Baldur's Gate : The Sword Coast Chronicles : NWN2 Persistent World

The Hemadryad
A Folktale Retold by Oona Siofra
-------------------

A young man walked in the forest
With his quiver and hunting bow
And followed the sound below
There he found the maiden
Who lives in the willow.

He called to her a she listened
From a ring of toadstools red
"Come with me, my maiden
Come from thy willow bed"
She looked at him serenely
And only shook her head.

"See me now; a ray of light in the moondance
See me now, a strain of song in the forest
Don't ask me to follow where you lead."

A young man walked in the forest
With a flower and coat of green
His love had hair like fire
Her eyes an emerald sheen
She wrapped herself in beauty
So young and so serene.

He stood there under the willow
And he gave her the yellow bloom
"Girl, my heart you've captured
Oh, I would be your groom"
She said she'd wed him never
Not near, nor far, nor soon.

"See me now; a ray of light in the moondance
See me now, I cannot leave this place
Hear me now, a strain of song in the forest
Don't ask me to follow where you lead."

A young man walked in the forest
With an axe sharp as a knife
"I'll take the green-eyed faerie
And she shall be my wife
With her I'll raise my children
With her I'll live my life."

The maiden wept when she heard him
When he said he'd set her free
He took his axe and used it
To bring down her ancient tree
"Now your willow's fallen
Now you belong to me."

"See me now; a ray of light in the moondance
See me now, I cannot leave this place
Hear me now, a strain of song in the forest
Don't ask me to follow where you lead."

She followed him out the forest
And collapsed upon the earth
Her feet had walked but a distance
From the green land of her birth.

Faded, she, into a flower
That would bloom for one bright eve
He could not take from the forest...
...What was never meant to leave.

- - - - - - END - - - - - -

The Knight Code
by Katerine Kulenov

This brief book contains all the duties and obligations that a Knight must hold.


In the last pages, the Oath of a Knight is written and what a knight has to recite in front of a Lord or another Knight.

"Inside the table's circle, under the sacred sword.

A knight must vow to follow the code that is unending, unending as the table ---
a ring by honor bound.

A knight is sworn to valor.
His heart knows only virtue.
His blade defends the helpless.
His might upholds the weak.
His word speaks only the truth.
His wrath undoes the wicked.
The right can never die, if one man still recalls.

The words are not forgotten, if one voice speaks them clear.

The code forever shines, if one heart holds it bright."

As every line of the code is explained in this treaty, a shorter version appears, one that is used by Lords and Kings when they have to elect a new Knight, or a Knight that raises a Squire to a Knight.

"A knight is sworn to valor,
His heart knows only virtue,
His blade defends the helpless,
His might upholds the weak,
his word speaks only truth,
his wrath undoes the wicked."

After another explanation, for the reasons of why it's shorter and so on, in the last page is written the oath that a squire should give to another Knight or a Lord or a King.

"I, (name), choose the Code as my own.

I am hereby sworn to valor, to speak only the truth, to use arms to defend the helpless, to use might to uphold the weak.

My heart knows only virtue. My wrath will undo the wicked."

The Left Handed Spoon
by Ernest Tradeway

Urkanott the Efreet

A travelling merchant who wanders the known world as part of traders known as The Three Kings.

It is said he has engaged a merchant to locate him a lost left handed spoon part of a set.

He claims it was stolen by Polvich the profane and taken to the Sword Coast around 998.

The Liturgy of the Church of Mystra
Revised and updated by Priestess Aeili Azenci in the Year of the Crown, 1351 DR.

Contents

Preface...............................3
The Dogma...........................5
The Magical Sacrifice...............9
The Starflight Ceremony..........12
The Magefire Ceremony...........15

Preface

The Mystral Liturgy was first penned in The Year of the Weary Scribe, 994 DR, when Magister Meldryn Jalensifer first gifted the Scepter of Mystra to Magus Naerlus Arnarthanyer.

While the Magister could not have known the impact that would have upon the region of Leilon in the northern part of the Sword Coast, the event was a high point in the activity of the Church of Mystra to that time. This liturgy reflects the simplicity of worship expected by the servants of Mystery, but in no wise diminishes the profundity of our duty and honor in our service to the Mother of All Magic, Mystra.

This edition sees few changes to the 994 DR original. A few archaic expression have been updated to fit common usage today. The recitation of the Dogma is here presented in an exhortatory format in both its short and long forms. All communal responses utilize an italicized style so as to differentiate them from clerical orations. The Hymn to the Lady can still be found in the Hymns. Prayers and Canticles of the Church of Mystra.

I hope that this version may be of the greatest benefit to arcanists, scribes, spellcrafters, artificers, minstrels and anyone else who entertains and avid interest in the mysteries of the Art.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

The Dogma

Short Version

Let us love magic for itself and not just as a ready weapon to shape the realms to our own will.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us learn when not to use our magic and thus acquire true wisdom.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us play with magic and learn how to best wield it, but not when the price is paid by others.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us remember that often the threat or promise of the Art outstrips its performance.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.


Long Version - Continue with the following:

Let us remember always that magic is Art, a gift of the Lady, and that those who can wield it are priviledged in the extreme.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us conduct ourselves humbly, not proudly, while being mindful of this.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us use magic deftly and efficiently; let us eschew carelessness and recklessness in the unleashing of the Art.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us hide or hurl away into the planes magic which imperils us rather than destroying it, for any destruction of Art is a sin.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us seek always to learn new magic and create new magic, but experimenting to learn to craft something ourselves is better than merely buying scrolls or hiring tutors.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us exult more in creation than in hurling spells, and ensure that our creations are shared and thus outlive us.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

Let us succeed in this last matter and in maturing into true wisdom and consideration for the greater balance of things in Faerun in the use of the Art, for we who do are most favored in the eyes of the Lady and will serve her beyond death as beings who have become one with magic and live on it forever.

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries, the Mother of All Magic.


The Magical Sacrifice

Daily rites of magical sacrifice consist of offering the magically enchanted contributions of the faithful and should be undertaken utilizing the following ritual:

1. Blessing of the Assembly - With hands raised the officiating servant of Mystra is to offer the following prayer and communal response:

"O Mystra, Mother of All Magic, we praise you and give thanks for letting us gather together to rejoice in your sublime beauty, and the delight that is the Art. Enliven our faith today by helping us to remember your gift to us as well as our responsibility in its proper use."

"And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries."

2. Consecration of the Holy Altar - The divine Altar is to be sprinkled with holy water using eight flicks of the finger.

3. Offering - The items to be sacrificed are placed upon the altar by the officiating servant. They must not touch each other.

4. Subsumation - The officiating servant is to pronounce the following prayer, at the completion of which the offerings will be wholly subsumed into the Weave.

"O Mystra, Mother of All Magic, creator of the Art, you who have revealed many and varied mysteries of magic: grant us your favor as we give back to you a portion of the Art you have given to us. Take back what was always yours."

"And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries."

5. Recitation of the Dogma - The officiating servant leads a recitation of the Dogma, either the short or long version. This concludes the ceremony of magical sacrifice.

The Starflight Ceremony

This sublime ceremony is to be held for special occasions such as the ordination of new clergy, Mystran wedding rites and festivities requiring nighttime airborne magical displays. It must be held outdoors and the stars must be visible for the ritual to take effect. Participants will retain their Starflight ability for as long as they can see the stars.

1. Welcome and Introduction - The participants are invited to stand before the officiating clergy and are introduced, along with the purpose of the ceremony (ordination or wedding). Festive magical displays may omit this step. The following template may be utilized:

"Blessed of Mystra and those who revere the Lady of Mysteries, welcome. We are gathered here this duskfall to witness the sublime (ordination or wedding) of (participant[s]) tonight on (date and year). Prepare your hearts to marvel at the mystery and joy that is Sarflight, with which (participant[s]) shall be blessed before our eyes."

2. Magical Sacrifice - as per the Sacrifice ritual, with the offering gifted by the participant(s) or their patron. The short version of the Dogma is typically used. The most senior of the officiating clergy is to perform Sacrifice.

3. Starflight Ritual - The participant(s) are to stand facing one another and must hold hands. Mystran faithful must wear blue and white-trimmed robes. The officiating clergy must then simultaneously cast the Starflight spell upon the recipient(s) followed by the concluding exclamation:

"Behold, the mystery of Starflight has been bestowed upon you, O blessed ones! Soar with the stars and revel in the wonder and splendor that is Magic, the gift of the Lady."


The Magefire Ceremony

There is no more beautiful expression of magic in the Mystran faith than the solemnity of a Magefire ritual. It is the rawest known expression of magic to be cast upon a subject suffering intense affliction. All magic cast during the ritual must be in perfect synchronization, utilizing at least two clergy, and following these rites:

1. Introduction and Welcome - The following template is to be utilized to introduce the Ceremony:

"Blessed of Mystra and those who revere the Lady of Mysteries, welcome. We gather here today to witness and participate in the solemn Magefire Ceremony of (participant). Prepare now our hearts to marvel at the sublime mystery and exuberant ecstasy that is the Magefire Ceremony. Show us your favor, so that (participant) may be cure of all (his/her) ailments."

And so we bless the Lady of Mysteries.

2. Magical Sacrifce - As per the Sacrifice ritual, utilizing only the long version of the Dogma. The offering must be donated by the participant.

3. Joint Blessing - At the conclusion of the Sacrifice ritual all participating Mystran clergy must simultaneously pray an Bless spell.

4. Invitation - The participant is to come forth before the shrine or altar of Mystra and lay down before it or upon it, if possible.

5. Joint Recitation - All participating Mystran clergy must simultaneously pray a Recitation spell.

6. The Magefire Ritual - All participating Mystran clergy must simultaneously cast the Magefire spell, while supporting Mystran faithful must donate four spell levels of magic to power the Ceremony. The participant will become enveloped in mystical blue fire at the outset of this part of the Ceremony. These flames are inert and will not spread beyond the participant.

A minimum of two participating clergy is required and will effect the following:

Neutralize Poison
Remove Disease
Remove Curse

For every additional donor of four spell levels of magical energy the following may be effected:

Remove Blindness/Deafness
Heal
Regeneration
Dispel Magic

The Ceremony is concluded when the participant's affliction is cured, or else the magic is expended and the mystic fire begins to subside.

And so ends the rites, rituals and ceremonies of the Church of Mystra.

The Poets of Duty
by Lafali'Atria Dacino

Let no one with a languid finger.

The Prophecy of Borbath
by Arunir

Borbathians, kindred spirits all.

Men and women, young and old,
They come together, longing more,
For a new herald, of spring and war.

With their true torments protracted,
It thunders from them a mustering call,
They come together, one and all,
To hear a grand prophecy declared,
The vision the Goldragon Bore.

A new Kingdom will be born,
Timed by nations crumbling,
From the ashes of the torn,
A new Kingdom will be grown,
The balance to be restored,
Under morning's bright succor,
Its future, towering over all.

For under its crowned leader,
A great new legend can be told,
That of its noble people,
True of heart, and tall, and bold,
And that all of them, together,
Shall glean over glory and gold.

Uncounted villains act, assail and foil,
Many onslaughts and betrayals borne.
But Borbath's people with its knight's support,
Will endure until dawn light's sure comfort,
Where once and for all, all shall hear,
The horror of the Goldragon's roar.

So it begins.

The Red Knight
Lady of Strategy
Grandmaster of the Lanceboard

An Overview

By Warpriest Gasten Kelteel

Preface

I hope to express the basic knowledge all should know about the Red Knight that are interested in exploring being a servant of strategy or learning her tenants. The Red Knight not only provides organization to battle and warfare but to all aspects of life. She can provide structure to a chaotic life or even to one that needs a regular schedule.

Overview:

The Red Knight has a small but devoted following that are separate from most of the followers of Tempus. They are treated with the same respect as everyone else in the Tempurian Temples, even if they do stand out as a more stoic and calculating crowd. Though they do tend to play games where they can use their training and talents to predict the outcome.

The Red Knight portfolio includes Strategy and Planning and her spellcasting specialties for priests are gifted spells that relate to War and Lawful Order. Besides her Lord Tempus she can count Torm and Valkur as her allies. The Lord of Slaughter Garagos has her ire but has never come to blows with him.

The Red Knight sees Tempus as a Father figure and it is rumored they spend a lot of time together hunting, feasting, and visiting the battlefields on Toril or Warrior's Rest. When it comes to battles on the sea the Red Knight trusts Valkur and his expertise when they encounter each other. Torm and the Red Knight are of similar disposition when it comes to interest in battle and the duties of warriors, it is rumored that they may be in love. It more than likely is a rumor that has expanded from her public fondness for him.

Her followers typically are law abiding citizens or at least those who do not oppose lawful organization. Her followers also run the gamut on the views of good and evil. This puts the followers of the Red Knight at no more odds with each other than the other followers of Tempus with similar views.

In addition as appearing as a dark-haired woman in blood red armor, with a map of planning and strategy in hand she also has manifested herself as a chessboard. Followers that have disconcerted the next move on the board have been blessed with visions related to an appropriate strategy for a current situation they may be in.

She also has been known to gift followers with ruby chess pieces if they are in her favor and those that have fallen out of favor get pieces made of crumbly white quartz. She has also allowed animals in service of followers to perform great feats above and beyond their normal capacity.

She is served by a number of creatures that include Enheriar, Maruts, Pers, and stone golems and stone guardians shaped like chess pieces. More common creatures that manifest in her presence are owls, eagles, falcons, elephants, pegasi, horses, and domesticated dogs. They always appear to have a ruddy hue to them.

Holy Days

In addition to the holy days of Tempus, the clergy of the Red Knight have two important holy days to themselves.

The first is the Retreat is an annual event that is held on Midwinter's day. During this solemn ceremony they recount the years campaigns and battles throughout the day. The Queens Gambit is the second holiday and is celebrated on the first day of Tarsakh. During the festival the clergy and followers unwind with a day of feasting and gamesmanship. Day-long tournaments of chess and go are held, with victors receiving recognition, titles of merit, promotions, and sometimes a precious gift from the temple armory.

Major Orders

The Order of the Red Falcon is a fellowship of crusaders, warriors, and a handful of paladins who serve the Red Knight and Lady Bloodhawk. Small in number, the elite knights of this order are dangerous opponents who have triumphed in the face of overwhelming odds on numerous occasions. Based in the Citadel of Strategic Militancy, many of the knights serve as instructors in the Red War college. Others serve stints in various armies throughout the Realms training the officers in military history. On rare occasions they are all summoned back at the Citadel and led into combat by Lady Bloodhawk herself.

Priestly Vestments

Clergy of the Red Knight wear blood-hued suits of plate armor for ceremonial functions over which is worn a white tabbard embroidered with the symbol of the Red Knight. They are not forbidden to cover their faces like Tempurian clergy are, and so they often sport full helms when visibility is not a concern and they wish to convey a grand impression. When not armored their robes are red, though shading does vary from darker to higher with increasing rank. They commonly wear the symbol of the Red Knight made from red gemstones on a chain around their necks.

Adventuring Garb

Garb for priests and devout followers is the best armor they can obtain. Although their armor can be battleworn many strive to keep it polished and unmarred, as benefits a commander seeking to inspire both their followers and the bards. All clergy of the Red Knight have a battle standard, and poain their heraldic symbols on it and their shields as a rallying point for troops when they are going into an organized battle. Covering or concealing such a standard generates no disapproval from the church however, if the stratagem should require it.

I will leave you with a common parable among the Tempurans and the Red Knights.

One day the Red Knight decided to test the capabilities of the gods with a simple game by providing them with a ball that was made of intertwined knotted rope. With each failure of each god the Red Knight would add a knot to the ball complicating its solving. The ball grew and grew till she finally made her way to Tempus. The Foehammer took out his mighty axe and split the ball in two. The Red Knight looked on in surprise that he had solved in a way she did not expect.

The lesson here being, in the end with the best laid plans can be completely undone by overwhelming force.

The Seven Sons
By Stan Cott

A halfling of Tymora and the seventh son of the seventh son, lucky Tommy Thorntoe was captured in 1002 near Beregost.

He was taken prisoner by a Cult of Palemasters intent on sacrificing him and others and they were lined up and tied up awaiting their fate.

A more heroic Paladin, Pietr the White leapt from their ranks broke free of his binding and started a terrible fight with their captors.

Tommy seized the opportunity and tumbled into a cauldron hoping to hide. But it was a magic cauldron with seven coins freshly made within. He cut his bonds on the sharp edges of a freshly made coin and emerged with a handful of coin.

He promptly fell and the coins rolled away. But they all rolled down and out a small crawlway in the cave. An escape way had been revealed. Tommy led the others to safety. The Paladin fought on.

Tommy never found the coins again. But they remain lucky it is said.

It is said they can be gathered together to bring great luck. But they may slip from the grasp of the unlucky. The collection was called;

The Seven Sons.

And comprised;

The Lucky Star
The Ladybug
The Dreamcatcher
Lucky White Heather
Four Leaf Clover
Jade 8
The Rabbit's Foot

The Stolen Child
By Emrys Kerr

Where dips the rocky highland
Of Sleuth Wood in the lake,
There lies a leafy island
Where flapping herons wake
The drowsy water-rats.
There we've hid our faerie vats
Full of berries,
And of reddest stolen cherries.
Come away, O human child!
To the woods and waters wild
With a faerie hand in hand
For the Realms are more full of weeping
Than you can understand.

Where the wave and moonlight glosses
The dim grey sands with light,
Far off by furthest Russes
We foot it all the night,
Weaving olden dances,
Mingling hands, and mingling glances,
Till the moon has taken flight;
To and fro we leap,
And chase the frothy bubbles,
While the Realms are full of troubles
And are anxious in their sleep.
Come away, O human child!
To the woods and waters wild,
With a faerie hand in hand
For the Realms are more full of weeping
Than you can understand.

Where the wandering water gushes
From the hills above Glen-Car
In pools among the rushes,
That scarce could bathe a star,
We seek for slumbering trout,
And whispering in their ears;
We give them evil dreams,
Leaning softly out
From ferns that drop their tears
Of dew on the young streams.
Come away, O human child!
To the woods and waters wild,
With a faerie hand in hand
For the Realms are more full of weeping
Than you can understand.

Away with us, he's going,
The solemn-eyed;
He'll hear no more the lowing
Of the calves on the warm hill-side.
Or the kettle on the hob,
Sing peace into his breast;
Or see the brown mice bob
Round and round the oatmeal chest.
For he comes, the human child,
To the woods and waters wild,
With a faerie hand in hand
For the Realms are more full of weeping
Than he can understand.

The Story of the Stronghand Stonemasons
By J.R. Waterly

The Stronghand at Waterdeep. They were there to dig the walls but dug much deeper right into the vault of the Asterleys of Waterdeep.

Led by Rocky Flatstone they were a collection of underground races held together by Rocky. Not all had his standards and one way or another their digging detoured into the vault.

Some say the Asterleys got all they deserved but others remained distraught.

Either way the Stronghand were soon fleeing south pursued by Hoar hirelings.

They dispersed around Candlekeep their home area. Many were hunted down by the avengers.

The rumor goes neither Rocky or the vault contents were found.

The Teachings of Hoar
Penned in the year 1350 Dale Reckoning, by the Justicar Tegeus Cromis of Assuran, known also as Hoar, Lord of the Three Thunders, the Hand of Thunder, the Scion of Justice, the Poet of Vengeance, the Lord of Doom, and the Doombringer.


Through Wisdom, I Observe,
Through Observation, I Know,
Through Knowledge, I Judge,
With Judgement, I Act
Justice Comes To All

- Doombringer Tegeus Cromis, The Code of the Justicar


Hoar's Dogma

Uphold true and fitting justice and mantain the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law.

Fitting recompense will always accrue for one's actions.

Violence will meet violence and evil pay back evil, but good will also come to those who do good.

Walk the line of the Doombringer's teachings, seeking retribution but do not fall into the trap of pursuing evil acts for evil's sake, for that way is seductive and leads only to one's downfall.

Vengeance must be sought for all injustices, and all punishments must fit the crime. Revenge is sweet when it is sharpened with irony, it is a dish best served cold.

All attacks must be avenged.

Those who do not respond to attacks against their person or that which they hold dear only invite further attacks.


Prayers to the Doombringers

Doombringer, bless my blade and harden my shield.

Tuuspnicweln, phelll my phatel old rantelc my lriehlt

Allag'om'op, gc'prere meu gc'iap e i'apm meu reopc'a.

Lord of the Three Thunders, temper my compassion with thy fair judgement, guide my strike to those truly deserving it.

Enay of the Tribus Avavago, yelsqeln my vusqalliuc cum il bain motwelselcy, woitel my lynixel pambt ea ynohz tellelnjicw t.

C'l'a de o Tres Hfm'ap're, hpapp' meu nlapirereolm' com hl fio' g'faopapm'h,
ofoap meu reh'ohp para os h'fc'l aprep'ydom'o ele.

Thrice Thunderous Doombringer, aid me in sentencing foes to their just punishment.

Yrnivel Yroctelnuol Tuuspnicweln, ait me in lelcyelcvicw buell pambt eorum iustus qocilrselcy.

H'onp Hfm'ap'lfre Allag'om'op, ioa ap em repm'hpm'nom'o flpre para seus apenas pfm'oreapmh.

Allow me to recognize good acts, and to repay them with kindness.

Ahhuf me pambt nelvuwcikel bona avyl od pambt nelqaz eos com xictcelll.

Ic'c's ap para 'pnlom'ojgp boa inhre, e para 'ppil los com hom'am'prere.

Poet of Vengeance, Scion of Justice, Lord of Doom, allow me the knowledge of that which is just.

Quely ol Jelcwelacvel Lviuc ol Balt, Enay ol Tuus, ahhuf me the xcufheltwel ol quae the i iustus.

Plph de Ydm'opm'np, Renolm' de G'frehonp, C'l'a de Alla, ic'c'ls ap o hm'lsc'paop de que que e apenas.

Hand of Thunder, guide my soul and keep me on the path of righteousness. I shall fight evil and aid good, this I pledge.

Manum of Yrocteln, woitel my luoh od servo me tol the qayr ol baeouib. I chiso biwry eljih od ait bona, oi, i qheltwel.

Mao de Hfm'ap', ofoap meu relfc' e manter ap no o pih, de 'oo hpmlfrem'prere. O reic'c fooh pydoc' e ioa boa, presente, o pc'paop.


Holy Days of the Doombringer

11th of Eleint - The Penultimate Thunder is celebrated with great feasts of game, bread, fruits, and mead. This marks the victory of the Lord of the Three Thunders over Ramman.

11th of Marpenoth - The Impending Doom is observed with choruses of rolling drums, oathswearing, and purification. This is a time of swearing vengeance upon those who have earned it.

In addition to these days, adherents of the Lord of Three Thunders, known also as Assuran, Hoar, and the Doombringer, are to take the opportunity on all days to mark those who are deserving of recompense.

The Underdark Survival Guide
by Laitae Lafreth

To most, the Underdark is a collection of tunnels and caverns so wast, that it cannot be wholy charted. The movement of the earth and collapsing tunnels aside, the realm, or indeed realms of the Underdark have to be thought of in not just north, south, west and east, but also in depths and direction of travel. Indeed, to travel the Underdark, one must know where one is going, and make sure that one will find their way back when they need to. There is also a lot of dangers to consider in the local animal life and fauna, which we will get to eventually.

What do we need to consider?

The main thing to consider when traversing the Underdark, is sound. In this land of endless darkness and enclosed spaces, it makes sense that sight isn't the main means of sensing things. Sound is the ruling sense of predators of the Underdark. Sound that echoes and bounces off cavern walls, traveling far and wide, is very telling to creatures that are attuned to it. Indeed, the scuff of a boot, or the 'click' of a staff are sounds that make normal travel dangerous at best. To minimize the risk of discovery, means must be taken to lessen the sound one would normally make, which is not an easy task surrounded by solid rock and stone.

Light, though not as far reaching, is still a dead giveaway in the darkness. The sharp light from a torch isn't a pleasant thing to experience for the light sensitive creatures of the Underdark, but it is not a deterrent. Indeed, it is more likely to draw attention to oneself as the light will fill up the tunnel as a colorful carpet. Many times more visible to those not used to it than those who might carry it. That being said, the ability to see is important when navigating the maze of the Underdark. Therefore, we cannot rule out the use of light or fire as a way to find our way. If other means are available to you, it is suggested that you minimize the light cast from sources of fire.

The loneliness:

One thing that is predominant in the dark, is the loneliness. Even in a group, the time spent in silence will get tedious and uncomfortable. Dangers lurk everywhere, so the constant need for vigilance will be an additional source of stress to consider. It is therefore very important to keep active. To have tasks that will take your thoughts off the nature of your surroundings. Keep in mind that what you do, must not put your life in danger by causing too much sound and the like. The author of this book will testament that writing this is one such
activity.

Civilizations.

The civilized life of the Underdark is a cruel and unforgiving one. The legends of Drow cruelty is nothing to the reality, and other races such as Duergar and Deep Gnomes are either hostile or guarded. One should not expect anything but hostility, and any apparent 'friendly' act will probably be followed by hidden hostility. Only when you are able to be more useful alive and free than the amusement such beings might gain from your death will keep you safe, so the wisest action to take, is to avoid them all together. If that is not possible, then swift action followed by a swift retreat might be in order. It is strongly advised not to deal with any apparent 'civilized' creature you might encounter.

Battle:

It is strongly advised to fight as few things as possible when travelling the Underdark. Assuming that your weapons are metalwork, you should have in mind that the sound of metal on metal is one that carry. Still. Battle is unavoidable for larger groups. To this end, it is important that one knows how to use blades and spells. Metal should slide into flesh quickly, to minimize contact with hard surface so no metallic resonance is made. Spells should be subtle, and fireballs are not advised. Confined spaces will make it very easy to harm one of your own. Something that will quickly have fatal consequences. Still. When able, it is best avoided. There are many treasures lost in the dark, that need not violence to get.

Attacks will often be in form of ambushes or unavoidable charges. The tunnels make flanking difficult but not impossible. Still, it is the predators and dangers that lie in wait that are the most dangerous. Many creatures will also have available to them, attacks that are incapacitating to a degree. Spores will daze and confuse, Umber Hulks will screech so loud it makes your world disoriented, and the Illithid will break down your mentality with their thoughts. Precaution against all such attacks are often impossible, as they come in a variety of ways, but one should always bear in mind that one will encounter such beings and act accordingly. We will discuss what creatures one might encounter in the second volume of this series.

Best of wishes from a Underdark residence. Still alive.

The Wind That Shakes the Barley
by Emrys Kerr

[This work is composed in two languages written side-by-side, Waelan on the left and a conformance translation in Common on the right]

I sat within the valley green
I sat me with my true love.
My sad heart strove the two between
The old love and the new love.
The old for her the new that made me
Think of Moonshae dearly
While soft wind blew down the glen
And shook the golden barley.

'Twas hard the woeful words to frame
To break the ties that bound us.
But harder still to bear the shame
Of foreign chains around us.
And so I said, "The mountain glen
I'll meet at the morning early
And join the bold united men
While soft winds shake the barley."

While sad I kissed away her tears
My fond arms 'round her flinging,
The foreman's shout burst out our ears
From out the wild wood ringing.
An arrow pierced my true love's side
In life's young spring so early
And on my breast in blood she died
While soft winds shook the barley.

But blood for blood without remorse
I've ta'en at Hughloch Hallow
And laid my true love's clay-cold corpse
Where I full soon may follow.
And 'round her grave I wander drear
Noon, night, and early morning
With breaking heart when e'er I hear
The wind that shakes the barley.

The Wraith's Riddle
On Finding Merlon's Crew, one of the most long-standing mysteries of the Hilltop Ruins, by Morgalia Verenach.

For an untold amount of years, fortune-seekers, adventurers and those seeking to destroy wicked creatures have been traversing the Hilltop Ruins and their underground caverns toward the Friendly Arm. Those that have, may have come across a peculiar sight... the deathly visage of a wraith named Captain Merlon, whom confronts any whom venture there with a riddle, expecting an answer. That riddle goes as follows:

Four fish I picked from the sea,
Brothers and sister to me they be,
Four signs ye show an' I'll let ye,
Me treasure yonder see.

Most folk don't even give it a second thought, just think this is the work of a madman, and only focus on grabbing as much loot as they can possibly hold, and fleeing the scene. But for some, like myself, such unsolved mysteries long kept secret are a challenge, waiting to be solved by one keep mind. So, for many months this riddle came back to the surface of my mind, and many trips through the caverns later... slowly, the answers began to come to me.

The 'four fish' described in the riddle are actually the wraith's old crew members, represented in the dungeon as statues in various locations. On the following pages, I will describe each statue and it's location, and what one must pay attention to or do to trigger each statue.

The first statue one would encounter, starting from the Hilltop Ruins, is the statue of Jack Pearl, whose gazed was once rumored to curse anyone who drew his ire. You may find simple threats such as kobolds and rats, nearby. The statue itself also has an inscription mentioning a Black Pearl. Such pearls can occasionally be found in the hives of insectoids, where caves are darker than usual. Once someone places a black pearl in the eye socket of the statue, it will briefly glow. Upon near inspection of the statue, a voice will speak:

"Jack Pearl, second to none, be his black evil eye, dark be his heart. Died when our ship caught fire, chasing his rolling eye."

Very briefly, a letter will appear that is part of a series of four letters... the Captain's password...

The second statue, found to the right hand side of the very first thin, stone bridge across water, resembles a maiden holding a trident, very similar to a depiction of the Goddess Umberlee. With a bit of relevant knowledge and craftsmanship skill, one can repair the statue temporarily with a non-magical halberd and a little over two hundred gold. Upon making the repairs, the statue will glow, and upon examining it once more, another letter of the password will show, and another voice will speak:

"Saltlime Molly, Thrice Damned, the Bitch Queen's servant, women be bad luck, but oh, those hips!"

Number three is difficult and elaborate to obtain. There is a concealed hatch to the right hand side of Captain Merlon's wraith, behind the many cobwebs in that area. But only someone as small as a gnome or halfling can go through with ease, unless you are equipped with means of Reduce Person, in form of wand, scroll or potion. Once through the hole, more cobwebs greet you everywhere, and you may have to remove some from the halfling bardic statue itself before one can inspect it further. From what I gathered, the statue steals gold from your purse, and one needs to be swift of hand to steal the gold pouch from the statue. Upon which it will gleam a smile, glow to reveal another letter, and speak:

"Fasthand Twobit Lynn, soul 'o me ship, but as dull as a seagull, fer stealin' a cappies' booty."

The final statue rests in an area of purple bioluminescence, with a huge cedar tree growing among some Upperdark fauna. Upon closer inspection, it would appear to be missing a leg. Placing all manner of objects in there such as swords and the like, proves not to be a solution. One must simply be capable of crafting a peg leg for the statue on the spot, likely with wood from the cedar tree, as I did. Upon placing the correctly shaped object within the statue's groove, it will glow and reveal the last letter of the password, a voice going:

"Blackwood Turly, First Mate, hells take the halfling Moonsea cannibals that took me leg!"

I will not ruin the experience of the interested reader in discovering the results of the mystery itself. All I shall leave behind is that there is indeed treasure lying beyond the door that the wraith guards. But the ill-gotten gains of pirates and thieves are often plagued with greed and malice. If it is still your wish to pursue this wealth, or perhaps to attempt to cleanse it from the wickedness that lingers...

... do not go for the treasure on your own, lest you have thoroughly tested yourselves against the dungeon denizens and feel they are no longer a challenge.

To Wage Righteous War
by Reine Arlynson

The mission of the righteous is the defense of those who cannot defend themselves. To fail the needy and the defenseless is the darkest charge which can be laid to a paladin or a knight of the helpless.

In truth, such matters are not always as simple as they first appear. Were this a realm without suffering, without evil, ego, pride, malice, pain or vindication, it would be an unthinkable crime to allow suffering to go unanswered.

Sadly, we dwell not in such a celestis. As such, those of holy orders are no more departed from the mundane matters of state, war, battle and prayer than the lowliest commoner or the highest noble. Our understanding of our realm must be tempered thus: we are exemplars and examples, not avatars. We are limited by our powers, our people and our laws. I write this treatise for the consideration of others of holy orders - to enable them to see war as others see it. To be able to effectively serve their orders. I add this appeal only to convince those who read this that the advice and direction contained within does not fall upon deaf ears.

The rest of this tome is a series of lessons I have learned during my years of battle, my failings, my successes, those around me and my faith.

Yours in service,
Reine Arlynson (Ilmatari and venerant of the Red Knight)

**As you read through the tome, it goes from page to page, offering advice in specific situations, drawing up battle plans, dealing with your church, dealing with people under you. It seems to be drawn from a number of relevant texts. However, your eyes are drawn to the section where the author offers short, swift bits of advice for those who need words to live by. It is written as if it were within a holy text**

A retreat is only cowardice if others suffer for your decision. Consider wisely before committing to a battle you may lose.

All training begins first in the mind and ends in the muscle.

A prayer on the eve of battle is only as powerful as the faith of its speaker.

A battle is decided first between commanders and then between soldiers. A pack of lions led by a sheep is at best the equal of a pack of sheep lead by a lion.

A swift and relentless execution of duty is the most merciful end to a war.

Death is neither reward, nor peace. Seek neither on a battlefield other than to silence it once and for all.

A commander's duty is first to their people, then to their faith. It is their duty to reconcile both. A fool may lead an army only to an end of their own devising.

The grandest mercy is that which alleviates the most suffering. Do not choose the battlefield as a mount for a redemptive tale.

- - -

The deaths of the innocent separate the paladin from the despot. Weight not innocent lives in the balance, but seek to protect and preserve as long as you are able.

Honor the departed, savor the victory, offer freedom, grant mercy to the vanquished. Hesitate not in battle for these things.

- - -

Do not allow yourself to be convinced that war may be honorable, clean, or safe. It is none of these things.

**Further on, the book begins to describe specific acts that a commander or a sergeant might take. It launches into a description of a deep fugue the author once found herself in**

On Guilt

The greatest enemy of the leader of soldiers is guilt. I have spoken to a number of my fellow soldiers, leaders and followers alike. Books ranging from the Dwarven treatise "Steel Caves" to the elven treatises on sylvan warfare agree on one matter. A commander is lost if they give in to their guilt.

As a commander of soldiers, it is your burden to send people you know and care about to their death. This is doubtly true of those engaged in the warfare of the righteous. We often must die so that others may live. Yet, as a commander, you may find yourself responsible for more than a simple charge to the death.

This is the burden of command. There will be times when you live where others die. Your decisions, your views, your mistakes will weight heavy upon your soul. To surrender to guilt and suffering is to surrender your charge. It will fell as cowardice. It will reduce you to hatred of yourself. How dare yo make decisions that reduce people that you trust to little more than husks, bound for whatever heaven awaits them. Such decisions are those of Gods, not of mortals.

The simple truth of such matters is that you can only fight the battles in front of you. Eventually, no matter how great a skill you have, no matter how great your scouting, how strong your fighters, how great your magecraft, you will lose. It may end you then, but it will more likely end others, should you take into account my advice earlier on the matter of retreat.

Consider only these words. When the time comes to quit the battlefield, make that your decision. Do not allow your people to break - their morale and their own faith does so as well as when they do. The only faith that should be challenged on the field of battle is your own.

On Tactics

A functioning chain of command is only functioning if the chain of command makes decisions based upon more than its own whim. A commander of competence must first acknowledge that they know only as much as they are informed by those of greater knowledge.

Despite this, a firm decision even if wrong is a far greater boon to a force than a well made decision made at the wrong moment. To drive forward in a moment of retreat may result in casualties, but done with enough vigor may win the day. A commander who questions themselves endlessly will miss the moment entirely, for a battlefield is lived from moment to moment.

Tactical command should be distributed to men and women of good heart and trust. They are responsible for their own people. Overrule them if necessary, but seek not to command their people for them. Instead rely upon the trust you have placed in their competence. They too share the burden of command and must understand its heavy weight.

To those who fight with their comrades, understand that those who command you must often make decisions based upon the information only they have. Their approach may seem foolish and it may yet be foolish, but if they have garnered your trust before, rely upon that now.

Instead, care for your own people. Make decisions that make sense to you. Do not stand and fight to exhaustion simply because you have been told to do so lest you understand why. Down such a road lies morale collapse and failure. Do not commit to a battle which may not be won unless there is a greater goal in mind.

A martyr may only be a martyr if they died in pursuit of a greater goal. No martyr dies for their own pride and honor.

On Strategy

The greater races of Faerun each have their own wargames to teach their young the tenets of battle and strategy. The knights and priests in lanceboard have their own strengths and those strengths are represented in their tactics. Strategy instead requres that one take in the whole board.

Advance when the enemy is weak or is unprepared.

Retreat when the enemy is strong.

Seek to flank at all times when your flank is strong.

Protect your flank at all times.

A fortification should be passed by, surrounded, weakened or forced into surrender. Seek diplomacy before surrender, seek surrender before annihilation, seek annihilation before capitulation.

Take advantage of the land around you. Do not assume that others will not.

Know your people. Attempt to know theirs.

Your duty above all else is to protect the innocent. A blackguard may torch a castle to kill its lord. You must find another way.

When engaging a force of equal size, seek first weaknesses, then position. Only then rely upon individual strength.

Never underestimate the cleverness or stupidity of your enemy. Never mistake one for the other.

Assume the enemy knows all you know and if they appear not to, assume they have deceived you.

On Righteous War

Our charge as paladins and knights of the righteous orders is often mis-stated. It is assumed we must fight until the death for any cause we see fit, that we must remain long past the point of sanity, fighting a hopeless battle. Even that we must be outnumbered by a shattering degree before we may even consider retreat.

None of this is true.

There is a true honor to martyrdom and self sacrifice. The willingness to give ones life for a cause or for your oaths is the highest call of service. However, such sacrifice should always be in aid of a grander goal. It is not simply enough to believe that one must die an honorable death and seek it as a result.
The honor is not yours to give. It is the choice of others to make and a test of their character. Further, honor is not something which is abstract. One does not have honor simply due to their deeds.

Their reason for their deeds, their ideas, even their very soul determines if one has honor. You cannot make an honorable man by killing him in an honorable death. You simply kill a dishonorable man honorably.

A war is not won with honor. It is won with thought, strategy, tactics and might. Simply holding honor will not win the day. It may even restrict you.

Further, do not confuse treating war with the respect it deserves with playing a game of war. We use games to understand the grand schemes and brutality of war. We do not see the war as a game and never must. We must only seek to end it, cleanly.

**After pages of translated accounts and opinions, the book finally ends with a dedication**

I only hope that your consideration of this material is as illuminating to read as this was to write. In the name of the Lord on the Rack, I hope I have convinced you to end suffering decisively. In the name of the Red Knight, to end it with strategic insight.

Yours, Reine.