Warlock's
Primer -
The Necronomicon.
The darkest and most profound of all grimoires ever written, it lays hidden away beneath a secret underground altar deep in the caverns of Wyvern's Spine -- the southernmost mountain range of the Vale landmass. A highly coveted book, its precise location has been kept secret for centuries, known only to a small handful of Warlocks within their entire secret society.
Legend holds that only the one high Warlock from each city shares in the reading in a once-yearly sojourn. However since the great fall of Faltha where the Warlocks once held their collective power over all the Vale, it has been forbidden anyone to journey into the treacherous mountain terrain of Wyvern's Spine. All roads have since been blocked by armed soldiers under the employ of the Druidic High Priestess.
The holocaust had been foretold in the pages of the Necronomicon more than a thousand years ago. And retold in a Sorcerer's visions when he had consulted a rare crystal skull. "Behold, a woman comes. And with her a great army."
Elsewhere in the grimoire it was prophesied that a Necromancer chosen from
among them, would make battle against her. "Like a phoenix, one shall rise
up from the ashes and walk with The Light. He shall return to make war against
the woman and her great army."
There is a river that runs through the base of Wyvern's Spine, flowing backward
and toward the north. It's ruddy water is made bitter with sulphur deposits,
and whispered legends among the lay folk claim it isn't water at all. But
the blood of dragons. From the Wyvern mountains to Faltha; from the Bisha
Caves to Rowan's Hamlet, to Mount Priapism.. the five points of a pentacle
once held the powerful Warlock council unbroken. It is believed that once
the Warlock council is again united, they shall become undefeatable. Perhaps
this is why the Druids fight so hard to keep their sect forbidden in the land.
Druid's
Primer -
The Goddess & Her Light -
Tied strongly to the Goddess of Light, Shalindr'a, the Druidic Order pledges
to keep Her radiance shining brightly on the Vale of the Enclave so as to
cast out all shadow.
As a testament to their Lady Goddess, the Druids have constructed a tower
in Pern on the grounds of their Council Grove, far taller than all others.
From here, the blue light beacon of the largest lumi crystal ever found, shines
out into the harbor, bringing ships safely to dock.
Much
of a druid's power comes from the luminescent blue crystals dug from deep
beneath the Hellboar Mountains. Certain druid bloodlines are able to harness
the raw crystal's raw power and use Shalindr'a gift to call forth powerful
nature magicks.
Lumi stones are often worn by druids in an array of ornaments or jewelry,
although it is sacriledge to their Order for anyone to chip or carve one of
the crystals. The Druids believe they are.. alive.
Politics & the Powers that be -
Politically, after the unleashing of a plague and burning massacre at
Faltha, the Druids have ruled the Vale of the Enclave, albeit behind the scenes
and with subtle machination.
The Druids are never present at any political function nor do they ascend
to governmental offices. Theirs is a private, secretative order with a closed
door policy and much of their ranks and doings are pure mystery.
However,
it cannot be denied that their reach is long in the land. The Chanciller Regent
of the Vale is merely a puppet dancing to tune of their bidding... all to
keep the light of Shalindr'a shining and the shadows.. the warlocks, at bay.
Since their ascension as guardians of the Vale, fear of the Warlock's dragons
is appeased with an annual human sacrifice. The dragons.. the enemy, must
never be allowed to return!
Enclave Druid Groves (houses) -
De, Da, D', Dir' - Meaning "Grove of"
Grove Da'Thar [Pern]
Moria Da'Thar - High Druid Priestess of Pern
Grove Carnelian [Anwyn]
Bryony De'Rose - Returning Druid, lost since birth
Grove Scillae [Eunomia]
Cabal D'eth Scillae - Lord of Light
Vichi De'Scillae - Open Character
Grove Tu'Atha [Shalindr'a]
Jon Dir'n Tuatha - Guardian of the Hidden City - Open Character
Lorelei Tu'Atha - Open Character
Other Citizens Primer -
The Vale of the Enclave comprises more than the two opposing factions of Druids and Warlocks. With a population of hundred thousand or more,
the citizenry of the land is varied, rich, and vibrant.
The Merchant's Faire holds tycoons who wheel and deal amongst the flamboyant
gypsies.Write as a contortionist, a belly dancer, a side show freak or simply
a rich merchant with his eyes on the prize.
With the many water tributaries, the Vale of the Enclave has many maritime
sailors both fresh water and salt. WRite as a pirate on the Belladonna, a
sea man finally returning home or a stowaway on a river barge, praying for
a new life.
More into the arts? Check out Llelyn, the mecca of inpiration. Write as an
actress who holds court on stage at the Vistoiré theatre or maybe play
a lowly painter who sells her work on the coastal streets for her next meal.
And not to forget the harder side of the Vale, one could write as aminer who
lives in a plyboard shanty up at Purgatory Creek pulling lumi stones out of
Hellbore Mountains or perhaps a survivor of the steel mines of Blackdirk.
Check out the Syndicia family down on the Triad River or embark on a risky
expedition to swampy Gillia Town where the language is as sharp as the knife
in your back.
