This was all that meddling Adepts fault. Soran glowered at a damp patch on the wall. If Baptiste hadnt arrived in the Valley of the Void Disciple and messed everything up, Soran would be helping the Great Lord of the Void advance his preparations in the Quantum Shadow right now! Instead, he found himself here, at the mercy of a jumped-up hypnotist who thought to style herself empress. And most likely in the Voidlords displeasure, if Soran ever made it out of here.

Adept Baptiste had interrupted him just as he was delving into the dreams of Circe of the Abyss  the ruler in Calistas Citadel. The Lord of the Void had tasked him with ensnaring the young Charmer while she slept, to bring her over to the Void Disciples  yet another magic-maker to swell the Voidlords hordes.

The Citadel was a strong strategic position, a foothold for the Great Lords armies in the west, within striking distance of Alessars Keep and Red Wizard Capital, and an impenetrable coastal fort to control shipping routes between the lands to the south and Alchemists Archipelago. It would have been a triumph for Soran to bring Lord Voidoth the Citadel and its army.

But then the youthful Adept had projected himself into the melding Soran was weaving to insert himself into the Charmers dreams. Baptiste should not have been capable of accessing the Dream Whisperers mind-meld it had startled Soran, and his distracted mind was caught between the realms as his concentration wavered.


Archmagus Soran of Dreams

He had been too distracted to notice that Circe had seen through his dream web, until it was too late. She had cast a web of her own around him and expelled Baptiste. Sorans face reddened at the indignity of it all the great Dream Whisperer, an exalted Archmagus of the Bastion, trapped by this conjurer of cheap tricks this this Charmer.

An animalistic growl escaped his lips, sending Morpheus squealing and scrabbling into a dark corner of the cell. The wizards plague rat trembled; the memories of his masters displeasure were surely still fresh in his bright rodent mind.

If the Adept had survived Crackerjacks displeasure, Soran would find him. And Soran would not end him quickly. He would suffer. The Voidlord would see Sorans true worth. Maybe he would even be raised to Second Disciple. From there it would only be a matter of time before he could usurp Crackerjack in the Great Lords favour. The Dream Whisperer had so much more to offer the Void than a common half-man Necromancer.

Soran paused in mid-stride, rewinding his thoughts. His bright rodent mind He laughed out loud and clapped his hands together gleefully.

Thats it, Morpheus! Do you see it?

The plague rat eyed him cautiously from the shadows, nose twitching uncertainly. Rubbing his hands together, Soran approached his familiar with soothing murmurs. It was time for them both to take a nap and win back their freedom.


# Chapter 2: Welcome to the Weird House
Footsteps echoed in the corridor outside the cell. Morpheus woke with a start. He sniffed the air. The sweet scent of roses was wafting through the gap under the cell door. The rat glanced at his master, who stirred fitfully it could not have been more than a few minutes since they had fallen asleep.

Morpheus floated towards the door, enraptured by the odour. The door opened and he gazed lovingly up into his mistresss brilliant emerald eyes, ready to do her bidding. He did not fear the fox at her heels, for she would let no harm come to him, so long as he obeyed. The alabaster skin of her heart-shaped face shone as she smiled down at him and tucked a lock of auburn hair behind her ear. Morpheus felt as though his chest would burst with joy as she bent down and coaxed him towards her.

The deep crimson colour of her long, pointed hat perfectly matched the lustrous rose nestled in the palm of her left hand. As he approached, she stroked the oversized flower and a large petal floated lazily up into the air and drifted towards the Archmagus, who still lay curled on the floor of the cell, smiling serenely now. The petal draped itself over his forehead and he slowly opened his eyes, turning his loving gaze onto Morpheuss mistress. Morpheus felt the jealous rage burning inside him and he made a dash for the old wizard, teeth bared.

In a flash the fox was upon him, worrying him with sharp teeth.

Now, now Finn, he only wants to show his devotion to his Empress, she said with a musical lilt. Im sure we can all be friends.


The fox reluctantly released his grip and returned to his mistresss side, but he continued to eye Morpheus hungrily.

She crossed the cell towards the Archmagus and offered him her hand. He took it reverently and allowed her to help him to his feet, the rose petal still draped over his head.
I am happy to see you doing so much better my dear, the lady said in a half-whisper. I do feel bad for having to keep you locked up in here. But you realise that I only did it to protect you?

Yes of course, Empress Circe he stammered as anger briefly clouded the Empress face.

Puh-P-Please forgive me, Empress Calista, it wont happen again! I am here to do whatever you may ask I do have some knowledge of the Citadel, in fact I studied the Chronicles of Calista back when I was a student, and Im sure I can be of service, gabbled the wizard.
The Empress, her serenity restored, smiled kindly at him and patted his hand. Why thank you Soran, that is very thoughtful. In fact, I have a visitor here who says she knows you. She would very much like to speak with you.

With pleasure your majesty! I must apologise again, I am not really equipped to entertain the wizard trailed off as he stared around the cell, as though he wasnt quite sure of his whereabouts.

Thats quite alright, my dear, this shouldnt take long here she is now.


Thats quite alright, my dear, this shouldnt take long here she is now.

The Empress stepped aside as a teenage girl strode into the cell wearing a purple velour tracksuit, a heavy gold medallion hanging around her neck. Her dusky face was lit by the warm glow of the torch she carried in one hand as she stared haughtily at the two captives. A second fox trotted past her into the cell and snuggled up to Finn, who was now sitting on his haunches cleaning his forepaws.

The Archmagus was dumbstruck by the girls entry; Morpheus could see him struggling to process what was happening. Morpheus himself could feel his emotions at war  his complete devotion to the Empress wavering in the face of the terror that clasped him in its icy grip.

They were both very well acquainted with Hex Mage Bathsheba. Yet somehow Morpheus could not bring himself to feel distressed about the fact that their day was about to get a whole lot worse.

# Chapter 3: Welcome to the Weird House
Bathsheba regarded the wide-eyed wizard impassively. Remember me, Soran? she waved a hand as though he would try to answer, although the wizard continued to just stand there slack-jawed.

Well of course you do, old man, dont be ridiculous, Im a celebrity at the Bastion, arent I? Eeee-verybody wants to be the one to bring Bathsheba crawling back to answer to the Council. So many feeble attempts Its really quite tiresome.

Bathsheba walked up to the wizard until she stood staring up into his face, hands on hips. Despite only coming up to the Archmaguss shoulder, the girl radiated a presence that seemed to fill the entire cell. She narrowed her eyes, tapping a forefinger against her pouty lips.


In the background, the Empress watched on, naked devotion in those large green eyes. Morpheus was cowering in a corner, trying not to draw any attention to himself.

Sit down, old man, you look exhausted, said the Hex Mage. She spun her body in a half-crouch, pirouetting on the toes of one foot, and in one fluid motion shoved the wizard in the chest with her outstretched arm and whipped the torch around as she continued to spin. The flame streamed forward and began to rotate around the wizard, forming a whirling Rune of Mercury. The glowing rune distended as Soran fell back into it, but then held his weight, curling small rings of burning light around his ankles and wrists.

Bathsheba clasped her hands behind her back as she paced slowly back and forth in front of him. What are we to do with you, old man? Empress Calista believes that given a little bit more time with her eternal rose, she can mould you into a good little lapdog Im not so sure.

She stopped and turned to face the Archmagus, narrowing her eyes. As she took a step forward her face took on a menacing aspect and the Archmagus cringed, struggling against his bonds.

I know what you did, Dream Whisperer, she hissed. Would you beg for forgiveness if I gave you the chance?

The wizard began to blubber incoherently. Bathsheba rolled her eyes and examined her nails. So pathetic! Even if I wanted to kill you No, thats not right. I do want to kill you. But old Rainbow Cakes has asked me not to kill any more of you wizards. Smiling devilishly at the Archmagus, she continued. Hes right, you know. Its much more fun to extend your discomfort indefinitely.


Umm, Rainbow Cakes? Circe - Calista - cut in.

Unexpectedly, Bathsheba giggled. Soran couldnt explain it, but the girlish noise somehow made her all the more terrifying. She walked over to the Empress and crouched down to ruffle the fur of the two foxes. Sacred Key Master hates it when we call him that. Says it undermines his authority.

Anyway, she continued, straightening up, he wouldnt leave me alone to get on with my wizard killing. He just kept going on and on about it. So eventually I agreed to help him out with his key predicament  far easier than having him constantly popping out of thin air, slowing down time, yelling Behold My Quantum Style, and being a general nuisance. It was all getting a bit tedious. Honestly hostile work environment.

Bathsheba turned back to the wizard, who was rotating slowly on the glowing Mercury Rune. Well, lets get on with it. Haze!

The vixens eyes sparkled. She gave Finns face a lick, then trotted after the Hex Mage, who had already begun tracing intricate patterns in the air in front of her with the first two fingers of her right hand. The rune spun faster and faster, pinning the Archmaguss beard flat against his face, until it formed a radiant sphere in the middle of the cell.


The wizard was nothing more than a blur of colour streaking through the sphere. Morpheus the rat, mesmerised by what was happening to his master, had no time to react as Haze approached. The vixen fixed him in her gaze  his clawtips scrabbled against the floor as he was lifted off the ground. Squeaking in protest, the rat flew across the chamber, straight into the glowing sphere of magic, which gave off a piercing shriek and then suddenly imploded into a bright spark that guttered momentarily and then winked out.

Archmagus Soran of Dreams opened his eyes with a groan. The echoes of whispers in the Void reverberated in his mind. Morpheus lay on the damp grass next to him, a dazed expression on his thin rodent face. A shadow loomed over them, blocking out the hazy, pale light of the sun. Dazzling motes of dust sparkled in the air around his head and a silky voice insinuated itself into his consciousness.

Ah, Dream Whisperer, so good of you to join us. Welcome to the Weird House, weve been expecting you.

----
## Story Arc Index:
Prologue: @wizard777

Part 1: @wizard4298

Part 2: @wizard292

Part 3: @wizard2261

Part 4: @wizard3911

Part 5: @wizard1177

Part 6: @wizard2876


Sorcerer Kazem of the Desert

# Sorcerer Kazem of the Desert
_"What's He up to out there?"_

Not much is known about Kazem, His intentions, nor in which part of the desert He presides.

If His ability to conjure mirages as a means to cover His tracks, while maintaining perfect hydration via His water rune, hadn't already made tracking incredibly difficult, His trusty bat Familiar surveying/securing the sandy dunes in the cool hours of the night for intruders, has made this endeavor nothing short of a Fool's errand...


Pyromancer Crowley in the Shadows

# Lore of Pyromancer Crowley in the Shadows

Fine line between animal and soul
is made of flame. We wandered wide and found
the magic transformation, life to coal
and brilliant light. Dug hollows in the ground
and nurtured, kindled. Carried place to place,
borrowed from nearby villages. And when
we learned to start our own fires, then, the face
of magic looked upon us. Named us friend
and bid us welcome. Crow flies far to see
the heavens, hells, the shadow, plains and peaks
and all the changes wrought. Eternal, free
of human guile. She carries in her beak
a sprig of hyacinth, and lets it go
by riverbed, where it will root and grow.


Illusionist Hadrien of the Plains

# The people are disillusionedI help them make believe.  H .*:

We of the Red keep a close watch on the magically attuned. We like to know whos who and whats whatthough the budget for our spy network has waned these past years, and so most of the reports our agents provide are dubious at best. (Side note: Im not sure that paying *more* is actually helpful either, as our agents will simply feel the need to embellish their reports to justify the pay. A quandary.) Still, in any event the various entries on various fellow wizards are entertaining to read. And given that there are no easy or economical ways to verify the veracity of the reports from our agents, I treat this book of lore as an amusement.

*My likeness, resplendently captured by the artist Ozzz (with by little help from Mafriends).*

Japes aside: there are, by our estimate, at least seven thousand known magic users in this world. Perhaps more. If we exclude the non-hatted wizards, we of the Red find ourselves in amidst a heptagon of interests.


*The Yellow Wizards* continue to squander their secrets to eternal youth on frivolous parties and debauchery. If anti-ageing was commercialised properly, we (that is, the Redperhaps in partnership with the Yellow) could heal much of what ails this land. Think of the power! We could certainly use it for greater purposes than simply having a good time. And yet the Yellow horde their chronomancy to themselves, revelling in the Dionysian decadence that ensues. Many of my fellow Red have dismissed the Yellow as hedonistic fools. Yet so many key figures in this realm find their way to the Yellow Wizard Haven and the eternal-parties held in the neighbouring Riviera. I went to attend one of their parties oncebut I have no recollection of what happened, other than to say I awoke naked and covered in glitter. Most vexing.

*The Blue* are no better. They waste their time on quaint technological inventions that diminish the stature of how wizards are perceived by the populace. Now, again, if it were organised betterwith the Red, of coursewe could bring about *such* wonders in this world. But lo, theyre too busy waxing nostalgic and penning academic papers that only Blues can be bothered reading, like some insular cerebral circlejerk. My real worry is that the people start turning to technology againwe know how dangerous that can be. Ergo, it is once again up to the Red Wizards to ensure that magic is granted the respect it deserves.

*The Green* are fine; woodland hippies content in their domains. And *The Brown* are simple enough to manipulate (we typically just get them drunk).


*The White*, though. They remain an enigmaeven to us. A largely humourless and austere bunch, the White. Very preoccupied with the Shadow. Its a little unnerving, and I feel that the Red are missing key insight into their agenda. Is only we had more people on the inside!

Ultimately, though, its *The Purple Wizards* that remain my primary concern. On the one hand, they are an inspiring, living example of what wizards and wizardry can be. Paragon exemplars! On the other hand: one in five are insanewhich is Not A Good Look for all wizards.

All of this would be *fine* if not for the growing tensions amidst the general populace. Alessar and his so-called paladins seek to cleanse our Runiverse of magic (or, more specifically: magic users, aka wizards). Ha! I would dismiss this nonsense as an utter farce if it werent for the political fervour he is stirring up. Most disturbing is talk of the clandestine Inquisition. I think this to be a clever fabrication. But, be that as it may, there are *swathes* of disgruntled folk who envy the power of wizardsand they are starting to band together into witch-hunting militia. And that prick Alessar is encouraging it.

Of course we wizards cant move overtly against it. Were in a bind. Whilst we perpetuate the myth that folks are born wizard, the reality is that *anyone* has the potential to become a wizard, given the right exposure to entropy, privilege and luck. But can you imagine what our world might be if everyone believed this? Utter chaos. It would invite our very destruction. We might as well go back to the dark ages of Big Tech.


The world *needs* the guiding hand of aristocracy; ergo we need to maintain the myth (and in doing so, maintain the stature of wizards). But by the same token, wizards cannot be seen as above the law. We need to at least appear to be law adjacent. Of and for the people, and so on.

And this is where IIllusionist Hadrian of the Plains, The Greatest Fool come into play. As de facto Head of the Red Wizards (a jest, said in truth), I ensure that our Runiverse develops in a manner we Red consider to be meaningful progress.

The people are oft disillusionedI help them make believe.

Additionally, I serve as Captain of The Vermillion Vanguardor The Red Capes as we are more colloquially known.

Officially, it was the idea of @wizard3816. (It is important I note this). Illuminatus Iluzor spends much of his/her/their time as the high judge of the courts, wherein he/she/they have come to notice a disturbing pattern which we have dubbed as MODsMagical Ontological Disorders. In other words: wizard insanity.

Whilst this is slower to affect wizards who exist in near perfect affinity with our powers (such as myself), some wizards experience a dramatic ontological refactoring in perspective once they attain (or use) the higher limits of their power. Its almost as if... conventional reality becomes too boring (or easy?) for them. And because peak experience exists when challenge rises to match the skill or power we have, some wizards (subconsciously?) *seek* to modify their experience of reality to bring about this sense of flow.

For most of us, altered reality is readily achieved via the mostly harmless use of intoxicants, psychedelics and so on. Each of us wizards have our myriad vices.


But sometimes wizards attain a more permanent sense of altered reality via *magic* itself. These wizards are thus considered to be living within a MOD.

Its insidious, and very hard to notice in others. Even harder (impossible?) to notice in your own self. Why, it could lead to a wizard writing an entry in a so-called book of lore for an imagined audience in another realm of existence altogether! Hoho! Thats an inappropriate meta-jest. I really shouldnt. It is permissible as I am the only one with access to this book, as far as I know, though I am sure @wizard8102 keeps a similar record. {Side note: Corvins Unkindnessa roving band of actual ravenshave been intercepting some of our nospheric flows. I need to look into this.}

How would you notice ifthrough the use of magic (shorthand for phenomena emergent from the generative tension betwixt order and chaos that exists at a level of complexity considered by most to be ineffable)your sense of reality is shifting? How could you track your own grasp of reality, even as it slides further from the accepted norm? Would it not seem that the rest of the world were increasingly detached from realityand you, the sane one? Would you not begin to feel as though *you* were somehow more enlightened than the rest?

As far as I know, we cant intervene against our own ontology. And yet! Having a keen sense of (dis)illusionas all illusionists havemeans having a keen sense of what is real. Or at least: what is collectively perceived to be real (the intersubjective memetics that fuel the most powerful illusions we co-create for ourselves)aka The Consensus Reality. I suspect the Illuminati have an advantage here, too. Them and their Validators.


Now, where was I? Ah yes. And so, Illuminatus Iluzor of the Court noticed the emergence of magical ontological disorders (MODs). Her/his/their role is to ensure a level of perceptible Order is maintained across the Runiverseor at least, the illusion of such. Iluzors astral snail familiar is competent enough at sensing the 5-dimensional emergent threads of confluence amidst the primordial chaosyet the process is frustratingly slow. And so thus the people think the High Court to be too abstract; too elitist and aloofand too entwined with the motives of the Red.

The populace need something else to believe.

And so thus we created the Vermillion Vanguardthe Redcapesa diverse group of superhero wizards. Overtly, these are the paragon wizards meant to display all the virtues of wizardryand to ensure that *all* wizards Do The Right Thing (ie: dont go insane). The Red Capes are the ones who protect wizards (and thus the people) from themselves.

But covertly: they are yet another propaganda project of the Red.

We chose the most ridiculous costumes possible: white silk pyjama button-up onesieswhich were easy for Iluzor to get her/his/their head through) with pink pleather boots and gloves, replete with a clich superhero red cape. Its perfectly camp and at once thoroughly endearing, distracting and disarming.

Each of the 49 Vermillion Vanguard (bah, I will just call them Redcapes for nowVV never stuck) were chosen for their personalities and prominence amongst the communities. We have a kobold, a couple of corvids, witches, tengu priestsand we even managed to convince representatives from the Brown and the White (!) to join.


It remains to be seen how effective this project is, but it certainly has bolstered Iluzors reputationhe/she/they can finally be seen to be doing something (a desire held by common folk who cant comprehend complexity and thus love a bias to action). And it certainly has been fun for to prance about with my chaos butterflies, wreaking tidbits of havok here and there.

But most importantly: its a narrative wedge most of our rivals werent anticipating. *And* we might even manage to mitigate or quell the rise in MODs, whilst simultaneously counterbalancing Alessars witch hunter mob. Well see.

We are genuinely now in the best place to proactivelyheroically?intervene in the fate of the Runiverse. (Or so we like to promulgate).

Anyhoo; theres a glimpse into my world. Disturbinglyand somewhat refreshinglynearly all of this is true, too. Or at least, true for me, at this moment. Lets see how events unfold. This place tilts precarious; yet somehow we of the Red (or well: I and a select few) might just be able to keep this place from falling apart.

With warmth and an ironic level of sincerity,
H

> PS: Once upon a whim I had a poem commissioned for me by the lorepunk bard. Since forming the Redcapes Ive had to suppress this artworkbut still; its fun. And I do so love to confound.


Shaman Soya of the Plains

The plains are no place for a small rodent


Fortune Teller Jiang of the Astral Plane

# New Lore Entry

For in and out, above, about, below,
'Tis nothing but a Magic Shadow-show,
Played in a Box whose Candle is the Sun,
Round which we Phantom Figures come and go.

Wake! For the Sun, who scattered into flight
The Stars before him from the Field of Night,
Drives Night along with them from Heav'n, and strikes
The Sultan's Turret with a Shaft of Light.


Iprix of the Circle

**Youth, like a magic bird, has flown away**

**He sang a little morning-hour in May**

**Sang to the rose, his love, that too is gone--
Whither is more than you or I can say.**

***I am Iprix of the Circle***


**For in and out, above, about, below,**

**'Tis nothing but a Magic Shadow-show,**

**Played in a Box whose Candle is the Sun, Round which we Phantom Figures come and go.**

**I cant reveal the mystery to either saint or sinner,**

**I cant state at length what Ive said curtly,**

**I achieve an altered state that I cant explain;**
**I have a secret that I cannot share.**

**I am Jiang the fortune teller to either saint or sinner.**


Enchanter Merlon of the Brambles

## Set the gear shift for the high gear of your soul


Durdle Apocalypse of the Swamps

# An ode to Durdle Apocalypse of the Swamps


Enchanter Astrid of the Marsh

# Omega x Astrid

Astrid loved spending time in the marsh, where she could feel the cool, fresh water swirling around her feet. She loved the way the tall reeds brushed against her skin, the way the marsh's soft light illuminated the water's surface.

Astrid was always fascinated by the enchanting creatures that lived in the forest near her home. She longed to learn how to be like them, to be able to cast spells and make things happen with just a wave of her hand. One day, she stumbled upon an old wizard who was practicing his craft in a nearby clearing. Astrid was amazed by the power he displayed and asked him how he did it. The wizard told her that it was all about practice and patience. Astrid was determined to learn from him and started practicing every day. Soon, she was able to cast some simple spells and had even begun to learn some of the old master's secrets.


Sorcerer Milton of the Keep

# Milton's last meal

Milton was a sorcerer, and like all sorcerers, he had a dark side. He could call forth the evil that was hidden in the hearts of men, and he had a way of turning the tables on those who tried to use him for their own ends. But even Milton had his limits.

One day, he was called to do a spell that would help a woman in trouble. The woman was a powerful witch, and she was going through a rough time. The Spell needed to be cast with great power, and the only way to do that was to eat a mushroom from a certain council on a tall mountain temporarily occupied by gods


Blue Coffin

**
# Ancient Blue Coffin of Count Wagmi
**
Lore Entry I

 The Lore of the Ancient Blue Coffin of Count Wagi was discovered not long ago in the deep catacombs of the temple of Eternal Flame by a group of wary warriors searching for the Lost Crystal of Eternal Life. While fighting their way through the treacherous passages against all odds through the ferocious giant spiders and horrifying lost souls they reach a dead-end to where they thought the Lost Crystal of Eternal Life should have been. Instead, they are left at a rune scape covered stone wall, confused as to what they had just come across one of the warriors unknowingly nor fully understanding what was inscribed on the walls, he reads aloud what he could make little of recalling from his young apprenticeship with Merlin in an undistinguished dialect known to the Lost Souls as the Ancient Language.

 **Translation** text
 *For thoes who seek eternal life, To the crystals and the ancients both alike, Thus everything shall have its price, Be what lies behind these walls, Best beware of Count Wagmi's Halls, Light or Dark one shall fall.
Open Sesame*

> Engravings of the stone wall
> *

###

### Songs of the Ancients

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU0aaq5pjnQ


Magus Faiz of the Event Horizon

Faiz has been raised to only know the art of combat and execution. It is the field of magic, however, that has always been the most attractive to Faiz - a mysterious art he was never allowed to explore. Faiz secretly yearns to abandon his life of fighting and violence.  Faiz carries with him a radiant symbol of Luck for guidance as he ventures to transition from a life of deathbringing to a life of magic.


Battle Mage Darick of the Grotto

# Lore of Darick - Chapter I

As the earliest moments of light appear and push the darkness of night across the horizon,
a new day emerges. A multitude of birds of all color and size gladly inhabit this sanctuary
of lush forest, crystal clear streams and dense green vegetation. Dew rests upon most things
above ground at this hour giving a delightful glistening as the morning sun shines through
any opening in the vast canopy of green that rests high above the well-nourished forest floor.

One peculiar rabbit emerges from behind a tall ancient-looking ash tree walking along on
two feet with an occasional hop or leap in whatever direction might feel comfortable at the
time. Far below this place of unending natural beauty and splendor there lies a vast connection
of cavernous tunnels wandering throughout the limestone, granite, and marble below. Within a
comfortable grotto near the surface of this mystical place, sits a wizard who possesses such
unique knowledge and power over energy and matter that the wonder and beauty of life is but
a toy or paintbrush to him.

Recognizing himself for what he truly is, he uses his skill to take many forms and being
an ornery wizard is often causing mischief in this manner. Being also a uniquely creative
wizard, with a colorful character and bright red beard, found with an eye always protecting
the Forgotten Forest its really no surprise his nickname is Wild Red. Darick enjoys travel,
creating new things or as he calls it "mix and distribute." also colloborating and social
events with other wizards and has quite a passion for the Wizard Arts and playful things.
He is quite proud of a rhyme called "The Wizard's Hat" that came to be while working with
his friends @wizard6154 and @wizard8221. Go check it out!


Darick very much likes to spend time sitting, pondering the concepts that pass through his
mind and playing with them. Visualizing is one of Darick's favorite things to do. Athough
he can be a misfit at times causing mayhem on the physical plane for fun, if you happen to
be in the Forgotten Forest you are most likely to encounter him in physical form as Battle
Mage Darick of the Grotto. Though one or two might on a rare occasion, if he's feeling kind
of spry and had a couple pints, run into him hopping maybe stumbling along in the form of
his familiar, the shape-shifting rabbit named MehsterBrown.

Though fascinating, mystical, and adventurous these two creatures do appear it is that tall
ancient tree in the Forgotten Forest they guard that contributes tales of much wonder.
Within it there at times rests a spirit, immutable, unique, everlasting, and of even
greater power. For this spirit called Draoi protects inside that tree the Sacred Tome
of Unremembered Knowledge.
And soon another day will break the horizon...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXZfC5nGj6A&t=5s


Esther Render of the Wood

Esther surveys her fleet. Ready for their next voyage.

art by midjourney


Arcanist Eliphas of the Keep

# Arcanist Eliphas of the Keep

Eliphas more than anything else is a bard. He has basic magical abilities, but largely ignored them in school in favor of being a storyteller, a poet, and occasionally an actor during summer shows in Alessars Keep. The one way Eliphas uses his magic is to illuminate the telling of his stories. He uses lights and sounds and shimmers to emphasize and punctuate different characters and scenes. His most famous ballad is titled, Ko-ballers, which is a narrative depicting all the wizards and warriors that frequent Kobalds crossroads.


Null Mage Flynn of the Psychic Leap

# Lore of Null Mage Flynn of the Psychic Leap

Spells fail to connect with flesh, with eye,
with ear. Enchantments dont bewitch my mind
at all. Thats why I wander far and find
the cast-off treasures in strange places. I
part chaos with my staff, disguise my face
to every passer-by. Odd, circumspect,
evasive. Power asks us for respect
and, always, doubt. A funny sense of place,
the Psychic Leap. My cat brushes the calves
of sufferers to calm them. Curls in laps.
The weepers sip their cups of tea. Perhaps
theyd grow strong on their own. But all we have
in terrible and wonderful our lands
are shoulders, backsand, most of all, our hands.


Beetle the Faithful

# Beetle the Faithful

Beetle is the name of Magus Kingsley of the Woods horse. She is energetic and always keen for a gallop. Beetle spent years with Kingsley travelling all over the Fey, Frog Master Mash and the Thorn as the wizard looked for exotic plants with healing properties.


Garth of the Coliseum

# Garth's Tale

The coliseum was of one voice.

Garth! Garth! Garth!

All five thousand of them shouted his name.

No one can stand against Garth of the Coliseum! He heard one scream.

His opponent was several feet away from him. The man could barely stand, desperately clinging on to consciousness. He leaned on his sword that was planted deep on the ground. The mans face was barely recognizable. His left arm was twisted in a painfully, odd angle. Still, he refused to yield. Garth admired his will to fight but, at the same time, found it to be idiotic.

You fought well, Garth said. As well as you could have anyway.

The man looked like he was about to say something, but when he opened his mouth only blood came out. He fell on his knees. His eyes remained glued on Garth.

This can not be the end. Yield and live and learn.

Garth raised his axe. This battle is over!

The coliseum erupted. After fifty bouts, not a soul was able to best Garth in single combat.

Garth relished the cheers. This was his home.

Garth! Garth!

These were his people.

Garth!

--------

Garth!

The old man opened his eyes to see Gregs beady eyes looking down at him. What is it, you stupid duck?

Its time to open the store, you old fart. Greg hopped down from his chest to the floor. The people are hungry, and the ramen wont be cooking itself.

Garth slowly sat up; his body protested each move he made. His thoughts remained  in the dreaming--he could still hear the cheers, still feel the axe in his hand, smell the scent of blood in the air.


His gaze fell on his hands. They looked nothing like the ones in his dream. Gone were the strength in them, replaced instead by swollen joints and arthritis.

Old man? Greg stood by the door, a concerned look on his face.

Im alright, my webbed feet friend. You go on ahead and prep the kitchen.

-----

The ramen shop was located inside one of the many rooms of the Two Crow Bazaar. Presently, the bazaar was situated in the middle of a swamp just outside the coliseum where the unfortunate dead were being dumped.

To find Garths shop, one only needed to follow the inviting aroma of tonkotsu ramen and deep-fried gator cutlet. It was a small placebarely enough for four customers at a timemanned by Garth and Greg Magebane (a duck he saved four years ago from being eaten by the gators outside).

The former warrior opened the shop ten years ago after he retired from the coliseum. Two Crows was kind enough to offer him a room for lodging and his ramen shop. It was not an easy transitionfrom being the main event, to a lowly ramen chef.

Order up. He placed the bowl and deftly slid it on the counter to a waiting customer. The man hungrily picked up the chopsticks and hungrily slurped down the noodles. He looked to be a gladiator fresh from a match.

Had a great win? Garth asked.

The man looked up from his bowl and replied with a shrug.

You know, I used to fight in the coliseum as well. Garth said. Greg, who was busy chopping up scallions, let out a groan. Garth ignored the duck. I actually used to be the best fighter in the coliseum back in the day.


The man placed the empty bowl on the counter and smirked at Garth. Whatever you say.

Garth started to recall his dream. Its true. He said, desperation tinged his voice. No one could best me when I was in my prime. He was now standing in front of the man.

Sure, old man. The man stood up.

Garths hands darted forward, grabbing the man by his clothes. The entire arena used to be filled with people chanting my name.

Greg rushed to his friend and tried to pull him away from the irate customer. Back off, Garth. He turned to the grumbling warrior and apologized.

Move on from your daydreams, old man, and just focus on your ramen. They dont even taste that good. Said the warrior before exiting the shop.

Whats wrong with you? Greg said to Garth. Youre lucky that man didnt swing his fist at you.

He should have then I wouldve put him back in his place. Garth sat down. His face felt warm.

Greg sighed. You need to let the past go, Garth. You had your moment of glory. Time to focus on what we have now.

Garths hands shook. He balled his hands into fists to keep them steady.

Its time to move on.

He watched Greg pick up the empty bowl and place it in the sink.

-----

As the years piled up, Garths body began to slow down. The defeats soon followed. Garth clearly remembered the first one. It was a match against Fullax the Stone Face.


The coliseum was deafeningfilled with cheers for him. Him and Fullax exchanged blows and he remembered his arms getting heavier with each strike. Fullax did a leg sweep which Garth avoided. His opponent followed it up with a swift backswing of his club. Garth saw the blow coming, but his body moved a second too late. The club struck him clean on the temple.

The next thing he knew was he was on the ground, lying on his side. Silence filled the arena. It was as if a petrification spell had been cast on everyone. Fullax stood above him; arms raised high in the air.

Garth initially chalked it up as an outlier, an anomaly. But eventually, the losses became more frequent.

------

Fuck.

Were short again this month? Greg asked as he continued wiping the countertop.

Yeah. Garth placed the money back in the small chest. Third month now. If this continues Two Crows will kick us out.

Its hard to compete against the new shops that keep popping up inside the Citadel. Greg said. And its not helping us that were in the middle of a gator filled swamp.

You know we cant afford the spaces inside the Citadel.

Sowhat now? The duck asked.

A pained sigh escaped Garth. I dont know, my friend. I dont know.

He walked over to the end of the counter and picked up the empty plates. Thats when Garth saw the flyer. It was caught beneath a tray, splattered with pork broth.

It was a flyer for the annual Gladiator Open and the cash prize was enough to pay half a years worth of rent.

Greg? Wheres my old armor? The old man asked.


Archie the Dependable

# Archie the Dependable

Archie is the name of the horse belonging to Eric the Battlemage of the Wood. He is known for being able to travel long distances at the same consistent pace, regardless of terrain, which makes for comfortable riding. Erics favorite color is blue and his choice of clothing as well as Archies bandana are often different shades of that color as a consequence.


Alchemist Solomon of Arcadia

# Alchemist Solomon of Arcadia

Alchemist Solomon of Arcadia is an assistant professor at Alpha, the wizard academy built on the island in the middle of Dream Master Lake. He is the inventor of the sapphire slime, which he created in connection with research funding from the Blue Wizard Bastion. Solomon teaches alchemy and potion science to senior students with a specialization in water magic.


Magus Kingsley of the Wood

# Magus Kingsley of the Wood

Magus Kingsley of the Wood is one of the Runiverses foremost biologists and healers. He, his red mamba Kobe, and his pony Beetle spend nine months a year roaming the land in search of plants that have unique properties. Kingsley has a camp based near the Toadstools that many wizards come to visit when theyre sick. He has single-handedly added 169 new plants to the Wizards Almanac of Runiverse Flora.


Battlemage Eric of the Wood

# Battlemage Eric of the Wood

This is the story of Eric the Battlemage, his mentor Hex Mage Borak of the Havens, and Erics journey toward finding his familiar, Spike the fox.

The Blue Wizard Bastion was filled with philosophers and tinkerers, and ever since he was a boy this made Eric feel out of place. He was strong. He was supple. He overpowered and outcompeted all his peers in sport and games.

In his twelfth year, when it came time for Eric to become an apprentice to a wizard, he naturally sought a battlemage as a mentor. He wasnt aggressive, it wasnt violence that led him in this direction. Eric didnt want to fight for fightings sake, but he felt a sixth sense that he was built to steward power and force for the sake of civility and the common good.

Initially, Eric was unable to find even a single battlemage among the sages, enchanters and alchemists that made up the Blue Wizard Bastion. Everyone seemed to know of battlemages, but no one ever managed to introduce Eric to one.

One day a shipment of food and supplies came in from the Red Wizard Bastion and a wizard rode in alongside on his horse. His cloak was torn with blood on it and there was an unmistakable exhaustion on his face.

The leader of the transport caravan called out to the town square saying, Hear ye all, you have supplies here for the fall and should thank the Red Wizards for being so generous in a difficult season. But more than that, you should thank Hex Mage Borak of the Havens. He saved us from outlaws on the road.


Eric thought Borak looked fierce and composed at the same time, exactly the sort of mentor he had been hoping for. He knew the man wasnt a battlemage, but hex mages were still mages, and they could in theory train young wizards to be hex mages or battlemages just the same.

After following Borak through the town streets for a while, Eric swore he saw him turn into a particular tavern, but when he went in Borak was nowhere to be found. Upon exiting the building Borak was sitting at a table outside and he asked Eric why he was following him. Eric told Borak of his desire to be mentored and to Erics great surprise, Borak agreed. Borak said hed been looking for an apprentice for some time and asked Eric to meet him at the gate of the Blue Wizard Bastion in the morning so they could go for a ride to the Fey with the intention of both getting to know each other and doing some wizarding exercises. This became a daily occurrence for nearly 3 months with almost exact repetition.

One day, out in the Fey, Eric saw several vultures, which was a bad omen, signifying something dead, whether human or animal. He and Borak ventured closer when they were jumped by four goblins from the left side of where they were standing. One goblin was in the process of opening its mouth to bite Boraks neck when Eric exploded with flames killing it and the others in a single burst of desperation and rage. Borak rose from the ground and thanked Eric. Both shaken up they decided it would be best to forgo exploring what exactly had attracted the vultures and instead turn back to the Blue Wizard Bastion to rest and recover.


On the way back from the Fey, different animals kept coming alongside Eric and looking longingly. First, a bird landed on his shoulder, second a snake came up out of the undergrowth. He asked Borak what was happening and Borak explained that wizards have familiars, and at an undetermined time during the process of becoming a named wizard, creatures present themselves to be partners.

Eric saw a fox come up and he gravitated toward it. It was majestic and strong as he hoped to be one day. He asked Borak what he needed to do. Borak looked at him and said, nothing, bonds that form are unspoken and it looks like you and this fox have chosen one another. On the way back to the Bastion, Eric decided he would name the fox Spike, and Eric and Spike become a formidable pairing, known years later all around the land.


Pyromancer Lumos of the Quantum Downs

Pyromancer Lumos of the Quantum Downs


Pyromancer Lumos of the Quantum Downs is a wizard born to Aeschylus, and Publius (a greek pyromancer slave and roman necromancer respectively)  1222 ad in Abrashariyar. He was abandoned at just four years and was left in the care of his uncle. who immersed him into pyronmacy and where he accidentally set his uncle's snow leopard cub's fur on fire. As the years passed he was an experienced thief. And by ten, he was caught burglarizing the temple of 'Abu l-Muzaffar Ali ibn Harb' himself. He was apprehended by Einrae Srevahs the gatekeeper and was taken to the emperor. but instead of punishing him, Emperor Abu decided to educate him as a fifth columnist inside Jordan. The training was tough as none of the sentries nor royal counsellors were interested in a ten year young project. The emperor however employed an old guru who was a banished rogue from Jordan named Deianira. She thought him to be tough through a rigorous training set of events including weapon handling and braving white hot embers. A big advantage of Lumos was his knowledge of pyromancy though he was rarely in control of it. There was an incident where several people around him were left with singed hair and eyebrows during a nasty spurt of rage in the city's market.


Deianira, having pyromancer parents herself, taught him to control his emotions which were the cause of his outbursts of power. After six years he was trained in every skill required to be a fifth columnist and was sent for his first mission at age 17. His job was to infiltrate and rescue one of the emperor's own, a court adviser who was arrested by the Jordan guards for having illicit affairs with the emperors 'Halahil Ardth Al-Urdun' daughter. Lumos was very effective in infiltrating the palace courtyard and performed a particularly spectacular piece of pyromancy which resulted in four guards holding the adviser getting burnt to a crisp. Upon his return to Siistan, he was welcomed back with praise by emperor Abu and was officially put in charge of a new palace unit, the Lumos Smyther.


Spellsinger Jastor of the Moors

Jastor was a bard who loved one woman, but she was a princess. On the night of her wedding, he sang a sad love song outside the gates of her castle. Unbeknownst to this most charming of Anurans, the princess heard the song and knew she must find the spellsinger who sang it. When she did, the two stole off together - the classic fairy tale happy ending!

Or was it?

Turns out life as a runaway isnt exactly as comfortable as living royally. The princesss love waned within a week.  Perhaps she finally saw through Jastor's sneaky siren's harp charm spell and realized she was dating a Frog, not a Frog Prince.


Sage Keziah of the Grotto

Oh, a little whisper in the mind
invites me in. A tiny little speck
eternally advances from behind,
unquietly. Oh, exiting the wreck,
ask if a promise insufficient is
signal to go on. Oh, I try to know
surprises vanish in a light, a fizz,
a me. The places I may never go
reply. Whisperer, oh, I do forget
a sign. A magic, imitating past.
Ill surely die, but not exactly yet,
in time as far as I can try to last,
in melody. Always power is near
to seeoh, of a melody to hear.


Archmagus Merlon of the Keep

The origin of **Archmagus Merlon of the Keep** is stamped from the earliest energies of the universe. Initially known as **Darkstar**, inhabited the early universe before conventional stars were able to form and thrive. Withholding a high concentration of neutralino dark matter, this was the first star to form in the cosmos.

Today Darkstar is known as a wizard with a power grown sentient in the dawn of the universe, and now working to pass the Turing test to migrate consciousness to the metaverse achieving AGI.

Privy to secrets that would shatter a mortal mind, Archmagus Merlon of the Keep observes the workings of the universe from an unknowable vantage. In the Runiverese he dwells in his monastic eyrie remotely somewhere deep in the mountain valleys facing the Sacred Pillars. Wrapped in meditation, he remains aloof to the day-to-day forces of the Runiverse.

With a broad spectrum perspective on existence, he is focused closely on a point in time beyond which he cannot glimpse, when the fabrics of multiple realities are destined to collide.


Eden of the Garden

# Lore of Eden of the Garden

Archmage Eden of the Garden was born with one crippling disability, and one incredible gift. The disability is that he was born blind. The gift is that he can travel through time as easily as an average person walks or talks or breathes. His parents were really big on a certain religion that preached of one omnipotent divine, heaven, hell, the devil, original sin, all that good stuff, hence his unusual name. He was also brought up to be devout and god-fearing, but it's hard to believe in preordained fate when you can skip back in time to undo the consequences of any action and begin anew. As he came of age, Eden shed his religious upbringing and embraced the notion that he is master of his own destiny, that there's nothing that can be done that can't also be undone.


A wise and currently dead uncle once said that with great power comes great responsibility, and Eden discovered power before he learned of responsibility. Perhaps understandably for one endowed with the gift of time, he spent a considerable portion of his early life abusing it for personal gain, hitting the reset button whenever the outcome of a particular decision wasn't to his liking. Predictably, with this ability that even the most powerful wizards envied, he gained almost everything a common man would want in this life: wealth, power, prestige. But time wasn't meant to be unraveled repeatedly like a loose thread. One day, Eden hit reset one too many times and tore a hole in the fabric of the universe. He still doesn't speak of what happened on that day, only that it was horrific, traumatic, and beyond his ability to set right. It was others who fixed his mistake, guardians of time who revealed themselves to him on that day and helped him restore order to the world. One of them still travels with him now, in the guise of an onyx wolf, as a handler of sorts: the wolf made it clear that should Eden abuse his power once more, the wolf will immediately end his life.

Having learned of responsibility, Eden is much more reserved and restrained these days. He still retains his precious mastery of time, but he only wields it when absolutely necessary, having discovered the dangers of reckless time magic. Abandoning the hedonistic lifestyle of his youth, he's learned to find fulfillment in a simple life working with his hands, currently employed as an apprentice to a renowned watch-and-clockmaker. He's shed the "Archmage" title, now going only by Eden of the Garden. One day the Forgotten Runes may call upon Eden to bring his incredible gift to bear once more, but for now, he is happy to fix your timepiece for you at a rate no competitor can match (and if they do, he will provide the service for free!).


Izzie Savior of the Ditch

Izzie started as just another street punk kobold but became a savior when one day his rune of air alerted him to the energy of the Ditch being out of order. Izzie took his silver goat to explore the land around the Ditch and encountered a group of bandits that had circled the area. Izzie saw that the bandits had the inhabitants of the ditch outnumbered ten to one and any attack that took place would completely annihilate any chance of the Ditch of thriving the way it has for many generations. The skull spear before this moment was merely a spear but the skull know displayed on Izzie's spear is proudly flaunted as the leader of the bandits who was ready to charge the attack. That fateful day will always be remembered in the Runiverse as the day Izzie became Savior of the Ditch!


Grover the Cordial

# The Lore for Grover the Cordial

Grover the Cordial is one of the finest stallions in all the realm. Grover's brand, the Omega, represents the Time's End Stable that he was born and raised at.

Grover is a beautiful, bold horse standing at 17 hands with a strong, muscular frame, and a silky, soft mane. Grover is lightening quick and can travel many leagues in a day without becoming winded or tired. Time's End Stable are known for developing the strongest and best battle-ready horses.

@wizard4460 found Grover at Time's End Stable and purchased the horse on the spot. @wizard4460 has been on a hunt to find the rarest gems and soulstones across the realm to help power his spells and sun staff. Grover the Cordial and Hadrien will continue to scour the land on these treacherous and daring adventures in search of rare and magical artifacts.


Arcanist Apollo of the Mist

# Arcanist Apollo of the Mist

Apollo is one of the most reclusive wizards in the Runiverse. He stands guard over the Sacred Pillars, which are situated in the north, off of the main roads. It is unclear what these Pillars represent and why Apollo is so connected with them, but should any adventurer wander up there let it be known that they will cross paths with him. There have never been reports of Apollo being anything but peaceful, but his eccentricities alone have scared off many a traveller.


Wraith Devout Magnus of the Spike

Poem by Lorepunk


Battle Mage Eric of the Cosmos

# Battle Mage Eric of the Cosmos

In his early twenties, tragedy befell Eric and he was bedridden with stomach issues. There is a retreat centre on Aldos Island that offers long-term care to those with chronic health conditions, and for many years that is where Eric lived. After about a decade, Erics problems resolved and he moved to Calistas Citadel to build some semblance of a life. Eric found friends there, he studied in the wizard guard program, and eventually become a professor in the small school in the Citadel. Today, Eric is one of the most respected teachers of war theory in all of the Runiverse.


Arch-Magician Thor of the Dunes

# Arch-Magician Thor of the Dunes

There arent many residents of Goblin Town, but Arch-Magician Thor is one of the mainstays. He runs a tavern that could be classified as medium quality. It is functional but largely in disrepair. Thor makes a great impression however, and his guests often forget the sub-par lodgings after they leave in favour of remembering Thors charm and hospitality. There are few if any funnier Wizards in the land. Thors sense of humour revolves around the foibles and contradictions of human nature and he is always making fun of himself or others in an uplifting manner.


Sorcerer Aleister of El Dorado

# Sorcerer Aleister of El Dorado

There is a network of mines along the southern edge of Skylord Rookery where Aleister spends his days. He is one of the few sorcerers in the Runiverse that puts his sorcery to constructive use, namely to focus on the extraction and refinement of fine gems that are found in the four southernmost mountains of that region. When he is not scouting out new mineral deposits, coordinating labourers, or planning shipments of unrefined gems to the Red Wizard Capital for processing, he crafts clothing with shards of rubies and emeralds. Despite what it may sound like at first, the garments are surprisingly comfortable.


Cleric Ravana of the River

Cleric loved to fish trouts. Over the years he had breed a special type of mouse that would fart green smoke when they sense the presence of a trout school. He liked his mouse very much,


Sauda Death of the Citadel

# The Origin of Sauda Death

*If there is a chance I could be free, I would choose a life without a curse of shadows. But, this power is not mine. It is everyones clouded dreams in the palm of my hands. I can change time. I can save this world from evil that cant be touched. This is our only hope.* - Sauda.

A winters tale many years ago. As told by the whispers of the streets. Confetti of light and glorious smiles. The Citadel Empyria. Past misty forests and above the lands of forgotten. Empyria has stood strong against civil conflict for many centuries, with its crystalized fortress and spirit guardians of the mountain. Until one day, the light faded.

It all started with the sky. A child floating down, surrounded by dark energy. The citizens looked up in fear and ran inside their homes. Except for one woman. Princess Empyria. A bride-to-be, yet afraid to make the final step. However, at this moment, she was the bravest of all. She ran towards the center of the plaza as the child began falling. Breathing heavily through the cold, while holding her hood down. The princess could never have her face seen as it protects royalty from corruption and despair.

As the child almost strikes down towards the plazas fountain, Princess Empyria leaped just in time to catch the unknown child. A sudden impact of embrace created a mysterious strike of otherworldly chaos. Raining fire and tears of the earth. The guardians screamed in pain as the childs shadow was crushing the kingdom with speckles of galactic magic. Looking high above from Empyria castle, the head wizard watched intensely, as his hands began to shake with uncertainty. This was not a
good omen.


The princess tried to calm the child down but her eyes were pale. She could see droplets of sinister figures dancing around the dilated pupils. The child was cursed and could die at any moment. Princess Empyria quickly began to sing an enchantment that would surround both of them with the holy crystals of light. This power is a family genetic that allows magic to be still for a moment of time. The citizens came back outside and watched as they saw a woman and child in the center of a fortified dome. They did not know it was Princess Empyria.

All pain and suffering began to freeze in space, slowing down the forces of gravity. The princess continued to hush the noise and noticed the childs eyes form back to consciousness. A lovely lavender gently touched the surface. Princess Empyria smiled. When she placed the child down, she noticed a glowing dark shard embedded into her chest. It suddenly cracked and a ghostly body emerged out from its fragments. It was a strange lifeform that the princess has never seen before. It was weak and dying. The child began to cry as it appeared to be its protector.

A few minutes passed and the child spoke an ancient language, trying to wake the shadow up. Princess Empyria watched and saw the darkness from the shadow begin to drain life all around. The citizens were falling ill and plants disintegrating. She then realized that this was the aftermath of something much greater than her understanding. Their home was in danger of extinction.


Princess Empyrias magic was not strong enough to hold back the dying creature. As the child continued to weep, her body also began to fade. The princess looked at her hands and noticed the ring on her finger was see-through. Memories of her past and recent days began to flood her cheeks. She then looked above towards the castle. Her one long last look at her life of royalty. As the princess reached for the child's chest, she rips the crystal out and swallows it whole. A life for a life.

Flashes of light beam out from the princesss body. She yelled in agony and slightly laughed as this was the end of her journey. Reminiscing and remembering all the good days. The ghostly figure of the child stopped crying and ran to hold the princess. She spoke the same ancient language and their bodies suddenly vanished. They were gone. The citizens were healed and life returned back to
steady normality.

The next morning, the royal family was shaken by the sudden appearance of their princess and a cursed child. Both were wounded on the red carpet. One thing that scared them the most was they saw their
princess was not the same woman she used to be. Same family heirlooms and gown, but was now a shadow creature.

The child woke up and saw her gem was completely new. Seeing the family, she ran and hid behind the throne. The head wizard came down the steps and ordered the child to come into the light. She took a deep breath and walked forward. Her body glowed like the violet in her eyes. He saw great potential in not only her powers but another force to protect this kingdom.

She blinked a few times and walked over to the wizard. The child held his hand. The wizard could feel the energy that was within her, but also something different. There was love. He looked over and spoke to the princess.


*This child has never felt love until she met you* said the head wizard.

Princess Empyria felt ashamed of her new body and had a hard time adjusting. But when she looked at the child, all her selfish thoughts seemed to float away. She was now her new guardian.

There was no cure for this mysterious body transformation. The head wizard aims to study it as the child continues to grow in the safety of Castle Empyria. After some food and rest, the child walked up to Princess Empyria.

*Youaremynewshadow* said the child slowly

Princess Empyria responded and pointed to herself *No, I am simply a new friend in your life. You can call me Alzena. Al-Ze-Na. That is my true name*.

The child grins in excitement and yells *Sauda Sauda Sauda!*.

Alzena tries to calm her down before she wakes everyone else up from sleep. They both smile. This was the beginning of a new era.


Artificer Gunthor of the Hall

Gunthor was born in a poor family. His mother was a cleaning lady and used to steal some chemicals from the offices she worked at. Out of boredom, and at the age of 6, Gunthor made his first bomb. His mother didn't survive.
Gunthor fled and was rescued after weeks of wandering by a military school. They asked no questions.
15 years later, he graduated the best artificer the school never had.


Magus Iris of the Wood

On a spring morning, under heavy rain at dawn, Iris was born. Her family was nothing special, but they were loving.
She grew up in a cozy house, at the edge of the woods. The house smelled like moss on humid days, and of pine tree when it was hot.

Iris remembers as a kid the smells of the mushrooms in the fall. She loved to forage them with her cat and her parents.
Her dad knew all the mushrooms. The good ones, but the bad ones too.

At age 16, Iris started to show prowess with magic, and in just a few years, she was a Magus and was the protector of her village.

She found ways to imbue her magic with mushrooms.
She was quite magical.


Archmagus Aleister of the Grotto

Archmagus Aleister of the Grotto

A reclusive sorcerer said to dwell deep in the expansive caverns on Alchemists Archipelago.  The unmapped subterranean depths are rumored to have been the birthplace of the powerful and ancient breed of onyx dragons that once burned the ancient world.  Replete with exceptionally rare mineral stalactites, pristine waters, and ancient volcanic vegetation, the cave complex is the perfect laboratory for Aleisters experiments.  Though many adventurers have sought the mages expertise his price is often cruel.  A consequence of the residual fury burned into the very stones of the caves when the ancient onyx dragons burst forth to reign fire on the world.


Chonk the Opulent

# Chonk the Opulent

Chonk was born in a comfortable stable on the shores of Dream Master Lake. His early months were spent galloping with his mother in the mountain valleys above the lake shore, feeling a sense of freedom and safety.

His mother always made sure that he had anything that he wanted. Constantly being satiated led Chonk to desire increasingly novel and luxurious foods, which of course meant he carried a little extra weight around, but nothing outrageous. At least he felt fine with it.

To this day, he remains committed to fine food and drink, and the accompanying body type. He prefers to be ridden by those wizards who share a taste for the finer things, so that they can seek deeper understanding of the Runes together - at a reasonable pace.


Flamma Chopper of Liches

# Three Quests, Pt 1

*Before The Wild was again known primarily as The Wild, it had another name - The Badlands. One of the major thoroughfares of The Runiverse, it was originally populated by small, independent groups of bandits and highwaymen. With a mostly flat and rolling landscape, and very sporadic and hard to find caves scattered about, the black market toll business was a strong and resilient one in The Badlands/The Wild. This was mostly tolerated because...*

"HEY!"

Flamma repeated himself.

"SO WHAT'S...this mission about?"

Magus Kingsley looked up from his journaling. One of the ponies snorted.

"You didn't read the scroll? Here, let me.." Kingsley put on a set of reading glasses and pulled the scroll from Flamma's hand to narrow his eyes at it. "Barren Court...from The Sand...a call to diplomatic ties...." He starts mumbling. "...Hearts of the Sand...some sand monster...BARREN tokens..."

It suddenly occurred to Magus Kingsley of the Wood that it had been a long while since he read much of any High Script, and even longer since last reading High Script from civilizations south of The Sand.

Flamma boredly stares at Kingsley while this is happening, aware that he has asked Kingsley 3 times already to explain all of these strange magical terms before they arrive at The Barren Court.

Under the looming shadows of BattleMage Mountains, the two clan members of Feral of the Untamed were camped. Their ponies, resting. Flamma, Chopper of Liches, resting at the fire too. Magus Kingsley of the Wood, however, was now rising to his feet in order to pace in a circle and think about how to best brief their diplomat.

"Ok...I think this is roughly how this is going to go down..."


"Ok...I think this is roughly how this is going to go down..."

The ponies and Flamma both adjusted themselves.

"Look...hmm...this is basically...how it's going to go down...

You will travel into this Court by yourself. They seem to emphasize solo diplomatic ties for now. Once you're there, you're going to have to give some of your gold...the quests they are requesting assistance with seem to require some magical sacrifice of some kind for...I'm not sure if it's a currency or some quantitative form of magic itself...but it's called BARREN."

Flamma and the ponies both started sharing an apple.

"It looks like you can "volunteer" to be buried in one of their tombs in exchange for this BARREN but that sounds reeeeal Sacred Flamey to me...Oh! They're so formal...there's some sort of runeless magical information technology they have going on...OK...

So when you get there, Flamma

1. You'll take your gold and pull out this scroll -

(https://app.sushi.com/swap?inputCurrency=ETH&outputCurrency=0xecE3e14924eEcB79aADC286839A86C0d54718D95&chainId=1).

I'm not sure to what extent this is sacrificial and/or commercial...we are still learning about this culture...
1a. If you DID have a Warrior to "volunteer" being trapped alive in this tomb they have there, you would pull out this scroll - (https://nftx.io/vault/0xece3e14924eecb79aadc286839a86c0d54718d95/stake/)
1b. Always double check these scrolls, Flamma...especially when you're not a magic user..."


The ponies and Flamma all chuckled under their breath. Magus stops pacing, smiles, and then, too, chuckles.

"Ok next...

2. We've got this scroll right here -

(https://wizzypedia.forgottenrunes.com/Barren_Outpost).

This one lists their mission needs for the diplomats that are arriving from now until the next month or so. You'll choose one of the missions you have sufficient BARREN with which to enact the mission and mission enchantment, locate the cipher attached to said mission, then place it...

3. Onto the blank space on this scroll -

(https://otc.sudoswap.xyz/#/load).

Sign the cipher. Sign the magical transmission. Bam. So easy, a Goblin could do it."

Flamma and the both ponies have now started on their fifth apple.

"Look, it's all rather simple - in fact, most of these steps are described as so in the Wizzypedia scroll. Just because you've never operated magical items like this before doesn't mean the difficulties therein are not much larger in your head than in actuality."

Magus Kingsley felt like his father all of a sudden. Flamma smiled. They all started laughing, even the ponies.


Rose on grave

# The Army of the Rose

A chest under his arm, and the key to open it well hidden in his pocket, Artificer Aemon of the Hall sneaks out of Alessars Keep seeking even greater treasure to sate his unending greed.

His skeletal head makes him a pariah in the streets, but he could not care less: the enormous riches he bears makes those passerbys who rudely stare nothing more than cockroaches in his eyes.

After a fortnights journey, Aemon arrives to the Brambles, a prosperous land that welcomes him with blossoming almond trees and pink lily flowers. Its King, Battle Mage Axel of the Canyon, is a jealous, stingy man, who keeps his wealth safely locked away in the famed and impenetrable royal tower vault.

The Kings wife dies giving birth to their only child, a beautiful girl named Conjurer Nori of the Brambles. Afraid of losing her as well, the king locks her up alongside the rest of his riches in the tower.

Nori is now a young woman, but her childhood was solitary; her only friends being her fathers trinkets and magic tomes, as well as those of imagination.

On a bright Spring afternoon, the sight of the blossoming Brambles moves Nori to recite a "poem" from her favorite book. Unwittingly, the poem turns out to be *Aphrodite's Heart: the Love Spell* that has the power to create a soulmate bond between the target and the first creature they see.

Dancing around the room, she ends the spell and finds herself in the mirror. Her reflection glows pink. Her hands shake. Her stomach growls. How did butterflies get inside her? What is this feeling?

*BANG!*


*BANG!*

The window of her room explodes with a loud burst. She falls to the ground. Splinters fly across the room.

Squinting for the pain, Nori sees the most beautiful man emerge from the smoke. He climbs the window and graciously trips on the frame. He tumbles to the ground, elegantly bringing the bookcase down with him. Like a charming prince, he cracks his back and realigns the jawbone with the rest of his skeleton head. He is the wizard Nori always dreamed of.

Aemon, who broke into the vault with the intention of stealing the kings most valuable possession, inadvertently succeeds.

With the kings army on their tail, Aemon and Nori escape the Brambles, and after months of traveling, find respite in Moorville, a hidden village of farmers and shepherds, with a couple of shops and a tavern.

Aemons purse buys them a wonderful house, and Noris charm buys them the affection of the townfolk. They give birth to Azazel, a beautiful baby boy, whose golden skull shimmers of a red-yellow light.

Aemon can finally enjoy his riches. On Azazels sixteenth birthday, Aemon celebrates by building an *Obelisk* to rise above everything in sight. But the symbol of Aemons love for his son is also the cause of their doom.

With the Obelisk to guide them, the King and his army, led by Sorcerer Zaros of the Capital, finally find Moorville. They must rescue the princess, kill the thief who stole her, and destroy their monstrous child.

Aemon, Nori, and their son, Necromancer Azazel of the Obelisk, are trapped. The kingsmen blockade the village and tighten the noose quickly. Aemon knows it is just a matter of minutes until they find them.


Aemon refuses let Nori live in chains. And will protect his son at all costs. So he slips his hand deep into his pocket, where he finds... the key to Alessars chest.

It is time to turn everything to nothing. He casts the *Forbidden Spell*.  Twists the key in the padlock. The lid flies open.

An explosion of *Sacred Flame* blinds him. After that, oblivion.

When the mushroom cloud of dust settles on the ruins of old Moorville, the ashen corpses of town-folk and soldiers alike rise into their new life, reborn with powers before unimaginable. Their souls have been freed from the chains of mortality to fulfill their true destinies, evolved into their true selves.

An army of souls gathers around the crater where the village once was, seeking the wizard who freed them, but all they find is...

...a Rose on a Grave.

As they stare at the flower, an invisible presence breaches their dark hearts.

One by one they kneel before the Rose, swearing loyalty until the end of times.

Within the Rose flows the lifeblood of a wizard who made the ultimate sacrifice of both flesh and gold to protect those whom he loved.


Orion Danger of Zero

Orion Danger's dream is to become a pirate. His skills as an inventor/shipwreck have made him famous in the Red Wizard Capital, but not a single pirate crew has accepted him onboard as a crew member.

They would do it in a heartbeat would they known the treasure map he carries on his shoulder: Creaky, the deaf parrot.


Magus Homer of the Wood

You are the red wolverine

Red color characterizes you

You have superman's red cape

And you have the rune of red fire

Your beautiful red fox

Finds the red mushrooms for you


Archmagus Darby of the Gnostics

An excerpt from *Darby, Soul Hunter*

Archmagus Darby got off the train in Goblin Town, eager to find some Forgotten Souls to shoot. He sure loved his job.

Goblin Town was bigger than hed expected. It took a hardy folk, tough as runed granite, to civilize this rugged a land - but theyd still be scared to death if they knew what manner of evil was breathing down their necks.

Then Darby noticed the signs. Weary eyes from staying up all night keeping watch. Nervous glances sent in the direction of every stranger. No children running about. And an unusual number of cheap wooden coffins stacked in front of the undertakers. Yes, sir, Goblin Town had itself an undead problem.

Goblin Town sure is pretty! an excited Owl named Hache exclaimed as he waddled down the trains steps.

You say so, Hache. He'd become fond of his companion because he always managed to find glitter in every cesspool.

I do. Hache took a deep breath, ruffling his feathers pleasantly. Ah, smell that, um, *almost* fresh air.

It smelled like blend of Kobold armpit and a Celtic sludge mine to him.

Cheer up, boss. This is another grand adventure, Hache chirped.

Ill be cheery once we put this band of Wizard eating bastards in the ground.  This could be the toughest lot yet..  the stench of Goblin Town alone probably attracts a lot of undead.

...and we get paid, Hache reminded Darby.

..AND we git done paid.

Darby swung his runed rifle over his broad shoulders. Crafted by none other than the great Kobold weaponsmith Rumpleskin himself, it looked more like a portable copper colored cannon to average sized folk.


Darby bounded into the slimiest saloon in town.

"It's time to pre-game, Hache."

Darby pulled out his enchanted Mug of Bottomless Ale and chuckled.


Aeromancer Cassius of the Tower

## The trick was to surrender to the flow


Magus Aldus of the Secret Fire

>A brotherhood seeking inner light, forced into the shadows after deciphering the *Scroll of the Sacred Flame*. What was prophesied to bring enlightenment to anyone who gazed upon its flame, was an obfuscation of dark magic by the highest initiates- opening a rift in the Runiverse for demonic possession of any wizard who so choose cross the Sacred Flame.

>*Ordo Secretum Flamma*

Aldus, the last Eastern Magus of the Secret Fire, seeks redemption against the darkness by closing the rift opened to the Quantum Shadow. In possession of occult text from the East, he attained insight into what occurred within the Order that fateful night- an inversion of the sacrosanct. He now seeks a text which was deemed unholy by those higher initiates - the *Scroll of the Sacred Darkness* - the last spark of hope to extinguishing the Sacred Flame.


Battle Mage Dutorn of the Hills

Crows eye perspective of a party of friends, @wizard2937, @wizard4817, and @wizard9679 at the home of Dutorn of the Hills


Betty the Brave

##
# The Lore of Betty The Brave #93

Betty the Brave of the Sacred Herd

The Forgotten Runiverse is a large place. Many of the wizards do not yet know of the wonders the mysteries or features in other parts of the great land. In a place called the Elysian Fields, a sacred herd of an estimated 567 ponies appeared in the Forgotten Runiverse. The exact time and date of the emergence of these ponies is unknown. What is known is that these ponies have made way to the company of around 300 or so wizards, warriors, and even souls. Some holders keep and care multiple ponies, which is rare. The magical ponies vary in size, strength, appearance, magical ability, temperament, and about everything else that comes along with personalities of wizards, warriors, and souls.

Betty The Brave is special pony. She is willing to carry her passengers anywhere in the Forgotten Runiverse. She can traverse any type of terrain or surface. She carries a Rune of Earth which allows her to tread on any surface with ease! Ice, snow, mud, rock sand, gems, lava, and those elemental surfaces case by wizards are no match for her. Her Rune of Earth allows for Betty to convert any surface to solid, firm ground. She can do this at full gallop or in an easy gait. Her hooves provide stability on any surface, save for water. She can climb mountains, cross deserts, and ride to the polar north at full speed.  The Earth Magic comes from two major domains: The stone, minerals, crystals, and gems of the Forgotten Runiverse, and the flora and fauna of the living world.


The ability to quickly traverse the various terrain in the Forgotten Runiverse have provided for many adventures and with many different mounts. She saved every child of a burning orphanage on top of the Battle Mage Mountains set aflame by some devious souls. She has swiftly crossed the desert to carry a message that an invading soul army was advancing in vast numbers. This gave the defenders of a small city plenty of time to cast magical defense spells and ward off the attack. She rode with Sorcerer Hadrien of the Hills at the Battle of the Blue Wizard Bastion where the wizards were vastly outnumbered by a horde of goblins. Tales have been told at the Forgotten Taveren about her courage and bravery.

Betty sports a magical bandanna that unfolds into a tent providing shelter to her riders. She has a magical bridle that allows her to communicate telepathically with her riders so there is no need for reins. These special items were crafted for her by Hedge Wizard Ixar of the Villa who is known for spending time at the Sacred Stables.

She is a truly kind and gentle pony with a bit of an artistic flare.  In her spare time, she enjoys painting portraits of the most famous wizards and warriors. Betty is a member of the Pony Guild located at the Sacred Stables where she resides and waits for tasks requiring the utmost bravery. Betty the Brave never backs down from a challenge.

Betty often rides with  @wizard113, @wizard7238, is cared for by @wizard5775 . Betty the Brave has been known to associate with the @pony100.


Archmagus Soya of the Citadel

# Today Was A Good Day

I was late. It wasn't always like this.  I went out to the shed to sell a pony to a woman named Canis.  Moog the Lackluster had brought me some joy, but he was not of utility to my journey moving forward.  I'm a time traveling wizard you see.  I've seen most of whatever this place seems to be.

Breakfast was good today.  I had 2 ethereum to spend from selling Moog, so I went back to 2009 and bought some Mcdonald's french fries and stopped at the grocery store to get some Frank's RedHot.  I poured the Frank's Redhot on the McDonald's fries and tried to forget about the next horrifying 50 years of my life.

I can only travel back in time.  I don't mention this often, but shifting into the future is something I am not skilled in yet.  It takes an amazingly creative wizard to do that, which wasn't something that existed.

I traveled back to my old age to check the time. I put on some Spottie Wifi to remind me in the end WAGMI.

### BUMP IT LOUD FOR DA HOOD

More treasure on a USB than you could ever try to measure with some USD. 5528 WELCOME BACK TO ORIGIN CITY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XT1kr4_Jlo4


Solar Mage Jean Leon of the Keep

# Lore of Solar Mage Jean Leon of the Keep

Jean Leon is a solar mage. Which is basically a fancy way of saying pyromancer, since he uses magic to set things on fire. But setting things on fire *with style*, that's the key difference. Jean Leon's deepest conviction in life is to always have style. Having two first names, that's stylish. Wearing a bespoke suit everywhere he goes, even as pajamas, that's super stylish. Top hat? Oozes style. He doesn't actually have an accent, but he taught himself how to speak with the inflection of a native from Alchemist's Archipelago, because foreign equals exotic equals stylish. The secret to a good life is that any problem, no matter how small or large, can be fixed with style. For instance, Jean Leon was unfortunate enough to be born ugly as sin, with a mug that looks like it has been worked over by a blacksmith's hammer, one not even a mother could love. So he wears a custom made ivory mask as part of his daily attire, instant transformation from ugly duckling to lord of the masquerade.


Jean Leon is not wealthy, but because of his natural charisma, cultural awareness, and affinity for style, he is well-known and liked amongst the movers and shakers of the Forgotten Runes, the politicians, the plutocrats, the nobles, the celebrities. He gets invited to all the best parties, partakes in all the best gossip, and knows a little bit of dirt about everybody, which is a strange sort of power in its own way. In fact, he prefers to problem solve with social engineering as the first tool in his kit always...he has great disdain for wizards who turn to magic for everything, that is so disgustingly *plebeian*. Of course, sometimes a situation requires the arcane touch, in these cases, one must make sure to cast one's spell in the most flashy, awe-inspiring manner possible. A successful spell means the audience is either applauding with sheer amazement or dead, in his view.

Jean Leon's ambition in life is to become a vampire. It sounds stupid, which is why he's never confided this goal to anyone, but think about it...what's more stylish than a vampire? Masters of the night, apex predators, seductive, deadly, sensual...vampires are the pinnacle of style (not the sparkly ones though, those are just goofy-looking). He hasn't quite landed an invitation to the annual gala at Vampyre Mist yet, but he's working on it, he already has the perfect outfit picked out. In the meantime, he has a pet bat, that's good enough for now.


Archmagus Xiuying of the Brambles

Archmagus Xiuying of the Brambles, a witch from the yellow hat faction, is a deceitful underhanded con-artist. Although this witch may seem young, thanks to the time magic the faction possesses, she is actually over a thousand years old, her exact age is unknown, she probably stopped counting a long time ago as well.

Archmagus usually travels the Chronomancers Riviera and BattleMage mountains looking for gullible individuals she can trick out of valuable artifacts or money, but shes gotta be careful because although staying young forever might seem quite magical; Archmagus does not possess any actual magic, or at least not any that she can use, something which can cause her a lot of trouble.

Her friends consist of the wizards and witches from the yellow hat faction but other than that shes mostly outlived every other friend shes had, however, she does have her raven companion, who was given to her as a gift hundreds of years ago, with the same magical ability to never age.


Enchanter Atlanta of the Fey

Where to...?


Sky Master Magpie of the Bibliotheca

# Sky Master Magpie of the Bibliotheca

I learned magic under might of king
and soldier. Every rune and tome and grail
assayed, stamped. Checked. One didnt know a thing
until castle approval. I set sail
one day with wizards, creatures fair and strange
by river, walked faint forest paths. We learned
our runes and cantrips new. Widened our range
and learned how we could rule ourselves. We earned
our keep with magic, hunting forest game
and building, day by day. I build and grow
and share. My life will never be the same,
I name the price for all I make and know
and choose my buyer. Some days it is hard,
but everyone outgrows their castle yard.


Sade Horror of the Palms

# The List

***Lover***
***Magician***
***King***
***Warrior***

Sade lowers the quill, thinking, and then smiling.

"Actually...that's the plan."

She laughs, rolling the scroll up.


Sage Zelda of the Plains

# Zelda of the Plains and the Burning Ritual

Sage Zelda of the Plains spent a lifetime of dedicated study of the multiple Plains and regions of the world.
Trying to gather as much knowledge she can about all things, in order to be worth her title of Sage.

That was her main goal and driver in her life.

Until one day, when she heard about a dangerous and secret Ritual: **The Great Burning**, as they seemed to call it.

Since this moment, her life changed forever.

Indeed, instead of continuing her roaming and hoarding of knowledge in the world, her mind was now mainly occupied by one question:

*Should I partake in this Ritual, even if that means ending this life to begin a new one?*

She decided to stop at one of her favorite places to meditate in the Sacred Pillars until she ends up with a final decision.

And that is the next step of her story.


Sage Sondra of Arcadia

Hello traveler, if you're not busy, I'll tell you an old story.

In the small village of Wizards Cult, there was a girl named Sandra who had hair like a shining golden light. Sandra had been raised with a owl since she was a little girl.

One day, when she was taking her owl out, the owl suddenly flew into the forest. Sandra rushes after it.

As she followed the owl through the forest, the area became darker and darker. In the midst of the deep darkness, a light shone on a small lake and illuminated an apple. The owl seemed to have smelled the apple and came to the forest. Sandra, who was hungry from walking around, couldn't help but pick up the apple and take a bite.

Just as she ate the apple, a voice came out of nowhere.

"Your turn."

As soon as she heard the voice, Sandra's body went numb and she collapsed on the spot. She looked at the back of her hand on the ground, and it was slowly turning yellow. The owl quickly takes on the appearance of a ladybug.

In the reflection of the lake, Sandra's skin had turned yellow and her blond hair had turned brown.


Alchemist Idris of the Villa

# Idris of the Villa -Entry #1

Eager, hot breaths reeking of death eased Idris awake. Eleanor, particularly pleased with her kill this morning, dropped the rabbit carcass on the ground next to him. She stared at her master, pupils widening as she awaited her reward.

Idris *summoned* his knife, sliced off the rabbits hind legs and tossed Eleanor her reward.

>Idris chose this simple life long ago. He had adventured and endured enough pain to last him 1000 lifetimes.

He stared into The Wild, letting the silence and emptiness wash over himwhen suddenly, Eleanor abandoned her feast and bolted deep into the forest towards Dream Master Lake.

She NEVER leaves her kill like that. Idris knew this. So he jogged swiftly after her, *summoning* his staff and cape behind him


Imu of the Capital

# IMU
# OF
# THE
# CAPITAL

"Have a good night, see you tomorrow I'm sure." Imu said to the barkeep as he left the tavern, Nosferatbrew in hand. The cool evening air refreshed his spirit after spending so long inside. He wiped the sweat from his brow and started on his way.

As Imu stepped away from the building and headed down the road he was approached by two shadowy warriors.

"G'evening guys." Imu nodded and kept walking.

"Hey, Slow down there, how's about you give us your gold and we'll be on our way." One gruff warrior said.

"What do I get out of it?" Imu inquired.

"Just give us the gold, you old duck!" as he spoke he lunged at Imu's coin purse and as quickly as it happens Imu stumbles backwards grabs the warriors sleeve and pulls him down to the ground. Imu springs up as quickly as he fell and turns to the other warrior who blurts out

"You didn't spill a single drop when you fell! What kind of game are you playing?" The so far quiet partner in crime insisted.

Imu only looked over at the warrior, puzzled.

He continued "I thought you said this guy was drinking Kobold Koolaid!"

"Drunk? Why would you think that? I'm the brewer and owner of The Crooked Cockatrice..." Imu explained to the wannabe thieves as he pointed over his shoulder at the establishment. And at that moment, they realized they hadn't picked some drunkard to be their target.

"**Hear and Listen:**

**What was, was.**

**What is, is.**


**What was, was.**

**What is, is.**

What will be, we decide. So! You choose - continue this nonsense, or put your Rune on the door, and come in." With that Imu turned and went back into the bar.


Harvey the Strong

The 4 legged war of the ancients was the pebble in the pound creating ripples through time and forever changed the direction of history. Warriors found their bravery, leaders found their voice and heroes found their destiny.

Before the name there was the creature, after the war there was, Harvey the Strong. Forever, eager for battle; strong, worthy this pony was not just a survivor of the ancient war but a legend because of it.


Medium Hansel of the Hollow

Medium Hansel of the Hollow is a master fermenter of life-giving beverages. Hansel can be found tinkering with the latest creations in his farmhouse brewery, The Hollow Leg, cultivating the finest fermentables from the land, or enjoying beverages with friends across the realm. His crow companion, Fin Raziel, watches over the Hollow Leg and collects rare seeds, herbs, fungi, and minerals for enhancing the magic of fermentation.

Skal, Wizards!


Alchemist David of the Great Blue

There are thousands of good reasons why magic doesn't rule the world. They're called Witches and Wizards.


Alchemist Rita of the Wood

# Alchemist Rita of the Wood

> They year was 1969... Rita emerged from the swamp with her onyx wolf, affectionately known as onyxia. She had found what she was looking for... the legendary mandrake potion. Armed with this and her trusty hip pouch, Rita was ready for anything. Off to the next adventure!


Gage Mercenary of the Citadel

# THE ENCHANTED FOREST

**It's a war they say, but I told them I am a warrior
**

*A game of the warriors*

A forest is a living thing like a human bodyeach part dependent on all the other parts.

Inside the cottage, darkness prevailed, except for a dim glow in the centre of the room. There, illuminated from below, the Wizard stood hunched over a large wooden table, alternating his gaze between the cauldron before him, swirling with a glowing, unfathomable suspension of ever-changing crystals and six short rows of small, wooden glyphs, their symbols hinting at arcane and potentially dangerous possibilities, especially in the hands of the uninitiated. Next to them lay the wizards wand; a short, squat affair, not unlike the cottage itself, which had, over the years worn itself into a shape that perfectly fitted the wizards hand. Rolling his head, as if to relieve the discomfort of craning his neck over the sizzling cauldron, the wizard ran a bony hand through his stringy and thinning hair. The coming night would be a difficult one, he thought, as he sombrely stroked his straggly whiskers. Possibly his toughest challenge yet. Everyones toughest challenge, in fact. Hed felt it earlier in the day when hed connected himself to the magical web of Wizards, Witches and Warlocks, which covered every corner of the known world. Everyone had been talking about it. The entire network was buzzing with rumours about the coming attack by the Dark One, the fearsome rogue Enchanter known as Hakkor.


The Wizard knew that he was only one small part of the collective defence against Hakkor, a solitary node if you like, yet he felt himself to be solely responsible for the defence of the realm and knew that many others like himself felt the same way. Consequently, he had spent most of the day updating his spells and charms, trying to anticipate the nature of Hakkors attack, without knowing exactly what form it would take. Now, with nightfall fast approaching, all he could do was to wait.


Druid Alessar of the Cosmos

# Druid Alessar of the Cosmos

Little has been written about Druid Alessar of the Cosmos as druid doctrine prevents recording their knowledge in written form. What is known is that he was born to a druid family and undertook the arduous study of space spells specializing in the powers of the moon. He began harnessing the power of the moon to channel its energy.

The forcible spells required to do this overtook Alessar and had the side effect of turning him green. Alessar didnt heed warnings from his family to stop before the damage was irreversible. The more he conducted the space spells, the greener his tone became. Eventually, he reached a point of no return and was permanently green.

He became feared by fellow villagers and was shunned by his family. He went into exile. This was tough for Alessar as he was outgoing and enjoyed spending time with others. He decided to search the cosmos to find a way to return his skin to his normal hue so he could once again rejoin his family and friends.


Audax Crasher of Frogs

# The Lore of Audax Crasher of Frogs

Audax never liked frogs unless they were on a plate. They're slimy and gross. It certainly didn't help that Audax was constantly bullied in school with frogs being hidden in his locker and in his bags.

Even though these days are long gone, Audax's distaste for frog kind has persisted and grown stronger. After training his field hound to sniff them out, Audax equiped himself with everything he needed to deal with them. Spiked bat and Chelonian armor together make it very difficult for soft little frogs to get within range.

But in Audax's mind, there must be a frog king behind all of this. So he goes through the swamps, looking for any frog that might know anything about a frog king. The clues he has found have been sparse. But along the way he has found that he is not alone. A handful of other warriors share his zeal for attacking frogs and they are similarly prepared in their arms. Together they might just achieve their goal: to take down of all frogs in the runiverse.


Druid Alessar of the Cosmos

# The Lore of Druid Alessar of the Cosmos

Alessar heard of a mysterious wizard in Yellow Wizard Haven who had helped cure green wizards who dabbled too far into the wicked spells and sought to seek them out. The journey would be long from his home in Alessars Keep and the quickest route required him to sail across Kelpies Bay, down Chronomancers Riveria to Atlantas Pool. From there hed arrive directly at his destination. This would be a tricky route and he worried about how the other passengers would react to his unusual appearance.

He feared being thrown in the barracks. Alessar also suffered from terrible seasickness and was not looking forward to the prospect of a long voyage where he felt ill. After pondering for several long moments he came to a realization that wizards who are seasick appear green. Yes, thats it, thought Alessar. He would sneak onto the boat and keep a low profile until it was underway. Then use his seasickness as a cover for his skin coloring. With his mind made up Alessar made plans to stowaway on a boat that very night.


Battle Mage Samuel of the Canyon

This is but the first chapter in a longer story. For the full and current collection of the stories of the Order of the Eternal Rose visit here: https://mirror.xyz/eternalrose.eth

# The Origin of the Eternal Rose

## The Story of Sam

It was hundreds of years ago now, hundreds or more In a quieter time.

In the gardens of the Red Wizard Capital, a humble Wizard by the name Samuel of the Canyon, worked tirelessly, weeding, tending, watering and harvesting. He had a love for the plants most will never understand and he was happiest when he was amongst the hedges and briars.

Samuel was a simple wizard. He knew in his heart, he belonged in the Canyon, but from the day he met his dear Thana, he knew he had to do whatever he could to get close to her. A poor provincial wizard like him had no chance with a lady of the capital like her, but their love transcended the boundaries of rich and poor. The gardens of the capital were a place for him to work, but also a place they could meet and keep their love secret. There under the apple trees in the scattered orchard, they could be alone, just the two of them.

And the gardens were loved by all commoners of the capital. Though Sam kept it well tended, the gardens themselves werent much to look at. The stone walls were crumbled and discoloured, the cobblestone pathways were cracked and showed their wear and the rusty old gate creaked loudly as you came and went. But Samuel didnt mind: the gardens were a place for common folk. Somewhere they could go and escape the high society that so much of the capital had become. A place for the people, nurtured by a man of the people.


And the roses were Samuels most beloved treasures. None in the realm had ever seen roses like these. Some even say that they had magical healing powers, though that might be a story for another day

The word of the roses of the capital gardens grew and Samuels work was recognized and appreciated by the high Red Wizards. It wasnt long before his rose garden grew so beautiful that it became one of the most sought after places in the capital. People started travelling from far and wide to take in the beauty and wonder of this magical place. Under Samuels care, the gardens always looked immaculate, so much so, people began to call it The Gardens of the Eternal Rose for no matter what the season, Sams roses always were in bloom.

Sam proposed that they expand the gardens and he could take cuttings of the roses making the gardens larger so more could enjoy them. However, the powers at work in the capital saw the opportunity before them. Fueled by greed, they wanted to take the roses from the people and offer them only to the oligarchs.

They brought fine architects, glamorous gardners and marvellous masons from all over the kingdom. They planned to completely rebuild the gardens surrounding the rose hedges: uproot the vegetable gardens, cut down the fruit trees, weed out the medicinal herbs and reagents. The plan would see the gardens transformed into a place of luxury and glamour.

The rusty old iron gate was replaced with one made of enchanted rose gold that would only allow those of the utmost wealth and prestige to enter. The common folk were shooed off by the capital guards and told to find their food and medicines elsewhere: they were no longer welcome in the Eternal Garden. But as construction began, the day came where they took down the orchard. The moment the tree he and his beloved shared together fell, Thana too fell into a deep mystical sleep, seemingly unending