Encyclopedia Ermariana - User contributions [en]

Talk:Teleportation

2008-01-26T22:39:08Z

Rakshasi2: Two questions

== Novah Coordinates ==
: It is thought that the coordinates are [[Vahnatai]] in origin, since some resemble words in [[Novah]].

I looked them up, and less than a third of the coordinates are the same as or similar to words in Novah. However, they all look just like the four-part password the Empire used to guard the last remaining exit to the surface, suggesting a much more common magi-related origin. In any case, the Novah origin seems questionable enough to move it to the talk page, so here it is. --- [[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 03:42, 2 February 2006 (CST)

== Two Questions==
Isn't the [[Onyx scepter]] capable of closing unfinished portals? Also, what about the [[Mass teleporter]] the Empire was building? Are those two subjects inappropriate for the general nature of the article, or is it just that no one has gotten around to adding information on them yet?

Scimitar

2008-01-26T22:31:10Z

Rakshasi2: Added info about Empire caches, Thompson

The Scimitar was an organization present throughout [[Avernum]] dedicated to fighting the [[Empire]]. In the years before the [[Empire-Avernum War]], the Scimitar found and killed Empire spies and assassins. A man known only as '[[Scab]]' was thought to be a high-ranking member, and reports of a female leader named [[Rogow]] were also common. The Scimitar played a large role in finding passages to the [[surface]] in the early days of [[Avernum]], although all have since been blocked off. It has been said that members of the Scimitar compared themselves to [[Icarus]], saying that they would do anything to be close to the sun again. After [[Hawthorne III]] was assassinated, the Scimitar began to work for the [[Crown]], doing special missions and fighting the Empire more openly. Agents of the Scimitar were particularly concerned with finding and destroying [[Empire caches]]. The Scimitar also protected the [[teleportation]] expert [[Thompson]]. In 829 [[IE]], the Scimitar became an official branch of the Kingdom of Avernum, under the name [[Unspecified Services]].

[[Category:Avernum]]
[[Category:Organizations]]
{{stub}}

Mercenaries

2008-01-26T22:23:25Z

Rakshasi2: There's definitely something to be said here

'''Mercenaries''' are warriors who fight for a commission.

In the Empire, mercenaries were traditionally scorned both because they forsook service to their country as [[soldiers]] in the [[Imperial Army]] and because their sale of loyalty to the highest bidder often left them at odds with the local authorities. However, Imperial bureaucrats were known to employ mercenaries and treat them as expendable. The logic behind this was that mercenaries would either die on a mission or complete a mission, either of which would have been a positive result for the [[Empire]]. This did not stop the Empire from [[exile|exiling]] or executing some mercenaries.

In the [[Kingdom of Avernum]], on the other hand, mercenaries made up a much larger part of the population. Similarly, the [[Abyss]] contained many of the more dangerous people of the caves. In the significantly more difficult life underground, versatile and capable people such as mercenaries became integral. Jobs such as protecting merchant caravans and powerful civilians often fell to mercenaries.

Mercenaries can demand wages on par with or higher than those of soldiers, depending on their reputation. Most mercenaries are organized into troupes, granting better protection and offensive power and also making their strength appear more formidable. A [[mage]] who travels with mercenaries or who believes in the mercenary ideology of selling loyalty may be called a "rogue mage". Mercenaries are distinguished from [[bandits]] in that bandits are recognized as criminals in most states, whereas mercenaries are sometimes tolerated. Bandits also display a blatant disregard for the sovereignty of the state they inhabit, while mercenaries are more likely to obey the law.
[[Category:Persons]]

Talk:Demons

2007-10-27T15:59:05Z

Rakshasi2: Re: popularity, Google

== Sastor's Dome? ==

Where did that come from? Is it already invented somewhere, or spontaneous inspiration? [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 15:55, 25 January 2006 (CST)

:Sastor's Dome is in Exile II, and part of a colony of imps (you find it by an imp smithy). --[[User:Drakefyre|Drakey]]

::Ah, okay. I think I also remember a demon colony north of the Vahnatai Lands in Avernum II, with some kind of bedroom that killed you if you were foolish enough to sleep. I'm not sure if that's the same though. [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 16:05, 25 January 2006 (CST)

:::That's the one. It had a number of tricks like that. It was also called the "Lava Dome" and IIRC that was where you found the Mica Tome from which Rentar-Ihrno taught you Quickfire. ---[[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 17:09, 25 January 2006 (CST)

== Popularity ==

It seems this article is simply ''raking in'' the Google hits. If we were incorporated, the shareholders would by now be forcing us to rename EE to the Encyclopedia Inferna, heavily pepper it with ads, and fill it with contents about demons - all for the profit.

25 Oct, Thu, 19:45:12 Google: powerful demons
25 Oct, Thu, 22:38:40 Google: powerful demons
26 Oct, Fri, 01:33:26 Google: elemental forces spell
26 Oct, Fri, 01:47:54 Google: Math OAT adjacent
26 Oct, Fri, 03:51:12 Google: the most powerful demons
26 Oct, Fri, 04:33:40 Google: Types of demons
26 Oct, Fri, 06:03:34 Yahoo: types of demons and their powers
26 Oct, Fri, 06:15:35 Google: types of demons

-- [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 22:44, 25 October 2007 (PDT)
:That's very interesting. I also noticed that Google often returns a Wikipedia page when I'm looking up a technical term. Is it possible that Google increases a page's rank because it is on a wiki? --[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 08:59, 27 October 2007 (PDT)

Tower of Shifting Floors

2007-04-17T01:26:57Z

Rakshasi2: article change

The [[Tower of Shifting Floors]] was the name given to a [[golem]] factory by the [[Surface Explorers]], after its confusing design and treacherous conveyor belts.

{{stub}}

[[Category:Dungeons]]
[[Category:Geography]]

Bandits

2006-10-30T01:42:21Z

Rakshasi2: Adding a bit I remembered

Bandits are violent criminals who commonly attempt to waylay travelers in the more wild regions of the [[Surface]] and [[Avernum]]. Bandits typically live in communities, although the communities themselves may be completely unrelated and uncooperative with each other. Bandit communities are generally led by the most clever or strong bandit.

Many different types of bandit exist. Some may sell their abilities for a price, serving as pseudo-[[mercenaries]] to their employer. Others may specifically target [[merchant caravans]] and steal their goods. Finally, some bandits opt to live a more predictable life of smuggling. [[Smugglers]] generally work together for protection, and commonly live in the midst of large [[towns]] or other busy areas. Most bandits engage in all of these actions as the opportunities present themselves.
==In the Empire==
The Empire's stance on banditry was previously to [[Exile]] all caught bandits, but of late all bandits have been executed instead. However, the Empire's many laws and thinly spread enforcers make banditry a profitable if immoral and dangerous occupation.
==In Avernum==
Because of the Empire's Exiling of many bandits, Avernum has no shortage of bandits. Some decide to give up their life of crime, but more often they do not. When a person is discovered to be a bandit, they are sent into [[The Abyss]], Avernum's solution to the problem of rampant psychopaths among it's population. Apart from The Abyss, minor but prolific bandit clans can be found in the [[Northeastern Exile]] region.

If a bandit manages to survive in Avernum proper for any time, most will eventually join up with a larger group of bandits. Typically, a single group of bandits controls a small and easily-defended structure, from which they can flaunt their freedom to the [[Kingdom of Avernum]]. Bandits may also live with [[nephilim]] tribes which are hostile to most humans. The bandit-[[mage]] [[Anastasia]] lived as bandit with a tribe of nephilim.
[[Category:Organizations]][[Category:Persons]]

Cult of the Sacred Item

2006-10-30T01:36:56Z

Rakshasi2: Turning "bandit" text into link to article

{{religion|name=Cult of the Sacred Item|leader=''Unknown''|central_tenet=Acquisition of [[Magical]] [[Artifacts]]|founded=''Unknown''|place=[[Exile]]}}

== Summary ==

The Cult of the Sacred Item is a minor, radical [[religion]] that worships [[magical]] [[artifacts]] as divine gifts. Seeking to "purify" and protect these gifts from mundane influences, they have made it their holy objective to acquire as many such items as possible, usually through outright theft. The sect is thus usually counted among the more eccentric [[bandits|bandit]] organizations.

== Significance ==

The Cult has a low profile as far as criminal groups go, mainly because of its very specific targets. However, the Cult gained notoriety in 833 IE for stealing one of the more famous artifacts held by the Kingdom of [[Avernum]]: The [[Orb of Thralni]].

== History ==

The founding date of the Cult is unknown, because it has never kept annals. Some suggest that it cannot have been more than a few years old, since it had acquired only a relatively small stash of items.

The Cult's first theft was likely the [[Wand of Unusual Results]], a prototype created by [[X]] of the [[Triad]] some years earlier. The wand was not of considerable value, especially because of the highly unpredictable results of its use; its protections were relatively minor. The wand turned up missing during a routine inventory check in the [[Tower of Magi]], and it was widely believed it had either been misplaced or accidentally disintegrated while being used. It was only years later that the thieves were discovered.

The theft of the [[Orb of Thralni]] must have been planned for a long time, for it was executed with uncharacteristic precision and skill. The orb had been moved to Fort Emergence as the early construction of the fortress was made considerably easier through the use of flight magic. Several months after construction had finished, the thieves used a portal to teleport into the chamber where the orb was kept (which was unguarded against such spells) snatched it and managed to teleport back - although one thief apparently was unable to teleport, resulting in his death when the alarm was rung.

However, the thieves had not taken into account the huge [[teleportation|portal]] that now connected [[Exile]] to [[Upper Exile]]. Due to the nature of teleportation spells, any jump affects nearby objects such as portals: [[Seles]], undoubtedly the most skilled teleportation expert of [[Avernum]], was able to analyze the pattern changes in the portal to Exile, and adjust its settings to trace the destination of the thieves.

The [[Surface Explorers]] were able to follow the Cult members through this portal, and retake control of the Orb along with several other artifacts that the Cult had acquired, such as the wand of unusual results.

The explorers reported that the Cult's level of technology was abysmally primitive, which makes it all the more miraculous that the Orb's theft was orchestrated so successfully. The portal, it appears, was tremendously unstable, and had sent at least one cultist member to her death. Nevertheless, the Cult had apparently had high ambitions for the future: Reports stated that chests had been prepared for other items that had yet to be acquired, among them [[Demonslayer]].

Although the explorers reported crippling casualties to the Cult, it is not known for sure whether it was in fact eradicated in the retrieval of the Orb of Thralni. The survivors might have rebuilt their headquarters, but so far, the Cult has not struck again.

[[Category:Avernum]]

Anastasia

2006-10-30T01:35:24Z

Rakshasi2: Turning "bandit" text into link to article

''Note: This entry refers to the mage and lich. For the armor merchant, see [[Anastasia (Silvar)]].''

[[Anastasia]] was an appreciably talented [[humans|human]] [[mages|mage]] with a spirit for violence and control, who became the leader of a group of [[Nephilim]] [[bandits]] on the [[surface]]. Her band was captured by the [[Empire]] and [[exiled]].

==In Exile==
They ended up joining forces with the tribe of Nephilim who built the [[Nephilim Castle]] southwest of [[Formello]]. Anastasia, who had consorted with Nephilim for many years, managed to attain a position of great influence within the tribe. She was rewarded handsomely for the use of her [[magic]]al powers. However, she continued to lead her own warriors, and was not fully integrated into the tribe's hierarchy.

Having spent most of her life surrounded by Nephilim, Anastasia sometimes longed for human company. For several years, she convinced the tribe to keep a human prisoner named Renee Kneedler alive so that she could have her way with him.

Around 816 [[IE]], Anastia's warriors raided Formello and made away with the powerful [[gold necklace]] kept by its mayor. The [[priests]] of the castle, led by Thinshadow, seized the necklace, and Anastasia began a bitter political struggle with them over its custody. This struggle ended in 817 [[IE]] when [[Hawthorne's Assassins]] demolished the castle, killing Anastasia as well as most of the Nephilim in their search for the necklace.

==As a Lich==
Several years later, an [[undead]]-worshipping cult took up residence in the castle. Although they mostly created [[zombies]] and [[skeletons]] and were dispatched by adventurers in 823 [[IE]], they did manage to animate Anastasia as a [[liches|lich]]. Anastasia spent several decades in hiding, increasing her power and studying bizarre rituals. After the [[dragons|dragon]] [[Khoth]] left his lair to go to the surface, she took up residence there.

Around 853 [[IE]], she was hired by [[Rentar-Ihrno]] to create the tentacled [[sea monsters]] that plagued [[Avernum]]. This was her final act of banditry, as she was slain by [[adventurers]] in 855 [[IE]].

[[Category:Persons]]
[[Category:Mages]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Undead]]

Bandits

2006-10-30T01:34:02Z

Rakshasi2: EE has been too quiet lately

Bandits are violent criminals who commonly attempt to waylay travelers in the more wild regions of the [[Surface]] and [[Avernum]]. Bandits typically live in communities, although the communities themselves may be completely unrelated and uncooperative with each other. Bandit communities are generally led by the most clever or strong bandit.

Many different types of bandit exist. Some may sell their abilities for a price, serving as pseudo-[[mercenaries]] to their employer. Others may specifically target [[merchant caravans]] and steal their goods. Finally, some bandits opt to live a more predictable life of smuggling. [[Smugglers]] generally work together for protection, and commonly live in the midst of large [[towns]] or other busy areas. Most bandits engage in all of these actions as the opportunities present themselves.
==In the Empire==
The Empire's stance on banditry was previously to [[Exile]] all caught bandits, but of late all bandits have been executed instead. However, the Empire's many laws and thinly spread enforcers make banditry a profitable if immoral and dangerous occupation.
==In Avernum==
Because of the Empire's Exiling of many bandits, Avernum has no shortage of bandits. Some decide to give up their life of crime, but more often they do not. When a person is discovered to be a bandit, they are sent into [[The Abyss]], Avernum's solution to the problem of rampant psychopaths among it's population.

If a bandit manages to survive in Avernum proper for any time, most will eventually join up with a larger group of bandits. Typically, a single group of bandits controls a small and easily-defended structure, from which they can flaunt their freedom to the [[Kingdom of Avernum]]. Bandits may also live with [[nephilim]] tribes which are hostile to most humans. The bandit-[[mage]] [[Anastasia]] lived as bandit with a tribe of nephilim.
[[Category:Organizations]][[Category:Persons]]

Chasm Drake

2006-10-19T22:47:31Z

Rakshasi2: A typo and an inoffensive style standardization

The [[Chasm Drake]] was a powerful, taciturn, belligerent [[drakes|drake]] named for the [[Pit of the Drake]] in which it lived. There, southwest of [[Fort Remote]], the drake amassed a horde of treasure, including the magical weapon [[Smite]]. The drake mostly kept to itself, but roasted anyone who came near it, until it was killed by [[Hawthorne's Assassins]] in 817 [[IE]].

[[Category:Persons]]

Talk:Golems

2006-10-17T04:00:10Z

Rakshasi2: Adding in my opinion

Is there any evidence for the statement about golems never being used in war except by Rentar? Because it sounds extremely unlikely to me. For one thing, given how absurdly widespread golems were in Exile in E2, I find it hard to believe they weren't used in the war effort at all.
--- [[User:Slartucker|Slarty]] 06:01, 15 October 2006 (PDT)
::I think that everyone else only kept them for defense (Motrax, etc.) because the programming of golems would be too unreliable. --[[User:Drakefyre|Drakey]] 15:01, 16 October 2006 (PDT)
:::And they're kind of slow.--[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 21:00, 16 October 2006 (PDT)

Talk:Gorgons

2006-10-14T15:07:55Z

Rakshasi2: Signing

OK, I've been poking around on the net, and there are some contradictions.

In Exile 3, gorgons are giant humanoids that look like efreeti (or big demons) and seem to have no resemblance to either the Greek gorgons (medusa, etc) or the D&D ones (bull-like with clattering hooves). In Exile 3 they breathe sleep clouds.

In Avernum, I haven't seen them. I assume they look similar. I have found claims on the net that they petrify characters, or that they use forcecages. Are either or both of those true? And are the sleep clouds gone?

-- [[User:Slartucker|Slarty]] 06:57, 14 October 2006 (PDT)
: A3 gorgons...
1) Look nothing like Greek gorgons
2) Might possibly be described as being "golem-like" in A3
3) No longer look like blue-tinted giants; they are about the height of a golem and have lines etched into their back
4) Only fire forcecage beams, as far as I know.
--[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 08:07, 14 October 2006 (PDT)

Talk:Gorgons

2006-10-14T15:07:33Z

Rakshasi2: Trying to answer request

First Expedition

2006-10-07T03:56:42Z

Rakshasi2: /* Deeds of the Expedition */Typos

After [[Exile]] was discovered, [[Hawthorne I]] sent down an expedition to explore the caves, clear them of "vermin," and report back about their suitability for settlement and expansion. The expedition was led by a group of five powerful adventurers, each armed with many magical items. The leader of the adventurers was a brutish warrior named [[Karzoth]]. Other prominent members of the First Expedition include his consort [[Mariann]], [[Thralni]], and [[Korthax]].

The expedition was ill-prepared for what they found, however. They recklessly attacked [[demons]], a [[lich]], the [[Lizards#Drakes|drakes]], and the [[Dragon]]s, and they were chased by groups of [[slithzerikai]]. They quarreled with each other, eventually splitting up, and each of the five leaders perished in a different location. The First Expedition was slaughtered to a man and a woman, their equipment scattered throughout Exile.

Because it was such a failure, the [[Empire]] has suppressed most information concerning the Expedition. The information here is what the scholars of [[Avernum]] have been able to reconstruct.

== Deeds of the Expedition ==
The Expedition reached the caves by means of teleportation. They arrived near [[Grahk's peninsula]], between what is now [[Northeastern Exile]] and the [[Northern Waters]]. At some point, the Expedition split up into a number of different groups, using the brooches to stay in contact with each other. When this division happened, and whether it was intentional or brought on by marauding [[slithzerikai]], is unknown.

* One group headed east, and encountered [[Motrax]]. While the dragon received them peacefully, they quickly demanded assistance from him. When he refused, they attacked him, and he slew them (including one of the Expedition's leaders). Motrax took their treasure, including Scrioth.
* A small group (including one of the leaders) attacked the [[GIFTS]]. They were subdued, and webbed into a small chamber, where they died of starvation.
* Another group (including one of the leaders) was slain by [[Pyrog]].
* [[Thralni]], claiming leadership of the entire expedition in Karzoth's absence, led a large force to the [[Waterfall Warrens]], where they were further divided among the rapids and waterfalls. [[Thralni]]'s ship ran aground, probably due to his overzealous faith that his [[Orb of Thralni|orb]] would allow him to escape from any situation. Thralni himself was killed by an explosive trap in a cave he was exploring. Basilisks and other monsters defeated the remainder of his men.
* [[Karzoth]]'s group, beleaguered by the sliths, sought refuge in the [[Crypt of Drath]], where they were attacked by [[undead]] and by [[demons]]. [[Demonslayer]] was broken into three pieces. A ghoul stole away with the tip. Some of the humans took the blade and pommel and struck out to the west. Others headed east, in an attempt to rendez-vous with the group that had found Motrax.
** [[Karzoth]] was blasted by the breath of a [[haakai]] lord, and was forever frozen in stasis. Just where he died is the matter of some debate, but his body ended up in [[Akhronath]], the fortress of the demon lord [[Grah-Hoth]].
** The group with the remains of Demonslayer was set upon by a great force of slithzerikai, [[nepharim]], and undead. A pitched battle took place. The humans were surrounded and outnumbered, but their power was still great, and the battle was long and fierce. The victorious monsters took the remaining pieces of [[Demonslayer]] as trophies, the hilt going to the nepharim, and the blade to the sliths.
** The group that headed east was also pursued by sliths. They eventually found [[Motrax]], and pleaded humbly for his aid, but he threw them out. They attempted to bribe him with a stone key they had stolen from the [[Crypt of Drath]], but he was not interested. With nowhere to turn, they were soon cornered by the sliths, and defeated.
* Yet another group (including a leader) was pursued by hostile sliths. They ended up being chased into the [[Mertis Spiral]], fighting a running battle. When they saw the cause was hopeless, a desperate mage used the last of her energy to put up a magic barrier, keeping the sliths out. But they were not able to remove the barrier, and they all starved to death. The soldiers' spirits terrorized the area until it was finally sanctified by adventurers more than half a century later, in 823 [[IE]].

== Notable equipment brought down by the Expedition ==
* Five magical brooches, one worn by each of the leaders, which allowed them to communicate with the surface
* A [[Royal Seals|Royal Seal of the Empire]] (worn by [[Karzoth]])
* [[Demonslayer]] (wielded by [[Karzoth]])
* [[Smite]]
* The greatsword Scrioth
* The [[Jade Halberd]]
* An undead-slaying spear
* The [[Orb of Thralni]]
* The [[onyx scepter]]
* A [[blessed athame]]
* A [[gold necklace]] that enhanced persuasiveness
* A [[silver circlet]]

Also known as the '''First Visitation'''.

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Avernum]]
[[Category:Empire]]
[[Category:Persons]]
[[Category:Military]]
[[Category:Adventurers]]

Forcecages

2006-10-07T03:50:58Z

Rakshasi2: Typo

An innovative application of [[magic barriers]] developed early this century by [[Empire]] researchers, [[forcecages]] are binding boxes of energy that can trap an entity and prevent it from interacting with the world outside in any way.

Forcecages are virtually impregnable while they last, but they can be broken through if the trapped entity is strong enough. They can sometimes be dispelled by [[piercing crystals]] and by esoteric applications of certain [[magic]]al spells.

[[Category:Magic]]

Talk:Spider

2006-10-04T03:08:38Z

Rakshasi2: Forgot to sign.

On the Isle of Bigail in E/A 3, while following the quest line to find the GIFTR lair, you have to help some warrior GIFTS fight some giant roaches. If you win the battle, the spiders sing songs afterwards while picking up the roach corpses. Which the PCs are able to understand. So Imperial/Ermarian/Human is probably what they speak natively. --[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 20:08, 3 October 2006 (PDT)

Talk:Spider

2006-10-04T03:08:19Z

Rakshasi2: Spider language?

Spider

2006-10-04T03:03:12Z

Rakshasi2: de-adverbized a word, added line about Chief Spider

''Note: This article refers to the naming conventions of [[spiders#Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Spiders|Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Spiders]]. For the entry on the generic arachnid, see [[spiders]].''

All [[spiders#Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Spiders|Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Spiders]] refer to each other and themselves by the name "Spider". It is not quite clear how - if at all - they tell each other apart as individuals. It has been theorized that they have more complex, untranslatable names in their own language, but since no human has learned this language, it is impossibe to confirm.

The leader of a colony is commonly referred to by residents as the "Chief Spider" instead of simply "Spider".

{{stub}}

Living statues

2006-10-01T22:03:41Z

Rakshasi2: Small correction

[[Living statues]] are sentient, or semi-sentient, [[golems]]. They are immobile but are magically imbued with the ability to think, talk, and usually with weak magical ability.

Considered an antiquated form of golem by most [[mages]], they saw widespread use in the early days of [[Avernum]], when the resources needed to create more advanced golems were scarce. Most famously, [[Erika Redmark]] used living statues as spies. [[Dragons]] are fond of living statues, for unknown reasons, and often employ them to help guard their treasure.

[[Category:Bestiary]]
[[Category:Golems]]
[[Category:Magic]]

User:Rakshasi2

2006-10-01T22:00:04Z

Rakshasi2:

I'm retired. You may see me make a correction here or there, but I'm done writing articles.

Plagues

2006-09-14T01:13:40Z

Rakshasi2: Finishing off the basic writing of the plage monster sub-sections.

From 832 [[IE]] to 834 IE, a series of monster plagues roamed [[Valorim]] and wreaked havoc, throwing the continent into disarray and forcing [[Emperor|Empress]] [[Prazac I]] to declare a quarantine. However, a band of adventurers employed by the [[Kingdom of Avernum|Kingdom of Avernum's]] [[Unspecified Services]] were able to defeat the monster plagues and bring peace to Valorim.

The plagues were created by the [[Vahnatai]] in retaliation for the [[Empire]]'s theft of three [[Crystal Souls]] several years earlier. The plagues were [[slimes]], [[cockroaches]], [[troglodytes]], [[giants]], [[golems]], and [[alien beasts]].

==Slimes==
The slimes were arguably the least threatening of the Plagues. They possessed little intelligence or strength. Basic metal armor was able to resist their slime for a moderate period of time. Although deadly against an unprepared [[human]], they were little more than fodder against a city guard or watchful citizen.

The majority of the slimes originated in the [[Slime Pit]], which was nestled in the mountains south of the city of [[Colchis]]. Colchis was destroyed soon afterward, as it was a major target for the slimes.

The [[bandit]]-[[mage]] [[Jordan]] performed experiments on the slimes. He found that the slimes rose up out of crude pools of ooze which could only be destroyed by fire. He stole some of this ooze and used it to create his own slimes. These slimes served him and his brigand allies, moving with their raiding parties while the Krizsan Province was in chaos.

In the Slime Pit, research was also being conducted. The slimes were, apparently of their own will, attempting to fuse with corpses and live creatures. Some were also trying to develop skeletal structures within their own masses. More information on these facts are conflicting, dubious, and generally classified.

The [[Surface Explorers]] journeyed to both Jordan's tower and the Slime Pit. They burned away the spawning pools of the slimes. They also destroyed the apparent leader of the slimes, a towering creature called the [[Alien slime]] which was semi-sentient.

==Cockroaches==
The cockroaches originated in the [[Filth Factory]], a massive building housed in the mountains north of [[Shayder]]. Each roach was at least the size of a large dog. Despite this, they were easily dispatched in battle. The problem they posed was the ease with which they passed on parasites and diseases.

The [[Anama]], which had spread throughout the [[Isle of Bigail]] and was centered in Shayder, was well-suited to deal with disease; their prayers were dedicated to cleansing the world of pain and sickness. However, there were too few [[priests]]; each worked efficiently, but simply too many people contracted diseases and required curing.

The [[Empire]] was also, in its own way, powerless. Most residents of the Isle of Bigail were members of the Anama [[church]] and so were resistant to the idea of officially dividing their loyalties. This led to a sharp decrease in patriotism, which meant that most residents of the Isle, although supposedly loyal to the Empire, did not wish to join the [[Imperial Army|army]] and help defend it.

The [[Surface Explorers]] were able to enter the Filth Factory and destroy the ecosystem within, using a [[Phoenix Egg]]. The Empire forces rallied and wiped out the remaining cockroaches. Most victims of disease eventually recovered.

==Troglodytes==
During the reign of [[Ironclad III]], troglodytes had lived on [[Pralgad]] but eventually were wiped out. The troglodyte race was revived by [[Rentar-Ihrno]] to serve as the plague of [[Karnold Province]].

The troglodyte society was almost entirely built for battle. Most were proficient warriors if not experts, and some were powerful [[spell]]-casters. The troglodyte people were ruled by a martial leader and a spiritual leader, more or less as equals. A council of distinguished veterans also handled lesser affairs and advised the top administrators.

The troglodytes boldly raided many cities and caravans. Some settlements were eventually abandoned because of the great threat that the troglodytes posed. Although some troglodytes farmed, most simply lived off the spoils of their campaigns.

The [[Surface Explorers]] were able to negotiate with the chieftan of the troglodytes; they agreed to kill the spiritual leader of the troglodytes as well as open a route between the giants and troglodytes.

==Giants==
The giants lived in a series of caves quite close to the home of the troglodytes, but the two were separated by a mountain chain. The center of giant territory was in [[Karnold Province]], but they mainly raided the [[Midori Province]]. Their favored weapon was the rock, and they were well-suited for throwing things. They were extremely tall, usually about twice as tall as an average human, and were extremely muscular.

Giants lived in tribes which feuded for more space and power. Some tribes separated themselves depending on which deity they worshiped. However, there was also a religion which most of the giants worshiped; a massive temple was dedicated to the gods of this religion within the giant caverns.

Giants were not known for their intelligence. A few mastered whichever religion they followed and became shamans. Such shamans were able to cast [[spells]] from far away. Most, however, prefered to throw rocks and smash things with their clubs.

The [[Surface Explorers]] entered the giant caverns and took a map which allowed them to find their way to the area between both the giants and troglodytes. Once there the Surface Explorers cleared the way so that the troglodytes and giants could fight with each other.

==Golems==
[[Rentar-Ihrno]] modified the standard model of golems to create animated stone which was specifically designed for attacking, not defense. Golems swiftly moved through the dense forests of [[Monroe Province]], destroying any possible threats they found. Possible threats included the larger woodland animals as well as humans, civilian and [[Imperial Army|Imperial]].

The golems were an extremely powerful force. Some soldiers used [[Skribbane]], a powerful and addictive drug, to temporarily heighten their senses and make them more skilled in combat. Others, living in constant fear of being attacked, used skribbane to escape such fears.

[[General Baziron]] led the fight against the golems in the northern reaches of Monroe Province, but the administration of the province did not approve of his tactical style. They prefered to meet the golems head-on in combat, whereas Baziron preached evasion and ambushes.

The [[Surface Explorers]] fought their way through the [[Tower of Shifting Floors]], which was producing the golems, and destroyed the central intelligence. Without it the golems could not coordinate and were quickly swept away.

==Alien Beasts==
The alien beasts were the most terrifying of the Plagues. They were dark gray monstrosities with six legs, enabling them to run at extremely high speeds. They also posessed powerful neck and jaw muscles, capable of ripping limbs off bodies.

Alien beasts are highly-mutated canines. They cannot reproduce naturally; instead, pups are grown and raised in magically-maintained vats of fluid.
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Empire]]

Talk:Plagues

2006-09-13T23:36:21Z

Rakshasi2: Forgot to sign.

1) Am I just spelling "Baziron" wrong, or is there really not an article on them? I could have sworn I saw something about the Bazirons.
2) Is the point of view too Surface-Explorer-centric?
--[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 15:47, 10 September 2006 (CDT)

#You're spelling it right, and I only know about General Baziron, no House.
#A bit, yes. I think that about 2/3 of this could be transplanted into the [[Surface Explorers]] article. There's going to be overlap, but this should have a little more on what the plagues destroyed, what effects they had, and the response of the people before the surface explorers came.
--[[User:Drakefyre|Drakey]] 16:09, 10 September 2006 (CDT)

== Neutral Point of View ==

Wouldn't have thought this problem was possible here, but the part about comparative intelligence of humans, troglodytes and giants should be scrapped or rephrased. The way it stands now, it is unsupported human-centric bias and speculation. [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 15:00, 13 September 2006 (CDT)
:I guess I got carried away. --[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 18:36, 13 September 2006 (CDT)

Talk:Plagues

2006-09-13T23:36:00Z

Rakshasi2: Re: NPV

Plagues

2006-09-12T04:13:52Z

Rakshasi2: Re-Writing Trog/Giant Article; See 9.11.06 Recent Changes

From 832 [[IE]] to 834 IE, a series of monster plagues roamed [[Valorim]] and wreaked havoc, throwing the continent into disarray and forcing [[Emperor|Empress]] [[Prazac I]] to declare a quarantine. However, a band of adventurers employed by the [[Kingdom of Avernum|Kingdom of Avernum's]] [[Unspecified Services]] were able to defeat the monster plagues and bring peace to Valorim.

The plagues were created by the [[Vahnatai]] in retaliation for the [[Empire]]'s theft of three [[Crystal Souls]] several years earlier. The plagues were [[slimes]], [[cockroaches]], [[troglodytes]], [[giants]], [[golems]], and [[alien beasts]].

==Slimes==
The slimes were arguably the least threatening of the Plagues. They possessed little intelligence or strength. Basic metal armor was able to resist their slime for a moderate period of time. Although deadly against an unprepared [[human]], they were little more than fodder against a city guard or watchful citizen.

The majority of the slimes originated in the [[Slime Pit]], which was nestled in the mountains south of the city of [[Colchis]]. Colchis was destroyed soon afterward, as it was a major target for the slimes.

The [[bandit]]-[[mage]] [[Jordan]] performed experiments on the slimes. He found that the slimes rose up out of crude pools of ooze which could only be destroyed by fire. He stole some of this ooze and used it to create his own slimes. These slimes served him and his brigand allies, moving with their raiding parties while the Krizsan Province was in chaos.

In the Slime Pit, research was also being conducted. The slimes were, apparently of their own will, attempting to fuse with corpses and live creatures. Some were also trying to develop skeletal structures within their own masses. More information on these facts are conflicting, dubious, and generally classified.

==Cockroaches==
The cockroaches originated in the [[Filth Factory]], a massive building housed in the mountains north of [[Shayder]]. Each roach was at least the size of a large dog. Despite this, they were easily dispatched in battle. The problem they posed was the ease with which they passed on parasites and diseases.

The [[Anama]], which had spread throughout the [[Isle of Bigail]] and was centered in Shayder, was well-suited to deal with disease; their prayers were dedicated to cleansing the world of pain and sickness. However, there were too few [[priests]]; each worked efficiently, but simply too many people contracted diseases and required curing.

The [[Empire]] was also, in its own way, powerless. Most residents of the Isle of Bigail were members of the Anama [[church]] and so were resistant to the idea of officially dividing their loyalties. This led to a sharp decrease in patriotism, which meant that most residents of the Isle, although supposedly loyal to the Empire, did not wish to join the [[Imperial Army|army]] and help defend it.

==Troglodytes==
Both the Troglodytes and Giants were sentient; however, the Troglodytes were undeniably the more intelligent. The [[Vahnatai]], the resurrectors of the Troglodytes and the Hill Giants, probably endowed the Troglodytes with more intelligence to compensate for their smaller stature. Some historians hold them as being of comparable intelligence to a [[human]], although this is in turn widely held as being irrational and insulting.

The Troglodytes quickly developed a warrior-[[mage]] society in which two leaders struggled for complete control: the chieftan was [[Vothkaro]], a dense hulk with a suprisingly strong grasp of politics, and the spiritual leader was [[Elihoc]], a powerful shaman. Vothkaro wished to fight the Giants, their natural enemy, and Elihoc wished to fight the humans, their new enemy as decreed by the Vahnatai.

The authorities of [[Karnold Province]], the center of the Troglodyte settlement, would have dearly liked to end the war. Their cities were quickly being overrun by swarms of Troglodytes and trade routes in the south were quickly cut off.

Vothkaro sent a letter to the Mayor of [[Sharimik]] and leader of the Karnold Province, informing him that the reason the [[humans]] of the [[Empire]] and the Troglodytes were fighting most likely stemmed from cultural differences. A small group, the [[Surface Explorers]], was sent to meet with Vothkaro.

Several letters were exchanged, Elihoc was deposed, and Vothkaro was made free of any cultural obligations to do anything but make war with the Giants. However, the current route was unnecessarily long and forced them through many human routes and lands. The Surface Explorers created a much quicker route, and the Troglodyte and Giant forces were able to resume their eternal war.
==Giants==
Previous to the resuming of hostilities with the Troglodytes, the Giants had tunneled out a series of caverns. These included a forge, a suprisingly elegant temple which was the center of mainstream Giant [[religion]], and also several fringe tribes which were organized into various cults. The Giants did not have the flair for stonecutting as the Troglodytes did, nor the knack for organization that the Troglodytes had, nor even an ability to muster in large groups without shedding blood. Multiple chieftans fought amongst themselves for dominion over single caves.

They possesed no grasp of economics. The Giants obtained food mostly by raiding nearby [[human]] settlements in the province of [[Midori Province|Midori]], which was quickly budding into a center of trade and research. It took years for the province to recover from the damage suffered during the Plagues.

The [[Empire]] troops of the Midori Province managed to establish a clear front past which was clearly hostile territory for Giants. Unfortunately, this line only protected the northern half of the Midori Province; many small camps of woodcutters as well as larger villages were crushed beneath tons of boulders, slung by Giants. The [[Imperial Army|Imperial]] soldiers were also unable to effectively enforce the line; mobs of Giants frequently penetrated as far north as [[Lorelei]].

==Golems==
With [[Footracer Province]] walled off and all [[Empire]] citizens inside deceased, the Golems of [[Monroe Province]] became the greatest threat. The Golems were able to coordinate their attacks and use strategy, setting up ambushes and patrols to overwhelm and harass the Empire troops.

The incompetent government of [[Gale]] actively resisted any help in fighting the golems, although they desperately needed help. Both the resident Dervish General and Mayor of Gale were unwilling to shift tactics from standard formation and line combat. They held that such deployments, which were effective in the times of large armed forces, should have been enough to defeat balanced squads of golems. They could not have been more wrong.

[[General Baziron]] of [[House Baziron]] proved them wrong with his flexibile plans and diversions. Under General Baziron, a group of soldiers might flee through the dense Monroe forest upon encountering a group of golems. In fours and fives soldiers might break off, circle around, and cooperate to take down one or two golems. The golems of [[Vahnatai]] creation were specifically designed to counter standard Imperial tactics, meaning that they were unable to react quickly enough to defend themselves against different tactics.

Eventually, the [[Surface Explorers]] found General Baziron and aided him in defeating the golems. They had to destroy three stations which were drawing power to create the golems, then entered the [[Tower of Shifting Floors]], a massive factory which constantly created golems. After finding their way through the treacherous Tower, they came to the Artificial Intelligence [[crystal]] which was planning the assault of [[Monroe Province]]. The adventurers destroyed the crystal and brought back the shards as evidence of the [[Vahnatai]]'s betrayal of Avernum. They arrived too late; the Vahnatai had left Upper Exile and all communication with the [[Olgai Tribe]] was cut off.

==Alien Beasts==
The Alien Beasts were the most terrifying of the Plagues. They were dark gray monstrosities with six legs and bulging neck and jaw muscles, capable of tearing one limb from another. They were even able to tear apart stone walls with their vicious maws.

In the last moments of human life in [[Footracer Province]], mages created [[Quickfire]] traps in the human cities which would have been activated as a final resort. However, the traps failed to go off and were eventually activated on accident by the [[Surface Explorers]].

The adventurers journeyed to the [[Keep of Tinraya]], fighting their way through the packs of Alien Beasts as they went. Inside they destroyed small colonies of Alien Beast pups. However, this was the furthest extent of the actions to halt this Plague until the Surface Explorers journeyed to the [[Keep of Rentar-Ihrno]] and imploded her fortress.

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Empire]]

Talk:Dervishes

2006-09-12T00:47:41Z

Rakshasi2: Fixing my boo-boo

This should probably be Dervishes, to conform with the plural standard ([[Mages]], [[Priests]], etc). There are existing links to both singular and plural. ---- [[User:Slartucker|Slarty]]

I accidentally pushed "Enter" when I was typing in the summary, so here it is: Expanding article and making it conform to Surface-Explorer history". Maybe this is a little bit more wordy, but oh well... --[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 19:47, 11 September 2006 (CDT)

Dervishes

2006-09-12T00:42:51Z

Rakshasi2:

The rank of Dervish is an ancient and ceremonial station. The Dervishes have traditionally been staunch supporters of the [[Empire]] and [[Emperor]]. Many bodyguards of important persons are selected solely on the fact that they are Dervishes. The ceremony to intiate a Dervish is simple; they take a knee before a suitably high-ranking officer of the [[Imperial Army]], and are simply declared to be Dervishes. Honorary Dervishes generally have more lavish ceremonies, but the essential process remains the same.

==As a Military Rank==
An expert swordsman who shows himself to be a capable leader may be selected to become a Dervish. The Empire takes great care in teaching such Dervishes how to control situations as well as training them even harder in the physical arts of combat. Among soldiers, the skill of a Dervish is legendary.

Although Dervishes undergo special training, the attaining of the rank of Dervish does not on its own grant a higher station in the Imperial Army. It may aid officers when they consider a soldier for promotion, but it grants very little in terms other than respect. Despite this, most soldiers who rise up to the high-level officer ranks are granted the title of Dervish at some time or other.

==As an Honorary Rank==
When a citizen does an unusually great service to the Empire, they may be declared a Dervish. This is not a common event. Most honorary Dervishes distinguished themselves through combat in the name or service of the Empire, although they probably were not formally in the Imperial Army. Notably, the [[Surface Explorers]] were awarded the rank of Dervish by [[Empress]] [[Prazac I|Prazac]] after ending the [[Plagues]].

[[Category:Empire]]
[[Category:Military]]

User talk:Drakefyre

2006-09-12T00:34:00Z

Rakshasi2:

A good idea, but stubs are not necessarily such an improvement - in some cases it is easier to see what pages need work when they do not exist yet. It doesn't do any harm to make stubs as long as they are marked as such; but if one of them isn't, it can be long before it is found...

== It's possible, but... ==

===Re: Disabling unregistered edits===

It's possible, I'm just not sure if it's necessary right now. Hardly anyone comes here, and that will probably stay until I post on Spiderweb. But I see the point - logged in edits are easier to track, and it's also easier to communicated with members than with IP addresses. I'll restrict editing to registered members for now; it's always possible to reverse it later. --[[User:Arancaytar|Aran]] 13:44, 30 Aug 2005 (CEST)

PS: Drakey... "[[Northeastern Exile|Fort Monastery]]"? I don't remember that one from A1 or A2; is it a new fort in Avernum 4? I first came across the name in this [http://www.avernum.com/avernum4/images/Conversation.jpg screenshot]...

::In that case, I guess Fort Ganrick should be listed under some heading of "former cities". Colchis in Krizsan Province would be similar - towns that once existed (especially within the game) merit their own separate entry.

== Thralni as leader of the expedition ==

I remember Karzoth was referred to as the leader of the First Expedition, somewhere in Avernum. Since Karzoth allegedly means Demonslayer (named after his sword), this is also supported by the mention that "their [the expedition's] leader had a demon-slaying sword". ---[[User:Arancaytar|Aran]] 15:30, 30 Aug 2005 (CEST)

== Re: Wands ==

To be honest, that Wands article needs more than just a workover... I'll get busy on the other stuff now. ---[[User:Arancaytar|Aran]] 21:15, 30 Aug 2005 (CEST)

== Viceroy's assassination ==

Teleporting mage or "disaffected guardsman"? I realize the RP necessarily diverges from the historical account, but it does say the latter in the introduction... ---[[User:Arancaytar|Aran]] 23:26, 30 Aug 2005 (CEST)

== Re: Timeline ==

The banishing of the archmagi seems very early in 776... I remember that was the only part I was doubtful about when I read Kel's site. Does it really conflict with nothing else in the game?

Yes, that "20 years" quote from Erika really makes no sense in 833. That would make the Kingdom of Avernum 4 years old in A1, which is impossible. I thought that Jeff made a mistake and meant those twenty years to be counted from 817 IE, thus 797.

It is known that mages get old, but that would make Erika well over eighty, perhaps 100, at her death. Of course, if that is feasible, then there is no problem. --- [[User:Arancaytar|Aran]] 20:54, 31 Aug 2005 (CEST)

== Re: Triad Wikification ==

I'll try to do that today. It should basically conform to an "organization" article structure.

Eastern Solarans and Western Ironclads. Well, that was the last thing I wrote before signing off yesterday night, and that was late. ^_^ ---[[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar --- That is not dead which can eternal lie...]] 06:21, 1 Sep 2005 (CEST)

Edit: "signing off".

== War in Pralgad ==

Drakey, do you have any of the maps of Pralgad you drew for the RP? I have two right now, but I'm not sure if those were all there were. ---[[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar --- That is not dead which can eternal lie...]] 12:02, 1 Sep 2005 (CEST)

:That's okay, I have the first map. Which makes three in total, so it's the number I remember. I'll upload them now. --- [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar --- That is not dead which can eternal lie...]] 13:09, 1 Sep 2005 (CEST)

== Re: Rone ==

[[Rone]]'s entry has been edited to reflect that he is alive. I don't know the rumor or its context/cause, so I just made up something about him withdrawing from the public for a vacation - if more specific info exists, that should be replaced. [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 23:53, 10 Nov 2005 (CET)

== Re: Text dumps ==

No problem. Just tell me where to upload and/or send 'em.
I use them in conjunction with batch find. So I get a list of all the places where the word "lich" (or whatever) appears, rather than having to Find Again... through them all. Also, I can do one batch find for all the files I want, which is particularly helpful for A4 where each zone has a separate text file. I don't know any current programs that have a good interface for batch find; I use a really old version of BBEdit running under Classic. ---[[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 21:48, 25 January 2006 (CST)
:Aran's server seems to rejecting the login listed. I'll try again tomorrow. I'm on dialup, and the dumps are nearly 7 MB in total, so I'd rather upload them somewhere than repeatedly emailing them out. ---[[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 22:11, 25 January 2006 (CST)
::Which did you try? The user name is weather and the password is czif46 ... it works for me as of this moment. [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 00:47, 26 January 2006 (CST)

== Re: Scenario info ==
Well, I may have been misled by reading the Purpose section of [[Help:Contents]], but I thought gathering this sort of information was exactly the point of EE? [[Illithids]] were a bit overboard, and that's my fault for not doing my homework on that one. Other than that, though, I've restricted it to scenarios that fit with the game canon.

Novah has nothing to do with Vogel, and that was a featured article... I dunno. Would it be helpful to make a "Fanon" category, or perhaps more to the point, a small template that could sit at the top of entries? --- [[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 12:54, 28 January 2006 (CST)

::Illithids, as I said, I'm not gonna defend. Chimney, though, is a perfect example of scenario work that *was* carefully fitted to fit with game canon. Kirlin too, though it's been a few years since I've played that one. If there's anywhere they *don't* fit in with game canon -- or for that matter, with another piece of fan canon -- go ahead and hack away. (And your vision of the Encyclopedia doesn't sound like it would have room for Novah, either.)

::I hope I'm not barging in and being disrespectful to the Blades community by saying stuff like this; I realize I'm a relative newcomer to it. If there is going to be an arbitrary standard of what material is acceptable, that's fine -- I just think it needs to be written down and explained somewhere. Right now, the Purpose listed at [[Help:Contents]] and the [[canon]] page both suggest that any material that fits with the game canon and is intelligently put together is suitable for EE, and it specifically mentions non-Vogel scenarios. Care obviously needs to be taken in including material outside the game canon, but I don't see the point of excluding it altogether. --- [[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 23:41, 28 January 2006 (CST)

:::Chimney isn't "not really supposed to exist," at least not any more than the ZKR is. Exile has lots of references to the lower caves, which are not well documented by humans. ZKR establishes the legitimacy of such caves existing and being connected to Exile without being attested to on the Exile map. And with caves, unlike with continent masses, there's virtually no danger of infringing on anyone else's additions, since the geography is less absolutely recorded.

:::As for how Novah is similar: Novah is *not* in the game canon at all, though obviously the Vahnatai have at least one language. Chimney is *not* in the game canon at all, though obviously there are many lower caves. I guess what I'm really asking is how does Chimney conflict with the canon? How is it any less directly based on the games than Novah? Both include their own inventions. --- [[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 12:33, 29 January 2006 (CST)

::::Ah... that makes more sense! I wasn't thinking about it like that; thanks for clarifying.

::::...On the other hand, while setting a future scenario in Chimney might not work well, someone else could use it to situate their own scenario: perhaps they have a town that has developed a trade with Chimney, perhaps they have a random nephil whose backstory includes service at Lushwater Toll, etc. I have to imagine there are few people who would do justice to setting a new scenario in the lands of Bahssikava, either, but the information would still be useful as a sort of enrichment. --- [[User:Slartucker|Slartucker]] 12:59, 29 January 2006 (CST)

== Re: Icarus ==

And I wasn't accusing you. :P I just realized from the Wikipedia entry on [[Wikipedia:Ouroboros|Ouroboros]] that Jeff used the myth far differently from its real-world symbology, and far more negatively, so I thought I'd keep it separate. [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 15:21, 29 January 2006 (CST)

== Re: Farming ==

Farming in Exile could certainly get an entry, between the unusual crops, the unusual livestock, the complete lack of seasons, and the hazards. I'm honestly pretty indifferent about it, though, and you're probably right about farming in general. --- [[User:Slartucker|Slarty]] 10:40, 11 March 2006 (CST)

== Empire Category ==

I was under the impression that the category covered things related to the Empire or living on its lands, not necessarily of the Empire. So I guess the category is not meant to be comparable in scope to the Avenrum category?

Should [[Aydin]] be removed, then? And what about [[Ernest]]? [[Troglodytes]]?
--- [[User:Slartucker|Slarty]] 19:27, 4 May 2006 (CDT)
==Re: SE-sectomy from Plagues Article==
"I wouldn't take the surface explorers out entirely, unless you plan on making an obvious link to them in the top part of the article and then writing the Surface Explorers entry too. --Drakey 19:08, 11 September 2006 (CDT)"
I was trying to keep myself from letting the SEs influence the article, so I was planning on re-writing each article then editing the article as a whole again, entering in summaries for each way the SEs dealt with each Plague. What would you suggest, out of the three options I have? --[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 19:34, 11 September 2006 (CDT)

Plagues

2006-09-11T23:52:56Z

Rakshasi2: Re-writing roach article with new goals

From 832 [[IE]] to 834 IE, a series of monster plagues roamed [[Valorim]] and wreaked havoc, throwing the continent into disarray and forcing [[Emperor|Empress]] [[Prazac I]] to declare a quarantine. However, a band of adventurers employed by the [[Kingdom of Avernum|Kingdom of Avernum's]] [[Unspecified Services]] were able to defeat the monster plagues and bring peace to Valorim.

The plagues were created by the [[Vahnatai]] in retaliation for the [[Empire]]'s theft of three [[Crystal Souls]] several years earlier. The plagues were [[slimes]], [[cockroaches]], [[troglodytes]], [[giants]], [[golems]], and [[alien beasts]].

==Slimes==
The slimes were arguably the least threatening of the Plagues. They possessed little intelligence or strength. Basic metal armor was able to resist their slime for a moderate period of time. Although deadly against an unprepared [[human]], they were little more than fodder against a city guard or watchful citizen.

The majority of the slimes originated in the [[Slime Pit]], which was nestled in the mountains south of the city of [[Colchis]]. Colchis was destroyed soon afterward, as it was a major target for the slimes.

The [[bandit]]-[[mage]] [[Jordan]] performed experiments on the slimes. He found that the slimes rose up out of crude pools of ooze which could only be destroyed by fire. He stole some of this ooze and used it to create his own slimes. These slimes served him and his brigand allies, moving with their raiding parties while the Krizsan Province was in chaos.

In the Slime Pit, research was also being conducted. The slimes were, apparently of their own will, attempting to fuse with corpses and live creatures. Some were also trying to develop skeletal structures within their own masses. More information on these facts are conflicting, dubious, and generally classified.

==Cockroaches==
The cockroaches originated in the [[Filth Factory]], a massive building housed in the mountains north of [[Shayder]]. Each roach was at least the size of a large dog. Despite this, they were easily dispatched in battle. The problem they posed was the ease with which they passed on parasites and diseases.

The [[Anama]], which had spread throughout the [[Isle of Bigail]] and was centered in Shayder, was well-suited to deal with disease; their prayers were dedicated to cleansing the world of pain and sickness. However, there were too few [[priests]]; each worked efficiently, but simply too many people contracted diseases and required curing.

The [[Empire]] was also, in its own way, powerless. Most residents of the Isle of Bigail were members of the Anama [[church]] and so were resistant to the idea of officially dividing their loyalties. This led to a sharp decrease in patriotism, which meant that most residents of the Isle, although supposedly loyal to the Empire, did not wish to join the [[Imperial Army|army]] and help defend it.

==Troglodytes and Giants==
The Troglodytes and Giants were attacking the [[Karnold Province|Karnold]] and [[Midori Province|Midori]] provinces, respectively. The Troglodytes and Giants developed primitive cultures, and had tribal leaders such as shamans and chieftans. They also had an innate hatred of each other, which caused them to fight with each other much more often than with humans. Their creators, the [[Vahnatai]], built a large barrier between the homes of the two. The only way around this barrier was a long trek through hostile and [[human]]-controlled lands, which led to the Vahnatai's desired result: constant war between the humans and non-humans, coupled with minimal interaction between the giants and troglodytes.

The [[Surface Explorers]] found a way through the safeguards to protect the barrier. Inside they found a semi-sentient [[crystal]] powering the barrier, which they shattered. Battle between the giants and troglodytes was resumed, and eventually the two races weakened themselves to the extent that human soldiers were able to eradicate both races.

The sentient crystal found by the Surface Explorers was a clear indication of Vahnatai involvement, and the [[Avernum]] government held an inquiry on the matter. The Vahnatai denied any wrong-doing, and the matter was dropped. Many officials considered the Vahnatai above reproach, as their help in the [[Empire-Avernum War]] was what saved Avernum.

==Golems==
With [[Footracer Province]] walled off and all [[Empire]] citizens inside deceased, the Golems of [[Monroe Province]] became the greatest threat. The Golems were able to coordinate their attacks and use strategy, setting up ambushes and patrols to overwhelm and harass the Empire troops.

The incompetent government of [[Gale]] actively resisted any help in fighting the golems, although they desperately needed help. Both the resident Dervish General and Mayor of Gale were unwilling to shift tactics from standard formation and line combat. They held that such deployments, which were effective in the times of large armed forces, should have been enough to defeat balanced squads of golems. They could not have been more wrong.

[[General Baziron]] of [[House Baziron]] proved them wrong with his flexibile plans and diversions. Under General Baziron, a group of soldiers might flee through the dense Monroe forest upon encountering a group of golems. In fours and fives soldiers might break off, circle around, and cooperate to take down one or two golems. The golems of [[Vahnatai]] creation were specifically designed to counter standard Imperial tactics, meaning that they were unable to react quickly enough to defend themselves against different tactics.

Eventually, the [[Surface Explorers]] found General Baziron and aided him in defeating the golems. They had to destroy three stations which were drawing power to create the golems, then entered the [[Tower of Shifting Floors]], a massive factory which constantly created golems. After finding their way through the treacherous Tower, they came to the Artificial Intelligence [[crystal]] which was planning the assault of [[Monroe Province]]. The adventurers destroyed the crystal and brought back the shards as evidence of the [[Vahnatai]]'s betrayal of Avernum. They arrived too late; the Vahnatai had left Upper Exile and all communication with the [[Olgai Tribe]] was cut off.

==Alien Beasts==
The Alien Beasts were the most terrifying of the Plagues. They were dark gray monstrosities with six legs and bulging neck and jaw muscles, capable of tearing one limb from another. They were even able to tear apart stone walls with their vicious maws.

In the last moments of human life in [[Footracer Province]], mages created [[Quickfire]] traps in the human cities which would have been activated as a final resort. However, the traps failed to go off and were eventually activated on accident by the [[Surface Explorers]].

The adventurers journeyed to the [[Keep of Tinraya]], fighting their way through the packs of Alien Beasts as they went. Inside they destroyed small colonies of Alien Beast pups. However, this was the furthest extent of the actions to halt this Plague until the Surface Explorers journeyed to the [[Keep of Rentar-Ihrno]] and imploded her fortress.

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Empire]]

Plagues

2006-09-11T23:37:48Z

Rakshasi2: Re-doing Slime article with the goal of making it non-SE-oriented in mind

From 832 [[IE]] to 834 IE, a series of monster plagues roamed [[Valorim]] and wreaked havoc, throwing the continent into disarray and forcing [[Emperor|Empress]] [[Prazac I]] to declare a quarantine. However, a band of adventurers employed by the [[Kingdom of Avernum|Kingdom of Avernum's]] [[Unspecified Services]] were able to defeat the monster plagues and bring peace to Valorim.

The plagues were created by the [[Vahnatai]] in retaliation for the [[Empire]]'s theft of three [[Crystal Souls]] several years earlier. The plagues were [[slimes]], [[cockroaches]], [[troglodytes]], [[giants]], [[golems]], and [[alien beasts]].

==Slimes==
The slimes were arguably the least threatening of the Plagues. They possessed little intelligence or strength. Basic metal armor was able to resist their slime for a moderate period of time. Although deadly against an unprepared [[human]], they were little more than fodder against a city guard or watchful citizen.

The majority of the slimes originated in the [[Slime Pit]], which was nestled in the mountains south of the city of [[Colchis]]. Colchis was destroyed soon afterward, as it was a major target for the slimes.

The [[bandit]]-[[mage]] [[Jordan]] performed experiments on the slimes. He found that the slimes rose up out of crude pools of ooze which could only be destroyed by fire. He stole some of this ooze and used it to create his own slimes. These slimes served him and his brigand allies, moving with their raiding parties while the Krizsan Province was in chaos.

In the Slime Pit, research was also being conducted. The slimes were, apparently of their own will, attempting to fuse with corpses and live creatures. Some were also trying to develop skeletal structures within their own masses. More information on these facts are conflicting, dubious, and generally classified.

==Cockroaches==
The Cockroaches spread throughout the [[Isle of Bigail]], home of the [[Anama]]. These cockroaches were significantly larger than a household roach, about the size of a dog. They were also no less unclean than regular roaches; many people were infected and died. The Anama was well-suited to combat disease, but not so much at once. The [[Empire]]'s liason could not fight the roaches either, as most of the citizens on the Isle were Anama members and simple farmers.

Once again the [[Surface Explorers]] saved the day. There was a small population of [[Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Spiders]] on the Isle, who directed them to speak with the [[Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Roaches]] a short distance away. The [[Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Roaches]] told the Surface Explorers where the lair of the roaches was, and they soon entered.

However, the adventurers had no way of destroying the source of the roaches. They were aided by the mage [[Purgatos]], living in the supposedly abandoned [[Schools of Magery|School of Magery]] on the Isle of [[Kneece]]. Purgatos gave to them a [[Phoenix Egg]] which was used to incinerate the habitat of the roaches.

==Troglodytes and Giants==
The Troglodytes and Giants were attacking the [[Karnold Province|Karnold]] and [[Midori Province|Midori]] provinces, respectively. The Troglodytes and Giants developed primitive cultures, and had tribal leaders such as shamans and chieftans. They also had an innate hatred of each other, which caused them to fight with each other much more often than with humans. Their creators, the [[Vahnatai]], built a large barrier between the homes of the two. The only way around this barrier was a long trek through hostile and [[human]]-controlled lands, which led to the Vahnatai's desired result: constant war between the humans and non-humans, coupled with minimal interaction between the giants and troglodytes.

The [[Surface Explorers]] found a way through the safeguards to protect the barrier. Inside they found a semi-sentient [[crystal]] powering the barrier, which they shattered. Battle between the giants and troglodytes was resumed, and eventually the two races weakened themselves to the extent that human soldiers were able to eradicate both races.

The sentient crystal found by the Surface Explorers was a clear indication of Vahnatai involvement, and the [[Avernum]] government held an inquiry on the matter. The Vahnatai denied any wrong-doing, and the matter was dropped. Many officials considered the Vahnatai above reproach, as their help in the [[Empire-Avernum War]] was what saved Avernum.

==Golems==
With [[Footracer Province]] walled off and all [[Empire]] citizens inside deceased, the Golems of [[Monroe Province]] became the greatest threat. The Golems were able to coordinate their attacks and use strategy, setting up ambushes and patrols to overwhelm and harass the Empire troops.

The incompetent government of [[Gale]] actively resisted any help in fighting the golems, although they desperately needed help. Both the resident Dervish General and Mayor of Gale were unwilling to shift tactics from standard formation and line combat. They held that such deployments, which were effective in the times of large armed forces, should have been enough to defeat balanced squads of golems. They could not have been more wrong.

[[General Baziron]] of [[House Baziron]] proved them wrong with his flexibile plans and diversions. Under General Baziron, a group of soldiers might flee through the dense Monroe forest upon encountering a group of golems. In fours and fives soldiers might break off, circle around, and cooperate to take down one or two golems. The golems of [[Vahnatai]] creation were specifically designed to counter standard Imperial tactics, meaning that they were unable to react quickly enough to defend themselves against different tactics.

Eventually, the [[Surface Explorers]] found General Baziron and aided him in defeating the golems. They had to destroy three stations which were drawing power to create the golems, then entered the [[Tower of Shifting Floors]], a massive factory which constantly created golems. After finding their way through the treacherous Tower, they came to the Artificial Intelligence [[crystal]] which was planning the assault of [[Monroe Province]]. The adventurers destroyed the crystal and brought back the shards as evidence of the [[Vahnatai]]'s betrayal of Avernum. They arrived too late; the Vahnatai had left Upper Exile and all communication with the [[Olgai Tribe]] was cut off.

==Alien Beasts==
The Alien Beasts were the most terrifying of the Plagues. They were dark gray monstrosities with six legs and bulging neck and jaw muscles, capable of tearing one limb from another. They were even able to tear apart stone walls with their vicious maws.

In the last moments of human life in [[Footracer Province]], mages created [[Quickfire]] traps in the human cities which would have been activated as a final resort. However, the traps failed to go off and were eventually activated on accident by the [[Surface Explorers]].

The adventurers journeyed to the [[Keep of Tinraya]], fighting their way through the packs of Alien Beasts as they went. Inside they destroyed small colonies of Alien Beast pups. However, this was the furthest extent of the actions to halt this Plague until the Surface Explorers journeyed to the [[Keep of Rentar-Ihrno]] and imploded her fortress.

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Empire]]

Alien beasts

2006-09-10T21:29:10Z

Rakshasi2: Forgot to categorize

Alien Beasts were created by the [[Vahnatai]] [[mage]] [[Rentar-Ihrno]]. They are extremely dangerous creatures. Luckily, the beasts were almost entirely contained in [[Footracer Province]], where they destroyed a number of human cities. No Footracer survivors have been found.

==Physical Traits==
Alien Beasts are pseudo-mammals; they are magically warped versions of wolves. They have six legs and extremely muscular bodies. Their necks and jaws in particular are able to twitch extremely quickly, which allows them to quickly shred soft tissues with ease. They are unable to survive as a species without magical and intelligent aid, as they are unable to breed and must be grown in special habitats. The strongest of the beasts fight for the right to lead the pack, and are often seen at the front when hunting.

==The Plagues==
Rentar-Ihrno engineered the Alien Beasts to quickly and totally defeat the human forces. Had [[Prazac I|Empress Prazac]] not ordered the whole of Footracer Province surrounded by a stone wall, the Alien Beasts would have spread outward and consumed all of [[Valorim]]. They were exterminated after the [[Surface Explorers]] entered the [[Keep of Rentar-Ihrno]]. However, many survived and had to be killed or captured by special squads of mages and soldiers.

==Later Research==
Several years later, secret [[Empire]] experiments were exposed in the [[Skylark School of Magery]]. The mages there had obtained several specimens and had found a way to produce breeding strains. When the School of Magery was shut down, the Alien Beasts were not properly contained and were able to escape. They ran rampant through the caverns deep below the School of Magery despite the toxic atmosphere.

[[Category:Bestiary]]
[[Category:Magic]]
[[Category:Plagues]]
[[Category:Races]]

Alien beasts

2006-09-10T21:26:59Z

Rakshasi2:

Talk:Plagues

2006-09-10T20:47:28Z

Rakshasi2: Some questions

Plagues

2006-09-10T20:43:14Z

Rakshasi2: Trogs/Giants, Golems, and Alien Beasts done. Removed Stub tag

From 832 [[IE]] to 834 IE, a series of monster plagues roamed [[Valorim]] and wreaked havoc, throwing the continent into disarray and forcing [[Emperor|Empress]] [[Prazac I]] to declare a quarantine. However, a band of adventurers employed by the [[Kingdom of Avernum|Kingdom of Avernum's]] [[Unspecified Services]] were able to defeat the monster plagues and bring peace to Valorim.

The plagues were created by the [[Vahnatai]] in retaliation for the [[Empire]]'s theft of three [[Crystal Souls]] several years earlier. The plagues were [[slimes]], [[cockroaches]], [[troglodytes]], [[giants]], [[golems]], and [[alien beasts]].

==Slimes==
The attacks by slimes were centered in [[Krizsan Province]]. The province was essentially unprepared, and the city of [[Colchis]] was wiped out soon after the slimes arrived. However, the [[Krizsan|Krizsan Province]] authorities were able to mount a defense which consisted of having all soldiers pull back into the cities to protect as many people as possible. Scout teams found little evidence of where the slimes were coming from or a way to descisively defeat them.

However, in 833 IE, the [[Surface Explorers]] of [[Avernum]] arrived at Krizsan and attempted to find a way to end the plague. They were directed towards the tower of [[Jordan]], a [[mage]] who was harboring [[brigands]] in his home. The adventurers found that the slimes were spawned from large pools of goo which could only be destroyed by fire. They also found that this was not the central origin of the slimes; Jordan had stolen a small sample of the goo from the [[Slime Pit]], near Colchis.

The adventurers destroyed the spawning pools in both Jordan's tower and the Slime Pit. They also found and destroyed a creature which appeared to be coordinating the slimes, which was dubbed the [[Alien Slime]]. In the same room as the Alien Slime, although hidden, was a disturbing clue as to who had created the slimes: the trademark of [[Erika]]. However, it was later found that [[Rentar-Ihrno]] had framed Erika.

==Cockroaches==
The Cockroaches spread throughout the [[Isle of Bigail]], home of the [[Anama]]. These cockroaches were significantly larger than a household roach, about the size of a dog. They were also no less unclean than regular roaches; many people were infected and died. The Anama was well-suited to combat disease, but not so much at once. The [[Empire]]'s liason could not fight the roaches either, as most of the citizens on the Isle were Anama members and simple farmers.

Once again the [[Surface Explorers]] saved the day. There was a small population of [[Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Spiders]] on the Isle, who directed them to speak with the [[Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Roaches]] a short distance away. The [[Giant Intelligent Friendly Talking Roaches]] told the Surface Explorers where the lair of the roaches was, and they soon entered.

However, the adventurers had no way of destroying the source of the roaches. They were aided by the mage [[Purgatos]], living in the supposedly abandoned [[Schools of Magery|School of Magery]] on the Isle of [[Kneece]]. Purgatos gave to them a [[Phoenix Egg]] which was used to incinerate the habitat of the roaches.

==Troglodytes and Giants==
The Troglodytes and Giants were attacking the [[Karnold Province|Karnold]] and [[Midori Province|Midori]] provinces, respectively. The Troglodytes and Giants developed primitive cultures, and had tribal leaders such as shamans and chieftans. They also had an innate hatred of each other, which caused them to fight with each other much more often than with humans. Their creators, the [[Vahnatai]], built a large barrier between the homes of the two. The only way around this barrier was a long trek through hostile and [[human]]-controlled lands, which led to the Vahnatai's desired result: constant war between the humans and non-humans, coupled with minimal interaction between the giants and troglodytes.

The [[Surface Explorers]] found a way through the safeguards to protect the barrier. Inside they found a semi-sentient [[crystal]] powering the barrier, which they shattered. Battle between the giants and troglodytes was resumed, and eventually the two races weakened themselves to the extent that human soldiers were able to eradicate both races.

The sentient crystal found by the Surface Explorers was a clear indication of Vahnatai involvement, and the [[Avernum]] government held an inquiry on the matter. The Vahnatai denied any wrong-doing, and the matter was dropped. Many officials considered the Vahnatai above reproach, as their help in the [[Empire-Avernum War]] was what saved Avernum.

==Golems==
With [[Footracer Province]] walled off and all [[Empire]] citizens inside deceased, the Golems of [[Monroe Province]] became the greatest threat. The Golems were able to coordinate their attacks and use strategy, setting up ambushes and patrols to overwhelm and harass the Empire troops.

The incompetent government of [[Gale]] actively resisted any help in fighting the golems, although they desperately needed help. Both the resident Dervish General and Mayor of Gale were unwilling to shift tactics from standard formation and line combat. They held that such deployments, which were effective in the times of large armed forces, should have been enough to defeat balanced squads of golems. They could not have been more wrong.

[[General Baziron]] of [[House Baziron]] proved them wrong with his flexibile plans and diversions. Under General Baziron, a group of soldiers might flee through the dense Monroe forest upon encountering a group of golems. In fours and fives soldiers might break off, circle around, and cooperate to take down one or two golems. The golems of [[Vahnatai]] creation were specifically designed to counter standard Imperial tactics, meaning that they were unable to react quickly enough to defend themselves against different tactics.

Eventually, the [[Surface Explorers]] found General Baziron and aided him in defeating the golems. They had to destroy three stations which were drawing power to create the golems, then entered the [[Tower of Shifting Floors]], a massive factory which constantly created golems. After finding their way through the treacherous Tower, they came to the Artificial Intelligence [[crystal]] which was planning the assault of [[Monroe Province]]. The adventurers destroyed the crystal and brought back the shards as evidence of the [[Vahnatai]]'s betrayal of Avernum. They arrived too late; the Vahnatai had left Upper Exile and all communication with the [[Olgai Tribe]] was cut off.

==Alien Beasts==
The Alien Beasts were the most terrifying of the Plagues. They were dark gray monstrosities with six legs and bulging neck and jaw muscles, capable of tearing one limb from another. They were even able to tear apart stone walls with their vicious maws.

In the last moments of human life in [[Footracer Province]], mages created [[Quickfire]] traps in the human cities which would have been activated as a final resort. However, the traps failed to go off and were eventually activated on accident by the [[Surface Explorers]].

The adventurers journeyed to the [[Keep of Tinraya]], fighting their way through the packs of Alien Beasts as they went. Inside they destroyed small colonies of Alien Beast pups. However, this was the furthest extent of the actions to halt this Plague until the Surface Explorers journeyed to the [[Keep of Rentar-Ihrno]] and imploded her fortress.

[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Empire]]

Plagues

2006-09-10T16:44:09Z

Rakshasi2: Writing Slime and Cockroach subarticles, more coming later

Athron

2006-09-10T16:07:51Z

Rakshasi2: Added stuff about her time on surface

[[Athron]] was the most reclusive of the [[dragon]]s. She lived in a hidden and warded lair tucked away in the [[Honeycomb]]. Around 825 IE, she hatched a brood of dragons, her offspring with a very distant mate. Frustrated by the constant increase in human activity in the caves, Athron eventually moved to the [[surface]] in search of solitude. She lived in the distant northwest corner of the [[Midori Province]] with her siblings [[Sulfras]] and [[Khoth]].

Although Athron despised humans, she helped the agents of [[Unspecified Services]] to end the [[Plagues]] by providing them with a magical bar of metal out of her own trove which would be crafted by ritual into the [[Beastslayer Blade]]. However, some suspect that this was more out of her desire to cooperate with her siblings than it was to end the [[Plagues]]. The Plagues were essentially destroying the [[Empire]], something which she herself desired.

{{dragons}}

{{stub}}
[[Category:Persons]]
[[Category:Dragons]]
[[Category:Avernum]]

Talk:Skylark School of Magery

2006-09-09T22:07:37Z

Rakshasi2: Forgot to sign the thingy

Can I get a vague summary of the titles and opinions of the administrators in the School of Magery prior to its closing? --[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 17:07, 9 September 2006 (CDT)

Talk:Skylark School of Magery

2006-09-09T22:07:06Z

Rakshasi2:

Can I get a vague summary of the titles and opinions of the administrators in the School of Magery prior to its closing?

Magic barrier

2006-09-08T23:43:37Z

Rakshasi2: Oops. Forgot to categorize. Sorry Drakefyre!

A [[magic]] barrier is a magical field which can prevent certain creatures or all creatures from passing through it. This barrier may do so by scouring whatever attempts to pass through it or by physically impeding whatever tries to move through it. Magical barriers are commonly used by [[mages]] to protect their work or contain their experiments. The spells to create and dispell these barriers are closely regulated (especially by the [[Empire]]) because they can be misused easily. Barriers may also be assigned special and secret motions which can temporarily dispell a barrier, if a mage needs to move through one constantly.

==Fire==
A fire barrier is a weak field which can easily be pushed through. However, walking through a field of magical power is bound to leave all but the best mages lightly charred. Fire barriers have little to do with actual fire, despite their name; their source of power is purely magical.

The weakest of fire barriers are commonly used by mages to cleanse their bodies of invisible creatures which may be clinging to them. Weaker fire barriers are found in areas where may, for exmple, be developing new types of [[Cavewood|plants]] or [[Mushrooms|fungi]]. They can quietly disintegrate spores or small [[cockroaches|insects]] without any trouble to a mage, who would otherwise have to spend precious time hunting down and destroying contaminants to their experiments.

Fire barriers are also used by mages to contain [[quickfire]], as quickfire operates on the same principles as the fire barrier and so can be contained by one.

==Force==
A force barrier is the ultimate protection against anything but other mages. A force barrier cannot simply be knocked down or burned, as a wall might be. They are impossible to walk through as well. However, a mage can use the proper [[spell]] to decompose a force barrier.

Force barriers repel physical objects, unlike fire barriers. For this reason they cannot be walked through or be shaped in any non-magical way. Force barriers can be used to patch damaged walls when no other materials are available. Force barriers are also impervious to quickfire and all types of magic except their dispelling spells.
[[Category:Magic]]

Magic barrier

2006-09-08T23:41:20Z

Rakshasi2: Writing Article

User:Rakshasi2

2006-09-07T03:17:29Z

Rakshasi2:

Hi. I'm known by a lot of names, but I decided to settle on rakshasi. I generally find a wanted topic and then write what I know about it, usually trying to structure it a little. I'm trying to help the Encyclopedia because I consider it an important project for newer designers and because it gives me a reason to try to find more information about creatures and places.

Toadstools

2006-09-07T00:16:20Z

Rakshasi2: Writing the bloody article

A toadstool is a type of poisonous mushroom. They have specific [[alchemical|Alchemy]] properties, as they are imbued with poison. Oddly enough, their poisonous nature is due not to the plant's design but those of toads, who rest on the mushroom and leave behind residue.

== See Also ==
* [[Mushrooms]]

[[Category:Herbarium]]
[[Category:Fungi]]

Scrying

2006-09-07T00:02:55Z

Rakshasi2:

Scrying is a magical technique which grants the user the ability to see events within their mind. While a [[mage]] is scrying something, they enter a trance which lasts only about as long as the vision. The simplest exercise is scrying an event which is nearby and currently happening. With more and more experience, more techniques can be mastered. A talented scryer can see distant events, things which happened in the past, and even occurences which only exist in the minds of others (although there is a difference between scrying someone's mind and reading it). Skilled scryers can move their point of view, allowing them to simply see things from a different angle or even to keep someone under surveilance for days.

Scrying is a basic technique, but the higher levels of this art are a challenge to master. Few mages have the patience to train their scrying skill to a useful level. However, powerful spellcasters such as the [[Dragons]] and [[Aimee]] were able to learn much about things happening in the world without ever actually leaving the privacy and comfort of their residences.

User talk:Rakshasi2

2006-09-05T02:06:37Z

Rakshasi2: Signing my reply

== Using the edit summary ==

Hi Rakshasi,

It'd be great if in the future you could fill out the "Summary" field at the bottom of the editing form whenever editing a page. This way, it is possible to see what you changed without having to compare the two versions bit by bit. Just saying :)

-- [[User:Arancaytar|Arancaytar]] | [[User talk:Arancaytar|Send Reply!]] --- That is not dead which can eternal lie... 15:28, 3 September 2006 (CDT)

:Sorry Aran, I'm not too good at this whole "Wiki" thing.--[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 16:00, 4 September 2006 (CDT)
::It's easier if you reply on his talk page - you get a neat message and everything. --[[User:Drakefyre|Drakey]]
:::I noticed that message, and it's damn near fantastic. I'll do that from now on. --[[User:Rakshasi2|Rakshasi2]] 21:06, 4 September 2006 (CDT)

User talk:Rakshasi2

2006-09-05T02:06:08Z

Rakshasi2: Replying

User talk:Rakshasi2

2006-09-04T21:00:15Z

Rakshasi2: Replying

Alchemy

2006-09-03T00:33:34Z

Rakshasi2:

The art of alchemy, of transforming one substance into another, is divided into two fields: body alchemy, and transformational alchemy. Many books were written on the subject, especially on scholarly uses for alchemy, before the [[Empire]] came to power and began suppressing magical proliferation. However, those which resurface are usually mistaken by uninitated adventurers for cookbooks and are left to lie in obscure and nigh unreachable ancient libraries.

== Body Alchemy ==

This field of alchemy is dedicated to the augumentation of humans or creatures by altering their physical or mental characteristics, usually through a potion. The actual act of alchemizing something comes much earlier than the alteration, when the potion or other substance is created. Many things can be used as ingedients, such as body parts (of animals or even humans) or minerals. Generally, if the finished product is not easily carried, it is mixed with water or ground into a paste and then carried in a pouch or bottle.

Some excellent examples of this kind of alchemy are poisons. Poisons are generally made by mixing toxic substances found in wildlie with water, which can then be applied to wounds, weapons, or even food. Some explosives are also made by mixing minerals in a special ratio and them boiling them together, giving the resulting paste the property of extremely fast combustion.

== Transformational Alchemy ==

Transformational alchemy is not studied by many people outside of magical and historical academies, as it is mostly a useless subject (in terms of practical applications). Transformational alchemy supposedly, when there were still masters of the subject, allowed those masters to turn lead into gold and to transform many other substances into different things.

No known books actually explain how to perform the act of transformation of gold into lead, although many have searched for the answer.

Midori Province

2006-09-03T00:31:38Z

Rakshasi2:

The Midori Province is a densely wooded region of the continent [[Valorim]] which is situated almost directly in the center. The capital of the Midori Province is [[Lorelei]]. Although the [[Plagues]] stunted the growth of the area, it has become a cornerstone of the Valorim economy.

==Economy==

The sprawling southern and western Midori Forests are easily harvested and exported. There is no tree to be found in these directions which is not close to a river or sea, which means that they can be easily and cheaply transported to areas in the [[Empire]] which have already consumed their forests or which wish to keep their flora.

Caravans also find the Midori Province a fast and protected route through central Valorim. Land-based merchants must pass through [[Blackcrag]] Pass if they wish to reach any part of Valorim, and from there the easiest route to any area except [[Monroe Province]] is through the Midori Province.

The cities of Wainscotting and Lorelei have become major centers of commerce, as they are advantageously located in both the Midori Province and Valorim.

Priests

2006-09-03T00:28:15Z

Rakshasi2:

A priest is a man or woman who has been accepted into the hierarchy of a [[Human religions|religion]] as someone in charge of other members of that religion. Usually, priests are required to understand the philosophy of their religion much more clearly and to be able to give guidance to other members.

Priests, as their understanding is greater, also have a stronger connection to their patron deity than a casual worshiper. Priests may use this connection with better and more visible results to gain the effect they desire of their god. However, they must take care to not misuse or manipulate their god's power as their deity may become displeased.

Priests draw a very large distinction between themselves and [[mages]]. To an uninitiated observer it may appear that they are the same, but both mages and priests strongly dispute this. Priests do not channel energy through physical motions but use their supplications to their god, meaning that they can wear armor which would prevent a mage from moving freely without impeding their spellcasting ability.

Larger groups of followers usually require multiple priests. When several of them work together, they are collectively known as an Order. Usually all members of an Order shame the same religion and will not work with members of an opposing religion.

Ursagi

2006-09-03T00:24:36Z

Rakshasi2:

The Ursagi (singular Ursag, but almost never used) are mutant [[bears]] which have increased mental capacities and larger bodies. Their skins are tined purple, and are considered exotic if unrare. They are able to rear onto their backs into a near-upright position for short periods of time and can rotate their forearms to some degree, allowing them to backhand and slash foes in addition to biting them. Although bears are usually solitary hunters, Ursagi seem to be able to muster them into a sort of drove under their command.

The origin of the ursagi is not known, or at least no theory is widely accepted. One states that the Ursagi were created by the [[Vahnatai]]. Another claims that they were twisted magical experiments which were accidentally released.

Ursagi generally avoid human settlements despite their increased combat abilities. However, they will attack hunters in the forest or brushland when their territory is encroached. Villagers also fear the creatures for no apparent reason, something which the [[Empire]] has half-heartedly attempted to bring to a halt. An [[adventurer]] can make a mediocre living as a hunter of these beasts.

Priests

2006-09-03T00:21:57Z

Rakshasi2:

A priest is a man or woman who has been accepted into the hierarchy of a religion as someone in charge of other members of that religion. Usually, priests are required to understand the philosophy of their religion much more clearly and to be able to give guidance to other members.

Priests, as their understanding is greater, also have a stronger connection to their patron deity than a casual worshiper. Priests may use this connection with better and more visible results to gain the effect they desire of their god. However, they must take care to not misuse or manipulate their god's power as their deity may become displeased.

Priests draw a very large distinction between themselves and mages. To an uninitiated observer it may appear that they are the same, but both mages and priests strongly dispute this. Priests do not channel energy through physical motions but use their supplications to their god, meaning that they can wear armor which would prevent a mage from moving freely without impeding their spellcasting ability.

Larger groups of followers usually require multiple priests. When several of them work together, they are collectively known as an Order. Usually all members of an Order shame the same religion and will not work with members of an opposing religion.