I investigated the shimmering layer far up in the atmosphere today. I had originally thought it was some sort of barrier, but now I'm uncertain what its purpose is. I did feel some pressure as I approached it, but had no difficulty in passing through to the other side. Sound does not pass through, though the significance of this is beyond me. Perhaps it is meant as a deterrent? Unsurprisingly, it is overwhelmingly magical.
On the side, as a piece of trivia, Alphatia casts a shadow for three hours when it passes over a location. Hence, Alphatia is a very large floating island. But then, we already knew that.
We are now flying over some land. After a quick scouting mission, it is inhabited by humans, of which almost every male carries a weapon, although few females do. They only wear breastplates by way of armour.
Whilst scouting, we saw some traders, including elves, and also found a map store.
In port there were a number of galleys.
Fortunately, we saw no sign of slavery.
We left Haik-lor today, choosing to land in a less populated area of this country. We are now heading towards an inhabited region of this country.
Encountered a patrol of 20 soldiers today. Gurzurk did a know customs; they are a militaristic society who appreciate warriors of superior skill, in particular heroes, and heroic deeds. Female warriors are either unworthy, or very good (they are unworthy until they become very good). They worship two deities, presumably male and female.
We have been directed to the nearest city. Oh, in our conversation with them, there was a mention of some place called Nithia. Interestingly, there is a river nithia in the Ylaruam. Yet another coincidence.
We head south to their city.
We arrived at a 5000 strong town today, and have been directed to the Dancing Dragon Inn. The country we are in is Traldar, a name that is not unfamiliar to me. In particular, it was a Traldar mage who perfected a technique dealing with Ioun Stones. Too many coincidences.
At the Dancing Dragon we were expected to tell a tale, of heroic proportions. I was the one lucky enough to volunteer such a tale, the Darokin war with Hule. Surprisingly, I managed to tell the tale well. In return they told a tale of a battle with their enemies, the [unknowns].
We learnt a little of the surrounding countries. To the east are the Jennites, a bunch of horse riding people (sound like the Ethengar), with whom they are presently at war.
To the south are the Millenians, who are similar in culture to the Traldar.
To the north are the Schatten Alfen; Shadow Elves? Remind me to do a sending to Pharanon when we return to the surface.
Our next destination is the largest Traldar city, to the northeast.
Before leaving, some of us have decided to purchase horses, as this seems like a good place for them. I picked up a spirited black warhorse, which I sincerely hope will become somewhat less spirited.
Bumped into a town of about 8000 people today. Not the biggest, and no mapmaker. Good for selling gems though; we got some pearls in return.
Finally arrived at the largest city in Traldar, population 25000. I got rid of my blasted warhorse, and purchased a somewhat less spirited one. Stupid thing.
The most interesting thing in Traldar is an elf we met. He is of the variety knows as the Black Lore elves. His name is the Falcon, but I'll be damned if I'm going to call him that, since if I do, I'll keep thinking of a plane. Instead I'll call him Mr B.
Mr B is a traveller, one who agrees with us that many of the cultures we have encountered appear to be very static. However, we agree for different reasons. You see, the Black Lore elves have a thing about fashion. It would appear that it changes almost on a daily basis.
At this point I'll note that his fashion sense is atrocious!
The Black Lore elves are not particularly religious, and there are no mages. It would appear that they are static in their own way. The Black Lore elves used to live in some other place, until the ``breaking'', some sort of big magical accident. Ever since then, they have had some sort of magical servants who provide all for them. Unsurprisingly, their population has remained static.
Interesting fellow, Mr B.
We also spoke to a Traldar historian. Apparently, long, long ago, the Traldar lived in a land in which they were losing a war. Their gods decided to lead them on a journey south, over water. At some point their fleet was swallowed whole by a giant fish (scoff!). But the great heroes Petra and Helev got the fish to spit them up, and then they were here.
The oldest written record they have is perhaps 20 years after landing. At this date, their King and Queen were no longer around, and things were already referred to as sleeps and circles.
They have been here for somewhere between two and four thousand years. In all that time, their culture has changed little.
I also went to speak to a fellow Arcanologist. He knows of the mage who developed the ioun stone concept. It is the same mage with whom I am familiar. This happened before the landing.
Interestingly, Melany has heard of Helev and Petra (the deities now) in Darokin, of all places! Hmm.
Anyway, we've decided to pop into Milenia, south of here.
Entered Milenia today. Blast! We were almost run over by a chariot occupied by two males, and two females. Grr.
Here, religious lore overrides secular lore.
An interesting day today. We encountered some merchants, who informed us that a dangerous monster was on the loose, and that we should take a detour. Of course, we decided to investigate.
Further down we saw some people that had been turned to stone, indicating the possibility of a basilisk in the area. We also found a horse, with harness and all, that had fled something.
We further investigated, and, after wandering the forest a little, encountered, and overwhelmed (no thanks to me) some black robed mages. After Melany charmed one of our captives, we found that they belong to an organisation known as the Zargoseans. There was no monster. Instead, they had made it look like there was one. What their (successful) goal is was to kill some fellow who was going to inform the priests of their activities.
The goal of the Zargoseans is to make the world a better place by switching off the sun. The fellow we charmed complained that it is always awfully bright here. Some of their favoured spells are continual darkness.
The Zargoseans are organised into small covens, each of which knows little of the others. They do have a central place, a tower, where they are supposed to have certain relics that will be employed to quench the sun. The tower has been about for quite a while. This tower is in a nice and dark valley.
The Zargosean we captured have a meeting place in a ``city'' called the Necropolis, where the dead emperors are laid to rest. The Necropolis is 30 miles north of the Emperors Walk, a place where important folk have holiday homes.
Most of us are keen to go there, and get what we can from their hiding place in the Necropolis. Since it's illegal to enter the Necropolis, Roland and Safranna will not be accompanying us. Instead, we'll meet them afterwards at the Emperors Walk.
Oh, in the fight, Mr B used an interesting magical item that threw flames at the target. I guess we could call this a sort of flamethrower.
Time to rest before travelling on.
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Some events happened that I am not going to go into detail on. I, and the rest of us, would rather try and forget.
Let's just say there was some torture, some authorities, some prison, some fines, and Roland and Safranna saying they will no longer journey with us.
On the side, I will say that for all of us, the verdicts were either guilty or not guilty, with one exception. Gurzurk, our ever-present diplomat, has crimes that are ``unproven''. Gift of the gab. Also, Mr B rated the prison accommodation as being half a star.
But, things are back to normal now, arrangements have been made, and Roland and Safranna will be staying with us.
We never entered the Necropolis, and the Zargosians we captured (two of them) were hung for their crimes.
Enough said.
Some facts on the side. Halev has red hair, hence the red plumes on the warriors in this country.
With respect to the Emperors Walk, the first Emperor of Milenia found hot springs here, so would often come here. The rich would often follow. Eventually, it became known by the name it is now called.
My companions have seen fit to reveal some additional information. First, Safranna had a dream that the Zargoseans are followers of Nix. Presumably Freyja granted this dream.
Also, a while ago Zim had Leo ask about Gwen. Leo disappeared, was berated by Ka the Preserver (Ka being responsible presumably for keeping the stasis of this place), and then (to Zim's relief) reappeared.
Anyway, we've decided to leave the Hollow World. We'll go to Alphatia and see if they'll let us go. We've decided to go through Jennite territory on the way.
After travelling on a very nice road, we've arrived a one amazing fortress. At the centre of this very large fortress is a shrine to Petra, the Guardian of the Empire. The people at this fortress say we shouldn't go on to Jennite territory, as they are unpredictable (read as violently unpredictable).
Anyway, Melanie as approached by a fellow who wants to sponsor her in some games that are being held. I'm going to give a shot at boxing, as will Turia, and Gurzurk is going to have a go at chariots. I doubt Gurzurk will do well at all. I also doubt I or Turia will get far, but I think Melany is in for a decent chance. She'll be running (naked, I might add).
So we'll be here for a couple of days.
Wow! What a profitable day. I went miserably, Turia got to the finals, but lost.
However, I made 3000 gold on Melany, who won! I also made 10000 gold on Gurzurk, who also somehow managed to win!
So happy now. Roland also made a killing. Well, we have purchased a map, and are going to go back into Milenia to pick up some gems and pearls, rather than hang on to this currency.
We leave tomorrow.
We passed through Tromears a few days ago, and are presently heading towards Dolphius, on our way to the capital, Corisa.
Visited a temple to Ixion today, one of the deities opposed to the blessed radiance. I guess he's an enemy of Rad?
Here they believe Ixion is the sun. Interesting.
Finally, the capital, and man, is it big! It must have on the order of a quarter of a million people here!
On the way in, we noticed a sign indicating the presence of a temple to Asterius, the god of wealth.
This Milenia place would make a great tourist destination. Lots of history. We passed by several military monuments on the way.
Lots in this city. We had a young person act as a guide to the city for a day, showing us around. I'm not sure where to begin, so I'll just list things as they occur to me.
There is lots of white limestone, in particular in important areas. Unfortunately, there are also slaves. Offset this with a large plaza that we saw.
We were also shown a fountain that was guarded by some priests. Apparently the icons were made in the fountains. The icons are religious relics that are used by the Oracles. Oracles are important religious characters, one for each major deity. They foretell the future, don't die. That sort of stuff.
We were shown some very impressive war machines that guard the harbour.
We were also shown the Academy, made entirely of a red shimmering stone. Very ornate, I must say. Apparently, many circles ago, all the tin within a mile turned to gold! I guess some magical experiments go wild here from time to time. That isn't the only story either.
The temple quarter is also very impressive. The senate is nice, but the temples to Petra and Halev are huge. What's more, it looks like they decided to use real gold on some of the statues.
In the academy there are lots of people philosophising, as well as lots of mages arguing.
Apparently the mages here can make magic items known as talismans, items that I have never heard of before. I wonder where this place was in the Outer World? Each talisman has a bit of an animal in them, and the wearer gains an ability from that animal. Cockatrice talismans are highly sought after.
Also spoke to a kind of mage I've never met before. He was very people oriented. Had spells to help crops, etc. Almost a priest that uses mage spells. He was even interested in maximillians earthen grasp. Strange? Maybe they have that spell already?
Anyway, we've met a mage that is trying to develop the ``revolutionary'' spell teleport. We've managed to have a look at some of his work. Quite inefficient. He'll be testing it tomorrow, and we've managed to invite ourselves along.
Apparently it was his old master that was responsible for the tin turning to gold. It happened 25 years ago, whilst he was researching the teleport spell.
We'll see the results of the teleport attempt tomorrow. It's a shame it will fail.
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Observed the experiments with teleport today. Not good. Everything failed. It appears that teleport will, instead of teleporting something, instead have a random chance of randomly changing the target object into something random. Random alteration effect. Shame.
This poor mage is going to keep studying it, unfortunately. 25 years (at least) of work, all for nothing.
The ups and downs of being a mage.
Well, time to head to Pelai, known for its pearls. Melany, for unknown reasons, has decided to stay in Corisa.
We have arrived in the small city (10000 people) of Pelai. The only thing this place is known for is the fellow called Brutus, the strongest man.
This place is mostly a fishing village. Nothing to look at really. Roland and I buy all the available pearls.
We head to Leroun, where we expect to purchase gems.
Came across a heavy stone slab, with the inscription ``Brutus of Pelai lifted me from the earth''.
We left behind a much heavier stone slab, with the inscription ``Roland of Serraine liften me from the earth''.
Another very large city, perhaps 100000 people. Leroun is walled. Interesting place. There was a fellow philosophising in the street about the existence of man. He should really be given some medical treatment for insanity.
We rest, as we tired.
They have a mighty impressive library here. Time to while away the hours researching. We can hire people to find books for us at a mere two silver a day.
Well, I hired people to look for books, ones with maps and information about the surrounding lands. I'll cast the copy spell on them later.
Wow! Zim found a book written in Sindhi! My homeland might just be here, in the Hollow World, somewhere.
The book itself is fairly boring. It was just about accounts, of someone who was trading between two places, Amtha and Djamballah. I've never heard of them.
I've hired people to find more books in the same language.
Found another book, this time the account of a noble. Should be more informative.
I have finished reading several books written in Sindhi now. None of the place names are familiar to me, and neither is the dating system. I gather that the place is probably to the west, across the ocean (blast!). It is named Shahjapur.
Zim uncovered some very useful information. He found a reference to what is possibly a third exit from the Hollow World. Unfortunately, it is where the Oracle of Zargos resides (read as, Oracle of Nyx). The exit is at a place called the shrine of shadows. If we wish to investigate (yes, we do), we'll have to seek out a high priest of one of the various religions (since they are the only ones who could tell us where to find the shrine).
Oh, apparently their Oracles gave the high priests of Petra and Halev powerful relics. I guess that means the high priest of Zargos has been given a powerful relic by the Oracle of Zargos (just a guess).
Oh, Zim has also remembered that Sir Lighthaft may be the incarnation of Halev. Interesting.
Today, I also decided to buy Turia a nice little trinket. A nice necklace, valued at 500 gold, with yellow gemstones, and interlocking gold links.
Anyway, time to head back to Corisa. We'll try to speak to a high priest.
Managed to speak to a pleasant, middle aged Priestess of Petra. Talked about Oracles.
Oracles are the direct representatives of their respective deities. All Oracles are protected by imperial law, which unfortunately would mean that the law may not want us to kill the Oracle of Zargos (this is only a problem for Roland). However, Petra's priestess indicated that the Oracle of Zargos may not really be considered a ``true'' oracle.
The Oracle of Petra is at the shrine of the Whispering Wind.
Supposedly, if we really want to speak to an Oracle, then we have to find them ourselves. That is part of proving our worthiness.
When the conversation turned to the possibility of slaying the Oracle of Zargos, the middle aged priestess indicated that she would need to speak to someone higher up than herself. We've been asked to come back tomorrow to chat again.
Apparently, the Zargosians are supposed to have only been around for about 100 years. Moreover, Zargos is supposed to only be mortal! Hmm. Perhaps this was part of his immortality quest?
Zim went to one of the services in the temple of Petra. Apparently the high priestess of Petra is married to the high priest of Halev.
Well, back tomorrow to discuss wiping out this ``false'' oracle some more.
Well, had a highly productive chat with an authorative figure, the High Holy Protector Minora. She's very keen on destroying this ``so called oracle of zargos'' (definitely not capitalised).
Basically, regardless of imperial law, this religion is happy with roughing them up.
What's more, Minora is aware of the general location of the shrine of shadow.
Coincidentally (hah!), the High Holy Protector happens to be headed in the same way.
It's about a week of travel away. We have to head to Portos first. Apparently, Minora is only about two positions removed from the top job herself!
Well, we'll leave in a couple of days.
Arrived Portos today. From here we head south a bit.
After travelling on a normal dirt road, we arrived at a fortress called Ionysias today. At this stage, I'm glad to say that Minora seems like a likeable person.
The shrine is meant to be in the hills somewhere west of here.
After some discussion, Mr B says he's unlikely to follow us to the Outer World. He says there is still much to see here. I just think it's a case of ``we gods don't want you mortals leaving''. Oh well.
After having wandered around for a while, we finally found the blasted shrine.
Not a nice place. All gloomy, keep feeling like there was something behind us. Dark clouds at the top of the shrine (which is at the top of a hill). Felt like there was something wrong, and warped, about the hill. What's more, light sources dimmed dramatically, and there were far too many undead rats, with little glowing red eyes. Torches cast ghastly shadows. The shrine itself is inside the hill. The entrance is obvious due to the ghastly red light coming from it. As I said, not a nice place.
We entered, and got to chat with the Oracle of Zargos. An old looking woman. Near here was a small statuette, the icon.
Well, we chatted to her for a bit (even though she wanted to eat some of us), and then we made her more dead than she already was. Wasn't an easy fight mind you. She had all sorts of immunities. But, eventually, and somehow without any of us dieing, we killed her, with Safranna delivering the coup de grace with her sword. Unfortunately, there was a disembodied voice that said ``it's not over yet''. Bah! On Oracle of Nyx down! Woo! We also destroyed the rod she had.
I was rather happy with my role. I barely damaged her, but when I did, it was with her own icon. Talk about adding insult to injury. He he he.
Although I don't presume to know the mind of Freyja, I'm sure she must be laughing now.
Gurzurk did a commune with nature, and is able to tell us that there is a tunnel leading down. It looks like there really is an exit from the Hollow World here.
Unfortunately, we don't know how to destroy this relic. However, Minora does know where the general whereabouts of the Oracle of Petra, so we could go to her to ask how destroying the relic could be achieved.
Well, we'll build a tunnel from the non-evil shrine area, to connect with the tunnel leading out of the Hollow World. Start doing that tomorrow.
Oh, tomorrow, we may as well also fill up the shrine of shadows with rock, just to really piss Nyx off.
Oh, interestingly, the Oracle of Zargos claimed that her predecessor was well over one hundred years old. This implies that the Zargoseans have been around far longer than the commonly believed one hundred years. Interesting. Then, she may have been lying.
Umm, oh well. We were going to fill up the shrine with rock, but unfortunately, just before Gurzurk was going to start, Nyx appeared and said ``bugger off''. This was followed a few times by comments such as ``leave, now'', et cetera. You get the idea. We of course didn't press our luck.
Well, I guess we've managed to really piss Nyx off so very much that she was about to ignore the consequences of breaking the rules, and squash us. Well, I must say, I'm filled with an amazing sense of achievement, I really am. A personal appearance by Nyx. I feel so proud to know that we, mere mortals, have annoyed Nyx, a powerful immortal, so much that she felt she had to personally tell us off. Oh, Nyx! How do you feel! The other deities must be laughing at you right now!
Poor little Nyx lost her temper at a bunch mortals. How petty. Chuckle chuckle chuckle.
Well, at least she dressed up for the occasion. Pale skin, red lips, jet black skin tight dress, right down to her ankles, and of course, extremely attractive. Mr B thought she had atrocious fashion sense.
Well, Mynora and Mr B seem rather impressed at us. After all, a deity appeared to actually know us!
Anyway, we'll head for nicer surrounds. The Oracle of Petra should be much more pleasant.
We'll cart this icon of Zargos with us. Don't want to make it too easy for the next Oracle of Zargos to get their hands on it.
The shrine to Petra is meant to be somewhere north of the village of Gorsios, which we just arrived at today. Well, time to start looking.
Huzzah, we have found the Shrine of the Whispering Wind. We spoke to a nice old (very old) lady, who is the Oracle of Petra (she who is much nicer than Nyx; she's actually nice, for a start).
It is a very nice place, situated in a lovely valley. Inside the green vegetation looks welcoming, the sounds of birds chirping is pleasant, there are nice terraces, and a nice, pleasant, pool of water.
Within there is a small red clay statuette, no doubt the icon.
We spoke to the Oracle, who provided us with much information. She, like the oracle of zargos, is also blind.
Apparently we are aware of all but one exit. I wonder what that final exit is?
She also confirmed that Sind is in the Hollow World, but under a different name.
Also, she told us what the Hollow World is. It is a place set up by a group of deities. Here they place cultures that they see worthy. Sind is among them (nice they think it's worthy). I imagine this is done when those cultures are threatened.
Perhaps it doesn't just apply to cultures? It may also apply to animals, and vegetation. For example, the fruit we found on the floating island. That may have been in danger, so perhaps they decided to preserve it?
I think we tired the Oracle, as she is resting for a while. She also needed time to think about what is necessary to destroy the icon of zargos.
Oh, on the side, she casts something on Lani. Lani flew away, then came back. Apparently, ever since she ate the fruit of delusion on the flying island, she's been thinking that she was a gold dragon that was polymorphed into a Faenri. Good heavens! The oracle fixed the delusion, fortunately. Apparently, whilst we were on the island, she had Gurzurk give her the silver he was mining, so that she had a little bed of treasure to sleep on. Ha ha! Very amusing.
Good thing the delusion is over now.
Well, we met the nice old lady again today. This time, we told her about the Outer World, and tales of our travels. Although she must know lots, I would guess that she is not told details of the Outer World, as that would possibly tick Ka the Preserver off.
So, hopefully, we have managed to tell her things that she was not aware of. That is, provide entertainment. Apparently she gets her fair share of politicians and priests who ask rather unimportant questions, such as what direction a new temple should face.
Again, Mr B and Mynora are quite impressed by our tale.
This Oracle is the only oracle of Petra there has been. She is over 1000 years old. That's old even by elven standards!
Unfortunately, destroying the icon will prove to be far too hard for as at our present skill levels. It would be long and difficult. Whilst we try to destroy it, Zargos (not the followers??) will do what he can to retrieve it. Of course, in the future it will be easier, but we may not have it then. [similar level of difficulty to trying to destroy the icon of Petra; to do so, one has to somehow get Petra to no longer love Halev].
I guess the best we can do is to try and prevent it from falling into Zargos' Oracles hands for as long as possible.
Oh dear. It just occurred to me. Didn't Melany also eat the fruit of delusion? Actually, she has been acting quite strange recently? Hasn't she?