War Chronicle Notes

This is a page with the text for all collectable War Chronicle notes, available from the "Notes" tab under the "War Chronicle" menu within the Triangle Strategy pause screen UI.

## Cat Chronicles

*A note detailing the inner feelings of ten felines. It describes how humans look in their eyes.*

Humans are foolish.
Unlike us cats, they do not know when to give up.

Humans are cunning.
They are more willing to deceive others than we are.

Humans are greedy.
They fight for territory more fiercely than we do.

Humans are cruel.
They torment their prey more thoroughly than we do.

Humans are rash.
They could learn a thing or two from us about patience.

Humans are dimwits.
They are too slow to save their fish from our paws.

Humans are thickheaded.
They trample carelessly upon our tails.

Humans are dishonest.
They call cats other than their own "cute."

Still...humans are dear to us.
They love us no matter what.

...Rub against their legs and they will pet us to our heart's content.

Humans are foolish, after all.

## Children's Textbook: Salt in Norzelia

*An educational children's text compiled by the Aesfrosti Learning Committee. Poses questions about salt in Norzelia.*

On the Condition of Salt in Norzelia
What is something that humans absolutely cannot survive without? Yes, that is water and (Question A).

Water is easy enough to come by. Our realm is crisscrossed by rivers, and it is a simple matter to dig a well. Salt, on the other hand, is exceedingly rare. In all of Norzelia, it can be found only in (Question B), located in the vast deserts of Hyzante.

All salt is regulated by (Question C). How much it costs at the market changes depending on how much (Question D) is added, which is figured from factors such as production and manufacturing expenses.

Answer A: salt

Answer B: the Source

Answer C: the Norzelia Consortium

Answer D: salt tax

## Salt and Fish

*A cookbook penned by a traveling royal chef. Details tips and tricks for cooking with fish.*

You could spend a lifetime studying the culinary arts, and you still wouldn't come close to learning every method or ingredient out there. Some foods aren't ready until they've been aged a full month; others take years and years to mature to full flavor. But, unique as those flavors may be, they aren't necessarily the most delicious just because they take so long to make.

What *is* the most delicious food, you ask? Well, in my humble opinion...

...it would have to be sweetfish, fresh-caught from a river in early summer, salted and grilled to perfection over an open flame. Nothing can quite compare to the pleasure of enjoying a piping-hot meal, quaffing an ice-cold pint as a soft breeze wafts over the water.

Perhaps sprinkling a little salt and holding a skewer over a fire doesn't exactly qualify one as a chef, but I don't think I wouldn't trust anyone who sticks their nose up at that simple, yet delicious, flavor.

## Salt and Meat

*A cookbook penned by a traveling royal chef. Details tips and tricks for cooking with meat.*

My predecessor once asked me what the most delicious thing in all the realm was.

The answer? Salt.

Imagine what food would taste like without those little grains of flavor.

Then my predecessor asked what the most disgusting thing in all the realm was.

The answer? Salt.

Imagine what food would taste like under a mountain of the stuff.

I recall this conversation every time I make cured meats. Too little salt, and those rich flavors we crave will never develop. Too much, and the result will be nigh inedible.

And yet it is one of life's greatest mysteries that curing meats in brine has nothing to do with how salty it will turn out. I am no believer in the Goddess's Teachings, but I cannot help wondering if perhaps She has some hand in this phenomenon.

Another of life's greatest mysteries is how exquisitely a glass of red wine pairs with perfectly salted, sautéed meat and cheese on rye.

## Letter from the Crown City

*A letter found in the Falkes demesne. Appears to be from a son living in the crown city to his mother in the Falkelands.*

Dearest Mother,

The Aesfrosti army invaded the crown city without warning. They crushed the kingdom's defenses and captured His Royal Majesty.

I fear the Falkelands may not be safe much longer. I shall flee, and urge you to do likewise. I know harvesttime is upon us, but pray do not let stalks of wheat take priority over your own life.

I swear I will find you. For now, flee as fast and as far as you are able.

Your loving son,

John

## Report to the King

*An old letter found in the ruins of a village, though why it was there remains a mystery. Some of it is written in indecipherable code.*

Dear XXX,

I will happily accept XXXX into our house.

Understand I do not do this because I was commanded, but because I love XXXX. Perhaps even more than you do.

As for the child... I will raise them as my own. As my heir.

I know how much suffering this causes you, XXX. I never intended to reveal my feelings, but with all that has happened...I could not bear to tell you anything but the absolute truth. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.

I swear, for the sake of our children—all of them—I shall never speak another word of this matter as long as I live.

Your friend,

XXX XXXXXX

P.S. Pray burn this letter once you have read it.

## Letter from Kin

*A letter found near the gates of Castle Wolffort. Appears to have been written not long ago from a Telliore subject to a relative in the Wolffort demesne.*

My Wolffort cousin,

Some time has passed since last I was able to write. How fare you? We are as hale as ever, and indeed happier, for our eldest daughter is to be wed!

The little girl you always doted on has grown into a fine woman.

The ceremony will be held on XX day of XX month at our home in Telliore. I know the trek is long, but we cannot imagine celebrating without you there, and our daughter so wishes to see you again. If that is not enough to tempt you, perhaps you might begin packing when you hear we've procured several barrels of the finest wine for the occasion?

Distant though we may be, we are still family. You are my brother, if not in blood, then in my heart.

With love to everyone in Wolffort,

Your Telliore cousin

## Children's Scribbles

*A scrap of paper found in the Rosellan village. Several different children have written on it.*

I want to look as dashing on horseback as Prince Roland!

My dream is to be as beautiful as Lady Frederica.

One day I'll be an even better strategist than Benedict!

I want to fly on a big hawk just like Hughette!

Anna gave me sweets and it made me very glad.

I want to study magic with Geela!

Erador looks big and scary, but he's really strong!

I want to fight alongside Lord Serenoa someday, too!

## Unfinished Letter

*Part of a letter found in the Hyzantian desert. Ancient as it is, only a fraction of it is legible.*

We escaped. Somehow.

There are not many of us, but we were at least able to determine that XXX was indeed hidden inside XXX. We took with us but a small fragment. This is proof that our legends are true... The key to the chains that bind XXXX.

There is still hope. But we... No, *I* have done all I can. While I was able to rally my brethren to XX, I could not destroy XXX. Our XX failed.

We were forced to leave behind many, and still barely escaped with our lives... That is the harsh reality. The extent of my capabilities.

My heart breaks when I think of how powerless I am.

But I will not give up.

I must ensure that this key and the fight to free XXXXX are passed on to future generations, so that someday, someone will take up my mantle and finish what I have started. So that they will finally free our brethren from XX.

There is no time for tears. Every step forward matters, no matter how small.

Because there is still hope.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 1

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the crown city of Glenbrook.*

The Kingdom of Glenbrook's crown city is situated along the banks of the Norzelia River. Once plagued by frequent, deadly floods, previous monarchs oversaw projects to control the river's flow, transforming the capital into the idyllic city people know today.

A bustling town and crystalline waters dotted with merchant ships from all over the realm—there is no more fitting image for a kingdom of commerce. To top it all off, Whiteholm Castle has come to be known as Norzelia's most picturesque palace.

There is more to the castle than its beautiful exterior. Genius feats of engineering went into constructing such a mammoth in the middle of the river, which becomes the castle's best defense the moment the bridge is raised. Out of all the castles ever built over Norzelia's storied history, there is no question that Whiteholm is the most impressive.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 2

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about Castle Wolffort and the town surrounding it.*

Carved into the side of a mountain, Castle Wolffort is unassuming and unyielding, just like its eponymous house. This veritable fortress was crucial during the Saltiron War, allowing House Wolffort to stand strong against what otherwise would have been overwhelming enemy forces. Yet visitors who expect to see a demesne full of nothing but rugged warriors may find themselves disappointed.

Wolffort subjects are a kind and honest folk, fiercely proud of the heroic Lord Symon. Engineers used the slope upon which the castle town is built to create a system of canals that flow through the streets and provide a clean, comfortable space for the people to live.

Stay here long enough and you are bound to realize that the people's pastoral life is undergirded by their utter trust and confidence in House Wolffort. Beneath their plain exteriors beat strong hearts. One mistakes their kindness for weakness at one's own peril.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 3

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about Wolffort Harbor.*

Positioned on a branch of an eastern tributary of the Norzelia River, Wolffort Harbor enjoys prosperity as a stop along the trade route between the three great nations of the realm.

It served a second purpose of protecting Castle Wolffort during the Saltiron War, but after the conflict ended, Lord Symon reformed it into a port. Now, one would be hard-pressed to see any signs of the military fortress it once was. That said, it is still a valuable strategic location, since it is the closest settlement in Glenbrook to the Hyzantian border.

As a bit of an aside, the tributary upon which Wolffort Harbor sits is also home to a rare species of fish: the Wolffort char. They are absolutely exquisite when fried. If you ever find yourself in the demesne when they are in season, I highly recommend sampling this delicacy for yourself.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 4

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the wheat fields of the Falkes demesne.*

Snow-capped peaks and verdant forests are indeed lovely, but I find the golden wheat fields of the Falkes demesne to be a beauty unparalleled by any other, because they are testament to the long years of sweat and blood the people put in to creating them.

This was always a lush land, to be sure, but those wheat fields would never have been possible without people nurturing them. The windmills dotting the fields must also have taken considerable trial and error to construct.

To cultivate land, care for it, watch as it bears the fruits of your labor... That is what the people of Falkes have done untold hundreds of times over decades. The breathtaking beauty of these wheat fields is a fitting reward for how hard the farmers have worked.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 5

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about Telliore Reservoir.*

Up the Norzelia River, near the Glenbrook-Aesfrost border, you will find Telliore Reservoir, a lake of fresh mountain water made from damming up that section of the river.

Construction took several long decades, hundreds of workers, and thousands of backbreaking hours of labor. But it was worth it, for the dam now protects the crown city from floods and stores enough clean water to last the kingdom for years to come.

Grape orchards have also sprung up on the slopes surrounding the reservoir, producing wine that is so famous I need hardly elaborate.

Sipping a glass of that wine on a warm summer's eve whilst gazing upon the luminescence of Telliore's famed streetlamps reflected in the reservoir's still surface... Nothing in the realm quite compares to such a pleasure.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 6

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about Aesfrost's Twinsgate.*

At the top of a steep mountain path loom the two towers and a giant gate that give this Aesfrosti stronghold its name: Twinsgate. Situated on the border with Glenbrook, it defends the only passage into the Grand Duchy. For generations, command of Twinsgate had been entrusted to an army general, until recently, when Minister Svarog Aesfrost was inexplicably given the role.

For a giant gate made of iron, it can be opened or shut with surprising speed. I'm not sure of the exact mechanisms that enable this swiftness, as it is a heavily-guarded military secret; but according to an Aesfrosti soldier with whom I struck up a friendship, they have somehow harnessed the power of the subterranean source of the Norzelia River.

Everyone always talks about weaponry when it comes to Aesfrosti ironworking, but perhaps attention ought to be paid instead to the mastery of craft that has allowed the duchy to construct such an incredible, precise device so deep in the mountains.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 7

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the Aesfrosti Archives.*

Perhaps this is a bold claim, but I am nearly certain that everything one would want to know about Norzelia could be learned in the north. Yes, in the Aesfrosti Archives. Generations of archdukes pursued knowledge and technology in order to transform the remote duchy into a mighty force to be reckoned with. They gathered texts from every corner of the realm, and these Archives are the result.

The large collection of books and scrolls grows ever larger by the day, rendering organization nigh impossible. Though that means wisdom believed lost to the ages may very well be slumbering among the stacks. Containing the very history of Norzelia itself, the Archives are a treasure house of knowledge and potential.

The current archduke, Gustadolph, has opened the Archives to a veritable flood of scholars, allowing all manner of research to be conducted. Who knows what surprising discoveries tomorrow might bring because of this?

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 8

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the Aesfrosti capital and Ironstone.*

Up the Norzelia River and past a handful of craggy mountains lies the Aesfrosti capital. Despite the blizzards oft swirling about it, the city itself is orderly and well maintained, and the people who dwell there spirited and undaunted. By working together, they have managed to thrive in one of the most inhospitable places in the realm. It is this fortitude that has allowed Aesfrost to grow into a nation to be reckoned with.

Aesfrost's Ironstone was carved out of a rocky mountainside—which is unusual, but fitting for a land with countless iron mines within its borders. It functions as both a castle and an iron factory.

Skilled artisans in the Grand Duchy are brought to the castle, where they mass-produce ironworks and engage in technological research. Thanks to an enormous forge as large and as hot as the mouth of a volcano within the castle, they are able to create huge quantities of ironware and weapons on a daily basis for Aesfrost's pride and joy, the Blackirons.

Upon the castle's ramparts is arguably the crowning achievement of Aesfrosti ironworking: a gigantic bell, larger than the largest dragon. I cannot even begin to fathom how they managed to create such a beast. Each day, the bell tolls the time for the people of the capital. It is so loud, it can be heard all throughout the mountains, and has even been known to trigger avalanches on distant slopes.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 9

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about an underground arena.*

Dear reader, I must apologize, for I cannot describe this location in any detail, both for my own safety and your own peace of mind. Pray forgive me. You see, the locale in question is home to an unlawful tournament, hosted by...well, someone whose identity is a secret best left alone. It was pure happenstance that I found myself paying a visit to this underground arena. The matches are all bloody battles, and spectators take great joy in wagering large sums on which combatant will emerge victor.

The entertainment here is truly a matter of life or death, and attracts an avid audience of highborn, wealthy patrons. You may recognize a face or two in the crowd... But it is best you forget whomever you think you see. Too much curiosity in a place like this is apt to get you killed. Of course, dear reader, you are free to doubt my account as you like. Indeed, your life may be happier if you choose to believe there is no such place where the rich gather to enjoy such a violent, deadly pastime.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 10

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about Hyzante's Citadel of the Sands.*

Situated at the edge of the Hyzantian desert, the Citadel of the Sands is the Holy State's first line of defense. It has been the site of countless battles throughout history, including the vicious border skirmishes of the Saltiron War. Due to its importance, one of the Saintly Seven has always overseen its command. After the Saltiron War, Minister Sorsley Ende assumed the position and began the work of developing the Citadel into a trading post. To think that a place that has witnessed so much bloodshed could transform into a peaceful hub of commerce... Life truly is full of surprises. Perhaps that is why, though Hyzante rarely gets visitors from other lands, here I often catch glimpses of people whose providence I cannot discern. Or perhaps it is only in my imagination...

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 11

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about Hyzante's Ministry of Medicine.*

The Ministry of Medicine is an impressive institution for the pursuit of life and magic situated in the Hyzantian capital. Here, pioneers in the fields of magic, medicine, and healing use advanced research and experimentation to investigate the mysteries of life itself.

They use their findings to benefit believers, healing grievous wounds and curing hitherto incurable diseases for countless patients, and increasing the population's overall health and life expectancy. They believe their research to be part of their Goddess's divine blessings.

A ministry researcher I happened to meet told me: "There is no miracle panacea in this world, but we like to think nothing is impossible." Whether her boundless optimism was due to her faith in the Goddess or in her own ability... That was not something I—neither a researcher nor a believer—was fit to judge.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 12

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the Hyzantian capital.*

There is no sight in the realm as impressive as the Hyzantian capital. After braving the vast desert, the first thing a visitor to this great city sees is a wall so huge, it does not look like it could have been made by human hands: the Goddess's Shield.

Pass through the gate and you will emerge into a thriving metropolis of believers. Just beyond the streets lies the huge, calm waters of the Source. Unbelievable as it may seem, the city and the wall *encircle* the entirety of the great lake where all of Norzelia's salt originates.

In the center of the lake towers a mountainlike statue of the Goddess, an enduring symbol of the Holy State's faith. Indeed, after beholding how Hyzante could not only survive in the middle of an inhospitable desert, but *thrive*, even an unbeliever such as myself started to think that statue might actually be the Goddess incarnate.

In the palace in the city's center lives the hierophant, who they say hears the voice of the Goddess of Salt Herself. I imagine such a voice would be just as majestic and calm as the city She watches over.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 13

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the great Norzelia Falls.*

At the southernmost reaches of the realm, the waters of the Norzelia River rage over the Great Falls. The waterfall spills over a cliff so large, it looks as if it has rent the very world in twain. Beholding the Falls makes one keenly aware of just how small humans are, and gives one the sensation they have traveled to the ends of the earth. One can take not a step further, but only watch as the waters tumble down, down, down, until they disappear. No one knows for certain what lies beyond the Great Falls, though legend says there is naught but barren wasteland.

And we have only legends to go off of, for none who have ventured past the Falls have ever returned. Even I have no way of discovering the truth. The path ends here, and I have exhausted my supplies. I must put this place behind me and return to Norzelia. To civilization.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 14

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the Rosellan village in the Wolffort demesne.*

I happened upon that village by mistake while lost in my travels.

When I saw that everyone's hair was the color of roses, I realized that I must be in the Rosellan village. I had thought it to be a mere rumor until then.

At first, they were wary of me—no doubt because I was an outsider—but when they learned that I had been wandering the wilderness for days and was moments from collapse, I was immediately welcomed into their midst. They even prepared a bed and hot meal for me.

I stayed in that village for a brief spell and eventually befriended the Roselle therein.

I am not a follower of the Goddess, but I know Her Teachings claim the Roselle tried to seize the realm's salt as their own. As such, I held a regrettably bad opinion of the Roselle, despite never having met them... But those villagers were kind and proud. They welcomed a complete stranger like myself with open arms. I felt absolutely ashamed of my rash assumptions.

I won't reveal the location of their village nor the identity of its occupants.

I do not intend to criticize the Goddess or Her followers, but at the same time, I do not believe that the Roselle should be unilaterally condemned as sinners.

I pray that a day comes when the Goddess's faithful and the Roselle can live together in peace in our fine realm, and Norzelia will be all the better for it.

## Marvels of Norzelia, Vol. 15

*A travelogue written by a merchant named Marko, detailing his journeys across Norzelia. This one is about the corners of the realm.*

...I, Marko, began this journey to explore every corner of Norzelia.

Unfortunately, that dream is yet unfulfilled.

I trekked through forests, traversed deserts, sailed up rivers, and scaled mountains. I rode horses at times, and soared atop the backs of hawks at others. But even still, there were peaks beyond the mountains, and a sea of sand as far as the eye can see.

Norzelia is a land without end. And so my dream may end at that—a dream.

Even if it does, I have no regrets.

I learned so much about Norzelia in my travels. I've seen both its wilds and cities, and met countless people who call this realm home.

My journey was full of discoveries and inspiring moments. I wrote this diary to convey the incredible things I was blessed to witness with my own eyes and how those marvels made me feel.

I believe that someday, another traveler will pick up my journey where I left off. They will fulfill my dream of seeing every corner of Norzelia.

## Register of the Roselle

*Appears to be from a register meant to keep track of the Roselle. Found at the Source.*

* No. 18581
* Quota met.

* No. 18582
* Quota met.

* No. 18583
* Failed to meet quota. Given 3 lashes as a warning.

* No. 18729
* Failed to even come close to meeting quota. Given 5 lashes as a warning.

* No. 18730
* Failed to meet quota for third day in a row. Given 10 lashes as punishment. Rations and water reduced by one-third.

* No. 18814
* Failed to meet quota 10 days in a row. Poor physical condition. Fever shows no sign of breaking. Suspending rations.

* No. 18815
* Deceased. Replaced by 9-year-old boy. Failed to meet quota. Given 3 lashes as a warning.

## Casualties Among the Roselle

*Appears to be from a report detailing casualties among the Roselle. Found at the Source.*

From X day of X month to X day of X month

* No. 18581 cause of death: accident
* No. 18583 cause of death: emaciation
* No. 18730 cause of death: accident
* No. 18814 cause of death: emaciation
* No. 19015 cause of death: accident
* No. 19264 cause of death: emaciation

Corpses delivered to Ministry of Medicine.

## Mining Schedule

*Appears to be part of an excavation schedule. Found inside the Grand Norzelian Mines.*

* XX day of XX month, year XX
* Geological survey complete. High likelihood good-quality iron ore is present. Though buried deep under hard bedrock, mining it should be possible with explosives.

* XX day of XX month, year XX
* Start of trial dig.

* XX day of XX month, year XX
* Trial dig with explosives successful. Discovered vein of iron ore.

* XX day of XX month, year XX
* Start of mineshaft construction.

* XX day of XX month, year XX
* Start of iron ore excavation.

* XX day of XX month, year XX
* Grand Norzelian Mines commemoration ceremony.

* XX day of XX month, year XX
* Encountered bedrock harder than anticipated. Used explosives to blast our way through.

## Old Wanted Poster

*A wanted poster from ten-odd years ago plastered inside some ruins.*

WANTED

Rufus Tyran

Fled after slaying 2 knights and injuring 7 others at a royal knights' examination. One of the slain was Master of Arms Ser Lapluse. The other was Ser Tyran, whose distinguished service during the Saltiron War made him a hero to our kingdom.

Crimes:

* Grievous injury and murder of royal knights
* Parricide

## On the Operation of the Deathsknell

*Appears to be part of a text detailing the Deathsknell's operation. Found in the Hyzantian desert.*

1. Affixing Carriage and Barrel
2. Measuring Target Bearing, Range, and Relative Elevation
3. Calculating Trajectory (See Note)
4. Calculating Barrel Heading and Angle
5. Loading Black Powder
6. Loading Shot
7. Taking Aim
8. Firing

Note: Calculating trajectory requires taking into account not only bearing, range, and relative elevation, but also wind direction and speed, temperature, and humidity. For detailed instruction, refer to the enclosed chart.

## Commemoration Ceremony Program

Program for the Grand Norzelian Mines' commemoration ceremony at Whiteholm Castle.

1. Opening Remarks

2. Remarks from Each Nation

* Holy State of Hyzante: Minister Lyla Viscraft of the Saintly Seven
* Grand Duchy of Aesfrost: Prime Minister Thalas Aesfrost
* Kingdom of Glenbrook: Lord Serenoa Wolffort, Representative of the Three High Houses

3. Host Remarks

* Kingdom of Glenbrook: His Royal Majesty King Regna Glenbrook

4. Merriment

5. Tourney

6. Awards Ceremony

7. Closing Remarks

## Victory Feast Program

*Program for the victory feast at Castle Wolffort.*

* Lord Symon's Greeting
* Lord Serenoa's Greeting and Announcement
* Honoring of Guests
* Toast
* Eat and Make Merry
* Performances:
	+ Archery Demonstration: Hughette
	+ Recitation: Erador
	+ Sleight of Hand: Benedict

* Lord Serenoa's Word of Thanks
* Closing Remarks

## Recruitment Notice

*Advertisements posted throughout the Aesfrosti capital, detailing a large number of job offerings.*

IN NEED OF MINERS!!!

* Description: Excavation work at Grand Norzelian Mines
* Experience preferred (but not required)
* Hazard wages included

NOW RECRUITING FOR THE AESFROST ARMY

* Hone yourself into a blade to protect the Grand Duchy! Could *you* be the next elite member of the Blackirons?

IRONSMITHS WANTED

* Prerequisite: Applicants MUST have mastery-level ironworking skill.
* Note: Successful hires agree to keep all work confidential. Wages: Equal to level of skill. Bonuses possible.

LOW-RISK, HIGH-WAGE POSITION OPEN

* Goods shipment.
* Same-day payment! Enough money to feed a family for a year—guaranteed!

## Supply Situation Report

*Benedict's report of Castle Wolffort's supplies.*

Foodstuffs

* Wheat: short supply
* Salt: little remaining
* Cured meats: exceedingly short supply

Weapons: insufficient

Medicine: exceedingly short supply

Materials: short supply

Daily necessities: short supply

Between supplying materials to the mines and the war's sudden outbreak, our stock of the above mentioned has heavily dwindled as a result.

The situation must be addressed immediately, yet aid from the kingdom is not possible.

With panic among our people elevated, commandeering supply from private enterprise may only serve to worsen conditions.

## Treatment Notes

*Appears to be from a researcher's notebook. Found in the Ministry of Medicine.*

Patient Name: XXXX

* 61 y/o female
* Ailment:
* Compound fractures in both feet
* Treatment:
* Recently developed curative magic. Patient fully healed and able to walk several weeks faster than usual treatments.

Patient Name: XXXX

* 42 y/o male
* Ailment:
* Heart disease
* Treatment:
* Hitherto there were few options to successfully treat this, but after administering the Ministry of Medicine's new remedy, the attack ceased and patient's condition stabilized.

Patient Name: XXXX

* 19 y/o female
* Ailment:
* Laceration on calf
* Treatment:
* Signs of necrosis due to delayed treatment. Too advanced to save the limb. Required below-knee amputation.

Patient Name: XXXX

* 25 y/o male
* Ailment:
* Unknown illness
* Treatment:
* Attempted various remedies; none succeeded in saving patient's life. Will conduct autopsy to better understand nature of the disease.

## Missive Dropped by Spy

*A missive dropped by a spy. Some of it is written in indecipherable code, but it seems to be a transcription of a secret message.*

Report

From XXXX to XXXX

Witnessed XX, believed to be XXX, at XX in XXXXXX.

Additionally, XXXXXXXXXX arrived in XXXXX.

XXXX uncertain. Will continue investigation.

## Roland's Wanted Poster

*Wanted posters of Roland put out by the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost. Found around town in Wolffort.*

BY ORDER OF THE ARCHDUKE

I, Gustadolph Aesfrost, Archduke of the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost, hereby order the arrest of His Royal Highness Prince Roland of the Kingdom of Glenbrook.

The prince is 20 years of age, gold of hair, and blue of eye. He has in his possession a ring bearing the insignia of the royal family.

Whomsoever captures the prince and delivers him to Duchy officials unharmed will be rewarded with a sum of [G]100,000.

## The History of Glenbrook

*Chronicles of Glenbrook's history compiled by the annalist Siva. It covers the Kingdom of Glenbrook.*

The Kingdom of Glenbrook is the oldest\* of the three nations existing today. Though there have been changes to the branch families, the blood of the founder still runs strong in the veins of the current king, Regna.

\*The Holy State of Hyzante asserts that their nation was founded first according to the Goddess's scriptures and that Glenbrook's long history is a fabrication of later generations. Glenbrook has continued to ignore this claim.

The Grand Duchy of Aesfrost was founded by the archduke's family, who shared a common ancestor with the royal family of Glenbrook. They insisted upon their right to succeed the throne up until the Saltiron War began, and denied the current royal family's rule.

But when the war began, they acknowledged the family's legitimacy, and the two nations formed a secret alliance.

It is said that King Regna required the former archduke, Zigmunt, to officially recognize his rule in order to enter into an alliance.

## The Saintly Seven

*Records left by the Aesfrosti diplomat Kaunitz. It covers the Saintly Seven who govern Hyzante.*

The Saintly Seven, headed by the hierophant, are the leaders of Hyzante.

They are responsible for aiding the hierophant, oracle of the Goddess, and guiding the Holy State's faithful. In addition, each saint is responsible for an important division and acts as a minister in other nations.

However, all are equal in the eyes of the Goddess, including the Saintly Seven. It is therefore strictly forbidden for anyone to pursue their own personal interests.

The saints who serve the hierophant are as follows.

* Sorsley Ende
* Minister of Salt, overseer of the Source

* Exharme Marcial
* Minister of Arms, master of military matters

* Kamsell Pharant
* Minister of Domestic Affairs, protector of public order

* Idore Delmira
* Minister of Religion

* Lyla Viscraft
* Minister of Medicine

* Tenebris Mistel
* Vice-Minister of Religion, keeper of the Goddess's history

## The Royalists and Three High Houses

*Chronicles of Glenbrook's history compiled by the annalist Siva. It covers the Royalists and the three high houses.*

There are many aristocratic houses beneath the royal family of Glenbrook, and the kingdom itself has a very complex political system where customs and rights intertwine.

The government is split into sections and the Royalists—aristocrats trained from a young age—are each in charge of their own field. Needless to say, each similarly has their own interests.

The people satirize them in response, claiming that the Royalists talk all day, but never decide a thing for only money matters among them.

King Regna attempted to reform the system after the Saltiron War.

He first split the Wolffort clan three ways, and placed each house in charge of protecting three strategic locations. He appointed the clan lord, Symon, as lord of the Wolffort demesne. He then elected the adept Landroi Falkes, who fought at Symon's side during the war, as lord of the bountiful southern lands. Finally, Advisor Gorde Telliore was put in charge of the northern reservoir.

Thus, the three high houses were established. King Regna hoped to bring the Royalists under control by creating a rivaling force that already had merit to their name.

It was also rumored that the king divided the elite Wolffort clan to diminish their might.

His plan succeeded, but only in part. The three high houses gained almost as great popularity as the royal family itself, and the influence of the Royalists was suppressed.

However, because the kingdom focuses on old customs and Lord Symon prefers to dedicate himself to his house rather than vie for more power, the Royalists still continue to spearhead Glenbrook's politics.

## Development of the Norzelia Consortium

*Records of the Norzelia Consortium written by the historian Ranke. It covers the period from their creation to the joint mining venture.*

After the Saltiron War—fought over Hyzante's sole ownership of salt—the Norzelia Consortium was established to oversee the equal distribution of salt and iron to the realm.

The three nations brought together trade specialists to create this neutral and impartial organization as agreed upon in the accords. The Consortium's success in fair trade contributed greatly to the reconstruction of Norzelia, which had been ravaged by the war.

The Kingdom of Glenbrook, rich in agriculture and fisheries, prospered due to the stable influx of salt from the Consortium. The people were able to produce large quantities of salted meats, dried fish, dairy products, and more. Exports of these goods helped restore national power.

Though it was thought to be the dawn of a new age for Norzelia, Hyzante began to strengthen its voice within the Consortium as the reconstruction progressed.

In Aesfrost, on the other hand, the situation could not have been worse. Its already small population suffered the greatest number of casualties during the war, and reviving the iron industry was taking longer than anticipated.

To make matters worse, salt prices soared within the duchy due to taxes and transportation fees from the distant Hyzante. Though iron exports were meant to balance salt imports, the nation's labor and iron shortage caused it to accrue a large trade deficit. Though the Consortium was meant to adjust that imbalance, it did not take any drastic measures. Rather, it leaned more toward Hyzante and establishing salt as the main axis of trade.

There are some who believe that the hierophant—unable to accept that the war ended in a draw due to the injuries on all sides—had a hand in this and wished Aesfrost to take responsibility for the war. Though the truth is unknown, it is undeniable that Aesfrost is the only nation at such a major disadvantage. The duchy's dissatisfaction naturally mounted, and a tension much like the one before the Saltiron War began descended upon Norzelia.

A concerned King Regna and Symon Wolffort then summoned the other nations to participate in a joint mining venture at the Grand Norzelian Mines. Their aim was not only to ease the tension between the duchy and Holy State, but also offer support for the former's iron industry, and correct the trade imbalance between both nations.

The entire realm watches this new venture with hopeful eyes, praying that it will finally create the much-needed balance between salt and iron and restore the original functions of the Norzelia Consortium.

If it succeeds, then perhaps our realm will finally know peace, and the tragedies of the Saltiron War will be a thing of the past.

## The Might of the Goddess

*A historical study by the unaffiliated historian Herrod. It covers the Goddess's Teachings and the history of Hyzante.*

...The history of Norzelia is also the history of the Goddess's Teachings.

The Goddess punished the Roselle, who attempted to claim the realm's salt as their own and bestowed the Source upon Her faithful.

The Goddess's scriptures are the oldest of Norzelia's written records, and Her Teachings are the oldest religion in the land. The history of Her followers predates that of all nations. With the Source and the power of salt at their backs, Her faithful built a nation headed by a hierophant that unified church and state.

That nation came to be known as the Holy State of Hyzante.

According to the scriptures, Hyzante is the oldest\* of the three nations.

Though it is unknown when the giant statue of the Goddess at the Source was built, Her believers assert that it is the Goddess descended upon this earth. Her words are spoken through the hierophant, who in turn brings equality to Her faithful.

The fact that such a peculiar nation owns the Source and has held such tremendous influence since antiquity is both a mystery and distinction of Norzelian history.

\*While some books assert that Glenbrook is the oldest of the three nations, those records were written after the Goddess's scriptures. This has led some to believe that they are more fabrication than fact.

Although there is no doubt as to when the scriptures were written, their level of literary completeness suggests that other records should have existed at the time. Since no such records remain, however, it is hypothesized that a large-scale book burning may have occurred.

## The Rise of Iron

*A historical study by the unaffiliated historian Herrod. It covers the history of Aesfrost's iron.*

It is unclear when iron production began in Aesfrost. However, records show that they wielded self-made iron weapons when others had nothing but bronze.

The iron swords and arrows of the northern mountain clans easily pierced bronze shields, earning the awe of other nations. Charcoal production has flourished in the Aesfrosti mountains and iron sand has been collected from local streams since ancient times. It is said that these conditions along with the invention of bellows led to the start of their iron industry.

Iron ore is now mined around the nation and outstanding iron products are mass-produced by their large-scale workshops and furnaces, which burn hotter than ever.

Given the importance of iron in Aesfrost, it comes as no surprise that their ironworking techniques are a national secret that is rigorously protected and managed with the help of the craftsmen. For the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost to share those techniques in this joint mining venture is truly unprecedented.

I pray that the realm will finally be at peace, and that the people will work together to see this new era flourish.

## Those Who Heal the Ailing

*A textbook compiled by the Norzelian Medical Association for aspiring medical professionals. It covers the basics of medical treatment.*

Those who aid the injured and ill can be roughly divided into three categories.

Apothecaries prescribe a variety of medication, physicians rely upon medicine and surgery, and healers utilize magic to cure their patients. It is critical that those in need get the proper treatment based on their symptoms.

Each practice has its own merits, though some nations and people are known to have a preference. For example, the Kingdom of Glenbrook employs mostly physicians, and those in poverty-stricken areas tend to rely more on apothecaries.

All three are comprehensively studied at Hyzante's Ministry of Medicine. It is said that new medications and healing arts are discovered there every day.

## The People of Norzelia

*A tome written by the traveling merchant Marinovski. It covers the different traits of Norzelia's citizens.*

People are a product of their environment.

For example, citizens of Glenbrook are calm and mild-mannered, much like their mild surroundings. Those living in the crown city that bustles with trade, however, are calculating and easily influenced by others. The people are also characterized by their emphasis on custom and tradition, which can be expected from such a long-standing nation. Those living in the Wolffort demesne are simple and sincere, perhaps influenced by their lords.

Aesfrosti citizens, on the other hand, are characterized by their proud and independent personalities. The duchy is home to many ambitious and inquisitive artisans. Some might say they can come off as self-righteous.

The Hyzantian subjects are pious and honest. Followers of the Goddess, they offer their thanks to Her every day for Her blessing of equality. Ordinary persons such as myself tend to feel ashamed in comparison.

Finally, we have the Roselle, marked by their rose-colored hair...

Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of meeting a Rosellan in person, though I doubt I ever will find one outside the Source. The Goddess's Teachings portray them as sinners who attempted to monopolize salt in ancient times, but could that really be true?

## The Rosellan Uprising

*Records left by the Aesfrosti diplomat Kaunitz. It covers the Rosellan uprising from thirty years ago. For some reason, it was found at an old book market.*

The Source is said to be holy ground in Hyzante, and a place where the Roselle atone for the sins of their ancestors.

It is also the origin of the realm's salt, but its limited access makes it nearly impossible for anyone to see what truly goes on inside.

However, during the midst of the Saltiron War, the Roselle rebelled against the Holy State and escaped, leaving behind a scar upon the Goddess's statue—or so the story goes.

Hyzante has never made an official statement regarding the incident.

Even so, investigations have shown that a group of Roselle were spotted near the Citadel of the Sands and the Wolffort demesne at that time.

It is also an open secret that a Rosellan village stands deep within the current Wolffort demesne.

Around the same time, Lady Orlaea was also welcomed to Ironstone as a concubine of the previous archduke, Zigmunt.

The archduke never revealed Lady Orlaea's origins, much to the disappointment of his chief vassals, but the occurrence of these incidents is much too great a coincidence to ignore.

But those are problems of the past.

What is important is the fact that the Roselle at the Source possess the power to shake Hyzante. If we were able to harness that power, our nation would be in a most favorable position.

## The Hawk of Wolffort

*Chronicles of Glenbrook's history compiled by the annalist Siva. It covers House Wolffort.*

There are no detailed records remaining regarding the ancestors of Glenbrook's famed House Wolffort. According to legend, a single hawk led a traveling warrior to a mountainous area northeast of the kingdom where the small tribes of Falkes and Telliore resided. The warrior, a distant ancestor of Wolffort, then began to unite the tribes as a house under his leadership.

As a result, he was able to maintain his clan's independence despite being in the middle of the three nations, his small-but-elite forces famed throughout the land.

Symon, lord of the clan during the Saltiron War, held great influence on the battlefield and helped King Regna lead the war to its end. At the end of the war, he made a pact with the king and his house became sword and shield of the crown.

The clan was split into three—Wolffort, Telliore, and Falkes—and each was given their own demesne to govern. Despite Symon being his vassal, King Regna holds House Wolffort in special regard and treats the lord with heartfelt respect as both a friend and fellow warrior.

The hawk upon the Wolffort coat of arms represents the house's pride and fearlessness, and pays tribute to the hawk that led their ancestor to Wolffort.

## The History of Aesfrost

*A historical study by the unaffiliated historian Herrod. It covers the history of Aesfrost.*

The origins of the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost are complex.

The nation's founders were of House Aesfrost, a family of nobles related to a previous generation of Glenbrook's royal line. At that time, a clan from the northern mountains repeatedly invaded the kingdom and caused great damage. House Aesfrost then led a company of vassals and mercenaries into the mountains and defeated the clan's chief.

In recognition of their valor, the king granted the Aesfrosts dukedom and rulership of their conquered territory, which came to be known as the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost.

House Aesfrost encouraged the mountain folk under their jurisdiction to turn their ironworking skills into an industry, thus strengthening their move toward independence.

When the crown transferred to the current family line, Aesfrost made its break from the kingdom and established itself as its own nation.

Their military might is still alive and well in the Blackirons, who wield the latest iron arms, and the mountain folk raised in the harsh northern environs ardently support the simple and stable rule of House Aesfrost.

## The Saltiron War, Part I

*Records of the Saltiron War written by the historian Ranke. It covers the period from before the war began to its early days.*

The Saltiron War, one of the fiercest wars raged in the realm of Norzelia, can be roughly divided into three periods.

Before its onset, the Grand Duchy of Aesfrost secretly contacted the Kingdom of Glenbrook and asked for an alliance to break Hyzante's monopoly over salt. Glenbrook agreed.

In exchange for their logistical support and permission to march through the kingdom, Glenbrook asked Aesfrost for joint governance of the Source.

On the day the war began, the duchy's troops proceeded through Glenbrook and declared war on Hyzante as they rushed the Holy State's capital.

Hyzante barely had time to close its gates, and the Goddess's Shield protected them from the onslaught. But their forces were unprepared, leaving them no choice but to take the defensive against Aesfrost's iron might. In hopes of turning their position around, the hierophant sought the aid of a clan that made their home in the northeastern reaches of modern-day Glenbrook. They called themselves House Wolffort.

Symon, lord of their house, heard the hierophant's plea and made way for the Holy State with a small, but elite force of warriors.

Their bold attack broke through the duchy's encirclement and forced them to retreat to the border. This effectively destroyed Aesfrost's hopes of an early resolution.

## The Saltiron War, Part II

*Records of the Saltiron War written by the historian Ranke. It covers the middle of the war.*

The exploits of Symon Wolffort changed history.

From that point forth, the Wolfforts—which had been no more than a small clan in the area—became key in altering the course of the war.

The fighting came to a standstill with Aesfrost and Glenbrook on one side, and Hyzante and Wolffort on the other. The war affected not only those on the battlefield, but all across Norzelia.

Before long, the salt reserves that the duchy had amassed in anticipation of the war began to dwindle and they realized they would not last much longer.

In Hyzante, the hierophant succumbed to illness. The Saintly Seven quarreled over who would succeed the Holy One, and the city descended into chaos. It is rumored that, during the turmoil, the Roselle revolted and fled the Source. Nothing was made official, but the rumor was likely true given the subsequent state of the city and the army's struggles.

Despite the growing fatigue of both parties, all nations involved were reluctant to retreat out of fear of public backlash, so the war dragged on.

Battles small and large were waged, the fight at the renowned Citadel of the Sands among them. Details of the damages are still unknown to this day.

The people and soldiers of all nations suffered greatly over the thirty years that came to be known as the Saltiron War.

## The Saltiron War, Part III

*Records of the Saltiron War written by the historian Ranke. It covers the end of the war.*

The Saltiron War claimed the lives of many and left entire cities in ruin.

After seeing the destruction, King Regna of Glenbrook contacted Lord Symon of Wolffort in secret. He wished to find a path toward peace.

Acutely aware of the pointlessness of the war, Symon agreed to meet and the two began working together to bring an end to the bloodshed.

Glenbrook and Wolffort declared that they would no longer support Aesfrost and Hyzante. They demanded an immediate end to the war and for all nations to discuss the reconstruction of Norzelia in a peace conference.

Knowing that Glenbrook and Wolffort were prepared to fight if they refused, the destitute nations of Aesfrost and Hyzante agreed.

Thus, the Saltiron War was brought to an end.

At the conference, all parties agreed that the nations' borders would remain intact and made a pact of nonaggression. Furthermore, each nation was forbidden from arbitrarily limiting the distribution of salt and iron, and the Norzelia Consortium was established to neutrally control the trade of those materials. House Wolffort also became an influential house within the Kingdom of Glenbrook.

The war gave way to a new framework within Norzelia, one that included the Consortium and Glenbrook's three high houses, but discussions over their merits and shortcomings must wait for another time.

## The Diary of Orlaea

*A book left behind by Frederica's mother, Orlaea, magicked shut and kept in the Aesfrosti Archives.*

This is a legend handed down by the Roselle since times of old. It is the secret history of Norzelia. I, Orlaea Roselle, am recording the legend here as the last keeper of these histories...

In ancient times, the Roselle lived in Centralia, a land to the distant south of Norzelia. It sat on the shore of the "sea," a Source that extended to the horizon and beyond. It was said to be a paradise, a place where people never wanted for salt. The Roselle knew more about salt than anyone for it was a part of their everyday lives.

In those days, Norzelia still rested at the bottom of the sea. But a cataclysm brought it to the surface, turning it into land. The sea dried up, and the small portion that remained is what we know today as the Source.

Eventually, many people migrated to the new land of Norzelia. They waged war over the Source, wishing to get their hands on its precious salt. Our ancestors came to Norzelia in hopes of putting an end to the fighting.

They knew that the salt still remained, even without the sea. It merely crystalized and sank deep into the earth... After all their searching, they unearthed a giant crystal... No, a very pillar of salt. They showed it to the people of Norzelia, told them that salt could be found beneath their very feet.

However, those who had seized control over the Source sought to reign over all of Norzelia by controlling the salt. They, the Holy State of Hyzante, attacked and slaughtered the Roselle.

They hid the pillar, erased the existence of salt crystals, and imprisoned the surviving Roselle at the Source. Thus we were branded sinners, criminals who wanted sole dominion over the land's salt. To justify their own monopoly, Hyzante created the Goddess's Teachings, but She needed a villain.

To this very day, the Roselle are scorned, made to shed blood and tears, all in Her name... But the Goddess Herself is proof of the Rosellan legends.

I saw it with my own eyes during the uprising. Inside of Her statue is the pillar of salt that was taken from our ancestors. But I could not expose the truth of the Goddess. It took everything I had just to get a fragment...

But that piece is the key to freeing the Roselle. It must be. For my brethren who continue to suffer for a crime they did not commit...

## Secret Ledger

*A secret ledger detailing discrepancies between the amount of salt produced at the Source and the amount delivered to the Norzelia Consortium. Stamped with Sorsley's seal.*

* XX day of XX month
* Actual Production (Projected Output)
* 13,000 (13,000)
* Consortium Delivery
* 12,900
* Earnings
* 100

* XX day of XX month
* Actual Production (Projected Output)
* 12,850 (12,900)
* Consortium Delivery
* 12,700
* Earnings
* 150
* Note: Several Roselle casualties; production stagnated.

* XX day of XX month
* Actual Production (Projected Output)
* 13,610 (13,300)
* Consortium Delivery
* 13,300
* Earnings
* 310

* XX day of XX month
* Actual Production (Projected Output)
* 13,780 (13,200)
* Consortium Delivery
* 13,200
* Earnings
* 580
* Note: Extended working hours. Production on track to recover.

* XX day of XX month
* Actual Production (Projected Output)
* 14,020 (13,100)
* Consortium Delivery
* 13,300
* Earnings
* 720

* XX day of XX month
* Actual Production (Projected Output)
* 14,260 (13,200) Consortium Delivery
* 13,200
* Earnings
* 1,060
* Note: Dealt strict punishments for failing to meet projected output. Successfully increased production.

## Lyla's Secretary's Journal

*A journal kept by Lyla's secretary, though the secretary's whereabouts are currently unknown.*

XX day of XX month

Minister Lyla has entrusted me with a secret mission of utmost importance: I am to shadow Minister Sorsley Ende and monitor his every move.

XX day of XX month

It has been one month since I began following Sorsley. House Ende is very well guarded. I have not been able to learn much, but such an extreme level of vigilance is suspicious in and of itself. I will continue my surveillance once I am able to slip past the guards.

XX day of XX month

Minister Sorsley Ende met in secret with a number of high-ranked Glenbrook nobles and gave them bribes. I hope to gain entry to House Ende and discover what those bribes were for. Once I have concrete information, I will make my report to Minister Lyla.

## The Power of Salt

*Dragan's personal research journal, in which he recorded all he learned about salt after sifting through mountains of text in the Archives.*

Salt is foodstuff necessary for human survival. But that isn't all it is. It has myriad applications beyond the kitchen, and contains within it the power to change our world as we know it.

In this book, I, Dragan Aesfrost, have recorded the results of my research in the Grand Duchy's Archives. The culmination of everything I learned poring over ancient texts from all across Norzelia...

...for example, salting food is an excellent method of preservation, but doing so on a large scale is untenable due to the mineral's costly nature. If we could preserve large stores of food, it would be easier for people to travel over longer distances, or help us trade goods and supplies in even greater quantities.

It could even become possible to explore the hitherto unplumbable depths of the Hyzantian desert, or to sail beyond the Great Falls in the south. Even more indispensable are salt's medicinal benefits. My predecessors use what limited salt they have to conduct various experiments.

Though salt's scarcity makes it nigh impossible to put their findings into actual practice, they have shown that salt can be applied—to great effect—in developing medicine, producing materials such as leather or glass, and animal husbandry. Their research even suggests salt can be made into a volatile blasting agent.

I expect even further possibilities will be discovered as the research progresses... Though whether research *can* progress remains to be seen, with the Source under Hyzante's tightfisted control. But we must not abandon hope for the better Norzelia salt could help us realize.

Someone must clear the way forward, else this new era of prosperity will die before it is ever born. What I am attempting to create will be vital to this effort. The potential of salt is the potential of Norzelia's future... And that of all of us who dwell within this great realm.

I dedicate this book to all those who, like me, are striving for a new era. May it help guide us to a brighter future.

-Dragan Aesfrost

## Condemn the Corrupt Consortium!

*A booklet reporting on incidents that occur around the realm. It denounces the Norzelia Consortium.*

We will expose the corruption within the Norzelia Consortium!

The Consortium was originally created to ensure the fair trade of salt among the three nations. However, thirty years have passed, and now the founding principles have been lost and salt inequity ravages our realm once more.

As you readers know, Hyzante imposes a high tax on all the salt it exports. This tax was lowered immediately after the war ended, but is now even higher than before the war began. Though the Holy State claims a salt shortage to be behind this, no one can ascertain the condition of the Source and most speculate it is merely Hyzante setting the price.

The Consortium should be responsible for righting these wrongs, but they are at the Holy State's beck and call. To make matters worse, they impose even higher taxes on salt bound for Aesfrost to line their own pockets. As a result, salt is now a luxury in the Grand Duchy, its people are impoverished, and the nation's development has all but come to a halt.

This situation is all too similar to that of the eve of the Saltiron War and, if left unchecked, could result in yet another horrible tragedy. To prevent that and see the Consortium's original purpose restored, we must first bring their wrongdoings to light. To that end, I am currently investigating the Consortium with the aforementioned convictions in mind.

My wise readers, it is time for us to raise our voices together for the future of all Norzelia!

## Beware of the Beautiful Bandit!

*A booklet reporting on incidents that occur around the realm. It covers rumors of a beautiful bandit seen around Glenbrook.*

A beautiful bandit has been seen around the Wolffort demesne robbing nobles and the wealthy alike.

I heard she was spotted around the harbor, so I headed to Wolffort myself and spoke to an eyewitness.

We shared drinks at a local tavern as he told me all he knew.

He was a middle-aged man with red hair and knew much more than I anticipated about the woman in question.

He described her appearance and personality, but continued on to regale me with tales of her childhood, habits, and least favorite foods... Hours passed with no end in sight.

I assumed that someone so well informed must know how to contact her directly.

By the time dawn was breaking, I managed to muster up the courage to tell him I was thoroughly interested and wished to meet her for myself.

The man then shouted, "Hah! So you've fallen in love with Trish, have ye!? Sorry, but a nobody like ye ain't got a chance with my daughter!"

The last thing I remember was a searing pain in my head.

...When I came to, I was on the floor, and the informant was walking away, leaving me to pay the tab.

I wish no one to meet the same unfortunate fate that I have. So to those who are looking for the beautiful bandit, I say this:

"Beware of her father."

## A Cursed Cask!?

*A booklet reporting on incidents that occur around the realm. It covers a suspicious rumor.*

Have you heard the rumor of the moving cask?

It's said that a mysterious apparition has been seen wandering around Hyzante lately. According to one theory, the lingering hatred of someone who drowned their sorrows in wine gathered within the cask and caused it to move, gaining it the name "the cursed cask." They say that the lonely apparition beckons others to the same fate, calling out these words...

"Welcome and welcome and wElcoMe AnD WelCoMEaND..."

## The State of the Grand Norzelian Mines

*A booklet reporting on incidents that occur around the realm. It covers the Grand Norzelian Mines after the Aesfrosti invasion of Glenbrook.*

The Grand Norzelian Mines were meant to be a symbol of peace between the three nations of the realm. A grand ceremony was held to commemorate the occasion and everyone anticipated a new era of peace coming to the land.

However, the peoples' expectations were betrayed when Aesfrost invaded Glenbrook.

Though the Grand Duchy claims that the Kingdom of Glenbrook attempted to take the mines for themselves, the mines are currently occupied by Aesfrost, and the truth remains in the dark.

I risked my very life to ascertain the current state of the mines for myself.

The Grand Norzelian Mines are kept under strict watch by the Aesfrosti army, making it difficult to even approach.

I ventured as close as I possibly could and confirmed that the mines are, indeed, under operation. Numerous large carts come and go from the mines and take the mountain path toward the Grand Duchy.

The carts are all covered, but I surmise they are filled with excavated iron.

I tried to get closer, but was unfortunately seen by Aesfrosti soldiers who loosed arrows at me without warning. Thankfully, I managed to escape with merely a scratch and quickly withdrew, fearing for my life.

In the end, I could not discern the truth of what was happening at the Grand Norzelian Mines. But I can confirm that the mines are in operation and an odd air of tension blankets the place.

But just what does this mean?

## A Wedding in Wolffort

*A booklet reporting on incidents that occur around the realm. It covers the union of House Wolffort and Aesfrost.*

The engagement of Serenoa Wolffort and Frederica Aesfrost has been decided.

Their union has been received favorably by the peoples of both Glenbrook and Aesfrost as a bridge of peace between the two nations. Lady Frederica has arrived safely in Wolffort and wedding preparations are quietly underway.

With Lord Serenoa officially heading House Wolffort, there is no doubt the ceremony will be a grand one attended by dignitaries of every nation.

From Glenbrook, King Regna, Prince Frani, and Lord Serenoa's closest friend, Prince Roland, will be attending. From the Grand Duchy, Lady Frederica's brothers Archduke Gustadolph and Prime Minister Thalas are expected to join in the festivities as well.

But who will be attending on behalf of Hyzante? Many are curious to know who from the Holy State would attend a wedding meant to strengthen the ties between Glenbrook and Aesfrost, and with a Rosellan bride nonetheless. Though the hierophant is out of the question, we will be able to peer into the Holy State's political motives depending on which of the Saintly Seven attend.

Though the guest list is still uncertain, we know one thing for sure: this wedding will undoubtedly be a turning point in Norzelia's history.

## The Untold War

*A booklet reporting on incidents that occur around the realm. It covers a lesser-known war raging between the three nations.*

A fierce battle has raged on between the three nations since before the onset of the Saltiron War. It is a battle waged over...the realm's most delectable liquor.

Glenbrook claims that their kingdom's wine is the sweetest in the land. Hyzante, on the other hand, asserts that nothing surpasses the taste of their fresh kumiss. And Aesfrost insists that their potent distilled liquor is second to none.

This is a point over which each nation's people refuse to yield.

The history of this war is as old as the three nations themselves. Fierce debates have been held in taverns the realm over, but no conclusion has ever been reached.

At the end of all the fighting, only empty glasses and drunkards remain—I mean, debaters.

The key to ending this fruitless fight may lie in the words those very debaters mutter out the next morning.

"...Nothing tastes better than water during a hangover."

## The System of Magic

*A comprehensive tome covering a wide range of topics from the basics of magic to its research history. It is said to be the secret records of a certain archmage, edited by the Ministry of Medicine.*

Magic is a vast subject that requires advanced skills to master. To cast a spell, one must thoroughly understand the theories behind it and use the appropriate techniques with absolute precision.

Magic is by no means an almighty and miraculous force. There are various restrictions on its use, and becoming a mage is a lifelong journey of learning and training far greater than that required by a craftsman or soldier.

But magic opens up a realm of endless possibilities. Even now, knowing its limits is far beyond our capabilities. The research and efforts of us mages, however, unlock new possibilities and enable us to help even more of those in need.

To those who wish to learn the arcane arts, I say this: a true mage is someone who wishes to learn the good that magic can do in the world.

## Beagle's Nature Records, Part I

*Research records of Norzelia's flora and fauna compiled by the naturalist Beagle. It covers the plants and animals on the Plains of Glenbrook.*

The Plains of Glenbrook, which spread across the center of the realm, are a fertile area enriched by the river's waters.

The central area has been cleared away and established as the breadbasket of Norzelia, known for its bountiful grain harvests.

To the south lies a vast forest, wherein tigers are rumored to roam.

There are a number of Glenbrook legends regarding kings and warriors who hunted these beasts, which likely came from a time when that forest covered more of the plains.

Hawks are also known to inhabit various areas across the plains. Their shrewd conduct and gallant figure is known to all who live in the area and they are beloved by the kingdom's people as a symbol of strength and pride.

The hawk upon House Wolffort's crest is a perfect example of that adoration.

## Beagle's Nature Records, Part II

*Research records of Norzelia's flora and fauna compiled by the naturalist Beagle. It covers the plants and animals in the Norzelian Mountains.*

In the northern reaches of the realm lie the Norzelian Mountains.

They are the source of the Norzelia River, and the blizzards surrounding their ice- and snow-covered peaks prevent any from passing through. The summit is a harsh place where not even birds dare fly.

Beneath the ground, however, run veins rich in iron, copper, silver, and more. The people of Aesfrost eventually managed to reach these veins and opened several mines.

Prospectors looking for iron deposits should first seek out the alpine plant known as ferrum weed.

Tiny red flowers sprout upon this weed's black leaves, and the plant itself can only be found in areas rich in iron.

Red and black, the colors of the Grand Duchy, are said to represent fire and iron, but may also stand for the colors of ferrum weed.

The Norzelian Mountains are also a major habitat of greathawks.

Greathawks, both intelligent and large enough to carry a rider upon their backs, were once known to nest all across the realm, but are now rarely seen outside the mountains.

Due to the difficulties of artificial breeding, these mountains are considered a very valuable place to hawkriders and any who use birds when sending missives.

## Beagle's Nature Records, Part III

*Research records of Norzelia's flora and fauna compiled by the naturalist Beagle. It covers the plants and animals in the Hyzantian Sands.*

In the east sprawls a barren desert wasteland known as the Hyzantian Sands, home of the Source.

A tributary of the Norzelia River runs through the area, but its waters are no match for the desert's soaring temperatures and harsh sunlight. At night, however, temperatures sink below freezing.

Aside from Hyzante's capital, developed around the Source, and the western part of the Sands, the area is entirely unsuitable for living.

Several small oases dot the depths of the Sands, and herds of wild horses gather around these watering holes.

They are robust creatures, having lived in the desert's harsh conditions, which makes them a perfect fit for any army's cavalry. Nations are willing to pay a high price for these horses.

The famed Hyzantian cavalry's horses were also taken from the Sands.

Many attempts have been made to reach the ends of the Sands over the course of time, but none have succeeded.

Although countless people enter the desert in search of adventure or riches, few return.

Delving into the Hyzantian Sands is not a matter to be taken lightly. One must be willing to risk their very life when stepping foot into the wilderness.

## The Eternal Norzelia River

*Records of the Norzelia River compiled by the Norzelian River Management Committee. It describes the traits of the river's different sections.*

The Norzelia River has two tributaries with unique properties.

The western branch, running from the snowy Norzelian Mountains, is filled with water year-round. Although the water levels are now under control, the tributary was once quite turbulent and prone to floods. Many areas with swift currents still remain, however, and prove challenging to inexperienced sailors.

Only Aesfrost's ships, armed with the full knowledge of the river's waters, are able to navigate those currents.

The other tributary, stemming from the eastern deserts, flows calmly throughout. The gentle sloping of the river also allows for easy upstream passage.

Water transport flourishes for most of the year, although low water levels in some seasons make the voyage near impossible for large vessels.

The two branches converge into a single, mighty river at Glenbrook and flow south to the Norzelia Falls.

## Norzelia River Ships

*A volume about the ships on the Norzelia River compiled by the Norzelian Shipping Association.*

The Norzelia River, which runs through the three nations, is an integral part of the realm's trade and military affairs.

In the Kingdom of Glenbrook, built upon the riverbank, boats are a popular mode of transportation, and cargo ships are a frequent sight. The Holy State of Hyzante also has many large shipping vessels for their prospering salt trade.

While it is possible to go upstream with paddles and sails, it is not uncommon to see people or horses towing a boat from the shore in the rapids.

In Aesfrost, ships are necessary not only for cargo, but their military as well.

Their warships are clad in iron armor and are skilled at navigating even the river rapids. Their naval fleet and Blackirons strike fear into the hearts of any who dare stand against them.

## Winds of Norzelia

*A book compiled by the Hawkers' Guild explaining the two wind systems in Norzelia.*

There are two large wind systems constantly blowing across Norzelia.

The cold wind, blowing from north to south, is known as the "mountain wind." The warmer wind that blows from east to west is the "desert wind." These two winds collide above the plains, creating clouds and bringing about rainfall.

The breeze generated by this collision also helps ships traveling upstream.

Birds instinctively use this wind when in flight. Messenger birds in particular take advantage of the gusts to travel long distances quickly.

When greathawks have riders upon their backs, they utilize the strong winds to ascend and glide. Skilled hawkers and hawkriders can read the winds and use them to travel further faster.

## Secret Tactics: Scroll of Man

*A scroll left behind by the legendary strategist Balkah. It contains tactical information related to shieldbearers and healers.*

Shieldbearers and healers are key elements to a solid defense, but are unexpectedly difficult to use. Many commanders have failed to leverage them wisely on the field of battle.

Shieldbearers excel in defense and are generally placed near the main force or its leaders to prevent sieges and flank attacks. Many of these units can push back enemies with their shields, which is particularly useful when facing stronger foes. Shieldbearers are an essential unit to have when up against a rivaling general.

"Relentless attacks have costed me victory, but solid defenses never have. Only a fool attacks first and protects themselves later. A good defense must come before a good offense."

Healers are units that can cure their injured allies. Most commanders therefore wish to keep them at the rear of the main force, but enemy attacks can usually reach anywhere healing magic can.

In general, healers should be made to wait at the rear and advance only when necessary. Once their job is done, they should make a quick retreat.

Though this sounds cumbersome, healers are responsible for keeping their fellow soldiers alive and are especially vulnerable to enemy attacks. Commanders must therefore pay close attention to their movements for, if they fall, the entire army is likely to follow suit.

"Hastiness avails no one on the battlefield. In victory, caution is king."

## Secret Tactics: Scroll of Earth

*A scroll left behind by the legendary strategist Balkah. It contains tactical information related to archers and arcanists.*

Archers and arcanists attack from afar. Their objective is to wear down the enemy from a distance before the infantry moves in to strike. This strategy is the best at mitigating casualties.

Unfortunately, arcanists tend to move slowly and have difficulty casting spells in succession. This has led many a commander to instruct infantry to move in first and weaken the enemy so that archers and arcanists may then deal the felling blow. This tactic, however, incurs great damages to the front lines. It is advised that commanders allow archers and arcanists to prepare before sending out the vanguard.

"Advancing is not the same as attacking. Patience can be the key to victory."

One must also be aware of the position of their archers.

Arrows are easy to avoid if shot from the front. Loosing them from a higher elevation increases their range and impact. The opposite is true of lower elevations.

An archer's position greatly affects the power of one's forces.

"A diagonal shot is more likely to strike true."

"He who has the high ground has the advantage.""

Furthermore, magic spells are each tied to an element, and their power varies by opponent. Choose which spell to cast carefully.

Magic stones, each imbued with an element, have the same effect as spells. With these in hand, any soldier can play the role of an arcanist. Use them well to reduce the burden on your spellcasters and diversify your tactics.

## Secret Tactics: Scroll of Heaven

*A scroll left behind by the legendary strategist Balkah. It contains tactical information related to cavalry units and hawkriders.*

Cavalry and hawkriders are known for their superior mobility.

This grants them the ability to move freely across the battlefield, although venturing too far from their allies leaves them without support and puts them at risk of a concentrated enemy attack.

They should therefore stay close to the main force and utilize their mobility to either flank or get behind enemies who draw near.

While acting alone can be dangerous, a team of three or more cavalry units or hawkriders can prove quite advantageous in battle.

They can provide much-needed support to each other and actively intercept enemy troops or assail soldiers lurking in the distance.

Doing so would separate them from allies with healing magic, so taking recovery pellets would be a must.

Alone, cavalry units and hawkriders are challenging to handle, but their real strength lies in their numbers.

So what is the best way to make use of their exceptional mobility? The question gives insight into a commander's true worth.

"One must be swift, but never hasty. Speed can be your greatest asset, or your greatest enemy."