Culture

Sir, on behalf of Empress Sophia I hereby grant you a commission of 5,000 men and 27 galleons for the purpose of re-establishing control of the imperial colony of Aguadulce. You will set sail this summer to Virentia, where you will refortify and expand the encampment, and oversee the plantations’ immediate return to productivity.
As you know, the colony was recently abandoned after an encounter with a local species of giant reptile. This is what we know:
The ancient creatures known as (…)

Do the HE allow humans or other humanoids to enter their island?
I believe i have referred in the past to opportunities to consult texts at one of the great elven universities on Celeda Ablan. It was one of the finer moments of my academic career, but it was not without risk. Humans, and any other outsider, who visit the elven cities on Celeda Ablan take their life in their own hands.
Provided you are wise, listen to your minders, and don’t stray beyond the permitted spaces, you should (…)

Dearest Tristopher Brother, may the Lady guide your hand and guard you well. The wedding went well. I must confess to you I don’t know just how I managed it. There was so much to do and plan, that I swear without Brother Jacque I would not have prevailed. The old man really outdid himself, my heart fills with love for him, for every thing was made perfect. From the moment we announced our intent to tie our wrists at the archway, he was tireless and ceaseless. While he busied himself thus, (…)

The Saurian Ancients are believed to have used magic longer than any other race. The relationship of the Cuatl with magic is like breathing air – their pampered bodies reflecting the degree to which their mind has focused upon its use in spell craft. No longer requiring the words or gestures, they are able to act and communicate telepathically and through others. Paradoxically, they value order and structure to such an extent that some of the wilder paths of magic are beyond philosophical (…)

As tough as the mountains themselves, and with memories that last almost as long, many dwarves carve their homes from the very bones of the earth. Forgers of the finest works of steel and gold, they are as mighty as they are determined. Should you try to take that which is theirs, you will face the full vengeance of the Dwarven Holds!
Though the Dwarven Empire fell at the end of the Golden Age, the Holds still control the most lucrative mines of Vetia, producing the finest armours and (…)

Like their brethren, the Sylvan Elves have an affinity with magic. Their mages feel the impact of it upon the land around them, and know how to shape the natural world. The Land Speaks to the Sylvan Elves where other races might just hear a whisper; hills, lakes and rivers, but none more than the trees. With many trees inhabited by supernal spirits, and others residing alongside, the Sylvan Elves have learned intuitive ways of coexisting and harmonising with nature, nudging it instead of (…)

Most archaic and least understood of all the Elder Races, many believe the Saurians built sophisticated civilisations when the Elves were still wearing animal fur. The oldest works I possess name these enigmatic jungle dwellers as Venerable Ones. It is rumoured theirs was a cold, cruel reign, and the younger races looked upon them as tyrants.
The time of the Saurians and the Dawn Age ended when they were cast down by Elves and Dwarves, or else swallowed by the sea in some cataclysm of that (…)

Died in vain, heros all. Duthar and Telvan did stride among them; Two Seekers striving to meet their Gods.
Their foe was the Rat-Men, five-thousand strong; Dark magics, fell machines and monstrosities thronged! With heavy hearts did the Clan sally fourth; Led by Seekers, upon the Moor.
Late was the hour that the two forces clashed; The wrath of the Rat-God sending fire and flash. Woe to the Clan. A meteor was called; Blazing from the sky.
Brave and foolhardy, Telvan stood (…)

We found vermin in those hills and not the kind that you might keep as a pet. These were big bastards, walking on two legs! They gave us a right hiding that day… Yeah, ill tell you the tale. But it’ll cost you another ale and a few more by the time I’m finished.
We had been mining the tin in the hills. Sending it up the river to Vanez. The vermin problem had been there from the start y’see. But the Clan had invested too much to back out of the operation. To begin with we suppressed them. (…)

Q: Why do the Vermin Swarm have such an affinity for bells?
A: Stories vary as to why those men-sized rats took such a liking to bells that they would create instruments of magic and war from them, bringing them to bear in Sunna’s time. Some claim they took the symbols from the temples of Avras, the city of their "birth" and put them to use in all their terrible rites. Certainly, it is true to say there have been many groups of vermin displaying the arms and armour of that noble (…)