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The Red Night

On Novro 21st, 5704 the Red Guard locked the city of Kowal under martial law. 

Due to overt activity of heretics and magic users, the Red Guard declared control over the city. A citywide curfew was instilled, as well as some house to house searches.

The Red guard led massive raids on multiple safehouses of “witches”. 

Aftermath:

A mass exodus of the city as fear of being declared a heretic spreads though the citizens. The Red Guard struggle with the turmoil in the city as a group, nicknamed the Heroes of Dwarftown, disrupted a ceremony of burning some heretics at the Grey Court. Parts of the city were set on fire, the Baron publicly denouncing the Red Guard, and the apparent death of the Archbishop Gunderlan. 

Looking for a safe haven, many flee to Elmhearth, as news of a refugee camp and sanctuary spread.

 

The Seven Tears

So it was after the awakening, the dwarves of the north made many great treasures. They tried to capture the beauty of the world around them in objects of art and craft. It was during this time that seven brothers of great skill took a challenge upon each other to craft a work that would stun the others and show who had the greatest skill. Each brother took to work alone, and thought that they would capture the beauty of the heavens in earthen form. They each worked hard and long in their forges and when they came to reveal their work, they found that each had crafted a gem of such wondrous blue color that none could be named a victor. But others saw these stones and wished for them. Fearing the greed of their people, the seven brothers fled thinking to hide the stones in the south. During their flight they were hunted by their brethren and one by one were slain. When the final brother saw that his own end was at hand he tossed the stones with all of his might from the mountain top and they flew to the heavens. The final brothers life was spared as the treasure lust left the hunters. To this day the dwarves look to the winter sky and point to the stars of the seven brothers, remembering forever the greed that had once ravaged their race.

– Names- The Seven Sapphires, The Seven Tears

The Squats

Small square buildings on the city’s edge were once the grand idea of the city to house newcomers as they settled in the city for jobs. Once they had earned some cash, these newcomers would move to another ward. As the city declined, this became a section of town that was neglected and forgotten. The Tower did not ever tax these dwellings, so they grew and became a ward in their own right. Now people live here to avoid the taxes and oversight of the other wards.

The Star of Lost Love

Torches flickered among the windows and archways of the treetop building. The elder elf, in his deep, melodious tone, began his next tale.

“Now we shall talk about Gilandras. I tell not of his slaying of the last great wyrm, or even of his long protection of the elven races. Instead we shall speak of his last encounter in this world, with a force even he could not withstand.

“As you all know, Gilandras often ventured out into the wild forests searching for the evil beasts of Unhamil, and sometimes he would spend years alone on the hunt. One hunt on a summer night such as this, under the same stars you see above, he was resting in a clearing when he heard a song unlike any he had heard before. It came from the trees and flowed out across the clearing, the sounds as sweet as a summer rain. He stayed still so as not to surprise the voice that evoked such emotion in him. He heard in this melody the praise of all that grew, of the creeks and rivers which fed the roots of the forest. He heard an homage to the sun and moonlight that gave the lands warmth. And as he stood perfectly still, lost in the melody, the singer emerged from the trees before him. She struck him instantly as the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her raiment was that of simple green cloth, though it sparkled as if silver was sewn into it. She danced into the clearing, her graceful movements matching the song. And where she stepped flowers grew up as if trying to caress her.

“It was then that Gilandras stood and began his own song. For a brief moment, their songs became one, but upon recognizing this second melody, she stopped and ran, fast as a deer, back into the woods and was gone.

“He chased her but could find no tracks, nor did he hear her footsteps. He searched for weeks, but to no avail. Years passed, and he was set about many tasks by his elven lords, but he never forgot her. Each night, in the wilderness, he would sing out to her and of his love for the world that her song had inspired.

“One night, at the beginning of Fall, he was singing when he noticed a second melody had joined his. He rose and walked in the direction of the second voice, careful not to stop his own melody. Through a dense patch of trees he passed, and then into a clearing which contained a small waterfall at the far end. There, the elf maiden sang, though this time she looked at him and smiled. She held out her hand, and Gilandras took it in his. They moved through the forest, singing and dancing for the rest of the night, and then lay down in the fields to watch the stars.

“Gilandras fell fast asleep, and in the morning, his companion was gone. Through the day he searched for her, until dusk and then night came, and she returned to him again, singing and dancing under the stars and silvery moonlight. Countless were the nights they spent like this, until Gilandras found a desire to return home, and spoke to her for the first time of a feeling that was his own.

“He professed his love for her and asked that she return with him and be his wife. At this, she turned from him, her eyes filled with tears. She then turned to him and held him close as she whispered in his ear, revealing to him that she was not an elf, but Lunare, Goddess of Nature. Although the elves during this time lived very long lives, Galandras still was mortal, and she could not love him back in the same way.

“Gilandras walked back to his bow and quiver, and gathering them up, walked into the forest to the East after the bright red star that appears during the fall. He followed this star into the winter and was never seen again by the elves.”

The older elf pointed up at the red star now in the sky. “That is why we call that the Star of Ellos Amal, or the Star of Lost Love. When that star rises higher in the sky, you can see three stars rise up after it, for that is the Bow of the Hunter, forever chasing unattainable love. Now, there are many interpretations of this story, but indulge me by hearing mine. I believe the story means that although one may be great, one must always be diligent to not be led astray by temptation. Gilandras meant much to his people. He was their hero and their protector. But when his heart was broken, in his weakness, he left the world and his people behind to chase the unattainable. It is the wise who know their own weaknesses and face them rather than fleeing from them.”

The Undermeet

The Undermeet is a rumored market comprised of the worst merchants and darkest wares. People whisper of its existence, though most who brag to have been there cannot, or will not, tell how to get there. If there is something you need that is not sold in the Market District or even the Dirt Market—something vile or unmentionable—the Undermeet is where you get it. It is said it is not always in the same place, and it is not always open, but for contraband, rumored magical artifacts, or worse, the Undermeet is where you go to trade. The Undermeet is not controlled by any factions within the city, or at least no one wants to own up to being a part of such dark or despicable trading.

The Wizards of Ish

The eye of Tanthu-Ra, and the Symbol of the Najur

The Wizards of Ish, or Najur as they call themselves, keep their secrets close. Once trained they are never allowed to leave the ranks of the Sorcerers. Of all the magic groups, theirs was the most untouched during the Disappearance and their stronghold in the center of Ish remains as it has for over a thousand years. But whatever knowledge they may have, they keep to themselves.

Much like the rest of the Ishian Empire their policies are strict, and death of slavery is a just punishment. 

One of the biggest differences between the Wizards of Ish and the majority of other magic using groups, is their use of slaves as power reservoirs for magic. Powerful wizards can have a stable of slaves, blank eyed and pale, who are kept on leashes as a source of power for their magic.

Ansely, Mage of Eredar, Eastlands

From the Encyclopedia Atheles

“We are all but servants.”

Ishian wizards view themselves as conduits of God, and therefore as priests instead of workers of arcane magics. The wizards of Ish call themselves the Najur, an ancient word for servant. They, like most in the Ishian Empire, worship Tanthu-Ra, a sun deity. This is why all in the priesthood wear yellow robes.

They are ranked very high within the culture of Ish, with the Grand Priest even being considered higher than the Emperor.

They occupy the Temple of the Sun, a large squat building made of black stone.

They take volunteers from the citizenry to give themselves to God. This means that they willingly become vessels for the wizards to take energy from for spell casting. The Najur see them as disciples, who become vessels to the all power of Thanthu-Ra.

Thieve’s Cant

Thieve’s Cant for the Beginning Rogue

Taught by Tritam Swifthands

thievescant

  1. One of the more common signs for letting another rogue know your profession. You do it by rubbing the palm across the bottom half of the face. There are other ones, but this is the most common.
  2. What the speaker says is important and should be listened to. This is also another way for you to let another know you are a rogue. It is done by placing the thumb into the forefinger while balling the fist.
  3. This one means that the territory you are in is claimed. Work the profession at your own risk. If you cross the path of the current “owner” of the area doing your personal “business” it will probably rub him the wrong way. While most guilds will allow you to do some freelance business, most don’t let an independent rogue set up shop in their town or city. It is done by placing the thumb and forefinger together, with the other three fingers clenched. Then you accompany it with a downward swoop.
  4. This swooping hand gesture means that whatever word the bearer brings is the word from the “higher power” of the area. Oft times this news or information comes from either a guildmaster, guild officer or a powerful thief in the area. It is done by extending all fingers except the pinky finger and doing a downward swoop.
  5. This signifies that this area is a safehaven or that the signing rogue is offering a safe haven. This is done by bringing the tops of the fingers to the thumb in somewhat of a fist.
  6. This one signs danger. It is done by extending all fingers and bringing together the middle and ring finger.
  7. Guards on the prowl or lookout. If you are looking to avoid official entanglement then you’d best be off elsewhere. It is done by balling up your left fist and grasping your left wrist with your right hand.
  8. This means that the powers that be in this area do not welcome you. Normally a quick exit of the area or city is the best move after seeing this. It is done by extending the index and middle finger and crossing them with your thumb.

Well that’s about it for now lad. Remember these well, as it can mean life or death…