Arden Vassa (Cortex Collection)

**Arden Vassa** lists all cortex entries on Legionnaire Arden Vassa.

## Collection Details

A total of **46** cortex entries make reference to Arden Vassa.

The following Cortex Entries tell about Arden Vassa, his work, achievements, interests, mails and more!

## Arden Vassa (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Arden Vassa (1) for More Details*

A key Legion of Dawn member, Arden Vassa invented and built the first javelin. A master of ember manipulation and Forge blueprints, Vassa reportedly constructed the first javelin in just five days.

When the Legion of Dawn divided into three, Vassa led a great throng to Antium and was received as a hero. He invented Antium's fortifications and transformed it from an insecure village to a safe haven. While there, Vassa made numerous discoveries and breakthroughs in technology, then passed that knowledge onto his children, Fortuo and Dell. In turn, they taught their own children. Fortuo eventually left to found his own city, but Dell and his bloodline have remained rulers of Antium.

## Arden Vassa (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Arden Vassa (2) for More Details*

The feats of design and engineering attributed to Arden Vassa are too improbable to be believed. Are we to accept that one man invented the javelin while hiding in a cave somewhere in the Bastion wilderness? It seems unlikely that the same person could have designed the walls of Antium and the gardens of the Academy, and yet both are attributed to Vassa. It is far more likely Arden Vassa was a group of Arcanists and Engineers whose work has been misattributed.

— From *Antium Journal of Archaeology*, Arcanist records

## Arden's Road (District)

*See Cortex Entry: Arden's Road (District) for More Details*

This road to the sanctuary is thought to be as old as Velathra, perhaps indicating that it was built in the time of great optimism after the urgoth defeat. The name "Arden's Road" has always existed, adding support to the old folk tale of the Princess and the Merchant.

## Artinia the Sharpshooter (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Artinia the Sharpshooter (1) for More Details*

"...with Vassa's students, to watch the stars for signs of the General's return. Her keen eyes and perfect calm shall protect their search for truth long after the rest of us have turned to dust."

**—Liatrelle's Text Fragment**

"If it's in the Bullet Mires, we're never going to find it. I lost my own javelin in those ruins once, and it took me three months to spot where I'd left it."

**—Regulator Note**

## Crosslands (District)

*See Cortex Entry: Crosslands (District) for More Details*

An ancient road connecting the Fortress of Dawn to the old strider path, this is the road where Vassa led a large multitude of lancers and striders away from the Fortress to Antium.

## Darkwood Barrens (District)

*See Cortex Entry: Darkwood Barrens (District) for More Details*

The place where Arden Vassa stood when building the Fortress of Dawn. It's said that Vassa's use of ember was so powerful that it scorched the earth around him, changing the vegetation here forever. The Darkwood Barrens is also the name of the satirical poem by humorist Constanza Yar. The poem references Durnwin Dell, a royal prince who was also a famously inept lancer, though none in Antium's court dare point it out. The verse recounts his supposed visit to the Frtress, where he battled insects and not much else, and caused a scandal in Antium society.

“Twas lithey in the brimmley glowves

Did in the Darkwood tarry fein

With swarms of bothers flakint roes

And Durnwin Dell did lance again.

When the pokes and pots were done

Not an insect did dare to shave

For Dell had fallen off the skoe

and did the Darkwood tarry fein.”

## Engineers (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Engineers (1) for More Details*

Skilled mechanics, artisans, architects, and smiths who build, maintain, and repair Bastion's infrastructure. They are based out of Heliost, where they process natural resources, including mineral and ember deposits. Engineers follow the path built by Arden Vassa, creator of the first javelin and designer of most post-Legion architecture. There are two main groups within the Engineers—architects who design blueprints for manufacturing, and mechanics who use those blueprints to build items with the Forge.

## Engineers and Arden Vassa

*See Cortex Entry: Engineers and Arden Vassa for More Details*

Arcanists certainly like to claim Arden Vassa as their own. While he may have started as an Arcanist, it was clearly an Engineer's blood in his veins. An intricate knowledge of machinery and architecture were required to build the first javelin, design the Fortress of Dawn, and support the Legion throughout their battles. Obviously, Arcanists are not the only faction that can be curious and inventive.

— From *Heliost Monthly*

## Fortress of Dawn (District)

*See Cortex Entry: Fortress of Dawn (District) for More Details*

Vassa worked his mind for five days and five nights and lay before them a jewel in the crown of humanity. A fortress made of light and crowned in gold, the splendor of the world at its feet. Tarsis walked upon the polished bridge and was awestruck and did kiss Vassa's cheek in thanks.

— From *The Volume of Tarsis* by "Garred"

## Freelancer Enclave: Resonance Capsule

*See Cortex Entry: Freelancer Enclave: Resonance Capsule for More Details*

Recovered from a Legion of Dawn era ruin, this is believed to be one of the resonance capsules used by Arden Vassa in his early studies of ember.

Arcanists used devices of this type for centuries; they led directly to the invention of signets and gateway technology.

## General Helena Tarsis (1)

*See Cortex Entry: General Helena Tarsis (1) for More Details*

The first lancer and leader of the Legion of Dawn. Helena Tarsis is humanity's most revered and celebrated hero. *The Volume of Tarsis* claims that she was the lone survivor of an escaped group of slaves, though the General reportedly spoke little about her past.

Tarsis, her husband Garred the Chronicler, and inventor Arden Vassa recruited and trained an army to overthrow the urgoth. At the Dawn Gates, Tarsis fell in battle preventing the urgoth's final act of vengeance, the attack on the human settlement of Antium. Sometime after her death, she was reportedly spotted near Anshar, prompting the belief that she would rise again and inspiring construction of the Helena's Walk temple.

## Javelins

*See Cortex Entry: Javelins for More Details*

An airtight, armored exo-suit linked to a pilot's thoughts and impulses. Javelins are capable of short flights and have been the major technology of defense and exploration.
“Arden Vassa crafted a suit of armor, plated in ember and hope. This would make General Tarsis stronger than the urgoth, than the ursix, than the titan. This would be humanity's salvation. A spear, hurtling towards freedom. A Javelin of Dawn.”

***—From*** *The Volume of Tarsis **by “**Garred**”***
When cyphers began to appear, Corvus integrated new technology into links, so that the cyphers could “accompany” lancers on missions, giving specific direction, information and guidance. While not necessary to piloting a javelin, working with a cypher is a proven life saver.

Since a javelin is merely an extension of its lancer, they work best when specifically crafted to an individual's preference and ability. It is common for lancers to upgrade their javelin to their liking with guns, cannons, shields, and seals.

## Liatrelle and the Path of Resolve (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Liatrelle and the Path of Resolve (1) for More Details*

Before the Battle of Antium Pass, the Legion's Test of Resolve had a different basis. It began with Liatrelle, the General's oldest friend. When Tarsis first raised an army against the urgoth, Liatrelle was with her. They hadn't yet found Arden Vassa. No lancers, no Arcanists, no javelins, no weapons, no fortress. Not even a good hiding place. Nothing but the vision of Helena Tarsis, and Liatrelle's unbreakable will.

The two set out to find the urgoth. The plan was simple. Follow the raiders, and warn villages in their path. At first, they succeeded in getting word of the coming urgoth to people in time. Villagers fled to safety. But the longer the urgoth went without prey, the faster it spurred their hunt. Finally, Tarsis and Liatrelle arrived at a village with the urgoth close behind. Flight was impossible. So, they stood and fought.

Tarsis hoped to slow the urgoth enough that some villagers could escape. The two fought alone, armed with simple weapons, and were little more than an annoyance to the enemy. But they fought. Despite greater numbers, strength, and weapons, the urgoth could not subdue them. Finally, with Tarsis wounded and Liatrelle exhausted, the two prepared for the end. But then, the villagers rallied. With tools and improvised weapons, they joined the battle and routed the enemy. Many innocents were taken that night, but not all of them. That night, people fought the inevitable.

— As told by the Bard

## Liatrelle and the Path of Resolve (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Liatrelle and the Path of Resolve (2) for More Details*

This is the story of how the Legion endured its own destruction.

While Arden Vassa and Stral argued about the remaining Legion's path, Liatrelle prepared. She prepared her oldest friend and other fallen for burial. And she prepared the way for those still to come. She took Garred's Volumes of the Legion from the Fortress of Dawn before it was sealed. She left Helena's signet in the General's tomb so it could someday be claimed again.

Liatrelle would not abandon her friend, or her path, even though the battles were over. The world would always need Tarsis. And Tarsis would always need Legionnaires. She followed Vassa to Antium for a time, and left the Legion's records with trusted lancers to be maintained and passed down by generations.

Once her preparations were complete, her plans in motion, Liatrelle walked out of Antium and vanished.

— As told by the Bard

## Magna Stral and the Path of Might (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Magna Stral and the Path of Might (2) for More Details*

Let me tell you the final tale of Magna Stral.

When General Tarsis fell, those closest to her mourned. Each carried grief in their own way. For Stral, the loss of her friend and leader summoned rage. She couldn't rest while a single urgoth lived. They were already broken by the Sword of Fulminous, terrified, fleeing to the dark corners of the world. But Stral followed, hard on their heels. When at last her scouts found no more enemies, she returned to the Fortress of Dawn. There she found the doors sealed. The Legionnaires were preparing to leave it forever.

While Stral eased her grief with battle, Arden Vassa fixated on his duty. With her final breath, Tarsis made him swear Antium would not fall... no matter the cost. At her command, Vassa prepared to take the Legion of Dawn south to guard Antium.

Outraged at this perceived desertion, Stral ordered the lancers to halt. And they obeyed. Her General secured a future for all people, not just Antium. She called for the Legion to follow her, to battle the enemy in the darkness where they'd fled. Stral was admired—some say revered—by many, and they gladly joined her cause.

Vassa called them traitors. Stral declared those who stayed behind were cowards. And the Legion broke. Those who followed Magna Stral called themselves Paladins, and went north to pursue the enemies of man. They vanished into darkness, and were never heard from again.

— As told by the Bard

## Mail: An Interview with the Emperor

*See Cortex Entry: Mail: An Interview with the Emperor for More Details*

From the *Antium Guardian*

With Krita Belhallow

Belhallow: Thank you for agreeing to this interview, Emperor.

Emperor: Please, call me Valus.

Belhallow: Of course. Valus. That's very different than previous Emperors. In fact, some say you make an effort to be different, more open than your predecessors.

Emperor: They would be right. The royal family has been... quite separate from the people of Bastion for too long.

Belhallow: Why do you think that is? Has the royal family thought of itself as... more important than others?

Emperor: Well, I'm sure some have, but the one thing we have always been taught, generation after generation, is that we are meant to protect the people of Bastion above all. Arden Vassa left us a lot to do.

Belhallow: Did Arden Vassa also leave you, your family, with any particular knowledge?

Emperor: I see. We are getting to the point now. Why don't you ask what you really want to? I understand.

Belhallow: Did Arden Vassa leave his heirs with special knowledge about Ember? About the Legion of Dawn?

Emperor: Ah ha. As I suspected. Nothing so specific, though. Our ancestor did leave records of how to build, and some early blueprints but our technology surpassed that long ago. These artifacts are now merely historically important.

Belhallow: What do you say to those who believe Vassa left secrets that can only be unlocked by his bloodline?

Emperor: I would ask them to tell me what those secrets are, or where they are kept. I would like to know too.

Belhallow: (Laughs.)

Emperor: There are lots of theories and speculation about why Vassa's heirs must remain Antium's rulers. In truth, it is simply because it is our trade. We learn to govern at our family's knee. Like the apprentice learns their craft from a master, I learned my trade from my mother and father. Not all these lessons are easy. Ruling is not simple.

Belhallow: Last question. A popular one among our readers. Which is your preferred javelin?
Emperor: That's easy. Colossus.

Belhallow: Any reason why?

Emperor: Mostly, because it was designed by my ancestors. And even royalty can understand the desire to smash our way out of trouble.

Belhallow: Indeed. Thank you.

## Mail: Kassian Again Again

*See Cortex Entry: Mail: Kassian Again Again for More Details*

FreeCHANCEr,
Just got to Antium and checked in with the crew. I thought I would have delayed them but NO, they are waiting for some delivery from Heliost. More waiting.
I miss Orion. Knew I would. But I think it's more I miss someone to worry about. I guess I'll have to find someone else to worry about.
How are things in Fort Tarsis? My crew wants to know if you've ever seen a statue of that urgoth, "Malnox." You know, the one from the myths? The one where Arden Vassa threw mud on his statue to piss him off? I'd like to see that. There's lots I'd like to see.
Hmm.

**—Kassian**
P.S.: You know what I'm going to say. Don't make me come up there and save your ass.

## Mail: Quiz: Which Legion member are you?

*See Cortex Entry: Mail: Quiz: Which Legion member are you? for More Details*

Which Legion of Dawn member are you? Answer these questions to find out!

1. How do you like your tea?

A) Hot

B) Cold

C) In a mug plated in ember and hope.

D) With chimeric compound. Like mother used to make.

2. You find an open wallet on the ground. What do you do?

A) Put its voice into a weapon.

B) Pick it up, count how much money is inside, and plan how to spend it.

C) Connect to it through a gateway and spend the money on kebabs for your friends.

D) Close it, just in case something nasty lurches out of it.

3. If you could have special powers, what would they be?

A) The ability to visit places after my death.

B) Endless stamina, to chase my enemies to the ends of the earth.

C) I don't need special powers. I know how to manipulate ember.

D) To consult with loved ones after they have died.

If you picked mostly As... you are GENERAL HELENA TARSIS! You are a visionary leader who isn't afraid to kick butt and take names. You work well with others, know how to settle a conflict, and leave a lasting impression.

If you picked mostly Bs... you are MAGNA STRAL! You are driven, determined, and are not afraid to disagree. You have no qualms about using dangerous situations to your advantage, and will not stop until you finish the job.

If you picked mostly Cs... you are ARDEN VASSA! You are a mastermind who sees the possibilities in everything. You have a nurturing personality. You enjoy architecture and long hikes.

If you picked mostly Ds... you are MIDDERON! Nothing makes you happier than family traditions and a good time with your best friends. You enjoy physical exercise and life in the great outdoors.

## Midderon and the Path of Valor (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Midderon and the Path of Valor (1) for More Details*

Midderon was the son of Arcanists. He lived his entire life hiding in a cavern underground. At ten years old, he'd never seen the sky, or an urgoth, or any beast but humans. The world was utterly unknown to him, except for tales of horror and woe. But among stories warning children to hide and obey, Midderon heard one other. A whispered tale of a rebellion against the urgoth, and a Legion rising to free all people. So, the young Midderon left the safety of the Arcanists to find the Legion of Dawn.

Raised to be a scholar, he could read the secret signs of the Arcanists. He followed them through the wilds toward the Legion of Dawn. The chimera... had a different plan. Midderon had never seen a chimera. He'd never even seen a grabbit, but he was a very good student. He learned all the warning signs that he was being hunted, and remembered stories about laying false trails. He led the chimera on a winding path through the rocks. Back and forth. He could never shake the creature, but it could never find him. Then, other hunters came.

General Tarsis discovered the chimera stalking the boy while she wore the first javelin built by Arden Vassa. The General was just learning to use her javelin. No one knew what it could do—not even the man who made it. Not trusting her suit's strength in a direct fight with a chimera, Tarsis lured it into chasing her instead. While it ran after Tarsis, Liatrelle found the boy and spirited him away to safety.

Liatrelle took him to the Legion's camp. When Tarsis asked where he lived and who his people were, Midderon replied, “You're my people.”

The others tried to persuade him to return home, but Tarsis said, “He is home.”

Midderon then served as a page in the Legion of Dawn.

— As told by the Bard

## Midderon and the Path of Valor (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Midderon and the Path of Valor (2) for More Details*

It's time to tell you how the Freelancers began.

Midderon was raised by the Legion of Dawn. He witnessed Tarsis testing the first javelin. He was at the General's side when the Fortress was built, earned his own javelin, and eventually fought beside her. Of those that stood with Tarsis and held back the urgoth at Antium Pass, only Midderon survived. In grief, the Legion tore itself in two. Half went with Magna Stral. Half with Arden Vassa. And one Legionnaire who went with no one.

Midderon remained at the Fortress of Dawn, even though the gates were sealed and the lancers gone for good. Alone in the courtyard, Midderon heard a distant roar. It was a sound he remembered, for it haunted his dreams. The roar of the chimera Cindermaw. The monster that stalked him long ago. It had vanished for more than a decade, but returned upon the General's death.

Though Midderon stood no chance alone, he saw that the village of Anshar lay helpless in the creature's path. He found the chimera's trail and followed it—not to the monster, but to its lair. If he silenced the relic that created it, Cindermaw would be defeated. Midderon found the relic, though the monster lurked nearby. Midderon remembered his childhood of laying false trails. He woke the chimera and it chased his false tracks while he slipped past, silenced the relic, and defeated the beast that stalked him long ago.

Cindermaw fell. In that moment, Midderon knew his calling was to walk the Path of Valor, even if he walked it alone.

— As told by the Bard

## Morning's Edge (District) (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Morning's Edge (District) (1) for More Details*

An expansion of the Fortress of Dawn, Morning's Edge was abandoned when Arden Vassa locked the Fortress and went to Antium. In recent years, it has become a favorite romantic spot for lancers, due to its prominence in “The Crimson Lancer” radio program.

## Observatory of Velathra (District)

*See Cortex Entry: Observatory of Velathra (District) for More Details*

While not as large as Anshar, Velathra was a thriving Arcanist academy created by Arden Vassa, dedicated to the specific studies of astronomy and the mystery of the Shaper's Rings. Record of Velathra's destruction has been lost, but tales passed down from Arcanist to Arcanist say that it was decimated when the Shaper Rings became active.

## Picturesque Antium

*See Cortex Entry: Picturesque Antium for More Details*

Any quest south of the mountains must include a trip to Antium. One of the first free human cities, Antium is a hub of trade; there are merchants and vendors of almost every kind, selling goods from Fortuo to the Mirelands. Make sure to stay in—or just off of—"Old Town," where you can enjoy Vassa-era architecture, as well as the famous Moon Clock, then take the bridge over to New Town to visit their Hall of Heroes. Antium is home to Bastion's royal family, who have recently made their palace garden open to the public and, let me tell you, being able to sit and enjoy nature without the fear of being mauled to death is a genuine luxury, not to be missed.

— From the *Quest Advisor* pamphlet

## Salvaged Goods

*See Cortex Entry: Salvaged Goods for More Details*

Scavenging and recycling have been important parts of Bastion life for centuries. In some settlements, creative scavenging is a point of pride.

The Memorial Gate of Fort Tarsis is fashioned from a repurposed strider, and the moon clock of Antium is reportedly made from the early javelin creations of Arden Vassa. It is common to repurpose smaller parts like nuts and bolts into button and other fasteners.

Discarded javelin parts found by lancers in the wild can be used to forge equipment and weapons.

## Sanctuary Ruins (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Sanctuary Ruins (1) for More Details*

Long ago, a wealthy merchant and a princess of Antium fell deeply in love. It was declared, however, that Vassa's heir must not leave Antium until her duty to the people was fulfilled. Undaunted, the merchant vowed that he would come again when she was done. Years passed, and as he waited, he rebuilt the old Sanctuary, where so many Legionnaires had fallen, into a beautiful temple that stood as a symbol of his devotion. Years past, and his hair was grey when at last he came to her again. “My love” he said, “You’re old and your duties are done. Let us be together at last.” Antium could not object. Upon seeing the home he’d made for them, the Princess shook with happiness. Hand in hand, they entered the palace with a blissful sigh, their last breaths on this earth. For though they couldn’t be together in life, they knew they would be together forever in death.

— Folk Tale

## Sentinel Archives (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Sentinel Archives (1) for More Details*

The Emperor wants you!
The Sentinels are looking for motivated young people to join their ranks. Lancers, cyphers, and Arcanists are all welcome to apply for various positions. We have high expectations for our recruits. Applicants must possess basic education and a strong connection to the gateway. Good moral character and an eagerness to protect the free people of Bastion are required.

Follow Vassa's way and stand tall as you keep the citizens of Bastion safe
Join the Sentinels!

## Sentinel Archives (4)

*See Cortex Entry: Sentinel Archives (4) for More Details*

Vassa remembered the General's words when she smote the urgoth at the pass. That Antium, and all other settlements, must be protected even at the cost of her own life. And Vassa did say, "Go forth and know that as you stand sentinel at our walls, your vigilance and bravery bring peace to those who cannot pass the gateway."

— From The Volume of Tarsis

## The Gateway (2)

*See Cortex Entry: The Gateway (2) for More Details*

Upon this discovery, he knew what he must do. The urgoth, hungry to use the Anthem for their own purposes, must never know that humans had discovered the buffer, the gateway they sought. He feigned ignorance to his master, yet whispered his findings to his apprentice, and they to their own kin. From settlement to settlement, and through many years, it carried, until it was whispered to Vassa, who possessed the clarity to use this knowledge for the liberation of all humanity

— From *The Volume of Tarsis* by “Garred”

## The Guardians of Dunar (District)

*See Cortex Entry: The Guardians of Dunar (District) for More Details*

Said to be one of the wonders of Bastion, the Guardians were enormous statues built to scare off wildlife from entering the area or threatening the Arcanists at Dunar. The Guardians themselves are likenesses of Arcanist mentors long past, particularly Idris, who taught Arden Vassa the ways of Ember, and Hrennen, who found the gateway to the Anthem.

## The Legion of Dawn (1)

*See Cortex Entry: The Legion of Dawn (1) for More Details*

The lancers who first created javelins fought back against urgoth oppressors, and won humanity's freedom. General Tarsis led the human revolution while piloting the first javelin, invented by Arden Vassa. The Legion's ranks included notable heroes like Sanadeen, Liatrelle, and Magna Stral. Their tragedies and triumphs were recorded by Garred the Chronicler in Bastion's most famous book, *The Volume Of Tarsis*, though the text was printed long after Garred's death.

## The Legion of Dawn (2)

*See Cortex Entry: The Legion of Dawn (2) for More Details*

And so the Legion divided into three once the urgoth were defeated. Singing the Path of Resolve were the Sentinels, sworn to protect, their voices full with service to the people and high city walls. On the Path of Might, the Paladins were convinced that strength and force should lead the way. Lastly, the Freelancers followed the notes of valor sung by General Tarsis herself.

The three melodies sung together caused only discord, and none could bear the sound. So it was that one Legion became three. Spoke Vassa: “We must sing the Anthem as we hear it, and none should be forced otherwise.”

—From *The Volume of Tarsis*

## The Palisades of Idris (District)

*See Cortex Entry: The Palisades of Idris (District) for More Details*

The waterways of Great Falls Canyon collect and spill out into the Palisades of Idris, a small lake surrounded by the jagged cliffs that once protected humans fleeing the urgoth. Here, the Statue of the Faithful looks out onto the water, watching for danger, and guards the Haven nestled in the rocks.

Vassa spoke, “In this place, the free people gathered and thrived. And like Old Idris, the mentors taught the secrets of ember while protected by these cliffs. In these Palisades did the dream of Idris come to pass. And so will we pass through these Palisades and dream of Old Idris.”

— From *The Volume of Tarsis* by “Garred”

## The Search for the Lost Tomb (2)

*See Cortex Entry: The Search for the Lost Tomb (2) for More Details*

Dear Mother,

I'm in Anshar! Well, Shadowmark. Vassa really knew how to build things, let me tell you. We've started our excavation in Helena's Walk. If the General's spirit was seen here, surely her tomb is nearby. Uncle Felton's Arcanist tools are really coming in handy. Everyone is quite jealous of my tiny brushes, which makes me feel shamefully smug.

Love to Dad

Blais

## The Watchtower of Arath (District)

*See Cortex Entry: The Watchtower of Arath (District) for More Details*

According to Garred's “The Volume of Tarsis,” Arden Vassa build the citadel of Arath along the High Road as a base of operations for lancers to keep watch over the strider path. While Arcanists place the time of the Citadel's destruction before the shadow fell on Anshar, there has been speculation over what could have demolished such a large structure, and while chimeric compound is present, there is not enough evidence to support the theory of Cataclysm. In recent years, there has been support for the idea of a titan having wreaked havoc, as stated in Dalathie's “The Freelancers Three.”

## Vassa and the Runes (1)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (1) for More Details*

Grey-eyed Idris and his apprentice, a young Arden Vassa, were won in battle by loathsome F'Kark, whose urgoth temper was written daily on the hides of his servants. The beatings continued until Idris secretly planned to join the free people, for Idris knew the secret signs.

## Vassa and the Runes (2)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (2) for More Details*

Under midnight's blue moonlight, Idris woke young Vassa and lit a fire near F'Kark's vault. The urgoth woke with great fear, and Idris and Vassa slipped away as the flames were fought.

“But master,” Vassa asked, “how will we know where to go?”

“There are markings to show us the way.”

## Vassa and the Runes (3)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (3) for More Details*

Idris pointed to a rock that was seemingly plain, yet when the moon smiled, the rock smiled back. The apprentice Vassa noted the rock displayed directions to go west through the trees and look for the next sign.

“Where will this lead?” he asked.

“To the haven,” Idris said. “For that is the learning passed on to me. And now, passed to you, so that you may grow.”

## Vassa and the Runes (4)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (4) for More Details*

Through the canopy and over many waters they sped, seeking shelter in caves and crevices too small for urgoth to enter. F'Kark pursed them upon his foul beast, but the runes revealed secret places that no urgoth would think to go. At last, Idris and Vassa came to the haven, and upon its entrance was the declaration “All are safe within these walls.”

## Vassa and the Runes (5)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (5) for More Details*

The free peoples welcomed Idris and Vassa and, in time, the newcomers learned to gather secret ingredients and craft the beacons of hope they’d followed in the dark. They ventured south, marking canyons and forests, visiting other free peoples, gathering word, and whispering about the possibilities of freedom.

## Vassa and the Runes (6)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (6) for More Details*

Vassa was no longer a boy when he met Helena Tarsis, and grey-eyed Idris had gone on to the great wheel. Tarsis, already called General, saw strength in Vassa, and she joined his wanderings, leaning secret ways and leaving the signs for those who know.

## Vassa and the Runes (7)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (7) for More Details*

Years turned over, and Vassa followed the teachings of Idris and the Emberlings. Tarsis worked to thwart the urgoth, freeing all in her path, relying on runes to aid their flight until that day when Vassa crafted a suit of armor, plated in ember and hope. This would make General Tarsis stronger than the urgoth, than the ursix, than the titan. This would be humanity's salvation. A spear, hurtling towards freedom. A Javelin of Dawn.

And so, the free people grew from a few who dared to follow the moonlight, into a legion waiting for the sun to rise, ready for the bright rays of victory.

## Vassa and the Runes (8)

*See Cortex Entry: Vassa and the Runes (8) for More Details*

One by one, Vassa assembled the Legion's battery. For Magna Stral, whose fists were like avalanches, for the quick and stealthy Sanadeen, for Liatrelle the Unbroken, and for Midderon, the Legion's own son.

Gone was the rune instructions to hide and cower, replaced with the knowledge of weapons and armor that would force the urgoth to their knees. And soon, javelins designed by Vassa, but not built by him, struck at urgoth masters.

## Vassa and the Runes (9)

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The day came when Helena asked Vassa to create a new haven for the people. Vassa imagined and worked before he presented a fortress made of light and crowned in gold, trimmed in the splendor of the world. Upon the brow of this haven—in secret writing that honored all that had come to pass—was a declaration. “All are safe within these walls.”

## Vassa's Surprise (Weapon)

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There are many old Engineers who swear this nasty little automatic is based off an original blueprint by Arden Vassa. It is said that Vassa believed a weapon that encouraged closing with the enemy would breed courage in his troops and fear in the enemy. That aggressive mindset was key to defeating the urgoth and may very well be the inspiration for this automatic.

## Vassa's Way

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And once the throng had passed, Vassa gathered his verses and smote the bridge to the fortress so that no beast could easily cross. “Let nothing enter that is not worthy. That Tarsis’ secrets are not lost, nor easily won.” And he brought forth the waters to cover the meet, and swallow up the Legion's glory. The Legion of Dawn, once the beacon of freedom for mankind, was truly no more. And so Vassa led the people south to Antium, his own heart breaking with every step.

— From *The Volume of Tarsis* by “Garred”

## Wrecked Gazebo

*See Cortex Entry: Wrecked Gazebo for More Details*

A Sentinel watchtower and a dock from striders on their way to and from Freemark. When Vassa built Anshar, he erected four gazebos around the perimeter to serve as watchtowers, but the residents of Shadowmark used them for everything from civic offices to the Chronicler's Volary. As with any high-standing structure, Sentinels would always be present.