The Grandeur of Galykr

The Grandeur of Galykr is a book discovered within the library of the Guild of the Lilac Vine.

## Description

Attempting to dissuade the negative propaganda against the island nation of Galykr, The Grandeur of Galykr is a set of texts that attempts to present a little of the history of the Realm, as well as the attractions for which one might seek to visit.

## Research

### Completed by Bren

Ever since the slanderous and heavily published declarations of the Archmage Ealwant Besculus of the Crimson Blossom that compared the island of Morass to the intersection of the Inner Planes of Earth and Water - dubbing it the "Second Swamp of Oblivion", the island Realm of Galykr has struggled to attract visitors on both a casual and professional basis. Noteworthy enough is the Atral wizard that the potent agricultural fertilisation achievable from the export produce of the southern silt flats has metaphorically dried up (although are most certain still full of moisture physically), as well as faltering numbers arriving at Mydos to explore the untouched wonders and mysteries of Gloombark Grove on the western aspect of the island. Over the last decade this has led to more and more of the native Galykrians to travel southeast to seek new lives on the other side of the Hempweed Straits in the Realms of Kingbourne, Sunstone and the Giado Territories. I caution you, dear reader, do not allow this to sway your mind of the island of Morass - for it has much to offer for the curious mind.

This appears to be another blow dealt to the micro-realm after recent announcements on behalf of the Guild of the Lilac Vine declaring re-allocation of funds to research projects in conjuction with the River Kings. Critics have pointed out that this seems to be in direct response to increased donations from the Council of Westdell and the general lack of involvement of the Ten Guilds with Galykr, owing to its lack of organised government - and thus absence of a position for one of their alumni to occupy. The Archmage Korrinkas has been quick to refute this and numerous detractors have subsequently seemingly fallen quiet as a result. This whole process serves to further muddy the waters, owing to the Archmage's previous extensive interest in the island, having carried out seven separate research expeditions in the last decade and a half, the longest of them lasting for near two years. Even in spite of these two nails being placed into the coffin by Guild Archmages, this writer encourages would-be explorers to not dismiss Galykr, for it has the potential for great wonder.

Few adventurers have not heard of the main attraction of the island however, the central quags known as the Gambler's Bait - referred to as such for good reason. Over the years, all manner of expeditions have been carried out to these quags, some seeking simply to harvest them, others instead to drain them through magic means, though of little avail in the latter regard. The former though has proven particularly fruitful, with all manner of items being dredged from the murky depths. While not without danger, the allure of finding treasure of coins and gems alike has historically done little to dissuade attendees, although reductions in the numbers of vessels sailing from the mainland surely will. Of increased curiosity are the treasures without meaningful reason to be found in such a location - none more so than the Rosaigostone and the Prism of Prophecy, now in the possession of Kingdom of Lachlen and the Guild of the Fallow Aster respectively. As previously mentioned, explanation of the source of these items defies explanation at this time, but nonetheless - if someone was to toss an item into the quags, it would prove a secure and largely untraceable hiding place - provided of course that they had a way of getting it back when they needed it.