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Treatises, Lore Books, Notes, most stuff that can be read.

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 |Pyromancy Treatise II Content = An excerpt from the 14th chapter titled "Salamanders' Curious Tricks":<br><br>As you already know from my previous writings, salamanders spend the majority of their time near sources of heat and flames. You also probably remember that these exotic lizards have an affinity for all kinds of magic, so it should be self-evident that salamanders are soaked with fire essence. This grants them such an ability to manipulate flames 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 or anyone 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!
-|Pyromancy Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§unique§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|From Blaze to Furnace}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Nirman of Maen§§
+|Pyromancy Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§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|From Blaze to Furnace}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Nirman of Maen§§
 |Pyromancy Treatise III Content = ...Either way, that's enough of me listing my accomplishments. If you're holding this treatise, then you are most likely a man of science as well, already closely familiar with my research. Let's not waste any time.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>...The aforementioned experiments demonstrate that almost all matter in existence contains a certain amount of intangible, volatile substance called phlogiston. And when matter is exposed to fire, it provokes a complex alchemical reaction that results in the release of phlogiston, which further fuels 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, preventing it from burning. Living creatures consist of blood and phlogiston, the latter is actually present in large quantities - that's why fire is so harmful to both men and beast. But there is a silver lining: if we weren't imbued with phlogiston, it would probably be impossible for us to perform pyromancy.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>...As for practical applications, they're aplenty. After countless experiments, I've discovered a way of using the released phlogiston to empower magic flames. In fact, my discovery was so spectacular that my hapless neighbors ended up calling the city guard on me, claiming that I was trying to burn the city to the ground. But in all fairness, what else can you expect from illiterate simpletons?<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>All the formulas are listed below along with step by step instructions. Still, I implore you, if you decide to repeat my experiments, then by the Host, exercise extreme caution!..
-|Pyromancy Treatise IV = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§unique§Written by a renown wayfarer, these road notes are dedicated to a sect of fire-worshiping 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§§
+|Pyromancy Treatise IV = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§rare§Written by a renown wayfarer, these road notes are dedicated to a sect of fire-worshiping 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§§
 |Pyromancy Treatise IV Content = ...They surrounded me, and, for a brief moment, I feared that I was to share the fate of the poor sod whose charred remains we had stumbled upon at the crossroad. However, they seemed friendly enough, even if the sight of their eerie masks unnerved me greatly.<br><br>( . . . )<br><br>Once we were done with our dinner, 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 were met by the sight of a huge crowd, even though just a couple hours ago there were hardly more than a few dozen elves in the entire camp. The pitch-black darkness of the night was no match to the blinding light of hundreds of flames. The moon, as if terrified of the competition, hid behind the sudden clouds. The priest marched onwards, confidently pushing people aside and creating a path for us to follow...<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, huge gouts of fire erupted out of thin air and engulfed the people sitting in the middle of the circle. The crowd roared, then burst into wild dance, utterly enraptured. The burning dervishes remained in their place as if nothing had happened - I believe I even spotted a faint smile on one of their faces. Terrified, we attempted to flee, vainly trying to get through the rows of spinning nomads as they drew closer and closer...
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 |Geomancy 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're reading these words then chances are high you weren't kicked out during your first year in the Academy. With this in mind, there's little need for any introductions.<br><br>This lesson will teach you about the second most important spell of the earth magic - stone spikes. Some fools might scoff at this suggestion, too eager to jump straight to boulder tosses 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 and must be mastered right after you learn how to raise runic boulders. In fact, let's start with just that: summon a boulder and attempt to resonate with it, unleashing the energy trapped within the stone...
-|Geomancy Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§An excerpt from the Aldwynn chronicles telling about a 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 Unity}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by an unknown chronicler§§
+|Geomancy Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§An excerpt from the Aldwynn chronicles telling about a 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 Unity}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by an unknown chronicler§§
 |Geomancy Treatise III Content = In the meantime, a few dozen people separated from the main army and headed straight towards the walls, unfazed by the threat of the formidable Aldwynn archers who had already slain a significant number of Nistrians. Clad only in robes, they looked like an easy prey to the besieged. Eager to avenge their fallen comrades, they rained arrows upon the impudent Nistrians, but to the defenders' shock and dismay, their weapons left nary a mark. The arrows simply bounced off their enemies' 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 dispersed the darkness, as if the stars themselves 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 hundreds and 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...
-|Geomancy Treatise IV = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§special§A life's work of some small-time historian - an ambitious attempt at gathering all available information about the Geomancy Circle's origins.§"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 Cycle}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Absorption}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Wynur Eshvan the Elder§§
+|Geomancy Treatise IV = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§rare§A life's work of some small-time historian - an ambitious attempt at gathering all available information about the Geomancy Circle's origins.§"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 Cycle}}<br>{{c|Orange|Rune of Absorption}}<br><br>Reading this book grants some {{c|Orange|Experience}}.§Written by Wynur Eshvan the Elder§§
 |Geomancy Treatise IV Content = For quite a while, 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. 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 an ore vein 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>( . . . )<br><br>The most destructive weapon in a geomancer's arsenal is, of course, an overcharged runic boulder. It only takes one word to unleash the power trapped within to a devastating effect. There are even stories about great geomancers of old who could destroy entire armies with a single cast of this powerful spell, although I'm sure it's just an exaggeration. Still, some sources offer a different perspective - for instance, there is a historical account of a renowned Aldwynn chronicler...
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 |Electromancy 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...
-|Electromancy Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§The restoration of electromancy can mostly be attributed to the Bronze Isles' mages. It's impossible to say what 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§§
+|Electromancy Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§The restoration of electromancy can mostly be attributed to the Bronze Isles' mages. It's impossible to say what 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§§
 |Electromancy 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 passerby smirk 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...
-|Electromancy Treatise IV = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§special§Just like other military treatises of the era, Isiphont's Strategikon is dedicated to examining countless Axonian military victories. Although, the Electromancy Circle took interest in it for a completely different reason - the text contains surprisingly detailed descriptions of a few 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§§
+|Electromancy Treatise IV = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§rare§Just like other military treatises of the era, Isiphont's Strategikon is dedicated to examining countless Axonian military victories. Although, the Electromancy Circle took interest in it for a completely different reason - the text contains surprisingly detailed descriptions of a few 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§§
 |Electromancy Treatise IV Content = ...which led Farinicles' army right into the trap prepared by the 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 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 their archers' corpses. And even many Axonians trembled in fear, afraid that they too might fall victim 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...
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 |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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§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. But 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 = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§special§Copies of this pamphlet, written 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 copies 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 = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§rare§Copies of this pamphlet, written 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 copies 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 drastically more complex than it seems - and with every passing hour, these indiscriminate purges tip the scales towards the least desirable 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 necessary.<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?
@@ Line 85: / Line 85: @@
 |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 are 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 renders 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§Mysterious Nicadus wrote plenty 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§Mysterious Nicadus wrote plenty 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>Where are the allies?<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>The cowardly enemies scatter!<br>Wounded but undefeated,<br>Sir Winfred lowers his shield.
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 |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 who 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 a 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 simultaneously 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 his 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§A few years ago, the house of Henrich Relge, an illustrious warlock hunter, 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, an 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§A few years ago, the house of Henrich Relge, an illustrious warlock hunter, 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, an 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 guards' charred remains are still strewn 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 try and 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 outside 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. Not 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 a sound of a mournful song, or a prayer of sorts, coming from inside... There was a magic spark, a roar of rising flames - I barely had enough time for a desperate dodge. Trying to ignore my smoldering 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 picked up some rag lying nearby and wiped his black blood off my sword...
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 |Axes Treatise II Content = Entry seventeen: regarding the fearsome warriors known as berserks.<br><br>Dwarves are simple, gruff, and somewhat savage people. Aldorians, at least the knightly estate, abide by combat etiquette, yet to 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 dwarves out there, inspiring fear even among their own brethren.<br><br>Clad only in bear pelts, berserks don't feel shame, pain, or cold. They prefer to fight with two axes, wielding them with surprising dexterity. Some of them treat their weapons as some kind of deities, offering them prayers and reveling in all sorts of idolatry.<br><br>Before combat, berserks 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 strange mushrooms. This drink is extremely toxic to most humans and dwarves, leaving them writhing in agony, but berserks are always happy to take a sip. When one of them consumes the potion, it's a truly terrifying sight: bloodshot eyes dart all over the place, searching for victims, the entire body shudders with tremors, and foam drips down the disheveled beard. The only thing you can do upon encountering a raging berserk is to keep your distance: imbued with inhuman strength and leaving a trail of carnage in their wake, they will not stop until every opponent is dead on the ground.<br><br>Now I finally understand why the Border Guard avoids engaging groups of Fjall raiders until they know for sure whether there are berserkers among their ranks...
-|Axes Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§Berran Wus has dedicated his entire life to collecting and recording the folklore of Aldor in all its diversity. This tome contains a number of witty fairground songs.§"Folk Songs 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§Berran Wus has dedicated his entire life to collecting and recording the folklore of Aldor in all its diversity. This tome contains a number of witty fairground songs.§"Folk Songs 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 pauper came<br>To hint at shoddy grind:<br>"There's no sharpness to the blade<br>With only strength behind!"<br><br>The headsman knelt before the block:<br>"I'll prove it's sharpened right!<br>How dare you over here walk<br>And say it's just my might?"<br><br><br>The pauper chopped at villain's neck<br>The bloodied edge was true.<br>It hardly was the grandest hack,<br>But through the spine it blew.<br><br><br>"Now would you look at that,<br>The fellow wasn't just strong.<br>His axe is nothing to scoff at,<br>He sure proved me wrong!"
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 |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 demonstrate the might of the Nistrian army to common people - I was fortunate enough to attend one of these events. In my entire life, I'd never witnessed a celebration this unifying. Can you imagine Aldorian nobles fraternizing with poor townsmen during festivities? 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 striking the cobblestones. The riders' armor resembled a carapace of an exotic beast - fashioned from countless shiny scales, it dazzled in the sun. In their hands they carried hefty flanged maces, decorated with gilded 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. 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. Dazed by a sudden onslaught of the heavy cavalry, the infantry becomes almost entirely helpless...
-|Maces Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§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 traditions, 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§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 traditions, 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 like 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 bludgeons anywhere else in the world. Some of the war hammers they sell are so peculiar that I can barely understand how they are supposed to be wielded in combat.<br><br>One time, I witnessed a weaponsmith showcasing 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 a strike this devastating!<br><br>It made a huge dent in the plate, and the hammer head got stuck so deep in the mangled metal and straw that the smith had to use a considerable amount of force to pull it free. Let's just say I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of such a weapon...
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 |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. Our argument will be resolved with a duel.<br><br>Lady Avinna:<br>But 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 commences. Sir Urgen is armed with a sword and buckler. Unfred is armed with a 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. You, however, lack 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 hear 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 for.<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 blackguard... But the Codex...<br><br>Unfred (casually wipes blood off his dagger):<br>Your Codex should be the last of your worries.<br><br>( . . . )
-|Daggers Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§A collection of stories from the Bronze Isles, the land where honor and principles accompany guile and intrigues in the most curious 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§A collection of stories from the Bronze Isles, the land where honor and principles accompany guile and intrigues in the most curious 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 asked,<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 to 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 varlet<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 precious offer,<br>When suddenly<br>Baron di Felin<br>Pounced at him<br>From around the corner.<br>A flash of dagger 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>( . . . )
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 |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 blades and charge the hero,<br>Striking him with vicious might<br>That would bring down anyone<br>To their knees. Anyone but Darroth.<br><br>He regains his balance,<br>Raises the sword and,<br>With a single arcing strike,<br>He lops off five orcish heads...<br><br>( . . . )
-|Two-Handed Swords Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§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 maiden's neck.<br>"Where is your retinue?<br>Did your brothers in arms run<br>In fear of the Aeberholt's Scourge?"<br>Sir Elrich draws his blade,<br>Tosses the scabbard aside.<br>He sizes up his foes,<br>And replies with a smirk:<br><br>"My retinue 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>By fury, thirsting for payback. A bow<br>Is barely drawn when Sir Elrich<br>Sends the archer's head flying<br>With a singular swing. He charges at another.<br>One by one in the chaos of battle<br>The villains are bested.<br>Terror and fear. Death<br>Is 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 arrive<br>Only to witness their lord<br>Surrounded by corpses...
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 |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. Looks like our journey has just truly 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've been trying to escape them, but they always catch up with us, loose a dozen 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 the nomads, so we were ready to say our prayers - but to our great luck, it was the Sand Guard patrol. They accompanied us for the next week, providing protection during the last stretch of the journey. It was mostly uneventful - nomads tend to avoid the Sand Guard like the plague. As we rode side by side, their commander taught me a lot about nomads and how to use their own tactics against them. He also gave me some archery advice - I wrote it all down in great detail...
-|Ranged Weapons Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§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 had been protecting 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§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 had been protecting 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 true advantage is the element of surprise. Knowing the terrain is half the battle, as it provides opportunities to catch the enemy off guard and engage in combat on your own terms. The first arrow is the most important one, especially if it hits the target.<br><br>When possible, avoid detection by constantly changing your 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 = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§special§The continuation of Jovar Arno's exciting adventures in Jacinth, the land of mysteries. Now with even more nomads, deserts, and exotic customs - no wonder it sold out so quickly.§"Deserts of Ahjat and Secrets of the Dunes. Traveling 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 = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§rare§The continuation of Jovar Arno's exciting adventures in Jacinth, the land of mysteries. Now with even more nomads, deserts, and exotic customs - no wonder it sold out so quickly.§"Deserts of Ahjat and Secrets of the Dunes. Traveling 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. So, 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 few phrases and receiving a silent nod, the commander returned at a leisurely pace, leaving the prisoner behind. We continued the conversation from where he left off.<br><br>Apparently, elves call the 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 warriors of the Sand Guard, otherwise reputed 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 a quick and less painful death. He put it bluntly: "Hit high - it's a kill. Hit low - needless torture". With these words he drew his bow and, after barely wasting any time aiming, took a shot at the captured nomad. The arrow hit him directly in the head, killing him right on the spot.<br><br>"Why wasn't he trying to dodge or 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...
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 |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 by 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, if left unchecked by the Mind, lead you astray from the Path, towards defeat and ruin.<br>- The staff is not just your weapon. It's a continuation of your body and will.<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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§Pilgrims can still be encountered on Aldorian roads, albeit infrequently. Their knapsacks hold only the bare essentials: a dozen crowns, a measly supply of provision, a clean shirt, and this book.§"Advice for Pilgrims"<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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§Pilgrims can still be encountered on Aldorian roads, albeit infrequently. Their knapsacks hold only the bare essentials: a dozen crowns, a measly supply of provision, a clean shirt, and this book.§"Advice for Pilgrims"<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 his 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 won't be an easy task. 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 affordability, 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...
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 |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 numerous 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 produced such a catchy tune that my legs carried me towards its source on their own volition. A crowd of bystanders had already gathered in a small clearing next to a carpet merchant's tent. I pushed through them to get a better look - at first, I almost mistook the performance for a vicious brawl.<br>Two elves, stripped to the waist, 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 a 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 crowns to strike up a conversation...
-|Athletics Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§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 Sundanarian warrior 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§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 Sundanarian warrior 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 purse I brought with me ran out of gold, 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 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 an enemy out 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. Needless to say, 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 began languishing. I yearned for the Jacinth Kingdoms, but I couldn't abandon my family in circumstances this dire. At the same time, ever since my return to Aldor, I had a growing desire to tell the entire world about my adventures in the East. And 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 = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§special§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 can be challenging indeed.§"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 = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§rare§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 can be challenging indeed.§"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 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 itself, lies within our 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.
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 |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 a 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 opponent. 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. In the right circumstances, a single soldier can defeat a dozen foes, especially if they approach him one by one...
-|Warfare Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§This text was written during the latest war between Aldor and the Maaf Empire, an unsuccessful attempt at keeping military governors and commanders safe.§"Shadows of Ahjat. 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§This text was written during the latest war between Aldor and the Maaf Empire, an unsuccessful attempt at keeping military governors and commanders safe.§"Shadows of Ahjat. 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 commanders.<br><br>The locals call these knaves the Shadows, the name reflecting their dastardly nature perfectly. And, just like their namesakes, they're never too far behind from our high-ranking military officials and garrison leaders, all while remaining completely unnoticeable.<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 defense 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 carve their way through the guards and quickly disposing of the unwary in a whirlwind of steel and magic. Even when mortally wounded, they sometimes still manage to reach their mark and, upon finishing it off, proceed sowing death among the remaining retinue...
-|Warfare Treatise IV = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§special§This substantial research by an established Brynnian academic attempts to explain the reasons behind the 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 = book§treatise§750§375§paper§Light§rare§This substantial research by an established Brynnian academic attempts to explain the reasons behind the 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 that).<br><br>Many humans are openly wary of having any dealings with dwarves, and only the most avaricious merchants are willing to undertake a journey to Fjall. Upon returning from the seaside settlements of the Norrheim clan, they usually start with a bunch of tales about sea leviathans before eventually bringing up 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 unquenchable greed. When they protect their homes - it's bestial fury. This primal savagery unsettles even 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, dwarves prefer to attack only when they know their victim can't offer much resistance. For example, when a neighboring country is weakened by war and can no longer afford the necessary number of patrols...
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 |Dual Wielding Treatise II Content = ...There were twenty of us, the best of the best, each an experienced veteran I could personally vouch for. And now? There's only seven 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, invented by not the most talented of quill-drivers to make up for his lack of genuine knowledge. But I guess even I make mistakes. And what's even worse, others had to pay for it with 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. That parchment didn't lie: the Sanctuary turned out to be a shrine to some local deity... 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 stand in one of those sons of bitches' way, 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 make a run for it...
-|Dual Wielding Treatise III = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§special§After spending a few months crossing the desert, Jovar Arno finally reached Ahjat, where the abundance of elven customs and traditions impressed him to the depth of his soul.§"Deserts of Ahjat and Secrets of the Dunes. Traveling 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 = book§treatise§500§250§paper§Light§rare§After spending a few months crossing the desert, Jovar Arno finally reached Ahjat, where the abundance of elven customs and traditions impressed him to the depth of his soul.§"Deserts of Ahjat and Secrets of the Dunes. Traveling 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 the Harimits are definitely among the most remarkable ones. In Aldor they would likely be called a monastic order, though such simplification does a disservice to their actual nature.<br><br>This group is indeed heavily focused on mysticism, but one can become a Harimit without forfeiting their old life. As a result, Harimits can be encountered within every estate of Ahjat and Jibey: there are 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"...
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 |Spears Treatise II Content = ...When it comes to strategy and tactics, royalist commanders are utterly stuck in their ways: 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 sworn enemy, it's most advisable to focus on the reforms that will help us specifically counter the Council army's composition. 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 = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§special§This book was written with the intention of providing knights with all the advice they might 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 = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§rare§This book was written with the intention of providing knights with all the advice they might 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 unfair his fate might be, no matter how many hardships and sorrows befall him, a true knight has to always 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, ending the lives of many noble warriors in one fell swoop. In the ensuing chaos, Sir Winfred lost his mount but proceeded 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...
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 |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, undoubtedly, deserves to be condemned and eventually eradicated.<br><br>The only commendable quality possessed by orcs is their incredible bravery. As crude as their weaponry may be, they compensate for it with unquenchable zeal and readiness to die for their people. The most dangerous savages are the ones armed with huge longaxes. Non-fatal wounds only rile these beasts up, making them dangerous even to veteran warriors, as only death can stop a rampaging orc.<br><br>Soldiers of the Forest Guard still remember 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 no longer an option. The chopped-up remains, may the Host have mercy on those poor souls, had to be dumped into a mass grave...
-|Two-Handed Axes Treatise III = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§special§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 = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§rare§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 quickly approaching sound of comotion echo through 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 the dim light playing tricks on me 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 didn't get a good look at gjenferds' faces, or I'd likely have lost all my remaining sanity. The panic settled in: 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 of my hand by some terrible force, which sent me tumbling in the opposite direction. The situation wasn't pretty. But just as I was getting ready to bid my life farewell, Freer came to the rescue. With one mighty swing of his longaxe he knocked three gjenferds off their feet. The second swing followed immediately, decapitating the monster who still tried to block the way out. Without any hesitation, he helped me get up from the ground, then said a single brief word: "Run!". I hastily followed his guidance...
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 |Two-Handed Maces Treatise II Content = ...Other than recruiting more pikemen, arming as many troops 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 Falcon Plume Company, which managed to hold the Northern Gate for several hours against overwhelming enemy forces.<br><br>Although, it must be noted that a polehammer isn't the same as a pike. It is its own distinctive weapon that requires extensive training and battle drills to maximize its effectiveness. The emphasis should be made on teaching recruits all manner of stances, and after that - on properly explaining which situation calls for what maneuver...
-|Two-Handed Maces Treatise III = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§special§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 = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§rare§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, don't ever get into verbal spats with maafs. According to 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 offense: 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 single combat.<br><br>Not so long ago, I witnessed one of such duels with my own eyes. A young and brash elf had a lot to say about the bloodline of a certain maaf. Before the duel commenced, all those insults were loudly recounted to the delight 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>The elf was purported 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 saber and get back on his feet, but it was already too late - the maaf lowered his hammer on the insolent challenger's skull, 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!..
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 |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 = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§special§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 = book§treatise§500§§paper§Light§rare§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 hem 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...

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