Research

For student info and research costs see Imperial Studies College.
See also the list of Legends.

## From the Clan remains from StarStorm

===Legend 12: The Twisted Ladder

* **Legendary Creatures – 4 Students**
* **The Wild – 1 Student**
* **The Brooch/Symbol – 2 Students**
* **Dragons – 1 Student**
* **Centaurs – 1 Student**

**The Unlikely Dragon Hunters**

Many years ago in the age of the Great Dragon Riders, before the rise of Sorantan there were two close companions. One was a bald dwarf who was cursed by the Elven High Priestess to lose his beard forever. The other was one of the ugliest trolls you could ever have seen. The two were fighting companions and slew many dragons each and together. Their unusual friendship was legendary until an argument caused them to part. A petty argument over a spilt beer with each blaming the other. For many years they refused to speak to each other and did as much as they could to avoid each other until the day that they both arrived at the lair of a Great Platinum Dragon. It was three days before they spoke. Three days of silence as each camped within easy calling distance of the other. Each knew that on their own they could not defeat the dragon but neither being willing to be the one who broke the silence. It was the dragon that broke the silence in the end as it came out of its lair and smelt the scent of the two Dragon Hunters. As soon as it came swooping out of the sky towards the campsite the two friends fell into the automatic routine of fighting side-by-side once more. Together they fought, together they won and together they celebrated their victory.

<end Dwarven>

Elvish notes:

* Whilst this story has obviously been embellished, it reinforces the theory that there has long been conflict between the Wild and the lesser races – which I admit is probably true;
* Note that the companionship of a Troll and a Dwarf is not something we have ever observed, all evidence today points towards them being mortal enemies;
* Rasten believes that this tale provides further support to the strategy proposed by Oranzer – personally I think it is a fairy story;

### A Strange Legend – Repeated In A Couple Of Documents

**THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SENTIENT SINNERS**

When the World was yet young, the Ancient Gods lived in person among the created peoples to rule over them in a serene Golden Age of prosperity and peace. But when the peoples multiplied, their self-confidence grew and they swarmed away from the sway of the Divine Seats. Soon free-will became a pretext for misbehavior and sin, and crime and adultery took a flight (and horrid musical novelty called in-door stone-clapping).

Seeing that greed and fighting and intemperance more and more got a hold of their flocks, The Ancients spoke: "Shall our poor Ears have to listen to the noise of their endless quibbling and babbling forever?! Shall our noses have to bare the smell of their hairy bodies and breaths till eternity?! Come, let us make an end to these little pests, these pains that wallow in their inequities like pigs in the mud!". And in unity the Serene Powers created many kinds of monsters that since roam the lands. And although these beasts took a heavy toll of the life of the peoples, the people multiplied and sinned even more - "For tomorrow we may die!"

So again The Ancients took council, and out of the seed of all the monsters they had created, they made one enormous Beast, a Chimera the size of a mountain. And one of The Ancients pulled out one of his own Eyes and place it on the forehead of the monstrous being, where it flickered like lightning. When the Beast walked, the earth shook (THUMB, THUMB), the gaze of its one Eye set forests in fire and stoned all flesh, and the peoples fled in utter panic before it. Satisfied The Ancients reclined on their Seats - this would solve the problem once and for all! No mortal flesh would remain alive, and a new Serenity would soon dawn.

But among the Ancient Gods there was one who did not agree, whether out of vanity or out of mercy, that is not known; his name was Rantah. And he went to one of the peoples (some say it were the ancestors of the mead loving Dwarves) and ordered them to make 7000 jars of red beer. And when the Beast came their way(THUMP, THUMP) they quickly poured the jars out on the ground, as Rantah had commanded. And when the Beast saw the pool of red fluid on the ground it eagerly advanced, thinking it was a pool of blood. Greedily it gulped down the red substance - oh how sweet its taste! - and soon found that its massive legs felt oddly rubbery, and its little brain dozy. So when it saw, in the surface of the red pool, the reflection of its own head and of the furious Eye gazing up, it staggered and tripped and fell to the ground (THUMB, THUMB, THUD!)- and broke its neck under its own weight.

When the Ancients Gods saw that their plan had failed, and that the sentient beings they had created proved ineradicable like weeds, they shrugged their mighty shoulders, and serenely retreated upwards to the Heavens, leaving the peoples to their dubious fate down there in the mud.

### Followers Of The Wild Wood

We know very little of the creatures fundamental secular, theological or spiritual beliefs, and indeed for many of these creatures their intellect is unlikely to support great complexity in this area, but from careful observance and an exhaustive analysis of their behaviour over the past decades my learned colleagues and I have put together a paper that we will present at next years Symposium of Reason. This presentation will assert, and provide unassailable evidence that supports our theory, that the denizens assaulting the Empires borders, who when interrogated claim to be following the decree of the Wild Wood, are in fact simply religious fanatics.

I have attached a synopsis of the presentation and would welcome the sponsorship of the College as this would allow us to further refine the efforts and apply even more stringent diligence to the validation of our theories.

(This short note – the attachment has been lost, is stamped “Reject”, with a scribbled note “wordy, pompous and unstructured”)

### More On Hentron (the Bardic version)

The bards do sing and the dreamers do dream of a time not so long ago when there was more of a smile than a grim refrain in the streets of Stormhaven. Much of the tales wound about the hope of Prince Hentron whose youth and insight were a delightful mixture all at once care fee and capable of the most outrageous fun loving mischief typical of so many youths, while all the same able to share with people the warmth and happiness that he felt within his own essence.

Hentron was fond of sailing and flying about the winds on the wings of magic or the chasing of a college mate through the dark caves of the old city. Like many before him in his line, he was hopelessly always in love, and for the better part of his youth, as was typical of his line sadly too, with the wrong young lady. This would displease his father William to no end; nothing like having your own failings echoed by your own!

There was the Ariel Nomad Princess that kept him enthralled for a whole summer, somewhat of a record for the young man, until both parents deemed that a distant assignment to study the origins of the Eldar Mountains was in store for her. Then there came the odd eyed girl from Parthon who danced the most outrageous version of the 'Veils' ever seen.

The last was probably the most mysterious for she seemed to be able to take his focus from traditional pursuits to things that one might expect of the future King. It is said that she chose him and that in that choice her eyes were on something far beyond the bonds of love. It must be said that she appeared to have no Royal ambition, for she was no throne huntress, though huntress she most assuredly was. Her intensity was on the essence of Hentron and he loved every minute of her attention.

His father, annoyed at most of his associations, became even more concerned as Hentron's involvement became a serious matter. The King could find out nothing about her past or family, and all was building for quite a show down. In desperation, it is said, that William called upon a Seeress, of which there was more than one vile rumor, and together they consulted a deep crystal palantir to pierce the past of the woman. The calls of the temporal web strained on them both, and twisted out of control, though some say the Seeress planned it all along. William was given the glimpse, not of the past but of the future, and it tore at his heart and soul. He wallowed in delusions and spasm's for a week before he died with the name of Sonia forming on his lips. Though who she was has never been found.

Hentron, soon became ill, though the mages seemed to think that spells were finding him from distant shores. The Court Wizard did not have time to counter them before a great magical storm rose up like the petals of a great flower and took him and his love away forever more. No mage could locate him, and those that held sway said he was never-more. A sad day for the Kingdom and sadder still for the civil wars were soon to return after generations of unity.

### Dragons

The great beasts collectively known as Dragons seem in fact to be a number of inter-related species.

Those whose scales have a metallic hue are the most fearsome, thus far we have verified sightings of the following (in order of ferocity) Copper, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, there are unsubstantiated rumours of a Mithril dragon as well and this beast if found would be truly terrifying.

The lesser dragons, and because I use the word lesser – do not for a moment think of these beasts as feeble, again in order of strength are White, Green, Yellow, Blue, Black and Red.

Dragons seem to be able to cross breed within their sub-species quite happily, although the offspring will largely tend towards the weaker parents breed. Hybrids have been observed, but these tend to be relatively sickly beasts and unable to breed themselves. The one exception is the dun coloured Drake, a pale shadow of even the weakest White Dragon but it does have two redeeming features, it is able to breed and we are able to tame the beasts for warmounts.

True Dragons are all intelligent, and capable of speech, most have some significant arcane ability whilst themselves being resistant to hostile magic.

As a foe, they are fearsome, but up until recently they tended not to act in an organised fashion and so many were slain by great heroes seeking fame. This has all changed, the rise of the Wild has seen Dragons oppose the Empire in an organised and coordinated fashion. There are reports of some Dragons being ridden by humanoids, many of the lesser races but even some Elves and Dark Elves. Tales are surfacing of a “Dragonrider” called Soratan who is leading these efforts and bringing organisation to the nihilistic forces of the Wild.

I fear for the future of the Empire.

### A Strange List

(From a damaged scroll, obviously a copy of another document.)

….100 year peace agreed, will cooperate

Centaurs: 100 year peace agreed, will cooperate and seek to free their brethren from the influence of the wild;

Dwarves: 100 year peace agreed, will cooperate but will operate only within their borders

Humans: 100 year peace agreed, will cooperate

Giants: Non aggression pact agreed, will resist the foe within their borders

Catfolk: Cooperation pact agreed, will end upon the utter destruction of the foe

Trolls: Still debating, likely to cooperate

Orcs: Will follow the Trolls

Goblins: Refused any pact

Reptilians: 100 year……..

## Research (Week 2)

### Legendary Creatures – 4 Students

The students have pulled together a large collection of scrolls relating to the “legendary creatures” and are busy trying to translate and cross reference to make some meaningful sense of the information.

One student, who appears to be taking a bit of a lead on this summarises what they think they have worked out so far:

* The creatures, and so far they have pulled together a large list of beasties, whilst not the most organised appear to have been ruled and given a collective goal – that was inimical to the Elven Empire;
* The “rulership” would seem not to have been an individual but a collection of beings – but it is difficult to judge at present who these were or how they were selected etc.
* They had their own belief structure, although at present little can be worked out – most of the races had shamans or priests;
* At some point the Elves were in danger of losing. There is talk of a radical shift in policy in order to meet the threat **(note: These scrolls will be off to Adamas)**

Research going forward can either focus on organising and making more sense of the material gathered, or digging deeper into the library.

Research continues, more material next week (certain)

### Far Haven – Wyldwood Shrine & Elven Times – 1 Student

No mention of the Wyldwood Shrine at Far Haven can be found in the Library.

One section of an old Elven Governors report does mention the location.

“The recently arrived beings known as humans have so far been content to remain in the vicinity of the settlement, which they have named Far Haven. Initial reports indicate that the wild has made no ingress into their society and so for the moment we will adopt a policy of neutrality towards them. It would be beneficial to have them act as a buffer state, allowing us to focus our efforts elsewhere.”

### The Brooch/Symbol – 2 Students

Unfortunately, the students working in this area continue to produce no meaningful results.

Research continues – more material known to be there (40% likely next week estimate, 60% with 2 students)

### Dragons – 1 Student

As you have already surmised, Dragons were an important part of the Elven Empires culture, they featured in heraldry, folklore, the calendar system and by implication were physically present on the North Island at some point prior to the Age of Chaos – from the below notes taken by a Elven Blacksmith.

“Whilst Drake scales are useful in the forging of high quality mail, true Dragon scales – if properly handled can be used to produce true masterworks. The larger scales primarily from the back of the beast I have found to be suitable for Breast and Back plates, whilst the smaller scales from around the neck and tail readily lend themselves to incorporation into a scale mail. My view is however, that the best scales are found around the eyes and mouth of the beast, these have the right size and flexibility to be used for any kind of protective wear.”

The student believes that they have found a collection of scrolls that will provide a lot more information if investigated further.

Research continues (50% likely of more info next week)

#### The First Rune

In ancient days when life was but a new thought disturbing the waters, there was formed a simple design, and it was given form by the will of the world and it was the First Rune. Once formed it stayed in magical stasis which separated it from all other forms of marking yet to be made...

For Runes are markings that are out of time and thus the passage of that decaying dimension has no affect on it for they exist outside of it......The First Rune floated and left all in its wake different...and the other Runes were formed to echo the power of the arcane and the timeless record of the ways...and that which is not spoken of reached down and plucked the Rune from where only he could venture and placed it upon his gauntlets and from timelessness to time he came and tears were made... and by the mark of its Rune enhanced by ritual untold he transformed to any life and moved about the strands of .... and in the beginning the paradox of life was recorded by the First Rune which stands unalterable in sharpest contrast with its calling for it is recorded that that symbol was the Rune of "Change"

#### Ilrania the First

In the First Age, according to the Elves, there was a Lesser Demigod who often played with the Elves. She seemed to have no malice or snobish ways as was the manner of her status. The Elves at first were suspicious as was their lot for they had been warned by the Mother of these powers and their arrogance. Yet, this one being won their confidence and admiration.

She had a love, not of a parent for a child, but of an equal and partner. The Lesser Demi-god, who took the name Ilrania, sang long and deep about her Elves and how she wish she too could be of them and not bound to the divine paths of power. This the Mother heard and sent to her a vision of a great pale tree on a simple forest field, and Ilrania knew her fate. There she would go, and give herself up, and she would become an Elf, her soul of divinity separated out forever, but for this she would achieve her transformation. The Elves upon hearing the sacrifice held a council and declared that the nobility of the act was beyond any that they had ever heard of, and pronounced her Empress Ilrania: First Empress of the Elves.

Many an Elf wandered in search of the quest for Illania's Soul, but none ever returned with other than a lapse of memory and a loss of time. Finally, at the end of the First Age, with the times of chaos blistering before them, two strangers came forward, where once there had only been Elves and Druids, and said "Seek no more that which can not be sought, but let it find you when the finding time finds itself and the rainbows last for a month and a day."

The departures from the North Island ended the quests...

Research continues (40% likely of more info next week)

## Research (Week 1)

### Legendary Creatures

This proves quite a rich source of material, it is soon fairly obvious that to the Elves at least many of the creatures that modern civilisations regard as mythological were real to the Elves. These creatures were regarded with significant dislike (but not disdain).

Within the week your research has identified Ogres as being known to the Elves, described as:

“Brutish footsoldiers of great strength and stamina, they sometimes act as leaders of the lesser spawn but more often are deployed as shock troops. The more intelligent individuals can be shamans, priests or even arcanists – these individuals have the potential to be extremely dangerous and should be eliminated as soon as encountered.”

Research continues, more material next week (certain)

### Elven History (twilight of change, Sorleaf)

Student: “Don’t you get it?”

Party: “????”

Student: “The Sorleaf story is obviously set before the time of Chaos, but how was it then written by an Elf? Either the Elf was around after the departure or the Elves has some significant strength in prophesy? Sparrowsight says I need to consider other options, but I cannot think of anything.”

Where do you want to go with this research, we already know that the Elves had some visibility of a time they called the Twilight but they did not seem to have any preconception of the Age of Chaos.

There are some other stories from the Elven age down in the archives – just let me know if you want me to dig them out.

RESEARCH NEEDS DIRECTION

**The Brooch/Symbol**

The student is convinced that he has seen something similar as coming out of research over the past year or so. Frustratingly the week produces no meaningful results though.

Research continues – more material known to be there (30% likely next week estimate)

**The Spell of Voids**

The spell of voids is mentioned a number of times as a great arcane ritual that was known to the Empress and her inner circle of arcane advisors. The first weeks research has not unearthed any specifics around this ritual and its purpose though.

Research continues (20% likely of more info next week)

**Flying Cities and references to “Stars”**

(Note: It becomes apparent very early on that a lot of the information in this area seems to have been migrated to Starport).

It is known that one of the Elven manifestations of power was embodied in 5 flying cities, each city was associated with one of the elements with the city associated with Mana housed the Empresses palace. The only mention of “Stars” that appear to be common are related to temples, again 5 main temples, again each associated with one of the Elven elements.

Research continues (30% likely of more info next week)

## Original suggestions and thoguhts

1. ↑ Day 95: Onwen's Wall Cupboard
2. ↑  Research (Week 3)
3. ↑  Research (Week 2)