The Library of Shalonesti

Warpstones

* () * () * () * ( Warpstones ) * () * () * () *

by Forestwalker Lindanilis Sha'tavas

* () * () * () * () * () * () * () * () *

Contents:

Page 2: What is a Warpstone?

Making Warpstones

Page 3: Warpstones of Althainia

Page 4: Warpstones of Arkania and Icewall

Page 5: Warpstones of Icewall and Tropica

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This book is intended as a reference to be kept in the Grove of Charity

along side our supply of warpstones. It is by no means comprehensive, but

is a guidebook for those elves in need of a warp stone in their travels.

Please put this book back in the pit after you are done reading it so

others may use it. If you would like your own copy, or find some part of

this book in error feel free to contact Forestwalker Lindanilis Sha'tavas

with corrections and requests.

* () * () * () * () * () * () * () * () *

What is a Warpstone?

This is the term used for any magically enhanced gem, rock, or other

mineral used in advanced transportation spells. The power magically

stored in these gems is tapped when a caster uses the spells of portal or

nexus. The stone vanishes in this process, thus a constant supply of

warpstones are needed for anyone who wishes to use portals regularly.

To use a warpstone, you will have to hold it, and then cast the desired

spell. It makes no difference if you are clergy or magic user: no matter

how you invoke these spells of transportation, you will need the power of

one of these stones. If you loose your concentration, or fail to make a

connection to the being you are focused on, the power in the stone will

not be used.

Making Warpstones

As stated above, a warpstone is an enchanted crystal. The Enchanter's

Guild controls the secrets of the spell used in their making. The spell

is one of the last enchantors may master. Many enchantors will make

warpstones for a fee, or as is the case of many within Sha'tavas, for

free if a gem to enchant is provided to them.

Obviously, enchanting expensive gems such as diamonds is not very cost

effective. All warpstones work the same, irregardless of what mineral is

used. A glass trinket sold by Madam Tracy in Ofcal is one of the least

expensive and easiest gems to obtain to be transformed into warpstones.

To get to the shop which sells glass trinkets, travel south and east out

of Shalonesti Forest to the path in the foothills. Take the path east

towards the nomad village, but turn north at the intersection before the

village. After you enter Ofcal to the north, turn east till you reach

the big intersection of Raff Way and Impy Way. Turn south on Impy way

and you will find Madam Tracy's pawn shop a little ways down the road to

the west. The trinkets are sold for 180 silver coins.

When asking a spell caster to create a portal or nexus for you to use, it

is very considerate to provide them with the warpstone to do it with.

Even if they already have one, or you just grabbed it from the Grove of

Charity, you save them the trouble of having to fetch one in the future.

Warpstones of Althainia

By far the easiest to obtain is a beautiful white pearl held by a giant

sting ray called Ixitxachitl in the sea near New Thalos. The pearl

cannot be located by the spell of locate object, and weights 1 pound. It

is worth 1000 silver, and anyone may use it.

The easiest way to get the pearl is to summon the sting ray and defeat it.

Do note that fighting in the groves and city is inappropriate. To find the

ray by foot start at The port of Althainia, go west to the northeast

coast. Travel south along to the East Coast, and then check the waters to

the east for aboleths. Swim east into the ocean, and duck down into the

waters below. From under the docks, swim west into the lair of the

Ixitxachitl.

Also on the continent of Althainia is a fiery green emerald. Unlocatable,

and having no discernable weight, it is kept in a brass dragon's treasure.

Any may use the stone, and it is worth only 200 silver.

Walk south from Althainia's Market Square to the Common Square and turn

east. Walk down the alley, till you see the Levee to the south, and then

turn south and go to the levee. You will need to cast the spell of fly, or

buy a small raft to continue south onto the river from the levee. Once on

the river, head east. The river will continue east into a long tunnel.

Keep traveling east. You will come to an underground lake, here continue

east through a tunnel. The east tunnel will open up into the Sands of

Sorrow. Travel east, and you will soon come to a giant, purple sand worm.

Turn south in the desert at the purple sand worm, and continue south to the

wind-swept ledge. Travel west into the lair of a brass dragon. If you

cannot pick locks, you will have to obtain a golden key from the dragon. If

you can pick locks, you may pass the dragon by without event, west into the

lair, with the spell of pass door cast upon yourself, or unlocking the

doors. The narrow tunnels will weave about towards the west, south, west

and north directions before you come to a treasure room. Unlock the chest

in the room, and the emerald warp stone will be inside.

The next three are kept in the same arena, and thus easy to gather all at

once: a sliver of agate, a silvery blue stone, and a shard of obsidian.

Agate weighs barely anything at all, and is valued at 300 silver. The

obsidian weighs two pounds, and is valued at 500 silver. The silvery blue

stone weights barely anything, glows, and has no resale value. All of the

stones are locatable with magic, and may be used by anyone.

To collect these stones head west out of Althainia's west gate as far into

the forest as the trail takes you till you reach the colossal tree. From

there, take the narrow trail to the north through the forest. It will turn

sharply to the east into a circle of trees. Follow it north from there into

the foreboding forest. The trail makes a T here, take the east path.

Continue east on the path to the bull dancing arena, and all the way into

the structure to the stairwell. Go down stairs.

Below the hallways form a square, the stairs being in the lower southeast

corner. There are rooms all along the inner wall of the square, and there

are chests within which may be opened by a metal key, distributed to all the

bull dancers who live on that floor. The rooms you will wish to search for

the stones are the one off of the south corridor. The northern most room

off of the east corridor, and the northern most room off of the west

corridor.

Warpstones of Arkania

On Arkania there is a glassrose orb which is easy to obtain. It is humming,

blessed, and not locatable by spell. It weighs one pound and has a value of

1000 silver. You need to have visited with your guild master ten times to

hold this stone. It is held by Lord Glassrose, who can be gated to, but is

seemingly stubborn to summons.

To walk to Glassrose Manor, travel east from the port of Arkania, all the way

through the city of Arkane, and out the east gates of the city. The grounds

for Glassrose manner are along the east road from the city to the north.

Head straight north through the grounds to the glass house. Push the door

open and go in to the north. Head north down the hallway to the grand

staircase and go up. Lord Gassrose's suite is to the west, and south through

the glass door.

Also on Arkania is a pink stone rose. It weighs one pound, is worth 2425

silver, any may use it, and it is not locatable. This stone is for sale

in Gathna. Travel to Gathna is very dangerous, and not to be done at night.

I recommend only fully trained adventurers seeking out this stone.

Warpstones of Icewall

Also for sale is a amethyst. It is unlocatable, weighs one pound, worth

2500 silver and anyone may use it.

Go north from the Main Port of Icewall, and start east along the coast.

Follow the southern coast as it curves north. Along the Eastern Shore you

will see a way inland to the west, travel west to the Ice Plains. On these

plains, travel straight north till you reach the end of the ice shelf, and

turn west. Continue west till you see a small path leading down the slope.

Take that path down the ice shelf, and continue north into Gruntz, the

homeland of the ogres. Go north through the city on Krumples Road and turn on

Pound Place to the east. Travel east on Pound Place till you come by a Fourway

intersection, the jewelery shop is to the south. The amethysts are sold for

2750 silver.

The next four warpstones are also easily gathered together. The Crystal of

the East/West/North/South. Hum faintly, and weight one pound. They are worth

a substansial amount of silver if you can find a buyer, and you need to have

had your fifth training session with your guildmaster to use one. These are

all identical save for the direction of the rune which is carved on them.

Travel north of Icewall's port, and then west along the coast, following the

shoreline as it curves north. The second path to the east, inland, to the

Mountain Range, is the trail you want. It is off of the Western Coast. The

trail through the mountain range goes to the north and south, take the south

trail, and follow it all the way to the Tower of the Four Winds. Go inside

and up the tower. The four masters are each in their corresponding

direction. After obtaining a gem from each, be sure to put them in a bag,

or else the monk in the center of the tower will assume you wish to take up

the quest to see the master of the tower.

Another stone, a blood red stone, is found in the North of Icewall. It is

humming, magical, and not locatable. It weights two pounds, is worth 580

silver, and also aids the health of the person who holds it. Because of this

extra magic it possesses, one must be almost half way done with their training

before they may hold this stone. It is held by Belrak, the minotaur ranger

of Mahn-Tor, who is easily gated to.

There are many twisting paths through the continent of Icewall which will

lead you to Mahn-Tor, a minotaur town. Following the coast all the way

along to the north, you'll find a path south into the dark woods from the

Northern Shore. Follow this path in a southerly direction, It will veer

about and turn rocky, but so long as you go south at the bloody intersection

you will be headed in the right direction. Go down the hills overlooking

the shoreline of the Blood Sea, and keep going straight south through the

Blood Sea Portal, which will take you safely across the dangerous sea.

Continue south across the ice covered, frigid wastelands till you come to a

rocky cliff. Climb up the cliff, and go south through the gates into the

city.

The Keep of Mahn-Tor is east of Square at the end of the street. You will

either have to use the spell of pass door to get in, or get the key from the

guards. Once inside travel east down the hall. Turn south when you have

the chance, and if you do not know the spell of pass door, you will have to

confront the minotaur ring keeper. You will need the brown key from his

ring. Go all the way south to the end of the hall and Belrak's room is to

the west.

Warpstones of Tropica

Deep in the jungles of Tropica a glowing blue crystal is hidden. This stone

glows, emits an aura of magic, and isunlocateable. It has no noticeable

weight, and is worth 4000 silver. Anyone may use this stone.

There are a few different paths which will bring you to the jungle and caves

outside the Enchantress' Tower. The simplest to explain, however, involves

walking around Tropica's coast to the east, following it as it curves in,

and to the south till you reach the black sands of the southern shore. The

second path north, if you are traveling from the east side of the continent,

will lead you to a clearing in the Forest. Travel north and down, and when

you reach the front of the Temple of Good, turn west and walk around the

Temple. Follow the trail as it curves to the north, and you will find a

path to the southwest into the jungle.

Follow the winding jungle path as it moves in a westerly direction. It

will curve north sharply, and as you follow it you may start to feel lost.

Lost in the jungle, you will first have to travel to the northeast. Stop at

the rotting log and dig till you uncover a moss covered key. This is the

key you will need to open the chest with the crystal. If you are skillful

enough at casting the gate spell, upon obtaining the key, you might try to

gate directly to the guivre, a green snake like dragon beast, which guards

the chest.

To walk to the treasure chest travel north again, then when you feel lost in

the jungle, head north and west till You find a patch of muddy ground. Dig

down here to open up a passage to the system of caverns. Follow the crevice

down into the earth and westward as it winds its way to a huge, misty cavern.

Walk west along the southern wall, and you will find a small hole south into

where the guivre makes its lair. You will need the spell of pass door cast

upon you to make it in, as the hole is too small for even an elf to squeeze

through. There you may open the chest, and obtain the warpstone.

* () * () * () * () * () * () * () * () *

* On Nordmaar and Icewall *

Compiled by

Trilla Sha'enras Elsen'wier

Visitor and Ambassador by Invitation

* Nordmaar and Immediate Surrounds

At first glance, Icewall is an inhospitable realm of craggy peaks, deep

forboding vales and insurmountable forest. The first-time visitor is

encouraged to stay upon known paths and roadways, follow the shoreline

carefully and avoid pursuing unmarked trails or roads which are marked with

warning signs.

With that in mind, the main paved road from the dock at the southern shore

will take a traveler straight to the gates of Nordmaar, up a steep incline

and past the gates of Ganth. Before arriving at the formal gates, one can

enter the current village of Dalriada housing to the east, or further head

west and wander through the mostly deserted streets of Siobahn. Either

pursuit will lead toward an enlightening sight of the architecture of the

homes built to withstand the harsh seasons of the southern Icewall.

The temple of Cliath to the east of the main entrance to Nordmaar itself, is

visible from the road or by stepping into the foyer. Entry beyond this

point is limited to residents of Nordmaar, and visitors are greeted with

some cordiality only in the public area.

The city itself, contained entirely within stout kingdom walls, consists

mainly of military facilities and the castle (both off limits to

non-residents except by special arrangment), and a host of well-appointed

shops. An art gallery provides a surprisingly rich cultural view of

Algoron, and is open for all visitors.

The immediate surrounds include the Blackwood Forest over a ridge to the

east of the kingdom (and a reputed vale of dragons nearby this), a druid

ring close to the north of said forest, and a steep climb to the peak of a

massive mountain to the north.

Other regions shall be mentioned elsewhere in this compilation.

* Leadership and Protection

The Nordmaarians are ruled by a royal family, the MacCallum clan, as of this

writing represented by King William and Queen Grainne MacCallum. Their son

Prince Keaghan and his wife, Princess Mackenizie MacCallum, are acknowledged

as the direct heirs to the throne. The King and Queen's other two sons (of

triplets) are Darrigan and the estranged and reputedly disowned Gabhan,

currently thought to be residing in Thaxanos.

This direct lineage stretches back to the time of the Nordmaar Clan Wars, an

event best documented elsewhere but which serves to demonstrate an apparent

imbalance with the perception of government versus rulership.

There appear to be a handful of clans remaining active after this war, and

the majority of the population belong to one of these: Bruce, MacAllen,

MacLeod, Wallace, left blank for further note.

Military service is mandatory for all adults not belonging to the royal

clan. This service appears to begin at the age of eighteen and, for most,

continue until the adult is either unable to serve effectively or passes

away from old age or combat. A few infirm are excused from this duty, and

this writer observed that even some underage citizens bore military rank,

displayed by their sashes.

The Military branches include an Army, a Navy, and a group referred to as

Marines. There is one active ship and a second in construction, the

Drochnahair and name to be provided.

The majority of military activity appeared to consist of constant patroling

and vigilance - several patroling parties were specifically tasked with

observing signs of Yinn (also referred to as Yaenni or bloodae mutts)

activity. These sworn enemies of the Celts (the subset of humans occupying

Nordmaar) have several crucially emplaced camps and outposts which were kept

under constant observation and report.

All non-royal political involvement stems from a strong and proven military

background. The highest ranking person observed was Brigadier General Lord

Shaunce MacLeod. A Minister of Defense, Lord Rupert Bruce, was not observed

during the period under discussion.

* Economics

Many consider Nordmaar to be an agrarian society. While this holds true to

some degree, and while their economy is shored up by their crop production,

a great deal of their economic stability comes from the production and sale

of exceptionally high quality armor and weaponry.

Many years ago, the demands for new materials and diversification in

armoring provided an instant market for the natural forging skills and

armorcrafting at which many Nordmaar residents excel. The more

entrepreneurial opened shops to support these new needs, using the

long-proven techniques of hotforge and anvil work, as well as the skill in

joining which has for many decades yielded the envied claymore.

Alongside these primary trades reside their skill in brewing and decanting,

and their main tavern acts as an outlet for several well-regarded malt

products. Their food products manufactured for export are highly

grain-based and produce-based, including the oft-mentioned haggis

(consisting of an oatmeal, suet and herb mixture stuffed into the stomach of

a sheep).

Herds of cattle and sheep are allowed to forage with relative freedom in the

pastures to the northwest of the main kingdom. Many byproducts find their

way into the general shop offerings, and it is not uncommon for a

Nordmaarian to trade heavily on his herd's production to establish home and

farm property.

As mentioned earlier, military service is compulsory. Maintenance of herds

often falls to the underage progeny of those men and women called away for

long-term service and, to the credit of the kingdom, great effort is put

forth to ensure that these children are supported in their farming and

herding efforts in the absence of their parents.

Tobacco is regarded as a cash crop and it is sold in dried form, along with

implements of preparation and use, as a mainstay income generator directly

from the grower. Hand-carved pipes and hand-sewn pouches were often seen in

use both on the continent and abroad.

* Close Surrounds

- The Obsidian Peak

A visitor to the area will immediately notice a looming obsidian peak which

hovers protectively over the surrounding mountainscape to the north. This

peak, named Cadalach Pronnasg, is worth the effort to scale, if one has the

time and stamina to deal with the steep and often treacherous trails which

wind along its side. Stout boots and rugged leggings are recommended, as

the trail itself is often difficult to traverse. Expect to climb around

several outcroppings of basalt, and avoid stepping into obsidian talus,

which can prove to be unstable footing.

However, once the summit is reached, the effort is paid off with a view

beyond compare. The range to the north becomes far more evident, with its

permanent glacial caps and near vertical escarpments. The grazing pastures

are visible from the summit, their livestock mere dots of white and brown

against emerald green stretches. Several sulfur springs spiral fumaroles of

steam into the crisp air. The coast can be seen clearly to the south and

west, and under extremely clear conditions, to the east over the ice fields

near Gruntz.

- The Blackwood Forest

Directly to the east of the kingdom's walled center is the Blackwood Forest,

renowned for its lush evergreen glades, brilliant grass meadows, crystal

streams and perfectly fitted stone bridgework. Exploration is recommended,

though precautions should be taken along riverbanks and hidden cave

entrances. Care should be exercised when exploring ruins and abandoned

towers.

At the far northeastern edge of the Blackwood, the explorer can pass through

a thicket, using a branch found in a fallen log, and enter a surprisingly

symmetrical grove occupied, for the most part, by druids and their acolytes.

Although glimpses may be had of the nearby faerie tower above its labyrinth,

proper care and an eye for irregularities on the ground will provide

entrance.

<1282/1282hp 864/864m 400/400mv (2:00am) (High among the Vallenwoods) |Defensive| |D|> l sixthpage

At the far northeastern edge of the Blackwood, one can brave the glacial-fed

stream water and attempt to climb the handhold purchases which can lead the

bravest to a hidden vale. [Author's note - during my stay, I was unable to

gain entrance to this vale, nor was I able to find a person of Nordmaar

willing to discuss this venture and act as a guide. On the contrary, my

requests were met with either gales of laughter or looks of terror,

depending on the person asked. ]

- Abandoned Mines

On the approach to Nordmaar's walls, one traverses a small pass cut into the

hillside between the shoreline and the plains. Directly to the east of the

top of this pass is a rather shabbily framed mine encampment which marks the

entrance to an otherwise unusable series of tunnels. Though shovels are

readily available, as are other tools, exploration of this particular area

proved fruitless except for a series of collapsed tunnel works and a handful

of minorly appreciable gems [Author's note - I highly recommend further

exploration of this area. During my digging at the most shallow point of

the mine's visible tunnels, I swear I could hear the cries of someone behind

the dirt. However, when I shouted to see if anyone was indeed in need of

help, there was no response.]

- Ganth

This stalwart and rugged kingdom is located hard by the pass which leads on

toward Nordmaar. The pathways approaching their gates are constantly

patrolled and the guards take any attempt to approach as a sign of hostile

intention. Casual exploration is not recommended. Their residents, known

as Minotaur, are notably tall and broad horned humanoids with cattle-like

faces and significant body strength, if their gate guards are indicative of

their residents.

- Gruntz

If one is persistent in travel and well-outfitted with pitons and spikes for

the boots, one can traverse the nearly solid ice plain from the lower east

coast of Icewall. Warm clothing and sufficient rations must be acquired

before attempting this venture, and care should be taken to avoid crevice

edges and to remain on well-marked trails.

Once at the far north of the ice plains one can drop down into the

bridge-gated city of Gruntz, a curious amalgam of crude housing and

well-appointed shops providing residence for a community of immense tusked

humanoids. While relatively uncommunicative and not evidently extremely

literate, the residents proved to be more curious than inhospitable.

[Author's note - a wrong turn taken at the top of this trail can easily

plunge the unobservant soul into a wild pack of ice goblins and their highly

inhospitable hovels. I managed to clamber up out of the crevice before

falling further, but the stench of the slaughterhouse near its edge almost

overwhelmed me.]

- Elsewhere

Other areas of travel interest abound upon the continent though, as with all

destinations on Icewall, complete and proper preparation is a mandate for

survival. While it is rare to encounter anything highly aggressive or

inhospitable, those which are aggressive are unrelenting and notorious for

their persistence.

Various guides and authorities recommended wide berth be given to the

regions around a forest on the eastern shores (termed Forbidden by the

natives), an inland sea and its outlets (termed a Blood Sea), an

ice-encrusted frozen kingdom named Frostania, and its glacial caves, a

particularly savage land trapped in time and inhabited by creatures

considered to be extinct (and wemics with unusual habits). [Author's note -

personally I found the outcropping kingdom of Jovar a most pleasant visit,

once I was able to scale its cliffs, and spent several peaceful days

meditating in a valley to the northwest of the continent. Not all

settlements were as intolerant of my presence as was initially proposed and

I got the sense that the race of the person doing the guiding had a lot to

do with their level of recommended caution.]

* Diplomatic Relations

For a country which appears to so openly prize its isolationism and

territorial bounds, Nordmaar seems to be on surprisingly good terms with

the majority of known kingdoms and established power bounds. The gates of

Ganth, for a period of time closed to all entrants, had recently reopened to

Nordmaarian residents and prior hostilities quelled, although little trade

was observed between the two kingdoms.

However, any kingdom known to harbor or give residence to Yinn (also known

as Yaenni) appears to be viewed with mixed response ranging from veiled

dislike to open disgust. Those other residents of that same kingdom

appeared to be treated with equanimity. The dispute and distaste appears to

be entirely racial, having nothing to do with the individual Yinn's

background, beliefs, activities or political bent.

Cordial discussions were observed between the royal court and New Thalos,

Arkane, Althainia, Thaxanos, Balifore and Shalonesti over periods of time.

During a particular period of threat, it was observed that many nations

responded to the Nordmaarian's side in aid. Any hostilities which may have

been held with another nation due to its Yinn membership appeared to be set

aside in the interests of the threat resolution, although no Yinn were

observed to participate on the side of the Nordmaarians.

Nimunane and Palavos

The Truth Behind the Legend

by

Elrei Avendale

Prologue

I would like to take this time to explain the necessity of

this book, and perhaps also explain its composition. Shortly

after I finished my retelling of the fable of The Lovers, I

was contacted by someone who claimed to know the true history

of the events that took place, and she asked that I write a

new story describing the factual account which she provided.

I have divided this volume into two main parts. To begin

the book, I present a mildly revised, but complete copy of my

retelling of the fable, The Legend of Nimunane and Palavos,

if for no other use than as a comparison between the fantasy

and the authenticated version. Following that is a revision of

the tale, replacing fiction with fact where it is known.

I hope that this volume may be of some use to those who

read it, either through simple enjoyment or educational

purposes. It's certainly been an interesting event in my life.

Elrei Avendale

Moon-Day, 28th the Month of the Great Evil

*In wax, Five stars circling the three stages of the moon*

The Legend of Nimunane and Palavos

With thanks to Novitiate Laraine Sha'tavas, for her

inspiration and guidance.

Far above us, in the night sky, we see many stars. Among

them, we pick out various patterns, shapes... and we give them

names: The Lion... The Hunter... The Lovers... And we marvel

at how Nature could have placed these stars in such patterns.

But what if these constellations, these figures in the sky,

are more than merely coincidentally recognizable shapings?

What if, just as we look up at them, they look down on us as

well, and live in their starry home, not figments, but

immortalized forever in the heavens?

This is the story of two people whose love for each other

broke all boundaries, and earned them a place together in the

stars:

Long, long ago, when the current borders of the world had

not yet been formed, before the rise of Althainia or Arkane,

there lived a beautiful Princess, whose name was Nimunane. So

great was her beauty, that on the very day she was deemed of

age to be married, suitors came from far and wide to compete

for her hand. The line of men stretched around the entire wall

of the castle, so that one could hardly tell where it ended

from where it began (A fact that many latecomers tried to useto their advantage).

Nimunane had hair that flowed as it were made of silver and

gold silk, all the way down to the small of her back, where

its strands brushed at her hips (Much to the envy of many aman). Her skin was like ivory, both in hue and in its smooth

texture. Her eyes were a soft and pale blue, with long lashes,

and her face was a vision of loveliness. Her form was slender

and willowy, and at this age it was only to be assumed that

her beauty would grow even greater in time to come.

Those who received the King's permission to court his young

daughter were given leave to stay within the palace during

their attempts to woo her, and it became very hard for

Nimunane to walk the palace grounds without being several

times propositioned. However, to the dismay of all the suitors

who vied for her attention, she would not accept the advances

of a one. Her father was upset, but mostly unconcerned, since

men were still arriving daily to the palace, and he did want

her to be happy with whatever Prince or other noble she wed.

What none of them knew, however, was that she had already

chosen her love.

Within the palace, there lived also a young man. He was

broad of shoulder and tan of skin, well-muscled and lean, with

sun-streaked hair and blue-green eyes like the sea. But no one

looked at him, whose name was Palavos, except in passing,

because he was only one of the gardeners who attended to the

palace`s floral tapestries, orchards, and maze (For every good

castle worth its name has in its boundaries a maze).

No one looked at him, save one person, that being of course

the Princess Nimunane, who adored him, as she was adored by

him. They had been friends for many long years, and out of

that friendship grew a love so strong that simply thinking

about each other would bring a glow to their skin and a sigh

to their lips.

But the both of them knew that their love, strong as it was,

would not be enough for their marriage, for even though the

King wanted his daughter happy, he wanted even more for her

to live the life of royalty, with servants and riches beyond

measure. So they never told anyone of their love, and avoided

each other all day. But in the darkness, an hour past midnight,

they would meet each other in the palace rosegarden and

reaffirm their love for one another.

Eventually, as was bound to happen, the suitors became

suspicious of her constant and consistent refusal, and of the

way she walked around as if in a dream, with the gaze of true

love's sight in her eye. And so they plotted to find out who

among them had managed to catch the fair Nimunane's eye. They

began to follow her, from a distance where they would not be

noticed, and watched her wherever she went.

The next night, Nimunane went out to meet Palavos as she

had done so many times before. They saw each other, and smiled,

and hugged, and carried on as couples do when they love each

other. Unbeknownst to them both, however, the Princess had

been followed by three of the suitors, and they saw all that

occurred that night. They were shocked, and angry that a man

of so common and low birth could gain the heart of the fair

Nimunane. Where once they had been pure of intention, with

love in their hearts and minds, now jealousy, envy, and rage

filled them, and made their hearts turn black.

The three men went to the King, and told him what they had

seen, and the King became furious! How dare a lowly gardener

attempt to woo his daughter? He ordered the guards to place

Palavos in the dungeons, and sentenced the commoner to death,

his execution to be held on the morrow.

When the Princess Nimunane heard of her lover's fate (How

could such gossip be contained, after all?), she became

desperate, and asked her most trusted dressing maids to aid

her. They could not refuse, the idea of so romantic a love

being reason enough, and so they found for her such clothing

that would make her appear common, getting most of it from

Palavos's own room, as that idea appealed to the maids' ideas

of romance. They also cut Nimunane's hair short, to make her

appear as a boy when dressed in such attire.

Then, while her maids distracted the guards (In such waysthat many a man has been distracted), Nimunane snuck into the

dungeons and unlocked Palavos's cell with one of the keys on

the ring that one of her maids had coaxed from the guard. They

embraced, and kissed each other most passionately, and agreed

to meet the next day at the base of the Great Tree. And so

Palavos fled the dungeon, his heart hopeful once again.

While making her own way out, however, Nimunane was caught

and mistaken for the escaped gardener, dressed, as she was, in

his clothes and with her hair cut short. So she was thrown

into the very same cell she had just released her love from

only moments ago! Even so, to protect Palavos, she said not

a word, and refused to explain her situation. And so, come

morning, she was executed in his place, drug behind a carriage

until dead.

When her gender and identity were revealed, due to the

execution stripping away and tearing much of her clothing, her

body was brought before the King. He cried and lamented for

her death, and ordered all the kingdom into mourning for the

passing of the Princess Nimunane.

Meanwhile, Palavos had gone to the Great Tree to await his

love. When she did not arrive, Palavos became worried, and so

headed back to the city to search for her. Learning of her

gruesome fate, his eyes filled with tears, and he ran from

the kingdom as fast as he could, going he knew not where. He

simply ran, trying to escape from everything, until his lungs

burned within him, and he came to the cliffs near where our

present day Arkane has been settled.

Here he stopped, and he cried out to Taliena, Goddess of

Love, demanding why this had happened, why Fate had dealt him

such a cruel hand. Hearing the gardener, as She hears all with

love in their hearts, Taliena Herself came down to him. And

though Her beauty was great beyond comprehension, and though

Her compassion beyond measure, Palavos's grief blinded him to

Her, and She consoled him. And as She tried to comfort him,

She, too, began to cry, and Her tears fell as diamonds to the

earth, for theirs had been a love unlike any She had ever seen

in mortals before. So when Palavos begged to be released from

his misery, to find some solace in death's sleep, Taliena took

pity on him.

She reached up into the sky and drew forth a dagger made

of the stars themselves, and this She handed to the stricken

Palavos, who immediately turned it upon himself and thrust it

through his heart. As it pierced him, it broke into a million

shining fragments, which scattered all about, many falling

into the sky, where they stayed, and formed the shape of the

two lovers in the night's blue field.

Out of Taliena's mercy, Nimunane and Palavos were reunited

forever. And beneath them in the sky, visible to all, the

product of their union: a child, conceived and born in the

stars, named Davigan.

The True History of the Lovers

It is said that time changes all things, and in the case

of the legend of Nimunane and Palavos, it is true. Many a

story has been written and rewritten, to the point that it no

longer resembles the truth that it once was. Having been

approached by a historian with knowledge of the factual events

that led to the creation of the legend, I now pass on this

information to the public, and make a story into history.

The lady Nimunane was not a Princess, as she is portrayed

in the legend, nor was her father a King. He was, however, a

wealthy landowner, and so quite possibly ranked among the

lesser nobility of the time. Nimunane, despite not being of

royal blood, was a girl of great virtue, and did find herself

the object of many men's affections.

Palavos was not a gardener, nor did he work at a palace. He

was a blacksmith. An apprentice blacksmith, in fact, not yet

skilled enough to be called a master in the trade. This is the

true reason why the two could not gain permission for their

marriage, as Nimunane's father did not want to present her

dowry (which would have been considerable, given his supposedwealth) to the family of a lowly apprentice.

Aside from Palavos, there were two others who fervently

sought the hand of Nimunane: Petrus, a baker, and Revonuire,

the cobbler. Both were enemies of the apprentice blacksmith,

and when they discovered Nimunane's secret, they stole items

from various merchants within the area and hid them in

Palavos's room. They then led guards to find the missing

objects where they had planted them, and thus arranged for

Palavos to be arrested as a thief.

Nimunane did disguise herself, in order to gain entrance

to the dungeons, but she did not have the aid of dressing

maids, or anyone else, relying only upon herself, and upon the

strength of the dwarven liquor that she gave to the guards.

Though she succeeded in freeing Palavos, she was indeed caught

and mistaken for her love. The next morning she was taken to

the public square, where her hands were chopped off, a common

enough punishment in those days for thievery.

In shame, she ran away with Palavos. However, with the

wounds from her amputations untreated, she died not long

afterwards from blood loss, and Palavos held her in his arms

as her life faded.

At this point, truth and fantasy intertwine, for just as

the legend states, Palavos cried out to Taliena, and She came

to comfort him. Failing in that, She gave him succour in death,

and thereby ultimately rejoined the two lovers in the stars.

"The Yinnae Fall"

by Lyandis Sha'enras

Close your eyes and remember

As the beasts sweep from the North

The Yinnae moving onward,

Such effort they've brought forth.

An army of the darken tide,

Sweeping from the East,

Drawing the climax of this age

Into its dreaded peak.

Nothing sacred, nothing held

To value for these wretched beasts

A banquet of suffering and pain

For which the Dark Gods above could feast.

Their tale moves far to the west and the south,

Invading the kingdom of man.

The beasts strike hard, a bloodied attack,

Quickly taking the land.

Serpantol fell to the barbarian horde,

Its glorious walls now laid waste.

The humans, they fled, scattered to the wind,

To the Knighthood they all made haste.

The army they followed though, a blow to the knights,

Engaging them in their lands.

While dwarves shut their doors, engulfed in their fear,

Buried beneath the stones and the sands.

The Yinnae pushed harder against kin of old,

Their pressure applied at the gates.

Whilst our kin fought back hard, pulling into their walls,

A nature of a defending state.

And while the elves of yore brought their power to bear

Upon the invading army from afar,

The ogres and dragons increased their assault,

Marking the city with their scar.

To the south the Yinn marched, through the hills and the fields,

To the walls of noble knights.

A seige to Gareth Castle, pressing their strength,

Pulling the noose ever tight.

A dark age indeed, for this world so forlorn,

Lost to the will of the Yinn.

Yet from this darkness arose the heroes of old,

Sounding the resurgance to begin.

The Speaker Arendale raised his fist in defiance,

His cry heard 'round the world.

A stand he called for his people to make,

To strike 'gainst the serpent curled.

His words echoed in the hearts of our kin,

Bringing them forth to his call in droves.

Armed with their swords, their bows, and their rage,

They set forth from the Holy Groves.

With his queen at his side and his daughter behind,

He strode to the frontlines, ever on,

To face the danger of the brutes from the north,

A tale to be told in both word and song.

His bravery brought his kin to his side,

An ensemble of brotherhood, a call to arms,

To destroy the villainy of the Yinn,

The cause of so much harm.

To the fields of battle they made their way,

The noble Lanthor standing tall,

His gleaming sword held high to the sun,

Again issuing the call.

The troops rallied closer to Commander and King,

Ready to die for their lord,

Drawing their blades as the arrows are knocked,

At last face to face with the Yinnae horde.

The beasts rushed the hills, their eyes filled with hate,

A malice to bring them to war,

The elves raise their bows, the arrows aimed high,

About to even the score.

Lanthor cries fly, the arrows released,

A deadly hail to the beasts charging east.

A thousand score fall to the aim of the elves,

Not affecting the charge in the least.

Another volley sent to the Yinnae amassed,

Lanthor's gaze cold and pale,

Appraising the enemy before him now,

He thrust his sword in the air.

When suddenly a trumpet rang through the knolls,

A clarion call to the cousins attack,

For upon the hill stood the magnificent queen,

With a sign that none could turn back.

For circled about her, no higher than she,

A sight that was stunning to behold,

An army of dwarves, axes held high,

Despite the hatred of old.

Lanthor cried out, of triumph and joy,

Sending his troops to the line,

As the Queen charged down, amidst blood soaked ground,

Her army arriving just in time.

Arendale's forces moved to join his beloved's advance,

Two mortal enemies now sharing this goal,

To force the Yinnae back into the hills,

To cower deep in their holes.

With Princess Varda leading the charge,

Her beauty and grace the morale of her men,

They struck hard against the line of the Yinn,

And thus did the battle begin.

Many were the soldiers who fell on that day,

The earth greedily drinking the deep shade of red,

But as the day ended, the Yinn scattered far,

Bringing the battle to end.

As the Speaker drove onward, his battle cry echoing,

As the day filled with metallic sounds,

His blade thrust true, its cold steel blue,

Striking the Yinn leader down.

Many were the tales of bravery that day,

As Dothlarian and others defended the land.

And so will the legend of our kin's brave deeds

Hold long after they return to the sand.

And so then are we to remember our kin,

And the deeds of those who paved our way,

For leading our nation as the greatest to arise,

Ever seen within this world's days.

"Lord of His Last Day"

by Zhaniva Sha'enras

Act 1: Spellath.

I love the night Don't care which god you follow

So many shadows Whose promises you swallow

Unholy light Time and again

Putting out their spark We must meet at the end

Leave them in the dark - forever

It's all right

I can wait for you When the music is over

Your end is my life Come on and dance

All lies are true For the lord of his last day

Secrets of the heart

And you can take them all - To heaven I love the night

So many shadows

I don't feel pain or sorrow Unholy light

The child's a man tomorrow Secrets of the heart

Crossing the line - Then he's mine Leave them in the dark - Forever

Act 2: Melork.

I have been father and son

And I cry for children of the night

To behold the tears that have begun

I beware of the quiet voices

Thunder comes from silence - I am light

Oh look for the sign, is it me

Don't believe with just your eyes

Speak it to the blind because they see

Our truth is just a circle

spinning until it meets you - then dies

You who have betrayed the sacred oath

And yielded to temptation of the night

I leave on you to wander in the dark

I cast you from the sacred grove

And pray I will forget your name

Look for the sign in the air

A light that dances in the sky

Maybe you will see it somewhere

Oh, shining like a diamond

Promising that hope will never die

The Ballad of Faloria and Almaran

Faloria and Almaran, preserved here for all time.

About this pair few tales are told, in story, song, or rhyme.

We owe to them our heritage, our families and friends,

For it is from these noble Elves that all our race descends.

The first of men was Almaran, blessed by the Gods themselves.

His memory will linger as the Father of the Elves.

With Honor and with Goodness, he set the mold for all,

But what became of his Blessings when from Grace we did Fall?

Faloria, wife of Almaran, was beautiful and pure.

She was blessed and favored by the Goddess of Nature.

Though mother of all Elves, it gained her little fame,

Yet our worship of Zandreya is in honor of her name.

So now you've all heard of this pair to whom we owe our lives,

Who paved our way with Love and Goodness, not with blood or knives.

Think of all they stand for, and the life you'd like to lead.

You can live the life you want, for every oak was once a seed.

- Elrei Sha'enras Avendale

"The Greater Family"

by Krysadis Sha'enras

The elves do indeed define themselves through their associations with their

blood. There are the smaller, intimate relations of family; of parents,

siblings and indeed cousins. There are the greater associations when one

has decided upon their Life's Path, and enter the Family of the Noble

Houses. And indeed there is the Greatest Family of all - the ties of blood

between the peoples which comprise the Elven Nation.

It is hoped that this small tome shall address the distinctions between each,

assist in the celebration of family and illustrate how the knowledge of our

bloodlines within the world assist us to be Elven.

I trust that you, dear reader, shall find it of some small use.

Krysadis Sha'enras Quaesitori-Kalaarin.

Dedicated with love to my children and grandchildren.

My past, present and future.

The Role of Family to the Elf

Family defines the elves, gives an elf a sense of being and value, from the

very beginnings of life to the ending of it. In a very real sense, the

elves are as one; a family bound by blood and culture to each other.

Without a family, without a place defined by culture an elf is left adrift

and purposeless, for it is through the association of others that an elf

finds themselves. The elves are a long lived people, and having no

definition of place and role within such a long lifetime can bring confusion

and chaos to a mind better suited to control and calm. Without family or

purpose, an elf is no longer truly Elven, but rudderless within the storm.

The Family of the Body

The first family an Elf knows is the family of the body - our forebears and

parents, our siblings, cousins and those bound by direct familial tie. It

is hoped that such a family brings love and stability to the young elf, and

teaches them of their duties and how to best present oneself to the world at

large. It is in the guiding hands of this family that we first begin to

know our world, and through their loving guidance they shall teach us what

we need to know to progress to our Adult Rite.

It is through the first family that we shall begin to see the presence of

the second and most encompassing family of the elves - the Greater Family,

the Nation of Elves. It is through the family of the body that we are first

introduced to the Greater Family, with our lesser, non-House names, the

names of Blood alone. These are our childhood names, the names of our

innocence.

We are forever bound by the ties of our family, for they are the most sacred

and intimate of our links to the Greater Whole. Throughout our lives we

shall hopefully add to their worth, and it is the desire of all elves that

they may one day live to see their children's children have children of

their own. Zandreya's blessing is in the generations to come, and it is

tragedy when that bounty is taken prematurely and the elderly elf is left

without those to impart their knowledge to. An elf without the blessing of

grandchildren is cursed indeed.

The Role of Family to the Elf

Family defines the elves, gives an elf a sense of being and value, from the

very beginnings of life to the ending of it. In a very real sense, the

elves are as one; a family bound by blood and culture to each other.

Without a family, without a place defined by culture an elf is left adrift

and purposeless, for it is through the association of others that an elf

finds themselves. The elves are a long lived people, and having no

definition of place and role within such a long lifetime can bring confusion

and chaos to a mind better suited to control and calm. Without family or

purpose, an elf is no longer truly Elven, but rudderless within the storm.

The Family of the Body

The first family an Elf knows is the family of the body - our forebears and

parents, our siblings, cousins and those bound by direct familial tie. It

is hoped that such a family brings love and stability to the young elf, and

teaches them of their duties and how to best present oneself to the world at

large. It is in the guiding hands of this family that we first begin to

know our world, and through their loving guidance they shall teach us what

we need to know to progress to our Adult Rite.

It is through the first family that we shall begin to see the presence of

the second and most encompassing family of the elves - the Greater Family,

the Nation of Elves. It is through the family of the body that we are first

introduced to the Greater Family, with our lesser, non-House names, the

names of Blood alone. These are our childhood names, the names of our

innocence.

We are forever bound by the ties of our family, for they are the most sacred

and intimate of our links to the Greater Whole. Throughout our lives we

shall hopefully add to their worth, and it is the desire of all elves that

they may one day live to see their children's children have children of

their own. Zandreya's blessing is in the generations to come, and it is

tragedy when that bounty is taken prematurely and the elderly elf is left

without those to impart their knowledge to. An elf without the blessing of

grandchildren is cursed indeed.

Adoption to the Family

There have been many stories in such darkened times of children being left

without parents, and as such the practice of adoption has become quite

widespread. It is also quite common in the most noble of families,

particularly the Shalonost, where an Heir has not been produced and as such

a paragon of Elvendom has been selected to be adopted as their Line's

continuance. The older families have tended in the past not to do this, and

alas many noble Houses have faded into the annals of history or face

annihilation owing to their staunch stand against the practice.

There have also been many ways of marking such in the past. Some families

conduct a ritual in order to welcome the child to the family, to bind them

to themselves in a ceremony rich and poignant for the participants. Others

- as seems most common in these days from the outside of such - indeed

simply make a declaration, publically claiming the child as their own.

As to the phenomenon of adopting those of Adult age into a family, aside

from selecting an Heir in the case of the Shalonost, little might be said.

It is not an encouraged practice as surely the adult should be moving

towards finding their own Path. However, there are ties of love and

affection which run almost as deep as blood, and it cannot be said that to

deny that adult of establishing their own Line of grandparents and forebears

is correct. It should be a most unusual occurance, however, with a unique

series of circumstance preceeding it, and not simply one of whim or fleeting

fancy.

The Family of the Adult

When one has reached a suitable age - generally after the age of 46 years

has been attained - the option to become a part of a Noble House becomes

available to them. Nobility is not of blood within Shalonesti save for one

important exception - it is of choice, and of finding one's place in an

Adult's world.

A child as defined by Elven culture is a Nameless personage. This is not to

say that they have no family name of their own, however it is that they have

not chosen their Life Path - it is a second name which is taken should they

meet the criteria for becoming ennobled, and shall always preceed their

childhood name, if indeed the childhood name is retained at all. Many do

choose to keep their childhood names to honour their forebears and to give

their own Nameless children some form of identity until they too walk the

Adult Path, however it is not necessary once a Path is chosen.

A Noble House is a family of choice. We leave our family of the body behind

and thusly begin to explore the world and ourselves as Adult personages,

serving the Greater Family with our talents and that which we are taught.

We become the recepticles of knowledge that in our turn shall impart it on

to the children following us, and thus the cycles of life continue through

us. A child is unwilling to leave the family nest. An Adult is one who is

willing to strike forth and choose one's own way of serving others. A child

expects to be served. An Adult hopes to assist, be it in defense or in

knowledge and lore.

Of the Noble Houses

A Noble House when run well is a place of learning and personal growth. The

Senator and Regents of such are as parents and older siblings who guide the

others in their House to greater glories, and should be a fine example of

what the House typifies. If the Leaders of the House are not fine examples

of their House, then they might expect a certain dissatisfaction with their

rule, and as such a Senator or Regent should be chosen not only for their

ability to administer and guide the House, but also in their ways of being

an exemplary member of that House.

A Noble House will often have Ladies and Lords associated with them. These

are the past Senators of these Houses, and in certain ways are as

grandparents to the House. Their role is important in keeping continuity

between what was then and traditional, and what must be owing to the

changing of the times. A Balance must certainly be sought between them,

however without the Ladies and Lords, this Balance might never be attained.

They are living records of the past.

Each Noble House has its own enrollment requirements. It is recommended

that for information upon each, the relevant Senator or Regent be contacted.

The Shalonost Line

The Shalonost Line are unique in Shalonesti, and indeed in Algoron, as is

right and proper. The Shalonosts alone are the only House which fills both

roles as Family of the Body and as the Family of the Adult, for those

blessed individuals who have been born into this Line already know their

place in Elven society - it is their place to rule.

The Shalonosts were blessed by Zandreya, and given the burden of leading the

elven peoples. As such their place does not need to be chosen as any other

Adult Path is. Theirs is a place of restriction and burden, and this is why

we honour them, for it is not their choice to accept nobility. To have

their place already determined for them from early childhood must be a

pressure upon them, and many younger Shalonosts have voiced their

frustrations in their youth.

It is to the Shalonost that the power falls, with any benefit which may come

to it, for theirs is the heaviest load to bear. It is Zandreya's Balance

gifted to the Shalonost, as thanks for the sacrifice they make from the very

moments of their birth.

The Shalonost Line must continue - theirs is the blood of the Vallenwood,

the heart and soul which makes us Elven. They are the best of us - and in

those days when it appeared that they were in danger of fading from the

realms, a policy of adoption was made, and those Elves who had proven

themselves to being paragons of elven virtue and best typified Elvendom were

respectfully approached, and asked to become a part of House Royal.

Though the practice of adopting spouses of Shalonosts into the House has now

lapsed, it must be remembered that they have been accepted by not only that

Shalonost, but the House in general, as being more than the average Elf, for

they have been entrusted with the sacred role of parent to the newest

generation of Leaders - in that, they are being as Family of the Body to the

Shalonost, and this is the greatest honour any might achieve.

As this is the case, marriages into the Line have to be ratified by the

Speaker and the Council of Elders, particularly those who seek to court the

ruling Speaker, should they be unmarried.

In the role of the Greater Family, theirs is the role of Guardian and

Parent. The Shalonost are the custodians of the Elves, and it falls to them

to guide us in these turbulent days, and to determine our best course. We

must respect them, for they are the best of all we are.

They are the guiding lights in the twilight we Elves look to when

determining our way. They are the Shalonost.

"Diplomatic and Interview Procedures"

by Caither Sha'enras

Diplomatic Procedures - A Guideline for Communications

A diplomatic assignment is normally given out to one advanced in training

and familiar with the territory into which they proceed. It can be given

out as an assignment to gather information about the territory's current

state of affairs, to quell a situation, or for general fact gathering.

An assignment can last as little as a few months to as long as several

years, depending on the needs of the Senate and House. Several have been

permanent assignments in the past, including total relocation.

If that is the case, then you would have been informed about the depth of

confidentiality to be maintained ahead of your acceptance.

Some countries do not easily accept such a relocation, in which case a

transition in citizenship is not feasible. In these cases, your home

remains the Grove, but your travels focus primarily on your assigned

territory. However, duration long or short, the importance of clear lines

of communications can not be overstated. You are, for all intents and

purposes, isolated.

What you do during your absence, though, reflects directly upon the Senate

and the Grove, as you represent Shalonesti in a Royal Court.

To this end, before your departure, you should be provided with a set of

diplomatic pouches and the call of a courier. Use these both, with likely

more frequency than you feel may be warranted.

A daily report is not necessary unless your territory is either in war or

under siege. In that event, you are to maintain courier communications on a

daily basis, and effect a return as soon as you may do so safely, unless you

are instructed to return for your own safety.

Your courier is to return your diplomatic pouch and give you an empty one

which is to be filled with notes directed to your Senator and Regents.

These notes should summarize your weekly activity in the territory, or the

state of danger if you are in a hostile situation.

The courier will provide you, along with the empty pouch, any correspondence

from the Grove, your Senator and Regents, and the general correspondence

from the Speaker. This is, of course, to be considered highly confidential

correspondence and is not to leave your possession.

If you are taken hostage or prisoner, these pouches are to be destroyed.

Full or empty. If you are maintaining personal journals, and you are taken

hostage, destroy these journals to the extent that they contain Sha'enras

concerns, those of the Senate or Regents, or the Speaker.

If you maintain logbooks, read them carefully then destroy them, if you are

indeed being threatened, and recall them later for re-scribing in that

event.

At the time of your return, from a short or long assignment, schedule a

meeting with your Senator and Regents to discuss the overall events of the

assignment and those facts you have gathered. If you are on a permanent

assignment, return home one each month for this debriefing.

Once your assignment is concluded, if that is the nature of your assignment,

prepare a summarization of the territory, in book form, to be presented to

your Senator.

You may be asked to teach a class on your findings. Prepare a curriculum

and present that for approval as well.

Interview Procedures and Guidelines

1. Preliminary Research: Learn as much as you can about the subject

-before- the interview.

----A. Sources of Information:

-------1. Other people who might know or know about the person being

interviewed.

-------2. Already existing writings, such as history books, biographies,

missives, scholary papers, anything written by or about the person.

2. Get permission to do everything you need to do. If you're interviewing

for the purpose of adding to a book, try to find the original author and get

permission to make additions to the book. If the author is dead or

unavailable, check with the next best authority - your superiors in the

House, or someone who might have control over any book additions.

3. Pre-arrange, by missive, a time and a meeting place for the interview.

Do -not- send a mental message to the person asking for an on-the-spot

meeting. They are doing you a favor my giving you their time. Treat them

with appropriate respect. Do not be late to the interview.

4. Have your questions decided -before- the interview. Have approximately

20 questions available, but limit the number you actually ask to the time

and tone of the interview. Sometimes a person may only answer one or two,

so make certain you ask the most important ones first. And, if you don't

have 20 questions, you probably haven't done your preliminary research well

enough.

5. Be prompt, or even early, to the interview. Try to keep a pleasant and

cordial atmosphere. Encourage chatter if the time is not short, but get to

the point if time is short. However, even in a quick interview, be

friendly.

6. Use the title of the person you're interviewing in all correspondance

and during the interview unless they specifically request something else.

Do what they ask

7. Even if you are interviewing a person of no rank, or someone who is a

lesser to you, treat them with the same respect you would a king. If you

are interviewing someone you know well, or someone from your own family,

even then your respect will win their trust more quickly than taking them

for granted. Everyone has a life and things to do.

8. When possible, and this step is often not, ask the person you

interviewed to confirm the information in your report. Even the best

interviewers sometimes get things wrong. You do not have to delete the

truth - so have a spare copy of your work before you hand one over to anyone

else - buy part of being respectful and responsible is to make sure you

-are- telling the truth, as best as you can.

9. Looking upon this work as something quickly finished to earn the next

rank in the House is a mistake. Not only is your work a relfection upon

you, it is an actual piece of history, if done properly. Accuracy is very

important. If something seems like a mistake, doublecheck with another

source. If you've never heard of something, again, doublecheck. We don't

want the history books filled with mistakes. It reflects badly on you, the

House, the Kingdom, and misleads future generations - or annoys them.

10. Trivial things can sometimes be very important. When you write your

report, give as much detail as possible. Who knows what will be important

to the next generation of researchers?

11. Do not offend one's host by arguing with or being rude to other guests

who may be visiting at the same time.

12. If it seems appropriate, and the interviewer has the means, a small

gift for your host is always appreciated. It is a nice way of saying thanks

for the help.

"A Citizen's Guide to Shalonesti"

Introduction to Shalonesti

Inherently the elves are a people of grace and poise, a people of great

passion and art of magic, and an understanding of nature given as a blessing

by Zandreya. Much of who we are springs from the way we act and behave. To

be an elf is to live a lifestyle of devotion to our Vallenwoods and our

Goddess, protecting Her Forest, even if we do not in soul worship Her

outright. We are passionate, yet in act we are respectful to our elders and

betters for we value age and wisdom. We are a learned people, and value

those who have gone before us in learning, training, and history.

We respect those who offer us respect, and are kind to our cousins. We are

all elven, and thus inherently worthy of respect - for one to show us

respect is not a debasement of themselves, but rather a strengthening of

ourself. We are all worthy of respect.

We are at surface a most composed and demure race - our control is one of

our most notable traits. We are indeed passionate, however we do not allow

this to overtake us. We are a most artistic and expressive people, our

passions showing in our art, our writings, our works. It is in our

devotions and opinions, our studies and in our culture our true natures

shine forth, and not in base display of needless emotion.

The Winding Paths of Shalonesti

Whether you pray for safe deliverance, or utter the arcane Word of Recall,

as a citizen of the Kingdom of Shalonesti you will soon find yourself within

the Temple of Zandreya, on the top floor. North from here may be found the

Ancient One, who always seems to have some task or errand for any who is

willing to do them. East, instead, takes you to an experienced Guildmaster

who can help you in your training, regardless of your abilities, up until

you have passed beyond his skill to teach.

Down the steps of the Temple of Zandreya, then west to the entryway, down

those steps, and then a few steps further west takes you to Emerald Lane,

the main thoroughfare of Shalonesti. South takes you towards the Market by

the River, and many of the standard Guildhalls. In the event that you have

not finished your schooling and gained your diploma, or if you simply wish

to return for remedial lessons, head south on Emerald Lane past the Gates of

Shalonesti, travel east for five leagues, and then turn south. There you

will find the entrance to the University.

North on Emerald Lane brings you to the intersection with Shalon Avenue,

marked by the presence of the Museum of Heroes to the west. If you continue

east of here, until you can go no further, and then turn north, you will

find the entrance to the Sacred Groves of Shalonesti, with the Kingdom's

stables directly to your east.

The Groves are the main dwelling for members of the Kingdom of Shalonesti.

Within may be found the Grove of Healing to the northeast, where citizens

may recover their health and energies at an increased rate, thanks to the

trees there having been imbued with special restorative powers. Upwards

from the Grove of Healing is the Library of the Sha'tavas, which is open to

any to come and study or research, as long as it is not in use for a meeting

of some sort.

If you go northwest from the entrance instead, you will find the Grove of

Charity, which is used to donate or retrieve useful equipment. Follow

either path, and it will take you to the pooled grove, which is often a

favored spot to rest for its tranquility. Sometimes, a mystical song can be

heard from the south, where the Bladesingers, elite warriors and bodyguards

to the Shalonosts, have their training grounds.

West from the pooled grove you will find our resident shopkeeper, Dathanus

Sha'relas. He keeps a stock of several useful items, and is always open for

business. North of there is the Circle of the Stars, where the Speaker

often holds meetings with members of the Kingdom. Northwest from there is

the Guidance Grove, where the Senate gathers for their meetings. Remember,

please, that the Circle (and the Grove beyond, of course) is off-limits to

those without permission to enter.

If you continue west from Dathanus, you come to the Tower of the Moons.

This is Shalonesti's portal room, where access to other continents and

distant lands is readily available, as well as access to our own harbor.

The lighthouse there is another place that some seek for solitude, though it

has, in times past, been used as an office. If someone is present there,

seek permission before entering. Likewise, the Kingdom's ships are not to

be boarded without permission, as stated in the Laws.

Upwards from the portals is the second level of the tower, and to the west

of there is a lovely balcony which overlooks the Kingdom. This is also a

preferred resting spot for some who seek more quiet than is available

elsewhere. With its inspiring view of both the Vallenwood and the stars

above, it is a common place to find both writers and lovers.

If you should require further assistance in your travels, you need but voice

your request to the Kingdom. Welcome to Shalonesti.

The Laws of the Kingdom of Shalonesti

1. Loyalty

1.1 Obey the orders of the Speaker, Queen, and members of the senate, without

question. If you feel ill at ease with an instruction, clarify it privately

and with respect, afterward.

1.2 Never aid or have dealings with an enemy of the kingdom or clan, in any

way, especially dwarves and dark-elves. Doing so will likely result in

banishment, or worse.

2. Security

2.1 Respect the authority of members of the armed forces, and do not prevent

our guards, soldiers, or sailors, from carrying out their duties.

2.2 None may board or attempt to sail our ship, The Twilight, without proper

permission.

2.3 Do not leave or summon creatures into the temple, or make two-way portals

(nexuses) from there.

2.4 Never fight citizens of Shalonesti, or creatures in the city.

2.5 Do not enter the Circle of the Stars without first asking for and

receiving permission.

2.6 Do not summon outsiders into our sacred groves, without permission.

3. Decorum

3.1 Show respect for all citizens, especially those who are senior in rank.

All nameless are expected to respect any who have joined one of the houses.

3.2 Behave appropriately in other cities, and adhere to their laws.

3.3 It is illegal to enter the cities of Thaxanos or Verminasia, without the

expressed permission of a member of the Senate.

3.4 Do not sell or waste items from the Grove of Charity.

3.5 Elvish must always be used, when speaking publically. It is also forbidden

to speak publically when intoxicated.

3.6 Children are expected to behave properly, and not create noise or

disturbance. They must have a parent or guardian who will be responsible for

their charge's actions.

Punishment for breaking laws ranges from reprimands, to fines, and possible exile

should the offense be serious or repeated enough. Those who attempt to skirt the

laws will likewise be punished. Elves should not find adhering to these laws,

difficult. Should one be unsure of whether something is allowed, always ask first,

to prevent future troubles.

A History of the Shalonesti Senate

Linot Sha'enras

_-*-_

As I write these pages, I wonder on how much may have been lost because

books were not tended, or even because of simple negligence to apply a quill

with ink to paper. I am not so driven with pride as to believe that I have

have managed to uncover all that I can. But it is my hope that this will

serve as a guide to those who wish to serve our history.

We have long entrusted our history to the memories of those who were there,

or those who learned the tales of our past. Unfortunately, we are not

immune to Fatale nor the tricks of Devion. Names can become mixed or

forgotten, events omitted or altered. Books can be destroyed or lost, but

they do not change what they hold.

This volume was originally created by Senator Linot Sha'enras, and is

continued by subsequent senators of the house.

_-*-_

The Shalonosts: Listing

The Shalonosts, the ruling House of Shalonesti. They serve as the Kings and

Queens for the Kingdom, leading us in Her will. One, either the King or the

Queen, serves as Speaker. They lead the Senate, and speak for the Kingdom

in all matters. The Speaker calls for meetings of the Senate, and may veto

its decisions.

## * King * Queen * Heirs

01 * Terri Shalonost (@) * * None

02 * * Rhea Shalonost (@) * Gavilan Shalonost

03 * Gavilan Shalonost (@) * * None

* Gavilan Shalonost (@) * Delphine Shalonost * No heirs

* Gavilan Shalonost (@) * Delphine Shalonost * Maegwyn Shalonost

04 * * Meagwyn Shalonost (@) * None

* * Maegwyn Shalonost (@) * Seraphim Shalonost

05 * Tiernyn Shalonost * Seraphim Shalonost (@) * None

* Tiernyn Shalonost * Seraphim Shalonost (@) * Deranthalas Shalonost

* Tiernyn Shalonost * Seraphim Shalonost (@) * Liathus Shalonost

05 * Tiernyn Shalonost (@) * Seraphim Shalonost * Liathus Shalonost

* Tiernyn Shalonost * Seraphim Shalonost (@) * Rhiadora Shalonost

06 * * Rhiadora Shalonost (@) * Galenthas Shalonost

* Jausin Sha'qelas * Rhiadora Shalonost (@) * Galenthas Shalonost

* Jausin Sha'qelas * Rhiadora Shalonost (@) * Diathandel Shalonost

07 * Diathandel Shalonost(@)* * Galenthas Shalonost

08 * Galenthas Shalonost (@)* * None

09 * Diathandel Shalonost(@)* Caither Sha'enras * None

The Shalonosts: Details

Terri Shalonost

King and Speaker for the Kingdom. His abduction by the dwarves threw

the Kingdom into turmoil. He had neither a wife nor heirs to take his place

as Speaker in his absence, forcing his sister Rhea Shalonost to leave the

clan and provide the Kingdom with the guidance it required.

Rhea Shalonost

She led the Kingdom while her brother Terri Shalonost was a prisoner

of the dwarves, and continued to lead when he returned. She created three of

the Houses, the Sha'falas, the Sha'enras and the Sha'tavas. Her adopted son

Gavilan Shalonost had the blessings of Zandreya and the Vallenwoods to rule.

So he was named heir, and became Speaker when Rhea Shalonost retired.

Gavilan Shalonost

A clever leader, he was often underestimated due to his antics. The

Senate he lead was full of strife, a situation he managed, with great skill,

to keep balanced and within his control. Some of his more famous edicts

include the banishment of all elves who carried an evil aura as well as all

Necromancers due to their unnatural magics.

He married Delphine Shalonost, at the time a Regent of the Sha'tavas.

Their daughter Maegwyn was granted the blessings as her father had been, and

was named heir. This was called upon early as Gavilan perished in a fire at

the palace. Rumors suggest that it was an arson, an assassination effort.

He is reported to have saved his daughter at the cost of his own life.

Maegwyn Shalonost

She became Speaker, the youngest known at the time, after her father's

untimely death. She had to deal with the obstacles of her youth and the

Senate which remained divided. She fell in love with a human, Frazen Bruce

of Nordmaar. This prevented her from having a King to rule with her and

would prevent any children from becoming Speaker. She adopted Seraphim

Shalonost, then of the Sha'enras, as her heir.

Seraphim Shalonost

With her husband Tiernyn by her side, she was devoted in her efforts

to create an active and united Senate. She often urged the Houses to bring

forth a project which included the grove and made use of their purpose, and

wished for each to bring up at least one matter of interest at each meeting

of the Senate.

Twice during her reign, she was approached by elves wishing to make a

fourth House. The first was by the Performers, a group of elves devoted to

art, music and culture. They were given to the Sha'enras, to learn how to

govern themselves until the Senate was convinced they could be given a

House. The Sha'enras were given a third Regent to deal with the task.

However the movement lost its hope as time went on without further progress.

Many members gave up hope, and eventually it was abandoned.

The second petition came from elves hoping to form a House for the

Navy. Many on the Senate supported the idea, though dissenters believed it

would be best suited as another branch within the Sha'falas. Lady Seraphim

sided with the faction desiring the House, so the Sha'qelas were formed.

Seraphim had three children while serving as Speaker, each of them

named heir in turn. Her first two children were both sons, Deranthalas and

Liathus, respectively. Her third child was a daughter, Rhiadora. Her birth

a conclusion to a difficult pregnancy, which had required Seraphim to step

down temporarily as Speaker for her health. Tiernyn lead during this time.

Rhiadora was blessed by the Vallenwoods, and became Speaker when she was of

age to do so. Seraphim had a fourth child later, a son named Galenthas.

Rhiadora Shalonost

She became Speaker at a young age, which has drawn parallels to

Maegwyn. Seraphim's declining health required that Rhiadora become Speaker

when she was ready. Her rule was marked early on by many intrusions by the

Ka'vanth, and tensions from Verminasia. But both of those faded later in

her rule.

She married Senator Jausin Sha'qelas and had a son, Diathandel, who

was named her heir. While threats to the grove were often absent in her

later years, so to was she. In time, Diathandel was crowned while Jausin

retired to spend time with his wife.

Diathandel Shalonost

He served for a time as Senator of the Sha'enras when his uncle,

Prince Liathus Shalonost was noted for being absent. This served both to

reinforce the Sha'enras and grant him the experience needed for leadership.

His reign was interrupted briefly when Devion's tricks resulted in his

deferment of the throne to another of his uncles, Galenthas Shalonost, who

served only briefly before returning the role to Diathandel.

Sha'falas: Listing

The Sha'falas exist in both the Kingdom and Clan, serving the same

function for both. No other House save the Shalonosts may claim that. The

Sha'falas serve as the protectors of Shalonesti. They protect Her lands and

people from outside threats. Their function is analogous to that of an army

for other Kingdoms.

Unfortunately, the majority of what is compiled here extends only from

the later years of the House. Roughly the second half of Seraphim's rule

onwards. Included below is a list of names that served, though their times

or positions have been forgotten. Hopefully they will be recorded properly

in future editions.

Names: Astron, Cinderleaf, Einor, Onys, Questar

01 * Lost * Lost * Period of missing records

* * *

02 * Cowl * Neldoerth *

* * *

03 * Dironiel * Lost * Exact time lost.

* * *

04 * Lost * Lost * 2nd lost period

05 * Alisette * Birch * - Some questions remain

* Alisette * Dylio * about her Regents.

06 * Shalonost * Da'shal * - Lead by Tiernyn & Liathus

* Shalonost * Da'shal, Dylio * Shalonost during this time

07 * Dylio * Da'shal, Symiad *

08 * Da'shal * Dylio, Symiad *

09 * Dylio * Casar *

10 * Casar * Danthak *

* Casar * Danthak, Nymaya *

11 * Nymaya * *

* Nymaya * Syniel *

12 * Da'shal * Syniel *

* Da'shal * Dylio *

* Da'shal * *

* Da'shal * Alissette *

* * *

* * *

Sha'falas: Details

01: Lost records

The first batch of missing records, from the inception of the until

the installment of Cowl.

02: Senator Cowl Sha'falas

Krysadis can recall that Cowl served as Senator during that same

period that Elianna was a Regent of the Sha'tavas. A regent of his,

Neldoerth, was killed and supposedly haunted the grove for a time. But no

other memories of Regents nor who came after Cowl are available.

03: Senator Dironiel Sha'falas

There are no records to show who served between Cowl and Dironiel. He

served while married to then Senator Seraphim Sha'enras, which suggests that

it was some time after Cowl's service. He was also instrumental in the

removal of Zandark from the Senate. There is no listing of his Regents or

of his replacement.

04: Lost records

The second period of lost of records.

05: Senator Alisette Sha'falas

This book begins after her term of service began, and had Dylio as her

Regent. Whether Dylio served the Senator before, or was named by her is not

clear. There are suggestions that Birch was a Regent of hers. Alisette was

retired due to her absence from the grove. Dylio departed at this time,

leaving the Sha'falas without any leadership.

06: Shalonost Leadership

King Tiernyn Shalonost and his son, Prince Liathus Shalonost, took the

House in hand during this period. They intended to train replacements so

that the Sha'falas could resume their independence. It was also to be an

exercise in demonstrating the Prince's ability to guide, at the time he was

the heir of Seraphim. Da'shal was named regent by them, but Dylio returned

shortly afterwards, and resumed his role as Regent.

07: Senator Dylio Sha'falas

When Dylio had readjusted to life in Shalonesti, he was given control

of the Sha'falas. Symiad was appointed quickly to fill the vacant seat.

Senator Dylio was in favor of the Sha'qelas, believing that it would be too

much for simply adding another Regent to the House.

For the Sha'qelas, his Regents were divided. Symiad voted against the

creation of the Sha'qelas while Da'shal was one of its most vocal

supporters. Dylio voted for the Sha'qelas, ultimately the Senate agreed.

When Dylio retired to serve again as Regent, he named Da'shal as Senator.

08: Senator Da'shal Sha'falas

Maintaining a strict code for his House, Da'shal lead it through the

change in Speakers from Seraphim to Rhiadora. Sha'falas were required to

hold themselves to that strict code of conduct, or they would face a range

of punishments. His traditional views concerning Nameless and the Named

were reflected in his expectations of members of the House. Songkeeper Suli

Sha'falas selected him to become the next Songkeeper for the Kingdom's

Kyorl. He accepted the position and retired as Senator. Symiad retired to

join the clan, leaving Dylio to become Senator once again.

09: Senator Dylio Sha'falas

Dylio was quick to name Casar as the first Regent, but apparently

could not find a suitable second Regent. Dylio retired some time later,

naming Casar as Senator. Dylio retired from the Senate entirely, citing his

age and energy as reasons to fully retire.

10: Senator Casar Sha'falas

Within the Senate meeting that had named him Senator, Casar pushed for

the appointment of Danthak as his Regent. Later, he named Nymaya to serve

as his second Regent. When he retired to serve as Songkeeper, he named

Nymaya as his replacement.

11: Senator Nymaya Sha'falas

She took control of the House, her initial act was to remove Danthak.

He had been inactive for the House during the latter part of Casar's

service. It was a little while before Syniel was appointed as Regent.

Nymaya took a long leave of absence and was replaced near the end of it by

Da'shal on the authority of King Jausin Sha'qelas. Her retirement was made

permanent when she accepted the responsibility as Songkeeper.

12: Senator Da'shal Sha'falas

He returned from his retirement to serve the Sha'falas in their time

of need. He served through the change in Speakers from Rhiadora to Diathandel

and has fended off efforts to disband the Sha'qelas.

Sha'enras: Listing

The Sha'enras were originally created to serve as teachers of our

culture and history. That purpose has changed over the ages to focus nearly

entirely upon the art of diplomacy.

Ironically, the House has not been immune to the loss of records

either. Unlike the Sha'falas, many of our elders have been able to recall

some elves who have served the Sha'enras, providing us with a nearly complete

history. Nami, Vysarin, Kyrsadis and Kivrin have all been invaluable in this

effort. Lo'gath is one name that is remembered, but could not be placed.

## * Senator * Regents * Notes

01 * Kivrin * None * - Some questions remain on

* Kivrin * Nami * the order of the Regents

* Kivrin * Kithain *

02 * Kithain * Kivrin, Cerridwen *

* Kithain * Cerridwen, Kel'Var *

* Kithain * Cerridwen, Nami *

03 * Nami * None *

* Nami * Krysadis *

04 * Krysadis * Gilfarel, Trilla *

* Krysadis * Tygre *

* Krysadis * Dindirin *

05 * Lost * Lost * - Lost records

06 * Seraphim * Lost * - No knowledge of regents

07 * Lost * Lost * - Possible gap

08 * Rudolf * Halani * - Some uncertainies for his

* Rudolf * Halani, Grakin * starting Regents

* Rudolf * Halani, Grakin, Mirra *

* Rudolf * Grakin, Mirra, Lendach *

09 * Mirra * Grakin, Lendach *

10 * Lendach * Zalana *

* Lendach * Zalana, Linot *

* Lendach * Linot, Mithlond *

* Lendach * Linot *

11 * Linot * Carol *

* Linot * Carol, Rosvenir *

12 * Carol * Rosvenir *

* Carol * Alinashya *

13 * Liathus * Alinashya *

14 * Diathandel * Alinashya *

* Diathandel * Alinashya, Linot *

15 * Linot * Krysadis *

* Linot * Krysadis, Elrei *

16 * Elrei * Krysadis *

* Elrei * Krysadis, Caither *

* Elrei * Caither *

* Elrei * Caither, Errias *

17 * Linot * Errias *

18 * Diathandel * Errias *

19 * Elrei * Errias, Taesia *

20 * Elrei * Errias *

Sha'enras: Details

01: Senator Kivrin Sha'enras

Senator Kivrin was the first Senator to serve House Sha'enras. She

was the one who pushed for the creation of the House, and was rewarded by

Rhea with leading it. There are a few questions remaining concerning her

Regents, Nami recalls being one of the first, if not the first, but there

are no records which can verify that. Nor is it clear who Kivrin took on

as her first Regent and if it was upon her appointment or at a later date.

Kivrin was later forced to retire by a vote from the Senate. It is

suggested that the vote was lead by Lady Delphine. Regardless, Kithain was

named as her successor. Kivrin became a Regent under him.

02: Senator Kithain Sha'enras

He named Cerridwen to become his Regent, though no records state when.

Rumor suggests that the two of them were lovers. Kivrin later retired in

anger, at which point Nami was named to fill the vacant seat.

Kithain is well remembered for creating the "explorers" branch of the

Sha'enras, later to become known as the Diplomats. Their purpose was to

explore the lands and make contact with foreign rulers, if such should be

discovered. It is likely that this fell into the Sha'enras as the envoys

would be representatives of Shalonesti's culture. The elements of scouting

those lands would have otherwise seen it join the Sha'falas, as it later

did.

He is also known for his banishment. It was suspected that his blood

held Sha'katas ancestry. When he left, Cerridwen joined him in exile.

03: Senator Nami Sha'enras

Nami received a House that had both Regent seats empty, and a changing

purpose. She recognized how few were joining the Historian branch, and made

efforts instead to recruit for the diplomats. At the urgings of Queen

Delphine Shalonost, Krysadis left her position as a Sha'tavas Regent to

serve under Nami. When Nami was retired, Krysadis became Senator.

04: Senator Krysadis Sha'enras

She tried to maintain the House, though she altered the ranks of the

House to better reflect its status. Scholar, Explorer, Diplomat - In order

of importance. She named a married couple, Gilfarel and Trilla, to serve as

Regents. They served for a long time, but had to retire when it began to

affect their marriage.

04: Senator Krysadis Sha'enras (continued)

She appointed Tygre at the request of then Queen Delphine, who served

with Krysadis through the death of Gavilan and appointment of Maegwyn. He

was retired shortly there after. Dindirin was next named as Regent, and

was to become Senator when Krysadis retired. However, he departed from the

Vallenwoods before he was granted the title. Krysadis suffered a personal

tragedy and was unable to complete her service. She does not recall who

replaced her as Senator.

05: Lost Records

Due to the fragmented memories, there may be a missing Senator here.

06: Senator Seraphim Sha'enras

At one point, Seraphim was a Senator of the Sha'enras, a point of

pride in consideration that she was to become Speaker. But little is known

of her Regents and who replaced her when she moved on to her new duties.

07: Lost records

The time frame that exists suggests that it is possible Rudolf became

Senator after Seraphim. But there are no records to prove that link.

08: Senator Rudolf Sha'enras

It is not known if Rudolf received any Regents when he became Senator,

nor whom he first appointed. However, we know Halani was his Regent and can

trace the appointments from there. Grakin Avendale was his second Regent.

Halani was an strong supporter of a group known as "The Performers."

They were elves who were artists, musicians and performers. She believed

that they could form a fourth House which embodied much of the original

concept of the Sha'enras, to serve our culture. The group was quite popular

within the Kingdom at the time, and she believed it would do well.

The Senate was not confident that such a House would succeed if

created directly. They assigned a third Regent to the Sha'enras to guide

the Performers until they had proven they could lead themselves when given a

House. Mirra was named to serve the Sha'enras as that third Regent.

However, little progress was made after this point, discouraging them,

and infuriating their supporter, Halani. She resigned and departed from the

Kingdom. Lendach was named to fill her vacant seat. When Rudolf retired,

it was Mirra whom he named as his replacement.

09: Senator Mirra Sha'enras

During Mirra's leadership, the decline of the Performers continued.

However she was also concerned with her duties to the Kyorl. She lead for

only a short while before retiring to become Songkeeper. Grakin retired as

well, leaving Lendach to become Senator in a House devoid of Regents.

10: Senator Lendach Sha'enras

Upon receiving an empty House, Lendach named Zalana to serve as

Regent. She acted with interest and energy, recruiting many members for the

House and assigning their advancement tasks. In time he also named Linot

as his second Regent. Mithlond was named as his third regent, to fill what

he felt was still entitled. Complaints were raised that the House no longer

had the Performers and the limit was returned to two Regents.

Zalana switched to the Sha'tavas to fill their vacant seat and return

the Sha'enras number to the mandatory two. Mithlond was later dismissed as

he was deemed unable to satisfy the requirements of the position. When the

Senate voted upon the Sha'qelas, Lendach voted for, Linot abstained.

Lendach became more absorbed in his duties as Kyorl, leaving Linot to become

acting Senator alone. In time, the Senate granted her the title in full.

11: Senator Linot Sha'enras

Given the full title, she named Carol as her Regent. A long search

for a second Regent resulted in Rosvenir, who had returned from service as

an ambassador to New Thalos to take the position. As all three of were from

the Diplomats, she attempted to create more interest in the Historians.

No lasting success came from those efforts, aside from the creation of

this book. Eventually the requirements took a toll upon her health and she

began to retreat from the grove to recover. Expecting that it would require

her to resign, she trained Carol to become Senator. When one overly long

retreat occurred, the Senate installed Carol as Senator for the House.

12: Senator Carol Sha'enras

Inheriting a quiet House, she dismissed Rosvenir due to his constant

absences. She named Alinashya to join her as her Regent, but did not

undertake any large projects for the House. She was retired when her

absences became a concern to the Senate. Prince Liathus led the Senate's

push to replace Carol, and was named as her successor. Alinashya was barred

from serving as Senator due to her tribal heritage.

13: Prince Liathus Shalonost

He promised a few reforms for the House, and to provide the leadership

that it had lacked in recent times. He retained Alinashya as his Regent,

and promised to improve the Historians. However, he too took a prolonged

absence from the grove and was eventually replaced.

14: Prince Diathandel Shalonost

He took over the House from his Uncle. It was intended to demonstrate

his ability to lead as Speaker in the future. He did not perform any large

changes to the House. He named Linot as his Regent for the Historians. His

Regents served to standardize the tasks and requirements for the House.

When his mother retired as Speaker, Diathandel named Linot to serve as

Senator while he became the new Speaker.

15: Senator Linot Sha'enras

Her second time serving the House as Senator, this time coming from

the historian branch due to her work since she last sat on the Senate.

Alinashya decided to retire from the Senate, Linot named Krysadis to serve

for the Historians. Elrei was named to serve the Diplomats. She has not

performed any notable changes to the House to date.

16: Senator Elrei Sha'enras

Named by Linot as her successor. Elrei came to the conclusion that

the two branches of the House, as they were, would not operate well

independently of each other, and so merged the Diplomats and Historians

together, changing the ranks and tasks for the House. He was removed from

the Senate by Speaker Galenthas Shalonost, for his supposed defiance of

Zandreya's Will.

17: Senator Linot Sha'enras

Placed by Speaker Galenthas to replace Elrei, Linot inherited a single

Regent (Errias), but served only briefly before Diathandel assumed control.

18: Elder Diathandel Shalonost

Diathandel, having stepped down as Speaker due to the supposed

displeasure of Zandreya over his chosen wife, Caither Sha'enras, took charge

of the Sha'enras briefly, until he was restored as Speaker following the

public discovery that it was Devion, not Zandreya, who had shown their

wrath.

19: Senator Elrei Sha'enras

Elrei was returned to his former position by Speaker Diathandel, with

his wife Taesia placed as the House's second Regent, his former 'crime'

null.

Sha'tavas: Listing

The Sha'tavas were within the trio of Houses that Lady Rhea Shalonost

created to serve the Kingdom. They function as the mystics, for those elves

who pursue studies in magic or who serve the gods. They are charged with

keeping us true in our service for Zandreya.

Unlike the previous Houses, the Sha'tavas appear to have a complete

History in regards to their Senators. It is likely, however, that there are

some Regents who are absent from this list. Vysarin and Krysadis have been

Invaluable in their aid for recalling members of this House.

## * Senator * Regents * Notes

* * *

01 * Christine * None * - Unsure of her Regents

02 * Matsi * Delphine, Elianna *

* Matsi * Elianna, Cydon *

03 * Cydon * Elianna, Krsyadis *

* Cydon * Krsyadis, Liarill *

04 * Myra * Zandark *

05 * Zandark * Beraal *

* Zandark * Beraal, Cirdan *

06 * Cirdan * Uisge *

* Cirdan * Uisge, Zalana *

07 * Zalana * Uisge *

* Zalana * Ser'oas, Martic *

08 * Seraphim * Ser'oas, Martic *

* Seraphim * Martic *

09 * (Rhiadora) * Phendalia *

* (Rhiadora) * Phendalia, Paris *

* (Rhiadora) * Paris *

10 * Paris * None *

* Paris * Meladori *

11 * Meladori * Tabrin, Calithrielle *

* Meladori * Tabrin *

12 * (Diathandel) * Tabrin, Areanna *

13 * Areanna * Tabrin *

* * *

Sha'tavas: Details

01: Senator Christine Sha'tavas

She was appointed by Rhea Shalonost to serve as the Senator for the

Sha'tavas. There are no surviving records of whom she took on as Regent.

What does survive is that Matsi was her successor, but no mention of how

that arose, whether she first served as Regent or was subsequently named to

be Senator.

02: Senator Matsi Sha'tavas

Little is recorded of Matsi's time to make note of any changes he made

to the House. Notably Delphine was a regent of his, when she wed King

Gavilan Shalonost. Elianna was also a regent, but unsure if either were

raised by him or had remained within the House from Christine's time. Cydon

was raised as Regent after Delphine married Gavilan Shalonost.

03: Senator Cydon Sha'tavas

Upon Matsi's retirement, Cydon was named Senator. He placed Krysadis

Sha'tavas as Regent to fill the second seat. When Elianna retired to return

to the sea, Liarill was raised as Regent. Tensions within the Kingdom at

that time were high, and he was believed to have expressed sympathies

towards the Sha'katas. Krysadis retired from her position. Shortly after

Cydon was removed as well as Liarill.

04: Senator Myra Sha'tavas

She was a former Sultana of New Thalos. Her return to the Vallenwoods

offered the Kingdom a chance for another to fix the apparent problems within

the Sha'tavas. She was installed as Senator and charged with preventing the

Sha'tavas from serving as a House for sympathizers with the Banished. She

raised Zandark to serve as her Regent. When Myra retired, Zandark was named

as her successor for his apparent dedication to the House.

05: Zandark, removed

The apparent facade that Zandark had employed was discarded shortly

after he was raised as Senator. He raised Beraal and Cirdan to serve as

Regents for the House, but left them to deal with much of the House

unguided. When he was removed for his apathy, he acted in a manner most

unsuited for his heritage. He became enraged, and began to destroy many

things that had been entrusted to his care for the Sha'tavas. After he had

destroyed the artifacts he held, he took his own life in a blood curse upon the

members of the Senate. They voted to remove all record of his service. This

has since been repealed, so that it might serve to teach and prevent a

reoccurrence.

06: Senator Cirdan Sha'tavas

He became Senator after Zandark's death, and served far better than

his predecessor. Records are unsure of how long, or even if, Beraal remained

in as a Regent. He served through the change from Speakers Maegwyn to

Seraphim. Uisge was named as Regent at some point. At a later date in

Cirdan's term, Zalana joined the House as Regent from the Sha'enras, to

reduce their number to the traditional two.

Cirdan's long service is marked by his wisdom, and devotion to both

his duties to Zandreya and the House. He is also remembered for his

traditional views. He voted against the creation of the Sha'qelas, Zalana and

Uisge both abstained, though Zalana's was by absence. Cirdan named Zalan

to serve as Senator when he retired.

07: Senator Zalana Sha'tavas

She worked tirelessly for the Sha'tavas, creating many projects and

stirring interest in the House among the Nameless. She fulfilled many of

the desires of Speaker Seraphim for House activity. She removed Uisge for

his constant absences, naming Ser'oas and Martic to serve as Regents of the

magic and religious branches, respectively. Zalana lead the House when

Seraphim named Rhiadora as Speaker.

Her devotion to the House came at a cost, Zalana lost members of her

family and grew quite weary. In a failed attempt to take her own life, she

accidentally released Lyan Ka'vanth from the jails where he had been held

for crimes the Ka'vanth had caused. Many elves in the Kingdom were angered

by his escape, and she was removed from her post by a vote of the Senate.

Lady Seraphim Shalonost was named to serve as Senator until one of the

Regents was ready to become Senator.

08: Lady Seraphim Shalonost

Her rule of the House was only to maintain it, her own health remained

poor. Unfortunately, the House continued to falter in that time because

she was unable to devote herself to it as fully as needed. Ser'oas stepped

down to tend to family affairs while Martic was removed for deliberately

freeing a prisoner, a relative who had been jailed for crimes.

Phendalia was appointed to Regent for her studies in magic. In time,

Paris was named Regent for his religious work. Lady Seraphim's health took

a turn for the worse, requiring the Speaker to lead the House.

09: Speaker Rhiadora Shalonost

She had to deal with leading the Sha'qelas as well, and her own duties

as Speaker. She trained the Regents so that one could take over as Senator,

Phendalia resigned, but Paris accepted the position and became Senator.

10: Senator Paris Sha'tavas

He named Meladori to serve as his Regent for the Arcane branch of the

House. Paris became occupied with his duties as a Priest of Zandreya, and

spent less time within the grove. He was removed by the Senate and Meladori

installed as his replacement.

11: Senator Meladori Sha'tavas

Her first act upon becoming Senator was to place Tabrin Sha'tavas as

Regent for the religious branch and Calithrielle Sha'tavas for the magical.

She intends to restore the House to some of its original purpose, and has

begun rejecting applications from warriors to earn their name as Sha'tavas.

Her Regent Calithrielle was banished for treasonous comments, though this

has since been rescinded by her penance within the Gray Church.

Meladori and Tabrin served through the change of Speakers from

Rhiadora to Diathandel. Meladori also expanded her service, by graciously

taking the role as acting Senator of the Sha'qelas, since there were none who

could.

12: Speaker Diathandel Shalonost

When Meladori retired, she named Areanna as her successor, Tabrin's

tribal heritage preventing him from serving as Senator. Since Areanna was

not yet of the Senate, it was decided she would serve as Regent, briefly,

to acclimate herself to the Senate before taking the Senatorship. Speaker

Diathandel served as acting Senator during this interim.

13: Senator Areanna Sha'tavas

Areanna and Tabrin continued to maintain the House following

Meladori's strictures upon applicants. They served through the turbulent shifts of

power following Devion's treachery against Shalonesti.

14: Senator Taesia Sha'tavas

Upon Areanna's retirement, Taesia, formerly of Sha'enras, accepted the

offer of moving to Sha'tavas to lead the house, due to a lack of other

alternatives.

Sha'qelas: Listing

The youngest of the four Houses by far, the Sha'qelas are most easily

explained as the Sha'falas of the sea. But that is not entirely fair for

them. While it is true that protecting the coasts of Shalonesti is a key

part of their mandate, they are also intended to serve all maritime needs,

such as trade and exploration.

Formed during the reign of Queen Seraphim, a majority of the Senate

was in support of their creation, the dissenters believed that the Sha'qelas

could as easily be filled by the addition of a third Regent. The elf who

acted as the main force behind it, Desse, was named Senator. Da'shal who

had given him such support, already had prior commitments as Regent to the

Sha'falas.

The vote fell as follows:

For: Senators Dylio Sha'falas, Lendach Sha'enras, Regent Da'shal Sha'falas

Against: Senator Cirdan Sha'tavas, Regent Symaid Sha'falas

Abstain: Regents Linot Sha'enras, Uisge Sha'tavas

Absent: Regent Zalana Sha'tavas

## * Senator * Regents * Notes

* * *

01 * Desse * None * House was formed

* Desse * Kielian *

* Desse * Kielian, Onys *

* Desse * Onys *

* Desse * None *

02 * (Rhiadora) * None *

* (Rhiadora) * Tessalyn *

* (Rhiadora) * Tessalyn, Johian *

* (Rhiadora) * Tessalyn, Jausin *

03 * Jausin * Tessalyn *

* Jausin * *

* Jausin * Sa'pphira *

04 * Meladori * *

* Meladori * Gradilus *

05 * Jausin * Gradilus *

* Jausin * *

06 * (Galenthas) * Selorias *

* * *

Sha'qelas: Details

01: Senator Desse Sha'qelas

He was the driving force within the Royal Shalonesti Navy (RSN), which

claimed members from all three of the Houses of the time. He proposed the

creation of the Sha'qelas to the Senate, and was named Senator when it was

finally accepted. Regent Da'shal Sha'qelas had given him full support in

the creation of the House, but was unable to join him in leading it due to

his commitments to the Sha'falas. Desse was left to recruit his own Regents

from those that joined the Sha'qelas. Many of the RSN did join, while some

decided to remain within their original Houses.

It took Desse a little while to find his first Regent, Kielian. Onys

was named next, his experience a large factor. Kielian retired from

service, Onys was later removed after having been thought to be killed in a

riding accident. Desse retired a while later, believing he could not serve the

House as well as it needed. The carpenters had repeatedly gone on strike in

creating the ships, with the delays, the Sha'qelas seemed to be landbound

and lost much of its morale.

02: Speaker Rhiadora Shalonost

As Desse's retirement left the Sha'qelas without any form of

leadership, the Speaker was forced to assume control of the House. She shortly

named Tessalyn as Regent as Tessalyn had been groomed by Desse with that

intent. Johian was later named to the second seat, but disappeared later without

a word. Jausin became Regent to replace Johian. He courted Rhiadora, raising

fears he would abandon the House. He became Senator in time.

03: Senator Jausin Sha'qelas

He became Senator while engaged to Rhiadora. After their marriage, he

dispelled those fears by announcing his intent to remain as Senator of the

Sha'qelas. Tessalyn retired later on, to pursue a long journey. Sa'pphira

was later named as Regent. The longed for ship, The Twilight, arrived and

remains in good shape. When his wife retired as Speaker, Jausin retired as

Senator of the Sha'qelas. Unfortunately, Sa'pphira was removed from her

duties as Regent at that point as well, leaving them without leadership.

04: Acting Senator Meladori Sha'tavas

She took control of the Sha'qelas to restore a semblance of

leadership. Former Regent Sa'pphira Sha'qelas was accused of treason and was

banished. While the charge was later rescinded, the punishment was not.

Meladori appointed Gradilus to serve as Regent for the House.

"Moons and Magic"

by St'anli

Introduction:

The woman who ran the foster home where I was raised used to recite this

nursery rhyme:

The white moon for the pampered child,

With parents who teach to be good and fair.

The black moon for the willful child,

With parents who teach to take what they dare.

The red moon for the orphaned child,

With no one to teach and no one to care.

The words always puzzled me, for I saw two moons - not one, and not three.

In my child's mind, I invented several possible explanations, most of which

hinged upon having a living parent, somewhere, who would one day return. It

was not until I began to study magick that I learned that I was truly a

child of the red moon - an orphan, with no one to care.

This treatise must be considered a work in progress. There is much to be

learned about the moons of Algoron, not the least of which is the ultimate

mystery - namely, what, in truth they are. If the answers to all questions

are even possible, there is no doubt that they will take a lifetime of

study.

I dislike returning what I consider an incomplete assignment. Therefore, I

will continue to revise and add to it as I continue to learn.

For the purpose of this work as it currently exists, most information is

based upon direct observation of the red moon. Inferences are made about

the other two moons based upon this knowledge, but the author has no direct

evidence as yet.

St'anli

Chapter One - Phases and Positions

For purposes of communication, scholars define eight distinct phases of

every moon. They are:

Empty - The moon reflects no light. *

Waxing crescent - The stage between an empty and half moon.

Waxing half - Approximately half the moon is bathed in light, and

growing.

Waxing three-quarters - The stage between a half and full moon.

Full - The entire moon is clearly and fully lit.

Waning three-quarters - The stage between a full and half moon.

Waning half - Half the moon is bathed in light, and dwindling.

Waning crescent - The stage between a half and empty moon.

Each phase lasts approximately 45 hours. I say approximately because at

times they have been observed to change phases simultaneously, while most of

the time they are not so synchronous. More study is needed to determine the

exact timing of each phase, of each satellite.

In addition to the phases, we must also present the positions of the moons.

Again, for clarity, every moon is said to have the four distinct positions:

Rising - The moon is low in the sky but climbing.

High Sanction - The moon is at its highest position.

Setting - The moon is descending.

Not visible - The moon has set and is not in the sky at all. **

This last term is somewhat misleading, because a moon may not be visible

even though it has not yet fallen below the horizon. This is because of the

phenomenon known as an eclipse. In simple terms, an eclipse occurs when one

that the empty phase of any moon is nothing more than a specialized

eclipse).

At times, the moons share a position in the skies of Algoron, and at these

times the nearer will eclipse the farther. From observed data, it is

apparent that the black moon is closest to Algoron, while the white is

furthest. The reader is left to draw his own moral conclusions regarding

this fact.

* The uninitiated may mistake this phase for a dark moon.

** Because eclipses can also make a moon "not visible," I prefer to call

this postion "Below Horizon."

Chapter Two - Moons and Morality

In the previous chapter I mentioned the idea that the moons are instruments

of certain gods, intended to aid their followers. No fact supports this

theory more than the division of the moons magical effects. Only one moon

will affect a mages powers, and which one correlates directly to that mages

basic philosophies, regardless of the actual deity worshipped by the

individual.

It is not my intention to digress into a moral debate in this document.

Those who are defined as "good" or "evil" often do not behave in the ways

one might expect of such labels. Therefore I will limit my observations

upon this subject to a listing of deities, grouped by moon.

The White Moon

While associated most often with Kantilles, followers of Austinian, Nadrik,

Siccara, Taliena, and Kadiya will be affected by this orb.

The Black Moon

Considered the domain of Drakkara, this globe also affects followers of

Necrucifer, Fatale, Dragoth, Devion, and Mencius.

The Red Moon

Claimed as the tool of Sebatis, this moon will affect followers of Kwainin,

Cliath, Zandreya, Turpa, and Raije.

It is unknown whether an atheist practitioner of magick would be affected by

any of the moons.

Chapter three - Effects of Phase

All portions of this chapter reference Table 1 in the Appendix.

While the demarcation of the eight phases is important for purposes of

prediction, in truth it makes no difference to the mage of the "here and

now" whether any orb is waxing or waning - the effect of the moon upon cast

spells remains the same. In simplest terms, the more light which the moon

reflects, the more effect it can have upon magick performed.

Mana

The first and most obvious effect of the phase is upon the total power

(mana) available to the mage. When the relevant moon is empty, there is no

effect, but when full the moon boosts the mages power by a full 15% of his

total mana. This effect is visible even to those who do not study

astrology, as every mage has an instinctive feel for the amount of power

that they may wield.

Casting Spells

In addition to boosting the total power available, the varying phases can

also boost the mages chances of successfully casting any spell. A crescent

moon has the smallest amount of influence upon casting (which I call a Unit

of Influence, or UI). A half or three-quarter moon has twice this effect,

while a full moon has three times this effect. Again, an empty moon has no

effect at all.

Resisting Magic (saves)

One of the more interesting, and least obvious, effects of the moon is to

boost the individuals resistance to hostile magic. In this fashion, the

gods seem determined to influence even those who will never cast a spell in

their entire lives. The amount of influence is identical to that of

Casting.

Chapter Four - Effects of Position

All portions of this chapter reference Table 2 in the Appendix.

While the phases of the moons directly affect the mages power, the position

seems to affect his regenerative ability - how quickly the spellcaster

regains expended power. The baseline for this measure is the regenerative

ability when the moon is Below Horizon. At these times, the regeneration of

mana proceeds at a normal rate.

If the moon is in the sky at all, then regeneration proceeds at least 25%

faster than normal. This is true when the moon is either Rising or Setting.

However, when the orb is in High Sanction, regeneration is increased by 50%.

It is interesting to note that all lunar effects seem to be completely

unaffected by lunar eclipses. Just because another moon blocks visibility

of yours, do not think that the effects are similarly blocked - they are

not. The watchful astrologer may use this information to determine whether

his moon is Below Horizon or in eclipse.

Chapter Five - What Does it Mean?

In love, war, and also in magick, timing is everything. The information

available to the astrologer can be of great benefit to spellcasters of all

varieties.

When enchanting an especially valuable object, the caster may want to wait

until his moon is full before proceeding, reducing the odds of losing

something which may be difficult to replace.

If duelling another spellcaster, the shrewd mage will attempt to time the

start of combat to his own advantage, while he is strong and his opponent

weak.

In short, knowledge is power. Use it wisely and be its master, lest it

master you.

Chapter Six - What is to Come?

As stated in my introduction, this is a work in progress. There is much yet

to be learned. I hate to leave any job half-finished, so this is my

commitment to my readers:

It is possible that inferences made about the white and black moons, based

upon effects of the red, are incorrect. Any errata will be corrected.

Future editions of this book will contain a complete lunar calendar, showing

phases of each moon. The layman will be able to accurately predict lunar

events even with no astrology skills to call upon.

I will also investigate the effect of lunar and solar eclipses, if any such

effects exist. All information on this subject from any source is welcomed.

Please send a private missive to St'anli. Sources will be acknowledged or

protected, as desired.

Appendix - Tables

Table 1 - Effect of Lunar Phase

Phase | Mana | Casting (UI) | Saves (UI)

--------------------------------------------------

Empty | n/a | n/a | n/a

----------|---------|----------------|------------

Crescent | +5% | +1 | -1

----------|---------|----------------|------------

Half | +10% | +2 | -2

----------|---------|----------------|------------

3/4 | +10% | +2 | -2

----------|---------|----------------|------------

Full | +15% | +3 | -3

Table 2 - Effects of Lunar Position

Position | Mana Regeneration

------------------------------------

Below Horizon | n/a

----------------|-------------------

Rising | +25%

----------------|-------------------

High Sanction | +50%

----------------|-------------------

Setting | +25%

"In Search of the Almarina"

by St'anli

Introduction

The Almarina is a ghost ship in the truest sense of the term. During the

day it is an abandoned, ruined bucket, barely seaworthy. At night, however,

it is restored by some magical force to its former glory, complete with

passengers and crew. Twice a day, without fail, it embarks upon a seemingly

pointless mission, sailing in a great circle from its dock within a mystical

hurricane only to arrive again at the same point about eight hours later,

with no stops along the way.

Wandering through the decks after sundown, the entire ship glows with an

eerie blue light, and a dreamlike quality suffuses the scene. To get caught

in this dream could be deadly, however, as some of the ghosts are decidedly

unfriendly toward intruders. Fortunately, they do not seem to wander

outside their designated areas, so the wary visitor can ensure his own

safety.

This was no merchant ship, nor was it a fishing vessel. The Almarina was a

great luxury cruise ship, catering to the very wealthy. Brass name plates

disply the names of the passengers - a significant expense for a one-time

use. The ghostly scenes witnessed at night tell a tale of luxuriant excess,

throwing into sharp relief the ruin that exists today. It could be seen as

a metaphor for Algoron itself, a mere shadow of its former glory.

Legends and rumors surround this ship. The curse which causes it to roam

endlessly is shrouded in mystery. An ancient leatherbound logbook,

apparently kept by one of the passengers, offers some hints to what

happened, but not why.

A map of the world in the Captain's cabin - far too old and fragile to

remove - is duplicated herein and gives us an idea of the ship's true age.

It shows a single great continent, undivided by oceans, uniting all the

kingdoms on the same land mass. This map shows both Verminasia and

Shalonesti, and displays the name New Thalos, rather than just Thalos. This

places the vessel's origins somewhere before the splitting of the

continents, but after the splitting of the elven race, and after the fall of

the original Thalos.

While most of the vessel is so ruined as to make the observer wonder how it

manages to navigate at all, one portion is completely destroyed. A cabin,

or collection of cabins, that once stood above the deck is now totally

wrecked. This may or may not offer some clue of the original disaster.

The Almarina has recently gained the notice of the Shalonesti clan. An elf

reports speaking to a cursed cousin's soul on this ship (which this author

has not encountered), bound by his own greed and forced to reap souls of the

living.

Treasures

Most of the items found on this ship have absolutely no significance that

I can discern - merely flotsam in the currents of time.

Enigmas

Several things about this ship serve only to add to the mystery. Perhaps

an observant person can glean some valuable information from these little

puzzles.

In O'Flannery's cabin,

A golden mirror stands here reflecting everything but you. Does this mirror

only show the past, and if so, could it somehow provide even more

information?

In Bryce's cabin,

A crooked bed, only standing now on two legs, is covered with light blue

bedcovers that have large slashes in them, almost as if a large clawed

animal had shredded them with its paws.

In sun room,

Made of fine silk, the robe is adorned with inconspicuous arcane symbols

stitched in with silver thread. The symbols appear to represent the magical

and warding properties associated with the element of water.

In cargo area,

There are footprints in the dusty floor that lead directly into a wall and

simply stop. Not visible when night transforms the ship. Cannot find any

secret panels.

From the raised stern,

An additional room of some sort could be inserted where the deck is.

Whatever it was, it is now a pile of rotting timber. There is no additional

room when night transforms the ship.

Passenger's log book

This journal, bound in leather, is remarkably preserved considering the

obvious age of the vessel. It gives us a glimpse of the terror which seized

the entire vessel during its last days.

Day of Thunder, 24th the Month of Great Evil:

Today was beautiful. As I was standing up on the deck of the Almarina and

watching the waves as they splashed up against the figurehead, I could feel

a fine mist of saltwater against my face and smell the refreshing salty

smell of the air. The sunset was gorgeous.

This ship is amazing! All of the comforts of home, and then some! We have

waitresses and crew members waiting on us hand and foot. When it comes time

to disembark, I'll surely be sad to see her go. Perhaps I can convince one

of the waitresses that knows how to make that kiwi pie to come home with me!

Day of Deception, 25th the Month of Great Evil:

The ship navigated into some nasty fog today which we haven't as of yet been

able to shake. It's a pity, because my tan was beginning to look most

superb! Perhaps tomorrow we'll have shaken it and I can spend some time on

deck again, soaking up the sun.

I went for a swim in the large bath today, then sat in the gloomy sunroom

and read a book. The gathering room was getting to be too loud, as Greta

and Hannah (I like to call them the gossip sisters, as they always seem to

be in there gabbing away!) have begun to speak entirely too loud for me. I

cannot even sit across the room from them without having their idle chatter

interrupt my reading.

Day of the Moon, 33rd the Month of Great Evil:

- written in a trembling script -

For the love of Austinian, somebody PLEASE help us!

I haven't written in several days, I know. It's been crazy. This fog...

People have been disappearing. And we can't find our way out of it. Poor

Greta has lost her husband. He just disappeared. The closest thing we can

come up with is that the fog ate him. She has become the topic of gossip

rather than the gossiper.

Whatever shall we do? The Captain has taken ill. He stands at the wheel

regardless, however, stubbornly determined to find his way out of this fog.

Our food supply is dwindling. I don't know what's going to happen when we

run out. But, of course, we won't run out. We'll make it home. This fog

can't go on forever...

Map of Ancient Algoron

The map sitting on the Captain's desk is too fragile to move, so I have

had to duplicate it as best as I can. The original, though falling apart,

is of such quality that any handwritten copy cannot do it justice.

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Recent sighting

This member of the Shalonesti Clan has had a unique experience, which

both deepens the mystery and adds some hope for its resolution.

Greetings my brethren, Zandreya's blessings to you all.

My Brethren, I come to you with a most stressful ordeal. Does the name

Alamarina ring any bells to anyone? If not, the Alamarina is a ghost ship,

that used to be a prized sailing vessel, yet after meeting certain fate in

the Waters off the coast of Volcano Island, it has become cursed, a Rotting,

vessel of Pure death itself. For the longest time, we thought it was

abandoned. Yet for today I was was aboard the ship today. And I saw an

elf. This elf wore two staffs in his hand, and raggity, torn clothes. I

did not catch his name, but from what I have found out from others, he goes

by the name Aqinlpo. This elf has been here for quite a long number of

years. He told me his tale of woe, of how there is GREAT treasure onboard

the ship somewhere, and how is greed took him to find it. He was captured

by death itself, and is now forced to reap souls, in order to procure his

release. I cannot leave a cousin like this. It is my duty to bring

healing, and warmth to every elf In Algoron, lest those of Bloodlust, and

the Dark Elven. He wants to leave, yet he cannot. His soul is bound to

that acursed ship. He is neither living, no dead, yet he talks, breaths,

blinks and has emotion. I believe he is not fully gone, and thus I have

given him my word to do what I can to save him, and set his tormented soul

to rest, to sleep the slumber he so deserves. This is our problem, further

details and missives shall be posted on this.

Thank you,

J'tharliaen

Schedule and route

7:00am - Almarina raises anchor.

>From dock, the ship sails s, 6sw, 6se, 3e, 3se, 3nw, 3w, 6nw, 6ne, n

2:30pm - Almarina docks.

5:00pm - Almarina raises anchor.

>From dock, the ship sails s, 6sw, 6se, 3e, 3se, nw, se, nw, se, 3nw, 3w,

6nw, 6ne, n

1:30am - Almarina docks.

The schedule repeats daily without variation. Is the ship merely forever

searching for the port it never found? Or is it re-enacting its original

scheduled tour for the entertainment of the wealthy - and now eternal -

passengers?

The extra movement during the night hours, when the ghostly captain controls

the helm, seem to indicate that both are true. Lost in the fog near its

turnaround point (or its mysterious second docking point), it circles

aimlessly under his skeletal hand.

Let us study the map which is found in the Captain's cabin (page 12).

There are no separate continents to which such a liner would sail. The

passenger's log (page 11) tells us that no extra food was stored for any

extended voyage - after only nine days their supply was short. Nor did they

have any means to catch fish, to supplement that supply. In short, the crew

had no reason to anticipate any emergency needs.

I postulate that the ship sailed, not on the seas, but upon the single great

lake located on the eastern side of the supercontinent. It started from the

northernmost point of that lake, and hugged the western coast all the way to

the southernmost point. There was a dock here, as well - the one which

could not be found in the preternatural fog on that fateful day.

Summary

The Almarina remains an enigma to this day. What was the year of its

final voyage? Where is the current location of its second port of call?

What was the origin of the deadly fog? Did the greed of the mysterious elf

Aqinlpo cause the disaster, or only his own personal doom? What is the

nature of this curse - and can it be lifted? All questions without answers.

And we need answers, especially in light of recent events. I call upon all

readers of this work to add to the collective knowledge in whatever way they

can safely manage.

So far, efforts to establish a nexus to the ship itself have proven

unfruitful. I will, whenever possible, maintain a gatepost near the

hurricane (no pet will follow me into that maelstrom), named CabinBoy. When

this eagle is in place, it will be just south of the Almarina's dock. If it

wanders away, the ship can be reached from the Althainian Port by travelling

sw, w, sw, 3w, (swim) 4s, n.

Be safe.

St'anli

"It Takes a Village"

Caither Sha'enras

Foreword

This study, although based around the problems of New Thalos and the desert

children, is also of great importance to us within Shalonesti.

In terms of geography, the Desert Kingdom is no great distance from us

within the forest, and one of the main powers upon this continent of

Althainia. Many of us here have acquaintances within New Thalos, whether

through family, trade, or professional contacts. Although we are enclosed

within our own forest, lessons learned by others in our world are valuable,

so that we can ensure that we never fall into such traps, and remain at the

cultural pinnacle of Algoron.

Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this work is an important reflection

from an often ignored view. Though we may be great warriors, mages, druids

or what-have-you, the vast majority of those who live within the world are

not. Many citizens rely upon the Sha'falas to protect them while they go

about their daily work within the city, and most do not venture outside of

our own forests. Many of us are able to earn many gold coins just from an

hour's work - coins that the ordinary people would have to work a week for,

in order to sustain their livelihoods.

It is easy to ignore these people, to think that they do so little that they

have no impact upon Shalonesti. Remember, though - they are our people,

Zandreya's chosen race, and their daily routines form the basis of all that

we do here. They are the ones who need us, and in return, their toil

provides our shops, taverns, stables, farms, schools, armies - the heart of

Shalonesti.

Remember, as you read this work, that as we work for the kingdom, make

decisions, carry out orders - the people of Shalonesti, although not

orphans, are similarly vulnerable in the context of the tumultuous world

that we live in. Remember them, in all that you do, always.

Diathandel Shalonost.

Overview of the Orphan Problem in New Thalos

There is a song sung by nomad women that states, "Health, money and

knowledge - we cannot do anything without them. " This poignantly

represents the entire problem for the orphans of New Thalos. Lacking basic

needs for health, minimal income and public education, they are the poorest

of the poor.

Three of every hundred children in the Kingdom of New Thalos are orphans.

It often seems like more because there are few support systems in place for

their care, and those which are in place are ineffective. New Thalos has

the highest rate of unprotected children of any kingdom in Algoron. Their

life expectancy ranges between 15 and 23 years of age, depending upon their

own abilities, race, and networks within the orphan community. The annual

income of each orphan is well under 1000 silver per year - a level of

poverty no normal citizen could tolerate. Every day, twelve children die

from orphan-related causes: homicide, suicide, accidents, poverty and

neglect.

This book will outline the importance of the problem, discuss reasons for it

and ways of improving the situation, present a few case studies and explain

how specific resources are necessary. Nothing is more important to our

shared future than the well-being of children. It takes a village to raise

a child, but it also takes children to raise up a village to become all it

should be. The village of our kingdom will be a better place for us all if

it is built with children in mind.

Reasons for the High Number of Orphans in New Thalos

"I have lived on three continents, in small places, and I have found that

the nomadic tribes, the tiny shires, and the tropical fishing villages all

behave in the same way - the affairs of one are the concern of all. If a

child misbehaves, everybody will try to correct him or her. The storyteller

will keep them entertained, the teacher and priest fulfill their roles to

all, the best cook will provide food, and all support the parents as a sort

of extended family. This kind of network can exist in city neighborhoods,

too, but have disappeared in New Thalos. I blame this on the existance of

the portals - it's too easy to walk away from your problems. " Elrei

Sha'enras Avendale

Actually, the reasons are numerous: parents killed by any number of beasts,

sentient or otherwise, parents lost to starvation, parents lost to gangrene

from poorly treated wounds, food poisoning, disease, scorpion stings and

other poisons, storms at sea, drought in the farmlands, extreme poverty,

illegitimate and biracial children are often abandoned or sold, suicide,

homicide, deadly accidents, even the hazards of immigration to a desert

kingdom. The problem is exacerbated by an apparent lack of concern by those

who could prevent or repair the situation.

The Samaritans, the one constant support system present in the kingdom, are

ineffective. As Michee relates, "Though Samaritans were everywhere, they

did little good. St'anli had already developed a strong distrust of all

adults. This was bad because he had, at that time, no practical survival

skills. "

The Importance of Health

"If you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything," Rugan of

Verminasia

One of the dividing lines between orphans and other members of the kingdom

is the status of citizenship. Citizenship confers the right to visit the

kingdom's room of rest and receive aid from the healer there. Without that

bit of assistance, the health of orphans declines whenever they are ill,

diseased or injured, a frequent occurrence on the streets.

Death due to lack of healthcare accounts for approximately 12 out of every

hundred orphan deaths. Availability of the room of rest to orphans might

even prevent an occasional homicide, the largest cause of death for orphans,

weighing in at 59 of every hundred deaths. Mental health care, provided by

the support of other citizens within the room of rest, might even lead to

fewer suicides.

The importance of orphan health should be obvious to everyone. A diseased

or plagued orphan will spread the illness to any of the populace within

breathing distance. Orphan deaths take a toll upon the kingdom coffers for

burials - even an unmarked grave must be dug by someone. Tourist income is

lessened by the reputation of a disease-ridden city full of starving

children. Even sailors avoid going to port at New Thalos whenever possible.

The Importance of Wealth

"It's awful. There are people who are mean and make fun of us. Often that

ruins a perfectly good day. There are stories about kids in orphanages who

make you work all day and night with no food or sleep. I wasn't in an

orphanage. I was on the streets. To survive, you either have to steal,

beg, or search the garbage. It's awful! " Andaela Zafar

"Too many children/ In too many kingdoms/ Speak the same language. / Of

silence... " Anonymous poet

Children who do not have the means to purchase food, clothing and shelter

abound in New Thalos. The lack of these basic necessities to such a large

population within our kingdom demeans every citizen and lessens us all. It

is only when you understand, in a profound way, that those others are, in

fact, you... And you, them, that you begin to understand the need for

change. On a social scale alone, it is devastating to the local economy and

citizenry to have thieves and beggars running rampant through New Thalos.

The Importance of Education

"I saw a childhood friend die at the hands of an outlander just before I met

my teacher. I was full of distrust and the first few lessons were far too

tinted with wariness to be productive. She read to us and fed us. Most of

the kids endured her lessons for the food she brought, but she gave me hope

for a better life - not just for me - but for all the orphans. " St'anli

It has long been understood that education is more than just the basics of

reading, writing and arithmetic. Education encompasses social skills, self

confidence, feelings of belonging and a willingness to be responsible and

accountable. Even the most outstanding teachers cannot accomplish this

alone. Educational programs deserve to receive kingdom assistance to

support them while they do the work of buttressing public education. It is

through education that the potential of all children will be realized. A

youth needs guidance to become a productive citizen of the kingdom, else he

will end up, as Andaela said, stealing, begging and scavenging for his

livelihood. Our kingdom is better served by new members of the Masjid, the

Tower, the Mujahid, and other productive organizations, than by new beggars

and thieves on the streets.

Case Studies

Michee, Sand Rat, Runaway, Child of the Streets, currently a cleric: "Having

come from another continent, I was an outsider, even on the streets. With

food so scarce, no one was willing to share with an unknown, and I was not

prepared for the rat race existence fostered by New Thalos. I was hiding

from a killer eager to add another alley cat to his list of kills when I saw

a half-elf and minotaur talking together, discussing the formation of a gang

devoted, not only to self-preservation, but also the greater purpose of

aiding all orphans - they wanted a good name. 'Wharf Rats' was suggested,

as was 'The Outcasts', and 'Rough Diamonds'. Convinced that these were

people I wanted to join, I offered, 'How about the 'Sand Rats? ' The name

stuck and, fortunately, so did I. "

Z. (anonymity requested), Sand Rat, Orphan, currently unemployed: "My

parents were fishermen who died when a storm took the ship. I had nobody.

If not for the Sand Rats, I'd have starved. "

Solutions To This Problem

The following steps are vital to changing the face of New Thalos:

1. Strengthen and support the capacity of families to protect and care for

their children. I know of no better way to do this than provide public

education.

2. Mobilize and strengthen community-based responses. An orphanage,

quicker response to danger by the cityguards and Mujahid, more involvement

from the Masjid and Samaritans and, again, education.

3. Strengthen the capacity of children and young people to meet their own

needs. New Thalos already provides a fountain for public drinking water.

The bin at the Samaritans' office must be continually provided with food and

other necessities. Education will take care of their future, but orphans

must have a present first. Some sort of safe shelter, like the planned

orphanage, will help. Jobs and training for young people who are unlikely

to accept a handout and have issues with authority could prevent further

problems.

4. Ensure that the kingdom develops appropriate policies, including legal

and programmatic frameworks, as well as essential services for the most

vulnerable children. The orphanage will provide a place for sick and weak

children, but what will the rights of an orphan be? If they have a

complaint about their treatment at the orphanage, to whom will they turn?

5. Raise awareness within society to create an environment that enables

support for children. It is no longer enough to turn to the Samaritans for

food. The whole community needs to get involved. Even the Masjid cannot do

this alone. Perhaps the entire citizenship needs to be awakened to the

problem and encouraged to help as they can. If a public school is provided,

or perhaps schooling in some specific location, it may be possible to also

present classes for the general populace which teach the importance of

social responsibility.

Closing Statements

The current situation in New Thalos is dire. Many of the street children

have banded together, forming gangs. Although the main purpose of most of

these gangs is to share food and survival skills for mutual benefit, it is

not a stretch to imagine another kind of gang evolving from the present

organization. One particular gang, the Sand Rats, has taken it upon

themselves to teach other orphans how to defend themselves, and have gone so

far as to give the children weapons and armor. If this trend goes

unchecked, we may someday have militant gangs roaming the streets. No one

would be safe from the horror of an all-out gang war.

I plead with you, reader, to leave no child behind. Every life has value.

Caither Sha'enras.

Lament for a Skinny Kid

by St'anli

(printed by permission of the author)

Wandering on Ishtar Way in the dead of night,

You hear something's death cry.

I arrive to see you,

Bloody sword in hand,

Rifling his pockets,

Sacrificing his corpse to your thirsty gods.

That thing was my friend.

His name was Joe.

You never even knew he had a name,

I'll bet.

Just a skinny kid with his hands in your wallet.

Fuel for your first diamond.

Joe had a kid sister,

Kara,

A pretty little thing behind all the grime

(never allowed into the public bath house),

And he stole to feed her.

Would you have missed any meals for want of that coin?

Now she faces the sands alone,

The cold desert nights,

The hot desert sun,

The hard glares of the cityguardsmen,

The false smiles of the samaritans.

I trudge the Medina,

Heading for the shop where Kara lives,

Behind a garbage bin.

How will I tell her that Joe won't be back tonight,

Or ever?

You hear something's death cry.

Oh, gods, no.

Bastard.

"Shalonesti's Orientation Class Handbook"

by Elrei Sha'enras

Shalonesti's Orientation Class Handbook

Deluxe, Unabridged Edition

By Senator Elrei Sha'enras Avendale

Discussion notes on Behavior and Etiquette

As presented in Lady Krysadis Sha'enras Quaesitori's book, 'On the Elves'

"To be an elf is to be part of the greatest family on Algoron." - Pg. 1

The Nameless are the children, it is their part to learn from those more

experienced. A child does not disrespect their parents without

repercussion, the same follows here. To gain a Name is to accept the

responsibility of adulthood. It is more than merely gaining a Voice, it is

showing that one has the maturity and wisdom to guide other children down

the paths toward their own Name.

"Inherently the elves are a people of grace and poise... We are passionate,

yet in act we are respectful of our elders and betters for we value age and

wisdom." - Pg. 3

Why respect wisdom? Because although it is good to learn from your

mistakes, it is even better, and more efficient, to learn from the mistakes

of others.

"We respect those who offer us respect" - Pg. 3

To be deemed worthy of respect, you must therefore show it to others.

"We are at surface a most composed and demure race... We are indeed

passionate, however we do not allow this to overtake us." - Pg. 3

Do not let your emotions rule your better judgement. This is an important

part of diplomacy which applies to everyone. Showing anger towards a

superior means you are not showing respect, and that will mark you as one

who is still immature, and not ready for the Name of adulthood. Showing

anger towards an enemy shows weakness, and means that they have succeeded

already, at least in some small part.

Proper forms of address -

It is considered respectful to address someone by their title, when it is

known. Even if you do not know or respect the person, they have obviously

gained the respect and support necessary to be accorded that rank.

Though most of the ranks and titles within our Kingdom are self-explanatory

(You call a Journeyman a Journeyman, an Elder is called Elder, etc.), There

are a few, specifically King and Queen, which have variants. A King or a

Queen may be referred to as 'Majesty', but never 'Highness', 'Lord', or

'Lady'. A Prince or Princess may be called 'Highness', lesser nobles may be

called 'Your Grace', as well as their proper title. Prominent religious

figures, such as the leader of a church, may be called 'Eminence' or

'Holiness'.

If you are not aware of their title, it is best to err on the side of

generosity. Therefore, you might refer to them as Lord or Lady. If they

are not yet of that status, they will feel complimented, and will probably

correct you afterwards.

If they have given you special allowance to use their name instead, then you

may do so, but remember your surroundings. For example, a Senate meeting is

not the time to refer to someone by their childhood nickname.

Those who are of a higher rank than yourself may or may not choose to refer

to you by your own title. This is not intended as an insult or slight, but

is akin to the relationship between a parent and a child. The child will

use the titles 'Mother' and 'Father' (or some variant) when referring to

their parents, but the parents will commonly refer to their child by name

House Shalonost

Of course, no description of Shalonesti's Houses would be complete

without mention of the Royal House of Shalonost. Terri Shalonost was the

Kingdom's first Speaker, but was abducted by the dwarves without a wife or

heir to take his place. This caused his sister, Rhea Shalonost, to leave

the Clan and provide guidance to the Kingdom. It was she who created the

three original Houses of the Kingdom.

The Speaker of the Kingdom is known as the Speaker of the Stars, whereas the

Clan's ruler is the Speaker of the Moons. Each Shalonost is trained to

lead, in the event that they might one day be called upon to serve as

Speaker. They are taught by the Elders of the House, who pass down their

knowledge and experience to the next generation.

The Shalonosts are the line chosen by Zandreya to lead Shalonesti, and the

Speaker is considered to be divinely appointed by the Goddess. As such,

they may often pray for guidance from the Goddess of Nature, so that they

may lead us in the direction She would have Her children, the Elves, go.

House Shalonost is the core of Shalonesti. So important are the members of

this House, that the Kyorl, made up of the elite Bladesingers, was created

with the primary purpose of protecting the Royal line.

House Shalonost cannot be joined as the Noble Houses can. Membership is

passed on through blood, or by marriage, with some few exceptions due to

adoptions.

House Sha'falas

Current records do not show who served as the first Senator of House

Sha'falas, but we do know that it was one of the three initial Houses

created during the reign of Rhea Shalonost. While there are similarities

between the Houses of the Kingdom and Clan, the Sha'falas are distinctive in

being the only Noble House to exist in both, keeping their Name and purpose

the same.

House Sha'falas is charged with the protection of Shalonesti. They protect

Zandreya's lands and people from outside threats. As such, combat skills

are very important to the members of that House. Knowing the best way to

take down an enemy quickly is a strategy that must be learned.

It is rather well known that the Kyorl are the protectors of the Shalonost

family, and are extremely lethal. This might seem to make the Sha'falas

unnecessary, until one realizes that it is because the Sha'falas exist that

the Kyorl are able to perform their duties so well. The Sha'falas serve to

remove any danger to the Kingdom before the Royal family can be personally

threatened. In doing so, the Kyorl are able to focus entirely upon their

duty of protecting the Shalonosts without any added hassles or worries to

distract them.

An Elf who seeks House Sha'falas must be willing to fight and die for

Shalonesti's protection.

House Sha'tavas

House Sha'tavas was also among the three original Houses of the Kingdom.

Their purpose is to keep Shalonesti true in our service to Zandreya, though

they have been split since the beginning into two branches. One branch, the

Astral, deals with religion and the Gods, while the Mystic Order focuses on

the Arcane magics.

Due to their duties, the Holy House, as it is sometimes called, is more

restrictive in its membership. Those seeking the Astral Order are typically

of the more religious professions, those being Crusader, Druid, Priest, and

Shaman, though Rangers are also accepted into the Astral. The Mystic Order,

in contrast, accepts only those who began their training in the arts of

Magecraft.

In the past, the Sha'tavas also had a House Champion. This was someone who

had mastered their chosen vocation, and was willing to endanger themself in

battle to give magical protection or healing to any Elf in need. This title

has gone unfulfilled for some time, and is no longer in current use.

Further, no records were kept of who had served in this capacity, which is

an unfortunate loss.

House Sha'enras

The Sha'enras were originally created during the rule of Rhea Shalonost,

to serve as the teachers of Shalonesti's culture and history. Lady Kivrin

was the first Senator of the House, having earned the right to serve by

pushing for the House's creation.

Her successor, Kithain, is remembered for creating what would become the

Diplomatic branch of House Sha'enras. This second purpose of the House

dominated the interest of most members, to such an extent that it hampered

the Historian branch, despite culture and history being the House's original

reason for existence.

During the reign of Seraphim Shalonost, a former Senator of the Sha'enras

who was adopted by Maegwyn Shalonost, a third branch was added to the House.

This group was known as "The Performers", and was composed of artists,

musicians, and other performers who sought to preserve Elven culture. This

branch seemed quite popular at the time, but little progress was made

towards their original goal of becoming their own House, and their main

supporter, discouraged, left the Kingdom.

Now, the remaining two branches have been merged into one, as it became clear

that the two could not remain separate in their needs. A historian needs to

be able to interview effectively, requiring diplomacy, while a diplomat who

is well-learned will go much farther than one who knows too little.

Knowledge of past alliances and wars can be invaluable when negotiating

peace treaties.

An Elf who joins the Sha'enras must be even-tempered, and have a great love

of knowledge. We must remember our past, else we will be doomed to repeat

it.

House Sha'qelas

Though not as old as the other three Noble Houses, having been formed

during the reign of Queen Seraphim Shalonost, House Sha'qelas has become an

integral part of the Kingdom. Lord Desse served as the House's first

Senator, having been the driving force behind the Royal Shalonesti Navy, the

precursor of the Sha'qelas.

While it is easiest, perhaps, to explain the Sha'qelas as being "the

Sha'falas of the seas", that is not a fair summation of their purpose. It

is true that protecting our coasts is a key part of their function, but they

also serve Shalonesti's other nautical needs, such as trade and exploration.

Despite some long periods of relative inactivity, mainly due to the lack of

any Shalonesti vessels, the Sha'qelas are now a very visible part of the

Kingdom. Our first ship, The Twilight, sees plenty of service as a training

ground for members of the House.

An Elf wishing to join the Sha'qelas must also be willing to fight and die

for Shalonesti, and might also benefit from knowing how to swim.

The Kyorl

The Kyorl, or Royal Guard, are the elite bodyguards of the Shalonost

line. They are ruthless and singleminded in the pursuit of their duties,

and will defend a Shalonost from harm at any cost, including the sacrifice

of their own lives.

Though it is often thought that a Kyorl and a Bladesinger are one and the

same, this is not necessarily the case. Before an Elf will ever be trained

in the Song, they must first make an oath and join the Kyorl. This oath

includes a promise never to leave Shalonesti without special permission from

the Speaker and Songkeeper. An Elf who breaks this oath will be hunted down

and killed by the Kyorl.

Members of the Kyorl have one loyalty, and that is to the Shalonosts. This

filters down to the Songkeeper and the Senate, as these are the Speaker's

chosen representatives, but their primary concern is for the Royal line,

even above their own families. A member of the Kyorl must be completely

dedicated to the Shalonosts, and be able to kill a spouse, a sibling, a

parent, or even their own child, if given such an order by the Speaker.

Elves may not ask to join the Kyorl. Only those deemed worthy of training

within the Song will be offered an invitation. An Elf may speak of their

desire to join to the Songkeeper or a member of the Kyorl, but must never

speak publically of their aspirations. To assume you will be trained in the

Song, to consider yourself predestined for the Kyorl, or to speak of joining

the Royal Guard as though it is your divine right are good ways to insure

that you will never be invited to join.

Further Information and Frequent Questions

1) House requirements:

It is now a requirement for all Nameless seeking House to undergo testing

upon the contents of this handbook, and possibly some other concepts necessary

for a Named Elf to know. The test will be given by the House recruiter, together

with the other tasks necessary for entrance.

2) Switching Houses:

Switching Houses after one has been chosen is done, on occasion, but is

not to be taken lightly. When it is done, it is typically because an Elf

finds that the House they chose is not the one they would serve best within.

Membership within more than one House is not possible.

"On the Elves"

by Krysadis Sha'enras

To be an elf is to be a part of the greatest family on Algoron, for we

are all cousins. No matter our locale, no matter the circumstance of birth

- if true Elven blood runs within our veins, if we hold true to our values

and innate natures, we are Elven.

Only one group are reviled as outcasts - the Sha'katas, our Dark Cousins.

Their acts so betrayed the trust of family, went so beyond the constraints

of custom that their very blood was tainted and thus are no longer of us.

This tome is penned for the ages, in an attempt to capture what was and is

regarding our peoples. In the small hope it is found useful, the author

leaves this tome to you, dear reader, for elucidation and information

regarding our most complex of peoples.

- Krysadis Sha'enras Quaesitori-Kalaarin.

Customs and Conduct

Inherently the elves are a people of grace and poise a people of great

passion and art of magic and an understanding of nature given as a blessing

by Zandreya. Much of who we are springs from the way we act and behave. To

be an elf is to live a lifestyle of devotion to our Vallenwoods and our

Goddess, protecting Her Forest, even if we do not in soul worship Her

outright. We are passionate, yet in act we are respectful to our elders and

betters for we value age and wisdom. We are a learned people, and value

those who have gone before us in learning, training, and history.

We respect those who offer us respect, and are kind to our cousins. We are

all elven, and thus inherently worthy of respect - for one to show us

respect is not a debasement of themselves, but rather a strengthening of

ourself. We are all worthy of respect.

It is not mete to interrupt one, nor to cause any disturbance - particularly

one of greater rank. However if said interruption has been allowed by the

individual in question, it is permissable.

Traditionally we are all cousins, and thus this is the form we most usually

address one another - it is the recognition of our familial links in ages

past which we honour with this word.

It is well to greet and farewell the Vallenwoods publically, though this is

a matter of choice and is not manditory, for there are often times where

privacy is required. It is well to respect this privacy if invoked by

others, and to not interrupt those who have not chosen to greet all

publically. If attention is required, a message dispatched to them may be

advisable.

It is our custom to only speak the Elvish language amongst ourselves.

Though many of us know other languages, to use them with other elves

diminishes us and takes us a step away from a cohesive whole. The only

exception to this may be the Dark Cousins of the Sha'katas - they have

foresworn their right to hear a noble tongue.

We are at surface a most composed and demure race - our control is one of

our most notable traits. We are indeed passionate, however we do not allow

this to overtake us. We are a most artistic and expressive people, our

passions showing in our art, our writings, our works. It is in our

devotions and opinions, our studies and in our culture our true natures

shine forth, and not in base display of needless emotion.

Maturity and Nobility

There are distinct stages within the life of an elf, the two most notable

being the times of childhood where base familial names are worn, denoting

the ties of mother and father and the time of adulthood, where one's path

within the Greater Family of Elves has been chosen according to one's spirit

or inclination. Not all accept the rites of adulthood, content within their

lesser communities. However, according to tradition though they perform all

the surface functions of adulthood - growth, reproductionm, aging - that

they have not matured enough to step out from the shadow of those who would

baby and tend to them and instead take up the responsibility of guiding and

serve those who might require it indicates an inherent lack of adult spirit.

It is this accepting of Path, the knowledge that with maturity comes

responsibility, which denotes a true nobility of spirit - hence, the Noble

Houses.

Of the Noble Houses

Over all the Houses stand the Shalonost - House Royal. Of all Nobility,

this is the only House one may be a part of from birth as House Royal is the

ancestral ruling line and blessed by Zandreya Herself. They are of the

purest blood and trained from childhood to best tend to the Vallenwoods and

their people. Their lives are dedicated to nurturing the Forest, and are

the living embodiment of Shalonesti values.

On occasion has an heir had to be adopted from outside the direct blood

liniage owing to circumstance - Speakers of the Stars Gavilan and Seraphim -

these were selected for their purity of race and attitude, their mannerisms

and devotion to the Vallenwoods and in the case of Speaker Gavilan, Divine

Writ. These were screened and finally accepted by the Council of Elders -

former Speakers of the Shalonosts - and the incumbent Spekaer within the

opposite number (in these cases, the Speaker of the Moon within the Clan)

and were thus declared Blood Royal. Marriage is the last way to become a

part of House Shalonost, though not all who become consort to a Shalonost

shall be accepted as a part of the True Line. The honour is only bestowed

by the Council of Elders and the incumbent Speakers, and few have recently

been permitted the honour.

House Royal is only one of two Houses who share a common presense in both

Kingdom and Clan this second is the Sha'falas - House Protector. This House

serves as a military defence on both the large scale and the small,

providing a barrier to all who would threaten the Vallenwoods, from the

individual thug and threatening clans, to the large scale invading force.

Adjunct to the Sha'falas - though all walk the adult Path wearing a noble

name may apply, and not simply those who are of Protectors - are the Kyorl -

the Elite Bladesingers. Specialised in the ancient art of the Bladesong,

these are the most devoted and avowed elves within the Vallenwoods, assigned

the divine task of protecting the Shalonosts to the death. Once Kyorl an

elf is no longer permitted to leave the Vallenwoods to live elsewhere

without express permission, for they are sworn to the Forests for life and

beyond, and will be hunted by all other Kyorl for their betrayal if this

trust is broken.

Clan and Kingdom nobility had diverged in rigidity until comparitively

recently while the Clan Houses have existed longer, it was the Kingdom who

maintained the more stringent conditions for House entry for certain of its

Houses. While this has indeed been relaxed in recent times to allow for

more variety within the House structures, though moves to bring this back in

line with older traditions are being mooted, particularly within House

Astral.

The youngest of the Houses, the Sha'qelas - House Naval within the Kingdom

defends the seas. While there are those who believe that this House would

be more rightly administered as a Branch of the Sha'falas as each protects

the Forest in differing ways, there is no denying that this House serves a

most auspicious and important purpose. It also provides an important niche

those cousins borne of the sea may find themselves attracted to - able to

defend Shalonesti within their native environment.

The remaining Houses seem at first quite similar in outlook, though

remembering the disimilarity between Kingdom and Clan goes far in

establishing their differing purposes. Though sisters at heart, the Clan

lives the violent life, attempting to keep from the verges of the Forest the

wandering thugs and the unrestrained clans of marauders and malcontents who

ever threaten those who dwell within the City. The Kingdom is

administrative, nurturing and defending the realm from the larger threats -

famine, disease, invasion. The Kingdom also provides services to the people

in general, whilst the Clan is more suited to protecting concept and

culture.

Sha'tavas - House Astral within the Kingdom exists as a research and

learning group, devoted to the lore of magic in all forms, be it secular or

sacred. Theirs is the path of ministry and assistance through magic,

learning and creating new ways of protecting and defending the Vallenwoods.

In contrast, Sha'evlas - House Guardians celebrates the religion of the

Vallenwoods, worshipping Zandreya primarily in all Her aspects and

developing rites and devotions. Sha'enlas - House Mystics are the devotees

of magic in all Elven forms. Both of these seek the primarily Elven forms

of life, celebrating the elven culture and seeking to keep it pure and

unadulterated from the outside forces which seek to pervade our realm. The

final two Houses stand as two sides to the same coin, each celebrating the

past in their own ways one through the mysteries of history and the

questions it poses, the other through mythology and the legends uniquely

associated with the Vallenwoods. Sha'enras - House Advisor are the

Historical and Diplomatic advisors to the realm, those who seek to learn all

they may of the past and record it for future generations to know and learn

from, so that our glories may be brought to the fore, and our mistakes not

repeated. It is they who seek peace with other kingdoms, seeking to learn

of them and assess threat as well as continue peaceful relationships with

those other powers in the world.

Sha'relas - House Shapers are the ones who interpret and record those myths

and legends which are uniquely Elven, thus retaining our culture and

celebrating our art and thus preserving our core identity.

/------------------------------------------------------------------------------\

| |

| Shalonost (Royal) |

| |

| Sha'enras (Advisors) Sha'falas (Protectors) Sha'relas(Shapers) |

| Sha'tavas (Astral) Sha'evlas(Guardians) |

| Sha'qelas (Naval) Sha'enlas(Mystics) |

| Kyorl (Elite) |

| |

\------------------------------------------------------------------------------/

Traditionally, once a Path (or House) has been chosen, that House is the way

an elf shall continue throughout their lives. However there are those elves

whose Path does change within the course of their lives, and as such

dispensation may be granted so that a Name may be changed. This is most

common with an individual moving from Kingdom to Clan, though at times this

has occured with a single individual. This is applied for to the Senators

of both the House being left and the one being approached, and is a concept

which should not be approached lightly. The ritual of Adulthood is a most

sober and serious thing, and to simply change Names upon a whim is a

discredit to the intent of the Nobility.

Traditionally, one does not have a Voice or representation within the

Vallenwoods if one has not undertaken the Ways of Adulthood and chosen a

Name. These children are considered Nameless, and traditionally are not

permitted to speak in public forums, as they have not understood the

responsibility associated with adulthood and wisdom.

It is not well to choose a Name solely for this reason - the intent of

Nobility is to show a spiritual desire to assist others, to bring depth and

meaning to the Forests, to show a deeper committment to being an Elf and a

part of this world. To do this for purely personal gain sullies the purpose

of Nobility.

A Nobility may also be granted in those rare instances where a visiting

(elven) dignitary such as an Ambassador requires a voice to be heard within

the Kingdom.

Respect and Ranking

All who follow the values and traditions of the elves are worthy of respect.

All with true elven blood in their veins are capable of gaining this

respect, for they are already a part of the Elven Family - they simply must

conduct themselves as one.

A part of respect is in the ranking within Houses. Nameless children do not

receive ranking it is a part of becoming a Named personage, of daring to

take the walk into Adulthood.

Each House has their own ranks to denote the status of individuals within

the Houses and how much work they have indeed put into bettering themselves

through training in their Path and to serve the Vallenwoods. The greater

the service, the higher the ranking, which is as it should be. Power is but

an abstract concept, and those who have held it and used it properly are

sharply aware of how much of a burden it truly is. The higher the ranking

within a House, the more of this burden they must shoulder, and thus it is

well to honour the rank of the person, even if the individual may not

personally seem worthy of respect.

It would be folly to list all ranks within each House at this time as they

are in a time of flux, however to all Houses save that of House Royal stand

these certain common rankings:

Regent - Generally a leader of a Branch within a House, and usually taken

from the upper echelons. A proven member of the House, and now trusted to

be a part of the Senate as a lesser member. Within the Sha'qelas, these are

the Captains of a ship.

Senator - The leader of the House in its entirity. Often has served as a

Regent of the House beforehand, though this is not always the case. Only

those of pure Shalonesti Blood are permitted to take this exalted position

within the Senate this having been tradition, though has only recently been

policed. Prior problems regarding non Shalonesti Senators have prompted

this change to elder ways, as it is believed the purity of race allows a

Shalonesti to better cope with responsibility. The following rankings are

also noted:

Lady/Lord - Those Senators who have served with honour and distinction,

retiring from their positions and often withdrawing from the public eye, are

granted this title in recognition and thanks for their prior service. There

have also been times where the Consort of a Speaker (Queen Delphine) has

been granted this title upon their retirement, though in later days this

would have been changed to the Elder rank.

Elder - Those Speakers and their Consorts who retire from their positions

are thanked for their time and service by being granted the Elder title, and

take their positions upon the Council of Elders - the Wise Ones of the

Vallenwoods. These personages are the ones who shall decide the suitability

of prospective marriages into the Shalonost, and ultimately are the ones

(with the current Speakers) to determine who shall become the next Heir to

the Tower of the Moon and Circle of the Stars.

Songkeeper - The leader of the Kyorl within the Kingdom or Clan. It is to

the Songkeeper that part of the application to become Kyorl is made it is to

the Songkeeper the burden of administration and calling a Hunt falls.

Quarlani - The Elder leader of the Kyorl, and one who embodies the spirit

and values of the Kyorl best, being implacatable and relentless in their

loyalty to the protection of the Shalonost and thus the Vallenwood.

Speaker of the Moon/Stars - Preeminent within the realms, these are the

leaders of Clan and Kingdom respectively. Giving their lives to the

Vallenwoods, they tend the Forests from their thrones and are the living

embodiment of Shalonesti. The spouses of the Speakers of the Stars are

commonly refered to as "King or Queen", however they are collectively known

as "Consorts", and are to be given as much respect as their betrothed.

Colloquially the Speaker of the Stars too is refered to as King or Queen,

gender dependant.

Marriage and Mating

Marriage in these days has become somewhat different to the original

Lifebond forged in elder times, influenced perhaps by the outside stimuli

provided by races other than elves. Marriage is still a committment between

two people who love each other very much, who each decide to apportion

either their entire lives to one another or a good portion of it. However

in these later days it is not always a linking until beyond death marriages

may be annulled and further marriage may be sought with another, if each

deem it this way. This being said, marriage is still a most sacred

institution, whether the Lifebond is invoked or not. Though many now seek

the more human style ceremonies, there are those who still seek the customs

of their own race and tattoo one another - in the case of certain tribes of

wild elves - or trade lifeblood, or indeed handfast. Each of these are done

in the presence of a Priest, and vows are usually exchanged expressing one's

desire to remain with their chosen beloved along with a token or symbol.

Marriage is the ultimate symbol of wishing to remain with another for life -

at worst long enough to parent offspring at best, remaining throughout life

together until death.

Traditionally, marriage began with the first intimate or sexual contact -

the reasoning being that if a child was perhaps conceived then it would have

the benefit of both parents. However this was proved unworkable in times of

rape and other certain troubles which abounded with unhappily linked young

elves tied together owing to a moment of passion unchecked by wisdom. These

days it is the mutual agreement for a pair to link in public for all to

know, and to stand before the Gods and state that for this time they shall

be together and shall have no other.

The Lifebond

Once, the tradition was to link until beyond death - to promise to be true

to one another until the afterlife and to take no other, even if one has

died and the other remains.

This, the Joining or Lifebond, has fallen out of favour as the concept of

remaining true beyond death is one which palls many will we not be lonely if

our partners die and we remain. Will they not be lonely if we die and leave

them alone? It is a most deep connection with our other, and the Lifebond

is a committment made to one another and to the Gods. Where a Lifebond has

been made, it is most impolite of another to attempt to break one out of it,

or to talk one from it, as it is impossible to break if one has been made

and one partner no longer lives to counter it.

Behaviour as a Good Partner

This is quite difficult to quantify, however a traditionally good spouse is

dutiful and loving, will listen to a partner's troubles and offer solutions

and sympathy where it is needed. One tries not to 'nag' or berate one's

partner, and offers protection and defence from the outside world.

A good partnership is one where two may trust one another, and never be

unfaithful. Love is a flame which must be stoked and rekindled often, and

the fires must be tended, and eased with loving words and romantic gestures.

Time together is important, and while not manditory a common interest is

also a good notion to share between each other. Time apart is also

important - in the best of cirumstances, hundreds of years shall be shared

by the elven couple, and new experiences which might be had and shared with

a partner shall do much to keep interest alive.

Listen to each other - that is the only way to learn of each others' needs.

Learn about one another - that is the best way to keep the love alive.

Love one another - and all may be forgiven.

Elves are passionate and loving by nature, life preserving and nurturing.

Marriage is the greatest celebration of this, and thus Marriage is one of

the Elves' most sacred institutions.

Zandreya and the Forest

This was originally written as a lesson to the Vallenwoods. If the reader

would forgive the lack of proper scholarly form and accept the first person

in parts of this essay, it shall be entered in its entirity within this

tome.

It has come to my attention that perhaps a lesson is required regarding the

meaning of the Forests. Indeed, why do we, the elves of high distinction

live here, when there is an entire world with other forests to settle

within. Why do we hold such esteem for this forest?

When I hear that there are those elves within our realm who describe our

sacred home as "nothing but trees", it is a matter of concern for me and I

know it would equally be for others, for have we indeed come so far from our

tradition that we no longer know the import of our own sacred home?

There are others much more versed in Zandreyan Lore than I, and please

forgive me if I do indeed make mistakes. However I do feel compelled to

share that which I know, and feel instinctively - being a Druidess trained -

regarding our home.

The Forest is alive, and if we but hold, and still our thoughts for a

moment, we may hear the ever present whisperings and feel the very life

which is the Blessing of Zandreya given to us to protect and nurture. It is

not "just trees", it is a living, breathing thing, a thing which protects us

even as we protect it.

Zandreya held this place to be blessed above all others, and we, Her

Children, were placed in trust of it. We are caretakers and forever in

synchronisation with the forest. We are of it as much as it is a part of

us. If it ceases to be, it may well be that we too shall fall.

The next time it is felt that perhaps we are only looking after trees,

remember that we are the representatives of Zandreya here, we are Her

Chosen, and She has placed this Holy Trust upon us, for She loves this

living entity more than any other place She has wrought. It is a part of

us, and through looking after it, we equally look after ourselves.

We are blessed by the Forest - it is not "only trees".

Just hold a moment, and still your thoughts, and listen to what the forest

has to tell you. With silence and meditation, perhaps then one may see the

Forest, and not just trees.

The Coven

(

) )

______(____

(___________)

/ \

/ The \

| Coven |

____\ /____

()____'.__ __.'____()

.'` .'```'. `'.

().'` `'.()

By K'atylyn Aiunoqil

Noble House of the Sha'enlas

Contents-

History of the Coven and Witchcraft.........................

Introduction to the Coven....................................4

The Coven- Map 1.............................................5

Realm of Wood................................................7

Hall of Journeys.............................................8

Realm of Earth...............................................9

Familiar Pens................................................10

Realm of Fire................................................11

Realm of Air.................................................12

The Lily Pads and Realm of Water.............................13

The Inner Circle.............................................14

Summary......................................................15

History of the Coven and Witchcraft-

I chose to research and study the Coven and the magic surrounding it for

while it is an area of magic that is allowed within the Vallen, it is not

one permissible for study by the Shalonesti elves. The formation of the

Coven and similarly, the order of witchcraft is one that is debated to this

day, the Coven itself being a small group of users who had bound themselves

together, making a pact among themselves to protect their art and each

other. The art of witchcraft differs slightly in that it was those of the

Coven and only their descendants that were taught this magic, developed and

shaped it. As the years advanced, the secrets of the Coven became more

public as the order grew in size and people learned of its magic. Again, it

is debated that at this time as their discovery because more widely known

that the leaders of the Coven decided to broaden their impact upon Algoron

to become the leaders of the guilds you see today in order to teach others

and further their following.

Many belief that this manipulation of the darker arts is one of Drakkara's

doing, the Goddess being popularly known as the Mistress of Dark Magic.

Necrucifer's wife and one of the Dark Pantheon, her magic draws strength

from the Black moon, casting a long shadow upon those that follow the light.

It is further said that those of her faithful are the ones who best wield

these powers. Others will argue that this secret magic is not her work but

rather one that was discovered by an occult group and in turn has been

passed down through the ages. Whichever reason, true born elves are

forbidden to learn this black magic and the Knights of Gareth will allow

none who know its secrets within their walls. Some will argue that we are

not permitted its learning because Drakkara gave it birth and saw to its

cultivation. Others will say it is that our elders are afraid of what they

cannot grasp. Leading toward the former rather then the latter reason, know

only that this 'magic' is thievery at its best.

This is no true form of magic, rather one that has been studied and

manipulated through trial and time, one that has been able to duplicated and

stolen from better mages throughout Algoron. With their black cauldrons,

they break the boundaries of magic and manipulate it as they can, toiling

for hours on end to produce a gourds that may or may not serve them as they

need, dependant as the are on the whimsy of their cauldron and the shelf

life of a gourd. With their black arts, they are able to call familiars to

their side, black cats and ravens alike and even take the shape of their

familiars and walk the lands. Due to much inconsistency in the brewing

process, the witch has a few spells that they possess that follow the same

magical properties as other mages and one very powerful spell that they are

able to call their own, the spell of silence. Their ability to freeze ones

vocal cords in battle can be detrimental to an unsuspecting victim as they

can not speak to sound alarm or even to cast a spell. Though it is a

commanding spell, the witch has little else in their cache of spells beyond

that of your basic mage. With this as well as with the unknown creations

through their brewing process, the witch has taken a preference to using

stakes in battle, tossing them with deadly efficiency.

The remaining pages studies the Coven as it stands today more in depth,

outlining the terrain and revealing its secrets.

-Page 3-

Introduction to the Coven-

The Coven as it stands now is an area of extremely powerful magic in

which the art of witchcraft is studied and perfected by the master

witches and warlocks of the dark art. The ties of magic here are

strong as it draws power from the four base elements of Algoron- wind,

water, earth and fire before converging together in one final test of

magic. It is here that a studying witch or warlock may walk freely

among the masters without fear of delay or reprecussions of assault

whereas one that does not study the black magic will find themselves

unwelcome and walks the halls with constant risk of lurking danger.

Within the walls of the Coven, one is able to see first hand the true

power of witchcraft, in all its many forms and for those more daring,

the true tests of power.

Please note that as you read further, many maps have been placed

within as reference. The compass below represents the directions as

provided on the following contained maps.

N

|

NW | NE / /

\|/ up down

W ------*------ E / /

/|\

SW | SE

|

S

-Page 4-

The Coven- Base Map of Area-

This map signifies the main halls of the Coven. As the area itself is

large and sprawling, I have condensed it into a series of smaller maps,

noting each area fully off this main map. It should be further noted

that there are two ways to gain entrance into the Coven- the simplest and

if one is able, would be to create a magical gate to the vender

Guttentang, placing you directly within the walls. The second way, is

simply to walk there. The way that one chooses to enter is completely

up to the decision of the explorer and both ways have been clearly

marked on the map.

(Map 1)

Room of the Mystic

(Fortune Teller)

|

|

|

Darker Hallway ----- Darker Hallway

(Tarot Cards) Inside the Fog

| /

| Realm of Fire Familiar Pens /

| | / /

| | / Inside

| Main Main Main the

| Hallway ------- Hallway ------- Hallway Coven

| / \ /

| / \ /

| / \ /

Main Main

Hallway Hallway

| |

| |

| |

Realm Main Main Realm

of ----- Hallway Hallway ----- of

Air | | Earth

| |

| |

Main Main Hall

Hallway Hallway ----- of

/ \ / Journeys

/ \ /

/ \ /

Lily Pads Main Main Main

Hallway ------- Hallway ------- Hallway

/ (Guardian) \

/ | \

/ | \

Realm of Water | Realm of wood

A Passageway

|

|

|

A Passageway

|

|

|

Telula's Prized ----- A Passageway ----- Guttentang's

Pantry Mystic Realm

-Page 5-

Guttentang's Mystic Realm-

Here you can find a various assortment of potions, scrolls and such for

purchase should one wish to make one. While Guttentang is well known

for his wooden wands of elm that is popular with those wishing to bless

themselves, he also sells other such magic concoctions as well as always

having an unlimited supply of wooden stakes on hand. A complete inventory

of his wares are listed below:

Potion of Ease- able to cure various diseases, poisons and curse.

Scroll of Trouble- able to cast the spells of blindness, faerie

fire and curse

Scroll of heat and fire- able to cast the spells on faerie fire, fireball

and flamestrike

Wand of Elm Wood- able to bless

Iron Staff- able to dispel magic

Wooden Stake

Telula's Prized Pantry-

Here should one find themselves in need of food or drink, Telula will

willing provide you with what you need to satisfy your appetite, for a

price. Her wares include such items as spring water, ginger-bread cookies

veal sandwiches, pickled gizzard and gruel. She will also provide you

with some of her homebrew though beware, it packs a punch.

Tarot Cards and Fortune Teller-

From the young gypsy girl one can buy tickets and have your fortune read

from the old Mystic. There are three different types of reading that one

can choose from- a tea leaf reading, a bone reading and a tarot reading,

all varying in price.

The Guardian-

This is the first of the five guardians that stand ready to test your

understanding and proficiency of all that is learned within the Coven.

If you choose to accept his test, there is no turning back unless you

proceed on to the final test and are successful or pray to your deity

and return home in defeat. This first test is one shows your ability in

conquering the elements of fire.

-Page 6-

Realm of Wood-

The Host of Wood is an elf guardian that holds a vallenwood staff with

a sharpened tip in her hands. She is the easiest of all Hosts as you

only need to obtain the staff and does not test you with the elements.

The Host Main

of Wood Hallway

/ \

up \

/ \

Realm Realm

of Wood of wood

| |

| |

| |

Realm Realm

of Wood ---------- of Wood

-Page 7-

The Hall of Journeys-

Each section of hallway conveys such tremendous magical intensity as to

create a swirling vortex powerful enough to portal you through to various

areas in and around Algoron. Each portal has magical properties such that

it outlines it in color, clearly distinguishing it from others and as such,

this has been reflected on the map herein.

(1) Yellow Portal- Volcano Island

(2) Blue Portal- Before the Spire

(3) Red Portal- Arkane Town Center

(4) Green Portal- Shalonesti Forest

(5) Black Portal- Sewer Beneath Althainia

(6) White Portal- Enchanted Forest

Main Hall of

Hallway ----- Journeys

(1)(2)

|

|

|

Hall of Hall of

Journeys ----- Journeys

(5)(6) (3)(4)

-Page 8-

Realm of Earth-

The Host of Earth is a deep gnome guardian that holds the key to unlock a

hole in the Earth. First one must get past the crystalline golem whose

sheer size is formidable and guards the hole in which one must decend

into in order to challenge the Host and obtain the key. It is this key

that one must gain in order to access the opening to the Elemental Plane

of Earth. In addition to the granite key, the deep gnome guardian also

holds in his possession a a crystal encrusted flail. Receiving the tw

keys are only part of this test for then you must slide through quicksand

to advance into the Elemental Planes of Earth and be tested by a mass of

rock, the Elemental itself. Upon meeting with success, the Elemental will

give you a huge stone, one of which is needed to advance fully within the

Inner Circle to meet with the Master of the Coven.

1. a sliver of rock

Made of stone, this dark key is held by the crystalline golem that

guards the opening to the Host of Earth.

2. a chunk of granite

Made of stone, this glowing key has a magic aura surrounding it and is

held by the Host of Earth, opening the hole into the Elemental Plane

of Earth.

3. an obsidian gemstone

Made of obsidian, this gemstone works in two separate ways. If one

does not seek its use to gain entrance into the Master's circle, than

one may wield it as a staff and use it to brandish enemies with its

cursing power.

The Elemental

Plane of Earth

/

down

/

Host of

Earth

/

down

Chamber of /

Crystals

|

|

|

Main Realm of Realm of Realm of

Hallway ----- Earth ----- Earth ----- Earth

|

|

|

Realm of

Earth

-Page 9-

Familiar Pens-

This is one area that is truly dangerous area for any to enter whether you

be a witch, warlock or another that does not practice the dark art of

witchcraft. The familiars caged within are able to sense your presense

even should one try to mask themelves and will aggressively attack any who

enter their domain. To protect you, the familiars are kept under lock

and key and are looked after by the familiar keeper who is the soul holder

of the key to the pens.

Familiar Familiar

Pens -------- Pens

(ravens) / |

/ |

/ |

/ |

/ Familiar

/ Pens

Main (cats)

Hallway

-Page 10-

Realm of Fire-

The Host of Fire is a minotaur guardian that holds the key to the hearth.

First one must challenge the Host and obtain the key in order to gain

access to the hearth thus opening the doorway to the Elemental Plane of

Fire. In addition to the key, the minotaur guardian also holds in his

possession a set of armored sleeves. Receiving the key is only part of

this test for then you must advance into the Elemental Planes of Fire and

be tested by a great wall of fire, the Elemental itself. Upon meeting

with success, the Elemental will give you a huge stone, one of which is

needed to advance fully within the Inner Circle to meet with the Master of

the Coven.

1. a hot iron poker

Made of iron, this glowing key has a magic aura surrounding it and is

held by the Host of Fire, opening the hole into the Elemental Plane of

Fire.

2. a huge red ruby gemstone

Made of corundum, this gemstone works in two separate ways. If one

does not seek its use to gain entrance into the Master's circle, than

one may wield it as a staff and use it to brandish enemies with its

firestorm power.

The Elemental

Thick Wall Plane of Fire

of Fog /

(no re-entry up

south) /

| Host

| of Fire

| /

| up

Realm of /

Fire

|

|

|

Realm of Realm of Realm of

Fire ----- Fire ----- Fire

|

|

|

Realm of

Fire

|

|

|

Main

Hallway

-Page 11-

Realm of Air-

The Host of Air is a human guardian that holds the key to air above.

First, one must have the ability of flight in order enter this realm and

challenge the Host. Success gains you the key, which grants access to the

clouds thus opening the doorway to the Elemental Plane of Air. In addition

to the key, the human guardian also holds in his possession a blinding ball

of brillance. Receiving the key is only part of this test for then you

must advance into the Elemental Planes of Air and be tested by a great

vortex of air, the Elemental itself. Upon meeting with success, the

Elemental will give you a huge stone, one of which is needed to advance

fully within the Inner Circle to meet with the Master of the Coven.

1. a floating key

Made of air, this glowing key has a magic aura surrounding it and is

held by the Host of Air, opening the hole into the Elemental Plane of

Air.

2. a large, perfect crystal of quartz

Made of quartz, this gemstone works in two separate ways. If one

does not seek its use to gain entrance into the Master's circle, than

one may wield it as a staff and use it to brandish enemies with its

tornadoing power.

Elemental

Plane of Air

/

up

/

Host Realm

of Air of Air

/ |

/ |

/ |

Cliff Realm Realm Main

Face ------- of Air ----- of Air ----- Hallway

|

|

|

Realm

of Air

-Page 12-

The Lily Pads and Realm of Water-

The Host of Water is a sea elf guardian that holds the key to the lagoon

above. First, one must have the ability to breath underwater in order enter

this realm and challenge the Host. Success gains you the key, which grants

access to the lagoon thus opening the doorway to the Elemental Plane of

Water. In addition to the key, the sea elf guardian also holds in his

possession the tongue of a sea-beast. Receiving the key is only part of

this test for then you must advance into the Elemental Planes of Water and

be tested by a great surging tide of water, the Elemental itself. Upon

meeting with success, the Elemental will give you a huge stone, one of

which is needed to advance fully within the Inner Circle to meet with the

Master of the Coven. Also, a small patch of lily pads surrounds this

area and has been duly noted.

1. an aquamarine key

Made of crystal, this glowing key has a magic aura surrounding it

and is held by the Host of Water, opening the hole into the Elemental

Plane of Water.

2. a brilliant sapphire of huge proportions

Made of corundum, this gemstone works in two separate ways. If one

does not seek its use to gain entrance into the Master's circle, than

one may wield it as a staff and use it to brandish enemies with its

blizzarding power.

Main

Hallway

/ \

Lily / \

Pads / \

| / \ Elemental

| / \ Plane of Water

Lily Lily \ /

Pads ---- Pads \ down

\ /

Main Host

Hallway of Water

/ /

/ down

/ /

Realm Realm

of Water of Water

| |

| |

| |

Realm Realm

of Water ----- of Water

| (sea creature)

|

|

Realm

of Water

-Page 13-

Inner Circle-

To gain entrance into the inner circle means that one must first have met

and conquered each test of the Elements. Only those that meet with

succes are given the keys and the stones that enables one to breech the

wall surrounding the Master of the Coven and confront him for one final

test. Each guardian, in turn, will ask for an item showing proof that an

area of the Coven has been mastered beginning with fire. Only after

subsequent proof has been provided to him will the door open, allowing you

to pass on to the next guardian, the same conditions needing to be met as

before. Finally, when all guardians have been shown your worth and are

appeased of your skills, will the final door open bringing you face to

face with the Master himself.

Platform

/

/

/

Spiral

Inner Staircase

Circle ----- Circle (Guardian)

| (Guardian) /

| | up

| | /

| | Convergance

Inner Inner of Energy

Circle Circle /

(Guardian) | /

(up) | up

| /

| Inner

Inner Inner Inner Circle

Circle ----- Circle ----- Circle (up)

(Guardian)

|

|

|

Main

Summary-

There are a few items that are obtainable here that I have failed to

mention thus far and are found scattered through the Coven and listed

below.

Found Items-

a hardwood staff

a leathery whip

a staff of the paradox

a sturdy chain of metal

a ring of the Coven

~*~Written in ink, this 2nd day of May, 2007 by the old calendar~*~

-Page 15-