Ancient's Table • Bastion of Flames • Blackscale Sepulcher • Bloodskull Valley: The Training Grounds • Cazel's Mesa • Condemned Catacombs • Court of Innovation • Cove of Decay • Crypt of Valdoon • Deathfist Citadel • Den of the Devourer • Tower of the Drafling • Eternal Gorge • Firemyst Gully • Gobblerock's Hideout • Nest of the Great Egg • Halls of Fate • Hidden Cache • Mines of Meldrath • Nektropos Castle: The Return • Nektropos Castle: Tribulation • Nektropos Castle • Nizara, City of the Nayad • Obelisk of Blight • Poet's Palace • Valley of the Rogue Magi • Scornfeather Roost • Shard of Fear • The Acadechism • The Sanctorium • Tombs of Night • Estate of Unrest • Vault of Dust • The Sanctum of Fire • Vault of the Fallen • Vaults of El'Arad • Crypt of T'Haen
Goodies for Grobb:
Accessorizing, Grobb Style • Fundamental Furnishings • Home Cooking • Snapper Security • Swamp Reeds
Working Hard for Tupta:
Getting Plastered • House Repairs • Pottering Around • Swamp Treats • Tupta Toys
Accord Assistance:
A Rush Job • Air Repair • Letters From Home • Swamp Foot Lotion • To Dye For
Far Seas Supply Division:
Shipyard Services/Shipyard Building Work • Clockwork Rescue/Clockwork Components • Emergency Portal Repairs/Building a Better Portal • Supply Stocking/Firemyst Supply Stocking
Far Seas Supply Division Weekly:
A Recipe for Disaster • Rescuing the Relics • Restocking the Stores
Craftkeepers:
Bready Goodness • Full Metal Artisan • Eats Shoots and Leaves • Stonebrunt Express • Paineel Replenishment • Further Essential Studies • Back to the Grindstone
Hua Mein Craftsmen:
A Tasty Task • Hua Mein Craftsmanship • Hua Mein Heating • The Bear Necessities • Netting More Fish • Shining Shells • Honoring the Ancestors
Kerra Isle Outfitters:
A Close Eye on Quel'ule • Kerra Kindling • Kerra Clothing • Weaving A Profit • Herbal Healing • Paw Tips and Tail Feathers • Defensive Dressing
Researchers of Quel'ule:
Supplies for the Fighters • Sampling More Strangeness • Reporting to Paineel • Equipping the Front Line • Rebuilding Materials • Reinforcing the Wards • Tracking the Void Influence
Obol Plains:
Tonic for the Soul • Herbs and Spirits • Focused Fire • Where Are All The Clean Bedrolls?
Far Seas Trading:
Botanical Divergence • Reporting Home • Fishing Up Fauna • Researching the Recordings
Altar of Malice Daily:
Sampling the Danger • Sour Tooth • Grim Running • Legendary Pepper • Salve Supplies • Small Arms for Small Arms • Fruitful Foraging
This book is a complete volume on different types of birds that can be found in the Nektulos Forest. The title is - "Bird Watching: The Do's and Don'ts of Nektulos Forest". Reread Story Close
If you're reading this book then you're like me - a bird enthusiast. I've been a bird watcher for years now, and would like to share some of my favorite spots with you, the reader. This tome will help to point out three types of birds I've found in the Nektulos Forest - The Double-Headed Thrush, the Horned Woodpecker, and the Ash Dodo. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
The Double-Headed Thrush is a rather common bird, but I've found that the species found in the Nektulos Forest have a very vibrant shade of yellow in their plumage. This yellow color helps to camouflage them while they fly from tree-top to tree-top, but with a few tricks, they can easily be spotted. Continue Story 1 Close
When looking for the Double-Headed Thrush, you must remember to keep in mind that the Thrush is a very shy bird. They are most frequently found near a very large pond that has a large skeleton in the center. And that very same skeleton is what can help you find the little guys. Continue Story 1 Close
Before venturing to the pond, you must be sure to put on a very tight-fitting leather chest-piece. A harness, if you will. Make sure you put on some boots with very good traction as well. But, as a fellow bird-watcher, you know as well as I that this is standard field-gear. Continue Story 1 Close
Once properly equipped, I usually like to leave for the pond right at about dawn. To be honest, any time of the day will suffice. The reason for this is that I like to see where I'm going. This is a tip I learned from a fellow bird-watcher who helped me out of the bottom of a pit-trap. Also, be sure not to take a sip of water from the river. The fish there are rather hungry. Continue Story 1 Close
Once you've reached the pond locate the skeleton. You should be able to spot it rather easily being that it is about six Ogres high. Climb to the very top of one of the ribs and slide the rib-bone between your tunic and the leather chest-piece. At that point, hang upside down for the next hour and, sure enough, you'll see the Double-Headed Thrush. Close
My first encounter with a Horned Woodpecker was several years ago when I was vacationing in the southern Commonlands. I was drinking a cold Sloshy Grog, with a spritz of lemon, mind you, when I started thinking about birds. I poured a few more Sloshy Grogs while pondering, then a few more, and a few more. That's when I found one! Continue Story 2 Close
I looked at first and was stunned! I had never seen a Horned Woodpecker before, and there was one right in front of me, pounding its head against a tree! That's when I realized that while I was pondering birds, I had wandered into the Nektulos Forest! And I knew exactly where I was, too! Continue Story 2 Close
For those who rarely make it out to the Nektulos Forest, you may not be familiar with Bone Lake. It's a short jaunt to the north and a little to the east. And if you have as much perseverance as I, you too can find the Horned Woodpecker living in the trees around this river. Let me describe it to you, so that you can spot it better. Continue Story 2 Close
The Horned Woodpecker is about one thumb high and has a wingspan of two Troll's armlengths. On the top of its head you'll find the most marvelous pair of curved horns jutting out of it, which they use to dig holes in trees so that they can store nuts for the winter. Continue Story 2 Close
Were it not for that pondering while I had a few of Sloshy Grogs, I would have never thought of traveling to Nektulos to find the Horned Woodpecker. My fellow enthusiasts may scoff at me for my claims, but I know I've seen it. As a matter of fact, I saw the most interesting thing in the water as well, but I'll save that for another book. Close
Ah! The Ash Dodo... my personal favorite of ALL the birds in the Nektulos Forest. Now some may say, "Look... the Ash Dodo was hunted to extinction twelve thousand years ago", but I say "Hogwash!". All you have to do is look real hard. And in this chapter, I'll show you how to find them! Continue story 3 Close
You'll never find the Ash Dodo by standing around in Freeport. You'll need to follow the Torrent River all the way up to where it starts, at the most beautiful waterfall you'll ever see in your life. Once there, you'll need to use the following bird watching technique to spot those clever little birds. Continue Story 3 Close
First, you'll need to squint your left eye until it's almost fully closed. Now hold it like that for a few minutes. Then do this with your right eye. Repeat this a few more times. Now go find a rather comfortable rock. Continue Story 3 Close
The next step is for you look for a good spot in the sky. Now, you see, the Ash Dodo is a rather tricky little bird. The reason people think it's extinct is that its plumage is the same exact color as that of the sky in Nektulos. That's why you'll need to get the squint down perfectly. Continue Story 3 Close
Finally, when you're ready to see the Dodo, get off of the rock you're sitting on. Look at the rock, pull your head back, and with all of your might, smack your head into that rock three times. Now quickly, look at the sky! Squint your eyes like I showed you. See those little red swirls up there? That, my friend, is the Ash Dodo. Close
Books
"How to Serve Mortals - Flowing Thoughts" This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book appears to be what can only be described as a cook book. It looks as if it was translated from another language. Unfortunately, most of the pages have been ripped out of the book. The title of the cookbook is "How to Serve Mortals - Flowing Thoughts." Entry One Put book away.
One cannot truly appreciate the taste of a mortal until they have amyg oozing from the holes in their skin. Since these furred worms come in as many flavors as the color of their pelts, it can be too easy to not appreciate the full succulence of their minds. Make sure to insinuate the chance of escape when presenting these words to them. Their apprehension marinades their amyg to the point of brain-watering piquance. The following enigmas should be presented to the ones that have big thoughts. Entry Two Put book away.
Instructions: Present the question to the furred worm and tell them they have nine tentacle clicks to answer. At five clicks, ask the question and do not allow them to argue for more time. You should notice the taste will begin to sharpen at that point. Question - I clothe myself all in black and hide in the corner of the room. All of the braziers have been snuffed out, and you carry no torches of your own, yet you still see me. How is this possible? Entry Three Put book away.
Answer - It is daytime. Question - A'natylan's mother has three children. One is named G'ylzanar. Another is named My'aazcriz. What is the other's name? Entry Four Put book away.
Answer - A'natylan. Question - Who makes it, has no need of it. Who buys it, has no use for it. Who uses it can neither see nor feel it. What am I? Entry Five Put book away.
Answer - A Coffin. Question - Two words. My answer is only two words. To keep me, you must give me. What am I? Entry Six Put book away.
Answer - Your Word. Question - I am always hungry. I must always be fed. The finger I lick. Will soon turn red. What am I? Entry Seven Put book away.
Answer - Fire. Question - Each morning I appear to lie at your feet. All day I will follow no matter how fast you run. Yet I nearly perish in the midday sun. What am I? Entry Eight Put book away.
Answer - Your Shadow. Question - You heard me before, yet you hear me again. Then I die, until you call me again. What am I? Entry Nine Put book away.
Answer - Your Echo. Question - What do mortals love more than life, and fear more than death or mortal strife? What do the poor have, the rich require, and what contented men desire? And what does the miser spend and the spendthrift save? And what do all mortals carry to their graves? Entry Ten Put book away.
Answer - Nothing. If you find your meal answers these enigmas rather easily, just tell them they are wrong. Proceed to make motions that you are about to bring cessation to them, then give them another chance. Repeat as many times as necessary until you find the flavor of their fear just right. Close Book.
Books
"How to Serve Mortals - Slow Thoughts" This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book appears to be what can only be described as a cook book. It looks as if it was translated from another language. Unfortunately, most of the pages have been ripped out of the book. The title of the cookbook is "How to Serve Mortals - Slow Thoughts."
One cannot truly appreciate the taste of a mortal until they have amyg oozing from the holes in their skin. Since these furred worms come in as many flavors as the color of their pelts, it can be too easy to not appreciate the full succulence of their minds. Make sure to insinuate the chance of escape when presenting these words to them. Their apprehension marinades their amyg to the point of brain-watering piquance. The following enigmas should be presented to the ones that have small thoughts.
Instructions: Present the question to the furred worm and tell them they have nine tentacle clicks to answer. Begin to consume their amyg, and whatever other portion of their husk that amuses you. Question - What always ends everything?
Answer: The letter G. Question. What room has no doors, no windows, no walls, and no roof?
Answer: A mushroom. Question: What question can you never answer yes to?
Answer: Are you asleep?. Question: A lizardman has nine toads, and all but seven died. How many did he have left?
Answer: Seven. Question. What can you hold without ever touching or using your hands?
Answer: Your breath. Question: What can be destroyed by speaking a single word?
Answer: SilenceQuestion: I dance, yet I have no legs. I breathe, yet I have no lungs. I have no life, yet I live and die. What am I?
Answer: A flame. Question. I have holes on the top, bottom, and sides. With all my holes, I still hold water for a short time. What am I?
Answer: A sponge. If the furred worms have answered any of the questions correctly, do not give them time to feel relief. This will spoil the flavor of their amyg, and that would be such a sad waste.
Books
"The Amygamalion - The Dulling" This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is titled "The Amygamalion - The Dulling". It appears to be a myth concerning the history of the Amygdalans. Entry OnePut book away.
We are Amygdalan, and we are that which tastes the amyg of this world. Though all of the emotion feeds us, the most pleasing is the true amyg that comes from the minds of the Lesser Emotions creations. Our history is the only true history, for everything else is but a lie told to placate the minds of the fearful. Entry TwoPut book away.
Within the Dulling a home was needed, so we Amygdalan looked to what was within our means. The world around us is rich in feeling, but we needed that which would not overwhelm us. The lizardmen of the First Thought were within the Dulling as well, exiled from the true home. They would be the ones to build the home for the Amygdalan. Entry ThreePut book away.
Tasting their fear, the lizardmen set forth to create a great home in memory of the ones we held within the First Thought. Much was done on their part, and we fed them with the drained husks of those ripe with the taste of Amyg. We would consume the toys of He who is Cazic-Thule, with taste of the Great Beasts were far more pleasing. Their amyg would become bitter and flat as time would pass. Entry FourPut book away.
Our home pleased us, but we were no longer within the presence of the Source of Amyg. We would take once again those whose flavor would not overwhelm us and set them to creating a new temple. They would labor and upon their completion, we would chant to the Great Emotion. And he would come in the form of the Quintessence. Entry FivePut book away.
The Quintessence would walk among our temple built to honor him. This pleased the Source of the Amyg and would allow us to return to the First Thought. Rejoicing at being accepted within the true world, we would flee the Dulling. Time would pass unnoticed within the First Thought until the Prismatic Aggression would come. Then we would remember our hunger. Entry SixPut book away.
Basking in the Source of Amyg, we would forget the flavors of fear. The Prismatic Aggression breached the First Thought through our own portal and brought their metals and their pains. The Great Emotion would eventually have to reach out and smite these mortals, for their numbers were too great. This would be the sign of True Exile. Entry SevenPut book away.
He who is Cazic-Thule would geas our people to return to the Dulling. This was not out of anger, but instead an honor. The Source of Amyg was to chastise Lesser Emotions for the folly of their creations. We Amygdalan would be charged with preparing for when the Source of Amyg would return from inflicting punishments. The pain was lessened, as well, for we knew the varieties of fear were endless within the Dulling. We would feast as we once had. Entry EightPut book away.
Though we were no longer in sight of the Source of Amyg, He would send us a new Quintessence. Taking our charge, we hid away the Quintessence within the most sacred of hearts in the temple. For many changings of the two moons, the Quintessence would act out upon the wish of He who is Cazic-Thule. Just as It undertook Its task, so we too would prevent the fresh tasting Great Beasts from entering the temple. Sadly, we underestimated how fast they could stop the flow of amyg from their minds. Entry NinePut book away.
We failed at the only thing the Source of Amyg asked of us. We could not keep the Quintessence kept away in safety, and we called upon the Great Secret to help us. The Great Beasts destroyed the honor to the Source of Amyg. They disrupted the Quintessence. They brought upon the cessation of all their future emotions though releasing the Great Secret. And now we await our punishment for our own failure. Entry TenPut book away.
The punishment has begun. The lizardmen have rebuilt the temple by our command, but it is not enough. The Great Winged Lizardman has come to the temple of He who is Cazic-Thule. The Winged One is only the beginning of our punishment. But Winged One's pain is not as vicious as it will taste when the Source of Amyg returns to see what how we have failed His Quintessence. Close Book.
Books
"The Amygamalion - The Form" This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is titled "The Amygamalion - The Form". It appears to be a myth concerning the god Cazic-Thule. Entry OnePut book away.
In the time before the land was flowing with thought and emotion, there were those who were the only ones who felt. The source of Amyg was amongst these beings that were the only keepers of emotion. Being the first, He did not know of solid forms nor did He need them. But as the other Lesser Emotions would take forms, He too, would see a need to do the same. Entry TwoPut book away.
In His great wisdom, He chose to observe the other Lesser Emotions and watch as they chose a solid form. Once these great feelings would complete their transformation, the Amyg would take a form that was even greater than all the rest. This would show His magnitude among the Lesser Emotions so that they would know their place in the world. Entry ThreePut book away.
He went forth to Lesser Emotion that chose its form first. Being the most solid, the source of Amyg that is called Cazic-Thule asked what form he should take. The keepers of the slow emotions of earth told the Source of Amyg to choose one that was more solid than anything that could be. And the form He that is Cazic-Thule took was that of the most solid of all stone. Entry FourPut book away.
He then went forth to the Emotion that felt the strongest among the Lessers. He asked the keeper of fire what form He should take, and the Emotion of Fire quickly responded in an abrupt manner. Saying that the Source of Amyg should choose one that is quick to react and all consuming, He changed his stone form to that of slow moving lava. Entry FivePut book away.
Watching from afar, He who is Cazic-Thule went and spoke with the winged Emotion that flitted throughout the air. Asking which form should be taken, the Source of Amyg was given many answers but nothing that was considered too long. Knowing that this Lesser Emotion changed her feelings as often as the wind turned its course, He moved on. Entry SixPut book away.
Finding the Emotion that flows in a sickening manner, the Source of Amyg took showed much patience in listening to the watery Lesser Emotion. The flowing water told He who is Cazic-Thule to pick a form that ebbed and flowed. Taking this information, the Source of Amyg released His form into a flow of Lava, spreading all over the land. He who is Cazic-Thule was nearly lost to us all, for He now was everywhere at once, but nowhere at all. This transgression would never be forgotten. Entry SevenPut book away.
As the Source of Amyg struggled to regain His form, He had much time to dwell upon His anger. The Lesser Emotion of nothing came to Him and told Him to not struggle. For the advice of this great Nothing was to not take any form at all. Knowing that His wisdom was far greater than this Lesser Emotion's, He chose to disregard these words. Entry EightPut book away.
The next of the Lesser Emotions came to Him. Of all the Lessers, this one was the strongest and paid true fealty to the Source of Amyg. Telling Amyg to feel as strongly as him, this emotion of hatred allowed He who is Cazic-Thule to think upon whom did this to him. Gathering all of this Emotion's power, Cazic shaped His face into that of Hatred's. Entry NinePut book away.
As he entered His realm, The First Thought, the Source of Amyg was approached by an Emotion-That-Is-Not. The Emotion told him that His face was the same as that of the Lesser Emotion of loathing, making Him no better than one less than Him. This pestilent ridden Emotion-That-Is-Not helped the Source of Amyg to shape his face into one that would show what He really was. Unlike the face of seething, He who is Cazic-Thule now possessed a smooth worm-like body, yet His face was now great and mighty. Entry TenPut book away.
Content with His new form, the Source of Amyg was approached by one last Emotion. This one bubbled with mirth and glee which tastes sour upon our minds. He advised the Great One to shape His entire form to match His mighty visage. Knowing that He was greater than all the rest, the Source of Amyg pushed His form to the utmost extreme, achieving a greatness unlike none other. This Lesser Emotion of giddiness left the presence of the Great One, filled with its sour smell. And so was it that this small Emotion was the wisest of all the Lessers, for now He who is Cazic-Thule now possesses the most refined of all of the forms of the Lesser Emotions. Close Book.
Books
"The Amygamalion - The Four That Are We" This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is titled "The Amygamalion - The Four That Are We". It appears to be a myth concerning the creation of the Amygdalans. Entry OnePut book away.
The great world that sets beneath our feet is not the true world. This land is but a false image of what truly is, for we are exiles from our true home. This land is the Dulling, whereas we come from the First Thought. We are made from the First Thought, and we feed upon it as well. We are Amygdalan, and we are from the Source of Amyg. But to know where we are, you must know why we are. Entry TwoPut book away.
As the Source of Amyg sat upon His mighty throne and gazed upon the First Thought, He would observe the Lesser Emotions infusing their feelings into even lesser versions of themselves. The Great Emotion was not pleased by this sight, for He did not give His approval. Feeling a forbidden emotion, he created from his mind four forms that took shape - Horror, Fright, Dread, and Terror. Entry ThreePut book away.
His four children were given a part of the First Thought to do with as they pleased. He who is Cazic-Thule would amuse Himself by watching their antics, being far more interested in his realm than the Dulling. The Dulling was the false world that the Lesser Emotions played upon and was beneath the Source of Amyg. Entry FourPut book away.
Though the four children existed, they too had nothing to occupy their time with. So again, in the ineffable wisdom of the Source of Amyg, He shaped a lizard into a form not unlike that of his children. The lizardmen offered the Four much to play with now. He who is Cazic-Thule enjoyed watching as they scattered to the four corners of the First Thought, forever fleeing the Four. Entry FivePut book away.
Soon the Source of Amyg would watch as the Lesser Emotions would continue making lesser versions of themselves upon the Dulling. To remind them of the greatness of He who is Cazic-Thule, He would make another toy to play upon the Dulling with the other lessers. Soon enough, He would bore of these toys, turning his attention back to the First Thought. Entry SixPut book away.
The Source of Amyg desired a new enjoyment, so he created two more children from his mind. Granting more of himself to these new toys, he created the Secondary Thoughts Thought for them to play within. This would not escape the attention of the Four, his first children. They would speak among themselves and decided to go to their father and demand their own realms, as well. Entry SevenPut book away.
Standing before the Throne of Amyg, the Four would insist they be given more. He who is Cazic-Thule felt pride in his children and told them that he would take them to a place of their own. He took the Four and placed them into his massive hands and squeezed his palm together. Where there were once Four, there was now One. He then squashed the One with his fist, splitting the One into Two, then Four, then Eight, until the number could not be counted anymore. We still bear the mark of the Four upon our face to remind us from where we came. Entry EightPut book away.
The Source of Amyg then told the many that they would take the name of what he is. And thus we were named Amygdalan. He would teach us things about who we were through the wisest of our numbers. We would know our four fathers and we would know the Amyg. We would taste many emotions, but we would feed only from fear to honor the Source itself. The lizardmen were our supply, and they would feed us for many eons to come. Entry NinePut book away.
Soon enough the lizardmen no longer were able to feed us Amygdalan, for our numbers were many. He who is the Source offered another gift to his children and told us where we could find more amyg to feed from. Listening to His divine wisdom, we created a great ball filled with much amyg. When this ball was done, the Source of Amyg would then send it forward to a place we would call the Dulling. Entry TenPut book away.
Much time would pass, and we would remain hungry. From time to time, there would be morsels oozing with all different flavors of amyg that would come to us, but this was never enough to sate our appetites. He who is Cazic-Thule would ultimately tell us that it was time for us to guide ourselves and banished us to the Dulling. Now we stand here where the world is flat and solid. Yet here, within the Dulling, we can feast until our brain-lobes are gorged with pure amyg. Pure fear.Close Book.
Books
A Collection of Epitaphs This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
The poetry and stories have a homey simplicity about them, especially those written during times of great stress throughout the world. The frayed edges of the pages upon which these verses are copied is a mute testament to those who read this book before, several times.
The epitaphs are grouped roughly by race. Not all Norrathian races are represented, although the ones most likely to have lived for many generations in Qeynos are listed.
"Of Humans and Halflings" Humans and halflings may seem an odd combination for burial groupings, but it proved to be a very practical choice. The humans preferred to be interred horizontally, while the halflings seemed to prefer a vertical burial. That allowed for placement of tombs in very close proximity without wasted space.
Time and again we called your name Little did we know You'd lost your ears to the trolls -- Ezzie Appledore, aged 49 Ezzie Appledore's neighbors always wondered why she didn't hear them; they thought she was too proud to associate with them. It wasn't until her death that they discovered she hadn't any ears, which would have made hearing a bit of a chore.
There's a place at the table where you used to sit Your feet after a long day in the fields That's the very first thing I polished After your funeral. -- Lestin Farmerson, age unknown Lestin operated a large farm and had large feet that he planted on his wife's table every chance he had. At first, he did it just to annoy her. Later, he'd gotten into the habit.
The gods welcome you home Wherever they are And wherever you roam Though, if gods there still be Then I am a gnome -- Brenna Marche, aged 89 Brenna's husband Rusty believed that the gods had forsaken Norrath and that no one would hear from them ever again, while Brenna firmly believed the gods would return. Time will tell which of them was right.
Under cover of darkness, Ilkalla slipped off through the black water. She opted for a small coracle and paddled silently across the Lake. The smoke that drifted across the water may have hidden the ogres' activities but it also provided Ilkalla with excellent concealment from any watching eyes. She soon found out that if anyone were watching her, it wasn't the ogres. They were apparently so confident of victory that they set no watch along the shore.
You never returned From your trip over-sea Oh, how I wish You'd left stuff to me -- No Name It's not clear to whom this epitaph was written, and the tomb on which it was engraved was robbed many generations past. It seems whoever the person was, they were considered wealthy in their day -- evidently moreso in material wealth than friends.
"Of Elves and Half-Elves" The elves buried beneath Qeynos often fell in battles of its defense and the residents of the town from its early days wanted to show respect to the elder children of Tunare. While they generally shun the half-elven in life, the choice of burying them together was pure practicality -- there were fewer elves being buried and the humans refused to have half-elves buried amongst them, so they moved all half-elven tombs to the section reserved for the elves.
You were my best friend forever Who listened when no one else would Other elves and the humans reject me I wish they took me and not you -- Ferianna Leimi, aged 94 The Leimi family died of one of the many diseases rampant during the War of Plagues. Ferianna was rare among high elves, associating freely with the half-elven and befriending them while others shunned them and called them names. The writer of this epitaph was presumably one of Ferianna's half-elf friends.
Though fallen in battle, I hear your voice sing Though your last breath is drawn I still wait for Spring -- Meiri Linnarian, ageless Meiri was a member of the Qeynos Guard on patrols in the lowest level of the catacombs. Her unit was overwhelmed by enemy forces. None survived.
Far out to sea, ships are sailing And I stand alone at the quay You've taken my heart on this journey Hold it within yours, my love -- Jarna Greyflower, half-elf Interestingly, many of the half-elf tombs include not their age but the fact that they were half-elves. It is unclear whether this is a mark of pride in their heritage, or whether they were not accorded the honor of noting their lifespan.
Many who died are unburied Their bones scattered over the hills Let this song be their remembrance Until the battlefield stills -- For the Unsung Heroes
"Of Dwarves and Barbarians" Dwarves and barbarians formed alliances as they came to the city of men, both enjoying hearty meals and gaudy entertainment. After the destruction of the northlands, the dwarves joked that the barbarians could be buried alongside them, if there be any reason to bury a dwarf. The comment had been made in jest, but with so much upheaval in the lands, it was inevitable that many from all the races of Norrath would perish.
Here lies Tammak Brannuck Who knew how to swing But forgot how to duck -- Tammak Brannuck, age unknown Tammak was a barbarian who would go to the local eateries and challenge the patrons to fisticuffs in the street. One day, someone accepted his challenge and Tammak turned around to leave but forgot the door was much lower than he was used to. He hit his head on the door's lintel so hard it knocked him backward into a display of deer antlers.
These are the bones of Wallace McWallace He lived rough, fought hard and ate well Too bad he drank from the well, too -- Wallace McWallace, died aged 37 Wallace was slain by lizardmen archers as he drew water from the well outside his farm.
We promised we wouldn't write you a poem So we won't. Don't let it be said We didn't do anything you ever asked -- Garr Stonehammer The Stonehammer family was famous for disobeying the rules their patriarch Garr set down. Looks as though he finally got his way.
You didn't tell me there'd be elves. -- Gruer Hardy Gruer and his family escaped the destruction of Halas, fighting many brave battles through gnoll territory to reach Qeynos, where Gruer collapsed in shock at the unexpected sight of elves in the city of men.
Books
A Collection of Epitaphs This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
The poetry and stories have a homey simplicity about them, especially those written during times of great stress throughout the world. The frayed edges of the pages upon which these verses are copied is a mute testament to those who read this book before, several times. Reread Story Close
The epitaphs are grouped roughly by race. Not all Norrathian races are represented, although the ones most likely to have lived for many generations in Qeynos are listed. Read "Of Humans and Halflings" Read "Of Elves and Half-elves" Read "Of Dwarves and Barbarians" Close
Humans and halflings may seem an odd combination for burial groupings, but it proved to be a very practical choice. The humans preferred to be interred horizontally, while the halflings seemed to prefer a vertical burial. That allowed for placement of tombs in very close proximity without wasted space. Continue Story 1 Close
Time and again we called your name Little did we know You'd lost your ears to the trolls -- Ezzie Appledore, aged 49 Ezzie Appledore's neighbors always wondered why she didn't hear them; they thought she was too proud to associate with them. It wasn't until her death that they discovered she hadn't any ears, which would have made hearing a bit of a chore. Continue Close
There's a place at the table where you used to sit Your feet after a long day in the fields That's the very first thing I polished After your funeral. -- Lestin Farmerson, age unknown Lestin operated a large farm and had large feet that he planted on his wife's table every chance he had. At first, he did it just to annoy her. Later, he'd gotten into the habit. Continue Close
The gods welcome you home Wherever they are And wherever you roam Though, if gods there still be Then I am a gnome -- Brenna Marche, aged 89 Brenna's husband Rusty believed that the gods had forsaken Norrath and that no one would hear from them ever again, while Brenna firmly believed the gods would return. Time will tell which of them was right. Continue Story 1 Close
You never returned From your trip over-sea Oh, how I wish You'd left stuff to me -- No Name It's not clear to whom this epitaph was written, and the tomb on which it was engraved was robbed many generations past. It seems whoever the person was, they were considered wealthy in their day -- evidently moreso in material wealth than friends. Close
The elves buried beneath Qeynos often fell in battles of its defense and the residents of the town from its early days wanted to show respect to the elder children of Tunare. While they generally shun the half-elven in life, the choice of burying them together was pure practicality -- there were fewer elves being buried and the humans refused to have half-elves buried amongst them, so they moved all half-elven tombs to the section reserved for the elves. Continue Story 2 Close
You were my best friend forever Who listened when no one else would Other elves and the humans reject me I wish they took me and not you -- Ferianna Leimi, aged 94 The Leimi family died of one of the many diseases rampant during the War of Plagues. Ferianna was rare among high elves, associating freely with the half-elven and befriending them while others shunned them and called them names. The writer of this epitaph was presumably one of Ferianna's half-elf friends. Continue Story 2 Close
Though fallen in battle, I hear your voice sing Though your last breath is drawn I still wait for Spring -- Meiri Linnarian, ageless Meiri was a member of the Qeynos Guard on patrols in the lowest level of the catacombs. Her unit was overwhelmed by enemy forces. None survived. Continue Story 2 Close
Far out to sea, ships are sailing And I stand alone at the quay You've taken my heart on this journey Hold it within yours, my love -- Jarna Greyflower, half-elf Interestingly, many of the half-elf tombs include not their age but the fact that they were half-elves. It is unclear whether this is a mark of pride in their heritage, or whether they were not accorded the honor of noting their lifespan. Continue Story 2 Close
Many who died are unburied Their bones scattered over the hills Let this song be their remembrance Until the battlefield stills -- For the Unsung Heroes Close
Dwarves and barbarians formed alliances as they came to the city of men, both enjoying hearty meals and gaudy entertainment. After the destruction of the northlands, the dwarves joked that the barbarians could be buried alongside them, if there be any reason to bury a dwarf. The comment had been made in jest, but with so much upheaval in the lands, it was inevitable that many from all the races of Norrath would perish. Continue Story 3 Close
Here lies Tammak Brannuck Who knew how to swing But forgot how to duck -- Tammak Brannuck, age unknown Tammak was a barbarian who would go to the local eateries and challenge the patrons to fisticuffs in the street. One day, someone accepted his challenge and Tammak turned around to leave but forgot the door was much lower than he was used to. He hit his head on the door's lintel so hard it knocked him backward into a display of deer antlers. Continue Story 3 Close
These are the bones of Wallace McWallace He lived rough, fought hard and ate well Too bad he drank from the well, too -- Wallace McWallace, died aged 37 Wallace was slain by lizardmen archers as he drew water from the well outside his farm. Continue Story 3 Close
We promised we wouldn't write you a poem So we won't. Don't let it be said We didn't do anything you ever asked -- Garr Stonehammer The Stonehammer family was famous for disobeying the rules their patriarch Garr set down. Looks as though he finally got his way. Continue Story 3 Close
You didn't tell me there'd be elves. -- Gruer Hardy Gruer and his family escaped the destruction of Halas, fighting many brave battles through gnoll territory to reach Qeynos, where Gruer collapsed in shock at the unexpected sight of elves in the city of men. Close
Books
An Old Cookbook This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Definitely not a recipe book with anything for the faint of heart -- or the non-Troll! Reread Book Close
Table of Contents -- wherein the reader selects from various chapters to achieve the end result desired. I hope you will expand your culinary horizons to include some of the dishes sampled within, and take to heart the advice I give on cookery. Read Recipe 1 Read Recipe 2 Read Recipe 3 Close
There are three elf races in Norrath: Dark elves, Wood elves and High elves. High elves have more delicate features and are slightly less tall than the Wood elves. Dark elves are very small, so in preparing any of these items you may need to double up. Wood elves can be a bit nutty, but are good with any meal that includes a leafy vegetable. Continue Recipe 1 Close
How to tell the elves apart: High elves, or Koada'Dal, are slighter than humans (which are so numerous, an entire tome is devoted to cooking with them), with very delicate features and fair skin. Dark elves' skin is very dark, almost blue. The Teir'dal are more numerous around Freeport. The Wood elf is my favorite to cook with, though, as they are generally easiest to approach. Feir'dal can often be found in the woods of Antonica. Continue Recipe 1 Close
High elves are currently found in and around the city of Qeynos, where these slim, frail beings took shelter after the Shattering. They are skilled fighters, so it is best to sneak up on them unawares from behind and give their necks a quick twist. It is not so easy to sneak up on Dark elves as they trust no one, so be prepared for a good battle. If you want to use Wood elf, you can easily distract them with a tree branch or perhaps a small, furry creature (not halfling) in distress. Continue Recipe 1 Close
Bring a large iron pot to the fire and fill half-way with clear, fresh water. If water is unavailable, substitute any liquid except the juice of fruits. High and Dark elves have thin, fair hair which is easy to remove. Wood elves on the other hand, while not hirsute like a dwarf, have darker hair that seems more abundant. It's pretty tasty, though, if drizzled with vinegar and rendered fat. Continue Recipe 1 Close
Once the water is on the boil, drop in the elves and stir, then quickly remove from heat. They are very fragile, so take care not to overcook. Elves are best served with only a bit of sauce as their tenderness can be overwhelmed by anything too heavy. Enjoy! Close
"Halfling" is a generic term used to describe a short, big-footed race. One can generally substitute gnome or froglok, bearing in mind the generally smaller stature of the latter races. Frogloks in particular are in high demand, but small supply. Gnomes are not as hairy as halflings, but are more delicate and may be better suited to other uses. Continue Recipe 2 Close
Identifying Edibles: Halflings are the number one choice of all the cooks interviewed. They are meaty, and because they are omnivorous, they are versatile in the kitchen. Gnomes, on the other hand, are softer and more tender. A definite plus is their relative lack of hair which some find more appealing. And of course, who can forget the delicacy that is the froglok? Their taste is legendary. Finally, a relative newcomer to the culinary scene is the ratonga. They are easy to identify, being halfling-sized rodents. Continue Recipe 2 Close
Many people eschew smaller creatures for the larger, thinking more is more! And it is, but there are certain culinary aspects that require something smaller. While I do not advocate serving halflings, gnomes or ratonga as appetizers, they are obvious choices for skewers or pickling in brine for long-term storage. Continue Recipe 2 Close
Some find the texture of halfling is improved with a quick blanching in boiling water, then removal of the outer layer. Personally, I find this disgusting and prefer them whole. The first technique is to skewer your halfling, gnome or ratonga, on a stake which has first been soaked in water to prevent it from burning. You may alternate onions with your meat on the skewer. Roast over low coals, taking care not to drop any of them into the fire. Roasting is good; coal-coating is not. Continue Recipe 2 Close
My favorite method is to keep barrels of these little folk for the winter months by preserving them in brine. Bring together water, sea salt, and ask your Wood elf before preparing him (or her) what plants would enhance the flavor. I often use pine berries. Boil the liquid and cool, then pour containers filled with halflings, gnomes or ratonga. Seal the barrels with wax. With a decorative wax seal, these make excellent gifts. Close
Traditionally barbarians hail from the northern provinces which are no longer available to them. That makes them much easier to locate. If barbarians are not available, you may substitute ogres, taking into account their tougher skin and thicker layer of fat. An easier substitute is dwarf. Dwarves are readily available, simply remember to use a ratio of 3:1 -- three dwarves being the rough equivalent of one healthy barbarian. Continue Recipe 3 Close
Identifying Large Folk: The barbarian is a real crowd pleaser. They are tall and muscular, yet it is a subtle muscularity that means less cooking time. Ogres are taller than most barbarians, with tough skin and a thick layer of fat. They can be a bit gamey. Continue Recipe 3 Close
Barbarians' ancestral home is Halas, a land far to the north and very cold. Despite this, their skin is only slightly tougher than human skin. An obvious bonus is their size and current availability. They can be found in both Freeport and Qeynos, which is handy for the traveling troll to know. Ogres also have size on their side, however they cannot be directly substituted for barbarian without additional preparation. Continue Recipe 3 Close
To prepare ogre, first remove the husk. Be sure to use a sharp blade and keep your whetstone handy -- these things are tough! The skin is useless in the kitchen, although it can be used to bait crab traps, so I wouldn't just discard it. If you do not mind the extra effort, you can first peel off the layer of fat and keep that aside for other uses, such as basting. Or you may leave it intact for a good oily gloss on the pot. Barbarians do not need to be peeled. Continue Recipe 3 Close
As both ogres and barbarians are tough, you will want to simmer them over low coals for several hours. If you are combining ogres and barbarians, make sure to let the ogres simmer for an hour before adding anything else to the pot. Add onions and root vegetables for a hearty stew. Close
Unobtainable
an worshiper's book This item can be placed in any house type.
Undiscovered.
Unobtainable
Bedtime Tales for Gnollish Pups This item can be placed in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
TREASURED
Undiscovered.
Books
Bert's Big Book of Health This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Take the spores of the Rose of Innoruuk; Mix well with the slime of a soul leech; Stir slowly with a sprig of spiteweed; Incubate well in the warmth of a rotten log.
Results guaranteed.
Energy Drink
Drain fluid from one gnomish power cell; Decant into a container made of copper; Stir well with a rod of iron or palladium. For best effects, subject should wear plate mail.
Guaranteed to wake the dead.
Remedial Plague
Material from the pustules of a fallen cadaver no less than ten days deceased; Essence of the dark bloom mushroom; Parchment paper. Mix material and essence well, apply to parchment, and incubate in warm environment.
Handle with care.
Teir'Dal Acupuncture Kit
Forged iron spikes; Simple wooden coffin; Fossil temper. Using the temper as needed, line the coffin with the spikes. Ensure the spikes are blunt, as this will prolong the experience.
Sustained use may cause back problems.
General Reminder
Keep out of reach of children
Books
Flesh Bound Tome This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
The tome seems to be fashioned from some sort of leathery material. It has been formed with fine craftsmanship to appear like the stretched skin of a dark elf's face, eyes and mouth sewn shut with sinewy threads. A thin, but durable chain is stretched around the tome and fastens with an ornate lock. I can place this book in my house.
I have arrived in Nektulos Forest in search of my past. The House of Everling held a great manor within this vast timberland. Now that Neriak has fallen I can safely explore this land. There are no more dark elves to keep me from my rightful riches. No more shall the name Everling be separated from its grandeur. I shall begin my trek to reclaim lost fortune by searching for Timber Falls. It must surely be at the front of the Torrent River, a fitting place to build a path to a grand castle.
Journal Entry, Burnday:
I have made my way to Timber Falls only to find a glade of natural grandeur. Although it is a beautiful sight to behold, it is not the location of Everling riches. This natural beauty does not make up for the dangers faced approaching here. I will seek another sight I have heard of in this land. They say that there is a titanic ramp that rises to meet a higher plateau. I will find this ramp and climb it. From the vantage point of such a structure I may be able to spy the towers of an Everling estate.
Journal Entry, Windday:
Curse this land of haze! I have climbed the mighty ruin and gazed down upon the lowlands only to see the haze of ash that blankets the land. It is worse yet upon this plateau. I can barely take a breath without choking. I shall return to the lowlands and seek out a place more befitting of my lineage. I will seek out a lake the dark elves called Bone Lake. It should rest northeast of here. It is supposed to be the largest lake of the forest. Perhaps there are traces of my ancestors around such a lake.
Journal Entry, Steelday:
I have traveled the banks of this lake for naught. I made camp here along the north bank only to be awakened in a cold sweat and memories of a haunting vision. In my feverish nightmare I was confronted in the darkness by two gargoyles with eyes aflame. A door was placed between these titans. They stood silent and with a sudden snap they lashed out at me...all went black. That is when I awoke. What does this mean? Perhaps the mushrooms I added to my stew were not as agreeable as I had hoped. Perhaps I now seek the door between the gargoyles. Could this be Nektropos Castle?
Simply amazing! I have entered the courtyard of Castle Nektropos. The grandeur of this castle is formed of twisted walls and crooked towers. What form of mad mind could have engineered this place? It chills me to the bone to gaze upon this sorrowful manor, but the promise of lost riches deep within its halls beckons me forward. I am an Everling and this is my claim. I spy what appears to be a smithy's workshop ahead. I shall see what, if any, wonders lie within.
I have made my way into the blacksmith's forge. Although I believed this castle abandoned, the sooty room was illuminated by the embers of the forge. Someone has been working here, and recently. I would guess orcs, but there is no hint of their foul stench. Thanks to the ring that was passed down to me, The Circlet of Rikantus, I can press on without the need of a torch. The ring gives me the eyes of the Teir'Dal. I shall be able to move silently and with sword in hand. I feel a presence call to me. It pulls me towards the dark hallways to the southeast.
I happened upon my first myth made real. While wandering the dark halls, I saw a ghostly figure glide past me. I gave chase and followed the spectral figure into a chapel. As my eyes adjusted to the dim light, I realized... this is the Chapel of Ullkorruuk! I recall hearing tales of this chapel from a dark elf I met in a back alley of Freeport. Never did I expect to find the mythical chapel of treason in the ruins of my ancestors. The dark elf mentioned a concealed vault here he was unable to open. And to think, I took him for being Rathe-brained.
Before he passed out, the drunkard mumbled something about battling the traitorous forces within the chapel and releasing its secret unto him. There seems to be signs of a villainous sect inhabiting this place, but how can I, a single adventurer, overcome such overwhelming odds? Furthermore, where did that ghostly figure vanish to? Perhaps it was just a pale servant. I shall seek the servant's quarters out as soon as I decide of whether or not to do battle in this sanctum of betrayal.
I have found what was once a servant's personal quarters. It appears to have been changed into an oubliette through great arcane power. Shifted walls have swallowed up the doorway that led into this chamber. The only way in was through a breached wall in the adjacent quarters. Whoever was imprisoned in this chamber was never meant to escape. Unfortunately, there seems to be no sign of the servant's remains. Which leads me to believe he has escaped. I find myself praying to silent gods. I pray that this dangerous servant be far from Nektropos Castle.
I spent a restless night within what was once the bunkhouse for Everling Crusaders, the elite guard for my ancestors. I set a spike to hold the door closed and huddled next to a fire I had started within the maw of a fireplace that has not been used in decades. I heard horrid sounds all through the night, including the clanking of billiard balls, but was far too frightened to investigate in the pitch darkness. Now I am off to see what lies nearby.
I found the game room. This hall was intended to relieve the stress of the knights. Ah yes...Knight to C3. The thought of ancient Everling tactics eases my unsettled mind. The equipment seems to be as cursed as everything else in this place: the pieces are frozen in mid play! Although I thought I heard a game of billiards from this hall last night, it is quite apparent that no man has gamed here in ages. Perhaps the sound came from above.
I found the great banquet room that was reserved for the Everling family. As I approached, I heard the din a large gathering within, and even detected the scent of roast boar! I swung open the doors to find nothing but empty chairs at empty tables. The only sign of boar was that the fireplace of the hall was crowned with a hideous mounted boar's head. It almost seemed as though the thing was alive. I felt it staring at me when I left the room.
I discovered a wealth of information in the library. The Everlings documented their passion for evil artifacts and dark magic in fine detail. I find this odd: such interests are more common for dark elf than a human. Rikantus' eternal research of the occult must have had something to do with the demise of this place and the Everling name. I have also discovered books similar to this journal of mine. It is most certainly a claim to my heritage. The books for the family are bound with a patchwork flesh-like material... at least members of the Everlings that last dwelt here.
When I entered the cold, dusty chamber of the bedroom, I began to feel a great comfort and strange love for the place. I don't remember what happened next, but I awoke feeling as though weeks had passed. The room was disturbed as if I had been living within it, sheets crumpled, my footprints scuffing the dusty floors. I must leave this place at once, though, the little doll upon the bed is hypnotic... the way it stares at me. I could wear, I hear it whispering the name 'Drusis.'
I've discovered a room that shows signs of having been inhabited, though I can't fathom what manner of person would want to live here. Books on the shelves appear to have been moved recently and a number of them are recently published editions. The symbols upon the walls are strangely familiar. I have seen them elsewhere, perhaps while on some other adventure. I will hole up here for a spell. Perhaps I'll read a book or two before I decide how best to renovate my reclaimed estate.
The door leading to these quarters has slammed shut, and I cannot open it! There is only one way to go, and that's forward. I shudder at the thought of what may lie ahead, but I have no choice but to continue. I pray that my lineage spares me from whatever horrors I may encounter within these halls. I should have disregarded the clues that revealed the existence of this castle. The more I learn of this place, the more I realize that it is a part of my past I do not wish to claim. Why did I take this wretched tome from that evil hag? - Maltus Everling
After finding my way into the cellars, I have found Rikantus' concealed codex. Perhaps following the words within this flesh bound tome will gain me some reward after all. I will have to thank Theeral the nomad with a few gold earned from the heavy coin I am sure to earn from selling any valuables I loot here. Perhaps I will make enough to erect my own castle to rival this one. ...Castle...has a nice ring to it.
Welcome to the master.
The master welcomes you and any friends with open arms and open doors. We have waited so long for you. Your fate awaits you beyond this door. We have prepared the laboratory for your arrival. Do come in.
Books
How to Serve Mortals - Flowing Thoughts This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is titled "How to Serve Mortals - Flowing Thoughts." It's a collection of riddles the Amygdalans ask their victims before consuming their souls.
One cannot truly appreciate the taste of a mortal until they have amyg oozing from the holes in their skin. Since these furred worms come in as many flavors as the color of their pelts, it can be too easy to not appreciate the full succulence of their minds. Make sure to insinuate the chance of escape when presenting these words to them. Their apprehension marinades their amyg to the point of brain-watering piquance. The following enigmas should be presented to the ones that have big thoughts.
Instructions: Present the question to the furred worm and tell them they have nine tentacle clicks to answer. At five clicks, ask the question and do not allow them to argue for more time. You should notice the taste will begin to sharpen at that point. Question - I clothe myself all in black and hide in the corner of the room. All of the braziers have been snuffed out, and you carry no torches of your own, yet you still see me. How is this possible?
Answer - It is daytime. Question - A'natylan's mother has three children. One is named G'ylzanar. Another is named My'aazcriz. What is the other's name?
Answer - A'natylan. Question - Who makes it, has no need of it. Who buys it, has no use for it. Who uses it can neither see nor feel it. What am I?
Answer - A Coffin. Question - Two words. My answer is only two words. To keep me, you must give me. What am I?
Answer - Your Word. Question - I am always hungry. I must always be fed. The finger I lick. Will soon turn red. What am I?
Answer - Fire. Question - Each morning I appear to lie at your feet. All day I will follow no matter how fast you run. Yet I nearly perish in the midday sun. What am I?
Answer - Your Shadow. Question - You heard me before, yet you hear me again. Then I die, until you call me again. What am I?
Answer - Your Echo. Question - What do mortals love more than life, and fear more than death or mortal strife? What do the poor have, the rich require, and what contented men desire? And what does the miser spend and the spendthrift save? And what do all mortals carry to their graves?
Answer - Nothing. If you find your meal answers these enigmas rather easily, just tell them they are wrong. Proceed to make motions that you are about to bring cessation to them, then give them another chance. Repeat as many times as necessary until you find the flavor of their fear just right.
Books
How to Serve Mortals - Slow Thoughts This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is titled "How to Serve Mortals - Slow Thoughts." It's a collection of riddles the Amygdalans ask their victims before consuming their souls.
One cannot truly appreciate the taste of a mortal until they have amyg oozing from the holes in their skin. Since these furred worms come in as many flavors as the color of their pelts, it can be too easy to not appreciate the full succulence of their minds. Make sure to insinuate the chance of escape when presenting these words to them. Their apprehension marinades their amyg to the point of brain-watering piquance. The following enigmas should be presented to the ones that have small thoughts.
Instructions: Present the question to the furred worm and tell them they have nine tentacle clicks to answer. Begin to consume their amyg, and whatever other portion of their husk that amuses you. Question - What always ends everything?
Answer: The letter G. Question. What room has no doors, no windows, no walls, and no roof?
Answer: A mushroom. Question: What question can you never answer yes to?
Answer: Are you asleep?. Question: A lizardman has nine toads, and all but seven died. How many did he have left?
Answer: Seven. Question. What can you hold without ever touching or using your hands?
Answer: Your breath. Question: What can be destroyed by speaking a single word?
Answer: SilenceQuestion: I dance, yet I have no legs. I breathe, yet I have no lungs. I have no life, yet I live and die. What am I?
Answer: A flame. Question. I have holes on the top, bottom, and sides. With all my holes, I still hold water for a short time. What am I?
Answer: A sponge. If the furred worms have answered any of the questions correctly, do not give them time to feel relief. This will spoil the flavor of their amyg, and that would be such a sad waste.
Books
Ignatia Cellus' Family History Book This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
I am trying to compile the Cellus' family stories into remembrances of what was and how it has changed over time. If you bought this volume and its covers were removed, know that the seller is probably keeping out the good bits for him or herself!
I am sure that some of my family's writings still exist elsewhere in Norrath. Unless they were destroyed in the Shattering or as mentioned before, held back by unscrupulous vendors. Whatever portion of this tome you have, cherish it and remember the Cellus family of Qeynos.
My name is Ignatia Cellus and my story is nothing like the tale of Isabella Cellus, my grandmother. She lived in a time of relative peace, while I am in a world besieged by terrors unimaginable. The undead rise up outside Qeynos and we all fear for our --
-- lives. Thank the gods for Kane Bayle, commander of the Guard. His guidance will surely lead Qeynos through this dark time! He has ordered the Guard to watch every possible entry to Qeynos, which means longer shifts and journeys far from home. I am in the Guard and, fortunately, patrol --
-- inside the catacombs near the Guild Halls. There is a strange odor in the air; it is the smell of death. The dead are piled high and cannot be buried, for there is no one to stand guard over the mourners and keep them safe. The undead appear --
-- in waves that we cannot repel easily, as there are so many of them and so few of us. With the Guard trying to keep Qeynos' entrances safe, there are not enough to do other tasks. I do not remember the last time I slept at home. This is exhausting.
Alas! Finally, I was able to return to my home in South Qeynos, only to find such sorrow. The block of homes on my street were filled with the dead. The patrol in that quadrant had not reported in a fortnight, so I was sent to check on them. My mother --
-- is one who died of this horrible plague that seems to rise from beneath us. Captain Keldrane has been sent to investigate the deepest areas of the Catacombs. Commander Bayle asked me personally to escort the unarmed to safety in Qeynos Hills. Some have said this will --
-- spread the Guard too thinly, but Commander Bayle doubtless knows more than the general populace. I trust his judgment. He would never betray Qeynos, never! Meanwhile, I am happy to leave the city; being here reminds me too much of --
-- the family and friends I have lost. I am accompanying a group of non-combatants out of the city to a secret place known only to my family until now. I hope we will be safe there. I did not tell the commander of this place, but I know our family's stronghold will not remain secret or hidden for long.
Books
Ilene Cellus' Family History Book This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
I am sure that some of my family's writings still exist elsewhere in Norrath. Unless they were destroyed in the Shattering or as mentioned before, held back by unscrupulous vendors. Whatever portion of this tome you have, cherish it and remember the Cellus family of Qeynos.
Good thing Ignatia had the sense to hide her journal. When all the Books of Knowledge were destroyed, some folk took that a bit further and destroyed every book they could find! My mamma said to me, "Ilene, where do you go and spend all your days?" but I didn't answer. I don't want her to know about --
-- these books I found from the War of Plagues and before, or she'll burn them before I finish reading them. It's so interesting to know some of the thoughts my ancestors had so long ago. They didn't know back then that the gods were going to leave --
-- and everything would be so awful. Mamma said the gods left behind hope, but I'd rather have the gods. When I pray, I want to know there's something listening. We live up in Qeynos Hills. Sometimes, we go to Qeynos, but always in a big caravan because of --
-- all the orcs. First it was one or two, but lately there's more and more of them. It makes mamma and papa nervous and they talk about moving back to the city. I like the Hills, though. Except for the stupid gnolls. That's one thing that hasn't changed, they still --
-- come up now and again. There's a lot of northerners coming to Qeynos Hills too. I don't know how we'll all survive, with those orcs coming in from the east. We spend a lot of time in caves --
-- hiding. I can't stand it. Someday, I'm going to go where there's nothing but grass and sky and you can see forever! Or near the sea! That would be good, too. We get fish sometimes out of the lakes, but they're pretty scrawny. All the food --
-- is scrawny. We go sometimes to get acorns and roots. When there's a deer or something big, we eat every last bit! In fact, papa just went out to get --
-- some wood so we can make soup out of the bones mamma saved. I haven't been allowed outside for months; the grown-ups say it's too dangerous. There's no one to hear our prayers which makes it lonesome. Oh! I hear them coming back already! I hope he's brought me --
-- he's dead! An orc hiding near the waterfall killed him! My uncle tried to save him, but nearly died as well. What will we do? How'd the orcs get so close in? We're going back to Qeynos tonight, mamma says -- I have to hide the books.
Books
Iriana Cellus' Family History This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
I am sure that some of my family's writings still exist elsewhere in Norrath. Unless they were destroyed in the Shattering or as mentioned before, held back by unscrupulous vendors. Whatever portion of this tome you have, cherish it and remember the Cellus family of Qeynos. Entry One Put book away.
I found ancient papers written by not only my ancestors, but by others from the past. Maybe the heat of the sun on the plains preserved the writings. Illene never did get to see Qeynos, as her family moved east rather than west. I cannot imagine -- Entry One Put book away.
-- the world described! My father says he can remember when the moon was whole, but it has always appeared in my sky as a shining smear, like fish scales spilling from a broken bowl. I am Iriana Cellus and I live in an area known as the Thundering Steppes. There are -- Entry Two Put book away.
-- no ships because the oceans are still too rough, but I like to sit on the shore and watch the waves. Father says the seas never used to come up so high. Oh! The other day I saw the oddest thing! A rat, nearly as tall as myself! And it could speak, but I didn't -- Entry Three Put book away.
-- understand it, at first. After a while, it sat next to me and we drew pictures in the dirt to talk. His family comes from far away, looked like under the mountains. Or it might have been under the waves. He didn't draw very well, but then again, neither do I. He -- Entry Four Put book away.
-- ran away when my sister approached. Later, I saw another one peering out from a ruined watchtower. There are more and more of these interesting new creatures in the Steppes. I didn't ask anyone what it was; I know they would say it's -- Entry Five Put book away.
-- my imagination. As if I could imagine up a talking rat! I wonder if I'll see him again, or any of these other rat-people? My father said we are going to -- Entry Six Put book away.
-- help rebuild Qeynos, so we'll be leaving in a day or two. It is the only city left in the entire world. Well, besides Freeport. I cannot wait! I wonder what will happen to the rat-people? Where can they go? Close book
Books
Iriana Cellus' Family History Book This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
I am sure that some of my family's writings still exist elsewhere in Norrath. Unless they were destroyed in the Shattering or as mentioned before, held back by unscrupulous vendors. Whatever portion of this tome you have, cherish it and remember the Cellus family of Qeynos.
I found ancient papers written by not only my ancestors, but by others from the past. Maybe the heat of the sun on the plains preserved the writings. Illene never did get to see Qeynos, as her family moved east rather than west. I cannot imagine --
-- the world described! My father says he can remember when the moon was whole, but it has always appeared in my sky as a shining smear, like fish scales spilling from a broken bowl. I am Iriana Cellus and I live in an area known as the Thundering Steppes. There are --
-- no ships because the oceans are still too rough, but I like to sit on the shore and watch the waves. Father says the seas never used to come up so high. Oh! The other day I saw the oddest thing! A rat, nearly as tall as myself! And it could speak, but I didn't --
-- understand it, at first. After a while, it sat next to me and we drew pictures in the dirt to talk. His family comes from far away, looked like under the mountains. Or it might have been under the waves. He didn't draw very well, but then again, neither do I. He --
-- ran away when my sister approached. Later, I saw another one peering out from a ruined watchtower. There are more and more of these interesting new creatures in the Steppes. I didn't ask anyone what it was; I know they would say it's --
-- my imagination. As if I could imagine up a talking rat! I wonder if I'll see him again, or any of these other rat-people? My father said we are going to --
-- help rebuild Qeynos, so we'll be leaving in a day or two. It is the only city left in the entire world. Well, besides Freeport. I cannot wait! I wonder what will happen to the rat-people? Where can they go?
Books
Isabella Cellus' Family History Book This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
My ancestors, going back to Isabella Cellus, loved traveling through the area we now call Antonica. I am trying to compile our stories into remembrances of what was and how it has changed over time. If you bought this volume and its covers were removed, know that the seller is probably keeping out the good bits for him or herself!
I am sure that some of my family's writings still exist elsewhere in Norrath. Unless they were destroyed in the Shattering or as mentioned before, held back by unscrupulous vendors. Whatever portion of this tome you have, cherish it and remember the Cellus family of Qeynos.
"Antonica," by Isabella Cellus. I am traveling through an area known as Qeynos Hills. It's filled with quite a population of animals and different sorts of folks. Someone is following me --
-- so I am not enjoying this journey. Anyway, from these Hills, one can see North Qeynos, Western Karana and the frosted peaks of the northern mountains. The Sabertooth gnolls that come over from Blackburrow are especially annoying. They keep stealing my paper! Those little runts! During my --
-- travels, I've met a lovely ranger named Holly Windstalker. She's very friendly and outgoing, but a bit crazed about wolves and bears. We were having a picnic near the Surefall Glades, when someone walked by with --
-- a wolf pelt over his shoulder. Holly went nuts! She up and gave this poor fellow a piece of her mind, then chased him all the way to Blackburrow! He shouted at her, "My lady --
-- the wolf attacked me first!" Holly didn't seem to care. I think I'll head over that way to interview him for my next bit on Blackburrow. Thanks to Holly, now I know someone who goes there!
The fellow Holly chased to Blackburrow is related to a handsome scout named Malityn. He's very noble and good-hearted, and I've been spending a lot of time with him. Blackburrow is a classic dungeon, very dark and gloomier the further down into it one gets. Groups of Sabertooth gnolls are hard at work digging out tunnels. With Malityn at my side, however, I felt very safe. He must do something about --
-- his hair. Anyway, Blackburrow is a pretty dismal place and dampness is not good for my complexion. Malityn was starting to be so possessive! If anyone so much as spoke to me, he'd whack off their head! So, it's farewell Malityn and back to Qeynos Hills. Hopefully, I'll be able to shake this cold. I'm going to gather some willowbark to brew some tea, which will help tremendously with my headache. I saw some willows to the north, beyond the aqueduct.
There is a lot of unrest these days in the Qeynos Hills, which makes me rethink my adventuring out in the wilds. Barbarians are moving southward from their home in Halas, although the reason isn't clear to me. They sure are big, though! I might wander up that way. That would mean another trip through Blackburrow, though, and I am not sure I'm ready to face --
-- Malityn. Unless he's ready to move on with me, there is no point in continuing to see him. Holly says scouts can be that way, especially when he spends all that time underground, investigating those gnolls. Some days I wish I had --
-- never left the safety of South Qeynos. Malityn says he's ready to leave Blackburrow and come with me, as he thinks the damp is ruining his hair. At last! The woods and hills are lovely but I will lay aside my pen for now and return to my home. Perhaps our daughter will carry on the tale.
Books
Leatherfoot Tales: The Houndslayer, Part One This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is a retrospective of Leatherfoot Brigade scout Gumpy Nattoo's earliest adventures during the Age of Turmoil.
History is written after something happens and tells future folk about the past. That's what this is about: the past. When you're walking through any village, look to the elders to remember the stories of how different things are now from when they were young. No matter their age, they'll remember things as shouldn't be forgot. This is the beginning of one such tale.
Way back afore time began, the halflings lived in and around Rivervale, the most beautiful place in the world. Generations lived amongst the forested surrounds and didn't think much on what lay outside the borders. Some folk ventured out and came back with all sorts of outlandish tales. They were generally scoffed at, but over time, some of the most outlandish tales turned out to be true. Rivervale wasn't as isolated anymore.
As things became more turbulent, the Leatherfoot Brigade beefed up its ranks. Most young halflings associated with the Leatherfeet in some way or other, mostly because there were good discounts for the soldiers at the local taverns. When Gumpy Nattoo joined up, that was his primary concern: could he sleep in his own bed each night, and how much of a discount did he get at the Weary Foot Rest?
Gumpy's first assignment was to accompany the old Sarge out to Kithicor Forest, which had been a pretty place in the old days, but was now overrun with some of those outlandish things that folks didn't talk about after dark. Parts of the Forest still held the mysterious dark that made it a beauty spot; in some places, folks couldn't see the sky for the trees.
"It's lunch-time!" exclaimed the Sarge as they paused on the edge of a clearing. "How can you tell?" asked Gumpy. "By the rumble in my belly, son," said the Sarge, "Let's sit a spell and I'll tell you the real reason I brung you out here." They sat on a couple of burnt tree stumps and snacked on some dried fruit, crusty bread spread with butter and jum-jum, a few apples, a jug of honeywine and a half a dozen types of cheese. It was a light meal, for they were a days' journey from Rivervale.
"Son, you've heard the rumors of all what's going on in the lands," the Sarge said. "You're taller than most halflings, every bit as sneaky as the next fellow, and crafty besides. I need you in the Leatherfoot Brigade's scout unit." Gumpy was flattered and said so. The Sarge nodded, "Yep. So I'm going to up and leave now, and you find your way home. That'll be the test. Good luck." Before Gumpy could protest, the Sarge disappeared into the trees and what's more, he took the rest of the food with him.
Gumpy was kerflummoxed, but only for a moment. He had heard rumors of an elite unit of scouts, but no one ever came out and said who they really were. Any talk of them at the taverns always ended with someone singing a boisterous song that made idle chatter impossible. Gumpy stood up, measured the direction of the wind, observed the slant of the shadows and light, then headed off. In the wrong direction.
Hours later, Gumpy stood scratching his head industriously and wondering where in Norrath he had landed. He was pretty sure he was still in Kithicor, but in the name of Bristlebane, what were all those dark elf dragoons doing all over the place? He'd been used to the sight of the undead, but the dragoons were something new. Furrowing his brow, Gumpy retraced his steps, wishing fervently the Sarge had left some of their provisions with him.
He was surprised to find how much easier it was to follow the tracks this time. Though some of them seemed to lead in circles (no doubt to confuse the enemy), there was one clear set that trampled through the underbrush directly to the place where he and the Sarge had had lunch. Pleased with his progress, Gumpy was ready to follow the trail again when a Kithicor ranger melted out of the woods and nearly gave Gumpy a heart attack. "At last!" said the ranger, grasping Gumpy by the shoulder and marching him off into the dark.
"We've been waiting for you," said the ranger. "You are indeed most crafty; I have been tracking you for hours." Gumpy felt it best to say nothing and simply nodded. "Once we have met up with the other rangers, we will proceed to Rivervale to learn more of our mission," continued the ranger, adding, "I am impressed with your skills; let us break bread together while we walk." Those were the most welcome words Gumpy had heard all day. He followed the ranger into the woods.
Books
Poet's Palace: Djinn Literature This item can be placed on the floor in a player-made dungeon.
This item can be placed on the floors in player made dungeons.
This book is titled "The Amygamalion - The Dulling". It appears to be a myth concerning the history of the Amygdalans.
We are Amygdalan, and we are that which tastes the amyg of this world. Though all of the emotion feeds us, the most pleasing is the true amyg that comes from the minds of the Lesser Emotions creations. Our history is the only true history, for everything else is but a lie told to placate the minds of the fearful.
Within the Dulling a home was needed, so we Amygdalan looked to what was within our means. The world around us is rich in feeling, but we needed that which would not overwhelm us. The lizardmen of the First Thought were within the Dulling as well, exiled from the true home. They would be the ones to build the home for the Amygdalan.
Tasting their fear, the lizardmen set forth to create a great home in memory of the ones we held within the First Thought. Much was done on their part, and we fed them with the drained husks of those ripe with the taste of Amyg. We would consume the toys of He who is Cazic-Thule, with taste of the Great Beasts were far more pleasing. Their amyg would become bitter and flat as time would pass.
Our home pleased us, but we were no longer within the presence of the Source of Amyg. We would take once again those whose flavor would not overwhelm us and set them to creating a new temple. They would labor and upon their completion, we would chant to the Great Emotion. And he would come in the form of the Quintessence.
The Quintessence would walk among our temple built to honor him. This pleased the Source of the Amyg and would allow us to return to the First Thought. Rejoicing at being accepted within the true world, we would flee the Dulling. Time would pass unnoticed within the First Thought until the Prismatic Aggression would come. Then we would remember our hunger.
Basking in the Source of Amyg, we would forget the flavors of fear. The Prismatic Aggression breached the First Thought through our own portal and brought their metals and their pains. The Great Emotion would eventually have to reach out and smite these mortals, for their numbers were too great. This would be the sign of True Exile.
He who is Cazic-Thule would geas our people to return to the Dulling. This was not out of anger, but instead an honor. The Source of Amyg was to chastise Lesser Emotions for the folly of their creations. We Amygdalan would be charged with preparing for when the Source of Amyg would return from inflicting punishments. The pain was lessened, as well, for we knew the varieties of fear were endless within the Dulling. We would feast as we once had.
Though we were no longer in sight of the Source of Amyg, He would send us a new Quintessence. Taking our charge, we hid away the Quintessence within the most sacred of hearts in the temple. For many changings of the two moons, the Quintessence would act out upon the wish of He who is Cazic-Thule. Just as It undertook Its task, so we too would prevent the fresh tasting Great Beasts from entering the temple. Sadly, we underestimated how fast they could stop the flow of amyg from their minds.
We failed at the only thing the Source of Amyg asked of us. We could not keep the Quintessence kept away in safety, and we called upon the Great Secret to help us. The Great Beasts destroyed the honor to the Source of Amyg. They disrupted the Quintessence. They brought upon the cessation of all their future emotions though releasing the Great Secret. And now we await our punishment for our own failure.
The punishment has begun. The lizardmen have rebuilt the temple by our command, but it is not enough. The Great Winged Lizardman has come to the temple of He who is Cazic-Thule. The Winged One is only the beginning of our punishment. But Winged One's pain is not as vicious as it will taste when the Source of Amyg returns to see what how we have failed His Quintessence.
Books
The Amygamalion - The Form This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is titled "The Amygamalion - The Form". It appears to be a myth concerning the god Cazic-Thule.
In the time before the land was flowing with thought and emotion, there were those who were the only ones who felt. The source of Amyg was amongst these beings that were the only keepers of emotion. Being the first, He did not know of solid forms nor did He need them. But as the other Lesser Emotions would take forms, He too, would see a need to do the same.
In His great wisdom, He chose to observe the other Lesser Emotions and watch as they chose a solid form. Once these great feelings would complete their transformation, the Amyg would take a form that was even greater than all the rest. This would show His magnitude among the Lesser Emotions so that they would know their place in the world.
He went forth to Lesser Emotion that chose its form first. Being the most solid, the source of Amyg that is called Cazic-Thule asked what form he should take. The keepers of the slow emotions of earth told the Source of Amyg to choose one that was more solid than anything that could be. And the form He that is Cazic-Thule took was that of the most solid of all stone.
He then went forth to the Emotion that felt the strongest among the Lessers. He asked the keeper of fire what form He should take, and the Emotion of Fire quickly responded in an abrupt manner. Saying that the Source of Amyg should choose one that is quick to react and all consuming, He changed his stone form to that of slow moving lava.
Watching from afar, He who is Cazic-Thule went and spoke with the winged Emotion that flitted throughout the air. Asking which form should be taken, the Source of Amyg was given many answers but nothing that was considered too long. Knowing that this Lesser Emotion changed her feelings as often as the wind turned its course, He moved on.
Finding the Emotion that flows in a sickening manner, the Source of Amyg took showed much patience in listening to the watery Lesser Emotion. The flowing water told He who is Cazic-Thule to pick a form that ebbed and flowed. Taking this information, the Source of Amyg released His form into a flow of Lava, spreading all over the land. He who is Cazic-Thule was nearly lost to us all, for He now was everywhere at once, but nowhere at all. This transgression would never be forgotten.
As the Source of Amyg struggled to regain His form, He had much time to dwell upon His anger. The Lesser Emotion of nothing came to Him and told Him to not struggle. For the advice of this great Nothing was to not take any form at all. Knowing that His wisdom was far greater than this Lesser Emotion's, He chose to disregard these words.
The next of the Lesser Emotions came to Him. Of all the Lessers, this one was the strongest and paid true fealty to the Source of Amyg. Telling Amyg to feel as strongly as him, this emotion of hatred allowed He who is Cazic-Thule to think upon whom did this to him. Gathering all of this Emotion's power, Cazic shaped His face into that of Hatred's.
As he entered His realm, The First Thought, the Source of Amyg was approached by an Emotion-That-Is-Not. The Emotion told him that His face was the same as that of the Lesser Emotion of loathing, making Him no better than one less than Him. This pestilent ridden Emotion-That-Is-Not helped the Source of Amyg to shape his face into one that would show what He really was. Unlike the face of seething, He who is Cazic-Thule now possessed a smooth worm-like body, yet His face was now great and mighty.
Content with His new form, the Source of Amyg was approached by one last Emotion. This one bubbled with mirth and glee which tastes sour upon our minds. He advised the Great One to shape His entire form to match His mighty visage. Knowing that He was greater than all the rest, the Source of Amyg pushed His form to the utmost extreme, achieving a greatness unlike none other. This Lesser Emotion of giddiness left the presence of the Great One, filled with its sour smell. And so was it that this small Emotion was the wisest of all the Lessers, for now He who is Cazic-Thule now possesses the most refined of all of the forms of the Lesser Emotions.
Books
The Amygamalion - The Four That Are We This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This book is titled "The Amygamalion - The Four That Are We". It appears to be a myth concerning the creation of the Amygdalans.
The great world that sets beneath our feet is not the true world. This land is but a false image of what truly is, for we are exiles from our true home. This land is the Dulling, whereas we come from the First Thought. We are made from the First Thought, and we feed upon it as well. We are Amygdalan, and we are from the Source of Amyg. But to know where we are, you must know why we are.
As the Source of Amyg sat upon His mighty throne and gazed upon the First Thought, He would observe the Lesser Emotions infusing their feelings into even lesser versions of themselves. The Great Emotion was not pleased by this sight, for He did not give His approval. Feeling a forbidden emotion, he created from his mind four forms that took shape - Horror, Fright, Dread, and Terror.
His four children were given a part of the First Thought to do with as they pleased. He who is Cazic-Thule would amuse Himself by watching their antics, being far more interested in his realm than the Dulling. The Dulling was the false world that the Lesser Emotions played upon and was beneath the Source of Amyg.
Though the four children existed, they too had nothing to occupy their time with. So again, in the ineffable wisdom of the Source of Amyg, He shaped a lizard into a form not unlike that of his children. The lizardmen offered the Four much to play with now. He who is Cazic-Thule enjoyed watching as they scattered to the four corners of the First Thought, forever fleeing the Four.
Soon the Source of Amyg would watch as the Lesser Emotions would continue making lesser versions of themselves upon the Dulling. To remind them of the greatness of He who is Cazic-Thule, He would make another toy to play upon the Dulling with the other lessers. Soon enough, He would bore of these toys, turning his attention back to the First Thought.
The Source of Amyg desired a new enjoyment, so he created two more children from his mind. Granting more of himself to these new toys, he created the Secondary Thoughts Thought for them to play within. This would not escape the attention of the Four, his first children. They would speak among themselves and decided to go to their father and demand their own realms, as well.
Standing before the Throne of Amyg, the Four would insist they be given more. He who is Cazic-Thule felt pride in his children and told them that he would take them to a place of their own. He took the Four and placed them into his massive hands and squeezed his palm together. Where there were once Four, there was now One. He then squashed the One with his fist, splitting the One into Two, then Four, then Eight, until the number could not be counted anymore. We still bear the mark of the Four upon our face to remind us from where we came.
The Source of Amyg then told the many that they would take the name of what he is. And thus we were named Amygdalan. He would teach us things about who we were through the wisest of our numbers. We would know our four fathers and we would know the Amyg. We would taste many emotions, but we would feed only from fear to honor the Source itself. The lizardmen were our supply, and they would feed us for many eons to come.
Soon enough the lizardmen no longer were able to feed us Amygdalan, for our numbers were many. He who is the Source offered another gift to his children and told us where we could find more amyg to feed from. Listening to His divine wisdom, we created a great ball filled with much amyg. When this ball was done, the Source of Amyg would then send it forward to a place we would call the Dulling.
Much time would pass, and we would remain hungry. From time to time, there would be morsels oozing with all different flavors of amyg that would come to us, but this was never enough to sate our appetites. He who is Cazic-Thule would ultimately tell us that it was time for us to guide ourselves and banished us to the Dulling. Now we stand here where the world is flat and solid. Yet here, within the Dulling, we can feast until our brain-lobes are gorged with pure amyg. Pure fear.
Books
The History of Barbarians This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the barbarian race. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
Listen to my tale! It is the story of brave men and strong women. I tell you the story of the barbarian people. WE are the sons and daughters of Mithaniel Marr, god of Valor, and Erollisi Marr, goddess of Love. Continue Story 1 Close
Our name struck fear into the hearts of those who came before us. They were weak while we were strong! Consider Barruk, who carried many times ten of the elves, who swing helpless from his arms as he strode with his mighty axe through their ranks! Continue Story 1 Close
They said we brought the Age of Blood - - and we did. The weaker trembled to see the children of the Northlands descend upon them. Though we are mighty of height, we can arrive unheard and unseen, until it was too late. Continue Story 1 Close
It was not any mortal that could stop us. No! Called they upon Solusek Ro, who needed to change the shape of the world. Even that did not stop us, but by then we had shown our might to the world and felt no need to go further. Continue Story 1 Close
And then, one night the Marr Twins came to Halas and walked around our fire. They kissed the foreheads of twelve sturdy lads and twelve hearty maidens, then sent them southwards with their blessing. From them came our cousins, the humans. Close
I am Nicholl Silverfrost of Clan MacNeacail, bard. Our family has ever served as bard for our Clan, for which the Marr Twins be praised! Our Clan is mighty, though not of Halas, which had been its fortune in the days of the Rallosians. Continue Story 2 Close
For, listen! While the families of the barbarian Clans did their respective duties, Gren Silverfrost traveled from our village in Everfrost to sing in Halas and it was he who spied the first of the Orcish armies sent to the assault. Continue Story 2 Close
Gren sped forth, his anger lending wings to his heels. He saw the orcs burning other villages. He saw them feasting on the fallen. He reached Halas in time for the gates to be barred from within. To warn the villages, Gren and others as fleet of foot were sent out. Those who fled the villages closest to Halas went there. Those farther away removed to other strongholds. And the orcs marched onward, surrounding Halas. Continue Story 2 Close
Halas fell at the end of the long and bitter siege. The Rallosians celebrated by slaying the remaining clan chieftains and sending the women and children into the wilds where there were hunted for sport. And yet, we still had hope. Continue Story 2 Close
Yes, many of our folk had fled into Halas and were slain. But the Clans from furthest strongholds arrived and gathered the wandering remnants of our brethren, vowing vengeance. They made themselves secure in their hidden ancestral areas and waited. Close
We did not have long to wait. Within seasons, the Rallosian Army was defeated by a mysterious and deadly poison known as the Green Mist. We retook Halas and made a bonfire with our enemies? remains. Continue Story 3 Close
Was it retribution for all the bloodshed? No one knows. And yet, not long after the Rallosians were defeated, the lands began to groan and crack from deep within. Fires burned where there had been ice. Water flowed fast and deep where once it trickled. I speak of the Age of Cataclysms, where we saw in one generation the lands change from ice and snow to bogs that stank of decay. Continue Story 3 Close
Overnight, entire mountains would slide away, taking with them the houses at their feet. Then all would freeze again into impenetrable ice. As though the changes upon the surface of Norrath were not enough, Luclin shattered in the sky above. Rocks of all sizes fell from like rain, battering everything in their path. From what cover we could find, we watched as Halas fell. Ah, Halas! Rocks aflame topple the walls, crushing and burning our ancestral home. It took the terrible shattering of the moon to do what no army could ever hope to do ? take and keep Halas for its own. Continue Story 3 Close
Our world lay encased in a layer of ice that crept over the land. In the day, the ice retreated like an orc, but at night it pressed further and further, conquering all before it like a barbartian. Continue Story 3 Close
Listen! I tell you of our journey southwards, our proud march to settle in a new home. The way may be perilous, but not for the sons and daughters of the north! Our steps filled with snow behind us while before us, we saw the world. Close
Books
The History of Dwarves This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the dwarves. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
There is nothing like the smell of the forge, is there? I love the crash of hammer on iron, the tang of metal on the tip of the tongue. There is joy in working with one's hands, and that is what dwarves do best. Continue Story 1 Close
We were created by Brell Serilis, who discovered Norrath and brought us into being. Some say he had other purposes in mind, but we dwarves know that he was -- and is -- our creator and bringer of life. Continue Story 1 Close
Stone and rock. Hammer and anvil. We learned our crafts from the beginning, in our home of Kaladim, in the Butcherblock Mountains. Our city flourished, for many came to us, wanting to buy the many beautiful things we can craft. Continue Story 1 Close
Have you ever seen the sun rise, its light spreading like over the Butcherblock mountains like the flames of a forge? We who have not seen this with our own eyes sing the songs of our fathers before us, and weep for the world we cannot know. Continue Story 1 Close
You might hear of the Northmen boasting of their brawn. They are certainly very strong, for their size. Put any barbarian up in a feat of strength against a dwarf and you will find that we are equally strong. Many is the enemy who thought to judge us by our size, to their own doom. Close
Through many long Ages, we plied our crafts as armorers and weaponsmiths. Even now, if you see a family with a treasured heirloom, there is a good chance it was made by a dwarf. Be it stone or metal, we can shape it at will. Continue Story 2 Close
Take a look at a dwarven beard. These forms go back to ancient days, when the first dwarf rulers bestowed upon dwarven heroes a particular style for their family's use. It's bad luck to use someone else's style. Continue Story 2 Close
There are not so many female dwarves as male dwarves, it is true. There is no equal among the other folk -- you can't deny how good-looking our women-folk are! They are strong and stout-hearted as well. You have heard of the Ironforge family of Qeynos, no doubt. While our weapons are matchless, we are also good with items of the hearth and home. Long have dwarves worked alongside others to fill the world with beautiful handiwork. Continue Story 2 Close
We did not escape the Wars that raged around us unscathed. Dwarven troops fought alongside our elven and human friends. When all seemed lost, we did not give up. Give up? Those words are not in our blood. Continue Story 2 Close
There is an old expression that says it is darkest before the hammer strikes. With our allies, we passed through some dark times. Then the hammer of the gods fell and behold! Our enemies dissolved like smoke before us. Close
And yet, there were still dark times ahead, though we didn't know it then, of course. You see, we started the rebuilding of the Qeynos. More and more dwarves arrived from Kaladim, eager to show our skills as well as honor our friendships. Had we known?we would still have done the same. Continue Story 3 Close
There was plenty of work to do, from rebuilding walls to reinforcing buildings. And then came tremors from deep below. The rocks beneath us groaned in ways we dwarves had never heard before -- and hope to never hear again. The world around us ripped apart and the seas became impassable. There are tales of dwarves that lived during the Rending shouldering their axes and hammers, trying to return home. Those that left Antonica were never seen again. Continue Story 3 Close
The face of the world changed, new rocks turned up on the surface that had only been seen in the deeps. And when we thought things were calm, Luclin exploded across the sky, like an apple hit by an arrow. Many's the time dwarves would pass on the streets of Qeynos and say, "Tomorrow, in Kaladim!" It was our pledge to one another, that we would return home. Then "tomorrow" became "next week" and "next season," until we stopped using this greeting altogether. Continue Story 3 Close
We will return to our home, there is no doubt! But it is hard to explain constantly to our friends why we believe that Brell has not forsaken us and exactly what we expect to find left of the Butcherblock Mountains. Just because everyone else has given up their faith is no reason for us to lose ours. Continue Story 3 Close
And so, the dwarves who came to Qeynos to help strengthen it after the wars were able to rebuild it once the stone rain stopped falling. That may be part of Brell's plan, that we would not be sundered from our friends in their hour of need. Stone and rock. Hammer and anvil. Qeynos is beautiful again with our help. Somewhere, our brethren are rebuilding the city of our ancestors, too. And we will return to our homes there. Tomorrow, in Kaladim. Close
Books
The History of Erudites This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the Erudites. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
When one realizes in the course of events that one's surroundings are unable to provide the necessary solitude for research, one realizes that the only option available is removal to a distant locale. Preferably an isolated area, free from unwanted intrusion. Continue Story 1 Close
Gathering around him those of similar persuasion, Erud led a group of his disciples across the sea to Odus. While not perfect, the isolation was perfect for our purposes. We managed to eradicate most of the indigenous species that would interfere with our research. Continue Story 1 Close
We built the city of Erudin in a form of homage to the one who led us to this oasis from the intellectual desert of Tunaria. The design was elegant and clean, not cluttered with the furbelows favored by the elves. An uncluttered space allows the opening of one's mind. Continue Story 1 Close
Time is not counted when one is lost in thought. Have you ever been deeply engrossed in a philosophical tome only to realize that the risen sun was now setting beyond you? That is how the days were spent in Erudin. Long days of contemplation and blissful solitude. Continue Story 1 Close
Somewhere during this period of tranquility, a subsect had obtained access to arcane knowledge commonly known as necromancy. These injudicious Erudites turned to Cazic-Thule for learning. Seeking knowledge is preferable to ignorance, yet some things should not be learned. Close
Unable to convince them of their errors, the erudites of Erudin cast these Heretics out. The Heretics chose not to return to more appropriate branches of learning. Instead, they waged war against Erudin, using the perverted arcane arts to unleash a torrent of horrors upon our city. Obviously unable to control themselves, the Heretics released powers greater than they could control, blasting the lands and creating The Hole. Realizing they could not win, yet unwilling to admit their errors, the Heretics constructed a city within the devastation: Paineel. Continue Story 2 Close
What we now know of Paineel comes long after its destruction. For yes, once more the Heretics sought to unleash a power they had no means of understanding or containing. What dark evil they awoke, they will not say, but the Heretics were forced to rebuild Paineel elsewhere. Continue Story 2 Close
Age upon age drifted past, a time of gloriously deep thought for the erudite. Undisturbed by outsiders, we endeavored to increase our considerable knowledge even further. Our minds were free to explore uncharted depths within and without. Some learned to travel through space by the force of thoughts alone. Continue Story 2 Close
In this era of most profound intellectuality, we learned deeper, higher meanings to things encountered previously. Hours could we spend staring at a single element, focusing ourselves until we could break it apart with our minds, reducing it to even smaller elements still. Continue Story 2 Close
In and through our minds and veins flowed this increased awareness. There is nothing more relaxing than to consider a mote suspended in a shaft of light and knowing of what the mote is made and how one can recreate it into other fantastical shapes. Close
In time, our studies began to manifest themselves outwardly upon our own persons. When one has the knowledge to bend and reshape the smallest of elements, why should one not use this to one's advantage? We experimented further. Through the judicious blend of meditation and incantation, we are able to layer upon ourselves physical manifestations of our intellect. We practiced first with simple geometric shapes, and through our research extended this to runes that glow with inner power. Continue Story 3 Close
By this time, we had nearly forgotten the outside world even existed. If it could not be experienced through the mind, it had no place in our lives. And then first to one, and then to another, Quellious appeared in dreams, speaking of the cities of men. We had long since rejected Qeynos as a place of infidels, noisy and crowded. Yet, the Word was given that we should return there. Very likely, these simpletons needed to be shown that higher intellectual power is possible, even for them. Continue Story 3 Close
Those who trusted to the Word arrived none too soon, for our ship had barely docked at their primitive outpost when the earth beneath us trembled and rolled. For many long years the earth shook violently, finally tearing Tunaria (that which the humans call Antonica) apart. Obviously, we could not live amongst the noisy, filthy riffraff of Qeynos. As the world around them fell to pieces, instead of investigating and studying, they raced around shrieking! It was difficult to find any quiet place to work. Continue Story 3 Close
One of our bards wrote a song about how the screaming of the mortals found its way to Luclin, causing it to shatter like a wine glass before a soprano. It is an amusing tale, but unfortunately we cannot depart to Luclin to determine the exact cause of the explosion. It is quite frustrating; these townsfolk are quite boisterous. Continue Story 3 Close
In time, we solved our dilemma by removing to a more isolated area near the city and yet outside of its clamor. This is not perfect, we can still smell them, but it allows us some measure of sanity to continue our work. We understand some of the Heretics have made their home outside Freeport as well. Close
Books
The History of Feir'Dal This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the Feir'Dal. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
Our mother is Tunare, goddess of nature. One day, she walked alone in the woods and an oak leaf fluttered to the ground before her, so that she need not walk in the mud. She picked it up and breathed upon it, creating the Feir'Dal. The Feir'Dal are most at home surrounded by greenery. Long ago, we lived on Faydwer, in our city of Kelethin among the trees. Continue Story 1 Close
The woods of the the Faydark spread as wide to us as any sea and as bountiful. All we could want or need was available in the trees, from food to shelter to weapons and shields. Stories tell of first day of the Growth season, when the Feir'Dal bards would position themselves among the branches and sing songs of blessing and thanks to Tunare. For those below, it was as though the trees themselves were singing. Continue Story 1 Close
From the trees first saw the smoke of the first fires in the War of Fay. The twisted Teir'Dal and their minions thought of us as mere inconveniences between them and the Koada'Dal. They thought to march through Faydark to Felwithe. Continue Story 1 Close
Our resistance was strong and yet, we had not faced an enemy like this before. The Teir'Dal pushed their minions to death and when one fell, another came from behind in its place. They fought without honor. They cast us aside, burning our homes and mocking our sorrow. Continue Story 1 Close
We stood with the Koada'Dal before Felwithe, those who were not still locked in skirmishes throughout Faydark. It filled our hearts with such sadness to look beyond one battlefield to see our homes burning beyond. Close
The War of Fay ended, the Teir'Dal scattered and we looked upon the ruin of the land. And then one of the Feir'Dal children climbed a blackened tree and began to sing the song of renewal, as though it were the first day of the Growth season. And we wept. Continue Story 2 Close
A tree may take many, many seasons of Growth to reach its maturity, yet it can be destroyed in less than a day. Though much of our home was beyond repair, we did what we could. Our platforms were smaller, perhaps, but we rebuilt among the branches. Continue Story 2 Close
War had not finished for us, as the Rallosian Army arose anew during the Age of War. You are asleep in the branches of your home and hear the rhythmic thump of iron-shod feet below. Our dreams were constantly filled with the sound of marchers heading to battle. Continue Story 2 Close
Though we felt safe enough in our rebuilt homes, our dreams were troubled. Many Feir'Dal took this as a sign from Tunare that we must go to war to protect Tunaria, that which is now called Antonica. And so we took up our bows and knives and made for Qeynos. Continue Story 2 Close
There were many dark days in the city of men, unable to feel true grass or touch living bark. Even in such a terrible time, we looked over the walls of the city with great longing for the woods. Many gardens in Qeynos today were built by those we brought with us who did not fight. Close
The war ended with the terrible slaying of the Rallosians by the Green Mist. Their army weakened and leaderless, they fled into the hills. Finally, we were able to leave the city to heal the trees that were damaged by the foul Rallosians. Continue Story 3 Close
We stayed to help repair the forest surrounding Qeynos, never dreaming that our own home may have been in danger. For the Rending began then, and the world as we knew it before the wars changed. Beneath our very feet, the ground split and Antonica was splintered apart. Continue Story 3 Close
The seas roiled, tossing the ships in the harbor about like toys in a rain barrel. We climbed the highest branches, which broke in the winds. Luclin too shattered like the lands around us. We called to Tunare but she did not answer. We had to stand strong and prove our worth as her children. Continue Story 3 Close
The leaders of Qeynos granted us lands that we could rebuild a home as Faydwer was considered lost. The Willow Wood is beautiful to me, yet I am mindful that a willow can also be called a "weeping willow." Continue Story 3 Close
The tears of our elders watered the ground, and from their tears sprang green grass and tall oaks. Some days, I walk into the remnants of the Elddar Forest and sing songs of the old days. I sing the song from the first day of the season of Growth: Tunare, mother of all, bless the lands we live on. Close
Books
The History of Frogloks This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
This is a three-part history of the froglok people. Its pages cannot be completed at one time, but must be gained through valor and experience. Continue Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
We are the children of Mithaniel Marr, god of valor. He has given unto us a greater share of honor than was given to any other creature. We would rather die with honor than extend our lives through deception of any kind. Read on Close
This can be challenging for others--the concept that laws are not meant for the breaking. While we try to be understanding that not everyone shares our belief, it is still distressing to see rules bent and broken. The laws of the land are not simply suggestions, as some seem to think. Read on Close
Such is the way of the troll. After many attempts to peacefully coexist with them in the Innothule Swamp, their utter disregard for protocol finally provoked us to battle. The blessing of Mithaniel Marr was with us as we drove them from their filthy city of Grobb. In His honor, we renamed it Gukta, Outpost of Marr. Read on Close
Some may wonder why we contented ourselves with a simple home like Gukta, when our obvious intelligence indicates we might prefer plush surroundings. That is not our way, you see. It seems those whose skin is laced with hair need warmth and softness in their surroundings. We are comforted in other ways. Read on Close
Others have said that we frogloks are too proud and that we deserve the challenges that have been our lot through the Ages. We do not deny the pride we feel in our heritage. We were created by Mithaniel Marr, after all. Through his grace, we have overcome many adversities that would have brought others to the brink of despair. Read on Close
When the ogres of Rallos Zek began their reign of terror, they tried to start with Gukta. They thought they knew all the deepest reaches of our territory, thinking that we had not changed or developed it after wresting the city from the trolls. The ogres fought without honor, to their own detriment. Read on Close
We are not taken unawares with ease. The foul ogres thought to destroy us, but we were guided by the Hand of Marr. Our eggs were carried deep into the tunnels, followed by elite forces to guard them. Deep beneath the marshes we went. We sent emissaries to Freeport to advise the Overlord of the rise of the Rallosians. Read on Close
The Overlord brushed our concerns aside and so, with barely three days' rest, our emissaries headed to Qeynos to warn the Bayles. Though sympathetic, they chose only to increase their watches rather than advancing to attack before the Rallosians expanded their reach. How we wished they had listened! The Rallosian Army grew in strength and power until the cities of Freeport and Qeynos were besieged. Read on Close
The blessings of Mithaniel Marr still protected the faithful. The honorless ogres broke faith with their own allies, defiling the Temple of Cazic-Thule. And so, in the darkest hours when it appeared that the Rallosians would conquer all, the Green Mist covered the battlefields, slaying our enemies. However, not all our enemies were destroyed. Read on Close
Though many of our adversaries perished in the time of the Green Mist, some escaped by continuing to pursue us. Deeper into the marshes we fled, and still they followed. It was then that we felt the rage of the gods. Read on Close
By failing to stand our ground and hold back the tide of the enemy, we disappointed the gods who had held us high in their trust and esteem. Punishment was both swift and severe. Read on Close
Though we had escaped the Rallosians, we could not escape the torments to follow. The Rending kept those of us who had scattered apart. Separated from any other honorable race, we drifted into oblivion. Read on Close
And yet, oblivion would have been more kind than that which we endured. For those of us who found our way to the Feerrott were taken prisoner by the Tae'Ew, who fed us to their god. Read on Close
Generation upon generation of froglok has been subjugated by the Alliz Tae'Ew. They demanded service and, weakened by the calamities that had befallen us, we were in no position to rebel. Until now. Read on Close
In secret, several of our strongest broke free and are repeating the journey made so long ago when we first sent word to Freeport and Qeynos that the Rallosians were on the move. Surely we have atoned for our offenses against the gods and will be saved. Close
Books
The History of Gnomes This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the gnomes. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
As we like to joke with our stouter dwarf cousins, Brell finally got things right when he made us! You have to pick who you say this to, though, as apparently not all dwarves have a sense of humor. You have to watch out for those who enjoy the joke, too, because a dwarven back-slap can be potent. Continue Story 1 Close
We gnomes are not very interested in history for its own sake. We do like to think about it from time to time because you can learn so much from someone else's mistakes, but we don't dwell on it. The elves kind of take that a bit far, you know, living through past glory. Continue Story 1 Close
What we do miss about the old days are the inventions of the ancestors in Ak'Anon. But that's getting ahead of history, isn't it? Since you've just started reading this, you can hardly already know that we no longer live on Faydwer, can you? Except that I just told you! Continue Story 1 Close
Our ancestral home is Ak'Anon, as mentioned, and it was devoted to tinkering and building, and discussions of building and tinkering. There is nothing a gnome enjoys more than building something if it's not thinking about it or telling someone else how it works. Continue Story 1 Close
Gnomes have a great reputation for tinkering and talking about it. Way back when, the Academy of Arcane Science called upon some of our best minds to devise standards of measurement that are still used today as the Norrathian Code of Trade Standards. Close
One thing I've always wanted to see with my own eyes is the Cog of Precision. One of the Wobblecog ancestors made it out of pure platinum specifically so that any quibbles about the size of one sprocket or another could be compared to it. If it survived, it's probably still at the Academy. There I go again, spoiling the ending for you! Continue Story 2 Close
On the other hand, you wouldn't be reading this if your family hadn't survived the Rending and the Shattering, and I'm sure they've told you all about it, right? So you already know that there's some things we don't know have made it through! If you've ever been to Qeynos, you've surely seen the grand Clock of Ak'Anon. It was a gift to the Bayle family long ago for helping us out. Continue Story 2 Close
You'll have to ask one of them what it is that they did, all we remember about it is that the clock was one of our finest clockworks. We gnomes love clockwork, and not just the kind that run clocks. From our earliest times, we've created some marvelous bits that run on their own, with just a bit of winding now and then. Some of our productions are so magnificent that we'll finish it up and stare at it in awe ourselves. Continue Story 2 Close
In times of war, we never shirk our duty. If there's enough advance notice, why, we can whip together a clockwork army to serve as vanguard! For example during the War of Fay, we were in the bad position of having to defend ourselves simply because we were there. Talk about being between a flizgig and a hard place! Continue Story 2 Close
There were several clockwork creations at that battle, but no one talks about them now because they were frankly less than successful. Still, one can learn from one's mistakes, right? We started to ... but then, you won't be interested in all that. Never mind. Close
Every young gnome dreams of the day they reach flibberty. That's the time when they have to make their very own clockwork gibbet (working). Of course, from the time we're taking our first steps, we've had a cog in one hand and a lever in the other. Continue Story 3 Close
The flibberty piece, or gibbet, is created to show that a young gnome is ready to enter the adult world and can take on mechanamagical works without supervision. My own piece was a clockwork beehive that would open up when clockwork bees returned to it with nectar. Continue Story 3 Close
With so much importance on this one piece, we do tend to talk about them a lot. In fact, you might hear folks talk about "some flibberty gibbet" when they mean someone who has a tendency to chatter. Well, now you know where that term comes from, my friend! Continue Story 3 Close
Back in Ak'Anon, we kept a lot of our reference materials in the Library Mechanamagica. How I wish I could page through some of those tomes! My grandfather talked about the Encyclopedia that could turn its own pages. A clockwork encyclopedia, of course! Continue Story 3 Close
All that stuff is probably still in Ak'Anon. Of course we haven't been able to get to it since the Rending, when the whole world shook crazily, like a clockwork magicycle. If we could get our?but you won't want to hear the details. It would just be nice to get home. Close
Books
The History of Iksar This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the iksar. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
Now they speak of the terrors of the Green Mist, but we have known of the Mist for many long ages, beyond count. Yes, in our time of need we too were saved by the Mist from the skies that covered our enemies and stripped them of life. Continue Story 1 Close
Come, young ones, and listen to the story of the Iksar. We have existed far longer than the babes that prattle about being first at this and first at that. Cazic-Thule created us in the long ago, shaping us the way we are now: long of tail, strong of arms and armored from birth. Continue Story 1 Close
Our mighty fortress of Sebilis we built as a place of learning and lore on Kunark. For many long years we honed our skills in all the areas that interested us. And then the shissar came, the slime-slitherers. They cursed and enchanted us. Continue Story 1 Close
The soft-skinned call us bitter. They too would know bitterness if they had be enslaved by those they had thought were like them. To be iksar is to have had all others serve them. To be iksar and forced to serve another is wrong. Continue Story 1 Close
The skies opened up after many long years and the Green Mist fell upon our enemies. Their screams gave us pleasure and we snapped the frail bonds with which they thought to bind us. We saw the fields littered with their remains and we knew satisfaction for the first time in many long years. Close
We prospered then, building over the bones of the shissar. We took what was rightfully ours. All fell before us as is right and proper; they wished us to take over their leadership, and we consented. We cut through the others like a boat through the foam on the surface of the swamp. Continue Story 2 Close
The only ones who felt threatened were the dragons, who could sense our might. And even they thought they could thwart us, though frightened of directly confronting us. As well they should be, for we had years of pent up anger to release. We used what we had learned from our former conquerors against them. They would have left us alone, if not for the treachery of the dragon Trakanon, who meddled in things that did not concern him, in our councils and between our tribes. Continue Story 2 Close
Because of his lies, our servants turned against us and our outposts were destroyed. Trakanon destroyed Sebilis. With our city in ruins and his lies spreading, we could no longer govern our servants as they needed. Continue Story 2 Close
After Sebilis was destroyed, we rebuilt again, this time the city of Cabilis and the City of Mist. All around us were reminders of our age of glory, when we had Norrath in our hands to govern. All that happened since would not have occurred if we had still been in charge. Continue Story 2 Close
Of all the creatures under our rule, the sarnak were our own creation. Created by the joining of iksar and dragon, the sarnak had our strengths and intelligence. They kept to themselves, which we appreciated. We do not like hangers-on. Close
Now, beyond Kunark the world was deep in its Age of War. We had our plans but we keep them close to our scales for we know that there is no one that we can trust. Our scouts brought word over and again of the Rallosian Army and its victories. We readied for battle. They came from the Frontier Mountains, where the sarnak lived. We sharpened our claws and our teeth. The new army of Rallos Zek was large, but we are iksar, and the strength of the ages flows through us. Continue Story 3 Close
Though the battles raged on, we defended no one else, nor fought for any other. When we were under siege, no one came to our aid; we would go to no one else?s. Some say this is selfish of us. Is it selfish to treat others as they have treated you? Continue Story 3 Close
Soon enough, the skies opened and what many had thought was a tale of old scales happened again: the Green Mist. The Rallosians were defeated as were the shissar so long ago. The others knew then that the iksar had told the truth about the death from above. Continue Story 3 Close
Kunark was broken apart by many tremors from deep within the world. The Lake of Ill Omen became a violent churning pool that eventually undermined and swallowed Cabilis. All in the city were lost and those of us elsewhere were left leaderless. Now you know also that the shape of the world changed, the violence of its agony tearing the lands apart. By a coincidence that need was not related here, a ship carrying many iksar was close enough to what had once been Antonica for some of our kind to reach shore. Continue Story 3 Close
We should only trust again through the power of our might through our strength and our skill. Though we had trusted in the maker, in Cazic-Thule, he abandoned us. We trusted him, but we will trust no other. We stand tall and believe only in ourselves. Close
Books
The History of Kerra This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the kerra. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
In the long-ago, the tall rocks stood proud on the hills of Odus. "Come and play," whispered the winds, but the rocks said, "We are rocks; we cannot move." And the winds caressed the rocks, shaping them and softening their edges. And so formed the first kerra. Being of the rocks and wind, the kerra are strong and proud, yet graceful and lean. The kerra were scattered by the wind across Odus. Not knowing each other, they fought, sometimes to the death. Until Kejaan came. Continue Story 1 Close
Kejaan was wiser than all other kerra. Where he traveled, the rocks rolled gently away and the winds carried news to him. The fighting of his kind saddened Kejaan, and he walked from tribe to tribe, joining them together as one. This was the kerra's Golden Time, when all tribes learned one tongue and fought with one another no more. Continue Story 1 Close
Many things did the wind tell Kejaan and he passed along the knowledge to all others. The kerra prospered. Until that day that an ill-wind blew, bringing with it the ship of Erud and his ilk. They stepped on the rocks that were the kerra ancestors and built walls to block the wind. They pushed the kerra from the lands of their forefathers. They brought death. Continue Story 1 Close
With them, whether they meant it or not, the Erudites brought diseases for which the kerra had no name and no cure. Even Kejaan succumbed, though he left his son Vah Kerrath as leader. The winds howled and the rocks wept. It was a bitter time. Vah Kerrath blamed the Heretics, whose studies brought darkness and shadow to Odus. They studied the darkest arts of necromancy. They had killed his father; they would need to die. Continue Story 1 Close
Even some of the Erudites fought with the Heretics. We kerra were caught in the midst of their battle. And then the winds yet again came and said to the rocks, "We will bear you elsewhere," and they blew hard, fast and strong. Close
With a gust of immense power and strength, the winds carried the village of Vah Kerrath away, to Luclin. Vah Kerrath embraced his new home and named the tribe that came with him the Vah Shir. Continue Story 2 Close
Many of those who had not flown with the wind left Odus, the land of their birth. In the west, they settled upon Kerra Isle. Another tribe went east to an island in Erud's Crossing. Yet another tribe moved into the Stonebrunt Mountains. Continue Story 2 Close
The winds could carry news from tribe to tribe, though sometimes the kerra did not heed its words. When they listen to the winds, however, the kerra learn many things. This is how they learned to fish, after all, by listening to the wind. Continue Story 2 Close
The kerra have a saying, that one who achieves greatness has "earned her stripes." This is because the great Kejaan was striped, although nowadays kerra fur has many colors and patterns. A kerra knows by the looking which tribe another kerra is from by the color and pattern - although this is only for us to know. Continue Story 2 Close
Now, the Vah Shir on Luclin were different than the kerra on Norrath. Their ways were different, for they grew up so far away. Until a day came when the veils between the worlds were lifted and many Vah Shir came home. They had earned their stripes in the rough lands they lived, and yet they longed to be one with us again. We welcomed them home, taught them what they had forgotten, and they heard with their own ears the wisdom of the wind. Close
Ages of the world passed and the kerra listened and learned. Through our brothers of Luclin, we grew stronger. Through our sisters of Norrath, we grew in wisdom. We returned to the old ways, as much as we could. Continue Story 3 Close
One day, the winds changed. No longer our mother, it shrieked and cried. It was a voice of pain and yearning. What it sought, we do not know. It tore apart the mountains and the woods. It stirred the depths of the seas. Continue Story 3 Close
The rocks, too, were changing. No longer fixed, they pushed and pulled, crying out in their agony. We were unable to comfort them. No offerings brought it peace. The lands reformed in unnatural ways. Continue Story 3 Close
In the sky, Luclin heard the torment and in sympathy it burst asunder, sending its children to join with Norrath. But Luclin was (and is) a powerful place, and its children were great. They destroyed what they meant to join. Now all the worlds are different. Those of the Vah Shir look to Luclin and cannot but wonder if any who remained still live. Then the wind brought to Evora the Word, and we understood. Continue Story 3 Close
In the cities of men, our mother winds cannot find us and beneath our feet, the rocks do not know our names. But if you stand beyond the walls and listen, you can hear them yet calling us. And one day, we will answer. Close
Books
The History of Ogres This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the ogres. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
We were created by Rallos Zek. He stood at the edge of the swamp and gathered to himself armfuls of mud to shape us. We are formed of earth and water. Earth and water give us strength. Earth and water can move anything in their way. Of the ancient days we lived in the Feerrott and our mighty fortress of Oggok. In these ancient times we frightened the Rathe, who laid a curse on us. They were afraid. Continue Story 1 Close
For many long years, Rallos Zek's chosen lived like children. Our minds were dull but our strength remained. How do you remove the earth? With water. And we are made of both. You are walking across the swamp and step into its thickness. Slowly it draws you down. You grasp the roots. You grasp the grasses. And still you sink slowly, slowly. Continue Story 1 Close
The more you fight it, the deeper you sink. So went our minds. They sank deeper into mud. Some of the things we knew before the curse, we forgot. War and battle, we thought. We would find our enemies and break them. But sometimes, the enemy confused us and in our dull time, we could only look and be angry. Continue Story 1 Close
Then the curse was gone. Our minds cleared and we growled for vengeance. Rallos Zek sent us his avatar to guide us. We became the Rallosian Army. No more sinking for the ogres! Many things we forgot, yes. But many things new we learned. Continue Story 1 Close
They called Oggok a village. We made it great in our empire. All the Feerrott was ours. Cazic-Thule's temple we would leave, but all else was ours. We came to Innothule and the slippery-skinned frogloks fled. We are of earth and water; we could wait. Continue Story 2 Close
Innothule was ours before and ours again. We looked to the Rathe Mountains. They cursed us before, but lived there no longer. If they had lived, we would crush them. We would put them to the ground and crush them. Slowly, like sinking into mud. Continue Story 2 Close
Strength flows in the ogre. We are earth and water! Earth and water bend to us. We saw Lake Rathetear and its waters turned aside for us. The bird and the horse saw us. We crushed them. We crushed them like stones rolling from the mountain. We rolled to the Plains. Continue Story 2 Close
Others had used us in our dull time. Now we used them. The orc and the gnoll, they tended us. From all across Norrath, they heard us and obeyed. Earth and water go deep beneath the mountains. We are earth and water. Continue Story 2 Close
We stood before them and pounded our chest. We stomped our feet. They feared us. Orc and gnoll, they tended us. We stood before the cities. We smelled their fear. We marched on the cities of men, one in the east and the other, west. Continue Story 2 Close
In the Feerrott, we left many ogres. They thirsted for battle. They thirsted for war. Not thinking, they entered the Temple of Cazic-Thule. They forgot our promise. Long ago, ogres promised not to enter the Temple. They entered the Temple and it awoke. Close
In Innothule, we left many ogres. Some followed the slippery-skinned frogloks. They followed them through the swamp. They followed them into Guk. Guk is dark and deep, but we are made of earth and water. We do not fear the dark. Continue Story 3 Close
Far away, we stood before the cities of men. We threw bones at them. We lit many fires to show them our might. They looked and saw the Rallosian Army from valley to hill. They saw their own deaths waiting. We smelled their fear. It was a good battle. Many of them died. A good battle means they fought well. It is nothing to kill the unarmed. It is good to crush the armed. Continue Story 3 Close
Standing before the cities of men, we did not know that some had entered the Temple of Cazic-Thule. We waited for the next day's battle. In the night, the Green Mist fell from the sky. It choked us. It burned us. In the early light, we lay on the battlefields, dead. Continue Story 3 Close
We are earth and water, not wind. The wind is not ours and it pushed the Green Mist over the ogres. It blew the Green Mist across all the battlefields, and over the Rathe Mountains, and across the Feerrott and through Innothule. It did not enter Guk. Continue Story 3 Close
Those who were in Guk returned to Oggok. The Green Mist had passed them. They passed the bodies of the Army and returned to Oggok. From Oggok, some went to Freeport. The thought came in a dream, to go to the city of men. Not to rule, but to live. Close
Books
The History of Ratonga This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the ratonga. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
Since the world is changed and we come to live on the surface, some traditions may be lost. May you learn the ratonga ways and keep them. Many are the grains of sand in the desert and also many are the years of the ratonga. Long did we dwell in the hidden places of the world, in the hidden places of the heart. Listen now, my children, draw close to hear our story, our song. Continue Story 1 Close
In the long-ago when the shape of the world was different, we first awoke in the darkness. See our hands? They are thin and quick and more agile than the hands of any other. See our whiskers? They take the measure of the air and the thoughts of others. Continue Story 1 Close
There are many paths to the light, but few that lead back into the darkness. Many are those of the surface that fear the dark, but if they could see what we see in the light, they would fear that as well. Light creates shadows. Without light, there is no dark. Continue Story 1 Close
In the darkness, the Ancient of ratonga whom we call Belaska was pursued by her enemies and they caught her. She kept her fur combed and clean and slipped from their grasp, but they clung to her and would not let go. She found a small tunnel and fled into it. Continue Story 1 Close
Still her enemies grasped at her, pulling and pulling as Belaska twisted and clung to the sides of the tunnel. She was stronger than her enemy and pulled herself free, but her enemies' hands had stripped the luxurious fur from her tail. And that is why the ratonga tail has but fine silken hairs and not fur. Run combs of ivory and bone through your fur often and you will live long. Close
The worlds above change as the bright sun rises and sets. Over and again, the days of the overworld come and go. Feel the rhythm of their days, through light, then half-light, then dark and half-light again. And while the overworld had its rhythm, so too had we our own. Continue Story 2 Close
For is not all life of a rhythm? That is why we dance, all who breathe and know that they live will dance to music, such beautiful and haunting music. It is soft and gentle. It is hard and fast. It throbs like the pulse along the tenderest length of the neck. Listen to the rhythms, children. Listen! Continue Story 2 Close
Those of the overworld cannot hear the music, do not feel the rhythms as we can. And in those half-beats where they are unaware, we are keeping count. Pulse for pulse, when the rhythm is in your blood and heart, it gives you speed and grace. It gives you stealth. Continue Story 2 Close
That is why there is the Dance of the Ancient, my children. When the rhythms of the light and dark have spun past the world, young ratonga gather before their tribes to dance. Those whose steps are most airy and graceful are taken and trained in the Ways of Belaska, of which we will say no more. Continue Story 2 Close
There is a leader among them who feels the rhythms, however, and it is to this leader that we are drawn. For around him he gathers power and prestige, and those who value these things value possessions of the world as well. They hoard their treasures, and we have seen them. Close
Know then, that we lived many seasons of the overworld in the dark places and we danced many times over the Dance of the Ancient before the people of the overworld first knew us. They do not think as we do. They do not feel the rhythms around them. And so we watched. Continue Story 3 Close
In one of the many wars of the overworld, our help we granted to the leader with prestige. Through many of our secret paths (though not all) did we lead them to their victory. And in thanks, their leader gave us a patch of the overland upon which to build homes such as theirs. Continue Story 3 Close
Our feet are ever on the ground and we feel its rhythms though the overworlders feel it not. And so, they trembled and cried when the rocks split and the waters churned, for they did not know it would happen. We knew and we changed our rhythm to match. In our many long lives, our places in the dark often change and shift. It gives us purpose, to anticipate what may yet be. We feel the changes and we change with them. Look at our tails! Continue Story 3 Close
Now, many of the old paths are shut and many new ones are open and we have seen them. With our delicate fingers we have touched the secret centers of the world and felt its pulse. Though it may always change its shape, its pulse is known to us. Continue Story 3 Close
Changes come with the shifting of the worlds. Learn the rhythm of the new world around us, but never forget the ways of our past. While we are now in the overworld, our feet still touch the ground. Sit in the open spaces of the overworld now and touch the sky as well. Close
Books
The History of the Fae This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This is a history of the Fae. Its pages cannot be completed at one time, but must be gained through valor and experience.
Through my own experiences, I can gain knowledge and insight into the fae.
Tunare, goddess of nature, gave us life.
As she walked through Greater Faydark, flowers sprung up beneath her feet. One of these flowers turned its face toward her as a heliotrope to the sun.
"You are precious," said Tunare, laughing and gently cupping the blossom in her hands. And so, the first fae were formed of blossoms and Tunare's laughter.
That was the beginning of the Dream Ring, the first Ring in which the Fae realized that their lives were indeed precious.
Life was quiet for the fae in those distant times. One of the Fae learned the language of the Feir’Dal, our brothers and sisters of Tunare. In time, all Fae learned some Feir'Dal words and added them to our own language, Faerlie.
And Joleena took her new language skills into Kelethin, the city of the Feir'Dal. She lives amongst them for a time and when she returned, we made her our first Queen.
Our people had often lived in small bands, roving through the Faydarks.
We recognized that we had much in common with the Feir'Dal, and so over time, many of the fae migrated to live near the trees which formed its base.
Many of the fae died in the Burning Ring, when the armies of the War of Fay crossed the woods, burning everything before them.
Those who were not killed were horrified. We had never witnessed so much death and destruction!
And though emissaries were sent to Felwithe, the Koada'Dal sent no help. Much of Greater Faydark and Kelethin were burned, yet the First Children did nothing.
Instead, they closed themselves away once the War had ended. And so began the Ring of Sadness.
We heped the Feir'Dal rebuild Kelethin. Who else had they to turn to but the fae? Queen Cydney oversaw our contributions, channeling our Fae magic to heal the trees and restore the Faydarks to beauty.
We mourned, for Queen Cydney's spirit bud, holding all her memories and experiences, was lost to us forever.
Each fae is formed from the spirit bud of one of the ancestors.
By maintaining the blossom, the fae can reawaken its spirit and remember threads from the distant past.
Many of us who can recall the Ring of Sadness prefer to remember the Quiet Ring that followed it instead, for the Age of War did not touch Kelethin until later.
As the gods seemed to withdraw from us, the fae's magical influences seemed to wane as well.
Though we had moved away from Kelethin itself, remembering the Burning Ring, Queen Saphrina encouraged us to move back.
"There are dark forces everywhere," she said. "It will be safer for us to join with the Feir'Dal before it is too late."
And so we did, building a wall of brambles to keep the city safe.
The Crushbone orcs proved Queen Saphrina right – they took her life and destroyed her spirit bud. This was truly the First Ring of Chaos.
Deterred by the thick brambles we had raised beneath the city, the orcs laid siege to Kelethin, never envisioning from which direction our help would come.
They crept in from Lesser Faydark, an army of brownies, and decimated the Crushbone orcs.
They had never been our particular allies before, rescuing us had been incidental to their love of battle. Queen Jillian granted them the status "Friend of the Fae" from that moment onward.
The siege was broken, yet the wars raging around us did not cease. Nor did the orcs let up their attempted assault on the city.
An uneasily peaceful time followed -- the Ring of Leaving.
In a very short span of time, we witnessed some of the remaining Feir'Dal and others leave Faydwer. They spoke of receiving a vision, a word from Tunare.
And as time went on, we let the brambles protecting Kelethin dissipate as we moved into the city ourselves.
We thought that troubled times lay behind us now, yet the Ring of Trials had only begun.
All around us the lands began to change, groaning and breaking apart. Built into the trees, Kelethin withstood the trembling earth below.
We felt we were being tested, but had no way of knowing if we had passed.
The last trial was the death of our young, beautiful Queen Liivika, just two days before her wedding, leaving the Fae to mourn yet again.
Some began to question how Tunare could leave us. Others argued that she had not left, that we simply needed to learn how to live like the Feir'Dal.
We Fae lost some of our innocence, but we know that we are not alone. Our spirits tell us this.
Changes were wrought, some not as obvious as the madly swirling seas and others very evident.
We were growing taller and the shapes and colors of our wings began to differ. The Ring of Regrowth marked a period of rapid changes amongst the fae.
Sadly, during this time two of our Queens disappeared and we were unable to recover their spirits.
The Second Ring of Chaos began with what Outsiders call the Shattering. Shards of Luclin rained down around Faydwer, but fortunately, most of Greater Faydark escaped unscathed.
A few of Kelethin's platforms caught fire and burnt, though most of the city was untouched.
Queen Sephria and later her daughter Queen Kilina were both killed by the rain of debris which stopped as suddenly as it had started.
Some days, we wondered what had become of those who had left Faydwer.
Where did they go? Did they perish in the Second Ring of Chaos? Would we ever see them or their kin again? For our spirits continued to renew and continued to remember.
And then ships arrived as well as parties crossing into Greater Faydark from elsewhere, and we knew that times were changing. Again.
Thus began the Peaceful Ring, which continues to the present. Given our history, we wonder -- Peaceful for how long?
Queen Oola oversaw the rebuilding of the parts of Kelethin that had been destroyed and left the city to her daughter Amree, our current Queen.
Who knows what our future holds, now that Outsiders come once again to Faydwer?
Books
The History of the Fae This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This is a history of the Fae. Its pages cannot be completed at one time, but must be gained through valor and experience.
Through my own experiences, I can gain knowledge and insight into the fae.
Tunare, goddess of nature, gave us life.
As she walked through Greater Faydark, flowers sprung up beneath her feet. One of these flowers turned its face toward her as a heliotrope to the sun.
"You are precious," said Tunare, laughing and gently cupping the blossom in her hands. And so, the first fae were formed of blossoms and Tunare's laughter.
That was the beginning of the Dream Ring, the first Ring in which the Fae realized that their lives were indeed precious.
Life was quiet for the fae in those distant times. One of the Fae learned the language of the Feir’Dal, our brothers and sisters of Tunare. In time, all Fae learned some Feir'Dal words and added them to our own language, Faerlie.
And Joleena took her new language skills into Kelethin, the city of the Feir'Dal. She lives amongst them for a time and when she returned, we made her our first Queen.
Our people had often lived in small bands, roving through the Faydarks.
We recognized that we had much in common with the Feir'Dal, and so over time, many of the fae migrated to live near the trees which formed its base.
Many of the fae died in the Burning Ring, when the armies of the War of Fay crossed the woods, burning everything before them.
Those who were not killed were horrified. We had never witnessed so much death and destruction!
And though emissaries were sent to Felwithe, the Koada'Dal sent no help. Much of Greater Faydark and Kelethin were burned, yet the First Children did nothing.
Instead, they closed themselves away once the War had ended. And so began the Ring of Sadness.
We heped the Feir'Dal rebuild Kelethin. Who else had they to turn to but the fae? Queen Cydney oversaw our contributions, channeling our Fae magic to heal the trees and restore the Faydarks to beauty.
We mourned, for Queen Cydney's spirit bud, holding all her memories and experiences, was lost to us forever.
Each fae is formed from the spirit bud of one of the ancestors.
By maintaining the blossom, the fae can reawaken its spirit and remember threads from the distant past.
Many of us who can recall the Ring of Sadness prefer to remember the Quiet Ring that followed it instead, for the Age of War did not touch Kelethin until later.
As the gods seemed to withdraw from us, the fae's magical influences seemed to wane as well.
Though we had moved away from Kelethin itself, remembering the Burning Ring, Queen Saphrina encouraged us to move back.
"There are dark forces everywhere," she said. "It will be safer for us to join with the Feir'Dal before it is too late."
And so we did, building a wall of brambles to keep the city safe.
The Crushbone orcs proved Queen Saphrina right – they took her life and destroyed her spirit bud. This was truly the First Ring of Chaos.
Deterred by the thick brambles we had raised beneath the city, the orcs laid siege to Kelethin, never envisioning from which direction our help would come.
They crept in from Lesser Faydark, an army of brownies, and decimated the Crushbone orcs.
They had never been our particular allies before, rescuing us had been incidental to their love of battle. Queen Jillian granted them the status "Friend of the Fae" from that moment onward.
The siege was broken, yet the wars raging around us did not cease. Nor did the orcs let up their attempted assault on the city.
An uneasily peaceful time followed -- the Ring of Leaving.
In a very short span of time, we witnessed some of the remaining Feir'Dal and others leave Faydwer. They spoke of receiving a vision, a word from Tunare.
And as time went on, we let the brambles protecting Kelethin dissipate as we moved into the city ourselves.
We thought that troubled times lay behind us now, yet the Ring of Trials had only begun.
All around us the lands began to change, groaning and breaking apart. Built into the trees, Kelethin withstood the trembling earth below.
We felt we were being tested, but had no way of knowing if we had passed.
The last trial was the death of our young, beautiful Queen Liivika, just two days before her wedding, leaving the Fae to mourn yet again.
Some began to question how Tunare could leave us. Others argued that she had not left, that we simply needed to learn how to live like the Feir'Dal.
We Fae lost some of our innocence, but we know that we are not alone. Our spirits tell us this.
Changes were wrought, some not as obvious as the madly swirling seas and others very evident.
We were growing taller and the shapes and colors of our wings began to differ. The Ring of Regrowth marked a period of rapid changes amongst the fae.
Sadly, during this time two of our Queens disappeared and we were unable to recover their spirits.
The Second Ring of Chaos began with what Outsiders call the Shattering. Shards of Luclin rained down around Faydwer, but fortunately, most of Greater Faydark escaped unscathed.
A few of Kelethin's platforms caught fire and burnt, though most of the city was untouched.
Queen Sephria and later her daughter Queen Kilina were both killed by the rain of debris which stopped as suddenly as it had started.
Some days, we wondered what had become of those who had left Faydwer.
Where did they go? Did they perish in the Second Ring of Chaos? Would we ever see them or their kin again? For our spirits continued to renew and continued to remember.
And then ships arrived as well as parties crossing into Greater Faydark from elsewhere, and we knew that times were changing. Again.
Thus began the Peaceful Ring, which continues to the present. Given our history, we wonder -- Peaceful for how long?
Queen Oola oversaw the rebuilding of the parts of Kelethin that had been destroyed and left the city to her daughter Amree, our current Queen.
Who knows what our future holds, now that Outsiders come once again to Faydwer?
Books
The History of the Teir'Dal This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the Teir'Dal. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
Those who are not Teir'Dal cannot understand. They ask, "Why harbor ill-will towards others and not toward the one who tormented your kind into being?" It is easy to judge others, isn't it? Continue Story 1 Close
A long time ago, the gods made a pact amongst themselves to divide the world and populate it with their own beings. So came forth the dwarves, and the elves, and the others. No one thought to include Innoruuk. No one invited him. Continue Story 1 Close
It is no wonder, then, that he had to create us in secret. Why should we hate him, who gave us life and purpose? We are not his afterthought, but the afterthought of all others who came before. And we will not forget that. Continue Story 1 Close
While Innoruuk fashioned us in the dark, the others scampered around without purpose or reason. We are not made that way. Every step we take has meaning, we consider everything in its own measure. Continue Story 1 Close
Our ancient home is Neriak, our beautiful, ancient home, lost to us forever. I am not sentimental, yet I remember its beauty. Since we can never return home, we make do with Freeport, city of men. Close
Look at me, my skin is dark and my hair is silver. I walk with the grace of my ancestors, more graceful even than those sniveling high elves. With their noses in the air, they pretend they are the only "true" elves. They lie. Continue Story 2 Close
Some Teir'Dal have always had dealings with the humans of Freeport. Some of us would prefer not to associate with them. The reason is simple: we don't trust them. We don't trust anyone. It is safer that way. Even one's own family is not to be trusted. Consider our history. Tales abound of sons being cheated out of their birthright by the children of another. Wives scorned by their husbands need to find their own way, even if that way seems violent. Continue Story 2 Close
That is how the Teir'Dal survive - we take our destinies into our own hands. What is not given us, we will endeavor to make our own. In the War of Fay, many seek to cast us as the villains. Remember: we were not invited to the party. Continue Story 2 Close
Imagine this: a beautiful maiden lives in a castle of gemstones and all come from far and wide to seek her hand. And you, though your blood is as pure as the others, are not sent word that this maiden is seeking a mate. Would you not seek to show your worth in battle for her hand? Continue Story 2 Close
Not that Faydark is any great beauty, so the allegory fails there. But that these lands existed, could have been ours from the beginning and were not, left us no choice. We had to stake claim, for we are not persuaded by the words, "We were here first." Close
Though we battled valiantly, we were hampered by the lesser beings who sought to please us. The failures of the orcs and trolls cost us dearly. In those days, perhaps, we trusted them. We have learned our lesson. Continue Story 3 Close
You have heard of death of Naythox Thex. Recall my words that not even one's own family is to be trusted? You would do well to keep that device close to your heart with one hand, while you defend yourself with the other. Not to say that the Emperor was slain by his own family. Who knows how these things happen, except those who are involved? Suffice to say, he died and the Empress took control. It was convenient for her to do so. Continue Story 3 Close
It was not long past the War of Fay that the First Gate was destroyed. And so, those of us who had not yet returned home are stranded. Who knows how it goes at home, if it still exists? I am certain that whatever has happened, it has been amusing. Continue Story 3 Close
Imagine this: a fledgling falls from its nest. A young boy picks it up and puts it back so that it will not die. The mother bird returns and, sensing something has disturbed her home, pushes the fledgling from the nest to its death. Do I believe we shall ever return to Neriak? No. There is no passage and if I were there, I would slay any who attempted to return at this late day. If it survived the tumult of the lands, Neriak would not welcome home its strays. Continue Story 3 Close
So I live now in Freeport, amongst the filth of the humans and the stench of the trolls. I walk unafraid down the dark alleys. They are the ones who move out of my way, for they know the subtle power I possess. Close
Books
The History of the Trolls This item can be placed on the floor in any house type.
This completed book can be placed in your house and read.
Through my own experiences, I have gained knowledge and insight into the troll. Reread Story Close
Each part of this history tome can only be completed in its own time. Read Story 1 Read Story 2 Read Story 3 Close
Trolls first lived in Innothule Swamp where they fished in the murky waters. Trolls were very handsome, with long black hair and long limbs. One day, the goblin king saw the troll princess and kidnapped her. She refused to marry him. He was old and ugly and green. "You must marry me at dawn," said the goblin king. "You are prettier than goblin women!" The troll princess covered her face with her long thin hands and cried. Continue Story 1 Close
In the middle of the night, a shadow entered the high tower. The troll princess demanded to know who had entered her room. "It is I, your creator, Cazic-Thule!" said the voice. The princess bowed down to worship him and he said, "If you do not want to marry the goblin, I will stop it." Cazic-Thule told her that when the king came back for her, she must run as fast as she could and jump into the swamp. The princess thought this was a good plan. Continue Story 1 Close
The moment the princess' feet touched the soft muck of the swamp, her skin changed from grey to green and her thick hair fell out in clumps. She touched the sides of her head and felt her ears growing larger, with bumps and hair protruding from them. The princess screamed, knowing she had been tricked and she heard Cazic-Thule laughing at her. "I did not say how I would stop the wedding," he said, snapping his fingers. The princess looked around her and saw all the other trolls had also changed. Continue Story 1 Close
That is how the trolls turned from grey to green and their hair fell out. The princess was so angry that she cursed the name of Cazic-Thule, saying he had tricked her. Cursing the gods is not good. Cazic-Thule roared at the trolls, filling their ears with such noise that they to this day hear it. Continue Story 1 Close
When the goblin king caught up to the troll princess and saw how ugly she had become he turned to run, but then she reached out her long green hands and grabbed him. The trolls, not the goblins, had a merry feast that night. Close
This is a story we tell of how the frogloks came to be. Once there was a large bridge of earth and under the bridge lived the trolls. Whenever someone came to cross the bridge, a troll would grab its foot and another would knock it down and then they'd eat it. After many years of this, folks stopped using the bridge. They found other ways around and the trolls grew hungry. Continue Story 2 Close
The only things that crossed the bridge were frogs which the trolls considered too small to bother with. While the trolls lay beneath the bridge, holding their tummies and gnashing their teeth, a frog hopped onto the bridge and the first troll said, "We are so hungry we will die!" The second troll said, "Then let's eat this frog." And the third troll agreed. Continue Story 2 Close
So the first troll grabbed its foot but it was slippery and hard to handle. The second troll grabbed another foot and then the third troll grabbed another of the frog's feet. Each troll tugged and tugged, trying to keep hold of the slimy frog. It tried to pull itself away, but trolls are strong. Continue Story 2 Close
In fact, the trolls were so strong, they stretched the frog this way and that, until it became very big for a frog. When they ate it, the trolls realized they had made a tiny frog into something big enough to be tasty. Continue Story 2 Close
From that day on, the trolls grabbed the frogs that crossed the bridge. The frogs were too stupid to find another way across. Once or twice a frog would escape after the trolls had stretched it and those turned into frogloks. Very tasty. Close
Last, this is the story of the troll that went to Freeport. When the ogre armies had passed through Innothule, some of the trolls joined up and went with them. One of the trolls was General Kangar, a famous troll leader even though he was very old. Continue Story 3 Close
General Kangar went with the ogre army to march through the Commonlands carrying the mighty stick that marked him as a leader. In the fighting, a filthy human saw the mighty stick and bashed General Kangar on the head to kill him. But trolls have very hard heads. Continue Story 3 Close
The human ran into the city and General Kangar followed. The war ended and the ogres were gone, but still General Kangar chased the human. For many years they ran. Then the human ran to use the magic ship into the magical guild hall. Continue Story 3 Close
"Do not touch me," said the human. "Or what?" laughed the General, "You will hurt me? I chased you for a long time and I will gobble you up!" "You will be sorry," said the human. "That is as likely as the moon exploding," said General Kangar. Continue Story 3 Close
With a roar, General Kangar leaped at the human. He struck it and cracked the human's skull with the mighty stick. At that very instant, high in the sky, Luclin exploded and that is how General Kangar of the trolls broke apart the moon. Close