Silver_State

A mage talented in the illusionary arts cast a spell recalling the events of the day, showing all gathered mali’aheral a depiction of the average Renarion Uradir supporter during the Sohaer’s stroll through Haelun’or.

A high elven artist of great taste and capacity for satire sat before the posted letters. He sketched away at a caricature of the accuser, leaving his unfinished work by the documents themselves.

A letter was penned in response. “To the incessant, aspiring naysayer who so bravely signed his obviously drunken, midnight musings, I write to you not in anger. Your penmanship has brought me greater joy than the past three encounters we have shared in which you had wasted my time with your drivel. I write to you instead with hope that you will summarily lock your writing utensils away in some deep, nameless abyss so that you may never again make a fool of yourself through written words – your voice is damning enough. You speak of impurities and the impossibility that our society experiences in truly being rid of each and every one of them. There exists perhaps only a sliver of truth in your letter that may lend your ramblings the slightest portion of credibility. It lies in the aforementioned statement. The Silver State, in all of its previous incarnations, has never truly experienced freedom from the machinations of worthless, ill-begotten, selfish mongrels such as thyself. It is true, too, that parasites feed off of the body of our great nation – you most certainly fit the picture. Your rotten, mottled brain clearly lacks all substance save for the ability to conjure accusations born only of one’s most base, pathetic jealousies. Your unfounded criticisms of the accomplishments of an order founded naught but three elven days ago hints at a most worrying absence of any erudite acumen that might make you the least bit capable of intelligent thought. You are no child, and so I will not forfeit to you the relief a child deserves. Your accusations of homosexuality against me prove only that you have spent a great deal of time watching me from afar as I interact with dignitaries and elheial’thilln. I needn’t elaborate further upon the implications of this fact. As you so diligently observed me in great detail from a distance where no other persons could accuse you of admiring me, I spoke with delegates of foreign nations, tending to the valuable ties our sovereign nation hold with world powers. To this end, I almost find myself wishing that you were capable of higher thought – you might have learned something while watching me from the confines of a bush, or, closet rather. I will conclude with a brief comment towards the lineage you claim. Kalenz Uradir alone is to be given the respect a proper mali’aheral deserves. Let us not forget the Uradir who systematically starved his people and betrayed his state. You are but a worm whose surname is akin to a more luxurious pot with which he may hold his dirt. I have told you once, and I will tell you again, Renarion Uradir. You are in no position to parlay with me. When one plays with fire, they should expect to be burned.” -Sohaer Kiljarys Isilliath

The Sohaer has approved this applicant to be instated at the rank of Halerir. Maehr’sae hiylun’ehya.

The Sohaer has approved this applicant to be immediately instated at the rank of Vihai in recognition of past service to the Silver State.

Tablets of marble may be found around the enclave of Haelun’or, painstakingly carved to detail a militant order born from the ashes of tradition and circumstance. el’Vihaian tal’Sohae The Whispers of the Maheral EL’VIHAIAN | The Whispers Beneath the regime of the ever mindful and noble Maheral of Haelun’or, the long defunct militant apparatus of the Silver State has been utterly dissolved. From its ashes rises an order anew, entasked with enforcing the will of the Maheral and elheial’thilln. The mali’aheral devotees of el’vihaian take up the sword and shield of the people, operating with ruthless efficiency to safeguard the Silver State from enemies foreign and domestic. The role of el’vihaian is twofold – to police the enclaves of the Silver State, seeking out blemishes upon mali’aheral society, and to act as extensions of the Maheral’s will in conflicts abroad. It is they who are entrusted with uprooting fonts of deviancy and impurity within the state to be swiftly exterminated in the name of elmaehr’sae hiylun’ehya. Taking from the tradition of ancient mali’aheral sentinels, el’vihaian adopt a strict dogma of anonymity, their identities known only to elmaheral. To bloody ones blade is to welcome the impurities of wrath and violence upon oneself – forgiven only in part to their willing servitude to mali’aheral society. Revered are those who deign to wield blades of silver in the name of sovereign, state, and stability – there exists no greater sacrifice. EL’TIRAN TAL’VIHAIAN | The Code of The Whispers Adopted from the Sillumiran of Haelun’or yore, el’vihaian tal’sohae adhere to a strict code ensuring sanctity of mind, body, and duty. To forsake the code is to forsake ones legacy, purity, and life. Sworn in the audience of the Maheral, aspirant vihaian kneel afore the silver gates of the enclave before donning their uniform and never again reciting it for the duration of their service to elmaheral and elcihi. Oem | I live and die for the Silver Enclave of Haelun’or. Niut | I will protect the citizens of Haelun’or from the corruption of impurity, both of mind and of body. Hael | I will not risk the life of another to safeguard my own. Vailu | I will never permit personal feeling, aspirations, animosities or friendships to influence my decisions. Kulin | I will not fall to weakness, insubordination nor disloyalty. Banih | I will remain anonymous, from now until the end of my life. Laier | I will suffer not the monstrosity that is impurity and forfeit the lives of those who do. Esun | I will enact the will of the Maheral and their Silver Councilors to the fullest extent of my ability. THE LADDER OF SERVITUDE | Ranks Okarir’tir | Guardian of Purity: Seated councilor of elheial’thilln, the incumbent Okarir’tir polices the enclaves of the Silver State at the behest of the Maheral. The Okarir’tir is responsible for the stationing of vihaian in the name of safeguarding Haelun’or and the enforcement of Silver Law. Chief sheriff of elcihi, the Okarir’tir may assign active vihaian to patrol and observe the streets of Haelun’or in vigilant service of the order and elmaehr’sae hiylun’ehya. Orrarir | Hunter: Chief inquisitors of el’vihaian tal’sohae, the Orrariran answer solely to the Maheral. Theirs is a task of great import, sullied by the weight of their blessed mission; the predatory annihilation of all threats foreign and domestic to the maehr’sae hiylun’ehya. Executors of the chief of state, elorrariran may also serve as the highest ranked informants and protectors of elcihi’s incumbent Maheral. Only two may wield the title until the day their service ends. Vihai | Whisper: Sworn and anonymous sentinels of the Silver State, elvihaian comprise the majority of the rank and file within el’vihaian tal’sohae. They are the entrusted protectors of the Silver State’s enclaves and the blessed city of Haelun’or. It is they who police its streets and safeguard its citizens from the dangers of impurity, dissent, and trespassers. It is they who wield blades of silver in times of war and see the will of theMaheral and their councilors made reality. Ruthless and efficient, elvihaian do proud by the children of Larihei. Halerir | Initiate: Those who aspire to serve within the ranks of el’vihaian tal’sohae. It is they who pledge to enact the will of the Maheral and the mali’aheral. Upon the training of their body and mind, Haleriran may swear themselves by the Code of The Whispers and rise to the rank of Vihai, joining their comrades in blessed, stoic service to the Silver State. APPLICATION All applications are anonymous and will only be reviewed by the Maheral. __________________________________________________________ OUT OF CHARACTER Minecraft Account: Discord Name: Timezone: IN CHARACTER Name: Age: Gender: Are you a citizen of the Silver Enclave of Haelun’or?: Do you swear to live and die to safeguard maehr’sae hiylun’ehya?: Do you swear to protect the sovereignty of the Silver State of Haelun’or and its enclaves?: UNIFORM OF EL’VIHAIAN TAL’SOHAE An ornately crafted, elegant suit of silver armor is depicted upon the tablets, featuring a cloak embroidered with the all-seeing eye of the Maheral. (FM please pin this thread and archive “Sillumir | Armed Forces of Haelun’or”)

The Sohaer, Kiljarys Isilliath lingered behind the most noble and wise Maheral, a symbol of purity and grace to his people. He strode forward at a languid pace, arms creased at his back per the mali’aheral sovereign’s wont. The Sohaer’s ancient, graying eyes surveyed the crowd gathered below, shifting between each and every observant face. Memories of decades past returned to him as the tide returns to the battered shore. His thin, pale lips were wrought into an infelicitous grin upon the conclusion of the Maheral’s speech. The sovereign stood beside the Maheral. His arms were raised high, thrown skyward with great elan. ”Kaean’leh evareh! Maehr’sae hiylun’ehya.”

Kiljarys Isilliath looms over the open sea from the confines of the Silver Citadel. Bringing his arms to his chest, he mutters aloud, “ Maehr’sae hiylun’ehya.”

[[Application currently pending. Check back later for more information.]] Dear Mister Vulnear, We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance into the Eternal College. You have been tentatively accepted into the Bachelor’s Program in General Craft, and enrolled into the following classes: Mechanical Theory with Hileian Chirr’thilln Tactical Theory with Alyrion Laureh’onn Please report to the Eternal Library of Fi’halen with written work in tow. The new semester begins on the turn of the year. Delos Telperion Okarir’thill and Director of the Eternal College Dear Mister Starbreaker, We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance into the Eternal College. You have been tentatively enrolled in the Master’s Program of Transfiguration and Bachelor’s Program of Medicine respectively, and have been signed up for the following courses: Transfiguration Theory with Khel’laurir Siil’crux Transmutation and Greater Elements with Khel’laurir Siil’crux Medicines for the Layperson with Alrin Sul’Sumana Poisons, Acids, and Burns with Solaria Soulheart Sutures, Balms, and Ointments with Alrin Sul’Sumana Please report to the Eternal Library of Fi’halen with written work in tow. The term begins on the turn of the year. Delos Telperion Okarir’thill and Director of the Eternal College [[Please message InfamousAmerican (Hydra#9812 on Discord) to schedule a meeting and begin the magic teaching process.]] [[Application currently pending. Check back later for more information.]]

Dear Mister Myrsta, We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance into the Eternal College. You have been tentatively enrolled in the Bachelor’s programs of Transfiguration and Medicine respectively, and have been signed up for the following courses: Voidal Theory with Delos Telperion Domestic Magics with [TBD] Transfiguration Theory with Khel’laurir Siil’crux Transmutation and Greater Elements with Khel’laurir Siil’crux Medicines for the Layperson with Alrin Sul’Sumana Please report to the Eternal Library of Fi’halen with written work in tow. The term begins on the turn of the year. Delos Telperion Okarir’thill and Director of the Eternal College [[Message InfamousAmerican to begin the magic teaching and MA process.]]

The Eternal College The Premier Conservatory of the Magical and the Mundane As announced on the 14th of the Deep Cold, 1693 “When one seeks to learn the higher arts, one enters the Eternal College.” Through every continent since Asulon upon which Descendants have tread, there has been the Eternal Library. Now, and for the first time in recent history, the Silver Council has deemed it appropriate to open the floodgates of knowledge to the world, that all may progress. Now, the mali’thill take application to the Eternal College from the masses. Learn from the greatest masters of their respective fields, and in turn become one yourself. Potential students should send their applications by bird or by enchanted letter to the Enclave. Courses are held according to the schedule of the various masters, and may be enrolled in by master recommendation and course credit within that school. Classes are, in general, either one-off or occur on a yearly basis, though some will require more in-depth lessons from the professor. Schools may be applied to individually, though certifications may require courses from multiple departments. The School of Magic Sage’s Certification of Ability Master’s Certification of Magical Ability in the Arcane Master’s Certification of Magical Ability in Transfiguration Bachelor’s Certification of Magical Ability in the Arcane Bachelor’s Certification of Magical Ability in the Domestic Bachelor’s Certification of Magical Ability in Transfiguration Associate’s Certification of Thought in Voidal Theory The Institute of Health Doctor’s Certification of Ability in Health Master’s Certification of Ability in Medicine Master’s Certification of Ability in Surgery Bachelor’s Certification of Ability in Medicine Associate’s Certification of Ability in Basic Medicines The Academy of Ethics and Culture Doctor’s Certification of Ability in Thought Master’s Certification of Ability in Music Bachelor’s Certification of Ability in History Bachelor’s Certification of Ability in Psychology The Institute of Progress Bachelor’s Certification of Ability in General Craft Bachelor’s Certification of Ability in the Bestiary The School of Mixology Bachelor’s Certification of Ability in Mixology As a forewarning, any accepted applicant to the Eternal College is expected to arrive with a written work of any kind, authored by themselves or by an acknowledged mind. Any accepted applicant of unstable mind is liable to ejection from the Eternal College pending proper justifications under Fi’halen Regulations. Non-mali’aheral are not subject to logically-exempted Purity Regulations. Entrance into laboratories strictly prohibited without guidance from approved professors of the College. Remember that the copying, destruction or theft of books from the Eternal Library is punishable by death. Use of Dark Magics is strictly prohibited. Application to Instruct in the Eternal College (Teaching Application): [[OOC]] IGN: Discord [Optional]: [[IC]] Name: Race: Age: School(s) applying to: Subjects known: Any classes one wishes to introduce: Do you accept the rules and regulations of the Eternal College and of Fi’halen?: Application to Learn in the Eternal College (Student Application): [[OOC]] IGN: Discord [Optional]: [[IC]] Name: Race: Age: School(s) and Certifications applying to: Magics known prior: Are you interested in teaching, should you complete a degree?: Do you accept the rules and regulations of the Eternal College and of Fi’halen?:

We’re transcribing the books we have in our library to the forums, they’ve been here since Anthos.

The History of Everal, The First City of the Elves By Leyu’Maehr A long time ago the First Race crossed one of the Great Oceans of Aegis to arrive on a beach. This beach was bestowed with a magical power from a long gone time. It let all plant grow abundantly there and in the surrounding areas. The sand there made glass as hard as steel and that which would never break. So when the Frist Race, later known as Elves, planted their magical seeds… Great towering trees grew in their place. Ordinary fire could not scorch these trees, spreading its seeds wherever they went, creating an Empire dwarf all others previously known. The Elves lived inside the trunks of these towering trees, singing to them to help them grow. Then on day many centuries later, an astronomical storm swept across the land, felling the magical trees where they stood. Lightning stroke the exposed Earth, melting the ground and forming pools of lava. Great fire, fuelled by the dark energies of the storm, burnt all of the remaining trees. Only a few kilometres remained. This is where the Elves sheltered during the storm. They named this area Evaral, meaning ‘protected’ in their lost language. They tried to spread the seeds of the magical trees once more, but the Earth still remembered the horrors of the storm and wouldn’t let them grow. And when this area became overpopulated, the Elves started to reach for the sky! The trees grew until they touched the highest planes of the atmosphere and all was at peace once again. The Elves built walls of enchanted wood around Evaral, to protect the city from new predators and spirits that rose with the storm. And then a terrible thing happened. Some of the Elves dissented from this way of life, as wonderful as it was. They became greedy and wanted more land, ores, and resources. One by one the Dissenters left Evaral; preferring the new forests beyond its border. They spread out far across the land, struggling to cope with their new homes. Eventually even they settled down and formed small villages, under no ruler. Some even evolved into other races, forgetting what they left behind. By this time only a few families remained in Evaral, and they did not know what to do. They missed the kinship of the other Elves, so they decided to leave too. But before they left each family took with them a seed from the first tree, which happened to reside in Evaral. This tree was very old and wrought with homes and its spirit was sad too, for it missed the Elves that left. It shed its bark to help the remaining Elves in their journeys, forming impenetrable armour to help the remaining Elves in their journeys. This armour now resides in the Tomb of Evaral, as the First Tree’s spirit reclaimed it. And then none were left in the Evaral. However over the centuries the seed still could grow, but the land never accepted them. Until one day many centuries later, it came in the hands of a young Druid. The great city of Evaral’s location is hidden from the world, but many believe it is still out there. Perhaps one day, a great hero will stumble upon it. And bring it to power once again.

The Ancient Elves By Aedan Once upon a time, long before the beginning of written history, the lands of the wilderness were inhabited by a single race: The Ancient Elves. This race was the first to love in the lands of Aegis. They built incredible structures in the lands of the Niben bay, and its surroundings. The Niben bay was a large body of water lying in the Niben Basin, largely east of the city of Hawkhaven. It lies across the Niben River, splitting it into two parts, and so is technically a lake rather than a bay. The Niben was once occupied by their capital: Garlas Malathar, also known as Nirn Weye vas Cyrod: The White Gold City. This city was, according to the ancient books, the biggest capital in Aegis. The city was filled with complex tunnels and districts with different ambience. They say you could feel one with the city, it was filled with statues of nature, exotic birds and wonderful animals… including Dragons… The Ancient Elves learned how to befriend a Dragon, instead of taming them like most races did. They knew that friendship was stronger than any force in the world. These Dragons shared their knowledge with them, they showed them the basics of energy manipulation that are still used now-a-days. They soon found how to store energy in crystals and use them for many things. They used them to power their entire civilization, giving power and light to their cities. One day, a new Dragonlord took power of the empire. His name was Akron. He was foolish and always wished to have more power. He hated other races and considered them inferior. He soon tried to power stronger crystals for war. The Dragons refused and prevented him from doing so. Akron then called upon the forces of Iblees to drain the dragons’ power. The dragons, foreseeing their end, created the varla stone and powered it with The Dragonfires, sealing the gates to The Nether, and killing themselves… Some dragons remained as statues, petrified, and waiting to be awakened. They will wake up when the right time comes. After the beginning of the First Era, Akron began to damage nature and attempted to enslave other races. This marked the beginning of the Great War which lasted decades. Akron was finally defeated. To the fall of their Empire, humans took the power of the crystals. Their power turned them blind and foolish. They began to kill all survivors of the Ancient Elves and burned their cities to the ground. Some of the managed to escape and survived. Many kings tried to restore their old glory but failed. Without the power of the Dragonfires, they weren’t able to do such thing. They say that if you look closely to the sunrise, you can still see the ruins of Garlas Malathar, waiting to be discovered, and raised once again…

Ruins of Anthos Vol. I - Northern Anthos By Kaelin Maheriel Foreword This new land of Anthos brings us many new wonders and mysteries, perhaps foremost of all being the presence of ruins - irrefutable evidence of one or more ancient civilizations. Despite their mystery, ruins are not an uncommon sight to the well-versed traveller or scholar. Lost Asulon bore ruins throughout its lands - misplaced statues and aqueducts near the Cloud Sanctuary, sandstone ruins in the deserts, ancient Mori’Quessir cave carvings in Malinor and of course the prolific ruins on Adyton island to name but a few. However, aside from these traces, there was little to suggest what caused the downfall of these cultures. Now that we find ourselves in a new land, we are again confronted with unexplained echoes of lost cultures. What caused their downfall? What was the purpose of these structures? Who created them? These are all questions that we are unlikely to ever have a definitive answer to. However, perhaps with time and effort spent on researching and excavating these ruins we can shine what little light we can on the ruins of Anthos. Ruins of Malinor The forests and cliffs of the north hold many treasures beside those of the natural kind. South-West of Malinor, following the path through the hills and glens, can be found a valley of trees with height only rivalled by the mighty boughs of Leumalin and Malinor. Game abounds in these woods, and the sight of these lands causes the wood-elf side of my psyche to sing with glee. However, should you walk these trails at night, one would find their gaze attracted to the roots of the mighty trees. Among the sunken hollows of these pines lie hidden alcoves of carved stone, with small worm-like tunnels in the walls glowing with the ruddy light. Any attempts to determine the source of these lights is made impossible by the presence of metal bars that block the observer’s gaze down the snaking tunnels. What was the purpose of these hollows? Hard to say. Perhaps they were nothing more than points of rest for weary travellers of some bygone empire, but their complexity and detail suggests that they were part of something larger. We must also consider the possibility that these hollows have existed long before the trees that dominate them, and that this forested valley could hide an ancient city. Piles of similarly carved, ancient rubble would seem support this theory, but detailed research and excavation would be needed to yield tangible results. Another, perhaps more pressing point on interest in this valley is the presence of what appears to be an abandoned camp, made from cloth and lumber. The presence of what appears to be a sawmill and numerous tree stumps raise the likelihood that this was a lumber-camp. What is startling about this find is that it could not have been more than a few years old, yet it predates our arrival on Anthos. This potentially ground-breaking discovery could have profound implications for our time here. Is Anthos still inhabited? And if so, by what? The wooden camp bared no resemblance to the ruins of the land and is unlikely to belong to the same culture, but the fact that it was here before us raises many questions. Of course, another theory to consider is that this camp was made by the scouts sent ahead of our exodus to prepare the way. But the positioning of the camp away from any race it could have belonged to is troubling; although clearly positioned near the lands of the Mali it bears resemblance to Valah, Bortu or even Uruk architecture. This mystery is among the most pressing that need to be solved. AMMENDMENT: The ancient lumber camp has since been commandeered by my Mali’ker brethren for use as a town. While I welcome the independence this has brought, many areas of the site have been damaged beyond repair, including the removal of several ornate towers and dwellings. By following the Malinor River to its mouth in the West and looking to the southern cliffs when a southern tributary stream reaches the mouth, a well lit cave can be seen. Inside this cave one is confronted by a series of carved stone brick columns, each with a large glowstone cube set into them. The northern entrance is partially blocked by a fallen column, but it is easily traversible. The cave is well lit by glowing columns, revealing it’s inner architecture. To the south lies a downward passage completely submerged in water and blocked by ruined masonry. My attempts to move some of the fallen rubble out of the way were to no avail, and I doubt that anything beside a full excavation effort could reveal this lost tunnel. To the east is another passage, open but hewn from the rock in a way that suggests that it was left unfinished; no glowstone lamps or pillars light this section of the cave or support it from cave-ins. Aside this eastern passage lies a chamber that is blocked by rubble. After a few hours of hard work I managed to create a workable way in, revealing a rubble-strewn rectangular chamber dominated by a rectangular stone slab. Whether this slab is some kind of altar or a tombstone is unknown. Coming back to the main atrium, a series of rough stairs with brick steps can be seen heading upward towards the light of a cave leading to the open sky, but unfortunately these steps are eroded and unreachable from the atrium. After traversing the outer cliffs I managed to reach the upper cave and found a small series of cliff caverns. Each one bears a glowstone cube similar to the ones in the atrium’s pillars, but set in a haphazard manner. Perhaps this area was next to be embellished before its builders fled? Whatever the truth of this ruin, it is my firm belief that it should be given priority in excavation. Who knows what secrets this place could reveal about those who came before us? There are many other points of interest in the Malinor Valley. By following the Malinor River, many features of culture’s past can be seen, including an exquisite fountain statue on the northern bank that continues to spout water from its hand. Who or what this statue represents is unknown, but the beauteous carvings and obsidian facial features of the ancient visage further add to the sense of mystery. Further from the bank but still on the northern side is a stone circle made from several interlocking arches, thin and made of whitestone covered in moss. Within the circle is a swampy depression that exudes a mysterious green fog, making it hard to distinguish swamp grass from green water. Oddly, another stone circle lies on the south bank, but in a far different style. While the northern circle is made of thin, nondescript arches, the southern circle is made of carved menhirs made of ornate stone blocks and wooden slats. Perhaps more surprising is a roaring fire at the centre of the southern circle, which either suggests that it is maintained by magical means, or that it is maintained by living beings... An Ancient Cloud Temple Perhaps the most fascinating ruin in all of Northern Anthos is a ruin that can only be compared to the spectacular ruined temple of the Mallowlyn Woodlands in Asulon; a massive ruin within the lands of the Anthos Cloud Temple. Upon entering the Cloud Temple lands from the northern gate - a gate which just so happens to lead to the wooded valley I spoke of earlier - heading east will take you to an old wooden bridge that leads to a beautiful ruined courtyard, with water features and a cross-mosaic. Perhaps more stunning is the view above; ruined halls snake their way up the cliff to a massive - and completely intact - ancient tower. Unfortunately, the logical entrance to such a complex, a large circular door, is blocked by rubble. However, upon further searching, a set of stairs snakes up through the ruined masonry and onto a stone bridge that leads to the a tunnel that snakes up to the upper hall. These tunnels remarkably bear the same glowstone cubes that can be seen in the cave colonnade in Malinor. Perhaps they were created by the same civilization? Reaching the hall reveals a beautiful vista to the observer, showing the entirety of the stunning complex below. Sadly, this is where the adventurer’s journey ends; a set of implacable iron doors block the war to the tower itself. No matter how much force I applied to the doors they remained unmoved. Not letting this deter me, I scaled the side of the mountain to peer through the cracks of the tower. Although my view was brief it was wonderous. A marvelous glowstone chandelier runs down the centre of the tower, shining light onto well preserved steps and engraved alcoves. Redstone lamps can also be seen along the walls, creating an air of mystique and ritual. With that in mind I wonder what was the purpose of this place? An ancient fortress? The abode of some ancient mage? Perhaps a temple similar to the one that we have built in the valley below? These are questions that will be in our minds should future scholars decide to investigate this fascinating edifice. Ruins in the Ice Of all the places in Anthos, the frozen lands behind the great Northern ice cliffs are the only ones yet to be explored. Attempts to pick through these ice walls with conventional tools meet with no avail, leaving nothing but scratches. However, due to its glass like transparency, travellers are sometimes able to catch glimpses of the world beyond the ice walls. When gazing through the ice near the Teuton castle in northern Oren one can see an elaborate stone totem, carved with eldritch symbols and baring three menacing skulls. Although offering only a small glimpse into the true North, this sight brings many new questions for us. Who built this totem? The use of skulls in architecture has never been seen in any other Anthosian ruins; such crude symbols are usually signs of a tribal civilization such as the Uruks, and not the advanced culture suggested by the stones seen in Malinor and southern Anthos. Totems such as these are also primarily a warning - indeed the Uruks employ a similar practice to deter trespassers from entering their lands. Are these totems a warning? And if so, were they intended to be seen by travellers peering through the ice. Are we the intended targets of such a warning, or some ancient foe of ages past? Perhaps the apparent tribal culture that the totem suggests was warding off the civilized folk of the south? However, if we are the targets, that brings the possibility that such a culture could exist in seclusion beyond the ice. The thought of an intact and undiscovered culture is certainly enticing, however unlikely. Although this theory may sound outlandish to some, further evidence can be found on a plateau near the ice wall in northern Malinor. On a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley of Oren, hidden behind a hill, lies a ring of carved ruins similar to the stones of the ice totem. Perhaps more disturbing is the sight of a smouldering fire pit and hide tents, with the frosted ground strewn with bones and blood. This chilling scene appears to be some kind of hunting camp, or - if my theory of the ice wall being some kind of isolating barrier is true - a camp for scouts to watch for intruders. As a hunter for nigh on three centuries, the scent of fire still clinging to the embers told told me that it had only been mere weeks since the pit had been lit. If this is true, and this ruin is some kind of scout camp, it’s inhabitants may have fled when we made our presence known in the valley’s below it; perhaps to warn some other tribe on the other side of the ice. Whatever the truth of the matter, this evidence is certainly disturbing. Natural Beauty Although I had promised myself to keep this text on point I find myself unable to prevent myself from describing the wonders of the Spider Cave. Although not specifically a ruin, I find it to be a most profound example of a breed of natural beauty not seen since the now-lost caverns of Menorcress in Asulon. It’s entrance does, however, bear the carved stones seen in other Anthosian ruins. Upon exiting Leumalin from the gate to the Western Docks if one hugs the cliff wall they will find a gaping and glowing cave. Upon entering, one would be greeted by two sights; course black pebbles on the cave floor and and a thick covering of spiderweb on the cave ceiling. Despite any natural reaction of fear one might have from this evidence of a spider infestation, none of my visits have managed to show any sign of current habitation. Past this initial cave can be seen a quite remarkable sight. The cave opens on the lip of a massive cave, covered in mushrooms and vines of all descriptions, but perhaps most striking are the massive luminous mushrooms, headed with sweeping translucent caps that bow towards a beautiful subterranean lake. I would urge any druid or scholar who reads this to visit this sight, as it represents an unique environment quite unlike anything I have seen outside the labyrinthine caverns of Menorcress. AMMENDMENT: Do not travel to this cave without heavy guard! A spider broodmother seriously injured a druid when I led an expedition to the cave and her brood is still in residence. Take extreme caution! Epilogue In my next volumes I shall explore and describe the prolific ruins of the satellite landmass known to most as ‘The Wilds’, a lawless and dangerous region that is host to what have been said to be the most complete and extensive ruins in Anthos, as well as the ruins of Southern Anthos. Until that time, I offer these observations of a simple traveller to the purview of Malinor’s scholars to do as they please. Penned by Kaelin Mahariel, traveller and amateur explorer. Map References ~ Lumber Camp and Forest Ruins - ((X:-1176 Y:88 Z:-398)) Cave Colonnade - ((X:-936 Y:72 Z:-729)) Statue and Stone Circles - ((X:-853 Y:72 Z:-795)) Tower Temple Ruin - ((X:-787 Y:85 Z:-136)) Ice Camp - ((X:-137 Y:121 Z:-997)) Spider Cave - ((X:-920 Y:67 Z:-1178)