Recollection - Volume 1
This page contains the text of a book that can be found in game and is IC knowledge.
A highly detailed frontispiece featuring an open book and a quill, the symbols of Vorin, decorates the inner surface of the cover of this book. Right below it, a few simple words:
- With the blessings of Vorin and the generous aid of Gorstag Tessele of the Blue Order of the Sky
The title page also bears a picture, this time as background: that of a dark moonlit glade, the boles of the surrounding trees looming over it, pressing in thickly. The drawings of the leaves in the foreground are extremely detailed, almost a study of botany, with each vein and margin, are drawn precisely.
Recollection, Volume 1 by Thienna Relimion, as a Fatespinner Savant of the Blue Order of the Sky (now a member of the Green Order of the Forest)
This is the story of the dracolich known as Thanalos, as told in his own words. Whether it is read for edification or entertainment, the story is a profound one.
A long time ago, when this forest was rife with life and its inhabitants caught up in the day to day affairs of luxurious living, unaware of their own state of happiness, a young queen ruled over her subjects with a harsh but well intentioned benevolence.
Of course, she was not truly a 'queen', but a local ruler. Yet in her mind, at the core of her heart, she was a queen. Her kingdom faced many small, insignificant trials, which she handled to varying degrees of success. And then came the Mad One.
A terrible and cruel dragon, eager to exert his power and torment his victims. He would attack in unorthodox ways. He would tear apart families with enchantment, bringing them to suicide. He would enslave the souls of soldiers and make them kill their beloved commanding officers.
The misery brought him pleasure and their fear brought him an immaterial sustenance.
But this dragon, though powerful, was not an ancient. He was still vulnerable in many respects. The queen sent many warriors to try and slay him, but one after another, they returned. Bound to undeath, to deliver message of their failure.
The dragon reveled in the slaughter, for each warrior sent to him only expanded his horde and power. Eventually the queen herself went, and confronted the dragon.
There, with the dragon towering over her, she boasted of her great power, of her mighty army, and of the fate that awaited this dragon if he did not comply.
It was a bluff. A dangerous one... The dragon had, of course, not seen this mighty army. And if she had such power, then why did she waste time sending others to engage him?
And yet she stood there, alone, before him.
He began to second-guess himself. What if the reason she had not come before, was that he was, in fact, beneath her notice? Why else would she come alone...unless she truly did not fear him?
The dragon raged and fumed within, trying to understand. For the dragon knew not any purpose beyond his own amusement and amassing of power. That someone would ever face certain death to protect something besides their own life...
It was incomprehensible. Thus, he concluded, she must in fact be stronger than he.
He tried not to let this show, but she sensed it. Young as she was, her senses as a ruler were acute. She saw the subtle change in his posture, in his eyes. She could sense he had doubts.
She said she would 'allow him to live if and only if, when she desired it, he would come to her aid'. The dragon agreed, fully intending to never honor the contract.