Legends and Folk Stories of Liotain

Liotain has many folk stories and legends, the truth of which is often

## Ghosts and Apparitions

### The Black Galley

A ghost ship, variously attributed to be a galley lost in a storm in route to the Battle of Cape Sovata, or destroyed with all hands by the Firoccans at the Five Days Battle; however, the legend predates both events, being attributed as far back as 1369. The Black Galley allegedly haunts the coast between Breizh and Neris, where it is occasionally seen by mariners. Breizhoned mariners believe that it will lead lost fishermen back to shore, but others believe it is an ill omen of coming catastrophe, or a warning for sailors to double-check their navigation.

### Headless Horseman

Several versions of this legend exist.

* The most well-known comes from the region of Rokantiskes, where the horseman is identified as a Kabirite cavalryman who survived the Battle of Rudeksna, only to be hunted down and beheaded afterward by the royal army.
* A darker version of the story comes from southeastern Liotain, where the horseman was a handsome highwayman betrayed by the girl he loved. As an apparition, he haunts the roads looking for lone girls to kidnap, defile, and murder.

## Fėja

The *Fėja* are a broad category of legendary creatures found in Liotainian folklore. They are often believed to be magical or preternatural.

### Undinėlė

A type of mermaid, having the tail of a dolphin or occasionally a shark (never a fish, however). They are attributed magical powers, including command of storm and sea, as well as prophecy. Undinėlė are never wholly good or evil, but always dangerous. Most cannot speak human languages, but can sing or communicate by whistling. The oldest undinėlė can change their shape and appear as humans, however they cannot leave the sight of the ocean. The sorceress Trigaila, a legendary figure from "The Last White Sword," is identified as the daughter of an undinėlė and the dark magician Aldoro.

### Snaigė

A bird made entirely of snow that lives on the tops of mountains. If a person successfully catches one, the bird's mate will offer the captor a magic sword as a ransom. However, the snaigė is particularly cunning, and may use snowstorms to blind hunters in order to lead them off cliffs.

## Legendary Creatures

### Iron Lion

A legendary beast associated with momentous events in Liotainian history. Steponas, the Bishop of Rekyva, said that an iron lion appeared and spoke to him during a time of prayer prior to the Revolt of Rekyva. It was also reported on the streets of Neris prior to Queen Maurizia's selection as monarch.

### Drakonas (Dragon)

Dragons have existed in the Liotainian legendarium since at least the 7th Century. Although similar in shape to the classical dragons found elsewhere in Velravin (as opposed to the more serpentine dragons of Akaina), Liotainian dragons are small. In the *Legend of the Golden Wind*, the dragon's wings measure only "twice the span of an eagle" and is noted to be too small to eat a small goat in a single meal.

The *drakonas* is associated with wisdom and learning, and is sometimes portrayed in art as a companion of the Archangel Urielis (Uriel). In legends, they are often encountered in olive groves.

## Folk Stories

### Princess Miglé

Princess Miglé was the ruler of the city of Sasnava, located in southeastern Liotain; she was purported to be a witch (*ragana*) or enchantress (*kerėtoja*). According to legend, the Canstori murdered her fiancé. Every new moon, the vengeful Miglé transformed into a giant ravenous lionness in order to eat the Canstori.

Period records do indicate a female ruler of Sasnava, named Miglé, during the correct historical timeframe, but very little information on her exists.