obstacle, which prevents the full extent of inner power from manifesting intself, lies within the mind. Once this limit is broken, the warrior is no longer a slave to their body, instead putting it at the service of pure Willpower.<br><br>To walk off paralyzing pain, to break shackles of fear, to find strength where there was none, to understand your place on the battlefield with crystal clarity - it's all just a tiny fraction of what can be achieved if you train your mind alongside your muscles. | |||
|Warfare Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§The memoirs by the retired sergeant of the Trollslayers, a legendary free company which, in spite of its own name, has never encountered a single troll.§"The History of the Trollslayers, Their Victories and Defeats, Witnessed First-Hand"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Warfare abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Seize the Initiative}}<br>{{c|Active|War Cry}}<br>{{c|Orange|Opportune Moment}}<br>{{c|Orange|Setup}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Black Lars§§ | |||
|Warfare Treatise I Content = ...The pampered clerks and merchants that never leave the city walls draw their knowledge about warfare exclusively from chivalric romances. Such buffoons tend to assume that battles are won with skill and valor of a few individual soldiers, the so-called heroes.<br><br>This line of thinking is complete rubbish. Yes, personal skill will undoubtedly save your hide if you get into a tavern brawl or decide to duel for the honor of your dame, it's hard to argue with that. However, the moment two war parties clash on the battlefield, the importance of it falls off. A battle is no place for dueling rules or codes of honor.<br><br>A month of drills under an experienced commander is all it takes for a mob of yesterday's peasants to hold their ground against bandits, who may be more skilled individually, yet incapable of forming a line. Battles aren't won with superior numbers or better equipment but rather with good plans and the ability to execute them.<br><br>Understanding when to attack, when to turtle up, and when to press the advantage, preventing the enemy from regrouping and gathering their wits - this is what truly separates a sloppy duelist or a yesterdays' thug from a real soldier. | |||
|Warfare Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§The most popular edition of "The Art of Strategy", its authorship is attributed to at least a dozen different military commanders, scholars, and government officials.§"The Art of Strategy"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Warfare abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Offensive Tactic}}<br>{{c|Active|Defensive Tactic}}<br>{{c|Orange|Right on Target}}<br>{{c|Orange|Intimidation}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by an unknown author§§ | |||
|Warfare Treatise II Content = ( . . . )<br><br>- In order to keep peace, the ruler shall never forget about war.<br><br>- A poorly trained soldier can cause just as much harm on the battlefield as enemy spies and saboteurs outside of it.<br><br>- If there's a possibility of forcing your choice of the battlefield upon the enemy, it shall be pursued by all means.<br><br>- Exploit every available opening. The ends justify the means.<br><br>- Know your enemy. Even the bravest and the most skillful knight will perish if he charges blindly into a pikemen line.<br><br>- Battles can often be won before they even begin. Make use of skirmishing to avoid a decisive battle, break the enemy's morale, sow uncertainty among their soldiers. A good fight is never clean.<br><br>- Numerical superiority is not always an advantage. Without proper guidance it might crumble upon itself. A single soldier can defeat a dozen enemies, especially if they approach him one by one... | |||
|Warfare Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§This text was written during the last war between Aldor and the Maaf Empire, an unsuccessful attempt at keeping military governors and commanders safe.§"Maaf Shadows. A Reminder to the Commanders in Service of His Majesty"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Warfare abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Against the Odds}}<br>{{c|Active|Finisher}}<br>{{c|Orange|Tactical Advantage}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Quartermaster Garus§§ | |||
|Warfare Treatise III Content = ...Other than horse archers and the ever-present threat of ambushes, the Maaf Empire has prepared yet another nasty surprise for us. Akin to venomous beasts, which crawl into the tents of careless soldiers, maaf assassins prey on oblivious leaders.<br><br>The locals call these thugs the Shadows, the name reflecting their dastardly nature perfectly. And, just like their namesakes, they're never far behind from our high-ranking military officials and garrison commanders.<br><br>The Shadows strike only upon gathering full information about their mark's routine. Unlike common spies and assassins, who are fond of poisons and crossbows, the maaf Shadows always get close and personal.<br><br>More often than not, they disguise themselves as commoners or merchants in order to attack in the middle of a busy street. Once they get close to their victim, they kill it with a single well-placed strike and then disappear in the resulting commotion. The only protection against such tactics is a sizable escort and the utmost vigilance.<br><br>Even if discovered in time, the Shadows remain extremely dangerous. They charge towards their target, attempting to fight their way through the guards, quickly disposing of the unwary in a whirlwind of steel and magic. Even when mortally wounded, they sometimes manage to reach their mark and, upon murdering it, proceed sowing death among the remaining retinue... | |||
|Warfare Treatise IV = treatise§§1500§§paper§Light§uncommon§This substantial research by the established Brynnian academician attempts to explain the reasons behind military failures of Aldor and Skadia during their confrontations with the dwarves of Fjall.§"How Fjall Remained Unconquered. The Monograph."<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Warfare abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Thirst for Battle}}<br>{{c|Orange|Armor Crusher}}<br>{{c|Orange|Final Push}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Sares Gaard§§ | |||
|Warfare Treatise IV Content = ...Despite what many Aldorians tend to believe, the unbridled nature of dwarves and their remarkable resilience on the battlefield don't really stem from their love for mushroom infusions and mead (even though there's a grain of truth to it).<br><br>Many humans are openly wary of having any dealings with the dwarves, and only the most avaricious merchants are willing to undertake a journey to Fjall. Upon returning from the seaside settlements of the Ska'ar clan, they usually share tales about sea leviathans before eventually mentioning peculiar dwarven customs.<br><br>All dwarves, be it whalers or berserkers, live by a simple principle - "all or nothing". Freedom or death, wealth or ruin, glory or dishonor... Their distaste for compromises comes with mother's milk: combined with a cult of weaponry and warfare, it makes Fjall rather troublesome for its more civilized neighbors.<br><br>When dwarves loot and raid, they do it with bestial greed. When they protect their homes - it's bestial fury. This primal savagery unsettles even the seasoned veterans, and only a well organized line of defense can stand up against the dwarven onslaught.<br><br>Fully aware of the aforementioned fact, the dwarves tend to attack only when they know that their victim can't offer much resistance. For instance, when a neighboring country is weakened by war and can no longer afford the necessary number of patrols... | |||
|Dual Wielding Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Essays by Myrwan vir Debur are known for their thoroughness and comprehensiveness - after all, he is still the greatest fencer in Aldor, even though his years are starting to catch up with him.§"The Art of Fencing: Thoughts on Theory and Practical Advice"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Dual Wielding abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Flurry of Strikes}}<br>{{c|Active|Deflect}}<br>{{c|Orange|Dual Wielding Training}}<br>{{c|Orange|Dying Fervor}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Myrwan vir Debur§§ | |||
|Dual Wielding Treatise I Content = ... I'm obviously aware of the existence of dwarven berserkers, elven dervishes, and the duelists from the Bronze Isles who prefer fighting with two blades instead of one - I even had the pleasure to meet one of them personally. Alas, my memory isn't what it used to be, so I can't recall the name of that noble warrior. An old friend of my late tutor, he left the Bronze Isles just before it cut all ties with the outside world.<br><br>After losing his homeland, he decided to make a living by teaching swordsmanship to youngsters - I was fortunate to take a couple lessons from him back in the day. He preferred to teach a bunch of students at the same time, sparring with five or six opponents simultaneously. It goes without saying, he never failed to give us a thrashing - it felt as if his blades had a mind of their own, striking in every direction at once.<br><br>But what did it cost him? Years upon years of grueling practice, starting from early childhood and throughout his entire life, day after day... For this very reason I don't take dual wielding seriously. Even to an experienced fencer a buckler is a hundredfold more useful than a second blade. Unless you actually know what you're doing, dual wielding will only result in your quick demise... | |||
|Dual Wielding Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§uncommon§A collection of stories told by Red Valdvan, a famous treasure hunter, written down by his friend. Tellingly, the book made him significantly more money than his treasure-hunting career.§"The Adventures in Distant Lands. A Dozen of Exciting and Exceptionally Truthful Tales Which Will Amaze You"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Dual Wielding abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Enough for Everyone}}<br>{{c|Active|Concentration}}<br>{{c|Orange|Berserk Tradition}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Jedabar Vert§§ | |||
|Dual Wielding Treatise II Content = ...There were twenty of us, the best of the best, each was an experienced veteran I could personally vouch for. And now? There's only seven men left. Seven!<br><br>Before embarking on this expedition, I even made it through "The Long Winter Spent in Fjall", reading it from cover to cover. Naturally, I didn't skip the chapter about berserkers, though back then I figured it to be a tall tale, written down by not the most talented of quill-drivers. I'd never been so wrong in my life. What's even worse, my mistake cost so many men their lives.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>One of the locals reluctantly pointed us in the right direction - we had to give up most of our remaining supplies as payment. The scroll wasn't lying: the Sanctuary turned out to be a shrine to some local god... To our great joy, there were only ten dwarves guarding it - five elderly shamans and five younger berserkers. It felt as if the gold was already in our reach...The Host almighty, I can't believe how foolish and naive we were!<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Rodrick was chopped to pieces before he could take a single swing with his sword... Domnar tried to hold one of those sons of bitches off only to lose his head. Varn, Tenmar, and Riventain barely managed to shoot a bolt each - they missed, making these shots their last. Our right flank had it even worse... Nidward and I had no other choice but to cowardly drop our weapons and run as fast as we could... | |||
|Dual Wielding Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§After traveling through the desert for a few months, Jovar Arno finally reached Ahjat, where the abundance of elven customs and traditions amazed him to his very core.§"Deserts of Ahjat and Secrets of the Dunes. Travelling and Adventuring Notes, Part Three"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Dual Wielding abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Whirlwind}}<br>{{c|Orange|Unstoppable}}<br>{{c|Orange|More Blood!}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Jovar Arno§§ | |||
|Dual Wielding Treatise III Content = ...The Jacinth Kingdoms are teeming with all kinds of secret societies and sects, and the Harimits are one of the most remarkable groups. In Aldor they would likely be called a monastic order, though such comparison does a disservice to their actual nature.<br><br>This society is indeed heavily focused on mysticism, but one can become a Harimit without forfeiting their old life. Therefore, Harimits can be encountered among every estate of Ahjat and Jibey: artisans, merchants, even maafs. The militant branch of the order is known as the Singing Blades. Over the centuries, they developed their very own fencing system, heavily borrowing from the nomadic dervishes of Ohir. The Harimit Blades barely use any armor, instead relying on speed and precision.<br><br>I had an opportunity to witness their training a couple times. I must admit, sometimes it was hard to believe their moves to be the result of mere muscles and tendons working in unison, and not some strange magic. For example, there's this technique which the Blades call "whirlwind"... | |||
|Spears Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§It goes without saying that bounty hunting isn't the most respected of trades, but a rather lucrative one, so there are always folks who wish to learn it.§"Bounty Hunting: Tricks of the Trade Detailed by an Experienced Trapper Across Twenty Chapters"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Spears abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Nail Down}}<br>{{c|Active|Impaling Lunge}}<br>{{c|Orange|Precise Hits}}<br>{{c|Orange|No Retreat}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Karn the Inescapable§§ | |||
|Spears Treatise I Content = ...From my experience, bounty hunters, especially the ones who are still wet behind the ears, fall into two extremes.<br><br>The first extreme is to hunt with such needless cruelty as if there's extra pay in it. Some folks enjoy beating their mark half to death after they already catch them. One can count their blessings if the poor bastard doesn't go belly up during the return trip, or if the client is able to recognize anything in the mutilated mess. It's simply the worst way to go about things.<br><br>The second extreme is to avoid harming the mark entirely, going out of your way to not leave a single bruise. Trust me, no one will hold you accountable for such trivialities, and it's much better to return with a dead man's head than to pussyfoot around and get nothing.<br><br>The most reliable way to capture your bounty alive is to hit them on the leg with a sharp spear. Just need to make sure the wound is properly treated before you hogtie them - otherwise there's a chance they'll bleed out or die of fever before you claim the reward... | |||
|Spears Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§The Strife brought a lot of inspiration to commanders on all sides of the conflict, but it's the strategists of the Magistrate who are most determined to make their new ideas a reality.§"An Essay on the Necessity of a Military Reform, Backed by Compelling Evidence and Indisputable Arguments. Part One"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Spears abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Determination}}<br>{{c|Active|Pikeman Stance}}<br>{{c|Orange|Wounding Spearhead}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Berelon vir Mar§§ | |||
|Spears Treatise II Content = ...When it comes to strategy and tactics, royalist commanders are rather close-minded: just like a century ago, the Council army continues to primarily rely on heavy cavalry. Their infantry consists mostly of poorly-trained peasant levies, which take to their heels the moment they lose sight of their lord's banner.<br><br>Therefore, in order to properly deal with our most sworn enemy, it's most advisable to focus on the reforms that will help us counter the Council's army composition specifically. If the enemy relies on cavalry, it's only reasonable to triple our efforts at training pikemen and crossbowmen, making them a backbone of our army.<br><br>It's worth mentioning the practice introduced by Commander Damian of the renowned Albatross brigade: by using a formation reminiscent of the antique phalanx, he achieved a decisive victory against Duke der Narn in the battle of the Chilly Ford. Regardless of what anyone might think, the future of warfare is pikemen. I've been saying this for at least a decade, and I'm saying it now as well... | |||
|Spears Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§This book was written with an intention of providing knights with all the advice they need as well as setting inexperienced youth on the righteous path.§"The Book of Sword and Honor: a Guidance to a Page"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Spears abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Regroup}}<br>{{c|Orange|One at a Time!}}<br>{{c|Orange|Stay Back!}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Sir Damrus the Virtuos§§ | |||
|Spears Treatise III Content = ...No matter how cruel fate might be, no matter how many hardships and sorrows beset him, a true knight has to remain steadfast. Even when facing certain death, he must stay courageous and unrelenting. These virtues are best exemplified by the life story of Sir Winfred, whose heroic deeds are well documented, ready to serve as an inspiration for any young page.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Leading with a dastardly ambush, the orcs laid waste to his entire retinue. In the ensuing chaos Sir Winfred lost his mount, proceeding to fight on foot. One of the orcs stood tall and mighty even among his vile brethren: with a cleave of his giant axe he shattered the valiant knight's shield, then knocked the sword out of his hand. Death seemed inevitable, but Sir Winfred prevailed - in a bout of great luck he spotted a knightly spear lying in the grass nearby...<br><br>The savage lunged at him, ready to finish the distracted knight with a single blow, but Sir Winfred proved to be more nimble than his opponent. A lightning-fast thrust buried the spear in the foe's throat, and when a couple more orcs charged at him to avenge their fallen champion, they met the same fate. It's hard to overstate the importance of resourcefulness and discipline - had Sir Winfred given up, this battle would have certainly been his last... | |||
|Two-Handed Axes Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Istrat Alecos was a Nistrian noble, who had been traveling all over Aldor before the civil war broke loose. Although he did recognize the battle prowess of certain Aldorians, it comes as no surprise that he wasn't very impressed with what he saw.§"The Kingdom of Aldor and its Landmarks: Everything Which Might Interest a Respectable Traveler"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Axes abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Hooking Chop}}<br>{{c|Active|Dismember}}<br>{{c|Orange|Shieldbreaker}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Istrat Alecos§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Axes Treatise I Content = ...Eeders village is a remote, inhospitable, and overall a rather unpleasant location, so it was easy not to overstay my welcome. Surrounded by dense woods from three sides, Eeders is known for two things: its lumber mills, which send timber straight to the Brynn docks, and its perpetually combat-ready militia.<br><br>Sons of Eeders fight with heavy poleaxes, their skill in wielding them is unparalleled in all of Aldor. The variation they use the most is known as an "eederax", named after the place of its invention. It bears a resemblance to Skadian bardiches, but with a hook attached to the back end of the axeblade - Eeders militiamen are quite adept at using it to dismount enemy riders.<br><br>You can guess what happens to those riders afterwards: Eeders fighters are both dexterous and persistent in combat, aiming their strikes at the head or the limbs. Even if their hapless opponent manages to gather his bearings and survive the follow-up strike, he'll probably be left a cripple: eederaxes chop arms with the efficacy of a lumberjack axe chopping branches. | |||
|Two-Handed Axes Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§In Aldorian literature orcs are only being mentioned with hatred and contempt, which is to be expected when taking their doings into consideration.§"Orcs, the Bane of Aldor: a Comprehensive Study on the History and Customs of this Wicked Tribe"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Axes abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Reign in Blood}}<br>{{c|Active|Rampage}}<br>{{c|Orange|Fatal Strike}}<br>{{c|Orange|Finish 'Em!}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Winbran the Wise§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Axes Treatise II Content = ...We most certainly cannot hope to achieve peace in our kingdom until this wretched tribe is completely wiped out. Their brutish customs, their language, resembling a growl of a wild beast, their propensity for unbridled violence - all this deserves condemnation, and then - oblivion.<br><br>The only commendable quality the orcs possess is their incredible bravery. They compensate for their crude weaponry with unquenchable zeal and readiness to die for their people. The most dangerous savages are the ones armed with huge longaxes. Nonlethal wounds only rile these beasts up, making them dangerous even to veteran warriors, as only death can stop a rampaging orc.<br><br>The soldiers of the Forest Guard still share blood-curdling stories about a small unit that was ambushed by orcs. When the nearby patrols finally reached them, the bodies were so disfigured that identifying the dead or holding a traditional funeral was not an option. The chopped-up remains, may the Host have mercy on these poor souls, had to be dumped into a mass grave... | |||
|Two-Handed Axes Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§In the second part of his journal Torvan continues detailing his incredible adventures, the likes of which had only been experienced by a handful of Aldorians.§"The Long Winter of 410 Spent in Fjall, the Land of Dwarves. Part Two"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Axes abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Make Space}}<br>{{c|Orange|Tool of Execution}}<br>{{c|Orange|Maim and Kill}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Torvan of Yostwayne§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Axes Treatise III Content = Entry twenty two:<br><br>...I could hear the commotion quickly approaching us from the lower chambers. There were no doubts left: the chase was upon us! Nothing good could come out of it - I spotted a shadow of fear on some of my companions' faces, something which I had never witnessed before. Or, perhaps, it was just tricks of the dim light in the darkness of the cave. I was cursing myself over and over: for agreeing to help Freer and his brothers, for treating this endeavor with such levity, and for deciding to come to the Host forsaken Fjall to begin with.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Fortunately, I couldn't see the faces of the gjenferds, lest I would be haunted by that nightmarish image to this very day. The panic settled in, so their horde appeared to me as some shaggy, roaring beast, hungering for our blood.<br><br>Bjarn, who was covering our right flank, caught a spear thrust that nailed him to the wall. I rushed in to help only to have my shield knocked out from my hand by some terrible force, which sent me tumbling in the opposite direction. The situation wasn't pretty: I was ready to bid farewell to my life when Freer came to the rescue. With one mighty swing of his axe he knocked three gjenferds off their feet. The second swing followed immediately, decapitating the monster who still tried to block the way out. Without wasting a moment, he helped me get up on my feet, saying only a brief "Run!". I hastily followed his guidance... | |||
|Two-Handed Maces Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Unar of Denbrie must have been a Nistrian in his previous life: there can be no other explanation to his incessant praise for that country.§"Customs and Traditions of Nistra: Part Three"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Maces abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Mighty Swing}}<br>{{c|Active|Unstoppable Force}}<br>{{c|Orange|Unbalance}}<br>{{c|Orange|Keep Them Coming}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Unar of Denbrie§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Maces Treatise I Content = ...Nistrian warfare is a rather curious discipline. No one else employs such a peculiar combination of antique traditions and modern innovations, all seasoned with a good dash of magic. We don't usually mix these things in Aldor: there are noble knights, lowborn archers, and mages, which might as well be treated as a separate estate.<br><br>Take aegimons, for instance - the elite guardsmen protecting His Highness Great Despot. Only the best of the best can join the ranks of aegimons, and their recruits are trained not only in melee combat but magic as well. More often than not, it's geomancy - a school of magic that Nistrians have the most familiarity with and that is exceptionally useful to a warrior.<br><br>Their weapon of choice is a heavy polehammer, which they wield with utmost agility, brilliantly performing a variety of strikes. Once I even had a chance to observe a sparring between two aegimons- and I've got to say, it was a spectacle to remember! | |||
|Two-Handed Maces Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§common§The untimely death of Berelon vir Mar was a terrible blow to the Magistrate army: despite his advanced years, he retained an enviable understanding of military matters.§"An Essay on the Necessity of a Military Reform, Backed by Compelling Evidence and Indisputable Arguments. Part two"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Maces abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Forceful Slam}}<br>{{c|Active|Striker Stance}}<br>{{c|Orange|Bonebreaker}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Berelon vir Mar§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Maces Treatise II Content = ...Other than recruiting more pikemen, arming as many soldiers as possible with polehammers is perhaps the second most sensible thing to do. I believe the result will be more than worth the effort: well-trained soldiers, who can effectively hold their ground against both infantry and cavalry, will greatly bolster the Magistrate army. To all the incredulous, I recommend to look no further than at the lessons of the Brynn campaign and, in particular, at the heroic feat of the Hawk Plume Company, who managed to hold the Northern Gate for several hours against the overwhelming enemy forces.<br><br>However, it's worth mentioning that a polehammer isn't the same as a pike. It is its own distinctive weapon, requiring extensive training and battle drills to maximize its effectiveness. The emphasis should be made on teaching the recruits all manner of stances and after that - on properly explaining which situation calls for what solution... | |||
|Two-Handed Maces Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§Vittenbard was an Aldorian merchant whose business ventures demanded him to spend a few years in Ahjat - this was long before the war between the two countries soured their relations.§"Ahjat, Also Known as the Maaf Empire: a Collection of Stories"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Two-Handed Maces abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Skull Crusher}}<br>{{c|Orange|Severe Concussion}}<br>{{c|Orange|Revel in Battle}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Vittenbard vir Norn§§ | |||
|Two-Handed Maces Treatise III Content = ...To my most esteemed readers, I have a piece of advice: if you ever find yourself in Ahjat, do not get into verbal spats with maafs. According to the local customs, any maaf has a right to defend their honor in a duel, and you can never know what they will perceive as an offence: after all, their foul temper is nothing to scoff at. And once the situation escalates, your chances of survival become, let's be honest, rather slim - maafs are unrivaled in combat.<br><br>Not so long ago I observed one of these duels. A young and brash elf had a lot to say about the lineage of a certain maaf. Before the duel commenced, all these insults were loudly narrated to the joy of the crowd, bringing the maaf to the boiling point. The moment a piece of crimson cloth touched the arena sand, he charged at his opponent with both a polehammer and a murderous intent at the ready.<br><br>I heard the elf was supposed to be a talented fencer, but that day luck wasn't on his side. The very first strike brought him to his knees. For a few moments he tried to reach for his sabre and get back on his feet, but it was already too late - the maaf lowered his hammer on the elf's skull in one steady motion, thus concluding the fight. The crowd cheered as the elf's body was carried away from the arena - a valuable lesson to those who don't know when to keep their mouth shut!.. | |||
|Survival Treatise I = treatise§§150§§paper§Light§common§When Sirat of Reshvan learned about the Forest Watch during his journey through Aldor, he became so infatuated with their history that he wrote an entire book on it, perhaps hoping that his Nistrian homeland would learn something from their way of life.§"Defenders of the Aldorian Woods: the History of the Forest Watch"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Survival abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|First Aid}}<br>{{c|Orange|Adaptability}}<br>{{c|Orange|Pathfinder}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Sirat of Reshvan§§ | |||
|Survival Treatise I Content = The pathfinders of the Watch avoid weighing themselves down with armor and excessive supplies: their main resource is the experience they amass over the years of patrolling the woods. Even upon venturing into the wilderness where no one has gone before, any Watchman worth their salt can quickly discover an animal trail or find tracks they can follow.<br><br>The Watch are most notable for their ability to stay calm in even the most dire circumstances. It takes years to learn the laws of nature, to start seeing it as an ally rather than an enemy - and I've got to admit, these people take full advantage of their knowledge.<br><br>Whenever he suffers a grievous injury, a Watchman doesn't succumb to despair - instead of giving up on survival, he finds courage to staunch bleeding, clean his wounds, and return into the fray... | |||
|Survival Treatise II = treatise§§350§§paper§Light§uncommon§One of the key teachings of Gnosism is the importance of overcoming whatever fate can throw at you with a smile. Needless to say, this practice can be quite beneficial even if you ignore its religious origins...§"A Sermon for a Good Hieronite"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Survival abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Will to Survive}}<br>{{c|Orange|Austerity}}<br>{{c|Orange|Ever Vigilant}}<br>{{c|Orange|Huntmaster}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Hierodidact Nistar§§ | |||
|Survival Treatise II Content = The greatest virtues are, without a shadow of a doubt, Humility and Temperance. Their union is holy, as it subdues Flesh, tempers Spirit, and elevates Soul to Eternity.<br><br>Be wary of Repletion, as it's the greatest enemy of Life in all its pristine Purity. It's the craving for Repletion that makes us chase mundane, carnal pleasures - yet this path leads nowhere, and the more Delights we mortals consume, the closer we teeter towards the Abyss from which there is no salvation.<br><br>And so you shall rise with Austerity, praise Restraint, hail Simplicity - they, akin to the aspects of the Host, serve as different manifestations of the same Eternal Truth. To show courage in embracing Life along with all its sorrows and tribulations is to prove your Will to Survive.<br><br>So it has Been, so it Is, and so it will always Be. | |||
|Armored Combat Treatise I = treatise§§100§§paper§Light§common§Not so long ago, every commander considered it his duty to familiarize himself with this hefty compendium of advice on tactics and various battle formations. The reputation of the author played no small part in it - under his leadership, Aldorian army managed to achieve a number of crucial victories during the Radiant Wars.§"A Modest Handbook for His Majesty's Military Leaders"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Armored Combat abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Brace for Impact!}}<br>{{c|Orange|Self-Repair}}<br>{{c|Orange|Hard Target}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Raimond of Aldwynn§§ | |||
|Armored Combat Treatise I Content = ...For defenders of the Northern Borderlands, the biggest threat isn't the dwarves, but rather moisture and cold. Rusty armor offers little protection against enemy blades, and blunt swords can get stuck even in roughly tanned leathers. That's why the main allies of any commander who plans to live through the winter are the field forge and a sizable stockpile of wax and weapon oils.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Your frequent opponents in these lands will be Ohirian mounted archers in the service of Jacinth. They often act independently from the main army, willing to travel long distances to achieve their goal - which is to harass our soldiers with brazen raids when we least expect it.<br><br>The only way to counteract this tactic is through iron discipline and careful logistics. Avoid stretching your caravan formations too thin - stragglers and lagging wagons make for an easy target. To common soldiers, my advice would be to always stay vigilant and never part with their armor, no matter how unbearable the heat may become. Only well-fortified camps and outposts can be considered safe in Ahjat - everywhere else an ambush can happen at any moment... | |||
|Armored Combat Treatise II = treatise§§300§§paper§Light§uncommon§Initially written for graduates of the Academy, who decided to try their luck as battlemages, this text quickly became popular among common mercenaries thanks to its simple language and straightforwardness.§"Armored Combat Through the Eyes of a Battlemage. Tips, Secrets, and Instructions."<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Armored Combat abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Flexible Defense}}<br>{{c|Active|Unyielding Defense}}<br>{{c|Orange|Battle-Forged}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Magister Ark§§ | |||
|Armored Combat Treatise II Content = ...On the fields of battle, any archer or crossbowman with a lick of common sense will try to snipe the sorcerer responsible for summoning ice, flame, and deadly poisons upon his position. But does it mean that mages should always be clad head to toes in iron and steel? Not necessarily.<br><br>Granted, the heavier the armor, the more reliable the protection. Thick plate and quality brigandines will keep you perfectly safe from stray arrows and glancing blows, and, if you have both the strength and experience, won't hinder your movements all that much.<br><br>Don't get the wrong idea though - spellcasting stands apart from other forms of combat. The aspect of endurance that we, mages, strive to master is entirely different from that of a veteran footsoldier, a survivor of many war campaigns. For practitioners of the arcane, a suit of heavy armor isn't unlike a set of manacles, willingly attached to one's limbs - plate gauntlets will rob you of dexterity, and closed helmets make it almost impossible to maintain focus and clarity of mind.<br><br>Understandably, most battlemages limit themselves to enchanted mail shirts, cuirasses over mantles, and light gambesons. And while those may be a risky choice for large-scale battles or sieges, in smaller skirmishes they make it easier to preserve stamina and not fall victim to fatigue when casting complex spells... | |||
|Armored Combat Treatise III = treatise§§750§§paper§Light§uncommon§Detailed descriptions of knots, seams, and arming points, hand-drawn schemes for custom armor adjustments... And, most importantly, half the listed instructions can be put to use without the help of a personal squire!§"How to Dress Your Lord for a Battle on Foot"<br><br>{{c|Gray|Allows you to learn the following Armored Combat abilities:}}<br><br>{{c|Active|Battering Ram}}<br>{{c|Orange|Custom Adjustments}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Velmen Ann§§ | |||
|Armored Combat Treatise III Content = ...All laces and straps shall be thoroughly waxed, lest they will stretch or tear in the heat of combat. For the same reason, the doublet must not be tightened too zealously.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Make certain that knee and elbow joints are well-padded with wool and satin. When this task is complete, you may begin the first steps of attaching the plate harness. Proceed bottom to top, layering pieces one over the other.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Once you securely tie the sabatons to boots, move onto the greaves: the cuisses shall be laced to the bottom of the doublet, thus allowing the body to support some of their weight. Then comes the gambeson and, depending on your Lord's preference, a mail or a hauberk. One should also pay attention to the correct way of fastening the belt.<br><br>What happens next depends on the origins of the cuirass and pauldrons. Aldwynn smiths favor simplicity, their armor requiring the barest minimum of arming points. In sharp contrast, heavy breastplates made in the Nistrian tradition might demand at least half an hour to properly equip... | |||
|The Seven Lucks of Don Albaro = special§§§§§§§An indisputable appeal of the Bronze Isles novels is that they contain much more adventure than sermons.§§Written by Sandro Nikezzo§§ | |||
|The Seven Lucks of Don Albaro Content = ...The bronze spires of the distant towers were made crimson by the last rays of the setting sun. In different circumstances Albaro wouldn't miss a chance to appreciate the view, but he was rather preoccupied at the time. A crossbow bolt whizzed over his head, missing by a mere palm. Lady Luck was on his side for now, but it would be reckless to rely on this cruel, fickle mistress too much...<br><br>He spotted an opening and suddenly lunged at the nearby brute clad in embroidered doublet, knocking a rapier out of his hands. Before the weapon touched the ground, Albaro confidently caught it with yet another swift move. Well, perhaps Fortune was indeed favoring him that day...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Albaro took a quick glance around his surroundings. Suffice to say, the situation was dire - bristling with rapiers, the Hounds were coming at him from every direction, slowly tightening their circle. Could it be that after everything he went through, after an amazing string of luck and coincidences, his life would come to such an ignominious end in some filthy alley? That simply wouldn't do: if they wanted a fight, then he would give them one!<br><br>Albaro crossed his swords, easily deflecting a few more strikes, and took a step forward, ready to embrace his fate... | |||
|Soggy Diary = book§quest§§0§paper§Light§special§An old diary ruined by moisture. It reeks with decay.§§Written by an unknown author§§ | |||
|Soggy Diary Content = ...I knew that backstabber wouldn't make it easy for me, but this... this I didn't expect even from him. To be sent to the breeding grounds of the disease for a misdeed I never committed? I can't believe this is happening. I pray to the Host day and night that I succeed at bringing that villain's sins to light. Yesterday I tried to explain to Brother Venn that I was slandered, but he didn't believe me...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>...I can't bear seeing their deformed faces anymore. This stench, the foul smell of decaying flesh... It permeates everything: my clothes, the wood of my bed, these very pages, me... I check my skin every day. How long do I have before the first symptoms manifest? Do I only have a couple years before I join them: hunched, decrepit, forced to observe the slow decay of my own body? No, no, no... I'd rather die... | |||
|Old Remedy Book = special§§§§§§§An old book filled with concise, yet useful notes about the many herbs of Aldor. The last few pages contain some roughly written medical recipes.§§Written by Dvert the Healer§§ | |||
|Old Remedy Book Content = <br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Mindwort<br><br><br><br><br><br>The yellow flowers of this plant are easy to spot from afar. When used in infusions and powders, it bolsters mental health, so it's consumption is recommended to the anxious and the restless.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Red poppy<br><br><br><br><br><br>The milk extracted from the poppy seed pods is a well known drug. It's perhaps the cheapest and the most effective ingredient for painkilling concoctions, though it has to be used with extreme care - poppy juice can be deadly in large quantities.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Thyme<br><br><br><br><br><br>In some parts of Aldor this herb is also known as pine pepper. When combined with right ingredients, this plant helps with shortness of breath, muscle pains, and fatigue<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Henbane<br><br><br><br><br>Henbane is terribly poisonous, which is hinted at by the unpleasant smell of its flowers. The seeds are particularly dangerous: consuming them may lead to an excruciating death at worst, or to vomit, tremors, and seizures - at best. Henbane is to be avoided, unless you are an experienced healer who can measure a safe dose usable for treating, among other things, a toothache.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> Fleawort<br><br><br><br><br>This weed grows in the fields, villages, roadsides, and many other places. Despite being so widespread, it can be used in quite a number of ways. Even peasant children are aware of its healing properties, applying its leaves to small wounds and bruises at every opportunity. | |||
|Emissary's Letter = scroll§quest§§0§paper§Very Light§special§A letter by the emissary of Osbrook addressed to the Mannshire governor. It carries a heavy wax seal and looks rather imposing.§§Written by Rickerd der Overbine§§ | |||
|Emissary's Letter Content = <br>Weber!<br><br>I have to inform you that the supplies I receive here in Osbrook leave much to be desired. I'm a patrician from a well-respected Brynn family, and I can no longer tolerate such a dismissive attitude to my person. The wine here is disgusting, I'm served gruel, and the local commoners don't respect their betters. In fact, they seem to barely understand who I am and what I do in their gods forsaken village.<br><br>Therefore, I urge you to take swift measures, otherwise I'll have to report your misconduct to my higher-ups in Brynn. I'm well aware that there's some bad blood between you and Jeon, so I would hate to deepen that animosity even further. I expect to receive a crate of Mannshire fortified wine by this Friday, or there'll be consequences.<br><br>Respectfully and with due displeasure,<br>Emissary Rickerd der Overbine | |||
|Crumpled Note (Signal Tower) = special§§§§§§§A torn piece of paper covered in hasty scribbles.§§Written by an unknown author§§Note1.png | |||
|Crumpled Note (Signal Tower) Content = That beast still wanders around the tower. Everything shakes so much with its every step that I fear the beams supporting the second floor might collapse on us. The path upstairs is blocked, the troll is not going anywhere, and we only have enough food and water to last us for a day. We are done for... | |||
|Charred Journal = special§§§§§§§The thick leather binding preserved this book from the flames. Apparently, it's someone's journal.§§Written by Magister Joraks§§ | |||
|Charred Journal Content = ...I spent ten long years in the Academy, inhaling dust from old treatises. The Archmagister of the Pyromancy Circle personally commended my achievements. In loyal service to the King, I took part in all his war campaigns, incinerating hundreds of enemies in countless battles. And yet, despite all that, I still can't handle such a simple task!<br><br>I've lost count of my attempts to roast a chunk of meat without burning it to ashes or to cook some eggs without melting a frying pan. It's truly inconceivable: even though we have control over primordial elements, we can't render them even the slightest bit less deadly! Our flames are only good for burning down towns and scorching human flesh. And yet when it comes to heating up a bowl of stew, we, the mages, become mere mortals!<br><br>Such utter rubbish! I won't abide by it anymore. For centuries, pyromancers have been searching for ways to make their flames even hotter, but now it's time to tame it, to put it to something other than war. My experiment will start with a fire barrage, and I, Magister Joraks, swear on my name that until that damn steak is well-done, I won't take a step outside! | |||
|Forgotten Note = book§quest§§§paper§Very Light§special§A tiny piece of paper with a list of names scrawled in big, uneven, yet diligent handwriting.§§Written by an unknown author§§Note2.png | |||
|Forgotten Note Content = <br><br>Ormond, the tailor - two rolls of fabric, one roll of leather<br><br>Jebar, the smith - ten iron ingots<br><br>Jurg, the carpenter - a plane and a saw<br><br>Frid, the healer - three healing salves and a vial of antitoxin | |||
|Smudged Note = book§quest§§§paper§Very Light§special§It's generously dotted with splotches of grease and childishly large letters.§§Written by an unknown author§§Note1.png | |||
|Smudged Note Content = <br><br>alm you do what you want but until odar pays at least one thouzand crowns i wont set a foot at that brewery. did you see his guards they will gut us in moments. let kromm and odar fight it out themselvs its not worth it mark my words.<br><br>greg | |||
|Crumpled Note (Ransacked Homestead) = book§quest§§§paper§Very Light§special§A piece of old parchment torn out from some book.§§Written by an unknown author§§Note1.png | |||
|Crumpled Note (Ransacked Homestead) Content = <br>Ryn,<br><br>I pray to the Host that you will drop your stubbornness, gather your belongings, and finally leave before it's too late. Come to Brynn, both Osbert and Gee are already waiting for you. You'll have a roof over your head, and there's plenty of work you can do. Sure, you'll have to join the Guild, but doing so beats being dead, no?<br><br>If you don't care about your own life, think about your family. If you wait until those brigands actually show up on your doorstep, you'll have to abandon everything you own and run for your life. Stop playing with fire.<br><br>Godwin | |||
|Recommendation Letter = special§§§§§§§Your pass into the exciting world of Brynn craftsmen and bureaucracy.§§Written by Bern§§ | |||
|Recommendation Letter Content = <br><br><br>To whom it may concern:<br><br>I hereby declare that the bearer of this letter provided valuable service to the cause of the Grand Magistrate and therefore deserves trust and all possible assistance.<br><br><br><br>Bern,<br><br>Quartermaster for the Grand Magistrate's Vanguard | |||
|Forgotten Letter = special§§§§§§§A miraculously intact reminder of the Brynn siege, this letter still bears an impressive-looking wax seal with the Council's crest.§§Written by Margrave Senvar der Vaut§§ | |||
|Forgotten Letter Content = Vernold,<br><br>This is the third time in the last couple of days that you bother me with this nonsense, so I strongly recommend you to stop mentioning it in your further reports. Unless enemy soldiers suddenly grow wings and take flight, the march from Maen to Brynn should take them at least three to four days. I assure you, it's more likely for the sky to fall in than for the Duke's army to be here at sunrise.<br><br>And even if we assume that di Berro actually abandoned Maen right after capturing it and is now heading back to Brynn - by the time he arrives, we will have long captured the city. Instead of worrying about nothing, you shall prepare the troops for the journey north. After tomorrow's decisive assault, the sooner we finish <br>off the remaining rebels the better.<br><br>Margrave Senvar der Vaut | |||
|Old Custom Order = special§§§§§§§Written in perfect handwriting, this letter was clearly sent by a well-educated person.§§Written by Valter vir Mar§§Note2.png | |||
|Old Custom Order Content = <br>Ryn,<br><br>Now that every Brynn craftsman is a part of that damnable Guild, you're the only one I can count on, as no one else is willing to accept a custom order. Everything needs to be ready by the start of the next month - the duel will commence quite soon, and I want to be well-prepared. I'll send one of my men to collect the belt in a couple weeks, he'll bring you the payment we agreed upon. I also took the liberty of enclosing a small advance - hopefully, it will speed up your work.<br><br>Valter vir Mar | |||
|Prison Note = book§§§§paper§Very Light§special§A piece of old parchment torn out from some book.§§§§Note1.png | |||
|Prison Note Content = <br><br>Brother Kenmut,<br><br>The prisoners must be ready for transport by dawn. Make sure to take all necessary precautions: shackles, gags, blindfolds, Seals - you know the drill. There shall be no room for escaping, the last thing we need right now is another Mad Elm.<br><br>You have my permission to finish off anyone who's too worn out by interrogation, they won't survive the journey anyway. Stick to the standard procedure. Don't forget to burn the bodies and scatter the ashes.<br><br>Commander Leif | |||
|Journal Page 1-4 = book§quest§§§paper§Very Light§special§A crumpled piece of paper - apparently, someone tried to tear these pages to shreds.§§Written by Gwynnel§Journal Page 1/4§Note1.png | |||
|Journal Page 1-4 Content = <br><br><br>...way too risky. I'm afraid there's no other choice: I need to act before it's too late. I'll deal with Verren later - for now the most important thing is him finding the item he was sent to retrieve. | |||
|Journal Page 2-4 = book§quest§§§paper§Very Light§special§A crumpled piece of paper - apparently, someone tried to tear these pages to shreds.§§Written by Gwynnel§Journal Page 2/4§Note2.png | |||
|Journal Page 2-4 Content = <br><br><br>...was the price I paid too high? Perhaps. Was there any other way? I don't think so. Everything unfolds according to destiny.<br><br>Therefore, I am to endure every hardship thrown at me without flinching. And I must never forget that the reward awaiting us in the end will far outweigh its price in misery. | |||
|Journal Page 3-4 = book§quest§§§paper§Very Light§special§A crumpled piece of paper - apparently, someone tried to tear these pages to shreds.§§Written by Gwynnel§Journal Page 3/4§Note2.png | |||
|Journal Page 3-4 Content = <br><br><br>...each new day is harder than the last. I'm running out of supplies, and I don't remember the last time I had a good night's sleep. I fear the sight of my reflection. If nothing changes, I have a few months left at best. | |||
|Journal Page 4-4 = book§quest§§§paper§Very Light§special§A crumpled piece of paper - apparently, someone tried to tear these pages to shreds.§§Written by Gwynnel§Journal Page 4/4§Note2.png | |||
|Journal Page 4-4 Content = <br><br><br>...possibly in Maen. There must be at least some records of it in the Academy's library - after all, if not there, then where? Still, it won't hurt to go through every archive I can get my hands on. The Cathedral, the University, some of the abbeys that are still intact... | |||
|Old Ledger = book§quest§§0§paper§Light§special§By some miracle, it was barely affected by the fire. The pages are covered with a mix of random notes as well as calculations of profits and losses. The latter are much more prevalent.§§Written by Jebatur the Miller§§ | |||
|Old Ledger Content = ...those peasants are no fools when it comes to finding a better deal. They can either travel for fifteen miles to bring their grain here or grind it at Dwar's mill in Osbrook, which is not only closer but cheaper to boot - the choice is pretty damn obvious. And it's all well and good, but how am I supposed to put food on my table if I can't drop prices any lower without going broke?<br><br>Had to rack my brain a bit, but I think I have a solution: there's still some surplus grain left in the storage room. Selling it will bring some quick money, but not nearly enough. Using it to brew spirits, now that's a whole different story. It shouldn't take much effort, and folks around here sure love themselves a strong drink.<br><br>The numbers add up. In one year, I'll be able to not only pay my debts but also patch up the mill. Heck, I might even build myself a manor nearby.<br><br>Just need to cut down unnecessary expenses and then stash it all the usual way... | |||
|Biblia Amyntirios Mageias = book§quest§§0§paper§Light§special§This manuscript has a distinct air of antiquity. The parchment pages are covered with dense Axonian script - there are also some occasional notes and remarks, scribbled directly over the original text.§§Written by Diomach§§ | |||
|Biblia Amyntirios Mageias Content = <br><br><br><br>This part makes no sense!<br><br><br><br><br><br>Got to find a glossary in Maen archives<br><br><br><br>And this? Need l'Owcrey's advice on translation<br><br><br><br>Oh Providence, what did I do to deserve all this...<br><br><br><br><br><br>"Summon the Guardian"!!! - must find a way to avoid this!<br><br><br><br>Cast Seal of Cleansing on the Cradle?<br><br>No, it won't work<br><br><br><br><br><br>Sfraga - seal<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>The spell unlocking the entrance - Arhika Sfraga Aklitonas<br>(saying it once should do the trick)<br><br><br><br><br><br>ESSENCE OF DELIVERANCE (!!!) - will it ward off the Guardian?<br><br><br><br>The recipe for the potion's base is on page twenty<br><br><br>Need further interpretation:<br><br>petrified moment<br>blooming sanity<br>eye of the many-eyed<br><br><br><br>Don't forget to pack a torch<br><br> | |||
|Folio on Magic = treatise§§200§100§paper§Light§special§While studying in the Academy, Magister Tidas became infamous for his refusal to choose a Circle - instead, he dedicated his life to the study of magic as a whole, not bothering with practical implications that come with the use of specialized spells.§"On Magic, the Greatest Mystery of the Universe"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Magister Tidas§§ | |||
|Folio on Magic Content = ...the intricate challenge of understanding the nature of magic can be best described with an allegory I invented a long time ago.<br><br>Imagine yourself waking up in a locked room in pitch-black darkness. Your wrists are tightly bound with rope, there's an impenetrable blindfold over your eyes, so the only thing you can do is to make one tiny step after another as you stumble through the room and explore it by touch.<br><br>After some time, you realize that the whole place is filled with peculiar contraptions that you have no familiarity with whatsoever. If you fiddle with them long enough, somehow find the correct levers, you just might cause them to produce a useful effect.<br><br>But how precise can you be with your guesswork? Will the results of your fumblings be in line with the intentions of these machines' mysterious maker? You'll never be able to fully answer any of these questions until you get rid of the bindings, remove the blindfold, and find your way out into the light. Alas, the very nature of the human mind makes it all impossible, as some things are simply beyond our comprehension.<br><br>And once you remember that some of those contraptions are remarkably dangerous, capable of causing insanity, injuries, and even death if you are not careful, it comes as no surprise that only the select few whose curiosity borders on foolhardiness are willing to experiment with magic... | |||
|Folio on Barcia = treatise§§120§60§paper§Light§special§Despite being born with a bum leg, Barbador still traveled across half the known world, taking detailed notes about every country he visited.§"The Lifelong Journey. Notes on Barcia, the Land of Strongholds"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Barbador the Lame§§ | |||
|Folio on Barcia Content = First and foremost, the kingdom of Barcia is known for its unapproachable mountain cities, ancient churches, and courageous warriors who have been holding their ground against maafs and Jibeans for hundreds of years.<br><br>In fact, those are the main reason why tiny Barcia remains one of the few Eastern countries which retain their independence from Jibey - any attempt to conquer it met furious resistance.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Barcian men are stout, dark-skinned, have curly hair, and often wear long, well-kempt beards, which they generously decorate. When it comes to Barcian women, they bear a certain resemblance to elven maidens, sharing similar facial features and the tradition to cover their hair.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The very foundation of Barcia is faith in the Host Indivisible, and even though the dogmas of their Hieron have some notable differences from the Aldorian tradition, we and the people of Barcia have the most common ground when compared to the rest of the Easterners.<br><br>The nobility and the clergy of Barcia are one and the same - many cities and most of the land belong to sarcavags, the Kingdom's priests.<br><br>In times of need, it falls on them to raise militia and lead the army to defend their home. For sarcavags, losing one's life on the battlefield is considered an honor - those who die protecting the homeland have their name recorded in a special book, known as March-Az-Geri, becoming martyrs for generations to come.<br><br>To further commemorate their sacrifice, a stone stele carved with the martyr's countenance and life events is then placed on the roadside. During summertime, the sheer number of stelae standing along the roads leading to some of the Kingdom's cities easily provides travelers with ample shade... | |||
|Folio on Nistra = treatise§§120§60§paper§Light§special§Kreon the Younger followed in his historian father's footsteps, leaving behind a vast legacy. Regrettably, his life was cut short too soon - during the Brynn siege, he was murdered by the Council soldiers for refusing to let them into his house. His last words were: "Not my manuscripts!".§"A Complete Description of Nistrian Lands"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Kreon the Younger§§ | |||
|Folio on Nistra Content = The so-called Council of Peoples occupies a distinct place in the Nistrian way of life, perpetuating each of their individual nations' special rights and privileges.<br><br>The most numerous people are Chervenians. The language they speak is reminiscent of some of the dialects of distant Skadia, but unlike Skadians these men and women are significantly more jovial and easygoing. The majority of Chervenians are peasants and farmers. There are few of them among the nobility, so they often have to compete for influence with other peoples' much wealthier noble families.<br><br>Then there are Marrs, who were lucky enough to settle along the shores of the Southern Sea, making their residence in the coastal cities - that's their main difference from Chervenians, whom they share close similarities with. They often become merchants and all sorts of craftsmen - by law, Marrs are relieved of numerous taxes and fees, so plying these trades grants them plenty of opportunities for profit.<br><br>Zeineshes are a nation of warriors, hailing all the way from ancient nomads who inhabited the local plains. Nowadays, the only thing hinting at their uncivilized ancestry is the unique language they speak - otherwise, it's hard to distinguish them from other peoples of Nistra, whom they've been trading, marrying, and sharing traditions with for centuries. But even though Zeineshes blended in to the point of abandoning the freedom of the steppe and becoming sedentary farmers, they still form the core of the Great Despot's cavalry, as no one can rival their skill in horse husbandry and riding.<br><br>And finally, Ksifits - the direct descendants of ancient Axonians. A large portion of the nobility, city magistrates, high clergy, and even the Great Despot himself come from Ksifit bloodlines - ever since the days of the Last Autocracy, they've been benefiting the most from the Nistrian order of things... | |||
|Folio on Jacinth 1-2 = treatise§§120§60§paper§Light§special§Despite being born with a bum leg, Barbador still traveled across half the known world, taking detailed notes about every country he visited.§"The Lifelong Journey. Notes on Jacinth Kingdoms' Traditions"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Barbador the Lame§§ | |||
|Folio on Jacinth 1-2 Content = ...The court of His Majesty Arsam XII the Pious is usually referred to as the Holy Tiara, where the role of gems in the orderly splendor of its frame is assumed by the elven Monarch and his dignitaries.<br><br>The High Ruler's title is the Great Jacinth - the ruby is a symbol of the royal dynasty and is revered as sacred among elven people. That's why the Monarch's attire is made of scarlet cloth, and his scepter is set with the Crimson Star, the most beautiful ruby ever seen on the entire Continent.<br><br>His two closest viziers are known as the Adamants. One of them is tasked with informing the Ruler about internal affairs, while the other one deals with foreign ambassadors and those who come bringing tribute. They are clad in white silk, their precious apparel adorned with countless jewels.<br><br>Then there are his three advisors, the Smaragds: the first one serves as the High Priest, the second carries the title of the High Commander, and the third is a patron of sciences and arts. Their headpieces are crowned with multiple large emeralds.<br><br>The rest of the court who can't access the Monarch directly are called kalaigs, and they can be easily recognized by their turquoise clothes... | |||
|Folio on Veerlings = treatise§§80§40§paper§Light§special§Unlike many low-effort authors, who simply write down any nonsense they hear without second-guessing it, Bernold the Distrustful had always been a skeptic. Everything mentioned in his work was either observed by him personally or, in the very least, meticulously verified. This probably explains why even decades later his books are still relevant.§"The Ferocious Forest Tribes and Their Ways of Life"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Bernold the Distrustful§§ | |||
|Folio on Veerlings Content = ... While visiting several distant forest villages one can still hear a questionable tale or two about the so-called veerlings, who can occasionally be spotted on the edge of deep woods.<br><br>The peasants living in those areas will gladly paint you a picture of some forest-dwelling beastmen whose appearance, apart from cat-like noses, closely resembles humans. They also possess a gentle, laid-back temper, which makes them so much more approachable than other Forest tribes.<br><br>Whenever the veracity of these stories is challenged, there's always a peasant ready to announce that it was their grandfather, brother, or some other relative who saw a veerling with their own eyes - only for you to discover that these witnesses succumbed to a sudden fever about a year ago.<br><br>Alas, even after years of searching I haven't found a single person who could swear on the Golden Truths and their immortal soul that they had any direct contact with a veerling or at least saw a glimpse of one personally.<br><br>This leads us to a simple conclusion: veerlings are entirely made-up, and there is no substantial proof that they exist or have ever existed.<br><br>The most likely origin of these stories is some village simpletons running into orcs who, for reasons unknown, decide against slaughtering them on the spot - and since it's a rare occurrence to escape such a scenario with your head still attached to your body, it's naively explained as encounters with a benevolent beastmen tribe inhabiting nearby woods... | |||
|Folio on Bronza = treatise§§120§60§paper§Light§special§The Bronze Isles and their customs have always been of interest to Aldorians. Written by a Brynn scholar, this book details the history of that truly fascinating country.§"History of the Bronze Isles: From Axonia to Isolation"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Iremis of Brynn§§ | |||
|Folio on Bronza Content = ...That land has many names: for elves it's al-Burunz or Burons, Nistrians know it as Bronzos, while its inhabitants call it Bronza or Bronzia. In Aldor, the most common name is the Bronze Isles.<br><br>The location of the Isles opens up vast opportunities for controlling a significant part of the Southern Sea. Most merchant ships heading West to East - or vice versa - have to enter the local ports to refill their supplies and recuperate after facing the many dangers which plague the waters in that part of the world.<br><br>Unsurprisingly, Bronza was destined to become a crossroad of cultures: it's the place where Skadian merchants trade maps with elven travelers, where Nistrian seafarers shake hands with Aldorians, while Bronzians themselves are busy counting profits and gathering useful knowledge from the world over.<br><br>All this factored into the rapid development of science, arts, and craftsmanship - the rulers of Bronza had admirable foresight and enough common sense to generously reward any inventor, sage, or sorcerer who had something to offer to the world.<br><br>For that very reason, the crowded, lively cities of Bronza are full of wonders that you can't find anywhere else, including Jacinth. For example, there's a giant, bizarre mechanism installed into the tower of the capital's city hall, which is capable of counting time without the direct involvement of people or any kind of magic.<br><br>But lamentably, even the most talented and prudent nations can fall prey to misfortune. The Duke of Bronza, the most venerable Orro Denye, had been gullible and prone to superstition since early age.<br><br>Over the years of his rule, the Duke's timid nature and indecisiveness attracted an assorted crowd of sycophants and frauds, one of which prophesied some disastrous tragedy that will arrive from across the sea and put an end to the existing order of things.<br><br>The Duke was so terrified by those words that he immediately ordered to shut down every port in the country, completely severing the Isles's connection to the rest of the world. According to rumors, there was enough discontent to fuel a rebellion against the insane ruler - however, that attempt ended in failure, costing many their lives.<br><br>So even a decade later Bronza, which was once full of life and commotion, still remains hidden from outside observers. The Coastal Guard mercilessly sinks any ship brave enough to approach the shore - only a small number of local smugglers, who know the Isles as the back of their hand, dares venturing into the sea on their flimsy vessels to sneak forbidden goods in and out of the country... | |||
|Folio on Hieron = treatise§§200§100§paper§Light§special§One of the most well-known elven books on Aldor and its neighbors. Being a god-fearing and pious person, An-Dunnah was especially thorough while describing Western faiths and their differences from Takiya, the religion of the Jacinth Kingdoms.§"The Lands West of Ahjat: Ab-Aldur, Nizira, and Falijah. Tome one"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Farukh an-Dunnah§§ | |||
|Folio on Hieron Content = ...Heironites, as they call themselves, also worship Dair, the Circle of Existence, but their name for it is the Host, and they adhere to different dogmas. The hierarchy of the Aldorian Hieron is rooted in distant Axonian history and therefore is just as complex and elaborate as its teachings.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The priests who perform divine service and conduct sermons are known as hierophants. However, before they can assume this title, each claimant has to spend at least a few years as an exoteric.<br><br>Exoterics adhere to strict ascetic practices and perform distant pilgrimages. During those travels, they visit every important holy site and spread the Word of the Host to far away villages that lack their own temples and priests.<br><br>Upon reaching old age, the hierophants who prove to be capable and pure of heart usually distance themselves from preaching and become hermeneutists - scholars and interpreters of holy texts, tasked with unraveling secret meanings still hidden in millennia-old ancient manuscripts.<br><br>The proper understanding of hermeneutics is a necessary step in becoming a theognostic, a person who has a direct connection to the Host. Theognostics no longer rely on food, drink, or sleep: not unlike the oracles of Hazzun, they are spiritually fulfilled, receiving sustenance from the depths of their own souls and the endless mercy of the Divine Powers they worship.<br><br>An immaculately pious theognostic receives a chance to unite with the Host in life, thus becoming a thaumaturge, capable of performing miracles. Thaumaturges can do many things: heal the suffering, bless those of noble spirit, and smite all things wicked and unholy.<br><br>The most powerful theurgist are annointed with the title of Archtheurgist, which makes them conduits of the Divine Will in this world and leaders of the Hieron. As a rule, there can only be one Archtheurgists at a time, but there are records of occasions when multiple hieronites would become Archteurgists simultaneously, forming diarchies or triarchies.<br><br>According to chronicles, some of the greatest wonder-workers could restore razed cities, put an end to waves of pestilence, and send huge heathen armies fleeing in fear with nothing but their raw willpower... | |||
|Folio on Jacinth 2-2 = treatise§§160§80§paper§Light§special§Even the Ruler of Jacinth, the Most Virtuous of Takiyars, the Inextinguishable Light of Sundanaar, and so on and so forth, considers the ancient custom of addressing him by his full title a tiresome waste of time. Well, that's tradition for you...§"A Reminder to a Dutiful Courtier of the Holy Tiara"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Ceremony Master Mashair§§ | |||
|Folio on Jacinth 2-2 Content = Anyone close to the Monarch's court shall always remember to address Him by the following titles:<br><br>the Great Radiant Jacinth, the Noblest of the Holy Tiara's Gems, the Anointed Al-Murahib, the Blessed Al-Khati, the Guided Al-Nayi, the Most Virtuous of Takiyars, the Ruler of Every People and Tribe, the Absolute Monarch of the South, the North, the East, and the West, the Brilliant Amir of Jibey, the Great Sultan of Ahjat, the Noble Overlord of Mharadjar, the Shah of Shahs of Jarimad, the Inextinguishable Light of Sundanar, the Deathless Despot of Saadir, the Heavenly Priest of Shenfen, the Fearless Warlord of the Ohirian Deserts, the Conqueror of the Golden Cities of Aktum, the Merciful Lord of Botomu Princes, the Wise Overseer of Johara Oasises, the Defender of the Whale Shore, the Scourge of Barcians...<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>...the Most Cunning among Mortals, the Commander of a Thousand Armies, the Scion of Emperors, the Successor of the Eternal Dynasty, the Phoenix Reborn, the Guardian of the Scarlet Road, the Holder of the Ruby Scepter, the Gracious Redeemer - Arsam XII the Pious. | |||
|Folio on Beauty = treatise§§80§40§paper§Light§special§Magic is a heavy burden - by the age of fifty, those who practice it on a regular basis often look old and withered beyond their years. This book is chock-full of helpful advice for anyone who wants to avoid a similar fate and prolong their youth, if only for a little while.§"How to Preserve Beauty and Delay Aging. A Guide For the Nobility and Mages"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Sabrina the Cunning§§ | |||
|Folio on Beauty Content = ...The diligent application of the frog slime tincture after every sunset will smooth out shallow wrinkles, freshen the skin, and bring some healthy color to your complexion.<br><br>Alternatively, it can be substituted with snail slime, albeit it's much harder to acquire it in large enough quantities than you might initially think.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>A rather efficient way of preserving one's natural beauty is to take milk baths: they soothe flaky and irritated skin while also improving recovery from burns, which is particularly useful to pyromancers.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The adverse consequences of spellcasting affect hair the most: it becomes thin, brittle, and quick to turn gray. This can be amended with honey poultices: the secret lies in providing a thinning scalp with the nourishment it requires... | |||
|Folio on Skadia = treatise§§120§60§paper§Light§special§An-Dunnah writes about Skadians with a mixture of respect and genuine curiosity: the customs of that harsh, distant land are nothing like his home country of Ahjat...§"The Lands West of Ahjat: Ab-Aldur, Nizira, and Falijah. Tome Three"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Farukh an-Dunnah§§ | |||
|Folio on Skadia Content = Skadia is a land of vastness and contrast. Here impregnable mountains give place to dense woods, which in turn, if you travel South-East, gradually recede into grasslands and steppes...<br><br>The country is dotted with many cities, although only seven of them, the largest and the most prosperous ones, deserve a special mention: Vezhina, Bela Brama, Nizhgrad, Veledz, Stroma, Brazhav, and Tur. They are the reason why Skadia is also known as Semigradye, "Seven Cities"...<br><br>Another thing that distinguishes Semigradye is that it's not ruled by a high monarch - and when compared to the rest of the Continent, the country's nobility only holds a tiny fraction of their customary power. Instead, each Skadian city raises its own army, mints its own coin, and makes governmental decisions during veches, popular assemblies held by affluent townsmen.<br><br>Nevertheless, when faced with a major threat - and Skadian enemies are numerous - the cities elect an Elder Prince, who leads the united army and makes countrywide decisions until the crisis is averted... | |||
|Folio on Eidolons = treatise§§200§100§paper§Light§special§The Keys of the Tetractys is one of the most famous and important texts of Hieronite theology, explaining the main tenets of that religion in fairly simple terms.§"The Lower Key of the Tetractys or the Edification About the True Nature of All Living Things"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by theognostic Zenarch of Kilios§§ | |||
|Folio on Eidolons Content = ...Human Nature is undoubtedly the most subtle of Higher Matters, and it's a challenging task to fully comprehend its Original Purpose.<br><br>Wise Men of the old and Pious Clergymen divide Human Nature into multiple Hypostases - or Eidolons, if said in the Axonian manner.<br><br>The first of Eidolons is Body or Soma, the foundation upon which the Existence is built. The flicker of Beastly and Human Life can only sustain itself within Bodies that are sufficiently Strong and Healthy. The Body shall be treated with Consideration and Prudence, as without it there can be nothing else.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The second Eidolon is Mind, also known as Nous. It governs the ability to learn about the World and create Knowledge, thus serving as the Gate to the Host - only through Knowledge we grow closer to the Divine. The Mind devoid of the Higher Purpose is that of the sinning and the unworthy - not unlike the Mind of an Animal, it's meager and simple.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The Soul or the Psyche is present only in Humans, Elves, Dwarves, and other Peoples of the World - Earthly, Heavenly, or Sea Beasts lack it completely. The Psyche lies outside of Death's reach. The Body may rot and decay, the Mind fades with time, but the Psyche is eternal in its search for the Host, an aspiration that must be cultivated and encouraged.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>The final Eidolon is the Divine, the Theious. It's the Spark embedded in each and every soul, offering us the Path and the Guidance. Vices, as well as other forms of Hamartia, are detrimental to the Theious, weakening and corrupting it. The Souls deprived of the Divine are detested by the Host and, upon reaching the end of the Path, are rejected by Them as unworthy... | |||
|Folio on Gems = treatise§§160§80§paper§Light§special§The beauty, scarcity, and magical properties of gemstones capture the hearts of many: the first attempts to categorize and describe them in all their diversity date all the way back to antiquity.§"Secrets of Precious Stones: From Ancient Times to Modern Days"<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Niran of Maen§§ | |||
|Folio on Gems Content = <br>...When it comes to insight into the magical properties of gems, ancient Firns and their druids were centuries ahead of everyone else.<br><br><br>At the same time, their artisans didn't possess either the tools or necessary skills to cut gemstones themselves. Sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, amethysts - the Firns had to purchase most of it from Axonian merchants, paying with animal pelts procured by their hunters.<br><br><br>These gems were then used to empower druidical rituals: whether it was a rite of passage for new warriors, a blessing for the tribe's leaders, or a curse upon the Firns' enemies, each ceremony required its own precious stone.<br><br><br><br><br>Even to this day, some stelae found on their ancient ritual sites bear symbols referencing various gems: I'll list a few of them below.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>For the Firns, sapphires carried a particularly high value: often referred to as the "divine stones", they were believed to contain answers to cosmic mysteries.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Emeralds were considered to be an embodiment of health and longevity - this idea has its place in modern alchemy as well.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>Ruby, or the "fire stone", was a frequent talisman of warriors, capable of granting a boon of strength and courage. | |||
|Leaflet 1-3 = book§§§§paper§Very Light§special§Thanks to their typography, Brynn citizens can always learn news first-hand.§This leaflet is addressed to guests of the city.§Produced by vir Krenn's printing house§Leaflet 1/3§Leaflet Brynn.png | |||
|Leaflet 1-3 Content = <br><br>The esteemed guests of our city!<br><br>Welcome to Brynn! Whether you've been here before or it's your first visit, you should know that our gates are always open for hard-working craftsmen, honest merchants, and those who wish to fight for our cause.<br><br>As always, all manner of goods can be purchased on the Mint Square and in the Docks.<br>Anyone trained in a craft will find a job and a roof over their head in the Guild Quarter.<br>The Vanguard is currently recruiting in the Old Towers: if you can handle a weapon, they'll be happy to have you.<br><br>Glory to the Grand Magistrate, a pledge of peace and prosperity! | |||
|Leaflet 2-3 = book§§§§paper§Very Light§special§Thanks to their typography, Brynn citizens can always learn news first-hand.§This leaflet is addressed to mercenaries looking for work.§Produced by vir Krenn's printing house§Leaflet 2/3§Leaflet Brynn.png | |||
|Leaflet 2-3 Content = <br><br>Mercenary!<br><br>That's enough breaking your back for the dead king and his whore, having to put up with some snooty noble's ridicule! That's enough stooping down to mugging and banditry - you deserve much better!<br><br>If you are not averse to honest work, a fair and regular wage, eating and drinking your fill, or getting your hands on quality equipment - then don't miss your chance!<br>The Magistrate wants you to join the Vanguard, a new model army that has a place for everyone!<br><br>Search out Quartermaster Bern in the Old Towers: he'll tell you what to do next.<br><br>Become a part of the Vanguard yourself and show this leaflet to your brothers in arms! | |||
|Leaflet 3-3 = book§§§§paper§Very Light§special§Thanks to their typography, Brynn citizens can always learn news first-hand.§This leaflet is meant to curb the anti-elven sentiment that recently started gaining prominence in the city.§Produced by vir Krenn's printing house§Leaflet 3/3§Leaflet Brynn.png | |||
|Leaflet 3-3 Content = <br><br>People of the free city of Brynn!<br><br>The Silver League wants to remind you that elves are not only our loyal friends and allies, but also citizens just like you. Therefore, assaulting, threatening, insulting, or committing any other outrageous acts towards them is completely unacceptable and will be treated by the guards as direct sabotage.<br><br>Our close ties with Jacinth not only ensure Brynn's prosperity, but also our future victory over the Council. Any attempts to sow discord between us do nothing but undermine the city's wealth and defensive capabilities, which greatly benefits the Council's war effort.<br><br>Stay prudent and never forget whose side you are on! | |||
|Satirical Leaflet = book§§§§paper§Very Light§special§When these leaflets saw the light of day, there was a huge scandal. Valden vir Krenn swore up and down that he published these leaflets due to an oversight - supposedly, someone sneaked into his printing house at night and replaced the type molds...§A few verses of rather venomous mockery directed at the Magistrate's leadership.§Produced by vir Krenn's printing house§§Leaflet Brynn.png | |||
|Satirical Leaflet Content = <br><br>Duke di Berro can be seen<br>Teaching folks his new routine -<br>In the middle of the night,<br>When the moment is just right,<br>They spring up and start marching 'round Brynn.<br><br>Denvar Brie sure fits the mold,<br>A humble craftsman to behold,<br>Yet it's obviously lies,<br>As his velvety attires<br>Cost the city his full weight in gold.<br><br>Jeon Ballar unwisely thinks<br>It's Eastern wine that he drinks.<br>Take from it what you will,<br>But that powerful swill<br>Makes him strut like an elf of Jacinth. | |||
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Latest revision as of 16:00, 19 July 2023
Page for all Stoneshard Book data.
Treatises, Lore Books, Notes, most stuff that can be read.
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To obtain one specific value, use the #explode parser function.
Used by the {{Book}} template.