Though I believe we Daeb have little more to learn of taming the creatures of this world, I have found some profit in an interrogation of members of the Warborn races. It seems their relationship with beasts is closer to that of unruly siblings than master and servant.Orcs appear to make connections with creatures as brutal and stubborn as themselves. Giants, boars, wyverns are treated as comrades in arms, earning glory and feasting on the spoils, tusk to tusk in the mud and gore.Meanwhile, (...)
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A Beastmaster’s Journal on Orcs and Goblins
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A Dwarven Moral Story
A Goblin entered into partnership with an Ogre on the pretense of becoming his servant. Each undertook his proper duty in accordance with his own nature and powers. The Goblin discovered and pointed out the prey; the Ogre sprang on it and seized it. The Goblin soon became jealous of the Ogre carrying off the majority of the spoils, and said that he would no longer find out the prey. After a month, both starved without the (...)
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A Mystery from the Dawn of Time
Of all the mysterious beasts that plague this world, the Saurians are surely the most poorly understood. Reptiles of varying size that walk like men, they are encountered commonly enough that their existence is beyond doubt, but their true nature and objectives continue to escape our knowledge. Of special interest is their possible connection to ancient myths of reptilian demigods or daemons who supposedly subjugated all peoples in a global empire of oppression.
Long study of the many (...) -
A researcher’s notes on Orc broods
Increasingly convinced orc society organised by birthgroups (broods) - comprising all individuals emerging at same site. Each group competes for dominance of the tribe. Brood alphas vie to be warchief.
Individual observations (working names):
Gustav - member of youngest brood. Extremely unruly behaviour; he and siblings are feverishly eager to fight.
Heidi - used to be much wilder. As brood has grown, she has developed basic weaponcraft & some modicum of discipline in battle.
Henning - (...) -
An Ambassador to the Elven Court
My young friend,
Serving as the liaison between our beloved Empire and the heirs of the White Queen is a burdensome assignment. Elves are a spiteful people beneath the cordial airs enacted for official events. Their grace in words, voice and movement can turn swiftly lethal. Pay attention to your behaviour; they love formality, and you should respect their ceremonies. You always refer to an Admiral as Herald of the Pearl Throne, Eyes of the Most Precious Jewel of the Elven Race, the White (...) -
An Empire Collapsed?
There is no longer any doubt that vermin still live, but since being driven back into the earth by Sunna’s victory it is hard to gauge their strength. Unable to work beneath the light of the sun they must contest for the gloomy depths; no doubt some of their old tunnels remain, but without their former vigour, it is dubious whether they have been maintained. Scholars debate: did their defeat cause a weakness of the mind or did their habits, their lack of sunlight and fresh food cause a (...)
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An Orphans Tale
I did not ask to be orphaned, and neither did I seek the generosity of the khans. In hindsight, it was an act of stunning magnanimity to take in this helpless human child and raise her as one of their own. I have spent my life with the ogres, whom you call barbarians, learning their proud and ancient customs.
Almost everything you believe about them is either fabrication or exaggeration. For example, there is not one ogre culture but two. Those numerous tribes who continue to live the (...) -
An Overview of the Elven Military of the Pearl Throne
As a lifelong merchant, I have known the fleets of all nations, at sea and port. Believe me: there are none more functional than the Royal Navy of the White Queen. It’s not just the vessels, nor their sailing capacity. It’s the perfect coordination, among their many ports and regiments of naval infantry, the Sea Guard, whose training would put Sonnstahl’s Imperial Guard to shame. It’s the feared espionage and oversight of the Grey Watchers, regarded as the eyes and ears of the Queen herself, (...)
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Canrac and Asfâda
Honoured headmaster,
I am writing to you with my latest findings into the investigation of the demise of your nephew in the battle of Tulpenfeld during the Silver Stoat incident. At a recent audience at a mansion of one of the Aldan nobles I had the dubious honour of meeting one our elven “colleagues” and the displeasure to be quite rudely schooled for my apparent ignorance on the subject of Arandai institutions of learning. Though it is no secret to anyone who deals in elven lore that they (...) -
Citizens of Dathen, I Salute You!
Graduates!!
Today we commend you to the service of the Fatherland, free citizens and true. Your time in the academy is complete, and you leave as Legionnaire or Auxiliary - a proud soldier of the Republic, bringing great honour to your family. Bonds you have made in these bloodied courtyards will last a lifetime, and what you do with that life is your own inalienable right to decide. Some of you will return to your farms, upstanding citizens supporting your family. Some will enter the (...)