History of Man -- Book 1: Westrun Part 11

Two days after the Summer Solstice in 4301ey the cities of Bolden, Watersedge and Treft were brought low by the Scouring -- a massive wall of water which swept over mountain and valley alike. When the water finally receded, little remained of those cities or their inhabitants. Balduren, a coastal city, but one which was little altered from the time of the Vyrum, remained intact. Witnesses said that the water which swept over its walls was more than four times their height. And there are records showing the water reached inland as many as three days travel. 

In the wake of the disaster, the Elves of Mistwood came to the aid of man over the objection of those of Greywood. For it was believed by many of the Besnir that this was the judgment against mankind and the end of the 7th Age. Against this explanation stood the claim of Mithrid the Sorcerer, Archmage of the Dweomersecte, who said that a distant war caused a god to fall and smite the waters of the Inner Sea. In some agreement, the Great Hierophant of Westrun claimed that the Scouring had no origin which was natural to Erenth.

The disaster also had an unexpected beneficiary in the office of the High King. For it fell to Fergon to annoint the sovereigns of the three Kingdoms of Bolden, Talir and Treft -- who died along with all their heirs and Houses. The first four appendments to the Eight Kingdoms Pact were written giving the High King that authority, and all saw that it was wise and necessary. 

In the rebounding years after the Scouring, mankind proved to be as fecund as ever. While the Dwarves of Festog looked to their cousins at Dynkyr and became aware for the first time, that their Dun had been overrun by goblins.

In 4326 High King Fergon was succeeded by his nephew Fergus II of Bolden.

In 4338 Menea contributed Wallace (a cousin of Fergus) to the High Throne. This was a calculated decision by powerbrokers in the north of Westrun. Having another one of the Eight contribute a High King was a way of advancing the idea beyond the borders of Bolden. In 4348 Rig of Collonia (another cousin of Fergus) was sentenced to the High Throne and in much the same manner of Wallace.

In 4356 the previous investment in appearances paid off. The first king not directly related to the founder of the Eight Kingdoms Pact was elected to serve his sentence as High King. Sut of Saklan was followed by Etru Damaskos of Treft in 4368.

In 4371ey the expansion of the Grand Temple in Peakshadow was finally complete. For more than a century it had let in wind, rain and snow -- causing many to forgo even mandatory visits established by the High Priest. Work on it languished as the three cities of man were rebuilt. Etru proclaimed thirty days of feasting and merriment.

Etru was followed in 4378 by Gregor of Rath, in 4388 by Howerd of Talir and in 4396 by Wald of Menea.

Wald is sometimes called The Jurist by sages of history. His contribution to the Eight Kingdoms Pact and his work at codifying the laws common to all the men of Westrun cannot be overstated. If Fergus was the founder, Wald was the consolidator. By the end of his reign, the High King of the Eight Kingdoms was no longer seen as a mere contrivance, but as a force of power and an source of authority. Thanks to him and now having made its rounds through most of the Eight Kingdoms, the throne could no longer be assumed to be the unique vision of the men of Sudland.

Histories of the High Kings of All Westrun: I - Era of the Sudhall Kings

Era of the Sudhall Kings

4266 Fergus the First (Bolden) Fergus the Founder, Fergus the Lame

4286 Fergon of Bolden

4326 Fergus II of Bolden

4338 Wallace I of Menea

4348 Rig of Collonia

Histories of the High Kings of All Westrun: II - The Era of the Throne Established

Era of the Throne Established

4356    Sut of Saklan 

4368    Etru Damaskos of Treft

4378    Gregor of Rath

4388    Howerd of Talir 

4396    Wald of Menea

The Books of the Archflames of the Infernari vol. 4

• 4337 Gare Firestaff was the first Archflame to carry the sentient flame-bound staff, Ignivar, which is said to have always chosen its bearer. The Archflame and the Bearer of Ignivar are not necessarily the synonymous, but more often than not, have been.
  
  
• 4368 Farid a Southruner recluse and arcanist, Farid’s tenure is noted for his treatise "On the Breath of Flame," a philosophical exploration of fire as the manifestation of will.
  
  
• 4395 Alend was a master ritualist who standardized the Circle of Cinders, a practice still used to call forth certain extra-planar servitors of the flame.

Roll 005

3803    Odak

Then came Odak.

The Fergus Codex: Law VIII -- Concerning Slavery and Labor

Vyrum Law
The Gnummorong must not be repeated. No captive may be bought or sold, no captive may ever work without compensation of silver. 

 Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that it be known that those of the goblin races cannot be considered captives, for captivity is a crime against humans and Besnir alone. 

 Law of Fergon 4301

We recognize that hereditary serfs are not slaves, but those who receive land produce and protection of their current lord in lieu of rents. In being serfs, they are kept from starvation and death. And as their state is tied to the land of their birth and cannot be transferred, they are not held by the lord, but by the land itself.

 Law of Wald 4422

We recognize that indentured servitude is a voluntary condition and not the same as slavery. It is a wise provision with which the destitute and dispossessed may use to work themselves from debt.

Law of Marten 4858

We desire that the freeborn be paid the minimum sum of 1 silver coin per week of labor and that no indentured servant be held in thrall longer than 7 harvests. 

 Law of Braolas 5193

In as much as it has fallen to me to set forth the ancient and recognized custom of apprenticeship in all trades; and desiring only to see that the good traditions that bind men continue; I hereby set forth the law and edict of apprenticeship to be observed by all peoples for all times evermore.

The Fergus Codex: Law VII -- Concerning Marriage

Vyrum Law

Only the prince may have more than one mate; and only the prince may have a mate who shares an ancestor within three generations. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the customs of marriage be preserved in each kingdom and held inviolable by the other kings and their faithful lords. Neither daughters nor wives shall be carried off, lest the offender be treated as evil. Yet a couple may enter elopement and after seven years be treated as if a valid contract were made.

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire that each woman enter marriage with the maiden fee paid to her father, and that a dower be drawn from that sum and entrusted to her, to maintain her in widowhood. To that dower the husband will add an annual stipend for seven years, and to it he shall also add again the maiden fee first paid for any infidelity.

Law of Fergus II 4328

We desire that each man who sires a bastard must see to the upkeep of mother and child or else be fined the tenth part of his income until the bastard reaches his 18th summer. 

Law of Wald 4422

We desire that each woman put away by her husband be given her dower whole, and the same sum again in silver for her maintenance. But that her children must not become bastards thereby, nor lose their right to inherit. But a woman put away on account of infidelity shall not be entitled to the sum.

Law of Marten 4858

We recognize that the contract of marriage may not be valid without the express consent of the intended husband and wife. No man may become a husband before his 18th harvest and no maiden before her 16th with a visible flowering evidenced by blood.

Law of Gelder 5011

A contract which promised a maiden, but which was not delivered as such, shall be considered without force.

The Fergus Codex: Law V -- Concerning Crimes Felonious and Petty

Vyrum Law

The crimes of treason and murder are abominable and shall be avenged by the Range in which they occurred. Kinslaying is an abomination which must be punished by the faction which suffers the loss. Save that for all offenses, hallowed ground may offer safe haven to all those who seek its protection. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the crime of harboring those who have committed treason or murder shall be punished in like manner as the abominable crimes. For sanctuary can only be found on hallowed ground by a Priest. 

Law of Fergon 4301

We declare that nothing shall prevent a lord from seeking his own justice, if he is the victim of any abominable crime, regardless of where the crime occurred. Moreover, the crimes of robbery and theft shall be be worthy of maiming on the second offense, and considered abominable only upon the third offense. Moreover, no one who has stolen only food or water shall be guilty of robbery or theft if they have passed at least three towns without receiving any by begging.

Law of Etru 4376

We desire that to the abominable crimes of treason, robbery, murder and theft are to now added the crimes of counterfeiting, forgery and arson upon the second offense. For all abominable crimes a debt of silver may also attach and ransom accepted in lieu of punishment.

Law of Wald 4422

We desire to clarify that crimes can only be committed abominably when exercised against someone of equal or greater station: 

• Treason is the taking of arms by vassal against his lord, or else plotting with others to do the same. 
• Robbery is the unjust taking of property by force of arms, but shall not include the lawful spoils of war. 
• Murder is the unwarranted taking of a man’s life by a person outside of his family, except under a flag of war. 
• Theft is the unjust taking of property by deception, subterfuge or cloak of darkness, 
• Counterfeiting is the attempt to pass some material thing as an item of higher value by concealing its true nature. 
• Forgery is the attempt to pass as legitimate, the illegitimate seal or signature of a lord or noble house. 
• Arson is the burning of property belonging to another, or endangering the property of others by uncontrolled burning. 

Law of Marten 4858
We desire that the protections of forgery be extended to duly chartered companies, orders and factions which are enrolled with either the Devout Order of Clerics Regular of the Penitent Knights of Poverty, or of any of the noble banking houses. 

Law of Gelder 5011
We desire that Treason also be defined so as to include murderous threats breathed against any King, and affirmation of the same either by word or silence. 

Law of Thelstan 5108

We decide that the following offenses may only be punished as petty crimes in accordance with local customs: 

• Any abominable crime committed against someone of lesser station. 
• Assault 
• Bastardy 
• Bigamy 
• Excessive Indebtedness 
• Disturbing the Peace 
• Drunkenness 
• Riotous assembly 
• Oath-breaking 
• Poaching 
• Rape 
• Slander 
• Slave-dealing 
• Tax avoidance 
• Trafficking stolen property 
• Vagrancy 
• Witchcraft 

Law of Halinard 5285

Because Bounty Hunting is a dangerous profession, but one that is necessary for the good order of all societies and the protection of nobility everywhere, we therefore, bind ourselves to the institution and protection of the articles instituted by the Bounty Hunters Guild.

The Fergus Codex: Law IV -- Concerning Provinces and Charters

Vyrum Law
The good governance of all the known lands depends on the administration of the Ranges. Each Range is particular to the regent who is blood-bound to its borders by the decrees of its Priest.

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that each Province shall see to the justice and taxes within its borders. 

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire no man may fortify nor crenellate his manse or holding without a charter from his liege.

Law of Wald 4422

We hold that a town may be established with a grant of charter from a provincial regent wherever a church has been established. Such a town will remain within the administration and justice of that lord, but the charter duration shall be perpetual unless the town should fall below 100 souls. A town, once given a charter to enclose itself with a wall, will be recognized as a city -- an independent province answerable to the administration and justice of the king through its Lord Mayor.

Law of Jan 4793

We hold that as the chartered Halls have spread from the Free Provinces to Westrun, down to Southrun and even some have appeared in Eastrun. Their growing number necessitates that certain regulations be made as to their conduct and constitution. We therefore agree to recognize them and bind them within our several domains by certain strictures.

Law of Marten 4858

We hold that certain companies of men and interests may be chartered and answerable to the administration and justice of the king through their chartered representative.

Law of Flavian 4912
We hold that the Provinces formerly known as the Principalities of Vyrum Serpentis are free and independent states, not subject to any king or monarch, and having no law but that which is locally made and consistent with the Fergus Codex and its appendments. Each provinces shall be wholly governed by the good lords which serve as their faithful regents. We hold also that these states shall see to their own defense and pay only a quarter share of the shield-tax normally levied, to their eternal and faithful leige lord, the High King of the Eight Kingdoms of Westrun.

The Fergus Codex: Law II -- Concerning Principalities

Vyrum Law
The Prince occupies the place of honor and has no rival to his authority. He acts to shelter and support, serving as both father and mother to the masses. As his children the masses must be loyal and filial. Should they cherish wickedness and have rebellious hearts, they will offend the order established by heaven itself. 

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that the Prince of Peakshadow shall only be seen as the first among princes. As the first among equals, he is able to judge among them for any disputes he shall be invited to hear. 

Law of Fergon 4301
We declare that whenever matters are in dispute among princes that only one party to the dispute must request a hearing for the Prince of Peakshadow to hold court. 

Law of Wald 4422

We acknowledge that the masses have no champion greater than the Prince of Peakshadow, and their mistreatment shall be as an affront to his throne. 

Law of Damon  4449

We recognize that the right to rule proceeds from heaven and to those princes who bear that divine right, and whom we now name Kings. We now name the Prince of Peakshadow as the High King. Beneath us are other noble classes, owners of estate and means, who along with kings rule the masses, but only when invested by kings with the divine right to do so. 

Law of Marten 4858

We specify that precedence shall be given to Kings and then Princes and all manner of royalty which are descended from them as custom shall allow. Next in precedence are the noble classes which rule over duchies and counties and baronies who shall in no way be denied the right of their stations and names. 

Law of Gelder 5011

We declare that inasmuch as the Patriarch has given places of honor above what is common to members of his ignoble clergy, we also deem that by acts of valor and other greatness, Princes may likewise elevate certain men to this gentle station. Such men shall in no way be denied the right of their stations and names. 

Law of Thelstan 5108

We recognize that when men of noble station are not on hand to make knights of the valorous and great, that other knights shall not be forbidden from doing so, as they are often the only witnesses to such acts as are deserving, and that this is in keeping with the most ancient of customs. In any case, we declare that it shall fall to men of nobility to ratify that which is recognized on the fields of glory.

The Fergus Codex: Law I -- Concerning Religions

Vyrum Law

That which is sacred belongs to the Priests and not to the Princes, for the latter have no power in the matters of the former.

Law of Fergus 4275

We desire that all peoples shall be subject only to their own gods as befits each man according to his tribe and custom.

Law of Fergon 4301

We desire that all peoples who live under our benign reign shall live under the same religion that is taught by the Temple that the Priest Theokron gave to the Boldish and which it is well known that the Priest Damathius, a man of divine sanctity, has embraced. We believe that there is one faith, if many divinities; and many shrines kept forever by them as whole and incorrupt.

Law of Howerd 4388

We desire that the Edict of Artifice become the Supreme Law of the Land.

Law of Wald  4422

We desire that all those who live under our benign reign shall live under the faith  kept by the Grand Temple of Heaven and invested in accordance with discipline and doctrine. If a controversy concerning things of the gods should arise between laymen, or between laymen and nobles, or between nobles, it shall be treated of and terminated in the court of the High Priest. Likewise, that all vacancies in the priesthood shall be filled at the pleasure of the High Priest, of which the Princes shall have no recourse.

Law of Thelstan 5108

We order that all those who follow this law recognize the divine faith of the one true God -- the Church of Westrun. We further grant in perpetuity the nobility due its High Priest, the Patriarch, together with his holy orders, and to afford them the rights and privileges of their estate in all matters and before all men.

Law of Aleranus I the Pious 5130

We recognize that those who do not follow the divine faith be considered demented and insane. We order that they shall bear the infamy of heresy; but that nothing we do can hasten or forbid the Divine vengeance which they merit. We delight that they shall be punished hereafter by God himself in accordance with holy resentment. We have reserved the right, which we have acquired from the judgment of Heaven, to punish those who make converts to their false religions and who spread their heresies by the public expression of their insanity. Let no place be afforded to heretics for the conduct of their ceremonies, and let no occasion be offered for them to display the insanity of their obstinate minds. Let all persons know that if any privilege has been fraudulently obtained by persons of this kind, it will not be valid. Let all bodies of heretics be prevented from holding unlawful assemblies, and let the only and the greatest God be celebrated everywhere. 

The Tandis Lists: List XII

The Tandis Lists are the compiled lists of all of the Old Bears since the First Gathering of Rangers in 3278ey. They are kept by Tandis of Peakshadow -- a well-respected historian of the Fraternity.

In the 43rd century there was:

4348 Allaria the Dark and Beautiful by whom much mischief was wrought and many Rangers gave their lives needlessly.

The Arcade

Peakshadow is sometimes called the Gift of the Dwarven Lord, and with good reason. Long before the metropolis expanded out to its fourth walls, there was only the innermost surround and, of course, the Sudhall Keep within. That keep and its surround, was a gift given to Feron the Seventh on the occasion of his investiture as Earl of Bolden. 

Using the craft known only to their kind, the Dwarves cut a notch in the face of the mountain's East slope. Upon this notch, they built Sudhall and its surround. But the discarded stone of their quarrying and excavation formed the Haliron -- a small hill and the second highest point on the plain. It was upon Haliron Hill that that the priests sought to raise their Grand Temple of Heaven.

The Grand Temple was built to face Sudhall, for in 4170ey High Priest Simmon believed it would remind a pompous earl (and the earl's young wife) to keep himself humble in the face of the god Heimos. But it is said that the architect of that structure had a critical shortage of humility himself. He had more vision than space with which to work. For that reason, the south cella of the Temple protruded off the back of the artificial hill and thus had to be supported by large quarried-stone arches. The builders did not have the skill of the Dwarves and it was only completed in 4371ey.

The space beneath the arches was called the arcade. It was a natural place for the priests and penitents to keep their sheep and goats -- animals destined for ritual slaughter. It also became the place to which the once-ridiculed priest, Gamasiel, was banished when he was expelled from his order for teaching the truth.

Gamasiel credited the Arcade for giving him his priestly formation. He spent a year with the sheep and goats and claimed that by observing and caring for them, he learned to teach men. For this reason, the place where the Church of Westrun now trains all of its priests is still called the Arcade -- though it is not in Peakshadow any longer.

While the original location is now little more than a forgotten slum that still exists in the Second Circle of Peakshadow, the name was given, in the centuries that followed, to the palatial house deeded to the Church of Westrun by the devout citizens of Watersedge of Talir. So while the Arcade boasts arches no longer, it is still known by that name. Every priest who wishes to become a Shepherd in the Church of Westrun, must attend the Arcade and there receive ordination.

The Many Gods of Southrun

The pious pagans of Southrun maintain that two brother gods, Amir and Bhamut, once ruled over Southrun. For six centuries the Brothers held sway over all the Land.

The day came when the Brothers became rivals. For they had a sister named Sekhat, who was greatly desired as a consort by each of them. And the two of them came to blows over which of them would be able to wed her. And the fury of their rivalry caused great tribes and nations to go to war. And it came to pass that Sekhat, who tried to preserve the peace of her brothers, was slain in their conflict. So each looked to the creatures of their domain for wives.

For his part Bhamut took many creatures of the animal world and had his offspring by them. These became beasts of great cunning and strange power. While Amir took mortal women and slew many of them with his seed. But some of his wives survived and produced many offspring for him. All of these offspring were immortal and extremely powerful -- gifted with many of the powers of their sires, but also given to all the failings and passions of their mothers.

Eventually, both Amir and Bhamut grew tired of war (some say they were slain by the machinations of the Dark Elves). They have left the temporal world in the hands of their volatile children and can be seldom bothered to pay attention to the affairs of Erenth, let alone interfere in them. 

The sheer number of their offspring means that every tribe and family has its own preferred god or goddess, with most of the rest being benignly neglected. While they will not sacrifice to the other deities, the Southruner is careful not to blaspheme or disparage them -- for he believes (under the Law Which Cannot Change) that any one who does so will suffer curses for seven generations.

The lists below are far from complete. These are the well-known offspring of the brother gods. In addition to a great number of siblings unrecorded, each of these demigods have further bred with other creatures and mortals, and with each other, giving rise to lesser and least categories of beings with divine blood.

The Lineage of Al Amir

• Djazzar -- The butcher is a particularly bloody and violent culler of life.
• Hadeeqah -- The gardener is known for his love of plant life and green areas.
• Bohairah -- The god of lakes and water. He is responsible for the rise of the oasis and all well-watered areas.
• Jabal -- The master of the mountains is considered to be the keeper of the borders between the Khard and the coastal Sultanates.
• A'lana -- This goddess is considered the messenger of the various gods.
• Naqaasha -- This goddess is capricious and given to strife, anger and conflict.
• Hajaam -- He is a warrior god given to attacking first and maintaining a good offense as the best defense.
• Haraqah -- The burning-one is the keeper and originator of fire.
• Raqasa -- Depicted as a young belly dancer, she is a goddess of fertility, allure and desire.
• Halama -- This goddess is the master of dreams, hope and vision. He is called the Dreamer.
• La'eba -- This god is depicted as a small, naked, and often dirty child. He is the god of merriment.
• Wa'ada -- This goddess is a matronly and wizened woman, austere and grim. She is invoked to bear witness to contracts and agreements.
• Abhara -- The patron of sailors and travelers across the sea.
• Kataba -- The patron of scholars and learned men, Kataba is faceless and usually depicted with ink-stained fingers.
• Rahabba -- The goddess of hospitality and the protector of travelers, pilgrims and nomads.

The Lineage of Al Bhamut

• Asad -- The Lion, god of war, power and savagery.
• Samak -- The Fish, god of contemplation, silence, sea voyagers and armorers.
• Qett -- The Cat, mother goddess and patron of defenders and of children, enemy to Af'aa. She is invoked as a surety for hospitality.
• Dob -- The Bear, god of wrathful vengeance and righteous anger.
• Hesaan -- The Horse, god of strength and nobility
• Af'aa -- The Snake is a being of unparalleled cunning, he is the god of liars and assassins.
• Ta'lab -- The Fox is a creature of great mischief, he is the patron of gamblers and actors.
• Gazal -- The Antelope is the patron of generals and the brave. He is the rival of Asad for the affections of Qett.
• Qerd -- The Monkey is often seen as another incarnation of La'eba and is the god of merriment and of debauchery.
• Kalb -- The Dog is the god of servants and soldiers. He is fiercely loyal and a protector of the weak.

The Ninth Book of Bao Dan: The Dragon Campaign

When Jen Shu came to the shores of the Sea he had defeated all the vassals of the Great Wang Tihora, and all of his sons, the so-called Dragons of Dawn. For eight years he made war. Before him lay the City of Stones and its imposing walls. Upon its ramparts were the soldiers of his enemy and they were in great fear.

For it was Spring in the year of the Carp, the Golden Tribe had eliminated 65 tribes from the Sea of Grass, burned six cities, and none remember their names. His Bataro numbered 85,000 men and 100,000 horse. His Ordaru had women without counting. The Golden Tribe carried the tarred heads of:

Hako the Oni

Hyun Shik of the Red Stone People

Kang Shin of the Spotted Horse

Chun Mul of the Red Tribe, slayer of a Gaki

Arog the Claw Hand

Ko the Horned

Marhen Gozu Gaki

Wunk Blue-Skin

Grothmak the Andari Slayer

Jin Huk of the White Tribe

Sungyu the Noble of the Great Grass People

Shun the Horseman of the Valley 

Yuudai the Wealthy of the Bamboo People

Taiki the Tall and his son Taikishi of the Yellow River

Monad of the Bush People

Hagga the Kala of the Caves

Shurga the Kala of the Earth

Tihon the son of Tihora who once ruled the City of Wa

Phung the son of Tihora who once ruled the City of Toho

Kurazu the son of Tihora who once ruled the City of Nokane

Then stood Tihora upon his high walls before a sea of men and of horses. And his advisors spoke to him in his dotage and said, "Here is Jen Shu of the Golden Tribe and he seeks your surrender."

"Three sons have I," spoke Tihora. "This siege will not last before my sons and vassals are come to avenge the city of stones and I, their father."

But his advisors spoke again saying, "Great Majesty, your vassals and sons have fallen before the Golden Tribe. For unto each of them this warlord did offer his parley -- the same parley which he has offered all tribes and all people from the ramparts to the sea."

"What is this parley," asked the elderly Tihora.

"To those who accept the silent testimony of his defeated enemy and surrender unconditionally, Jen Shu will offer peace. Their men and their favorite horses will have the right to be abluted in the waters of the Lake of the Clouds and become one with his Bataro. To the women, he offers the right to place their hand on his mother's Stela and so join his Ordaru. To their lords and kings, he offers only a swift death but promises their names will live forever. To those who oppose them, he promises only death and destruction -- and that none would remember their names."

"What choice did my sons make?" asked Tihora.

"They would not see their people destroyed, but neither would they dishonor you," spoke his advisors. "Your sons sued Jen Shu for the right of single combat -- to face him each alone and so spare their people."

"My sons did not dishonor me," said Tihora the aged, "and neither will I dishonor them."

So Tihora rode out from the walls of the city of stones and challenged Jen Shu as had his sons before him. Then turned Jen Shu to his Bataro and bade them to dismount and take the knee. "In all the wide land I have not found as much courage. Truly did the sons spring from this well."

Then Jen Shu cut down Tihora in single combat and placed his head with those of his sons. He celebrated the name of Tihora and promised to remember it always.

But a general of Tihora did not surrender. He led his cavalry out and commanded that arrows be fired from the walls. Then the ground shook with the might of them which bore down upon the Golden Tribe. But Jen Shu and his Bataro slaughtered all who opposed them. Those that fled they cut down, save those who left the shores by fishing vessels and canoes and set out for the open sea.

So Jen Shu spoke to them and cursed them saying, "You who have sought refuge in the waves shall not be safe at any landing. The sea you have chosen and the sea now saves you, but the dry land is closed to you and will be your death forever.

Then the walls of the city were thrown down and its stones were scattered. The people who did not oppose him were spared and joined according to the parley of Jen Shu. Thus ended the last campaign of Jen Shu and he was 20 years beyond 100 when he sat the throne and left the wide land to those generals beneath him.

The Twelfth Book of Bao Dan: The Manumission of the Hanim

I, Bao Dan, of the Hu Rang of the Venerable Emperor Jen Shu,

General of the White Bataro of One Thousand,
Abbot of the Temple of the Eternal Spring Wind,
Slayer of Oni and of Kala and of Bosu without number,
Friend of the Shen and Korobokuru and the Shao San,

Teacher of the Monkey and of the Tiger and of the Dragon,
and Disciple of the Way of Order

write this with my own hand in the script I learned from the slave woman of Southrun who was a gift to me in the Year of the Centipede.

As my final and parting act, I offer her the freedom she most desires and bid her safe conduct as proven by this letter in all places from Pillars of Heaven across the Wide Land, from the Northern Rift to the Southern Seas, and among all the People anywhere, who live according to the Way of Order or who have respect for the same.

The Books of the Archmagi of the Dweomersecte vol. 8

4309 Atalias III the Humongous - A giant of a man both in stature and appetite, Atalias III stood nearly nine feet tall due to self-applied magical growth. Despite his size, Atalias III was a gentle philosopher and the author of several treatises on the arcane arts.

4349 Ecthelios the Conjurer - An obsessive summoner, Ecthelios cataloged over a thousand beings from other realms. 

4376 Arbazor the Kind - Arbazor is remembered less for mighty deeds and more for a gentle heart in a dangerous profession. A pacifist and friend to humanity. He retired -- leaving his position by simply walking away. His home was later found empty, a cloak left on the chair, and a note: “Gone to mend what can still be mended.”