The Heralapix in Ald Ciula

Ald Ciula, the Provincials call it. The Bard's College, others say... but everyone who has attended there calls it, Heralapix. That is an insider's nod to the school's founding during the glory days of the Vyrum Empire.

The road there leaves the shores of the Dagger Sea and winds along an artificial river flowing down from the mountains. The Way the road is called and it sweeps wide just before coming to the city gate. There travelers can see that the granite face of the mountain has been carved and shaped into the massive visage of the Glorious Woman. Her arms are stretched out before her and she seems to greet all who approach.

It would be wrong to grant this monumental carving to the Vyrum. Great artisans and architects were they, but the sculpture predates the 6th Age. Indeed, some say it had its origin before even the First. That would be the Age of Chaos when the elemental powers were tamed and the first of the celestial beings gave up their estate to join themselves to this world.

But it was certainly the Vyrum who turned the sacred place to a place of learning. In those bygone days, the Vyrum took humans from the uncivilized tribes of nandi and taught them. They taught them to read and write. They introduced them to art and music and poetry. They gave them gifts of sculpture and architecture. They gave them philosophy and religion. It was the Vyrum who first called them meni. But there was one Practice that the Vyrum were not prepared to share with the younger race.

The Practice of Llor, or what the Dwarves call majk, was forbidden to all but the great matriarchs of the Vyrum race. Ceding such power to others was widely prophesied to mean the end of their people. The Vyrum remembered that their civilization was built on the ashes of the Elven Empire, and that those Elves had squandered their right to rule all Erenth by unleashing Llor-created monsters on the world.

Still the highest Practice of the Vyrum was expressed in their three-fold philosophy... ciur, ciura, ciavala (wine, women and song.) In recognition of that, they sought to make the most talented of their meni servants into skilled Llorvala (or lore speakers) who could embody the highest order of their hendiatris.

Generations of meni were schooled at Heralapix before the Vyrum Empire was brought low. Then the rule of mankind rose on the ruins of the Vyrum. From the wilds the rest of the nandi came, settling into cities and taking what they could salvage from the civilization before them. They had the meni to teach them. Over centuries they grew, some of the descendants of the meni became nobles and kings among their barbaric cousins.

Since the Vyrum vanished from the face of Erenth, only scattered ruined monuments of their culture now remain, but there is none so enduring as the Heralapix. Seemingly untouched by the passage of time, stepping foot on the campus is like returning to a bygone age.

Even now, in the 7th Age, a student may only be admitted by the Practice of Legacy. That is, they possess the written recommendation of a previous graduate of the College. All true bardic practitioners, not the mere pretenders (minstrels, jesters, troubadours, mummers and other prostitutes) which set up shop in every tavern across the Four Lands of Erenth can boast an broken line of succession from the first of the Llorvala. And even the lowliest skald of Northrun can boast this pedigree.

Graduation is not granted to all who attend. For after a period of study (usually between one and four years) every Bard must compose a Opuscule and perform it to the satisfaction of the Professing Masters. Not a few of those works have been inspired by the beauty and wonder of their beloved Ald Ciula and the campus of Heralapix -- or perhaps by the sorrow of having to leave it.

If his Opuscule is favorably graded, the Bard leaves and is forbidden to return to the campus until he has made his Practice of Tenure in the world -- that is, "the Way is closed" to him. Not just closed to the graduate without Tenure, either. The Way is permanently and irrevocably closed to the many, many former students who either drop out of the Bard's College or find their Opuscule unfavorably graded.

For this reason, the sons and daughters of many lords have found admission to the Bard's College for a year, or more; and are considered Poetasters -- perhaps highly skilled and well-instructed, but not full Bards in any true Bard's estimation. Some families even consider the Bard's College a finishing school of the arts, and feel no shame that the "Way is closed." Neither they, nor their children had any real bardic aspirations in the first place. So winning the favor of an old cadre of singers, dancers, musicians and actors means no more to them than the approval of any commoner.

For the graduate, however, there is nothing more important than proving his Practice of Tenure is complete. After his sojourn in the world is up, the Bard may return to Heralapix and present his Magnum Opus. If it is favorably graded, he gains the approbation of his peers and the Professing alike. He may even be invited to join their ranks and live out his life in the idyllic city.

On the other hand, if his Magnum Opus is unfavorably graded, the Bard must return to the world and may only attempt to redeem himself in the students he manages to produce. He would hope to send them under the Practice of Legacy to the Bard's College.

Hierophants of the Realms

Northrun

Donovan, Hierophant of Myrrheim

Karoli, Hierophant of Issheim

Kolomir, Hierophant of Snowrift

Vasild, Hierophant of Balnolmor

Blaerin, Hierophant of Darkwood

Nerang, Hierophant of Graetheim

Southrun

Drasago, Hierophant of Ridgedale

Kosor, Hierophant of Purehold

Pavek, Hierophant of Dalurdig

Rhican, Hierophant of Duergara

Numeor, Hierophant of Drowood

Eastrun

Boraevi, Hierophant of Southwood

Josper, Hierophant of Lochdale

Marjon, Hierophant of Merrydale

Nehum, Hierophant of Icestar

Westrun

Borif, Hierophant of Dynkyr

Dondor, Hierophant of Oromir

Fergan, Hierophant of Festog

Danir, Hierophant of Mistwood

Calimar, Hierophant of Ingailam

Lazorin, Hierophant of Deepwood

Selwa(f), Hierophant of Greywood

Ilijin, Hierophant of Forest Hills

Murinin, Hierophant of Curwood

Aleks, Hierophant of Hilldale

Karoli, Hierophant of Issheim

Naïve : Gullible. Uncultured.
motto : Count your chickens before they are hatched.

Donovan, Hierophant of Myrrheim

Naïve : Gullible. Irreverent.
motto : Don't adventure with someone you wouldn't invite home to dinner.

The Story of the Seabirds of Wood

The Story of the Seabirds of Wood
translation by E.T. Daniels

Hear now the story of Our Clans. It is the story of our fathers and it is the tribute of our children. Listen now to the story of Our Clans.

When the sun was young and the mountain tops were still white with snow, Our Clans lived far in the North, in Aldheim beyond the Ice Sea and it was a Heim of many Hearths. Our Clans knew not the Glorious Lady, nor feasted in her honor. Still the Lady brought plenty and spoke wisdom in the ears of all who would hear.

Our Clans sowed in the Aldheim and hunted great furred beasts that moved over the hills. But after the War of Ten Summers the soil grew tired and would only bring forth pale grain. The great furred beasts also grew scarce and Our Clans grew weak and lean.

Then the Vafthrud came and made war upon Our Clans and spared none while there was still strength in their arms. So many of Our Clans were carried off and slaves were made of our women and of our sons.

There was no Jarl of Jarls at that time, our men would make a Meet and each would listen in turn and do what he felt was right. All would remember how each had decided. So it was that Armsgleme, a great warrior and Jarl with a bloody spear and many rings of silver stood up at the Meet and said, “The time has come for Our Clans to seek a new home, for we shall surely die if we are determined to stay.”

Our Jarls scoffed and said, “Where then shall we go? The Unpassable Mountains lie to the South and East, the Vafthrud are to the North and the Sea lies to our West. If we were birds we might take to the air, but we are not, we are men and we should stay until we have grown strong.”

But Armsgleme stood again and said, “You say that we are not birds that we should fly, but we might make be as birds that light upon the waters and float as some do, to the shores which must lay beyond the sea.”

And then, the one whose name is forgotten, rose and besought Our Clans favor with these words, “We cannot make ships which will survive such a journey. For who among us is a crafter of such things? We are a people who grow grain and who hunt great furred beasts. We know neither the way of ships nor how they are moved. If we follow Armsgleme, we shall surely die.”

Armsgleme thought long before standing and saying, “I know not how a seabird floats, neither do I know how a tree floats, yet I have seen it and know that it is so. Therefore let us lash many trees together in the likeness of a seabird and go in this manner. For if a tree floats and a seabird floats, then a seabird made trees will surely float.”

Then the one whose name is forgotten stood among the Clans and laughed, “Armsgleme speaks madness, for these ships will surely sink and if they do not, there will be tribes who surely spear us when we have made land. If they do not, they shall take our women for slaves and then we shall know only misery.”

So Armsgleme stood again and his eyes were like coal afire and he lofted his great spear demanding that the one whose name is forgotten should pay ransom for his words of insult. He said, “I am not mad as you suppose. Only words keep us from crossing the sea. But if those words should prove true and death awaits, then we who have gone shall die with spears in our hands instead of blankets.”

The one whose name is forgotten jumped to his feet and beat his breast saying, “I shall not pay ransom for my words, and neither should any pay ransom for the truth. For he who speaks madness, is mad indeed.”

So Armsgleme buried the point of his spear in the earth and vowed, “I shall not again lift this spear until I have lifted it against you. May the Truth choose between you and I.”

The one whose name is forgotten also lifted his great stone axe -- for in that day all the axes were made of stone and no man of Our Clans knew the Secret of Steel. That one swore the oath saying, “May the Truth choose who might live and who might die.”

In that day, as now, no battle could be joined at any Meet, so our men argued long until all those present decided to stay or take to ships of the sea. Some sided with each, though most sided with the one whose name is forgotten. When the Meet had ended, Armsgleme rose and drew his spear from the earth.

“See here, as you have spoken first,” Armsgleme said, “I again offer to take ransom for your words. For you can see how our passion has faded with the fires of our Meet. My decision does not harm yours, neither does your decision prevent mine. I will accept one ring for the ransom of your hasty tongue.”

However, the one whose name is forgotten, refused and cursed Armsgleme and those with him. “I shall not pay any ransom. You are mad. Your words are madness. You have taken others sick with your madness. You will all surely die as you deserve.”

So it was that the two of them began to fight, and bitterly. Armsgleme had his spear and the other, whose name is forgotten, swung his great stone axe, and had the better of it. For his blows rained with fury and speed that could not be matched. Armsgleme could only just ward off his blows with the shaft of his spear.

Now in that day the spears of Our Clans were long and used for hunting the great furred beast. They were borne by the strongest men and were grasped only with both hands, but never thrown. Then the one whose name is forgotten split the spear of Armsgleme with his axe, and so made it shorter and thinner.

Then Armsgleme drew back his damaged spear and threw it at the man whose name is not spoken. And its shortened haft bit deep into his chest. So the latter fell to the ground and dead. When the battle was over he stood before Our Clans and said, “I have killed a man and shall kill no other until I have crossed the sea, unless anyone here seeks to prevent me.”

None of our men rose to prevent him, so Armsgleme crossed to the shell of the one whose name is forgotten and lifted his stone axe. “I shall use this stone axe to fashion a ship of wood and I shall keep it as a ransom for the words this man has spoken against me. If I should die either in crossing the sea or on the opposite shores awaiting, may the name of my rival be remembered forever. But if I live, so long as I keep this stone axe, so long as it is passed to my children and grandchildren, may his name be forgotten forever.

So it was that Our Clans left the Aldheim. We built great seabirds from the trees and came South across the Sea of Ice and made a new home in the shores of the Heim. And whatever became of the Clans who stayed has never been known.

Heard you now the story of Our People.

The Story of the Greathearth and the Jarl of Jarls

The Story of the Greathearth and Jarl of Jarls
translated by E.T. Daniels

Hear now the story of Our Clans. It is the story of our fathers and it is the tribute of our children. Listen now to the story of Our Clans.

When Our Clans came from Aldheim, we found a place of many trees and the ground was hard and could not be tilled. Now, no Strangers had yet come to meet us in those days and Our Clans knew them not. So our Jarls purposed to move south in search of fields to till and of great furred beasts to hunt. But some of Our Clans stopped and would not be moved from the shores of the sea until they had made the Jarl of Jarls.

In that day there was a man named Armsgleme, who was a great warrior and Jarl. He was strong of arm and heart and there was much cunning in him. He lifted a spear against many foes and kept The Stone Axe among Our Clan and so he was loved of all.

“Armsgleme live forever!” Our Clans shouted. “Lead us to battle and to safety. Be Our Jarl of Jarls. Be an arbiter of what seems right and what is not. For surely you have found favor with the Glorious Lady. So tell us now, the words that your heart whispers to you, since we are so far from our Heim which was her Hall and she visits us not.”

So Armsgleme thought long and at last relented. “I shall be a Jarl of Jarls to you, but first call a Meet and find for yourself a Lorespeaker who might remember the words you and I have spoken and those we will speak in the future and so hold all of us to all of them. I will indeed lead you to battle and to safety. I will be your Jarl of Jarls. I will be an arbiter of what seems right and what is not. I will tell you whatsoever I know since we are so far from the Hall of the Glorious Lady.”

So then a Hearth was made and the stones of it reached twice the height of the tallest man. A great fire was kindled therein and a Meet was called. Then stood one who was called Skald and he remembered stories that others had forgotten. He stood as Lorespeaker and listened to the plea of Our Clans and the promise of the Jarl of Jarls.

But there were those who would not swear such an oath. Neither would they leave from Greathearth. Unto Armsgleme that Clan said, “We would stay here and live on the shores of this sea, rather than to know a Jarl above all Jarls. We shall keep the old ways of Our Clans. We will make Meets and each will listen in turn and do what he feels is right. Each man shall remember how he has decided.”

So the Meet was ended and Armsgleme said, “Your decision has not harmed mine, neither does mine prevent yours.” Our Clans agreed and made the sign of peace and swore that the mercy of the Glorious Woman should protect all.

So some of Our Clans left Greathearth and continued south to the Heim, but the Clan of Greathearth remained and became fishermen and settlers upon the rocks of that area, for their necks were stiff and would not be bowed before a Jarl of Jarls, no matter what. To this day many of them travel in Seabirds of Wood and live from the whales which they hunt as we once hunted the great furred beasts.

Heard you now, the story of Our Clans.

The Story of the Making of Five Hearths

The Story of the Five Hearths
translated by E.T. Daniels

Hear now the story of Our Clans. It is the story of our fathers. It is the tribute of our children. Listen now to the story of Our Clans.

When Our Clans came to the Heim there were great hills and five valleys between us. Upon the hills, forests still stood and the soil was difficult to yield, but no Strangers had yet come. So the Jarl of Jarls called for the Lorespeaker and said, “I have decided to make Hearths for each of five Jarls. Find for yourself five companions who will remember the oaths of the Jarls who receive them.” So it was that five Hearths were laid and great fires were kindled therein and a Lorespeaker was found to remember the promises of each Jarl.

Then Armsgleme spoke his blessing on four Jarls in turn and said, “May the Glorious Woman speak wisdom to you in this valley and visit your Hearth in your turn.” But to the fifth Jarl he said, “May you find favor with the Lady and know only her laughter in the walls of this valley, may she visit your Hearth in your turn.”

Our Jarls kept those Hearths and called Meets at them. They cut trees for wood around them and they built great Halls near them. Then we scorched the Heim and tilled it until it gave forth fruit. There grew fields in each valley about the Hearths that Armsgleme had made. The Lorespeakers recall it all.

So it was that Armsgleme built the Five Hearths and these are their names: Wanderhalt, Oldscane, Everskeep, Blackhearth and Ladiskeep. And the first of these is not forgotten, though the men of the South wish it were so.

Heard you now, the story of Our Clans.

The Story of the Secret of Steel

An oral history regarding Steel
as told among the Northruner Clans
translated and promulgated by E.T. Daniels

Hear now the story of Our Clans. It is the story of our fathers. It is the tribute of our children. Listen now to the story of Our Clans.

When Our Clans first came to the Heim we knew only the stone axe, for we had not the Secret of Steel. We carried the stone axe and swung it when the Jarls demanded.

In that day some of the Strangers hid in the hills between the Five Hearths and were called the Modsogner -- they who were born of stone. The Modsogner were as old as the Heim itself and had walked upon it when it was but young. But the Modsogner had grown old and forgot the making of children and they also were winnowed by many wars.

And the Modsogner had enmity with the Vafthrud and promised the Secret of Steel to those who would help them.  So Our Clans lifted the spear and the axe for the War of Ten Summers. The Modsogner fought beside Our Clans until all the Vafthrud were driven off. But they were slack concerning their promises and we learned not the Secret of Steel. But of the Glorious Lady we heard many things and our devotion to her grew.

In time the Vafthrud returned and drove us from our Heim. So we came to new shores and lived in the Peace of 100 Summers in Five Hearths.

But the Modsogner made enemies easily. And they came again to Our Clans with promises. By their oaths, they swore to teach Our Clans the secret of metal if we would but lift the spear and the axe against their enemies.

So Our Clans lifted the spear and the axe against the Svartalf in the West and drove them past the Fast River. Then we lifted the spear and axe against the Krymer and drove them down to the Place Between the Seas. Then we lifted the spear against the Wurms and drove them to the mountain peaks. So the Modsogner were very glad and were not slack concerning their promises. They taught Our Clans the secret of metal.

When Our Clans learned the Secret of Steel and fashioned our plows of it, the Glorious Lady came and and smiled upon us and made our Hearths exceedingly rich. We had many crops and grains. Our Clans fashioned our spears and axes of steel. Then many of the Strangers feared Our Clans and gave us the Heim around Five Hearths to grow and to fill.

But some of the Strangers did not fear. These made war on Our Clans and each in their season. But with the secret of metal, Our Clans could not be vanquished -- for the Glorious Lady had come and was with us. She filled our bellies and this made our hearts happy to war; and our arms strong enough to withstand all who opposed us.

Heard you now, the story of Our Clans.

The Story of the Stone Axe

The Story of the Stone Axe
translated by E.T. Daniels

Hear now the story of Our Clans. It is the story of our fathers. It is the tribute of our children. Listen now to the story of Our Clans.

After the time of Armsgleme’s reign, when he had grown old and could no longer lift the stone axe that he took from he whose name is not remembered, the Jarl of Jarls called a Meet and summoned the Lawspeaker to hear it and the Lorespeaker to remember it.

“Watch now,” Armsgleme said, “and witness that I can no longer lift the Stone Axe which I earned with my spear. See how I have become weak of arm and my eyes are dim. Know then that Our Clans are strong and that there are many Strangers in this Heim who will take our women and make slaves of our sons. One of my Jarls must become the Jarl of Jarls in my place and must swing the Stone Axe.”

So the Lawspeakers and Lorespeakers listened and the Clans brought forth their Jarls and all such who were mighty. These they gathered before the bright light of the fire of the meet. And each of these took a knee before the Jarl of Jarls.

Then Armsgleme stood as one tired and said, “Our Clans must always have one who can swing the Stone Axe, though we have learned the Secret of Steel. The Stone Axe will become the ransom of the Jarl of Jarls. For it was by the Stone Axe that we learned the secret of building seabirds of wood. And it will be by the Stone Axe that he will show himself able to lead you to battle and to safety. By the Stone Axe he will be your Jarl of Jarls. He will be an arbiter of what seems right and what is not. By the Stone Axe he will tell you whatsoever he knows since he will hear the voice of the Glorious Lady.”

“By the Stone Axe he will call the meets and hear the wisdom of the men and heed the lament of the women. By the Stone Axe he will show you who may rule. And all who swing the Stone Axe, will rule but little, so that all his words can be heard by a Lawspeaker and remembered by a Lorespeaker who shall remember all things. These words he shall carry to your sons, and their sons, and all who yet to be born.

So it was that the Lawspeaker held the Stone Axe above the head of each Jarl and strong man. So the cheers of all the meet did signify who should become Jarl of Jarls. This the Lawspeaker witnessed and this the Lorespeaker remembered. So the Axe became a prized thing, much more than many bands and rings of silver. For it showed who was Jarl of Jarls, and he who swung it was seen to rule over all others, even if no contest be made between them.

Hear you now, the story of Our Clans.

The Story of the Modsogner

an Oral History regarding the Dwarves
according to the men of Northrun
as translated and Promulgated by E.T. Daniels

Hear you now the story of the Modsogner. It is the story of their fathers. It is the tribute of their children. Listen now to the story of the Modsogner.

Before the coming of Our Clans, the Modsogner lived in all the Heim and walked upon it to and fro upon it. In those days they were a noble Clan and able to lift the spear against their foes. But when Our Clans came to the Heim, the Modsogner had grown weary of living and had forgotten about the making of children. So it came to pass that the Modsogner had a Meet and the Jarl of Jarls sent the Lorespeakers to them, to learn in their Halls and to remember their songs. Then it was that the Modsogner taught Our Clans of the Lady and the way of keeping her law. And these Lawspeakers became witnesses of all that happened in the Clans and the Lorespeakers remember it well.

Now, in days before the coming of Our Clans, the Modsogner were like Jarls, rich in silver and great in the making of Steel and all the Strangers feared them. But the Svartalf grew strong and jealous of the Modsogner. So, by the power of witches they lifted the Spear against them and took the Heim which the Modsogner had earned. Yet witches are treachery and so it betrayed the Svartalf and they too were attacked by the Narfe until few of both remained. So great was the dying from war that all who lived, mourned for so living.

Then came the Olvald riding on a great furred beast. He was sent ahead of the Clans to make peace in all the Heim which the Clans would inherit. Great Meets had he, but when the fires of those meets had burned low, the Strangers knew not peace so the Olvald slew many and lifted the Spear against any who opposed him.

The Narfe fought most against Olvald and they were slain and chained for their ferocity. And so the Glorious Lady cursed them and made them into the great Wurms so that all would know their nature. They, along with their sons, the sons of their sons, and all who are yet to be born.

So it was that the Modsogner hid from the Wurms and from the Svartalfs and kept their peace until the coming of our Clans.

Heard you now the story of the Modsogner which we promised to keep and teach to our children.

On the Convention of Northruner Names

by Tobor Walenrut, Sage of Treft

The following list of words shows the word roots and their meanings that are most often used by the Northruner People in the naming of their children. 

Akr  (open field)

Ass  (rocky ridge)

Audr  (treasure)

Birg  (boulder cliff)

Biorn  (bear)

Bolstadr  (homestead farm)

Brandr  (Sword)

Bryn  (Armor)

Dalr  (valley)

Drífa  (snowdrift)

ing  (wild meadow)

Fall  (mountain)

Fygr  (Cowardly)

Fiord  (deep groove in sea or river bed)

Gyr  (Spear)

Havn  (harbor)

Hymr  (homestead)

Hlid  (mountain side)

Hof  (shrine)

Holl  (hill)

Holm  (island)

Horgr  (outdoor altar stony outcrop)

Hrafn  (raven)

Hrys  (cairn)

Hvall  (hill)

Land  (land estate)

Laug  (hot spring)

Liotr  (Ugly)

Lo  (tame meadow)

Log  (hollow depression)

Lundr  (grove)

Mord  (weasel)

Mork  (forest)

Nis  (headland)

Rifr  (fox)

Salr  (hall)

Sitr  (dairy pastures)

Sior  (sea)

Skogr  (forest wood)

Skolf  (craggy ledge)

Spakr  (Wise)

Stadr  (place)

Styn  (rock)

Strond  (beach shore)

Sund  (sound channel)

Tigr  (market or trade stop)

Ulfr  (wolf)

Unr  (wave)

Us (suffix meaning from)

Vangr  (pasture)

Vatn  (water lake)

Vid  (woodland)

Vík  (inlet)

Vin  (meadow)

Volr  (plain)