Miriel's Guide to Visimontium

Visimontium and its Surroundings

Latest edition Summer 2231 AAoP (( July 2010 ))

The Crescetoria Valley and the Surrounding Mountains

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Visimontium - Andrinor's holy city - is built in the Crescetoria valley of Northern Deglos, lining the southern shore of Lake Crescetoria, guarded by four mighty mountain ranges.

To the south is Mount TeraTera, where the Causeway from Deglos to Galdos branches. Outside of the well travelled path, TeraTera offers little but barren rock, the terrain being largely difficult to cross. The Apara Thorpe is nestled at the feet of the mountain, an all-Avariel village. Higher up are the hunting territories of the mountain giants, drawn to the area by a prolific population of bears.

To the east lay the slopes of Mount Bolinar. While relatively low in comparison to her sisters, Mount Bolinar bears a flaming heart. Hot springs streak her feet like veins, and her scorching breath vapours through the crags marring her shoulders. The southern side gradually falls into rolling hills. That is where the glorious Arena of Andrinor is located, as well as the Sentinels' Orphanage and Daycare.

To the west the horizon is occupied by the mountain most rich in ore veins in the vicinity - Mount Geritri. Vast caverns and underlakes stretch deep its surface. Geritri also is famous for the secluded high valey Geritri Forest, rich in plant and animal life. The scenic forest is protected by the city law as a nature preserve. North of the mountain is the deep Coldshadow Lake, the beauty of which draws one and all. At the south-west corner of the lake the Coldshadow Village is situated - a well-fortified settlement, home exclusively to Ganooms.

To the north is the mountain believed to be the highest in Avlis, Crescetoria, which holds the tower of the city founder - Melonius Mennallin. However, the higher parts of the mountain imprisoned in ice and snow all the year round also are a home for the kin of Maleki: goblins, bugbears and frost giants. A grand temple to the Lord of Fury, Ra-Ghul, stands unshakable in the storm-consumed Firefly mountain valley.

The heart of the valley - the namesake Crescetoria Lake mirroring the proud mountain - holds one large island which in turn shelters the Lifestone invigourating the area. A smaller island is connected through a bridge to the southern shore; on this island now stands a temple to Yeraiah. On the southern shore also is the fabulous Periwinkle Fireworks and Foghorn Factory. Its close neighbours are the city hospital, the local branch of the AAAA and the AKN. Rocky wastes stretch east and west of the north shore around the Crescetoria mountain feet. Much like the unfriendly mountain itself, these only attract the most eager and brave miners.

The Districts of Visimontium

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Although some of the Visimontium inns and taverns are mentioned below, the complete list of them can be found on a separate page.

The Garrison District

The Causeway path through Teratera leads up to the Mountain Gates and into the well fortified Garrison District of Visimontium. This is where the headquarters of the city guard - the Visimontium Sentinels - are situated, and under the same roof, the city jail. Behind this building, a tower of the Warrior Maidens including a temple of Dre'Ana stands tall and proud. The Visimontium City Council building is here as well, where one can find the office of the city architect Jenii Kim. An inn and a small marketplace meet the worn travellers, while the mages of the city pass them by, on way to the Sorcerous Scrolls shop. The tunnel east leads to the District of the Trust, and the tunnel west - to the Residential Districts.

The Underground Settlement

The Underground Settlement is the oldest part of the city, now accessible through the Garrison District. It initially sheltered the Visimontium builders - most of them gnomes and dwarves; Then it was used to accomodate the first wave of human settlers. At present, the Underground settlement holds the memorial graveyard of the gnomish workers to have fallen during the blasting works, the Sentinels' Arena and a temple to Clangeddin Silverbeard.

The Crescetoria Valley Marketplace

Craftsmen of all trades offer their goods here in a long row of shops facing the Temple of Hurine. The valley marketplace is a major meeting point for locals, drawn not only by the necessity of supply and demand but also by the large wooden table outside the Plough and Scythe Inn, under the great oak tree. Secluded in the eastern end of the area is the town cemetery.

The Residential Districts

Stretching from the Garrison District along the northern slopes of Mount Geritri to the eastern shore of Lake Coldshadow, the Residential Districts are a well presentable face of the city. They are divided into southern, central and northern areas, bond together by the broad Ailpera Lane. The Residential Districts except for private residences include the workshops of great artizans. Such are the "Precious Objects" run by the jewelers Wulfgar and Tzaramendl, the "Frimungun Clothing Empire", and indeed the "Heffernven Toy Shop"!

The Southern Residential District where the Western Tunnel from the Garrison District opens is quiet and secluded, with few private residences nestled around the Lohenson Court - named after Harbesh Lohenson, founding member of the Visimontium Sentinels.

Through the Central Residential District one can take the path to the Geritri Mountain Mines. The famous "Hideaway Cafe" is here for those who shun the mining pick, not far from the First City Real Estates office. The centre of the Residential Districts is also dignified by the grove devoted to the city founder Melonius Mennallin's late wife Mary Briggs, druidess of O'Ma.

The Northern Residential District often is refered to as "The Cottages", though these rented homes take but a portion of its territory. The Northern Residential District is where the Ailpera Lane ends, at the elevation offering a glorious view to the Coldshadow Lake. Here is the home of the Visimontium city council speaker, Sentinel and a great benefactor to the city: Lady Aerill Ailpera herself. The entrance hall of her residence opened to the public now hosts the "Mennallin Shop".

The District of the Trust

The District of the Trust is indeed occupied by the nine towers of the Nine Orders of Andrinor's Trust, and the smaller but no less imposing Tower of the Trust. A centrepoint of the area however admittedly is the Nine Towers Brewery and Tavern. Those drawn by the waterfalls crossing the east side may soon find the secluded Grove of O'Ma. Following the Promenade boulevard north, one reaches the quiet, picturesque Willow Lake and a small tea house.

The Academy District

The most busy district of Visimontium is the Academy District. In itself it is a broad square, lined by houses at its far northern and southern ends, and occupied by a number of buildings of importance. In the Academy District there indeed are the local branch of the Academy of Mortal Magic and the Alchemy research department, the Great Library of Visimontium, the portalling tower, the Academy of Bardic Arts, the open air Observatory, and last but not least the Department of Conflagration. When free from work, the populace can often be found around "Jade's Coffee House", "Truely Sweets" - a legacy of Lord Derrington's chocolate tradition. The lobby of the Mountain View Townhomes is bustling at daytime, while the Tipsy Wizard Inn's tavern may not quieten until late at night. Unsuprisingly, at the Academy District there also is the workshop of an industrious Ganoom offering alchemical dyes. From this area, two roads outstretch into the lower mountain hills, the south to the Arena of Andrinor, and the north to the Academy of the Advanced Arcane.

The Temple District

Above the square of the Academy District is the Temple District, built around a small hill atop which is the High Temple of Andrinor. The area also offers roof for the faithful of Cha'reth, Dagath, Dru'El, Fegall, Gorethar, Mikon, and Mishlekh. Outside the Eastern Gates, at the lower slopes of Mount Bolinar, overlooking the Thousand Springs stands a shrine to Yeraiah.

The Farmlands

As the city forms a half-circle on the southern end of lake Crescetoria, the Farmlands occupy the fruitful land in-between the lake shore and the city walls. Both the west and east farmlands boast with lush apple gardens. At the eastern farms opens a grand cave system; its higher reaches are used to make premium quality cheese. In the western farmlands the local school is built, as a part of a dream coming true: the dream of the city founder Melonnius Menallin to provide education for the children of Avlis. The school has been built thanks to Dame Moira Callindraes from Mikon's Council of Balance, who also is the architect of the Academy of Bardic Arts.

The Inns and Taverns of Visimontium

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In alphabetical order:

• Coldshadow Tavern, Northern Residential District

Proprietor: Grandari

• Mountain Settlers' Inn, Garrison District

Proprietor: Merarry Askyrew

• The Nine Towers Brewery and Tavern, District of the Trust

Proprietor: Losil Fentleln

• Orchards Guest House and Public Room, South-Western Farmlands

Proprietor: Granny Micah

• The Plough and Scythe Inn and Tavern, Crescetoria Valley Marketplace

Proprietor: Alia Jarlson

• The Snow Eater's Inn and Tavern, Western Passage (Near the West Gate)

Proprietor: Legnar "Snow Eater" Kessen

• The Tipsy Wizard Inn and Bar, Academy District

Proprietor: Drarry Askyren

See Also:

• The Cottages - Rented Homes, Northern Residential District

Proprietor: The Visimontium Real Estate Offices, Central Residential District

• Mountain View Townhomes - Suites for Sale, Academy District

Proprietor: Mr. Steel ((PM))

Visimontium Demographics

As of the late 2170s the population of Visimontium is about 280,000, 80% of that being the migrants from M'Chek; 5% of Ganooms from the original construction works; and the rest 15% being the various magi orders and their apprentices.
(The ratio of apprentice:full mage is about 5:1).

The Visimontium City Council

The city of Visimontium is represented by counselors to decide on laws and edicts.
At present these are:

• The Andrinor's Trust Representative - Maxiimilliandras Bizgramphino of the Ashen Order of the Stars

Preceeded by Gubblebub Fizzywhiz of the Red Order of the Flame
Preceeded by Rorln Frizzlegomp of the Blue Order of the Sky

• The High Mage Council Representative - Miette Hartley, Moderator of the High Mage Council
  

Preceeded by Damar Ogdem

• The Church of Andrinor Representative - Rayna Na'Tanlynn, High Priestess of Andrinor
  
• The Sentinels of Visimontium Representative - Fealith Anifail, General-Marshal of the Visimontium Sentinels
  
• Speaker of the Council is Aerill Ailpera, Archmage of the Blue Order of the Sky

The Visimontium Sentinels

The Visimontium Sentinels are the guards of the City of Andrinor, initially hand-picked by the city founder Melonius Mennallin himself. The Sentinels protect the city and its population and deal with the day to day law enforcement issues in order to keep the city running as normally as possible. They answer to the decisions and orders of the City Council of Visimontium.

Recent History of Visimontium

Founding of the City (Apprx. 2120)

Two things the god of mortal magic Andrinor bestowed on his mostly devoted follower, the then-Archmagus of the Ivory Order of the Sun Melonius Mennallin. One was the establishment and moderation of the High Mage Council, the other - the building of a holy city in Andrinor's honour which also was destined to be a home to the magi of Andrinor's Trust.

The building works on the holy city of Andrinor began in early 2120s, after Melonius Mennallin bought off the valley sheltered in-betwen four mountain ranges in Northern Deglos. Most of the expenses were covered out of Mennallin's personal funds, as well as by numerous donations. The greatest lot of the donations were gathered during the celebration of the opening of the Merchants Rest Inn in Elysia, mutual property of Melonius Mennallin himself and the famous tradesman Zacharia Featherfingers.

Much more expenses came in the form of life losses. A great lot of gnome quarrimen, stonesmiths and engineers were lost during the blasting works. Their bodies are now laid in a memorial graveyard in the Underground settlement. The blasting and building works were supported and supervised by a group of people hired by Melonius himself, known as "Leo (Leopold)'s Mercenary Group". For clarity, I apply a popular statement by Leopold Pfefehur on the group's name: "Much as I like having a group of folk named after me, it was never my intention. If anything we're Melonius's Mercs! It's just the way it happened that my name got used for the group, and it sort of stuck!"

Migration to Visimontium (2150)

The city of Visimontium is not merely the city of mages. It is a home more than 100,000 migrants from post-war M'Chek, who were given a chance to begin a new life thousands of miles away from their homeland. This was possible after Melonius Menallin's proposal to the M'Chekian government, which was quickly accepted. A great lot of the work on organising the migration and colonization of the valley has been done by the founding Sentinel members Fealith Anifail, Aerill Ailpera, Jenii Kim, Leopold Pfefefhur and many members of Leopold's Mercenary Group a lot of which remained in Visimontium as Sentinels. Moving such a great lot of people, be it in groups, took the effort of many organisations - aid was provided by the M'Chekian Army, Le'Nofaythen'T'Nanshi, the Deglos Brigade, the Orders of Andrinor's Trust (five at the time: Ashen Order, Blue Order, Ebony Order, Green Order, Ivory Order), the Council of Balance, EDGE, FEAT, the AAAA, the AKN, the Healers of Chareth. The migration met much impediments in the form of Sereg'Wethrin attacks, diseases, and the unforgiving nature of the depths of Deglos. Tens of thousands were lost on the way. On the 20th of November 2150 the last wave of migrants reached Visimontium. The people held the torches high in the harsh winter night, and the hopes were high ...

The First Decade

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Finishing of the Building Works (2150-2156)

By the time the migrants from M'Chek arrived in Visimontium, the eastern wing of the city (the districts of the Trust, the Academy and Temple districts) were still in process of building. The city consisted mainly of underground settlements, and few surface homes made of wood. In 2153, the city finally woke up in silence - the blasting and hammering of the gnomes in the east side of the city had ceised, it had finally been finished. In time, the remaining portion of Visimontium was reworked to hold proud buildings of stone, paved streets, strong walls. In the end of 2156, this work was completed.

Proclamation of Geritri Forest as a Nature Reserve (2152)

The Geritri Forest, home for many rare animals and plantlife, as well as treant wardiens, drew druids seeking to tend to the forest and adventurers seeking to challenge its inhabitants alike. As a result, the druids started treating with hostility anyone who would venture in the forest. The name of the druidess Naer'maril still is remembered as one violent defender of the Geritri forest, as well as the local priestess of Gorethar, Belevren Graniteanvil, who sought for a legal compromise on the statute of the forest.

A copy of the public announcement of the Visimontium City Council:

Geritri Forest is considered a nature reserve. Hunting animals or treants there is forbidden. It is each visitor's responsibility to make sure they do not disturb the animals living there. Capture for profit or killing of animals will result in a fine or worse punishment depending on how severe is the action. Construction of buildings or housing will not be allowed in Geritri Forest. - Aerill Ailpera, Speaker of the Visimontium City Council

Heatwave reaches Visimontium (2152-2156)

The heat to sweep through Southern Avlis in the early 2150s did not miss out Visimontium. Four years in a row, it lingered over the city, causing dangerous steam elementals to rise from the great valley lakes and numerous streams.

A Year of Mysteries (2155)

Visimontium is a city of magic, and this alone has many effects in the everyday life. Flowers would sprout out of a seed within minutes, or scarecrows will start walking. The latter happened in the autumn Harvest Festival in 2155 when the scarecrows did not limit themselves to simply walking around but also randomly attacked locals. Another memorable occassion of the same year was the griveous end of the wedding anniversary of Dame Grace Dane-Unuldur and Morran Unuldur, who recieved a small ship as a gift from their friend Ayren Milen. As the couple ventured to the ever-shrouded by mists centre of the lake Crescetoria, a storm rose which shattered the lovely "Trenium" vessel to pieces. The couple barely survived, and the the story lived on, retold by the resident bard of the Plough and Scythe Inn and Tavern - Trinash Vellah.

Drangonari Siege (2155 - 2158)

• The Beginning

The first sightings of hostile Drangonari were in the spring of 2154. Groups of one or two randomly attacked the city, and little the Visimontium residents knew these were the first drops of a forthcoming flood.

The Drangonari arrived in greater numbers, attacking the city in groups of near half a thousand at a time. Their camps were believed to be hidden in the surrounding mountains. However, these camps also were concealed by psionists and for a long time all the city could do was defend themselves when attacked. The Grantir government denied any relation to the situation.

• Behind the Scenes

In time the Trust of Andrinor realized there was serious threat on the side of Angadar himself, and not only his creations, the Drangonari elves. This was not surprising, considering that Angadar looked onto Andrinor as onto a rival, after Andrinor outtricked him to became the god of mortal magic on Avlis. The investigation and counteraction on the side of the Trust of Andrinor against the faithful of Angadar organised in the so-called Web of Angadar throughout Southern Avlis could perhaps fill a separate tome. Such may someday be written, should either side choose to reveal what now is considered confidential information. During the conflict, one of the moves of Angadar was limiting the ability of Andrinor's mages to scribe spells onto useable scrolls. In response, Andrinor willed that all spells casted by his magi in his city - Visimontium - would be cast as empowered. (These restrictions are unexistant at present).

• Troublesome Years

The city of Visimontium suffered much, giving many victims. The Drangonari were not the only attackers. The frost giants and bugbears living on the slopes of Mount Crest made use of the exhausted city defenses and organised raids down the valley. Still, most of the damage came on the side of the Drangonari. The eastern outskirts of the city (the Eastern Wastes) still are a wild magic zone as a result of their purposed rituals. From 2156 till the end of the struggle, the Ashen Order of the Stars gave a hand to the Visimontium Sentinels in the city defences. In 2157, after the reformation of the Gold Order of the Sand, a large group of orc magi also came to the defence. Many magi of other Orders of the Trust able and willing to assist soon joined in.

• First Great Victory

In December 2156 the then-Senior Mage of Visimontium for the Ashen Order of the Stars, Ialath Fentellon, invited to aid Arania Moonshadow Alastaire-Alaster, Keeper of FEAT and director of the Visimontium Academy of Bardic Arts feat. Reverdie. The psionicist abilities of Arania revealed a major Drangonari camp to be hidden in the sewers near the lake Coldshadow, under the Northern Residential district. A large group of Sentinels, Ashen and Blue Mages, and the then-Archmage of the Ebony Order of the Moon Micah Ormane herself swept down to destroy the Drangonari base. The sewers were much damaged in the battle to ensue, and that segment had to be entirely reconstructed.

• The Last Battle And Negotiations with Grantir

After the insisting of the Visimontium City Council and the Trust of Andrinor, in June 2158 a group of representatives of the Grantir authorities led by Ambassador Pluvier Preaan arrived in Visimontium. The day before their arrival was probably the darkest in the history of the city of Andrinor. The Drangonari made a final onslaught, assisted by members of the Web of Angadar. In this attack, the city was literally ruined. In turn, the attackers Drangonari were nearly exterminated by the joint effort of the Sentinels and the numerous Trust magi present in Visimontium for the arrival of the Grantir delegation - all of these assisted by a handful of Healers of Cha'reth. Bridges were burning, houses were brought down, the city walls of the Western Gate were completely destroyed.

A few excerpts from the meeting with the Grantir Delegation should with certainty be recorded for the public. One was the revelation that a number of faithful of Andrinor and Angadar had dreams in which both gods proclaimed peace with each other. The Drangonari to have attacked Visimontium appeared to have been tricked into doing so by agents of the Grantir arch-enemy, the Drotid. After this was clarified, the present in the meeting agreed that peace was needed not only in-between the gods, but also in-between their followers. Regardless, a number of members of the Angadarian Web were indeed announced wanted for crimes against Visimontium.

"The Wall Fell, the City Stood." - Inscription in memory of the great battle in the end of the Drangonari Siege, when a great portion of the city wall at the Western Passage gate is ruined by wild magic.

The Visimontium Lifestone Uncovered (2159)

Excerpt from a public announcement by Tralil Breck, second Archmage to the Ivory Order of the Light past the Reformation: "Long ago, a druid sorceress by the name of Sanaata lived in the forests of T'Nanshi. There she was a friend of many of the forest creatures, and well known to those whose heart walked with Dru'El. After a time, she ventured North. Very little is known of how she lived out her days in the North, except that she was a mystic and could forsee the future. In her time, I believe she tended the Lifestone, deep below lake Crescetoria. However, at some point the stone was entombed and its force diverted. Sanaata in her wisdom foresaw a day when the stone would be re-envigorated, and used her druidic and arcane tallent to guide and aid those in the future who would seek the Stone's revival..." Through dreams and visions, Sanaata guided a group of mages and druids of present to uncover the Lifestone and put it back into activity. This brought the much needed flow of vital energy to the valley which at the time was exhausted after the Drangonari siege. Peculiar fact is that the famous sorceress of the Blue Order of the Sky Miette Hartley bears much of the memories of Sanaata, and rumour goes she is the reborn Sanaata herself.

The Second Decade

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Reconstruction (2160-2166)

The slow reconstruction of Visimontium after the Drangonari siege began in 2160. Many homeless people were in need of clothing and food, except for a roof above their head. A lot of cloth was donated by the Warrior Maidens of Dre'Ana and the faithful of Dra'Nar, the church of Visimontium organised opened kitchen for the poor and the Healers of Cha'reth were often seen in town. The city also required wood matherial. A great lot of it arrived from the AAAA, the ACE and the AKN. While the building works finished for three summers, the garden holding rare plants in the south-western farms took much longer to revive. The resident Healer of Cha'reth and member of ANRA Rika Vandor and the then-Archmage of the Green Order of the Forest Namlig Sirhc took great effort to replant the garden.

Rise of the Trolls of Kazan (2160 - 2164)

Excerpt from public announcement by General-Marshall Fealith Anifail of the Visimontium Sentinels: "For a long time, this city has suffered from the attentions of the foul creature known as Kazan. This Troll, was a shaman of enormous power, with a particular gift for controlling the beings of the elemental planes. He was able to unite many of the troll clans from the mountains under his leadership. Together they raided the lands of Visimontium and took the lives of too many of our citizens and the Sentinels who protected them. Some died under the claws of trolls, while others were sacrificed in unspeakable rituals to further Kazan's powers. Kazan himself was not to be seen in the fighting, which he left to his minions." The Ashen Order of the Stars and the Visimontium Sentinels, assisted by the resident Healer Rika Vandor, finally manage to deal with Kazan, after the Ashen Archmage Robert Wallace and the Ashen Senior Mage of Visimontium Ialath Fentellon opened a portal and lured him out of the demiplane he was hiding in. While attacks from goblins, trolls and giantkin are not uncommon for Visimontium, none have been so well organised. Kazan's powers also caused the eruption of Mount Crest in 2162. What could cause such an extraordinary afflux of power to such a creature? The answer was to be found in the years to follow.

Curse lifted from the treants of the Gertitri Forest (2163)

A curse long lingered at the depths of the Geritri Forest, causing the ancient treants to attack any creature to approach them on sight. The curse was lifted thanks to the efforts of the followers of Dru'El, honourably assisted by Fergus Goodmane, then-Archmagus of the White Order of the Light.

Reign of the Goblin King Ip (2166 - 2170)

In the spring of 2166, during an outing of the Fauna and Flora Group led by the Ashen Archmagus Robert Wallace, accompanied by a few Sentinels, the Coldshadow Ridge was found to be occupied by snow goblins fighting each other. It came known that the group was witnessing internal conflict, and a change of the goblin king Ep with the goblin king Ip. The new goblin king appeared reasonable at first, concerned mainly with the well-being of his people into the caverns of the Mountain Crescetoria. It was not long however before break-ins started being reported in Visimontium, and all of these were in time ascribed to the snow goblins. Fear overtook the common people of Visimontium. A messenger of Ip soon appeared, announcing that the goblin king was annexing the city. A run-away goblin delivered the horrifying truth of what was going on to the Sentinels: the goblin king Ip had been as if possessed by a great power, and lost his mind. Ip could teleport his minions at will, and kill them at will from a distance.

In 2168, the Sentinels were forced to magically ward the City Guard Barracks from such intrusions, and turn the defence to fullscale offence. The goblins had made golems similar to those patrolling Visimontium as a part of the city guard. To set these golems to motion, they used their living comrades, maddening them in the process. Still the Visimontium resistance battled the goblins to the bottom of their caverns, only to meet an impenetratable wall of ice. Per happenstance, it was blocking the way to the Firefly Valley, where the Temple of Ra-Ghul stood. Thus the goblins were no longer problem of the city of Andrinor alone, but also of the Fury of Ra-Ghul.

Imprisonment of the Ancient Evil Behind Kazan And Ip (2170)

It was the Sentinels' General-Marshall, Fealith Anifail, that had the insight there had to be a greater force behind beings like the troll Kazan and the goblin Ip. His guess was confirmed, after he was advised to turn to the Geritri treants for their wisdom and they in turn called forth an ancient being. It presented itself in the form of a dragon, by the name Kalseru. He explained that Kazan and Ip were merely puppets for an old enemy of his. Kalseru inquired the city defenders to gather matherials, amongst them Ip's heart, for the purpose of a ritual to expell his old enemy. This was done after the joined effort of a group of the Visimontium Sentinels, the Fury of Ra-Ghul, the Ashen Order of the Stars, the great magus Vana of the Blue Order of the Sky and others.

On the top of Mountain Crescetoria, Kalseru built a prison for his old enemy, where he could be captured on the prime matherial plane and destroyed. The same group witnessed the summoning of the ancient evil from the elemental plane of fire, and destroyed it, its essence remaining imprisoned on the mountain peak. Alas, as future events would show, it were not for long.

Trial for Crimes Against the City: The Web of Angadar (2166-2168)

A few members of the Web of Angadar involved in the Drangonari siege appeared before justice during this period. Kisri Aedia, who at the time had renounced Angadar, was found guilty of murder and treason and sentenced to labour work. A few years later Krator Blackfist, who at the time had also left Angadar, was found guilty of the same, and sentenced to half a million gold fine and labour work. Fraudoc Loclac whose trial was conducted at the same time was found to be insane, unable to answer for his actions and neutralized by turning into a rodent. (This information is based on official announcements of the City Council of Visimontium).

The Third Decade

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Hospital Built in Visimontium (2170)

After the initiative of Jand de la Fleur and his wife Navarra Dyaniera de la Fleur, both esteemed magi of the Ashen Order of the Stars, the Healers of Cha'reth were sponsored to build a hospital at the southern Crescetoria lake shore. The building itself took many years, but it was finally finished in September 2170, as if to close the chapter of another troublesome decade in Visimontium with a touch of peace.

The Ancient Evil Revolts (2171)

The ancient spirit which was sealed off by Kalseru on top of the Crescetoria mountain did not stay there for long. John Wake, a White magus, was the first to sense the presence of impending great danger. A couple of White and Ivory Order magi and a handful of Sentinels hurried to the mountain, and found in a group of Ebony and Gold magi performing a ritual over the captured ancient spirit. In the words of the Gold magus Crunk Steelcaster, they aimed to more securely seal the being to its home plane of fire.

First Devastation of Geritri Forest (2172)

The spring to follow was a sombre one, beginning with the devastation of the Geritri forest, and the slaying of every living treant and animal by an unidentified group. As the treants were the only link to the forest warden Kalseru, he could not be summoned. It was much later, that the Shemathen le Yeritath together with a T'Nanshi treant from the south assisted in the awakening of the Geritri treants who had been dormant at the time the slaughter took place. The forest was slowly restored.

Bugbear Attacks (2172 - 2175)

The first bugbear attacks by portalling groups of highly skilled shamen and warriors followed closely the Geritri forest devastation. Overtime, it was confirmed that the ancient spirit was not sealed off in the plane of fire, but had taken over the Crescetorian bugbears' chieftain. Visimontium recieved assistance from the M'Chekian guard, yet it was a temporary measure. In the absence of Kalseru, the city continued dwelling under the constant threat of the bugbears who had been regarded as fearsome even from before the arrival of the ancient spirit.

Construction of Andrinor's Arena (2173)

Andrinor's Arena, or Andrinor's Amphitheatre was constructed for a record time given the proportions of the project - only a few years. It occupies a vast artifically carved valley in the southern slopes of the Bolinar mountain, accessible from the Academy District. The first mage tournament to be held in Andrinor's Arena was organised by the Ivory Order of the Sun to celebrate the finishing of the monumentous project, and brought much acclaim from the general public.

Construction of Coldshadow Village (2173 - 2185)

In 2173, building works began on the south-western shore of the Coldshadow lake for the construction of a namesake settlement in the Visimontium vicinity. The construction was formally supervised by the Ashen Order of the Stars, and met much delay after bugbear attacks.

Rumours of Dark Shards in the City (2174)

Refugees from Jechran poured in the city from the north, after a great disaster in their home land. It had began with the waning of crops and all living things, fear and disease brought to men and women, and eventually an army of demons storming in. Shortly before the refugee wave, rumours had reached Visimontium of a Dark Shard found in Jechran that would make its wielder both strong and weak. As it would soon come clear, such artifacts of dark power had surfaced throughout Southern Avlis, and the demon lords of the Avlissian Underdark strived to attain them. The first signs of what had befallen Jechran had been felt throughout the south, with the waning of the Lifestones. The Visimontium Lifestone endured a lot longer than the others, but in a few years it also showed signs of impending doom.

Demons Against Bugbears (2175)

In 2175, tremors shook the ground as fires erupted all over the Crescetoria mountain. Soon, news spread of demons fighting devils atop the mountain, and each of them in turn fighting the bugbears. The demons indeed sought for one of the Dark Shards. While rumour goes that such a Shard has been held by the ancient spirit pupetteering the bugbears, the fact that the demons soon shifted their attention from the mountain to the city itself speaks clearly of the Shard changing its owner and location to Visimontium.

Construction of Apara Thorpe (2175 - 2178)

Under the guidance of the Green Order of the Forest, in 2175 the lower northern plateau of the Tera Tera mountain began undergoing extensive transformation to hold fruitful land. A settlement was built, which was finished with some delay after the visit of a plundering Deglossian dragon who was chased off by the Sentinels. The honour lays with Arwan Mylwen, Sentinel Ensign, who takes the form of a dragon using a potion, and thus succeeds in intimidating the dragon. In 2178 Apara Thorpe opened its doors to the Avariel settlers of the nearby mountains, after a decision of the Visimontium City Council.

Construction of Portalling Tower (2178)

In the spring of 2178, a great portalling tower was opened for the public at the centre of the Academy district. The tower is part of a private enterprise of Quintin Fallkirk III. It provides portals to any major city of southern Avlis, as well as Kuras, thus presenting a revolution in the public transport of civilised Avlis.

Second Devastation of Geritri Forest, Demonic Army Approaches (2179)

A public announcement from the Sentinels in the spring of 2179 outlines the past and present shadows over Visimontium. "People of Visimontium: For the last decade we have stood as vigilant sentry against the vile spirit which over time has thrown onto us the troll armies of Kazan, the goblin hordes of Ip, and of late - the fearsome Crescetorian bugbears. Most of you have noticed that recently demons have taken interest into our city as well. This alas has not turned to be a passing fancy of theirs. A demon lord and his army approach this city as I write this. Kalseru, the ancient protector of the Geritri forest, that dared stand against the vile spirit, is slayn by these demons. The forest itself is a poisoned waste. The few treants to survive have fled to wait for better times. We are caught in-between two forces. The bugbears from the north, and the demons from the north-west. Both of these forces have means of teleportation, which allow small groups to appear at unpredictable locations." Kalseru's dragon body turns to stone after his death. He leaves unanswered the many questions concerning his absence throughout the years since the first devastation of the forest.

The Fourth Decade

---

Demonic Army Occupies Gertri and Crescetoria (2180 - 2191)

After a large group of magi of the Ebony Order of the Moon lose their lives in attempt to banish the demons from Crescetoria, it also comes clear that the demons have taken over the bugbears, and turned into submission the ancient spirit who has been the bugbears' master in the past few years. The demons maintain a large amount of troops of moderate skill in Geritri forest, while Crescetoria has turned into a bastion for the mightiest of them. Rarely have demons of such power walked the face of Avlis. Much to the horror of many, some of the demons use the trapped souls of holy warriors of O'Ma, Gorethar, and Dru'El - Champions, Paladins and Avengers - and channel their holy powers for their own advantage in combat.

Meeting to Coordinate the Efforts Against the Demons (2181)

The demons, and the mysterious Black Shards appear throughout Avlis. In 2181, the City Council of Visimontium calls for a meeting of the groups and individuals united in their struggle against the demons. In attendance are (in no particular order) members of the Visimontium Sentinels, the Magi Orders of Andrinor's Trust, the Church of Andrinor, the Order of Gorethar, the Equalizers of Mikon, the Shemathen'le'Yeritath's Circle of Seven, Le'Nofaythen T'Nanshi, Le'Megen Elysia, M'Chekian army, the Deglos Brigade, FEAT, the Warrior Maidens of Dre'Ana, the Fury of Ra-Ghul, the monk Order of the Dragon, the Healers of Cha'reth, the AKN, the ANRA, the Academy of Bardic Arts in Visimontium and the Avariel Community of Apara Thorpe. On this meeting, those present exchange their experience with fightning the demonic threat; possible courses of action and cooperation are discussed. A large group of Equalizers are stationed in Visimontium, to aid with the city defence.

Jechranilae Refugees Move to Elysia (2184)

Overtime, the number of refugees from Jechran after its destruction by demons reach a few thousand in Visimontium. After an initiative of the Warrior Maidens of Dre'Ana the refugees are transported to Elysia, to find a new home there. Initially this is done through the public transportation portal system, but in the end the White Order of the Light, together with the Ivory Order of the Sun, prepare a large portal at the Sentinels Arena to transport the rest of the refugees at one go. They are indeed assisted by the Visimontium Sentinels, as well as the Healers of Cha'reth. The refugees arrive safely in Elysia, to the last one.

A Tale of Fear (2185)

Sometimes, fear itself can literally become a powerful entity. The living proof is - or was - Mary, a Ganoom magus of a Red Order of the Flame, who devotes all her life to just one spell: Fear. Eventually, she finds herself overtaken by an impersonation of the power she tries to control. One part of her, is an unpercievable being who lays traps for both demons and townsfolk. Those whom she encounters, die in terror and pain. Worse, the feeling of unmanageable dread spreads from the dead bodies. Following a number of incidents the Sentinels finally discover the identity of this being, as she uncovers herself, in inner struggle against her "dark half". She perishes before their eyes, after explaining her actions with her desire to see the demons driven away from the holy city of Andrinor.

This terrifying story was transfered to a ballad by Eldrea Addams, "Fear Fable", comissioned by a Sentinel for the "Scary Tales" contest held in November 2187 by the Academy of Bardic Arts.

Trial for Crimes Against the City: Amand Xilo (2185)

After his own confession, the master mind behind the freeing of the ancient spirit and the the first devastation of Geritri Forest is confirmed to be Aman'dul Xilo'rulithii, commonly known as Amand Xilo, who has just stepped down as Seventh Archmagus of the Ebony Order of the Moon. His sentencing is public, held in the High Temple of Andrinor where he is given the opportunity to apologize for his deeds. His sentence includes transformation to a bugbear for 12 years, fine and banishment from the city. (See the official announcements of the City Council of Visimontium). Amand Xilo dies less than a month later, as his body does not bear the magical transformation. (Fieldnote: In present day, he has been revealed to live on under another identity.)

Vampire Settles in the City (2188)

In the summer of 2188, a Deglossian vampire arrives in the city of Visimontium under the name Vlad. He extends request to the City Council to be permitted to settle in the central graveyard crypt, together with his family. Seeing as a number of the mage orders of Andrinor's Trust have undead members in their ranks, the city law system has no established regulations towards sentient undead. The presence of Vlad and his next of kin is however ruled out as a potential danger to the city, despite the vampire's claim that he purchases the blood necessary for his survival instead of feeding from living beings. The vampire still settles in the crypt and for a long time responds with hostility to the Sentinels' attempts to enact his expulsion.

The Fifth Decade

---

Visimontium's Vicinity is Cleared from Demonic Presence (2191)

Throughout the last decade, a growing number of demons have fortified themselves in various locations of Avlis. In order to prevent them from bringing reinforcements, magi of Andrinor's Trust begin work on the "Dead Bolt" project. This is an arcane device, purpoused to act as a portable Dimension Lock covering a large area. The design belongs to Evy and Tond from the Green Order of the Forest; The development is assisted by Vintrinia Carnen, then member of the Red Order of the Flame. After the successful implementation of the "Dead Bolt" in the Avlissian South, the next location in demand of such devices is the Visimontium vicinity.

In the autumn of 2191, a full scale offensive is planned and launched against the demons in the mountains Geritri and Crescetoria. A number of groups lend a hand to the Sentinels and the mages from the Nine Orders of Andrinor's Trust. The offensive begins in Geritri with the force of the Fury of Ra-Ghul and continues to the top of Mount Crescetoria. The Sentinels and the Nine Orders of Andrinor's Trust are joined by representatives of the Blackhawk division of the M'Chekian Army, Le'Megen T'Elysia, FEAT, Shemathen Le'Yeritath, the Avengers of Dru'El, the Order of O'Ma, the Order of Gorethar, the monk Order of the Dragon, the Celestial Order of Ysgard, the Bardic Academy of Visimontium and many other courageous volunteers. The bugbears of Crescetoria and a large force of treants also joined the battle against the demons.

In the course of the offensive the demons not only defend their positions, but also launch an attack over the city in response. In one of her numerous public reports of the course of the offensive, Sentinel Earaviel Mirnimanner writes: "The defenders met the demons at the shores of Crescetoria. The demons came in full strength, throwing their elite at the city, but to the last they were purged from Visimontium soil. The defenders continued, fighting the demons back all the way to Mennallin Tower, which in their madness the demons had sought to assault. There are reliable reports that Melonius (Menallin) himself slew hundreds of the demons."

In the end of a week of battle after battle, the "Dead Bolt" devices are set in motion, the demons are exterminated to the last one, and their leader Malekanthos is slayn atop Mount Crescetoria. Behind this grand triumph, there also is tragedy. The Sentinels give victims in the hundreds; Only a couple from the group of the Avengers of Dru'El survive; A great number of magi of Andrinor's Trust part with their lives as well.

• Public Announcement by Sentinels' General-Marshall Fealith Anifail, October 2191:

The siege is broken. For now at least, our city is safe from the Demons that threaten not just us, but the whole of our world. Demons struck at Jechran and ruined that land. We helped as best we could as the refugees fled from the fall and we waited for the next blow. Demons fell upon Tydeu and enslaved the tribesmen and we scarely noticed this horror so far away. The Demons and their slaves fell upon Kurathene. Many fought hard to stop them overrunning the whole of the North and still they came on. They took our forest and seized the great mountain to our North. They went too far. A line has been drawn. This far and no further! A force of heroes the like of which has not been seen in milennia was brought to bear on our foe and they shattered. What we achieved was not achieved by any one group. It was achieved by the combined might of the people of Avlis, united in common purpose. Many of those who fought together, belonged to groups that have been enemies in the past. Now we have demonstrated the incredible power we can bring to bear if we work together. This is not a lesson that should easily be forgotten. We have won a victory. Not without cost, but little that is worthwhile comes without a price. Many brave people of diverse background, paid that price for us, because they knew that the price of doing nothing would be higher still. I feel every loss that we suffered but their deaths had meaning and gave many others hope of a long life ahead. We will not forget them. We have shown that the enemy can be beaten and if they can be beaten then we will beat them. We will beat them again and again until they no longer threaten what is ours, in Visimontium or anywhere else. For the Sentinels For Visimontium For Avlis - Fealith Anifail

• A compendulum of the events related to the invasion of the armies of Kuthos, and the uprisal of Kimonictinus, has been sourced from the Council of Dagath.

The Liberation of Kalseru (2194)

With the invasion of the demonic army the Geritri forest warden Kalseru was slayn by the demon lord Malekanthos. His dragon body turned to stone at the moment of his death. After the demons have been vanquished, the Sentinels renew their attempts to revive him. Just when all hope was lost, the Sentinels General Marshal Fealith Anifail sensed subtle heartbeat coming from deep inside the cold stone. Immediate action was taken. The Sentinels turned to the famous Psi-Mage Sephira Everliss - Raynes, who was able made contact with Kalseru's mind. The unsettling truth was revealed: Kalseru needed aid to break the stone. The Sentinels bashed the stone form and Kalseru broke free of it, unharmed. Geritri forest finally saw the return of her guardian.

Neutralizing of the Wild Magic Zone in the Eastern Wastes (circa 2195)

In the spring of 2162, the group remembered as the Solar Brigade was commissioned by the Visimontium City Council to handle the magical unstability lingering in the eastern outskirts of Crescetoria Mountain after the Angadarian Siege. They met more than one difficulty, the major one being that the area was still under the observation of Drangonari who ambushed the group via a portal. Upon investigation it was found that a malfunctioning device intended to weaken the weave between the Planes was the source of the destablization. The team vanquished the Drangonari and adjusted the device back to normal operation. By the mid-2190s, the chaos field discipated completely and the Eastern Wastes were free from wild magic.

Shaahesk in the City (2195 - Present)

A great commotion was caused by the sudden influx of Shaahesk magi of the Ebony Order of the Moon, as it coincided with the Drotid Voivode Kasseshisrath declaring open war to the Avlissian South. A mage duel with fatal consequences stirred Visimontium further, as the Shaahesk ate the bodies of the defeated following their customs. Other than that, however, the Shaahesk newcomers gave no reason for actual concern apart from the occassional barfight. Tensions continued to rise, after the famous Ebony Order's Master Transmutant Vesdrac Noss'tau began openly training Shaahesk magi in large numbers, and the following amassing of Shaahesk Transmutants in Kasseshisrath's armies attacking the south.

Departure of the Equalizers of Mikon (2200)

In the summer of 2200, Visimontium payed tribute to the Holy Warriors of Mikon who stood side by the side with the city defences during the demonic incursion. The Equalizers were sent home with full honours. Without a doubt the ceremony will be remembered if only for the solemn march of the Equalizers and Sentinels through the city, side by side one more time.

A New Century

---

As the Drotid forces advance in the south with varying success, forcing the southern nations to gather their resources together, Visimontium remains an island of relative peace. The numerous Shaahesk Ebony magi in training, suspected to be a vital part of the Voivode Kasseshisrath's stratagem, are a thorn in the eyes of many but none of the countries affected go into open hostilities with the home of Andrinor's Trust. It is something else entirely, that will cast a long shadow over Andrinor's holy city in the beginning of the XXIIIrd century after the Age of Peace.

Recovery of the Coldshadow Grove (2207)

The story, as put together by members of the Avlis Tower University (ATU), goes thus:

Many years before Visimontium was built, a Lifestone Seedling grew in a secluded valley beyond Coldshadow Ridge. It drew the attention of Azrafelanix, a crafty demon, who used a hammer to chip off pieces of the crystalline stone. The demons at his command then ravaged the area, destroying the plants, animals, and the nature spirits dwelling therein.

It was in present day, that Thorfinn and Selash of Dru'El found the barren grove with a sole waning nature spirit in it, and the damaged Lifestone Seedling. At the time, many others had found chips of the crystal, gemstone-like, infused with the demon's taint. The ATU's research, coordinated by Master Sage Willem Lightheart, linked Azrafelanix and the crystal chips to the unfortunate fate of the Lifestone Seedling.

Then Fate showed her smiling face, as Thorfinn came in possession of the Hammer of the Azrafelanix. He was able to turn its powers and use it so that the chips of the Lifestone seedling were sealed back in. In a short while, the Lifestone Seedling was again functional, and the grove restored to life. The Lifestone Seedling's present keeper, Dieydre, now sings of the grove's chief saviors Thorfinn, Selash and Willem.

The Hammer of Azrafelanix is now safeguarded with the Green Order of the Forest.

The Feud of the Gods (2215 - 2220)

The summer of 2220 is marred by an attack and desecration on Andrinor's High Temple, which is soon revealed to be an enactment of sanction on behalf of the Great Nine gods.

The Nine chose the following individuals for this quest: Silver Fox for Maleki, Geris Gray a.k.a. Snakebite for Aarilax, Rollek Heloc for Valok, Remmy Thatcher for Forian, Kero Tevez for Mikon, Rickus va'Alor for Toran, Aerie Lazzar for Gorethar, Frapp for O'Ma, Thorfinn Kiff for Dru'El. It was Equalizer Tevez who struck a hammer into Andrinor's statue, where it remains to this very day.

It is arguable whether or not these nine acted after divine compulsion, or if their accomplices and adversaries were swayed by the same.

Here are excerpts of public testimonials and announcements that shed light onto this matter.

"As I understand it, I and eight other exemplars of the Nine were charged with a task by our respective Gods, acting in concert, to blind Andrinor's insight into the souls of mortals. The Nine were apparently unhappy with Andrinor's expansion of jurisdiction in this manner. A hammer of divine purpose was forged, and it passed through our hands. One after the other. At the same time, Andrinorian mages and clerics were feeling strangely compelled to kill us."

"The hammer was finally completed, and we were gifted a further vision, one of Mikon's servants. Informing us of our task - to blind Andrinor's sight at the Temple, here in Visimontium. We arrived. We were attacked. A few Ebony Order mages, at first, then a couple of others. I must stress that all actions I took were in self-defence. I did not strike unless struck first and I have witnesses who can confirm this."

"There were exceptions amongst the rest of us. We were challenged by Andrinor's immortal, Damar Ogdem. I wished to stop and hear him out, knowing that he had the power to prevent further unnecessary conflict. But others - Ellowin Kiff, foremost - rebutted him and pressed on. They started the fight outside the Temple. There was a fight, we were attacked by those mages defending the Temple. Again, I acted only in self-defence. We defeated them and entered the Temple."

- Silver Fox, Blackguard of Maleki

"I can only guess this was important because Andrinor was suspicious, as evident by everyone of His faith in preceding the events. On multiple accounts did I witness and hear of followers of Andrinor struggling with their sudden desires to strike out and kill those of us that had come into possession of the hammer."

"While now gathered shielded from Andrinor's gaze, a reflection of the nine, perhaps all themselves appeared before us tasking us with taking the hammer to the temple of Andrinor and driving it into the statue of Andrinors likeness. Our gods, all Nine, made it clear and important that, and I quote, Let nothing stand in our way! This was the combined will of the Nine."

"Those of darker faiths were naturally eager, those of lighter were somewhat hesitant, knowing from previous events that this has and could lead to more bloodshed. However, all that were chosen and there were done so for a reason, that we might carry out the will of our god. Let me be clear this was the will of all Nine combined. Something much higher and beyond us was in motion. Noone refused the task from their own god."

- Thorfinn Kiff, Speakers of the Hands of Dru'El

"On behalf of the Church of Andrinor, and the men and women who perished in service to their gods, I extend an offer of peace, friendship, and mutual respect. The church decries any further violent actions taken in response to this ordeal, and desires that no more blood be shed. It is time for all of us to heal our wounds together."

- Rayna Na'Tanlynn, High Priestess of Andrinor

Andrinor retains the mantle of mortal magic as his sole responsibility. The Orders of Andrinor's Trust who have by now trusted in His insight as the final word on whether or not they are to induct a mage as their member, are since left to rely on their own judgement.

Illithid Invasion (2225 - 2230)

Please note: After popular demand, this occurence is described in great details than an almanach volume would require. This narrative is still fragmentary; the reader is encouraged to pursue information in the public archives. -Miriel Hana

Lightning Strikes

It all began with a powerful blast upon the midnight clear. The explosion shattered all of the Green Order's Visimontium tower windows and literally splintered its front door, made of of solid oak no less. The incident took numerous victims, not only from the Green Order but also Ashen, Gold and Ebony magi who were near the tower at the time of the incident. The Guardian Golems posted nearby had taken damage as well.

Immediate investigation began, spurred by the recent report of an excavation group hired by the municipality's sanitary department gone missing. The blast was however found to have originated not from the ground, but rather, from above. It was entirely psionic in nature, the damage coming from the sound wave as Champion Frapp was able to confirm from his examination on the golems. With these discoveries in mind, an Arcane as well as a Psionic Scrying was to commence for the discerning of the location of the missing excavation group.

The Scryings revealed he lifeless bodies of the Visimontium sanitation department's excavation group strewn over the shores of a cave lake several miles below the Garrison District. A misterious shadow lurked in the dark lake waters. Both Scryers received another, even more disturbing vision: A conclave of illithid (mindflayers) in a round chamber, receiving orders by a large beholder.

The vision was received simultaneously with the enacting of these orders. The Ivory Tower suffered an attack similar to that on the Green Order, this time clearly manifested as a ray of energy emited by an illithid vessel, floating above the snow clouds. Again in line with the vision, a large fortress on the Deglos border with Visimontium was reported to have been completely destroyed.

Much as it might boggle the mind, it was revealed - and confirmed - that:

"... The fortress sighted over Visimontium matches dwarven designs. It is most likely an abandoned Deglossan citadel seized by the Illithids and raised using telekinesis, along with several tonnes of earth and stone."

"Controlling an object the size of a fortress would require unparalleled levels of psionic ability; a terrifying level of control. The Illithids have telekinetic control of at least two fortresses. Each fortress will likely be piloted by a powerful psion in a 'command centre' or 'bridge'. Attacking the bridge and disabling this psion would destroy a fortress."

"The Illithid society is highly hierarchical. It is likely that for their overall strategy is one omniscient and powerful mind controlling Illithid operations. It is unlikely the mindflayers are attacking for territorial gain. There must be another reason for them to risk open conflict with Visimontium."

"Creating a 'null psion field' could prevent the encroachment of the Illithid vessels. However, this field could have the potential of bringing a fortress the size of a small town crashing down onto the City. It should be ruled out except as a last resort."

(Excerpt from records by Violet Psi-Mage Kaz'shardra Aske who performed the Psionical Reading, whereas Blue Fatespinner Miriel Hana performed the Arcane Scrying)

Searching for Signs

The Luminous Order of the Mind, as always avaliable in times of threat by illithid, began researching a means to physically protect Visimontium from such attacks. Master Psion Straccio led an expedition into Deglos, to recover rare crystals which were known to possess an unmatched capacity for absorbing psionic energies.

With these crystals, firstly, the Luminous Order protected the expedition organized by the Sentinels and supported by Trust magi and their allies, to descend deep underneath Visimontium where the excavation group had been envisioned by the Scryers. The group consisted of the bravest among the brave, as it was almost certain that the shadow in the water was an ancient Aboleth, a creature akin to the Illithid in possession of unmatched psionic powers.

The expedition began at the point of the entrance of the lost excavation group, below the Underground Settlement, through oppressive heat and humidity. Scores of illithid thralls, mind-controlled beings, attacked relentlessly. The expedition eventually faced a collapsed end where they defeated a small aboleth (not the ancient titan they sought for). At this point they were forced to turn back, with little to bring back but a barely sentient thrall they had rescued, and the dubious words of a Kenku.

If the Kenku's feverish talk was to be believed, it would seem that the Illithid were after the spawn of the Ancient Aboleth in the depths, and had already taken it. Few creatures in the Multiverse are so hungry for life and able to take control of it, as an Aboleth infant. The Illithid might as well have treated it like a divinity, or attemtped to use it to their own ends.

Best Laid Plans

Nonetheless, the Sentinels' expedition was successful in that it proved the psionics dampening crystals were trustworthy. The Luminous Order implemented them in the Visimontium defences, as a ready armament for ballistas. The greatest contribution of the Luminous Order, however, was the Soundshield, spun by the city's own many voices and woven by the mind of none other but Arania Moonshadow.

The Illithid were quick to sabotage this effort through attacking Arania, who was however able to distribute the Soundshield to Psions Eudaimon and Sul, her brethren from the Luminous Order. The Soundshield now covered particular areas, rather than the entire city. It was thought to withstand detonation.

Plans were made for aerial defence. The Robes of the Dragon Teeth, the fabled magi dragon riders, found the Illithid fortresses to be guarded by a score of enthralled dragons. The Dragons of Ra-Ghul's Fury, who had time and again aided Visimontium, rose to aid their enslaved brethren but fell or were ensnared themselves.

Again the Luminous Order lent a hand, in the form of an idea: Master Psion Straccio sought HMC Moderator Hartley's expertise, to safely encase the psionic dampening crystals into amulet chains, which could then be used to bring clarity of mind to the enthralled dragons.

Meanwhile, the Illithid continued their attempts to take control of key members of the Orders of Andrinor's Trust, the Luminous Order of the Mind and the Visimontium Sentinels. All the Sentinel shifts operated under strict orders of permanent mental protection, provided by the battlemagi and alchemical potions donated by concerned citizens.

Stone and Flesh

A terrifying blue aurora of psionical nature, leaving naught but death devastation in its wake, began crawling over the slopes of western Deglos, towards Visimontium. The flying fortresses under illithid control advanced with it, the attempts to delay or damage them while on Deglos territory were foiled. As the blue aurora reached the peaks of Geritri mountain, so did the shadow of the first fortress loom over Visimontium.

The city defenders responed with a carefully planned attack by men and dragons, and mages transmuted to dragons.

Not all dragons guarding the fortresses could be liberated from the illithids' sway at first, still droves of humanoid prisoners were liberated from the fortress' dungeon inside. There many children, carried on dragon wings by Yenefer of the Ivory and Fergus of the White among others. The Green Order's mages heroically stood to the last moment trying to breach a collapsed sector and rescue more prisoners. The group took off minutes before the fortress' collapse, upon Magus Vicmin releasing a detonation device developed by Magus Sonja of the Green.

The fortress was torn apart, the remains scattering over Geritri and the city outskirts; the active Soundshield witheld much of the debris.

The Violet Order, who had developed their own weapon in secret, directed it against the second flying fortress. Two undead wyverns carrying explosives found their mark. The third exploded in mid-air while being engaged by dragon thralls, destroying or severely crippling the attackers in the process. It then rose above the cloud cover, but not before blasting a gargantuan, smouldering crater in the western farmlands of Visimontium.

The deadly "blue aurora" receeded upon the withdrawal of the Illithid fortress crippled by the Violet Order's explosive weapon. In the vicinity of Visimontium, traces of it remain only over Mount Geritiri west of the city. It would seem the aurora was channeled by Illithid, in attempt to enhance their psionic abilities and difuse the psi-sound defences. As for the crater, a terrible discovery was to be made.

Words and Consequences

It is known that the Illithid would bend minds and twist the truth to their own ends, and so few were surprised when one of them addressed Psi-Bard Arania Moonshadow.

"The illithid stated that its kind came here to take by force what it felt sure that it would not have been allowed to take by asking (the spawn of the Ancient Aboleth). The small aboleth that was destroyed (during the Sentinels' first attempt to reach the Ancient Aboleth's layer) was a lone guardian guarding a most unique Master Brain. This Brain is floating in a cerebral pool somewhere underneath the city, its location the illithid did not volunteer. The Brain awoke and called out, and the illithid came to fetch it. The 'murder' of the small aboleth after the attacks on the Towers was what caused the illithid Brain to raise the flying fortresses."

It was through the smouldering crater, that the monstrous brain was reached and - upon felling the numerous thralls acting in its defence - destroyed. With it gone, the remainder flying fortress no longer had a beacon to sign the way to Visimontium, thus it was significantly delayed. This one fortress, apparently, came not to parley. Visions by the Blue Order's Fatespinner Thienna Hurst confirmed that the Illithid had taken that which they had come from, and transported it away. The fortress came loaded with gunpowder, and an army of monstrous umberhulks, plated in adamantine, whom the illithid had fed with the remainder of the thralls.

Of Song and Legend

• Last Stand: On the Ground

The morning before the final stance was on steam. The bulk of the Visimontium Sentinels' artillery was repositioned on the southern and western mountain peaks, backed by mages to assist their range and power:

"They will have a dual role. Firstly to damage or drive off any dragon escort for the fortress, allowing our strike force to approach. Secondly, to penetrate the underside of the fortress and do enough damage to breach the powder stores and detonate the fort before it reaches the city. Mages using extended range magic will add to this firepower."

"Should all other attempts to stop the fortress short of the city fail, we will be reliant on the sound shield weapon to destroy it before it can devastate our city. It is important that all of the Sentinels sing as heartily as possible from the moment the enemy enter engagement range. I want the mountains to echo with a chorus of thousands of singing defenders. Quite apart from the effect on the Soundshield, it should have a positive effect on morale."

(Notes by Sentinels' General Marshall Fealith Anifail)

Officers in key positions on the mountains and main gates stood armed with fireworks, to use in patterns as signal flares and keep our forces co-ordinated and aware of events. At the gates of Andrinor's High Temple however stood two Psions of the Luminous Order, Arania and Eudaimon, who led the song that was picked up by all the Sentinels, thus bolstering the Soundshield.

"With swarms of illithid scaling the hill, the Psions forced to withdraw to the Temple itself, where the foe could not enter. The abominations fell dead upon attempting to cross the Temple door. But there was no time to relax. I was there, able to do little but watch the two Soundshield Weavers sap their own life's energy to reestablish the shield after it took numerous hits, and attempt to turn it into a hammer and smash the illithids' own shields."

"In desperation, Arania and Eudaimon - two Psions - turned to the Lord of Mortal Magic in prayer, beseeching that He would lend them strength and guide their inner sight to save His city. And so He did. The Psions were enveloped in His light. The shield stood. The hammer struck. Visimontium stood. Our home, Andrinor's home."

(Notes by Sentinels' Commander Miriel Hana)

• Last Stand: In the Skies

"Our first hope was that enhanced siege engines and artillery would be able to destroy the fortress before it could reach the city. The illithid countered this with a shield which rendered those weapons ineffective. Plans were then made to assault the fortress directly. Prophet One, a feysteel golem built by Frapp of the Order of O'Ma was brought forth to lead the flight against the citadel. Truly a marvel, the golem possessed the ability to fly and five brave souls made ready to ride the golem as the vanguard of the attack," writes the White Archmage Vanar Alhaldren in his capacity of a Sentinel officer.

(Continued)

"The plan was for the Golem to be escorted by the dragons to reach the city but this was disrupted by enemy dragons hitting the Trust district as we prepared to launch. The initial effort failed in the face of very heavy enemy dragon forces, which targeted the Golem as a priority and brought it down in the Western outskirts. The fort had to be destroyed at almost any price or the devastation could have been catastrophic. I therefore ordered all of our remaining dragons to carry the strongest strike force we could assemble through to the fort, blasting a way through to the target."

"It was planned to detonate our remaining psi crystals by firing them at the enemy dragons when they swooped to intercept our own airbourne forces, but due to a miscommunication, the psi crystal artillery was fired at the fort instead, with no noticeable effect. With no other option we blasted our way through to the fort, where we met a small group of wounded Sentinels who had been riding dragons as part of the escort force for the Golem. After a brief pause to reorganise our forces we assaulted the keep on the upper layer of the flying fort and fought our way inside, being joined shortly afterwards by the Golem led forces." (Fealith Anifail)

(Continued)

"Through concentration and force of will Master Psion Elladin moved the fortress (which was mentally controlled) away from the city. As it began to move southward toward the high peaks of Deglos it he realized that we needed to evacuate before he would lose control and the much damaged fortress would plummet from the sky. We made an attempt to tunnel through the wall since from the map it seemed we ought to be on an outer wall but since we could not make any headway we began retreating to the fortress entrance, trusting that Elladin would be able to enter a pocket dimension before the impact."

"We all rushed out into the courtyard and secured transport on dragons or mages who had shapechanged into dragons or else had wands of Feather Fall or other means to escape the now doomed fortress. Soon we had gathered as a group outside the western outskirts of the city to watch the final moments of the attackers and their fortress. We could see as it fell toward the peaks of Deglos, a wavering line of gold and silver force arc toward the fotress and strike with a blinding flash. The fortress began to crumble and the remains were dashed in ruin against the high desolate peaks. Soon after we witnesses this we were relieved to have Elladin rejoin us." (Vanar Alhaldren)

• Last Stand: The Aftermath

With the Soundshield taking as much damage as it possibly could, the Sentinels still counted over 1,100 lives lost in the illithids' attacks. While Visimontium's soil suffered relatively little harm, it would take a decade for vast regions of southwestern Deglos to recover from the devastating blue aurora.

Champion Frapp of O'Ma sought in vain for the crash site of the golem, Prophet One. He did not return and was found much later, resting in peace by the remnants of his greatest creation, near a waterfall turned to ice under winter's undisputed reign over the Deglos mountains.^Source

The Song of Visimontium

THE LAST STAND SONG

As sung by Arania Moonshadow
Echoed by Eudaimon Dawnblade
and the City of Visimontium

Sheltered deep in the center of four mountain ranges
lies the city of magic we call native ground
Mennallin's last dream, this city of mages
Stand to arms -- let his legacy resound!

Mem'ries long as the stretch of the shadows at dusk
serene across Coldshadow Lake
Let us join in this song, let it shine in each face
Bonds join us that never shall break!

Visimontium proud, Visimontium strong
Lifting hearts sing its praises sublime!
In Andrinor's honor, triumphant its song
From this day 'til the end of all time!

Sound it now, then! -- Thunder it far and wide
that our hopes shall not ever be banned
Our muse is not vanquished by foe, nor defied
nor will silence the harp of this land!

Heartstrings a'quiver with songs of the bards
Proud like Bolinar, citizens! Bear flaming hearts!
Each gorge and each valley a loveliness guards
Stand to arms - as one, never apart!

Holy city of Andrinor that we cherish and love
the proud home of courageous heroes
Join against threats be they below or above!
Shield our city from all of its foes!

Visimontium proud, Visimontium strong
Lifting hearts sing its praises sublime!
In Andrinor's honor, triumphant its song
From this day 'til the end of all time!

Sound it now, then! -- Thunder it far and wide
that our hopes shall not ever be banned
Our muse is not vanquished by foe, nor defied
nor will silence the harp of this land!

Afterword

"Eternity is a word humans use." - Kalseru

As the author of this Guide, I have aimed for accuracy and neutrality. Like any mortal being, I am prone to omissions and mistakes and I would like to believe that I have made as few as possible. I arrived in Visimontium after the Migration as resident magus of the Ashen Order of the Stars and remained in the city ever since. I have meanwhile moved to the Blue Order of the Sky; at present am an initiate to the White. After I defended Visimontium as my home all these years and saw my first husband Amand Xilo sentenced for crimes against the city, remaining unbiased was perhaps the hardest task about writing this almanach. I remain determined to add more pages as time goes by.

Signed,

Mrs. Miriel Hana
/at a time known as Miriel Xilo/