Toffee

Deguise/the NGS is one of the few communities on the server with a genuine interest in honouring the history and building on what/who has come before. This is pretty rare to see on a server where the main goal appears to be ripping everything down, erasing people and their efforts, and installing something new in its place (which will then inevitably get destroyed by the next person who comes along, rinse and repeat ad infinitum). In your view, what can the rest of the LOTC community learn from the ethos of the NGS? What are your tips and tricks for making roleplay collaborative storytelling rather than a game that needs to be won? (Also, obligatory fave Erika/Manon moment teehee)

Cool air brushed Illynora’s skin. The cavern was alive with the faint sound of dripping water that melted into the whisper of aspen leaves. Silver trunks rose from the mossy earth, pillars of moonlight, and above them gaped an imperfect ring in the cavern’s roof through which the stars looked down, remote and unblinking. Amongst those farflung constellations was the Mariner, the seven stars that always led the Almenodrim across the seas towards home. Illynora sat with her back against one of the white trees, her fingers resting on the roots. She was not a druid, but she could practically feel life humming up through the pads of her fingers. The grove smelled of damp soil and lingering rain. How long has she sat there, watching the constellations wheel slowly overhead? Time always stretched thin around her, like the fragile skin of ice over a winter stream, the water rushing ever onwards even while seeming frozen. Five centuries she had lived. Nearly four hundred years since she set aside her crown, her nation sinking into the murmur of history like the great citadel being slowly claimed by the sea. The Dominion of Malin, Aegrothond, Amaethea, Nevaehlen, Amathine, Illivira, all rising and falling in the endless cycle of time, and yet, she had Nenar. Always Nenar. How many times had she healed Nenar’s mortal body, closing wounds, knitting together sundered flesh, coaxing a stuttering heart to beat again beneath her hands? Wyvern’s teeth, Vaeyl spears, frostbite, darkspawn, wolves, dread trees. How many times had she scolded Nenar for her carelessness, only to see that same reckless smile, bright and fierce? Cernunnos’ mark stood starkly red on one of Nenar’s hands, the Mother’s mark on the other, but Nenar had always been a warrior more than a healer. “Do not worry, my lady,” Nenar would say, eyes glittering. “You know that fate is not finished with me yet.” The wind shifted through the leaves, and for a heartbeat Illynora thought she heard Nenar’s tread among them. But it was only the grove breathing around her. Illynora’s fingers tightened around the tool in her hand, a long, thin, hollowed out bone, stained with ink. She had marked Siss’siru’s Grip around Nenar’s throat, the mark of redemption. Soon she was to mark her with Morea’s Teeth, the mark of a leader, however reluctant Nenar was to receive it. “You would have laughed at me, old friend,” Illynora murmured. “To see me sitting here, weeping for you.” No answer came. The leaves made a dry rustle. Nenar had been as constant as the tide and the stars, Illynora’s anchor in years that slipped past infinitely quickly and slowly all at once. The sea still roared, the sky yet turned, the breeze whispered with hidden voices, but Nenar was gone. The eternal had yielded. The unyielding had fallen. Illynora closed her eyes, pressing her brow against the aspen’s silver bark. It was cold but living beneath her skin. “Sleep, my friend,” she breathed. “Rest. Claim the death that was once stolen from you.” Above the grove, the stars burned on. Serinwë was up there, somewhere, looking down upon her. Was Nenar there with her?

Two letters arrived to the writer, one written by Erika Kortrevich and the other by Illynora Sylvaeri. More boardgames to add to the compendium!

Part II I HAVE PREVIOUSLY SPOKEN ON the divination of water, illuminating how one may read tidings from the Aspects in the bodies of water that surround us. So too can meaning be found in the stars, the wind, and the clouds, for all life is intertwined. Long have our kin turned their eyes skyward and found guidance. Cerridwen’s breath stirs the leaves and clouds, while Cernunnos’ spark kindles the fire that devours and renews. These teachings speak to the ancient art of sky‑reading, where the diviner communes with fire, smoke, wind, cloud, and star to glean the will of the Aspects. WE MUST CONTINUE TO LOOK TO THE CYCLES of day and night, for it is the sun and the moon that are the lodestones of nature. Midnight is the time for deep spiritual communication and seeking answers to life’s mysteries. It is at midnight that a diviner is able to achieve a trance-like state and see visions. Dawn and dusk are the transitional times of day representing the shifting between light and dark. It is this sense of transformation that makes both the beginning and end of the day very powerful moments for divination. It is best used for questions requiring influence from both Aspects, with more Cerridwen-leaning questions taking place at dawn and questions for Cernunnos taking place at dusk. Morning symbolises growth and forward momentum. It is best for exploring new ventures and setting future intentions. Midday represents peak energy, strength, and vitality, and is therefore the optimal time to seek clarity on complex issues and guidance on personal matters. The afternoon continues the energy of midday but with a gradual shift towards dusk. It is therefore suitable for guidance on ongoing matters. Dusk, in addition to being a transitional time of day, is associated with release and reflection. Questions to the Father can take place at dusk, but it is also the best time to seek closure. Nightfall invites stargazing, and is the still hour for communion and inward vision. ALTHOUGH FIRE IS THE FATHER’S ELEMENT, it is innately influenced by the play of the wind. Flame embodies transformation. To look to fire is to be consumed, and to be reborn. Therefore, to see auguries in the fire is to understand the cycles of death and rebirth. The size of the flame chosen should reflect the weight of one’s inquiry. A candle suits matters of daily life, a campfire answers questions of broader reach, a bonfire is reserved for rites and rituals, while only the most adept may glean omen and truth from the untamed heart of a wildfire. Igne’ihnsil, Sister Volcano ((by anvhunt)). Flickering For fire divination, the flickering of the flame is one of the most meaningful signs to interpret. I. Steady flame | Balance, peace, and clarity. One’s path remains true and unshaken. II. Rapid flicker | Excitement, agitation. Often denotes urgent messages, or that the practitioner’s emotions are strongly influencing the reading. III. Leaning or bowing flame | If the flame bends consistently in one direction, it suggests an external influence. Eastward inclines imply beginnings; westward, endings; northward, stability; southward, passion or conflict. IV. Uneven flicker | Suggests indecision or interference, two opposing forces tugging at the heart of the matter. Often appears when multiple outcomes are entwined. V. Low, weak flame | Signals obstacle or doubt. The question may lack clarity, or the practitioner must ground themselves before seeking further guidance. VI. Sputtering or popping flame | Represents spiritual resistance or confrontation. A popping flame is a warning that there is truth being resisted or an energy uninvited. VII. Flame that dims and rekindles | A cycle of loss and renewal. Hope after despair, or a situation destined to revive after appearing spent. VIII. Dancing spirals or sudden flares | Visions of divine attention. Cernunnos’ spark or Cerridwen’s breath manifests briefly, meaning practitioners would be wise to take note of accompanying sensations or whispers. Colour The colour of the flame reveals the nature of the energy being communicated, shaping how one interprets the omen. Each hue reflects a distinct emotional or spiritual resonance. I. Red | Action, vitality, courage, and struggle. When overly bright, a red flame warns of anger or reckless intent. When deep and steady, it speaks of perseverance and strength of will. II. Orange | Creativity, expression, transformation, invention, and ambition. An omen of new ventures and bold beginnings, though sometimes of pride or impatience. III. Yellow | Intellect, learning, and clarity. It glows when understanding dawns or when a question’s truth lies plain. A wavering yellow hue, however, cautions against doubt or deceit. IV. Blue | Blue flame marks the presence of Cerridwen even in Cernunnos’ domain. It therefore represents healing, calm power, and communication. V. Green | Growth, balance. When (rarely) seen, a green flame foretells renewal, healing, or prosperity. It is most favourable for readings of family, health, and the natural world. VI. White | Purity, cleansing, enlightenment, peace, protection. Sound I. Soft, gentle crackling | Balance and affirmation. II. Loud or frequent popping | Communication, revelation, abrupt changes, unexpected truths, or messages forcing their way through. III. Hissing or sizzling | Secrets rising to the surface, hidden meanings being revealed. IV. Sharp crack followed by silence | A shift has occurred. A cycle has closed, energy released, or a matter resolved. V. Low roaring or rushing sound | Passion, potency, intense emotion. Diviners should use caution, for power flows freely here and can overwhelm those who are not strong of spirit. VI. Smooth, even burn with little sound | Harmony, peace, and clarity. Sparks & Embers Sparks are sudden, fiery flashes that leap briefly from the flame, symbols of ignition and potential. They signify new beginnings, bursts of inspiration, or messages carried swiftly by the Aspects. I. Quick, bright sparks | A sign of immediate opportunity or revelation. II. Scattered, frequent sparks | Many paths or influences in play, requiring discernment. III. Strong, spitting sparks | Powerful omens or rare blessings, often marking decisive moments. Embers are the glowing, persistent remnants of a fire’s heart after the flame has waned. They embody endurance, hidden strength, and transformation. I. Warm, steady embers | Sustained vitality, quiet power, and ongoing spiritual energy. II. Fading embers | Waning influence or the close of a chapter, a time for reflection. III. Embers that pop or shift | Energy in flux, latent messages waiting to ignite anew. IV. Embers refusing to die | Communication or protection from the Aspects, or a message from beyond the mortal plane. THE WIND IS THE BREATH OF THE WORLD ITSELF, the song of Cerridwen carried through leaf, cloud, and smoke. The practice of wind divination relies not just on sight or sound alone, but through feeling the stirring of the wind against one’s skin. Smoke Smoke often bridges the seen and unseen, for it is the visible echo of a flame. Direction I. East | Birth, renewal, beginnings. II. South | Passion, conflict. III. West | Loss, memory, endings. IV. North | Truth, stillness. Movement I. Straight column | Harmony, clear intent, and divine acknowledgment. The path is unobstructed, and communication with the Aspects flows freely. II. Curling or spiraling | Transformation, complexity, layered truths, cycles repeating, or guidance from unseen allies. III. Smoking drifting downwards | A warning or shadowed omen. Descending smoke foretells challenges, resistance, or disruption. IV. Drifting toward the diviner | A favourable sign indicating that prayers or intentions are being received, or that blessings are approaching. V. Drifting away from the diviner | Release, protection, or cleansing. It often means obstacles or burdens are being dispersed, but it can also imply that clarity is retreating. VI. Scattered or erratic | Agitation, turmoil. Forces at play are disordered, and emotional bias or environmental chaos clouds the reading. VII. Smoke that splits or crosses paths | Duality and decision. This movement signals competing influences or a choice soon to be made. Density I. Thin or wispy smoke | Subtle energies and quiet influences at work. II. Moderate smoke | Balanced energy, neither gentle nor overpowering. Messages tend to be clear and direct, requiring the most simple interpretation. III. Thick or dense smoke | Powerful emotions, high tension, significant forces shaping outcomes. IV. Smoke that shifts from thick to light | Represents release, healing, or the easing of burden. V. Billowing clouds | Energy building or manifesting, showing a strong elemental impetus to act. Signals growth and growing resolve. VI. Sudden dispersal | Release, rejection, or fleeting truths which are glimpsed but not yet grasped. Leaves, Dust & Petals Direction I. East | Birth, renewal, beginnings. II. South | Passion, conflict. III. West | Loss, memory, endings. IV. North | Truth, stillness. Gust pattern I. Steady gusts | Consistency and steadfast guidance. II. Intermittent | Uncertainty, hesitation, or divided external influences. III. Spiraling or whirling winds | Transformation, change, the return of cycles. IV. Sudden, sharp gusts | An urgent sign, carrying messages of immediate importance. The Aspects may be rousing the diviner’s attention to act swiftly or to prepare for conflict, revelation, or unexpected change. V. Gentle, constant breeze | Peace, alignment, and quiet blessing. Communication flows freely between the mortal and spiritual realms. VI. Rustling without wind | A feather-light stirring of leaves or petals without discernible cause signals the presence of unseen spirits, ancestors, or thoughts responding to the diviner’s focus. VII. Chaotic or opposing gusts | Confusion, discord, or multiple forces at odds. VIII. Still air after movement | A sacred pause, signalling the completion of a mission or clarity being achieved. The winds withdraw after delivering counsel. It is customary to speak a prayer in these instances. Motion I. Rising upward | Symbol of inspiration and prayer reaching the divine. It is a good sign for guidance, visions, or spiritual awakening. II. Downward movement | A grounding force or omen of reflection. May counsel humility, rest, or the need to stabilise before advancing Clouds Type I. Thick, fluffy clouds | Peace, hope, and clarity. Reassurance that one is on the right path. II. Dark or heavy clouds | Challenge, unresolved emotions, or impending difficulties. III. Sunlight piercing through the clouds | Breakthroughs and moments of clarity or divine intervention. Obstacles are giving way to understanding. IV. Wispy or cirrus clouds | Inspiration, perspective, and spiritual insight. These clouds encourage creative thoughts and openness to subtle messages from the Aspects. V. Low, thick clouds | Emotional heaviness or stagnation. These clouds serve as a reminder to pause, reflect, and reconnect with one’s inner self. VI. Storm clouds | Intense change, catharsis, or purification. Colour I. White | Purity, clarity, and hope. II. Red or rose-tinted | Red clouds foretell strong feelings of love, anger, or courage. They can signal the birth of new ideas or warn of impending conflict, depending on the context. III. Grey | The shadows of doubt and hidden emotion. Grey clouds bring caution, inviting reflection and patience. They may precede challenge or illness but also the cleansing of old burdens before renewal. IV. Black | Endings, loss, or deep trials. V. Golden or yellow | Success and illumination. These clouds are omens of prosperity and joyful fulfillment. VI. Blue or indigo | Spiritual depth, mystery, and heightened intuition. Shape I. Bird | Freedom, ascent, guidance, divine messages. II. Butterfly | Change, transformation, grace. III. Bridge or arch | Connections, community, reconciliation. Suggest the bridging of gaps in relationships. IV. Bell | Celebration, awakening, or a warning to be cautious, depending on the context. V. Basket | Harvest, abundance, prosperity. VI. Face | Presence of the Aspects, spiritual protection. VII. Arrow | Direction, decision-making, or conflict between two paths. VIII. Waves or water shapes | Cleansing, the flow of energy. Movement I. Parting or dissolving | Clarity and relief. Confusion and difficulties are clearing, heralding an opportunity for a fresh start. II. Gathering or thickening | Precedes a period of challenge, emotional turbulence, or significant change. III. Rapid movement or swirling | Denotes swift shifts and turbulence. It can mean events are accelerating, or that the energies of the world are chaotic in this moment. IV. Low-hanging | Impending closure or introspection. V. Rising | Inspiration or divine aid. VI. Slow, steady movement | Stability, patience, and the ongoing process of natural cycles. It reflects that energy is aligned and that the future will unfold in harmony. VII. Clouds moving against the wind | Internal conflict, resistance, or obstacles in one’s path. It suggests that external or internal forces are at odds. VIII. Clear sky | A sky without cloud or turmoil is not emptiness, but completion. It marks a moment of balance, when all questions have found their answers or none need asking. Storms Few possess a spirit strong enough to stand within the fury of a thunderstorm and listen to the messages passed through the thunder and lightning. Those who wish to learn the art of reading the tempest must seek Medli Oranor, for only she holds this gift. She is Sister Typhoon, a child of wind and sea, speaker for the storm. Stars When the night sky is veiled in cloud, the stars that pierce through become windows to the heavens. The diviner must read which lights remain visible. If the night sky is clear, then the diviner must consider which constellations speak to them, which is another practice entirely and will not be addressed in detail here. Brightness I. Brilliant or luminous stars | Divine presence, powerful insight, and events already in motion. The bright light signifies immediacy and certainty. II. Moderate stars | Steady, balanced brightness suggests stability and wisdom. The message is solid yet not forceful, meaning the path ahead is knowable but requires mindful choice. III. Faint or distant stars | Pale or hard-to-see lights carry subtle omens. They call for patience, introspection, and trust in long-term cycles. IV. Flickering or variable brightness | Change, transformation, or energies unsettled. Such stars mark crossroads where decisions shape fate. Colour I. White | Purity, truth, and divine clarity. II. Blue | Calmness and inspiration. Blue stars are omens of healing, introspection, and trust in the unseen. III. Red | Passion and power. These stars foretell events charged with emotion, for good or ill. IV. Orange or gold | Success, creativity, fulfillment, joy. V. Green | Renewal growth, and healing of the self or the land. VI. Violet or indigo | Spiritual depth and insight, revealing truths beyond mortal knowing. VII. Silver or pale stars | Seeing through the moon’s veil and into the Aspects’ realm, revealing messages of completed cycles or upcoming protection. VIII. Black or dim stars | Omens of endings, mystery, or concealed knowledge. Constellations & falling stars I. Lonely star | A star standing alone, apart from the rest, signals the need for solitude. II. Tight cluster | Family, community, and unity of purpose. III. Loose constellation | A scattering of stars that are loosely aligned signifies freedom and diverging paths. IV. Falling star | Change wrought by choice, or a destiny swiftly approaching.

One can take a Mani as their patron, but worship should be reserved for the Aspects. Let prayer and offering only be for the Mother and the Father, and where one prays at the shrine of a Mani, this is in recognition of the fact that the Mani are the guardians of the Aspects domain. Illynora Sylvaeri, the Way of the Mother ALTHOUGH WORSHIP SHOULD BE reserved for the Aspects, there are some Mani who are within the Mother’s domain, or otherwise compatible with Cerridwen and her values. This writing seeks to outline the Pantheon of the Mother, and how reverence for certain Mani can enhance worship of Her. The pantheon is divided into four choruses, with the Mother at the pinnacle. THE CHORUS OF PATIENCE Llan’sae Llan’sae, the Princess of Sea Turtles, is an enigmatic and deeply contemplative Mani. She embodies the characteristics of patience and empathy, is deliberate in her decision-making, and possesses the qualities of extraordinary foresight. It is these traits which make her compatible with the Mother, who exudes patience and empathy. Llan’sae acts in pursuit of long-term objectives that are incomprehensible to mortalkind. Machana Machana is the Princess of Horses. She has a passive nature, often avoiding conflict, which is what makes her compatible with the pacifism found in the Way of the Mother. THE CHORUS OF BIRTH & RENEWAL Sha’maiden Sha’maidan, known as the Princess of Elephants and the Gentlest of Giants, is a powerful Mani. She invokes both admiration and dread because of her enormous size, and is known to lead and guide those displaced by war. She is the gentle guide, avoiding violence where possible, and is sympathetic to mortals, acting as both a mother and a teacher. She has been known to expel corruption, allowing nature to regrow, and offers the survivors of war a chance to start anew, just as the Mother is a harbinger of life and rebirth. Bolomormaa Bolomormaa, the Princess of Bears, is a Mani with strong ties to motherhood, making her easily compatible with the Way of the Mother. She is associated with the natural role of caring for and protecting children. She has a dual nature of peaceful strength and protective fury, making her a complex and revered figure among mothers of the Mali’ame. THE CHORUS OF DEEP WATERS Sabio Sabio, known as the Sage of the Western Winds and the High Seas Savant, has perhaps the most tenuous connection to Cerridwen, but a connection all the same. He is mostly connected with her due to his overlapping duties with Hamatsa, the Dolphin of Mercy, who is the patron of healers. Hamatsa and Sabio both protect sailors and ocean travellers. He focuses on areas untouched by druidic influence, which works well with the Way of the Mother which emphasises that you need not be a druid in order to spread the word of the Aspects. Hamatsa Hamatsa is the Dolphin Prince, a patron of sailors and healers. He has a benevolent nature. Because the Mother is the Aspect of life and healing, Hamatsa fits comfortably within her domain. Serenil Serenil, the Heron Mani, embodies the very essence of the river, preferring to observe the ebb and flow of life rather than directly intervene. She has a deep compassion for all living things, and often meditates on life’s cyclical nature. Her serene, tranquil nature is believed to echo that facet of the Mother. Cnidaria The Princess of Jellyfish is aloof, and rarely involves herself in the matters of the surface. She is a symbol of eternity and clarity, and was directly created from the wellspring of life by Cerridwen’s own hands. Like Serenil, she is a mere observer, and does not adhere to concepts such as good and evil. THE CHORUS OF LIGHT & LIFE Amametta Amametta, known as the Prince of Peafowl, is a unique figure amongst the Mani in the sense his inception was an accident. He was the youngest and least impressive of his siblings, but took it upon himself to impress Cerridwen. He danced tirelessly for her at the heart of a raging wildfire, and after he had been burnt alive, he was reborn from the ashes with the Mother’s blessing. In this way he is directly touched by Cerridwen and thus makes a good patron for her followers. He is a figure of love, passion, and penitence. Luna’illi Luna'illi, the Prince of Moths, is the Mani associated with forests and the full moon. He is docile and curious, wandering through the forests where moths reside. It is because of his ethereal nature and lunar cycle that links him with the Mother, as the moon is closely aligned with the tides, and where the Father embodies fire, the Mother has long been associated with water and the ocean. Kholibrii Kholibrii is a vibrant and graceful Mani associated with hummingbirds. Key attributes include being representative of hope, especially during dark and gloomy times. Kholibrii is generally peaceful and non-interactive with Descendants, and this peacefulness makes her compatible with Cerridwen and those who follow the Way of the Mother. She is the patron of hope, joy, and beauty. Nimrothel Both Cerridwen and Nimrothel, the Prince of Dragonflies, radiate a nurturing calm. The Mother through her steady, life-giving presence, and Nimrothel through his tranquil dance and soothing guidance. Nimrothel’s perpetual movement and celebration of lightness parallel the Mother’s association with the cycles of life and growth.

CREATING AND INTERPRETING USING HAESENI ASTROLOGY PUBLISHED BY ERIKA KORTREVICH 587 E.S. ⌯──────────────────────◃⟐▹──────────────────────⌯ A DECADE AGO, I published my astrological system, closely tied with Haeseni astronomy and Dulonian folklore. I now seek to clarify and provide a guide on how to create and interpret natal charts, so that the budding generation of young astrologers might learn how to read the heavens and determine how the sidereal influences the terrene. One should read this guide in tandem with the original work on Haeseni Astrology, to gain the greatest understanding. ⌯──────────────────────◃⟐▹──────────────────────⌯ I GATHERING ACCURATE To be read in line with III: Gathering Accurate Birth Information in Haeseni Astrology. ONE MUST NOTE DOWN their exact date of birth. Then, it is time to consult the ephemeris, as seen below. Draw a square around the data contained in the month of birth—that is where most of the relevant information lies. An ephemeris created by Erika Kortrevich. One may find their Sun sign by looking at the left-hand column. The person’s month of birth determines their Sun sign, also known more commonly as their zodiac sign. The Moon sign can be found by tracing a line from the date of birth at the top, to the row along the bottom. The symbols drawn under the moons show which zodiac is the Moon sign. The Ascendant, or Rising sign, can be found by tracing a line from the rows marked ‘ASC’ in the right-hand column, so that it intersects with the line drawn downwards from the date of birth. Note the position of the Sun and Moon in the below table, under the column marked ‘ZODIAC’. Celestial Body Zodiac House ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ⥔ Tova ⥾ Druka ↯ Ybis Do the same for each of the comets (Tova, Druka, Ybis). This can be done by tracing a line from where the comets are marked on the column on the right, to where the line intersects with the line drawn downwards from the date of birth. See below for an example. The ephemeris of a person born on the 18th of Msitza ag Dargund. Their Sun sign is the Hero, their Moon sign is the Queen, their Ascendant is the Queen, their Tova is in Comet, Druka is in Sea, and Ybis is in Wanderer. Once these have all been identified, they must be drawn onto the natal chart itself. Begin with the Ascendant, which is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. Write the name of the Ascendant in the outermost ring, above the segment marked ‘I’. From there, move anti-clockwise around the chart, writing the zodiac constellations in order. Moon Queen Comet Wind Wanderer Hero Sea A blank natal chart. Write the Moon sign on the marked area on the left, and the Sun sign in the area on the right. Then, draw the celestial bodies on the natal chart using their astrological symbols. This should be done inside the middle ring. For ease of drawing the aspects later, an astrologer may choose to also place a small notch on the innermost circle, marking where a celestial body is. ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ⥔ Tova ⥾ Druka ↯ Ybis ⌯──────────────────────◃⟐▹──────────────────────⌯ II To be read in line with VI: Elements, VII: Modalities, and VIII: Analysing the Hemispheres in Haeseni Astrology. THE OVERALL PATTERN OF A NATAL CHART can give a general overview of focus areas and tendencies. This is what should be interpreted first. For hemispheres, consider how many symbols are below, above, left, and right of the lines seen in VIII: Analysing the Hemispheres in Haeseni Astrology. Consider what each of the hemispheres represents. A positive imbalance of celestial bodies in one hemisphere may suggest an enhanced focus in that area, while a negative imbalance may show neglect. Write down your observations. Zodiac Month Season Element Modality ◌ Nikul the Moon Wzuvar ag Byvca Winter Water Fixed ♕ Morrighein the Queen Jula ag Piov Spring Fire Cardinal ☄ Ybis the Comet Vzmey ag Hyff Spring Fire Fixed ⊰ Kostana the Wind Gronna ag Droba Summer Air Mutable ꐕ Haruthrow the Wanderer Tov ag Yermey Summer Earth Mutable ⥉ Odrin the Hero Msitza ag Dargund Autumn Air Cardinal ≈ Pisktro the Sea Joma ag Umund Winter Water Mutable For elements, look at which zodiac sign each of the celestial bodies are in. Consider which element is tied to that zodiac, using the table above. Note down the number of elements, using the four circles on the corners of the natal chart. Is there a balance amongst all four elements, or is there an abundance of one element? Is there a notable absence of a specific element? Interpret what this could mean, based on the characteristics of the elements found in VI: Elements in Haeseni Astrology. Do the same for modalities, referring to the table above. Note the number of modalities in the bottom right circle of the natal chart. Is there a leaning towards one modality, or an absence of a specific modality? Consider what this might mean, considering the characteristics of the modalities in VII: Modalities in Haeseni Astrology. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ III To be read in line with V: The Haeseni Zodiac and IX: Angles in Haeseni Astrology. THE ASCENDANT, DESCENDANT, MIDHEAVEN, AND NADIR are collectively known as the four angles of an astrological chart. The Ascendant, as we know, is the zodiac sign located above the segment marked ‘I’. The Descendant is on the right-hand side of the chart, above the segment marked ‘IV’. The Midheaven is at the top of the chart, in the segment marked ‘VI’. Finally, the Nadir is at the bottom of the chart, in the segment marked ‘II’. Note down which zodiac sign is in each of these positions. Interpretation comes from examining the area that each of the angles represents, found in IX: Angles, compared with the characteristics of the zodiac sign, found in V: The Haeseni Zodiac. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ IV To be read in line with X: Primal Triad in Haeseni Astrology. THE PRIMAL TRIAD or “Big Three” are the zodiac signs that form the centre of an individual’s personality. They are the Sun sign, the Moon sign, and the Ascendant. These signs have already been noted down earlier. Interpret them based on what each of the Triad represents, as seen in Haeseni Astrology. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ V To be read in line with IV: Celestial Bodies, V: The Haeseni Zodiac, XI: Dignities, and XII: Houses in Haeseni Astrology. WHEN THE CELESTIAL BODIES OF the Sun, Moon, and the three comets Tova, Druka, and Ybis pass through the sky, they pass through the seven zodiac constellations and seven houses. By assessing the exact positions of the celestial bodies at the time of birth, we can gain insight into one’s personality. Remember that the celestial body represents what is being influenced, the zodiac sign is how that energy is expressed, and the house is where that energy is directed. Interpretations can be laid out with headings taking the form of ‘Celestial body in zodiac sign in the nth House.’ For example, Sun in Wanderer in the Seventh House. By this stage, the astrologer will have noted down which zodiac the celestial bodies are in. It is now time to take note of the houses. Celestial Body Zodiac House ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ⥔ Tova ⥾ Druka ↯ Ybis Note the number of the segment that each celestial symbol inhabits. Populate the table above with the number and the name of the house. I. House of Self II. House of Riches III. House of Kin IV. House of Bonds V. House of Body VI. House of Philosophy VII. House of Vocation Interpret the celestial positions, noting the characteristics of the celestial body (IV: Celestial Bodies), the zodiac that it is in (V: The Haeseni Zodiac), and the house that it inhabits (XII: Houses). Remember to refer back to the elements and modalities interpreted earlier. It is also relevant if the house is an angular, cadent or succedent house (XII: Houses). Mark these in the circle on the bottom left of the natal chart. Furthermore, an astrologer should consider if the celestial body is in a certain dignity (XI: Dignities). Sometimes, a celestial body is in a neutral dignity. Other times, it may be in its domicile, detriment, exaltation, or fall. This will alter the interpretation. Refer to the table below. Domicile Detriment Exaltation Fall ☉ Sun Wanderer Moon Wind Hero ☽ Moon Moon Wanderer Moon Wanderer ⥔ Tova Wind Hero Sea Comet ⥾ Druka Sea Comet Wanderer Moon ↯ Ybis Comet Sea Hero Wind ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ VI To be read in line with IV: Celestial Bodies and XIII: Aspects in Haeseni Astrology. ASPECTS ARE THE ANGLES between the celestial bodies that reveal how they interact with one another. They are discovered by drawing lines between the celestial bodies in the central circle of the natal chart. As each line is drawn, note which kind of aspect it is and populate the table below with the symbols for the aspects and the celestial bodies. ☌ Conjunction △ Trine □ Square ☍ Opposition ⚹ Soft aspect ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ⥔ Tova ⥾ Druka ↯ Ybis Celestial Body Aspect Celestial Body ☉ Sun ☉ Sun ☉ Sun ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ☽ Moon ☽ Moon ⥔ Tova ⥔ Tova ⥾ Druka From there, interpret what each of the aspects means, using the definitions in XIII: Aspects. How do the energies of the celestial bodies interact with one another, keeping in mind the area that each celestial body represents (IV: Celestial Bodies)? It is also relevant if there seems to be a large number of one type of aspect, or an absence of a type of aspect. For example, many oppositions and squares may show a person in conflict. A completed natal chart, for guidance. If you wish for a natal chart and basic summary to be created for you (for your own interpretation), you may send a bird to Erika Kortrevich noting your name and date of birth. ⌯──────────────────────◃⟐▹──────────────────────⌯ Her Ladyship, ERIKA KORTREVICH

Ily ❤️❤️ 1. A story that I would want to tell but won't because of many, many reasons is an arranged political marriage with a character from a vastly different culture than the one she's marrying into. I think that has the potential for some really cool dynamics and tension, but I don't think the server is set up to be able to do things like that organically. Something I CAN do which I've always wanted to do and is more feasible now that I'm more and more inactive, is have Illynora be a kind of "witch in the woods" who comes out to give prophecies and do divination for people whenever she's asked :) 2. Obviously the Charlotte/Josephine and Milena/Erika storylines have a very very special place in my heart, so it's difficult to pick just one memory! Something that stands out for me actually is the interactions between Ioanna and Adalfriede, particularly the one in the palace when Ioanna came to gift some wine. I liked the political aspects of those interactions, these two women going toe to toe with a lot said in the subtext rather than the actual words they were saying to one another. Ioanna would have made a great queen ;) 3. I'd say Adalfriede was inspired in part by Catherine the Great, Olga of Kiev, and Livia Drusilla, and she was probably my most intense and distinctive character. The others I think aren't so much inspired by real historical figures as they are general historical fiction/fantasy tropes!

without a doubt, the period leading up to and immediately after the Aster Revolution in Oren. I was working on a novelisation of it for a while before it tapered off and I lost interest after getting to about 180,000 words. Maybe one day I'll post snippets of where I got up to! It followed my character Josephine and her long lost sister Moliana @UnBaed as the two POV characters, tracking their entrance into Imperial society alongside their mother, the Imperial princess Charlotte Augusta, who at one stage was going to be the Holy Orenian Empress after her marriage to the heir, Prince Philip Aurelian. Then of course that all collapsed when Philip Amadeus and Anastasia rolled up in the Aster Revolution. I reckon it would make for great tv haha

1. these three items are genuinely at the top of my recommended "buy again" online groceries order (which makes me seem like an almond mom) 2. In Josephine's later life, when she was at her most ill and addicted to alchemical potions, I drew a lot of inspiration from the protagonist Tillie in Opium & Absinthe by Lydia Kang. Tillie becomes addicted to laudanum following an injury, so I tried to bring that through to Josephine's emotes 3. Aside from the braided river I already mentioned, I really, really like the Illivira build and how it transformed that beach to something truly magical. If I could build or terraform at all, I would probably do a lot of tidepools, wetlands, and underwater/beachside/cliffside caves with interesting and explorable features. I like having little nooks and crannies that are easy to miss and can be discovered even a few months into a map. 4. I would probably live in Balian in Aevos -- warm, sunny, get to wear pretty flowy clothes, lots of orchards and gardens around, proximity to the sea. My ideal life would be to live in the d'Arkent villa (Salia) and just chill out on the patios reading a book and going for an afternoon swim. Plus, that build is/was gorgeous 5. hmmmmmmm I'm just gonna answer for active characters + characters I spent a lot of time on Illynora -- some sort of seafood prepared over an open fire (preferably by her daughter Medli @RainbowRoad1234, I headcanon that Illynora can make excellent medicines but sucks at cooking) Josephine -- some sort of fruit like tangerine or pomegranate Adalfriede -- a cigarette and a stiff drink Elenwë -- pear wine from the famous Almenorean pear trees :) Erika -- anything her sister Primrose baked (rip primrose @LuxyLucy) Saoirse -- candied walnuts trendsetters, unc status 😎 very specifically this soup i feel like at this point I'm just giving people my supermarket wishlist

Adalfriede, obvi :* I've never played a character like her, and she was so distinctly Adalfriede I don't think I'll be able to play one like her again without being derivative. She was very very fun to play and write emotes for. Fave character arc would again have to go to Adalfriede, who went from a destitute, low noble character to princess/Lady Vandalore/Lawspeaker of Reinmar through deceit, manipulation, and iron will. Yet when she got to the pinnacle of all her goals, she went through a second arc of actually learning to love her family and becoming a less deceitful, more honourable person. One of my favourite interactions on her was teaching her daughters Frederica and Josefina how to murder people with knives :) @crazedpudding@alien_mc And also that one spar with Isolde @juliaINC AND that dramatic RP with Leon and Caius I... @BuilderBagel @MadOne For most memorable, I do have to give a special shoutout to @UnBaedand @MunaZaldrizotifor our RP on Moliana, Josephine, and Charlotte. Josephine was a minor side character in the context of the wider narrative, but every interaction with her mother and sister and all the drama and intrigue she got to experience from the sidelines of the Orenian court was genuinely so enjoyable. Playing Josephine is what got me back into roleplaying after a hiatus, and I still think back fondly on that RP. Also honourable mention to @kujo_and @NightOfTheWindfor Konstantin/Elimar and Qard respectively 1. This is putting the genie back in the bottle so could never happen, but I will give the boomer answer of rolling back the discordification of everything. Even back in 2018 when discord was a thing it wasn't used the way it is now. Back then it was still possible to get involved with RP without being in the discord, and I had some very memorable roleplay with characters who I saw repeatedly despite never having met them OOC. Something that comes to mind with this is my character Illynora in the clinic in the Dominion. She was able to be a healer there and eventually inherit it over almost entirely through RP. There wasn't a clinic discord or a clinician role in the Dominion discord. I think these days, it's not so much about the character you play, but who you know and your OOC reputation that gives you opportunities. 2. Ironically I just told this story IRP the other day, but I have a lot of regrets about my decisionmaking around the early days of Aegrothond (which later became Elvenesse). My character could have been a lot more sensitive in her interactions with Kairn @rigorouswhich I think would have prevented a lot of OOC strife... And in general I was young and took things too seriously/personally when in hindsight it really wasn't that deep. At the same time, the conflict really helped to shape Aegrothond into what it was, which in my mind is like the 'golden days' of my time on lotc. I met many people who are dear friends to me and even now I'm proud of the community we built back then 3. I would LOVE to make a CA for water nymphs or some sort of other water-based creature, with the hard redline of you can only ever be in water. No soulstones, no road travel, just swimming around in the ocean. It would have the perks of permanent water breathing, and I think it would add a lot of flavour in interactions with coastal/riverside cities. It's something I've seen people try to do, but it gets repeatedly rejected I've also love for there to be a braided river on a map at some point, because that's a very special to me! 4. I've had an idea floating around for a dark elf shaman for years now but never got around to making it, and I'm not sure I ever will I would say Illynora because she's a pacifist and wouldn't fight back, but I also absolutely know that Nenar @DragonofTaterswould be one step behind her ready to kill me so... Probably Erika, the weak nerdy scholar (not a self insert)

Who has been your fave character to play and why? If you could turn one of your characters' story arcs into a book, which character would you pick? What genre would the book be?

(This is me IRL) Try as much as possible to keep things to RP and not take things too personally, and assume that everyone else is doing the same. Give people some grace and assume the best of them until they prove you wrong, and at that point just disengage and find your people that you have fun with ... shrimp on de barbie m8 Ooo this is a tough one. I love writing posts that people engage with and can use in their roleplay (like the divination post!) but I think the ones I find the most rewarding are the historyposts written by my human, Erika Kortrevich. They're really challenging to pull together, but it's nice being able to pay homage to people's characters and for them to see their character having impact and meaning to the server narrative, even in a small way. I looooove this idea. Imo, any sort of Waldenian-specific religious rite should heavily revolve around the existing Waldenic prayerbook and have heavy influence from the Vander code. Most Waldenian cultures also tend to have a strong emphasis on honouring their ancestors (not just Reinmaren!) so maybe some sort of system where adherents follow in the footsteps of certain saints or religious figures, and by embodying their traits and virtues they will live a good life. Happy to brainstorm more in DMs! also... bless.

7 years, 10+ communities, ask me anything :)

I wrote this astrology system which might be of some interest! It’s entirely cultural so isn’t contradicted by this plug in (which is super cool and creative btw, awesome job). Might give some ideas that can be incorporated :)

THE PART II IN THE LAY OF AEGROTHOND I write not as an author inventing fancies, but as a humble recounter of ancient lore, for this tale has been spoken to me many times throughout my youth, and each teller weaves their own thread, interpreting as their heart and memory guide them. What is certain, and what I may set forth without doubt, is that this is the second part in the Lay of Aegrothond. The first is the Tale of Dagnir; the second, which I now recount, is the Tale of Serinwë. The third is the tale of Edrahil and the Dragon, wherein he slays the dread and mighty wyrm Ankar. The fourth is the Lament of Vitras, who, grieving the waning of the elder trees, built a great ship to cross the seas to Tavule, only to find it empty and forlorn of Elvenkind; yet from that desolation he returned with a single seed, from which a new forest sprang in our land. Then follows the tale of Erendriel the Bard, in whose time the noble custom of ballad-making began among the Almenodrim. Of these five, the latter two have never been set to parchment, but are cherished and passed from voice to voice in the long evenings, as is our custom. Many more tales are told in the halls of my people, yet these five are reckoned the heart of the Lay of Aegrothond. I set down now the tale of Serinwë, not because all things must be bound in script—for there is a beauty and a living spirit in the spoken word that no ink may capture—but because I would share this story with those who dwell far from our hearths, that they too might come to know the deeds and memory of my forebears. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Little is known of Serinwë, the enigmatic matriarch of the Almenodrim, who wed Sylvaen and from them sprung their seven sons of ancient song and legend, whose deeds are etched upon the memory of the world. Our tale begins in Almenor, the glittering citadel founded by Sylvaen in the far western reaches of Malin's Kingdom. It was a city of marble arches and fountains of silver, where the mountain winds played in high colonnades, and the light of the stars was caught in many a crystal pane. In those days, Almenor was not yet the sole haven of the Almenodrim, but welcomed all Elves who journeyed from the heartlands, seeking a place beneath the oft cloud-cast sky. Among these Elves was Serinwë, and she came to be admired by Sylvaen for her grace and fair voice. Of her visage the tales disagree; some say her skin was of fairest alabaster, others that it was kissed by buttery sunlight, but all can agree on the lustre of her silver-gold hair. It came to pass that Sylvaen, wandering alone amidst the fair groves of Almenor, heard a voice rising in song among the pear trees. At first he deemed it the clear and gladsome note of a skylark hidden amidst the boughs, so pure and sweet was the melody. Yet as he drew near, he beheld Serinwë herself, her hands gathering the golden fruit, her song mingling with the whisper of leaves. Long after, in memory of that meeting beneath the laden branches, Sylvaen caused the famed pear wine of Almenor to be made from those selfsame trees, that their first encounter should be honoured for all the days of his house. So their courtship bloomed, and together they wandered to and fro, and sat together at the cliff’s edge, looking away across the mountain ranges to the far seas. Once, as they wandered the borderlands, they were set upon by wolves, fierce and many. Sylvaen slew three, but was bitten sorely upon his sword-arm, so that he could wield his blade no longer. Then Serinwë, with slender hands stained in blood, took up the sword and slew the rest with a deadly grace, her every movement a dance of death, until the dirt ran red. Sylvaen, wounded and in awe, asked her, “Whence learned you such skill, my beloved?” And Serinwë answered softly, “A warrior was I from my tenth summer, when my father first placed a blade in my hand. Yet I have laid aside the sword, for Almenor is now my home, and I walk the path of the healer.” Sylvaen pondered her words as she tended his wounds, and ere the moon had waned, he asked her to be his wife. They were wed when the moon was heavy and its light of purest silver was rivalled only by a ring girding Serinwë’s finger. Three emeralds crowned the silver band— Mír n'Ardhon, which would become an heirloom of the House Sylvaeri in latter days. Ethereal in their beauty, the gems seemed to hold the very starlight, and Serinwë wore the ring always, until her death, when it was returned by her surviving sons to the vaults of their House. Much is sung of her sons: Aegnor the eldest; Edrahil, the dragonslayer; Renarion the craftsman; Muindir, his twin, second only to Sylvaen in smithcraft; Ilurien, of whom little is known; Vitras, who sailed to Tavule and saved the last of the Elder Trees; and Erendriel the bard, who first gave voice to the epic ballads of the Almenodrim. In each, Serinwë’s spirit found itself reflected—her prowess in battle, her wisdom in peace. And in the white streets of Almenor, Serinwë established the Houses of Healing. Fair were these halls, set apart amidst gardens where the fragrance of blissfoil and other herbs drifted in the air, and the wounded and the weary found solace. There, Serinwë tended to the sick, and her presence brought hope to those in pain and suffering. Nor did she labour alone, for she gathered about her a company of healers, teaching them the lore of roots and leaves, how to turn them to medicine, and the art of mending flesh and spirit both. When Sylvaen passed into oblivion—some say he cast himself into the sea for grief and shame—Serinwë did not follow him into despair. She abided with her sons, and when Iblees the Deceiver brought war upon the world, she donned once more her armour and took up her sword. Though she had long since become a healer, gentle of hand, the art of war was not lost to her. She marched forth in the hour of shadow, and in the ruin of fire she fell, leaving naught but the ring Mír n’Ardhon upon the blackened fields, which, it is said, holds her spirit still, so that every bride of Sylvaeri may inherit her grace and strength. Though the bloodline passes through the firstborn son, the Sylvaeri hold in highest regard those women who wed into their house, for it is they who carry the line forward, each leaving an indelible mark. Even in those early days was it held that any who were not of the Almenodrim by blood might yet become so by their own will and valour. For such was the custom then as it is now; those who wished to claim a seat amongst the Almenodrim must first undertake the trials and the rite of passage, to prove themselves by heart and hand. When these were accomplished, those Elves would stand before Sylvaen and swear the Oath of kinship, pledging loyalty and service to Sylvaen and the Almenodrim people. As a sign of their new bond, an Oath Ring was bestowed upon them, wrought in silver and burned into their flesh. So too was it that brides who sought to join their fate with the Sylvaeri and the Almenodrim would undertake these trials and rites, though in place of the Oath Ring, they received Mír n’Ardhon, and the shining band of emerald and silver served as their pledge of love and fidelity. After the war, when Iblees laid his curse of barrenness upon the Elves, the Almenodrim understood with sorrow that never again would there be seven sons born to one house, as in the golden days of Sylvaen and Serinwë. For the fruitfulness of the Elves was diminished, and children became few and precious. Though when the birth of siblings became a rarity, camaraderie was forged anew, not by blood alone, but by fellowship in arms and the bonds of chosen loyalty. Shared deeds of those who stood together in battle or in the council of the Sea Prince and called one another brother, though no mother had borne them both. Those of the unbroken Almenodrim lineage oft name themselves cousins still, cherishing the ties of blood that yet remain, but all alike are bound by their Oaths and their honour. Thus ends the tale of Serinwë as I know it, the peerless matriarch, whose memory endures in song and story, and whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of the Almenodrim who honour her still. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ As recounted by daughter of Curufinwë, son of Fëanor, son of Belestram, son of Renarion, son of Eleron, son of Aegnor, son of Sylvaen, firstborn son of Malin.

THE TRADITIONAL OF THE ALMENODRIM THE THIRD TOME All eyes were upon Edrahil then, who was silent, his eyes aglow behind his golden mask. But it was Erendriel the Bard who spoke, and stood forward from the other nobles with hand upturned—whereupon glimmered the ring of blood-silver, bound and sealed with the Oath of Seven. “Hearken to the rings of our brotherhood, if thou shalt not hearken to the pride of thy brother! For we are not of those who step back from perdition, and stand idly by, while brother-Elves are so cruelly put upon.” And the Prince was given pause, saying, “Rightly dost thou speak, Erendriel, though calamitous doom of one kind or another I presage of you. Wyrms do not tire easily of Elven silver, or turn away from simple cruelty.” Then he stood, and upon his brow the flames of the Seastone Crown glimmered with a ruddy light. “Go forth, then, ye twelve Companions, and as a token of hope take with you the Helm of our Father, who is perished.” And Edrahil received the Helm, and bowed deeply, for it was a high gift. Edrahil and the Dragon, Part III in the Lay of Aegrothond It was told in the First Tome that each stone, be it sapphire or smaragdus, opal or adamant, might capture and hold within its heart a fragment of the spirit-essence of one who bears it. For the spirit-essence is as the inner flame of personality, wrought in the forge of being, and no two are alike, nor shall be, for all the ages of the world. In the Second Tome was gemcraft elucidated even further, speaking of the properties of those gemstones: their cut, which shapes the dance of light upon their facets; their clarity, which reveals or conceals the mysteries within; their transparency, which grants passage to the gaze or holds secrets close. Thus was it shown that the meaning and symbolism of gems are not fixed, but are shaped by their nature and the hands of the gemsmith, who seeks to harness what is already present in the stone, as a harpist draws music from the strings. Now, in this third tome, the circle of knowledge widens, and a new question is set before the reader. How does the form of the setting, the very type of jewellery into which a gem is wrought, alter and deepen its meaning? For unlike the hidden properties of the stone, which are gifts of the earth and stars, the setting is the work of the jewelsmith, who, with purpose and craft, chooses whether a gem shall lie in a ring or a brooch, a crown or a pendant. Thus the jewelsmith becomes a shaper of meaning, not merely a discoverer, and through intent and artistry may turn the message of a gemstone to joy or mourning, to remembrance or promise, as the tale requires. In this, the power of the jewelsmith is made manifest, for the setting is an act of will, a shaping of the world after one’s own design, and so the story of the stone is changed anew, and its fire shines forth in ways unimagined by the earth that birthed it. Prince Fëanor Sylvaeri adorned by circlet, pendant, and ring ((art by Dreea)). ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Of all the adornments wrought by the hands of Elves, the ring holds a place apart, for its shape is a perfect circle, without beginning or end, and thus it whispers of eternity and the unbroken cycles that govern the world. In its endless round is mirrored the turning of seasons, the birth and fading of stars, and the ceaseless renewal of life itself. To give or wear a ring is to enter into a bond that endures beyond the passing of days. A pledge of commitment, as enduring as the gems and metals from which it is forged. So too does the ring speak of unity, for as its form gathers itself together, enclosing all within its embrace, so does it bind hearts and fates, joining many into one. WEDDING RINGS The wedding ring is a token of profound significance, far surpassing mere ornament or outward pledge. Oft is the stone called smaragdus, or emerald, set within these bands, for the green gem is cherished as a herald of new beginnings and the forging of bonds. Emerald’s verdant fire speaks of hope renewed and the flourishing of life, mirroring the promise that springs forth when two souls unite. In the culture of the Almenodrim, marriage is not a fleeting contract nor a bond of convenience, but an eternal joining. Couples are monogamous, bound not simply as spouses, but as true life-partners, each the other’s companion and counterpart in all things. This union is believed to reach beyond the circles of the world, touching upon the soul itself, where love and loyalty are kindled as a single, undying flame. Thus, the wedding ring becomes the vessel of this vow, and the emerald within it a living symbol of beginnings that never end, and of bonds that are as enduring as the earth. In particular, there is Mír n’Adrhon, a ring of surpassing beauty. It was wrought by the hand of Sylvaen and bestowed upon his beloved wife, Serinwë, as a pledge of his undying love. Three shining stones of smaragdus crowned it, glimmering with the promise of new beginnings and the unbreakable bond that joins two souls beyond the reach of shadow or time. Yet sorrow came with the war against Iblees, and Serinwë fell, her light dimmed upon the field of battle. From her hand the ring was recovered by her sons, who bore it home with reverence and grief. Thereafter, it became the custom of Sylvaeri patriarchs to pass Mír n’Adrhon to their wives, that its ancient power and promise might endure. So it was that, in the turning of years, Belestram bestowed the ring upon Illynora, and in later days Curufinwë placed it upon the hand of his beloved Elemmírë, who holds it still. SIGNET RINGS Among the Elves, signet rings are seldom seen, for the Elves hold little to the trappings of heraldry. Yet among Men, these rings bear great weight, for upon each is engraved the crest of a noble house, and they serve as both seal and symbol of authority. The signet ring is passed from one hand to the next, from father to son or from matriarch to heir, binding the generations in an unbroken line. A matriarch mourning the process of Name Cleaving. OATH RINGS As the redband, hot from the forge, touched her finger, I struck upon it with my hammer. Forming it, and molding it to forever clasp upon her digit, and she spoke aloud our ancient Oath. The Oath which binds all Almenodrim to the bloodline, to the culture, and to an ideal far above themselves. The Oathing of Elenwë Sylvaeri In the vaulted halls of old Aegrothond, beneath the wise and steadfast rule of Aegnor Starfinder, there arose a custom that has endured to modern day: the forging of the Oath Ring. Fashioned of blood-silver, these rings were not merely worn, but fused upon the very flesh of the ring finger, so that metal and spirit became as one. The first Oath Rings were wrought in recognition of the Oath of Seven, known only to the Sylvaeri, whose line descended from Sylvaen the Firstborn, and it marked the highest devotion to kin and cause. Yet as the ages turned and the memory of the Oath grew into legend, the custom spread, finding root in the hearts of all Elves of the Almenodrim. The Oath Ring can never be removed, save by the most grievous of fates known as Name Cleaving, where one’s finger is severed and their name struck from all memory. To bear the Oath Ring is to be bound eternally to the Almenodrim, one’s loyalty sealed in pain and purpose, and to be cast out is to lose not only kin and home, but one’s very place in the song of the world. This rite was once reserved for those of true Almenorean blood, bestowed only after the long years of youth had passed and the trials of the rite of passage were met at the age of fifty. Yet it is now also granted, in rare and hallowed ceremony, to those Elves of other kindreds who, through great trial and the taking of the Oath, seek to join the Almenodrim and be counted among our number. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Necklaces are cherished as potent symbols of protection and affinity, for they bear their treasures near the heart, where the secret spirit-fire burns brightest. A pendant, often set with adamant or another rare gem, serves as a talisman, revealing the wearer’s core identity and the virtues they most cherish. The choker, close-fitted about the throat, is a sign of how one speaks and presents themselves to the world, shaping words to be either diplomatic or proudly defiant. Lockets, delicate and oft engraved, hold within them cherished memories, and are thus a token of remembrance, wherein the laughter and sorrow of days past are kept safe and close. The medallion proclaims achievement and honour, most often unadorned by gems, though sometimes a single stone glimmers at its heart as a quiet testament to rare deeds. Lastly, the collar, regal and unyielding, is a mark of authority and command. Among the Sylvaeri, the golden markings of the Wood Elves—known as ilmyumier in their tongue—is sometimes worn as a mantle around the shoulders and collarbone, signifying the burden and dignity of leadership. This is most often seen on those with close kinship to Illynora or Delmira, both originally of the Aureon Seed, who brought the traditions of their Wood Elven kin to their marriages into House Sylvaeri. THE NECKLACE OF STARS Known also as the Light of the Almenodrim, the Necklace of Stars is one of the greatest treasures of all Elvendom, and the work of Sylvaen’s own hand. It is set with a great multitude of sparkling adamant and other gems, cut to perfection by the ancient hosts of Aegrothond. It bore for a time one of the Crown Stones, taken from the circlet of Malin, and is an heirloom of House Sylvaeri. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Most oft are bracelets given as tokens of friendship, their encircling form a symbol of bonds freely chosen and loyalties gladly borne. Yet bracelets bear a dual aspect, for the circle may also be seen as a shackle, binding the wearer not in love but in sorrow or regret. Thus are the jewelsmiths ever wary and deliberate in their art, choosing gemstones with care, lest the gift speak not of fellowship, but of burdens too heavy to bear, or of wrongs that cling like shadow. Cuffs, broad and unadorned, are the mark of strength and boldness, oft bestowed upon warriors or those whose spirits blaze bright against adversity. They are as shields for the wrist, proclaiming courage to all who behold them. Rarely, they might be inset with minor stones. Armlets, worn higher upon the arm, are the sign of status and high lineage. Bangles are slender yet unyielding, their rigid form a testament to prosperity and steadfastness, for unlike the flowing links of a common bracelet, they do not bend. ANKLETS Finally, there is the anklet, which is seldom seen amongst the traditional Elves of the Almenodrim, but which holds meaning in the sunlit lands of Illivira, where Elves dwell in harmony with the wild places and walk unshod upon the sands, eschewing boots and silken slippers for the gentle touch of earth and sea. To the Illiviran Elf, the anklet is a symbol of freedom and kinship with the living world, its delicate chain or woven cord a testament to the wearer’s bond with the land beneath their feet. Worn close to the earth, anklets speak of humility and rootedness, of lives lived in tune with the tides. They are tokens of grace and lightness, marking those who move with the rhythms of nature and find beauty in simplicity. To gift an anklet is to honour the spirit of wandering and the joy of belonging to the wide world, a sign that one’s path is their own, yet always connected to the greater song of creation. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Headpieces, wrought in silver and gold and set with the fairest gems, have long been counted among the most resplendent of adornments in the lore of the Almenodrim. Though in many lands such circlets and diadems are reserved for the highborn alone, among the Almenodrim they are not the sole privilege of the Great Houses, nor are they confined to the lines of royalty. Rather, headpieces are honoured as symbols of lineage and status, marking those who trace their bloodline to the ancient roots of Malin himself, the father of Elvenkind. Amidst all such splendour, one tradition remains inviolate, being that only the prince, chosen by right and destiny, may bear the crown upon his brow. Thus, while many may wear circlets and tiaras to honour their descent and station, the crown itself is a singular token of sovereignty. TIARAS The tiara, fashioned as a graceful semi-circle and often adorned with smaller gems, is a headpiece beloved among the maidens of the Almenodrim. Worn most commonly by young women, it is a symbol of elegance and status, its slender arc resting lightly upon the brow like the first crescent of the new moon. To don a tiara is to be marked as one whose beauty and bearing are worthy of song. Though it does not proclaim sovereignty, as does the crown, nor the full weight of lineage, as do the ancient circlets, the tiara is a token of dignity nonetheless. CROWNS The crown stands above all other headpieces as the undying symbol of sovereignty, authority, and the sacred burden of leadership. Unlike the tiara’s arc, the crown’s unbroken ring proclaims the wearer as the chosen heart of the realm, upon whose brow rests the hopes and destinies of many. It is the sign of one who rules not by birth alone, but by wisdom, strength, and the will to guide their people through shadow and sunlight. Among the treasures of the Almenodrim, few crowns are spoken of with greater awe than the fabled Crown of Storms. Forged after the first great artifacts of the Almenodrim, this crown was crafted for Aegnor Starfinder and his descendants. Legends tell that the Crown of Storms bestowed upon its bearer the wisdom of the ancient mariners, granting safety amidst the wrath of wind and wave, and shielding them from the doom of drowning. Whether these tales are truth or only gilded falsehoods, none now can say, though it is said that Prince Fëanor Sylvaeri bore this symbol in his long centuries of rule as Sea Prince of the Almenodrim and High Prince of Elvenesse. Yet not all crowns are wrought of gold and gem alone. In the days of Aegrothond, Illynora wore a crown of driftwood, shaped by the patient hand of the sea and adorned with tokens of the shore, most notably a shard of petrified wood of an almost purple hue. This humble crown, though lacking in the splendour of other works, nonetheless marked her as High Princess of Aegrothond. When her time had passed, Illynora entrusted the driftwood crown to Medli, who wore it as High Princess of Amaethea, thus passing on not only a symbol of rule, but the memory of gentle stewardship and the enduring spirit of the Almenodrim who are not born thus, but made. CIRCLETS The circlet is perhaps the most common and cherished of all headpieces among the Almenodrim. Forged of silver, gold, or starsteel and oft adorned with a single stone or a delicate pattern of leaves and vines, it rests lightly upon the brow, a symbol both very simple and deeply profound. Its perfectly round shape speaks of unity and eternity, echoing the previously told symbolism of the ring. Above all, the circlet is a sign of remembrance, for it links each who wears it back to Malin the King, whose wisdom and grace shaped the earliest days of our people. To don a circlet is to take one’s place in an unbroken chain of memory, honouring the past even as one walks forward into the ever-turning future. Idril Sylvaeri, High Princess of Amathine ((art by JJosey)). DIADEMS The diadem, more intricate than circlet or tiara, is a headpiece revered for its association with wisdom and the subtle workings of the mind. It may bear a single pendant or jewel that hangs delicately upon the brow, resting above the seat of thought and insight. This pendant, glimmering over the forehead, is said to draw forth clarity and understanding, marking the wearer as one blessed with discernment and wise counsel. In some diadems, slender strands of metal or gemstones descend in graceful arcs, framing the face with a cascade of light and beauty. Such is the diadem of Idril Sylvaeri, which is famed for its many strands, falling like rain upon her brow. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Hairpieces are counted among the most expressive of adornments, each bearing its own tale and symbolism. The hairpin, slender and delicately wrought, is a token of beauty and femininity, often fashioned in the likeness of leaves or flowers, and set with a single, shimmering gem. To wear such a pin is to honour the grace and loveliness of one’s form, and to celebrate the strength found in womanhood. The hair comb, by contrast, speaks of order and control. Carved from polished wood or gleaming silver, and sometimes adorned with intricate patterns or stones in the practice of lesser renarias, it is the mark of one who brings order to both self and surroundings. To place a comb within one’s tresses is to declare mastery over chaos, and to show that one’s thoughts and deeds are as carefully arranged as the locks it tames. The veil, though less common among the Almenodrim, carries a wealth of meaning. Rarely do they shroud the face, for the Free Elves delight in open speech and clear gaze; yet some don veils that fall from the hair, gauzy and gem-studded, more ornament than concealment. Such veils speak of purity and modesty, or of mystery or the sorrow of mourning, depending on the meanings of the gemstones used. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Among the Almenodrim and their kin, earrings are the province of women, seldom worn by men, and each form carries its own meaning of custom and character. The dangle earring, with its graceful sway and glimmer, is a mark of those whose spirits are lively and outgoing, for as the earring moves and catches the light, so too does its wearer draw the gaze and laughter of those around her, bringing brightness wherever she treads. The stud speaks of simplicity and a soul well-grounded, content with quiet beauty and the strength found in constancy. The ear cuff is the choice of those whose hearts burn with rebellion and daring, who walk paths untravelled and care little for the judgement of others. The drop earring, falling like a single tear of pearl or crystal, is the emblem of elegance and femininity, its wearer moving with a grace that seems touched by starlight. Threader earrings, delicate as the finest spider-silk, bespeak sophistication and a rarefied taste, their slender chains and subtle shimmer marking those who delight in the finer things, yet never boast. Lastly, the climber, which traces the curve of the ear, is a sign of ambition and modernity, worn by those who ever seek to ascend, to rise above the ordinary and shape the world anew. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ The brooch or pin is worn with pride upon the chest, where the heart beats beneath and the eyes of friend and stranger alike may fall upon first meeting. Among the Almenodrim, it is more than a mere fastening; it is a herald of identity and a silent proclamation of status, for each brooch is fashioned with care to reflect the lineage, deeds, or chosen path of its bearer. Oft do storytellers and lorekeepers wear brooches wrought with ancient symbols or scenes from the elder days, so that their very presence becomes a living tale. But the brooch also serves a purpose both humble and deeply meaningful, holding cloak or mantle in place and binding together what might otherwise fall apart. Thus, it is also seen as a bridge between two worlds—the outer realm of appearance and the inner realm of truth, the past and the present, the self and the company one keeps. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Belts are often adorned with small gemstones in the style of lesser renarias. They are most commonly worn by men, for they speak of masculine energy, the power to bear burdens and to stand unyielding in the face of trial and tribulation. Each belt is crafted with care, most often made from leather but sometimes of metal, the buckle wrought with carvings and symbols, and the patterns of lesser renarias set along its length. To don such a belt is to declare loyalty unbroken, for it binds the warrior or craftsman to his purpose, and proclaims his authority in the hall or upon the field. The belt is not merely a practical garment, but a visible sign of one’s commitment to kin and cause, a reminder that true strength lies not in the arm alone, but in the body that endures and the will that does not falter. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ The body chain, rarely seen but resplendent all the same, is an adornment reserved for moments of great ceremony. Worn by both men and women, yet seldom seen in the course of daily life, the chains are wrought of fine links of silver or gold or even lengths of pearls, encircling the form in intricate patterns that glimmer with every movement. To don a body chain over one’s clothes is to be empowered, for it is a symbol of the binding together of the spirit, mind, and flesh. Such chains are deemed auspicious, their presence marking occasions of high fortune or solemn rite, and they are most often seen as part of regalia and finery, gracing the wearers at feasts, coronations, Oathings, or the ancient festivals of the Almenodrim such as the celebration of Malin’s Eve. Some body chains are set with stones to further influence and adapt its meaning and mark the dignity of the wearer. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ The mask, whether crafted of silver, leather, or gilded wood, is a rare and seldom-favoured thing among the Almenodrim, for ours is a people who cherish open countenance and the honest meeting of eyes. To don a mask is to embrace mystery and concealment, to shroud the self in shadow and shun the light. Because of this, the use of masks is oft regarded with suspicion, for it smacks of trickery and deceit. For those of other lands and races who delight in masquerade, the smiths of the Almenodrim have nevertheless been known to turn their hands to the crafting of masks of surpassing beauty and cunning design. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Written by daughter of Curufinwë, son of Fëanor, son of Belestram, son of Renarion, son of Eleron, son of Aegnor, son of Sylvaen, firstborn son of Malin.

In the towers of a distant library, the historian Erika Kortrevich scratched away at her manuscript. History lived and unfurled before her very eyes, but she received the news of Balian's fall, and the king's, with a cold sort of detachment. Far better to see the world through the distant, assessing gaze of a scholar rather than feel it, every bloody thread and ribbon. So she wrote, and pondered, and committed the heroes of Canondom to memory.

THE TRADITIONAL OF THE ALMENODRIM THE SECOND TOME Made in those elder days were some of the greatest and most beautiful treasures of all noble Elvendom, which were beloved of all the Elder Folk and held in regard even in the furthest reaches of the continent. Among them were the Necklace of Stars, and Mίr n’Ardhon, and of course the great carved gem Belethil which was lost. The Tale of Dagnir, Part I in the Lay of Aegrothond In the First Tome was it set forth that within all living things there abides a spirit-essence, a secret fire known only to one’s own heart. This subtle essence, it is said, may be ensnared and made manifest in the choosing of a gemstone. For not idly do the wise select such stones; the very nature of the gem bears upon it the mark of the world’s making and the memory of its shaping by the gemsmith. Thus do the properties of each stone hold great import, for in them are mirrored the qualities of those who bear them. Consider, if you will, the sunstone. This is the vessel of unshadowed hope, capturing within its fiery heart the spirit-essence of those whose optimism does not falter. Yet not all sunstones are alike, as no person is alike. A sunstone of flawless clarity, unmarred by shadow or stain, is as the heart of one who hopes by innocence alone, untouched as yet by sorrow or the deep wounds of the world. But a sunstone wherein lie subtle inclusions, small marks wrought by time and trial—such a stone is cherished, for it speaks of one whose hope endures not by ignorance, but by choice and by the strength of a will tested and found steadfast. Thus do the stones bear silent witness to the tales of those who claim them, and in their gleaming depths is the story of the spirit. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ The cut of a gem is most important, for it mirrors the path of one’s life and the choices that shape it. Among the Elves of the Almenodrim, there are ancient rites by which a gem may be recut after the turning of great events—a sign of growth, of sorrow endured, or penance sought. Thus is Elven jewelcraft a thing both eternal and ever-changing, for the spirit-essence within the stone is not fixed, but lives and grows as the bearer’s own heart is changed by the long years. In this way, the gems and jewellery become not merely ornaments, but living chronicles of the soul’s journey through the world. PRECISION CUTS Those stones that are hewn with precise and measured lines, their facets sharp as the morning star, are held to be the tokens of souls driven by high ambition, clear of purpose, and guided by the hand of fate toward a destiny foreseen. In such gems, the light is gathered and cast forth in splendid array, as if the very will of their bearer shines undimmed through every trial. ORGANIC CUTS Yet not all choose the path of order and design. There are stones whose shapes seem born of wild water and wind, their lines flowing and unbound, as though shaped by the secret music of the world. These gems, asymmetric or organic in their form, are cherished by those whose spirits are restless and creative, who bend and sway as the willow in the storm, embracing the chaos from which all new things are born. CABOCHONS Then there are the cabochons, whose surfaces are smooth and unfaceted, gathering the light in gentle pools. Such stones are the sign of those who walk in humility and introspection, or who turn aside from the clamour of the world and its ceaseless demands. In these, the gemsmith sees the souls of those who reject the ways of custom, seeking instead the quiet truth within. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Clarity of a precious gem is the mark of experience, the silent record of trials endured and wisdom gained through the long passage of years. Yet it must be said that in stones meant to be veiled and opaque, such as jasper or sardonyx, clarity holds little sway, for it is not the absence of flaw but the richness of colour and depth that speaks most clearly of the soul. FLAWLESS In the heart of a flawless gem, where no shadow lingers nor blemish mars the light, is seen the soul of one untested by sorrow or strife, a spirit sheltered beneath gentle boughs, revered for its purity, yet oft regarded with a measure of gentle doubt, as one might look upon the innocence of youth. Such stones are given to children and the young of heart, or to those whose days have yet to be darkened by the world’s grief, for in their brilliance lies both promise and peril, the beauty of unspoiled hope and the risk of unknowing naivety. MINOR INCLUSIONS The gemsmith also holds in high esteem those gems in which faint inclusions dwell, subtle as the scars upon a seasoned warrior’s hand or the quiet marks borne by a healer’s sacrifice. These are the stones of those who have walked the longer road, whose spirits are tempered by hardship and whose wisdom is forged in the fires of experience. Such gems are treasured among the Elves, for in their depths is the memory of battles fought and burdens carried, and their light is all the richer for it. HEAVILY INCLUDED There are, too, stones marked by many inclusions, their clarity veiled by a multitude of shadows. These speak of souls burdened by sorrow or touched by corruption, and in such cases, it is the custom of the Elves to gather in solemn ritual, polishing the gem in a rite of cleansing, as if to ease the spirit’s pain and restore its brightness. In some houses, the inclusions within a cherished stone are mapped and named, as the stars are set in the night sky, each flaw a tale remembered and passed from one generation to the next. Especially in the case of heirlooms, these storied gems become living chronicles of a family’s journey, their beauty deepened by the memory of all they have endured. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Of carat, that ancient measure of a jewel’s weight and worth, the Almenodrim speak in careful tones, for it is not mere substance that is weighed, but the very influence a soul may cast upon the world. The great gems, heavy with carat and consequence, are most often set for those whose fates are writ large in the tapestry of time. Princes and lords, prophets and heralds, or those whose destinies burn with a fire too bright to be hidden. Yet such weight is seldom borne lightly, for with each added carat comes a burden of expectation, and oft the heart that wears such a stone must bear the sorrows and hopes of many. Lesser stones, though humbler in size, are cherished by those of quiet spirit; artisans whose hands shape beauty from the simple, or mediators whose words mend the rifts of the world. In these smaller carats is found a subtlety and grace, the gentle strength that moves unseen yet leaves its mark upon the hearts of others. Such stones are also deemed fitting for the young, whose influence is yet to grow, and whose journey has only begun, while the greater gems are reserved for those whose years have granted them gravity and wisdom. It is said among the Elves that to array oneself in too many mighty stones is both perilous and unseemly, for such adornment speaks of a soul too laden with power, a spirit weighed down beyond endurance. The balance of large and small carats upon a single piece is held as the truest art, reflecting the harmony of strength and humility, of greatness tempered by gentleness. In this, as in all things, the measure of the jewel becomes the measure of the spirit-essence of the one who bears it. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Lustre, that radiant outer light of the spirit-essence within, is held by the Almenodrim as a sign of one’s charisma and the role one plays amid the circles of the world. Those gems that blaze with high lustre—oft called adamantine, in memory of the fabled adamant stone—are bestowed upon orators, heralds, and envoys, whose words and presence shine forth as beacons among their kin. Yet the gemsmiths of old knew well that such brilliance may at times be but a mask, concealing unrest or sorrow within the heart, for not all that glitters is untroubled at its core. In contrast, stones of gentler sheen, bearing what is named a silky lustre, are cherished by scholars and sages, whose quiet wisdom and spiritual depth are valued above outward show. These are the gems of those who seek the hidden paths and ponder the mysteries beneath the surface, their light subdued but enduring. It is told in the lore of the Almenodrim that should a jewel’s lustre wane with the passing of years, growing dull as an unused blade, it may be a sign of sorrow or spiritual decay. In such times, the Almenodrim may gather in counsel, seeking to restore the stone’s light, and the spirit of its bearer, through ritual cleansing and careful repolishing, lest the darkness deepen and hope be lost. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Refraction and dispersion are the terms used by the learned to refer to the secret ways by which gemstones ensnare the wandering light, bending its path within their crystal hearts. In the ancient times of Malin, this was called the awakening of the stone’s inner fire, when the pure white radiance is sundered and scattered, unfurling into a host of spectral banners of red, gold, and violet like the hidden rainbows woven in the world’s first dawn. Some name it the gem’s fire, for within its depths the light is kindled and set to dance, each ray split and refracted as if by the will of the deep earth that has never before seen the sun but dreamt of it. This bending and weaving of the light is said to be outward signs of one’s thoughts, emotions, and the wellspring of creativity. In gems where the fire is fierce and the refraction high, as seen in the clearest beryl or topaz, the Almenorean jewelsmiths reserve these for individuals of many facets. Artists whose hearts are torn by conflicting desires, or tricksters whose spirit-essence shimmers with cunning and contradiction. Such stones may also be tokens of those whose natures are volatile and unsettled, and for this reason, the wearers of these gems are thought not yet ready to bear adamant, the stone of the unshakable spirit, whose essence has found its final form. The lore also warns that too much fire within a single stone, or the wild scattering of rainbow hues, is a thing both wondrous and perilous, for it is linked in song and story to the gift of prophecy, or to the shadow of madness. But should one walk this narrow path with wisdom, bearing the flame without being consumed, it is said that such an individual possesses a spirit-essence of rare and indomitable strength. In contrast, gems of gentle fire and low dispersion are given to those of steadfast mind and calm heart; guardians, judges, and chroniclers, whose logic is prized and whose presence brings peace to the tumult of the world. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Transparency in a jewel is held as an outward sign of the honesty found within the spirit-essence of its bearer. Yet this honesty is not merely the candor of spoken word, but the deeper truthfulness of a life well-lived, unmarred by falsehood or self-deceit. As the perfectly clear gem shines with a light unclouded, so too does the soul that walks in harmony with its own purpose, unafraid to be seen as it truly is, neither cloaked in shadow nor lost in wandering. TRANSPARENT Clear as the waters of an untouched spring, the transparent gem is given to those whose hearts are open and whose words shine with candor, such as leaders, teachers, and all who walk in the light of truth. Such stones are prized among the Free Elves, for in their clarity is seen the promise of trust and the strength of unclouded purpose. TRANSLUCENT Not all souls are so revealed. There are those whose natures are veiled, whose thoughts run deep and whose secrets are many. Poets who speak in riddles, or spies who dwell in the shadowed places of the world. For these, the gemsmiths set aside stones of translucence, through which the light passes but is softened and obscured, hinting at mysteries beneath the surface. In such gems, the Almenodrim discern the presence of hidden depths and the rare beauty of secrets kept. OPAQUE There are, too, the opaque stones, dark and impenetrable as the earth’s own heart. These are worn by folk whose spirit-essence is concealed, sometimes even from themselves, their true nature locked away. Among the old tales, it is told that such stones may also be tokens of steadfastness and boldness, for what is hidden may also be unyielding and resolute. This we can see in the stones of jasper and carnelian. Thus, the meaning of the opaque gem is left to the judgement of the gemsmith and the tale of the wearer, each stone a riddle to be deciphered. In the customs of certain Almenorean families, when one is deemed lost in spirit, it is the practice to bury the opaque stone in the earth, returning it to the deep places whence it came, in hope that the spirit-essence may one day find its way back to the light as a stone made anew. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ The origin of a gem is counted among the deepest of its mysteries, for it is the tie that binds the jewel to the ancestry and the legacy of those who bear it. Each gemstone carries within it the memory of its birthplace, a lineage both physical and spiritual, echoing down the long ages. To wear, for instance, a pearl drawn from the shores of Aegrothond in the days of Atlas is to bear a sign of kinship with the Almenodrim, a mark of ancient blood and the memory of lost realms. As the First Tome has set forth, each gemstone bears its own nature and meaning, and the tale of its origin serves as a subtle thread to either reinforce or contradict the truths already written. This is why Almenorean jewelsmiths look not only to a gem’s hue or brilliance, but to the story of its birth, for in that telling is found the true measure of the spirit-essence of the one who wears it. MOUNTAIN-MINED Those gems hewn from the bones of mountains are prized above many others, for in their heart is the memory of stone and the slow, unyielding patience of the earth. Such stones are tokens for those whose spirit-essence is steadfast and enduring, who cleave to tradition as the ancient peaks hold their silent vigil over the lands below. Yet, as with all things wrought by time and fate, the meaning of a mountain-born gem is shaped not only by the stone itself, but by the hands that draw it forth from the deep places of the world. When a gem is mined by the Dwarves, in the deep and echoing halls beneath their mountain homes, it is said to bear the mark of their craft and their indomitable spirit. The Dwarves delve where none other dare, shaping stone with skill and reverence. A gem mined by Dwarven hands is a symbol of mastery, endurance, and the ancient bonds of kinship that bind clan to clan. It speaks of a spirit-essence valuing perseverance, loyalty, and the hard-won wisdom born of toil in darkness. Such a stone is often bestowed upon those who are builders of legacy, guardians of tradition, or who bear the burdens of leadership with silent strength. When a gem is found in the mountains of Men, its tale is somewhat altered. Men are wanderers and dreamers, their lives brief as the turning of the seasons. A mountain gem found in human lands is a sign of aspiration, of hope set against adversity, and the courage to seek fortune in the shadow of the unknown. It is a token for those who strive to carve their own path, who look to the heights with longing, and who endure hardship for the promise of a brighter dawn. Such a stone may be given to those whose hearts are filled with ambition, or who seek to leave their mark upon the world before the last leaf falls. And in the high and hidden places where Elves walk beneath the stars, the gems of the mountains are not mined as they are by Dwarves and Men, but rather found whenever the earth reveals a gemstone of its own will. An Elven mountain gem is a symbol of harmony with the land, of patience and memory that stretches back to the world’s first morning. It is a token for those who remember the old songs, who hold fast to beauty and wisdom, and who endure not through stubbornness, but through the gentle strength of understanding. Such a stone is often worn by lorekeepers, healers, or those who serve as the living memory of their people. RIVER-TUMBLED To discover a gem near the thunderous foot of a waterfall is to find a spirit marked by trial and transformation. The ceaseless, tumbling waters speak of a soul that has endured many tempests, shaped and refined by adversity and the relentless force of fate. Such a stone bears the memory of tumult and renewal, and suggests a bearer who finds clarity and purpose amid chaos, or whose destiny is forged in the crucible of great events. A gem found near a river’s origin, high in the mountains, carries a different meaning. Here, the waters are young and pure, their course not yet set by the winding of the land. Such a stone is a token of beginnings, of innocence and potential unshaped by the world’s burdens. It is a fitting gift for those embarking on new journeys, or for souls who remain close to their original purpose, untroubled by the sediment of many travels. FOREST-BORN Forest-born jewels, such as amber or ancient wood turned to stone, are symbols of those entwined with the green and growing world, attuned to the slow turning of the earth and the secret language of trees. The woods themselves are storied and sacred, each holding memories unique to their soil and song. It is of great import whether amber or petrified wood was gathered beneath the golden boughs of Caras Eldar or in the mist-shrouded forests beyond Aegrothond in Arcas, or in any other famous forest of legend. As has been spoken of in the First Tome, the very type of wood from which a gem is born also shapes its meaning. Each tree is a symbol in itself, capable of transformation and bearing the long, unbroken memory of the world. SEA-BORN Sea-born gems, drawn from the deeps or cast up by the tide, are cherished by sailors, fishermen, starcharters, and the folk who believe in Thalassa, the Sea Goddess. The sea does not surrender its treasures by chance, but delivers each gem to shore with purpose. Thus, the tale of a sea-born gem is incomplete without the telling of its birthplace, for the spirit of that place abides within the stone. Jewelsmiths of renown will ever speak with pride of the provenance of their pearls and treasures, naming the very shores from whence they were drawn: the silver sands of Almenor, the storied coasts of Aegrothond in Atlas, the wave-washed stones of the Seastone Citadel in Arcas, the luminous beaches of Illivira, or the tranquil shallows near Eldalondë, where the Elves dwell at the edge of a great lagoon. Each place imparts its own blessing and memory, shaping the gem’s meaning as surely as the tides shape the shore. FIRE-BORN There are the fire-born stones wrought in the crucible of the world’s heart, worn by those who have passed through trial and emerged remade, their spirit tempered as steel in the forge. As the stone is shaped by fire, so too is the soul refined by suffering and struggle, casting aside all that is dross and untrue, until only the purest essence remains. STAR-BORN Lastly, there are those rare gems fallen from the heavens, cold and bright. These are claimed by star-born souls, outsiders whose fates are strange and unlooked for, as it was with Aegnor, who found the metal at the heart of a fallen star, and so bound his destiny and that of his family to the sky. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Written by daughter of Curufinwë, son of Fëanor, son of Belestram, son of Renarion, son of Eleron, son of Aegnor, son of Sylvaen, firstborn son of Malin.

Elenwë Sylvaeri pondered over the writings, sitting on the balcony overlooking the wide blue lagoon of Númendil. This is a sweet curse – that our memory shall never dwindle, and remain in places for ever gone... She was still yet young, not having lived a full human lifespan, but already she felt this weight. Not so much a burden but a mantle, to remember, and to pass on.

Elenwë admired the silver ring upon her finger, forever branded against her flesh. It was what she had thought about during her rite of passage voyage and every day since then, the moment she would finally enter the halls of her brethren as a full-fledged member of her culture. Next would be Vairë's Oathing ceremony; though she was the elder of the two, Vairë had allowed Elenwë to receive her ring first, a gesture of respect that the younger did not take lightly. Soon, every Elf of ancient Almenor would once more bear the ring, and their halls would be filled with merry song and cheer.

THE TRADITIONAL OF THE ALMENODRIM All of their works were highly treasured, for they were crafted with arts which were not known to other wrights, and have been forgotten. It must, too, be noted that steel was scarce more than a servant to them—and it was in the working of silver, gold, and precious gems that they truly excelled, ultimately peerless. The Tale of Dagnir, Part I in the Lay of Aegrothond For the Elves of the Almenodrim, the crafting of gems and jewellery is not merely a trade, but a living testament to our spirit and artistry. From the earliest days, when the world was young and the secrets of the earth lay hidden, our people possessed the wisdom to coax beauty from stone and metal, rivalled only by those of Dwarven-kind. Now our hands transform silver, gold, and jewels into wonders of dream and legend, guided by traditions older than living memory. Jewelcraft encompasses more than simple adornment for the Almenodrim. It is the language of heritage and identity, and a bridge between one’s spirit-essence and the tangible world. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Within every living being there lies a spirit-essence—a secret fire, unique and unrepeatable, that is the wellspring of thought, desire, and memory. This essence is the true self, veiled from the eyes of others, yet shaping all deeds. In some, it is as clear and bright as the morning star; in others, it is a deep and hidden current, known only to the heart’s own counsel. Metals are what form the body of an item of jewellery, but it is the gemstones, resplendent and enduring, that truly capture one’s spirit-essence. The Almenodrim believe that jewelsmiths can sense the inner workings of a person’s being and choose gems and stones to reflect this and show it to the outside world. ADAMANT Of adamant, which some among Men name diamond, much is spoken in the lore of the Almenodrim. For in that most enduring of stones is held the memory of eternity—a quality most dearly cherished by the Elves, whose lives are as long as the world endures. Yet, adamant is not lightly bestowed, nor is it set in ornament for the young or the unproven. Only those whose spirit has come to rest, whose character is steadfast and unchanging as the stars, are deemed worthy of such a gift. Thus it is that among the Almenodrim, adamant is seldom wrought into jewel or circlet for any who have not seen the passing of a hundred years, for in that span they are yet counted among the young, their hearts still in the keeping of mortal days, unformed and untested. Many are the hues of adamant, and each bears its own secret meaning, known to the loremasters and the jewelwrights of old. Yet, in all its colours, adamant proclaims that the wearer has become one with the virtue it represents, the essence of their spirit made manifest in stone. Clear or white adamant is rare and revered, a symbol of purity unblemished and spirit without flaw. Only those whose hearts are noble beyond reproach may bear such a gem, and it is a sign of high honour among the Almenodrim. Yellow adamant, shining with the light of the sun, is the jewel of joy. It is often given in token of a friendship unbreakable, when the bond between jewelsmith and recipient is as enduring as the stone itself. Blue adamant is the mark of wisdom and serenity, bestowed upon those who are counted as teachers and counsellors, whose calm spirit brings peace to others. Pink adamant, in its many subtle shades, is the stone of romance and passion. It is most often set in tokens for those whose lives have been touched by great love, for such tales are treasured among the Almenodrim. To warriors and champions is given red adamant, the stone of strength and courage. Often is it set into the hilt of a sword or the pommel of a dagger, for it is believed to lend valour and fortitude to its bearer as well as embody their martial spirit. Green adamant is the emblem of nature and renewal, and is given to those who devote their lives to the care and keeping of the living world. Black adamant is rarest of all, and it is said that only those of the most powerful spirit may wear it. Such a gem is held to be a mighty talisman, warding its bearer against shadow and harm. Brown or russet adamant is the stone of humility, given to those who have embraced simplicity and service, and who walk the earth with gentle tread. Lastly, adamant of purple hue is the mark of spiritual depth. It is reserved for the elders, those who have seen four centuries or more, and is a sign of status and experience among the Almenodrim. BERYL & TOPAZ Beryl and topaz, though counted among the fairer gems and treasured by many for their beauty and rarity—indeed, some kinds surpass even adamant in scarcity—are not held in equal reverence by the Almenodrim. For these stones, while radiant, do not bear the same weight of eternity. Thus it is that beryl and topaz are more oft employed in the crafting of jewellery where the meaning is lighter, the promise less enduring. Such gems are chosen to signify qualities present in the wearer, yet not fixed at the heart of their being—gifts of the hour, perhaps, or virtues that may wax and wane with the turning of the years. In this way, beryl and topaz are set in pieces designed to mark the passage of time, to commemorate a season or a deed, or to hold the memory of what once was. A circlet of blue beryl may grace the brow of a scholar or one who seeks knowledge, while blue adamant is reserved for those who have attained wisdom and become teachers of renown. Thus, though the hue of beryl or topaz may echo the greater stone of adamant, the meaning is gentler and more fleeting. There are, moreover, certain varieties of beryl and topaz whose colours are not found among adamant, and these bear their own significance. Orange topaz, bright as the flame of autumn leaves, is cherished as the emblem of creativity. It is given to those whose hands are skilled in craft, whose minds are ever kindling new designs, and whose spirits delight in the making of fair things. Smaragdus, which Men and Dwarves call emerald and the Elves know as green beryl, is the stone of renewal and foresight. It is set in rings and tokens to mark new beginnings—the forging of a bond, the turning of a life’s path, or the dawning of hope after sorrow. For this reason, it is often woven into the bands exchanged by those who wed, as a sign of the journey begun anew. Golden beryl, though akin in hue to the yellow topaz and adamant, speaks not of the joy and gladness found in those latter gems. Rather, it is the stone of self-mastery and confidence, bestowed upon those whose spirits burn with inner strength and resolve. Its warm light is a beacon to those who walk their own path with courage and assurance. OPAL Much is spoken of opals among the jewelwrights, for these stones are unlike any other in all the wide lands of Descendantkind. In their depths, a shifting of colour may be seen, as if the light of many dawns and dusks were captured and set to play within a single gem. Thus, opals are held to be the emblem of complexity and hidden depths, suited to those whose spirits are manifold. To gaze upon an opal is to behold a beauty that changes with every turn, a kaleidoscopic marvel that defies simple telling. Among these, the black opal is most prized by those who walk in shadow and mystery, whose hearts are veiled and whose purposes are seldom known. Such a stone is given to the enigmatic, those whose presence stirs wonder and speculation, as the night sky stirs the dreams of poets. In contrast, the white opal, pure and radiant, is set aside for those whose honesty is beyond question, whose motives are as clear as the morning sun upon the sea. These are the souls whose every word and deed may be trusted, and whose hearts are open to all. The fire opal, ablaze with hues of scarlet and gold, is the jewel of the passionate and the bold. It is given to those whose spirits burn with a fierce and unquenchable flame, whose very presence enlivens the company and whose energy is felt as keenly as the heat of a midsummer’s day. Honey opals, glowing with the warmth of golden light, are cherished as tokens of sunlight and gentle warmth. They are bestowed upon those whose kindness comforts all who dwell in their presence, as the sun brings life and gladness to the green earth. Yet there are opals of pink, blue, and green, which, though fair to behold, are less laden with meaning. These are oft set as adornments to enhance the beauty of other stones, lending their shifting light and subtlety to the greater tale told by a piece of jewelcraft. They serve to amplify and complicate the nature of the gems with which they are joined, weaving together the many facets of the wearer’s spirit into a single, harmonious whole. SPINEL & TOURMALINE Spinel and tourmaline, like beryl and topaz, are found in many hues, their colours spanning the breadth of the rainbow. Yet, while beryl and topaz are oft employed to echo, in gentler measure, the virtues embodied by adamant, spinel and tourmaline are seldom burdened with such weight of meaning among the Almenodrim. Rather, these stones are chosen for the delight of the eye, their selection guided by the jeweller’s craft and the wearer’s own fancy. Thus, the beauty of spinel and tourmaline lies chiefly in their visage, and the joy they bring is of a more personal kind, unbound by ancient lore or deep tradition. Yet not all varieties are without significance. Among the Almenodrim, there are certain shades that are held in high esteem. Mauve spinel, with its gentle glow of purple and rose, and plum spinel, deep as twilit wine, are set aside for those whose lives are marked by resilience. These stones are bestowed upon souls who, through many trials, have shown a spirit unbroken and steadfast. Tourmaline, in its warmest shades of yellow and orange, is given to those whose hearts are ever buoyant, whose hope endures and whose laughter is not easily stilled. Such gems are most often wrought into tokens for the young, for whom the more solemn yellow adamant would be ill-suited. AGATE Among the many marvels forged by the secret fires of the earth, agate is counted most wondrous for its bands and swirling hues, which wind and flow like the courses of ancient rivers. This stone, a fair kindred of chalcedony, is found in a hundred colours, each veined and marbled in patterns both strange and beautiful. In the hands of the master jewelwrights, agate is prized not only for its beauty, but for the meaning it bears, for it is the stone of balance, beloved of those who walk between worlds and reconcile what is divided. To wear agate is to proclaim a spirit at peace with contradiction. It is the chosen gem of healer-warriors, whose hands bring both harm and healing; of warrior-poets, whose hearts are as keen as their blades, yet as gentle as their songs; of rulers who are also humble servants, and of teachers who remain ever eager to learn. So too does agate suit those whose spirit-essence is woven of opposing threads: strength and vulnerability, creation and destruction, wisdom and wild emotion. In all these, agate is a fitting emblem, for its very nature is to unite what is sundered and to find harmony in diversity. Yet among the stones of chalcedony, sardonyx stands apart, its bands running true and straight in hues of white, red, orange, brown, and black. Where agate’s whorls speak of balance and the mingling of many things, sardonyx is the stone of steadfast virtue and dignity. It is worn by those whose hearts are guided by an unerring sense of right, whose honour is unyielding, and whose lives are marked by strength of will and clarity of purpose. In the lore of the Almenodrim, sardonyx is a visible sign of those who hold fast to their convictions, come what may. GARNET, RUBY & BLOODSTONE Garnet and ruby, the deep-red jewels of legend, have long been entwined with the memory of blood. Amongst the Sylvaeri especially, these stones are cherished for their symbolism of the unbroken chain of kinship stretching back to the elder days of Malin. Princes and lords of old would set rubies and garnets in their circlets and Oath rings as a sign of their heritage. Yet there is another stone, darker and more sombre in aspect; bloodstone, which to some is known as heliotrope. This stone is marked with flecks of crimson, as if the memory of a battlefield were held fast in the green stone. Among the Almenodrim, bloodstone bears a heavier burden, for it is not merely the symbol of blood, but of bloodshed and violence. It is said that to wear bloodstone is to bear the mark of a grievous deed, just as Sylvaen bore the shame of his kinslaying. CARNELIAN Carnelian, the stone of burning ember and sunset’s glow, is held in high esteem among the Almenodrim for the virtue it embodies: boldness of heart. Its warm and vibrant hue calls to mind the fire that dwells within those who dare greatly, and yet, unlike the red adamant or the crimson beryl and topaz, carnelian is not reserved solely for those who bear arms. In the halls of the Almenodrim, carnelian is bestowed upon all who show courage in the face of shadow, whether they wield spear or word. It is the stone of those who speak when silence is demanded, who venture forth when others falter, and who stand firm in the storm of doubt. Poets, healers, wanderers, and rulers alike may wear carnelian, for boldness is a flame that may kindle in any heart, regardless of station or craft. JASPER Jasper is beloved for its quiet strength. Deep-hued and unyielding, it lies close to the heart of the earth, and in its presence one may feel the slow, patient turning of the world beneath their feet. To Almenorean jewelsmiths, jasper is the emblem of those whose spirit-essence is rooted and unshaken, and who draw their strength from the deep places of the world. It is also called the steadfast stone. CINNABAR Cinnabar, a mineral of deep vermilion, is held in peculiar reverence among the Almenodrim, for it is bound by tradition to the secret arts of alchemy, which some of their number pursue. Unlike the gems of the earth, cinnabar is the emblem of transformation and hidden knowledge, its very nature steeped in mystery. For the sake of jewelcraft, cinnabar is ground to a fine powder and mingled with oils, the mixture yielding a pigment of shifting hue, alive with restless motion. Oft is it trapped within globes of crystal or glass, where, suspended in water, it dances and coils in ever-changing forms—a living symbol of metamorphosis which alchemists relentlessly pursue. It is for this reason that jewelsmiths will use cinnabar for those whose spirit-essence is touched by strangeness and curiosity, who stand apart from the norm. PERIDOT It was Aegnor who found it, riding upon the great northern hills with his banners—and ever after for this reason he was oft-called by the name Elpharon, which means ‘star-finder’. Marveling at the desolation, he delved into the blackened cavern at its center—and though it burned his hands, he could not find the will to leave the glede-star behind. The Tale of Dagnir, Part I in the Lay of Aegrothond Peridot is cherished among the folk of sea and shore, for it is the stone of abundance, worn primarily by fishermen whose nets return heavy and whose tables are never bare. It can also be worn by other providers and gift-givers. Yet there are peridots of rarer kind, stones not born of earth alone, but fallen from the heavens in the wake of a wandering star. These are called Aegnorons, in memory of Aegnor Starfinder, who, in the days of the early Almenodrim, beheld a star fall from the black vault of night and was the first to find such a jewel among the smoking stones. The Aegnorons are held in highest esteem, for they are thought to carry within them the blessing of the stars. Those who wear them are thus those who are believed to be star-blessed and lucky beyond compare. JADE Jade is seldom set in the jewellery of the Almenodrim, for it is held to be the emblem of ultimate peace. Its cool and gentle sheen is like the stillness of a forest glade untouched by wind or war, a beauty that speaks not of action nor quest, but of harmony and quiet fulfillment. Among the Almenodrim, such peace is rare. Ours is a people renowned in song and tale for our valour, ever contending with the darkness that stirs in forgotten places, and ever setting forth upon long and perilous journeys to reclaim the treasures of our ancient people. Few among us, therefore, attain the serenity that jade demands, for our spirits are restless, kindled by longing and the call to attain our legacies. To wear jade among the Almenodrim is to be marked as one who has found that which many seek but few attain: true and lasting peace. LAPIS LAZULI & SAPPHIRE Lapis lazuli and sapphire, stones of deep and star-flecked blue, are held in high honour among the Almenodrim, for they are the emblems of wisdom. Their hues recall the fathomless depths of ancient waters and the boundless vault of the sky, and thus they are representative of those whose spirit-essence calls them to seek understanding and communion with the world’s mysteries. Yet, unlike the rare and hallowed blue adamant—bestowed only upon those whose wisdom is profound and enduring—lapis and sapphire are granted to those whose insight is keen, though not yet peerless. It is custom to wear but a single piece adorned with adamant, for such a gem holds a depth of meaning not lightly multiplied. In other adornments, lapis lazuli and sapphire are set, their beauty and virtue enhancing the dignity of their bearer without the burden that adamant represents. Thus, these stones are found in many a ring, brooch, or circlet, believed to capture the spirit of the sea within their facets. ONYX & OBSIDIAN Onyx and obsidian, though markedly different in make and splendour, are alike in the symbolism they hold within the jewelcraft of the Almenodrim. Deep as moonless nights and polished to a shadowed gleam, these stones are nonetheless set apart from the shimmering mystery of black opal. For while black opal is the gem of enigma and hidden depths, onyx and obsidian speak rather of secrets kept by will, of truths veiled not by fate but by choice. To bear onyx or obsidian is to bear a shield against the gaze of others, for their dark and unyielding faces reveal naught of what lies within. These gems are chosen by those who would guard their hearts, who walk among others with their true selves shrouded, and who weave veils of silence and secrecy about their spirits. Yet not all who wear onyx or obsidian do so for guile or concealment. Among the Almenodrim, these stones are also wrought into mourning necklaces and tokens of grief, for in sorrow the heart withdraws from the world. Thus, to wear onyx or obsidian in times of loss is to declare one’s grief and solitude, and to mark the passage through darkness until the light of hope returns. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ There are the gemstones born of fire and pressure, hidden in the bones of the world and shaped by the slow and secret labour of stone and time, yet not all that is fair and precious comes from the silent halls beneath the earth. There are also those jewels shaped by the gentle hand of the natural world, wrought by the passage of life and the memory of what once was. AMBER Amber is used for pieces where the purpose is to capture a moment in time, just as the resin traps insects within it. For in amber, one may behold a moment stilled forever, and it is therefore the stone of the unchanging, those whose nature remains unmoved by the passage of time. Amber captures the spirit-essence of those whose hearts are set and whose ways are fixed, whether by the stubbornness of youth or the weight of many years. Just as amber preserves the memory of a vanished summer, so too does it honour those who have ceased to grow or change, or in some ways, to reprimand those who live their lives unaltered. PETRIFIED WOOD Petrified wood is cherished for its power to hold the memory of a world long vanished. Like amber, it is a vessel of time, preserving the echo of ancient forests and all things that grow and fade beneath the sun. Amongst the Almenodrim, petrified wood is bestowed upon those who are keepers of tradition and guardians of the old ways. To bear such a stone is to possess a spirit-essence which honours the past and stands as a living bridge between what was and what yet may be. In particular, willow bark, of the pale and graceful tree, is the herald of those who will promise to revive the old traditions. The pear tree by contrast is the emblem of femininity and grace, and it is her petrified wood which is the sign of those who preserve the knowledge of the women of the Almenodrim and their part in our ancient history. IVORY Among the Elves, the birth of an Elvenchild is a marvel and a joy beyond measure after the Curse left us barren. Rarer still is the mother or father whose house is filled with more than one such light. Ivory, therefore, is not lightly bestowed, nor worn without cause, but is reserved for those who have done the rare and wondrous; brought forth not one, but many precious Elven children. GLIMMERSTONE Far beneath the earth there lies a curious marvel known as glimmerstone. Though oft mistaken for a stone, it is not stone at all but a humble fungus that clings to cavern walls, revealing its hidden wonder as subtle flecks of captured starlight. The learned among the Dwarves have long prized these luminous motes, for when carefully gathered and rendered into a rare paint, they bestow upon metal and jewel a gentle, otherworldly glow—each ornament adorned with glimmerstone shimmers as if dusted with the memory of the night sky. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ When the ancient Almenodrim were sundered from fair Malin’s kingdom, cast adrift by the shadow of Sylvaen’s kinslaying and sent into the Great Exile, they turned their hearts and prows ever seaward. Long and weary were their voyages upon the untamed deeps, yet the waves became both their lament and their solace. Far from home, upon the margins of the world, they raised their towers of pearl-strewn stone and alabaster, their harbours alive with the silver glint of hulls and the murmured lays of mariners who knew the sea’s tongue as their own. The jewels and treasures of the sea therefore leave their mark on the works of an Almenorean jewelsmith. SEA GLASS & CORAL The greater renarias, those vast and luminous mosaics that adorn the halls of the Almenodrim, are born of sea glass and coral, whose colours are as varied as dawn’s first light or twilight’s fading ember. Though they bear no strong colour symbolism of gemstone-kin like adamant or beryl, their worth is clear; what is broken may yet be remade, and what is cast aside may gleam anew. In the lesser renarias, the art of small things, these same materials find purpose more intimate. It is to mark the hour of transition; when a youth returns from their rite of passage, a lover pledges their troth, an Elf becomes a mother or a father, or the Oath is taken and the Oath ring forged. PEARL Common are those pearls of pallid hue, white as the foam upon the breakers or lavender-soft as a subtle gloaming, threaded upon chains of silver or set in rings of driftwood-bone, worn by mariner and child and artisan alike as common tokens of a life lived on and by the sea. Yet among these, rarer gems carry heavier lore. Black pearls are deemed as emblems of the unfathomable, the sea’s memory of grief and loss. To wear such a gem is to bear the weight of the abyss, and is therefore worn only by those who have lost a loved one to the sea at her fiercest. Metallic pearls, cold as sword-edges and bright as starfall upon midnight waves, are the talismans of shipwrights, believed to be born of the sea’s pact with subterranean fires. To carry a golden pearl is to carry the sun’s last glimmer beneath the waves, and is therefore worn by those who have survived drowning or another somesuch near-death. ABALONE SHELL In the tradition of coastal Tiva, practiced by those Elves of Illivira who walk the path between sea and shore, blending the lore of the Almenodrim with the green wisdom of the Wood Elves, abalone shell is held in gentle reverence. Its surface, shimmering with all the hues of day and deep water, is said to mirror the tranquil heart of the world, where storm and sunlight are woven into a single, iridescent gem. To the Illiviran Elves, such shells are tokens of tranquility and inner peace. To the ancient Almenodrim and in the traditional ways of our people, abalone is said to reflect the spirit-essence of those who have undergone much change, particularly from darkness to light. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Quartz of all varieties is held as the mirror of unseen energies, a vessel not of the wearer’s spirit but of the essence found in the wider world. For whereas other gems are cut to reflect the inner fire of the wearer—honey opal for kindness, jasper for those of steadfast nature—quartz alone is deemed a receptacle of external forces, a stone that drinks the light of deeds and days gone by, and the echoes of those who have borne it. MILK & BLUE QUARTZ Pale and opaque as the moon, milk quartz is rarely worn, but rather shaped into floors or set within mosaics. So too is blue quartz, despite its beauteous appearance, seldom ever set in silver or gold. To wear such a stone is to risk drowning in memory, for blue quartz is said to hoard the sigh of the sea and the cry of gulls, too potent a reminder of the Great Exile for those who already bear the sea in their blood. ROSE QUARTZ Carved into brooches clasped above the heart or strung upon cords, rose quartz is the keeper of kith and kin. It is given to mothers in childbirth, to lovers at their betrothal, and to those who mend rifts between siblings, for its blush is the shade of unconditional love. GOLD QUARTZ Where aurum threads through the stone like veins of sunlight, gold quartz becomes a ward against shadow. Such talismans hang at the throats of those who fight creatures of the dark, which is the calling of all Elves of the Almenodrim. It is furthermore used as a blade whose light cleaves the gloom, but only ceremonially, for such a stone is brittle and prone to break. SMOKY QUARTZ Grey as storm and subtle as a half-truth, this stone is the counsellor of princes. Passed from ruler to heir, it is set in the pommels of daggers or the bands of signet rings, its haze a reminder that clarity comes not from certainty, but from the courage to choose. PHANTOM QUARTZ Within the depths of this quartz lies ghostly strata, the imprint of lives long spent. To hold it is to stand at the threshold of oblivion, where the voices of the departed murmur in crystalline tongues from the beyond. It is sometimes called ancestor quartz for the belief that it holds the forgotten memories of those who have come before, capturing the spirit-essence and wisdom of its past bearers. It is therefore a common feature of Almenorean heirlooms. STAR QUARTZ Star quartz is otherwise known as the mariner’s lodestone, for the asterisms at its core gleam like far-off constellations. Sailors, navigators, and star charters will wear this stone or string it upon the mastheads of their ships, for it is said to bind the wearer’s sight to the oldest stars, those that guided the early Almenodrim to sanctuary in the Great Exile. AMETHYST Amethyst, a variety of purple quartz, is held by those who have suffered loss but have come to terms with their grief. Though its violet depths promise acceptance and peace, to gift it unbidden is a grave affront, for the Almenodrim hold that peace must be claimed, not bestowed. Only those who seek it themselves may find the solace it bestows. CITRINE Golden as a harvest moon, citrine is also known as the merchant’s stone, held by traders to secure an advantage in bartering. Merchants by trade will wear this stone as a talisman, while others will only bear it from time to time. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ THE To the ancient Almenodrim, who in their exile learned to read the language of waves and wind, the luminary stones were no mere crystals but vessels of a light beyond reckoning—fragments of that which lies past the edge of the world. Though they bowed to no temple nor named any religious creed save a whispered reverence for the spirits of the deep and sea goddess Thalassa, the Almenodrim harboured in their hearts a knowing, that beyond the veil moved a presence vast as the ocean, older than the first star, and as fathomless as the abyss. In the luminary stones, they saw this mystery given form, gems that held a glimmer of the unspoken divine. MOONSTONE Moonstone is as pale as a ghostly tide and shimmers with a subtle inner radiance. It is worn by those with the gift to foresee the storm’s approach ere the gale stirred, to hear the murmur of distant currents, and to walk the shore at midnight knowing the hour of the tide’s turn with no chart nor device. Belethil, the lost gem of legend crafted by Dwarven hands, is said to hold the memory of the first moon, that which hung above Malin’s kingdom. It is therefore the most eminent among moonstones, and when the moon is high, the light path on the surface of the ocean will lead a sailor to Belethil’s secret resting place. SUNSTONE When clouds choke the sky and the sun’s face is veiled, it is sunstone with its amber-bright hue that is said to dispel all mysteries and allow sailors to find their path again. Thus, to peer through a sunstone is to find light in darkness, and to hold the belief that no shadow can extinguish the dawn. It reflects the spirit-essence of those with unerring optimism and who can banish shadows and uncertainty. STARSTONE Starstone is held to be the firstborn of the cosmos, older than the earth, the seas, and the kindling of the stars. In its inky dark depths, filaments of gold and blue mirror the void before creation, the hour when our mortal plane was yet a whisper in the mind of the Creator. It is an exceptionally rare stone, capable of holding the spirit-essence of only the rarest and most special of individuals, or decorating particularly significant artifacts. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ CARBARUM Carbarum is as hard as adamant yet thrice the weight of mortal-forged steel. If prepared by unsure hands, carbarum shatters like ice upon the anvil, but under the hammers of masters it becomes a metal of the sea, its surface gleaming with the blue of deep waters. It is common to see jewellery wrought from carbarum for its hue alone and its gemlike lustre. Among those who revere the sea spirits, carbarum is thought to be the ossified breath of Thalassa herself. STARSTEEL Starsteel, known to some as lunarite, is a metal forged in the heart of fallen stars, and is thus a shard of the night sky made tangible. When Malin, King of the Elves, loosed arrows tipped with starsteel from his bow, they blazed across the heavens like meteors, and to see such a sight was to see the sky weep argent fire. Long, too, have the Elves sought starsteel for their diadems, for the sake of its luminance ANORUM A marvel of craft unseen since the Dwarven-smiths of legend, Anorum is as ferrum, unyielding as the bones of the earth, yet its form is that of a gemstone. In the hands of an Almenorean jewelsmith, Anorum flows like molten glass and is fashioned into all manner of jewellery and craft, or set into silver filigree. GOLD & SILVER Gold, or aurum, is used to grace the warm-skinned and golden-haired, chosen more for its colouring than any deeper symbolic meaning. Almenorean jewelsmiths have ever acknowledged the mastery of the Dwaves, whose hands beneath the mountains draw forth from gold a splendour no Elf may match; delicate filigree like frost upon leaves, and beaten sheets that shimmer as the setting sun upon the sea. Although the Almenodrim use gold in much of their jewellery, it is the sons of Urguan who are its true lords, and in this art, claim no parity. Silver is the metal of moonlight, used in jewellery for those whose skin is pale and touched by the cool hues of midnight. For those with dark hair spilling like ebony, silver is the metal most fitting. OTHER METALS Not all metals are chosen for their ancient lore or secret powers. Many are chosen simply for their visual appeal. There are jewelsmiths who turn to platinum for its steadfast lustre and unyielding strength, or to copper, whose warm glow echoes the last embers of sunset. Brass and bronze, carefully alloyed, offer hues of gold and earth, pleasing to the eye and easy to shape beneath the hammer. Nickel, pale and hardy, and pewter, soft as river clay, find their place too in the jewellery and smallcrafts of the Almenodrim. ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ ✦───────────────────── ✧⋅ ҉ ⋅✧ ────────────────────✦ Written by daughter of Curufinwë, son of Fëanor, son of Belestram, son of Renarion, son of Eleron, son of Aegnor, son of Sylvaen, firstborn son of Malin.

FOR CENTURIES, OUR PEOPLE have looked to nature and seen the Aspects. Cerridwen lives in every gentle breeze and new bloom, Cernunnos in every wildfire. The most spiritual among us derive meaning from the natural world, believing certain patterns to be wordless tidings from the Aspects or portents of events to come, but rarely is this skill taught. It is innately held, usually by elders, who speak of prayer and meditation to the Aspects without being able to explain this to our young ones, our oem’iian, for it is a part of our culture best done through action rather than word. Let this writing illume the divination practices open to followers of Aspectism and elnarnsae’ame, the Wild Faith. Each method requires careful study and contemplation to master, for scrying meaning from the elements is highly intuitive and relies more on feeling and instinct than any definitive guide. This writing will focus on water, the primordial source of all life and the medium through which the Mother’s gentle wisdom flows. Just as we give our offerings to the water, so too can we turn to it in sacred communion, divining meaning from ripples, splashes, and the ever-changing surface. WE MUST FIRST LOOK TO THE CYCLES of day and night, with which water is deeply linked. Not only is there synergy and connection with the moon, as the controller of tides, but the sun’s heat determines rainfall and the winds, both of which create patterns on the water. CYCLES OF DAY AND NIGHT Midnight is the time for deep spiritual communication and seeking answers to life’s mysteries. It is at midnight that a diviner is able to achieve a trance-like state and see visions. Dawn and dusk are the transitional times of day representing the shifting between light and dark. It is this sense of transformation that makes both the beginning and end of the day very powerful moments for divination. It is best used for questions requiring influence from both Aspects, with more Cerridwen-leaning questions taking place at dawn and questions for Cernunnos taking place at dusk. Morning symbolises growth and forward momentum. It is best for exploring new ventures and setting future intentions. Midday represents peak energy, strength, and vitality, and is therefore the optimal time to seek clarity on complex issues and guidance on personal matters. The afternoon continues the energy of midday but with a gradual shift towards dusk. It is therefore suitable for guidance on ongoing matters. Dusk, in addition to being a transitional time of day, is associated with release and reflection. Questions to the Father can take place at dusk, but it is also the best time to seek closure. PHASES OF THE MOON A new moon represents new beginnings. It can be used to seek clarity on new ventures, clearing energy to make space for personal growth. Waxing crescents are ideal for exploring opportunities and determining steps that must be taken towards current goals. When the moon is in its first quarter, this is a time of action and overcoming obstacles. Divination focus can be around resolving conflicts and taking bold steps forwards. Nights of the waxing gibbous are when one should focus on refinement and observation. Use this opportunity to make plans, evaluate your life, and make small adjustments. Nights of the full moon are recognised to have special energies, with moonwater being especially potent for divination. Full moons are best for spiritual or emotional enquiries, as it is a time of power and illumination. The waning gibbous is associated with gratitude and introspection. During this phase, reflect on lessons learned and release negative influences. The last quarter represents release and banishment, making it the perfect time to seek insight on removing obstacles and preparing for a fresh start. A waning crescent is a time of rest and spiritual renewal. Diviners should use this phase to connect with inner wisdom, seek peace and balance from the Aspects, and release lingering doubts and fears. TIDES A rising ride represents growth, manifestation, new beginnings, and opportunities. It is ideal for asking questions about events to come and how to nurture growth and change. High tide is when the sea is at its peak energy. It is a time of abundance, clarity, and empowerment. High tides should be used for quick manifestation, gaining insight at the height of a situation. The ebbing tide is a time of release, banishing, cleansing, and self-reflection. Low tide represents stillness, peace, rest, and introspection. It is best for long and deep meditation to uncover secrets or divine what is hidden or dormant. The slack tide, which is a brief pause between rising and ebbing tides, represents thresholds, moments of decision, and pauses before sudden change. THERE ARE DIFFERENT AREAS OF LIFE that we often seek clarity on. Love and relationships, family, conflict, our place in the world. Not only can we use the times of day and the phases of the moon to bring power to our divination, but we can also tailor our practices and the bodies of water we use to derive clearer meaning. In general, a practitioner should use a larger body of water to derive meaning about events with far-reaching consequences. For example, seeking guidance on the outcome of a war would likely involve looking to the ocean. In comparison, small, personal decisions can likely be made by looking at the patterns in a water bowl. There are also different meanings associated with the type of water, whether it is still, flowing, shifting, or ephemeral. Still Water Still water includes bowls, ponds, pools, and lakes. Water diviners often drop items into the water to scry meaning from the patterns of the splashes and ripples. Those more experienced in divination might simply look at the way the water reacts to wind. Still water has the energy of clarity, introspection, reflection, and calm, making it perfect for seeking hidden truths, spiritual insight, and emotional clarity. One might use a different item to drop into the water depending on the nature of the questions asked. For example, pumice stones are associated with spiritual practices and their cleansing, grounding energies. Flower petals can be used, integrating the practice of Tiva, as can oils derived from certain plants. Ink is commonly used by beginners because of the clear patterns it makes in the water, whereas small pebbles and stones produce strong ripples and splashes. Seeds, herbs, leaves, and gemstones are also common. The item chosen can add a unique dimension to divination, allowing the practitioner to interpret the resulting patterns or movements in a way that deeply resonates with their question or intention. Getting a sense of which item to use generally comes with practice and experience. Interpreting splashes I. Single large splash | A significant event or revelation, or a major interruption. II. Multiple small splashes | A series of small changes or events that collective lead to a larger outcome. Can also signify emotional release or the need to address multiple issues simultaneously. III. Splashes causing significant disturbances | Turmoil and challenge. IV. A large splash but the water quickly returns to calm | Resilience and the ability to overcome difficulties. V. Splashes in different directions | Diverse influences or paths in life, requiring the consideration of multiple perspectives or options. Interpreting the ripples I. Circular | Completeness, cycles, wholeness and fulfillment. II. Expanding | Growth, expansion, the far-reaching effects of one’s actions. III. Intersecting | The influence or conflict of different paths in life. IV. Spiral | Transformation, personal growth, spiritual journeys. V. Chaotic or irregular | Turmoil, challenges ahead, unexpected change. VI. Smooth and gentle | Peace, harmony, a period of calm. VII. Sharp and angular | Sudden changes, decisive actions. VIII. Fading | Diminishing influences or the need to let go of certain people or objects. Flowing Water Flowing water includes streams, rivers, and the sea, and is traditionally used to ask questions about movement and change. Much like with still water, objects are cast to derive meaning from how they interact with the flow of water. Most commonly, this is petals, leaves, and twigs. In the Rite of New Beginning, the ashes are scattered in a body of flowing water. This can be a time to divine meaning about the future, having let go of the past. Rivers and streams have slightly different methods from the ocean, but are all used to ask questions and find meaning about change. In particular, the priesthood of Airafalassë practices divination of the shore, including tidal augury, moon divination, and seawater scrying. The Way of the Mother incorporates some of these divination practices, though the two are distinct. It is well understood and accepted that divining meaning from the ocean is the most difficult practice to master. Rivers, streams, and brooks I. Smooth, direct movement downstream | Progress and clarity. Events will unfold rapidly and with little resistance. II. Stuck or spinning | Obstacles, a need for reflection, and a need to address unresolved issues. III. Breaking apart | Necessary endings, fracturing of old structures or relationships. IV. Clustering | Unity, convergence of influences, romantic connection, harmony. The sea I. Calm, gentle waves | Peace, clarity, and a smooth path ahead. A good omen for those seeking harmony or resolution. II. Strong, crashing waves | Emotional upheaval, obstacles, a warning of turbulent times to come. III. Erratic or choppy waves | Inner turmoil, unpredictability, external chaos. IV. Driftwood, shells, and seaweed moving in to shore | Opportunities, messages, support being forthcoming. V. Objects carried away from shore | Release, letting go, someone or something leaving one’s life. VI. Objects swirling in eddies or caught in tidepools | A sense of being stuck, needing patience, or that a situation is more complex than it appears on the surface. VII. Clear reflections | Clarity of mind, truth, insight. VIII. Distorted or shifting reflections | Confusion, hidden truths, the need to look deeper for answers and understanding. IX. Symbols or faces appearing in the water | Spiritual guidance from the beyond. X. Bright, sparkling water | Hope, inspiration, positive energy. XI. Dark, murky water | Hidden dangers, emotional heaviness, unresolved issues. Shifting Water Shifting water such as tidepools and wetlands represents transformation, liminality, and unpredictability. It can therefore be used for questions during periods of flux, or about situations that are unstable or constantly changing. For tidepools specifically, coastal Tiva can be looked to for deeper meaning. For example, seeing an abalone shell in a tidepool can symbolise tranquility and inner peace, influencing the interpretation of the water. I. Clear water | Clarity, truth, insight, a favourable time for action. II. Murky or cloudy water | Confusion, hidden truths, and the need for caution and further reflection. III. Bubbles | Rising thoughts, deeper communication, new ideas, spiritual messages. IV. Inflowing water | New beginnings, opportunities, fresh energy entering one’s life, growth. V. Outflowing water | Release, grief, banishment. Ephemeral Water Ephemeral water refers to water that is quick to arrive and quick to pass, such as rain, mist, and fog. In terms of divination, ephemeral water is used for times of renewal, cleansing, and sudden insight, asking questions during times of upheaval or when one seeks purification or emotional healing. Rain, in particular, is used for personal introspection and scrying about relationships. This is done by watching the patterns raindrops make on leaves or other flat surfaces. Rain I. Straight, direct path | Easy resolutions with little to no obstacles. II. Curved, jagged, or erratic path | Obstacles, complexity, deceit. III. Raindrops merging with each other | Outside influences affecting one’s choices, new people entering one’s life for better or for worse. IV. Solitary raindrop | Independence, self-reliance, no outside interference, loneliness. V. Droplet remains still | An event or person being within reach but not yet in one’s current path. VI. Droplets racing to the bottom | A path into the unknown, outcomes not yet determined, the future being unclear or in flux. VII. Large, heavy drops | Strong emotions, significant events. VIII. Light, gentle drops | Subtle influences, gentle guidance, emotional healing, renewal, peace. Mist and fog I. Thick, enveloping fog | Deep mysteries, the presence of powerful and unseen forces. II. Light, patchy mist | Emerging truths, partial understanding, clarity after confusion. III. Lifting or parting mist | A positive omen symbolising the revelation of long-hidden truths, the end of confusion, and the arrival of insight. IV. Thickening mist | Increasing uncertainty, a need for patience, deliberate concealment of the truth, deception. V. Swirling or shifting shapes | Subconscious messages, a need for spiritual connection. VI. Fading mist | Spiritual awakening. WATER, BEING THE SOURCE OF ALL LIFE, is also where many creatures make their home. Seeing certain animals or insects during sessions of divination can add dimension and deeper meaning. Practitioners should also consider the meaning of the animal based on the knowledge we hold of the Mani. Ocean I. Dolphin | Good luck, harmony, spiritual guidance. II. Shark | Approaching danger, a need for assertiveness or to set boundaries. III. Whale | Deep spiritual insight, protection. IV. Seahorse | Endurance, adaptability, progress. V. Octopus | Intelligence, creativity. VI. Turtle | Endurance, slow but steady progress, the need to protect the balance. VII. Starfish | Recovery after grief and loss, new beginnings, diving blessings from the Aspects. VIII. Jellyfish | Surrender, balance, subtle warning. IX. Crab | The need for self-protection, transformation, harbinger of cyclical changes. X. Seal | Joy, adaptability, inspiration. XI. Stingray | Graceful navigation of challenges, a need to trust one’s intuition. XII. Swordfish | Assertiveness, the need for decisive action, clarity in one’s choices. XIII. Squid | A calling to explore the unknown, increased flexibility in uncertain times. XIV. Sea slug | Inner healing, resilience. XV. Seagull | A need to seize opportunities and adapt to new circumstances. Rivers & Wetlands I. Salmon | Overcoming adversity, perseverance, returning to roots, abundance. II. Otter | A sign to embrace joy and release seriousness. III. Kingfisher | Good luck, success, courage to take risks. IV. Crocodile | Hidden dangers or challenges. V. Heron | Reflection, patience, observance. VI. Beaver | A time for rebuilding and repair, or nurturing of foundational relationships. VII. Frog | Emotional cleansing, new opportunities. VIII. Dragonfly | Prosperity, the need to live in the moment, self actualisation, maturity.

PUBLISHED BY ERIKA KORTREVICH 577 E.S. ⌯──────────────────────◃⟐▹──────────────────────⌯ OUR ANCESTORS LOOKED to the heavens and derived meaning from the stars, believing the Randunduz, the constellations, to be the realms of the mortal gods. As Canonist teachings spread and Dulonian folklore faded into obscurity, we nonetheless maintained the Zodiac as a metaphor for spiritual truths, reflecting the Creator’s orderly design. While the faithful’s trust remains in Godan alone, not in celestial omens, and the Zodiac’s imagery is subordinate to the Holy Scrolls, we can nonetheless look to the stars as a means of secondary revelation. Illuminating—not dictating—the Creator’s plans. This was the realisation I came to while travelling in the lands of Ba’as, when the asterism Karolus made itself known to me. King Karl IV ‘the Pious’ pointed the way home, and I knew that he would wish any astrological system to stay in keeping with Godan’s teachings. Thus, through extensive research and in consultation with Rhenyari astronomers, I have developed a system to chart the sky at a specific moment in time and interpret the findings. This is most useful for the creation of natal charts, creating an imprint of the sky at the moment of a person’s birth, but the system can also be used for other events or portents. ⌯──────────────────────◃⟐▹──────────────────────⌯ I AN ASTROLOGER’S TOOLS combine astronomical observation with symbolic interpretation to create natal charts, which map celestial positions at the moment of birth. There are dozens of instruments that might be used, but the most common and useful are those described below. EPHEMERIS TABLES These detailed tables record celestial positions at specific times, serving as the foundational data for natal charts. By referencing an ephemeris, astrologers can note the exact locations of the Sun, Moon, and comets in their respective zodiac signs on an exact date. More complex ephemerides also show lunar phases and celestial aspects, enabling precise chart calculations. An ephemeris created by Erika Kortrevich. ASTROLABES Astrolabes function as portable celestial calculators. Their rotating rete (star map) and engraved tympan (coordinates) help to convert terrene time into sidereal time, which is critical for aligning birth charts with the Zodiac. By setting the astrolabe to a birth date and location, practitioners can determine house cusps and celestial ascendants. The navicula, a specialised mariner’s astrolabe, can aid in calculating this at sea, which is valuable for constructing natal charts during long voyages—particularly intercontinental exoduses that we see occurring every century or so. SUNDIALS Sundials provide the solar time essential for accurate natal charts. A sundial’s gnomon (shadow-casting rod) ensures precise noon markers, meaning that astrologers can anchor the Sun’s position in the Midheaven and use this as a starting point to chart the other celestial bodies. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ II CREATING AND INTERPRETING A A blank natal chart. A NATAL CHART is a circular record of the heavens at the moment of a person’s birth. The three main components are: I. The zodiac wheel, consisting of seven zodiac signs and seven houses; II. The celestial bodies, with their placements represented by glyphs within the wheel; and III. The aspects, which are lines connecting the celestial bodies across the natal chart, showing the relationships between them. The essential information for creating a natal chart is one’s exact date of birth. From there, the astrologer is able to read an ephemeris to determine the placement of the celestial bodies and translate that information into a natal chart. Once a visual representation has been made, it is open to the astrologer to begin making interpretations, looking for recurring themes. Firstly, the astrologer would consider the overall pattern of the natal chart. This involves looking at the distributions of celestial bodies between the hemispheres (north-south and east-west), and the elements and modalities of the zodiac signs the celestial bodies are placed in. The astrologer would then examine the angles of the chart, those being the Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, and Nadir. From there, the astrologer is able to interpret the Primal Triad, otherwise known as the ‘Big Three’—the Sun sign, Moon sign, and Ascendant. These are considered the most influential parts of an individual’s natal chart, but it is also important to assess the placement of the other celestial bodies. This involves looking at the placement of each celestial body in its respective zodiac constellation and house. The celestial body represents what is being influenced, the zodiac is how that energy is expressed, and the house is where that energy is being affected. Once the houses have been established, the astrologer can also analyse the dignity of each celestial body; those being the domicile, exaltation, detriment, and fall. Finally, the astrologer examines the aspects between the celestial bodies, determining the relationships between them and what this could mean for an individual’s personality and life path. All of this information is presented in a comprehensive reading accompanied with diagrams. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ III GATHERING ACCURATE IT IS INCUMBENT UPON the parents to keep a record of the exact date their children were born. There are 14 equal months in the Sigmundic Calendar, though these months are recognised in pairs to keep conformity with the Imperial Calendar which superseded it in the 16th century. Wzuvar ag Byvca | winter Jula ag Piov | spring Vzmey ag Hyff | spring Gronna ag Droba | summer Tov ag Yermey | summer Msitza ag Dargund | autumn Joma ag Umund | winter Each of the seven month-pairs consists of 24 days. A parent must note the exact day and month in order to create an accurate birth chart. Once that information is gathered, one need only trace a line on an ephemeris to discover the various parts of a natal chart. Ephemeris of an individual born on the 18th of Msitza ag Dargund. For example, someone born on the 18th of Msitza ag Dargund would have the Hero as their Sun sign, Queen as their Moon sign, and Queen as their Ascendant. Their Tova would be in Comet, Druka in Sea and Ybis in Wanderer. 1] Sigmundic Calendar and Haeseni Zodiac. 2] Seasons of Haense. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ IV THERE ARE THE LUMINARIES—the Sun and Moon—and the three comets—Tova, Druka, and Ybis. Together, they make up the five celestial bodies that the ancient Haeseni tracked across the sky. Each celestial body represents specific energies and traits that can be interpreted. In terms of a natal chart, the celestial bodies represent what is being influenced. ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ⥔ Tova ⥾ Druka ↯ Ybis The celestial bodies, and indeed, the wider cosmos, find their foundation in Dulonian folklore. There is Asseran the Sun-Father, Sindhor the Earth-Mother, and their son, Nikul the Moon. The myth of the Thousand Year War between Asseran and Nikul explains the separation of day and night, the sun’s blinding brightness, and the moon’s craters (believed to be wounds from the final battle). It also establishes the origin of stars as deity-generals from both sides of the cosmic conflict, forever positioned in the night sky as the zodiac and other constellations. The Sun is linked with core identity and ego in recognition of Asseran being the raging core from which all energy is formed. The Moon, on the other hand, represents one’s emotions and subconscious, reflecting Nikul’s ultimate sacrifice to save mortalkind from Ybis’ tyranny in the myth of the War of Ybis. The Moon as a celestial body is not to be confused with Nikul the Moon as a distinct constellation in the Haeseni Zodiac. The three comets Tova, Druka, and Ybis are the sons of Nikul and Morrig in Dulonian folklore. It follows that Haeseni astronomers, when charting repeating phenomena in the night sky, would name them for the brother-comets of legend. As the tale goes, Ybis sought a greater station than that granted to him by his parents; he wished to join his fellow celestials as equals, not merely as a gift to mortalkind. When his father refused his request, Ybis flew into a rage. He first slaughtered his brother Druka by causing him to fall to his death—the breaking apart of Druka’s body is believed to be the great meteor showers seen in the night skies. Of course, for the purposes of astrology, the comet Druka remains whole as it rotates across the sky. Ybis then chased Tova to the outer edges of existence; the movement of Tova through the heavens is meant to represent his flight. Finally, at the conclusion of Ybis’ war, his great-grandfather Garmund cast him to the farthest reaches of Styniya (the edge of existence) to be imprisoned in a golden cage. Ybis’ movement—not to be confused with Ybis the Comet in the Haeseni Zodiac—therefore represents this. Tova, the White Comet and God of Prosperity, is linked with prosperity, luck, and growth in one’s natal chart. Druka, the Purple Comet, symbolises wisdom, innovation, and intuition, considering he is the God of Wisdom. Ybis, once the God of Courage but now known as the Fallen Comet, nonetheless continues to represent courage, action, and drive within Haeseni astrology. Sun (or Asserundu) | core identity, ego Moon (or Nikurundu) | emotions, subconscious Tova | prosperity, luck, growth Druka | wisdom, innovation, intuition Ybis | courage, action, drive 3] Haeseni Mythologie. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ V THE HAESENI THERE ARE SEVEN ZODIAC SIGNS in total, each of the constellations tied with a mythical figure from Dulonian folklore. As the celestial bodies move through the zodiac signs, they define how the celestial energy is expressed. Many Haeseni are already familiar with the zodiac, recognising traits in individuals born under specific signs. When someone is “born under” a sign, this is in reference to someone’s Sun sign, the most widely recognised of the Primal Triad. ◌ Nikul the Moon ♕ Morrighein the Queen ☄ Ybis the Comet ⊰ Kostana the Wind ꐕ Haruthrow the Wanderer ⥉ Odrin the Hero ≈ Pisktro the Sea Nikul the Moon | joviality; contentedness; desire to please; susceptibility to manipulation. Morrighein the Queen | leadership; altruism; selflessness. Ybis the Comet | ruthlessness; stubbornness. Kostana the Wind | beauty; captivation; vanity; outspokenness; confidence; prominence. Haruthrow Wanderer | creativity; joy, mirth; amicability; inspiration; innovation; charisma. Odrin the Hero | foolishness, hastiness; bravery; strength; stalwartness. Pisktro the Sea | serenity, composure, tranquility; wisdom; grace; discernment, insight. 4] The Haeseni Zodiac. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ VI THE ELEMENTS (Fire, Earth, Air, and Water) play a significant role in natal chart interpretation, providing insight into an individual’s personality, tendencies, and overall energy. ◌ Nikul the Moon Water ♕ Morrighein the Queen Fire ☄ Ybis the Comet Fire ⊰ Kostana the Wind Air ꐕ Haruthrow the Wanderer Earth ⥉ Odrin the Hero Air ≈ Pisktro the Sea Water When interpreting a natal chart, astrologers consider the distribution of celestial bodies among the elements. For example, a grouping of celestial bodies in zodiac signs of the same element indicates a strong emphasis on that element’s traits. The characteristics of the elements impart distinct qualities. Fire (Queen and Comet) | passion, energy, enthusiasm, and creativity Earth (Wanderer) | practicality, stability, connection to the tangible world Air (Wind, Hero) | intellect, communication, social interaction Water (Moon, Sea) | emotion, intuition, and depth When analysing a natal chart, an astrologer should consider these elements because they can indicate personality tendencies. A lack of an element may point to areas of challenge or growth for an individual. The elements also interact with other chart factors, such as the modalities of zodiacs (cardinal, fixed, mutable) to provide a more nuanced interpretation. Furthermore, the placement of celestial bodies within elemental signs can reveal how a person expresses certain traits or energies. 5] A Treatise on Northern Medicine. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ VII THE MODALITIES (or qualities) of zodiac signs—cardinal, fixed, and mutable—describe how each sign expresses its energy and interacts with the world. These modalities are tied to the cycle of the seasons and represent different phases of creation, stability, and transformation. ◌ Nikul the Moon Fixed ♕ Morrighein the Queen Cardinal ☄ Ybis the Comet Fixed ⊰ Kostana the Wind Mutable ꐕ Haruthrow the Wanderer Mutable ⥉ Odrin the Hero Cardinal ≈ Pisktro the Sea Mutable Cardinal signs represent initiation, creation, and leadership. They mark the beginning of seasons (the Queen being the opening of spring and the Hero being the opening of autumn). Cardinal signs tend to take charge and start new projects. Fixed signs represent stability, preservation, and determination, and could also be described as stubborn. These signs maintain what is already in motion (the status quo) rather than forging new paths or changing directions. The Comet being a fixed sign is somewhat ironic, given Ybis’ figure as a disruptor of the natural order, but it is likely the Comet that represents the more stubborn energy of fixed signs. Mutable signs represent adaptability, transformation, and flexibility. These signs are able to adapt to change and transition easily. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ VIII ANALYSING THE LOOKING TO THE HEMISPHERES in a natal chart is the first glimpse an astrologer can have into a person’s true nature. A cluster of celestial bodies in one hemisphere may indicate a particular focus area. Natal charts are traditionally oriented with the north at the bottom of the chart due to the way the sky is viewed from the plane we stand on. This orientation reflects the celestial sphere as seen from the perspective of an observer on the ground, where the north sky appears below the horizon. The Northern hemisphere represents one’s personal and internal focus. The Southern hemisphere is one’s external focus, career, and public life. The Eastern hemisphere is the realm of independence and self-motivation. The Western hemisphere shows reciprocity, collaboration, and prioritising others. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ IX THE ASCENDANT, DESCENDANT, MIDHEAVEN, AND NADIR are collectively known as the four angles of an astrological chart. These four points are crucial in natal chart interpretation, dividing the chart into quadrants and representing key areas of an individual’s life and personality. They can be calculated using tools like astrolabes, but the most common way is to find the Ascendant on an ephemeris table and work in a clockwise direction, indicating the movement of the sky from east to west. The Ascendant (sometimes known as rising sign because it is the sign on the eastern horizon at the time of birth) shows outward personality and first impressions. It is the mask worn in public and how one presents oneself to the world. The Descendant is the revealer of relationships and partnerships, showing how one relates to others, and the qualities one seeks in a partner. The Midheaven is linked with career and public life, long term goals and aspirations, social standing and reputation. Meanwhile, the Nadir shows home and family life, one’s private self and inner world, their roots and foundations, childhood and early conditioning. It is located at the bottom of the chart for this very reason. Together, these four points form the angles of the natal chart, providing a framework for interpreting the various aspects of an individual’s life and personality. They offer insights into how a person presents themselves to the world, relates to others, pursues their goals, and finds inner security. This is done by comparing the qualities of the zodiac sign with the areas of life that each angle represents. For example, a Nadir Comet might indicate a tumultuous home life with a high possibility of tension and stubbornness between an individual and their family. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ X THE PRIMAL TRIAD or “Big Three” are the zodiac signs that form the centre of an individual’s personality. Even if one were to forgo creating an entire natal chart, simply knowing the Primal Triad is often enough to get a sense of a person. Ascendant sign | the way one presents themselves to others Sun sign | core identity and ego Moon sign | how one processes emotions and seeks comfort The Primal Triad must also be interpreted in light of other parts of an individual’s natal chart. For example, if one were to have a Descendant Wanderer and a Moon in Comet, this shows an amicable approach to relationships and a fierce loyalty. The stubbornness of the Comet might suggest that, while one would be intensely loyal, they would also hold their friends to high standards and lash out if they felt as though their emotional needs were not being met. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ XI ESSENTIAL DIGNITIES refer to the relative strength or weakness of a celestial body based on its zodiacal position. A strong dignity is reliable and influential whereas a weak dignity indicates challenges and areas requiring further effort. The domicile is where a celestial body is in the sign it rules and is considered to be at its strongest. The exaltation is where a celestial body is honoured and functions well. The celestial body’s traits are enhanced but sometimes over-emphasised. The detriment is the opposite sign of a planet’s domicile, where it is at its least comfortable. While in its detriment, celestial bodies would struggle to express its energy The fall is the opposite sign of a celestial body’s exaltation, where it is weakened. Celestial bodies are unpredictable and less effective while in its fall. Domicile Detriment Exaltation Fall ☉ Sun Wanderer Moon Wind Hero ☽ Moon Moon Wanderer Moon Wanderer ⥔ Tova Wind Hero Sea Comet ⥾ Druka Sea Comet Wanderer Moon ↯ Ybis Comet Sea Hero Wind The dignities are derived from the alliances and rivalries between the zodiac signs, which are in turn sourced from Dulonian mythology. The Wanderer is the domicile of the Sun because Haruthrow is an Asserandz god, the Asserandz being the generals of Asseran the Sun-Father during the war between Asseran and his son, Nikul. Similarly, Kostana is also an Asserandz deity, meaning that the Sun is in exaltation when it is in the sign of the Wind. It makes the most sense for the Moon to be the Sun’s detriment, not only because of the natural opposites of the celestial bodies, but also because of the deific war between Asseran and Nikul. Finally, the Hero is the rival of the Wind, and the fall is the opposite of exaltation. The Moon as a celestial body is at its strongest when it is in the constellation of the Moon, which is why the zodiac of the Moon is, uniquely, both its domicile and its exaltation. The Wanderer serves as both the detriment and fall due to the Wanderer being the zodiac of Tov ag Yermey, a summer month, compared to the Moon’s Wzuva ag Byvca, the heart of winter. Beauty and prominence go hand-in-hand with prosperity, which is why the Wind is the domicile of Tova. The Hero, as the rival of the Wind, is Tova’s detriment. The Comet, as an ally of the Hero, therefore serves as Tova’s fall; the other weak dignity. Because the Sea is the rival of the Comet, this means that the Sea is positioned as Tova’s exaltation. Furthermore, the bounty of the sea can be linked with Tova’s prosperity. Because Ybis murdered Druka in myth and legend, the Comet is Druka’s detriment. This means that Druka is in its domicile within the Sea, which is a rival of the Comet. Furthermore, Druka is linked with wisdom, as is the Sea, which further strengthens the domicile. Unsurprisingly, Ybis (the celestial body) is in domicile in the constellation of the Comet. The Sea, being the rival of the Comet, is therefore Ybis’ detriment. The Comet’s ally, the Hero, is Ybis exaltation, and the Wind as the rival of the Hero is Ybis’ fall. 6] Haeseni Mythologie. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ XII While the celestial bodies represent what is being influenced and the zodiac sign is how that energy is expressed, the house is where that energy is being affected. The first house is determined by the Ascendant and rotates counterclockwise around the natal chart, representing the natural movement of the sky from east to west. Each of the houses represents a different area of life. I. House of Self represents personality, appearance, and self-identity. II. House of Riches governs finances, possessions, and self-worth. III. House of Kin represents cultural roots, family, and domestic life. IV. House of Bonds represents relationships (both platonic and romantic) and marriage. V. House of Body governs physical, mental, and spiritual health. VI. House of Philosophy is associated with education, travel, and belief systems, both moral and religious. VII. House of Vocation represents public life, career, ambitions, and achievement. The houses are then further classified into angular, succedent and cadent houses. This helps astrologers to interpret how celestial energies manifest in different areas of an individual’s life. Angular houses, which are considered the most important, represent action and cardinal energy. The House of Self and House of Bonds are angular houses. Succedent houses, which follow behind angular houses, are associated with stability and fixed energy. The House of Riches and House of Body are succedent houses. Finally, the cadent houses are linked to adaptability and mutable energy. The House of Kin, House of Philosophy, and House of Vocation are cadent houses. The classification of the houses modifies the interpretation of natal charts depending on the modalities of the zodiac signs where the celestial bodies are positioned. For example, if Druka—a comet representing wisdom, innovation, and intuition—is in Sea—a zodiac sign associated with insight and discernment—in the sixth house—the House of Philosophy—this might suggest a natural ability to understand complex ideas and philosophies, bringing logic and intelligence to interactions with spirituality. Because the Sea is a water-aligned sign linked with serene composure, that person may be able to navigate ideological shifts that they encounter throughout their life. Furthermore, the Sea’s qualities as a mutable sign would encourage openness to revising one’s belief systems as new insights emerge. The House of Philosophy being a cadent house means that the individual would be able to refine their beliefs rather than being fixed on a set way of thinking. ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ XIII ASPECTS ARE THE ANGLES between the celestial bodies that reveal how they interact with one another. A conjunction, when celestial bodies overlap one another, amplifies energy. Blended energies can be extremely powerful or too intense if the planets have opposing qualities. A trine, or triangle, represents a harmonious flow of energy. There is ease and natural talent in areas the celestial bodies govern, such as their element or house. A square shows tension or challenge. There is conflict between energies, but it often also shows growth through challenges. Opposition, when two celestial bodies are opposite one another on the natal chart, is a balancing of opposing forces. It can show tension or balance depending on the celestial body. Finally, a soft aspect represents cooperative and supportive energy, indicating an area of life where a person has natural talents. It is less powerful than a trine, with more subtleties. ☌ Conjunction △ Trine □ Square ☍ Opposition ⚹ Soft aspect ⌯◃⟐▹⌯ XIV MASTER TABLES Zodiac Month Season Element Modality ◌ Nikul the Moon Wzuvar ag Byvca Winter Water Fixed ♕ Morrighein the Queen Jula ag Piov Spring Fire Cardinal ☄ Ybis the Comet Vzmey ag Hyff Spring Fire Fixed ⊰ Kostana the Wind Gronna ag Droba Summer Air Mutable ꐕ Haruthrow the Wanderer Tov ag Yermey Summer Earth Mutable ⥉ Odrin the Hero Msitza ag Dargund Autumn Air Cardinal ≈ Pisktro the Sea Joma ag Umund Winter Water Mutable Domicile Detriment Exaltation Fall ☉ Sun Wanderer Moon Wind Hero ☽ Moon Moon Wanderer Moon Wanderer ⥔ Tova Wind Hero Sea Comet ⥾ Druka Sea Comet Wanderer Moon ↯ Ybis Comet Sea Hero Wind Celestial Body Zodiac House ☉ Sun ☽ Moon ⥔ Tova ⥾ Druka ↯ Ybis Celestial Body Aspect Celestial Body ⌯──────────────────────◃⟐▹──────────────────────⌯ Her Ladyship, ERIKA KORTREVICH