Ember Isle Lore

Ember Isle Lore  

The Forge of Creation

The five gods of the Vigil came together to make a new world at the Nexus of the Planes, to bottle up the Dragons of the Blood Storm like a genie in a bottle. They gathered massive quantities of sourcestone together to form the matter of this new world and everything on it and in it, but it was Bahralt, the builder, who made the Forge of Creation to smelt the sourcestone and work the ideas of the other four into solid reality.
Bahralt was not alone in his labors, for many were the spirits that helped him. After, many of these spirits became the first Dwarves.

The Kelari

Nearly 1600 years ago, a young elven priestess of Tavril named Isidora discovered that pacts could be formed with the elemental spirits of nature. This was thoroughly discouraged by the priesthood but she persevered. Other elves followed her until a point of crisis arose.
This new faction of the Elves, led by Isidora, abandoned the worship of Tavril and left the Telaran mainland in search of the spirit voices they could hear calling them and a safe place to worship them. They abandoned the Vigil and embraced Shamanism, finding the island that would come to be known as Ember Isle. These were the Kelari and their leaving came to be known on the mainland as The First Schism.
In their new home, they built the great temple-cities of Atia and Nykantor, and at the heart of each temple lived the Temple Spirit, a Greater Spirit made more powerful by the worship given him. In return he could do many things to make the city more prosperous and to help defend it in time of need.

The Campaign of Flame

Five mighty heroes came together and managed to bind Maelforge deep within the volcano of Mount Carcera — Talos Roda, the Purifier; Karine, the Bard; Ula, the Reaver; Asias, the Cabalist, and Nazim, the Riftblade.

The Sourcewell

The Kelari tell a tale that, in the beginning, there was but a single Sourcewell. This massive vent to the furnace of the Nexus, the molten sourcestone core of Telara, attracts or creates (no one is quite sure which) the concentration of spirits found here.
It is believed that the five heroes used some special magic of the Sourcewell as part of the ritual that bound Maelforge. This apparently sealed the original Sourcewell but opened many smaller fissures all over the island, known today collectively as the Sourcewells.

The Keepers of the Flame

When the fissures known as the Sourcewells first appeared it was quickly realized that these founts of energy were like a bountiful feed trough for the planar invaders on the island. Many Kelari found themselves called to volunteer to take up the mantle of the five heroes and guard the Sourcewells.
They built the defenses and, to this day, remain at their posts, giving their very lives (and sometimes beyond) to deny this food to the enemy.

The Farclan Dwarves

Centuries ago (in the year 1142 A.W.) a song called adventurous dwarves from their delves and made them build ships and set sail for a destination none of them had ever seen but knew in their hearts awaited them. Some were called to join The Keepers, as they were sorely in need of new blood then. Some, however, were artisans, not fighters, and these salvaged the materials in their ships and built Farhall.
Bahralt had taught their ancestors the secret of the Forge of Creation and, using a much smaller version, the smiths of the Farclan are able to create the Malgems which defend their hall.
The last Queen, Alyona Karini, was lost in the first days of the wars with the rifts. Her daughter, Solya Karini, ascended to the throne there and then, on the field of battle, rallied her clan and won the day. It is said that Solya is the greatest Queen The Farclan has ever known.

The War of the Fractured Plain

While within The Keepers the Kelari and Dwarves worked together as brothers and sisters, outside the Keepers things were not going so well. Competition for the limited resources of the island, as well as theological differences, led to friction between them and finally to war. While the war was brief it was rather bloody and has left ill feelings between the Kelari and Farclan to this day.

Sylver Valis

Occasionally, a child is born to the Kelari that cannot hear the spirits, nor can he make pacts with them. This is a cause of great sorrow among the Kelari and such a child is called "Nalthema".
One recent Nalthema is Sylver Valis. Unable to converse with the spirits, he turned his mind to science, eventually becoming the greatest student of Orphiel Farwind, founder of The Defiant.

The Kelari Civil War

20 years ago, in the village of Kheramos was a young priest named Karris. He seemed unusually sensitive to the Spirits of the island and rose quickly to the position of senior priest of his village. His spirit guide told him that the stiff formality of the Temple, and the hidebound traditions espoused by Anthousa Mona, were wrong. That much greater power was available from the wild spirits of Fire, which the temple priesthood shunned as too wild and uncontrolled.
Worse, he came to believe that what others thought of as corruption was simply a more powerful kind of spirit, and that by taking these "corrupted" spirits within you, your own power would be magnified many times. He convinced many of his followers to do this, and so the Pyrkari were born.
One day, in the Main Temple at Atia, in the middle of a rather large ritual, Karris publicly challenged the authority of Anthousa Mona and was banished from the temple and the priesthood. This was the beginning of the Kelari Civil War.

The Wanton

The "spirit" that Karris had been listening to was, in truth, Maelforge. Perhaps Karris did not know who he was talking to, in the beginning, but by the time that he initiated the Civil War he was without a doubt fully under the Dragon of Flame's malevolent influence.
The Wanton, when they revealed themselves and attacked the Kelari, created a two-pronged attack on the already-beleaguered leadership and left Anthousa Mona with no choice but to abandon the island and return to the mainland.
Shortly after the day the rifts came, the Kelari abandoned Ember Isle and made their way to Freemarch. In the chaos of that day, Anthousa's son, Jace, was left behind. He was eventually captured by the Wanton and corrupted, later serving as Karris' right hand.

Caduceus Rise

The Black Spit Pirates, members of The Golden Maw, have been carrying plunder into a hidden vale reached through a cave in eastern Ember Isle. With this gold, the Maw have been infusing the body of their leader, Caduceus, with the power of Greed in an attempt to create a new body suitable for Laethys, the Dragon of Greed.

Artifacts

There are five artifact collections that relate to Lore.
• Maelforge's Imprisonment
• The Fallen Son
• The Farclan Pilgrimage
• The Keepers of the Flame
• War of the Fractured Plain

Books

There are many Collectible books all over the island. Together, for those bold enough to brave the jungles and ruins to look for them, they tell the Lore of the island.
• Entombed in Carcera - Abundant Wilds, at (12876, 4258)
• Nalthema - Nykantor Ruins, at (12826, 3877), in the west tower
• Out of the Flames - Atia, at (13379, 4230), in a lab off the south tower
• The Forge of Creation - Farhall, at (13451, 2759)
• The Fair Jungle Queen - Fort Zarnost, on the second floor of the northern structure at (12505, 4064)
• The First Pact - Talos Landing, on a nightstand in the hut at (12397, 3087)
• The Importance of the Temple Spirit - Atia, at (13468, 4069), in the north tower
• The Line That Divides - Temple of Marakris, in the northwest tower at (14131, 4145)
• The Song of Karine - Farhall, at (13421, 2833)
• The Spirits of Ember Isle - Ember Watch, on a table behind the wall behind Darius, at (13014, 3444)
Plaques:
• The Song of the Keepers - a plaque on the wall at Ember Watch
• Founding of Atia - a plaque on the wall of an inner wall in the west tower of Atia
• Instructions for Care of the Malgams - a plaque on the wall near the west tunnel in Farhall

(source : ZAM)

Anthousa Mona

He charged like a wild bull, this once-great priest and scholar, bony spikes sprouting between his knuckles. Anthousa raised two fingers in warding, and her spell deflected his jagged fist. Around them, Kelari clashed in the streets of Atia.
Kelari blood runs in the gutters because you cling to old, stupid ways! sneered Karris, a wave of heat from his open palm melting her ward away.
The High Priestess made no sign of discomfort even as the dregs of Karris's spell singed her eyebrows away. He'd become obscenely powerful; Anthousa had to keep him talking. Anthousa found her most imperious tone, always close at hand. Kelari blood need not concern you, Karris. All I see is another gibbering Wanton.
Karris grabbed Anthousa's throat as a ray of sunlight shot from the end of her staff and into his breast. Maelforge is not the only source of flame. Karris screamed, blood boiling in his veins, and in his agony, hurled her against a wall.
Anthousa slumped like a ragdoll, shards of shattered bone swimming inside her, struggling to whisper healing words as Karris stalked closer.
Not Kelari, Eminence? Then we shall be Pyrkari, and sear away those who will not kneel to a greater power!
At once, Anthousa rose into the air over him. Her skirts flickered like candle flame. You shall be ash and memory. And then only ash.

Jace! Anthousa sat against his chamber door, hands in her lap. I'm sorry for saying that, but you know Karris can't be trusted.
You're just mad because you can't prove him wrong! cried Jace, loudly pacing within. He says you want to hold us back!
Akios fluttered by, the pale white wisp making his usual compassionate twinkling noises. She passed her fingers through his hazy light.
If we march down Maelforge's gullet, yes. I want to hold us back from that. If you would only study the spirit paths instead of seeking easy power, you...
I DON'T CARE! Jace yelled, tossing his practice scroll against the door.
About the spirits? About your people? Anthousa said. I know you better.
She heard him mutter into his pillow: About you.

Anthousa hung her head a moment, perhaps for the first time in years, and then rose and smoothed her robes. Yes, well. Your priorities are your own. Come and eat once you've calmed down.

Anthousa sank to one knee as the next crowd approached. Her fingers burned from the magic. Refugees swarmed toward the docks, weeping and stumbling as they fled the rampaging Pyrkari.
High Priestess, save your strength. We have other Clerics healing the crowds, said Thesios, wringing his hands over her.
Anthousa downed a mana potion in gasping gulps, wiping the bright blue trickle from her chin. None like me. She immediately began chanting over the next group of huddled Kelari, watching with satisfaction as their wounds closed and their pace quickened toward the boats.
If the Pyrkari break through our rear guard and find you exhausted? Thesios said, Karris nearly killed you last time!
And I nearly killed him, she said, beginning to chant again.
He stepped closer, flashing an ingratiating smile. Perhaps if we were to reconsider this exodus and stayed to fight? Many Kelari resent you for making them flee.
She stopped and stared at him, her dark eyes hard as teak. Many Kelari, or just you? We will leave, Thesios. We will live. Question me again, and you may stay.

She sat upon her father's knee, reading from the scroll he held open in one hand. Akios fluttered impatiently about their heads, waiting for her to come play.
Came upon this isle of ancient spirits, who remember the secrets of creation, who are the last embers of truth in the world. So we called our home Ember Isle. We treat with the spirits as friends and equals, and will never again bend the knee, as once we did to Tavril. It is not Kelari ever to kneel.
The little girl yawned, tugging at her elaborate braid. Poppa, I'm tiiiired.
Just a bit more, coconut, her father said, the smile striking on his stern face. You're doing well.
Momma says I'm too little, that this is stuff for acolytes.
Your mother is kind, he said. But she fears your destiny. One day, you will be High Priestess. And our people's hope will rest on your shoulders. And hope is very big and fragile.
Well, I'm small but I'm tough! she declared, immediately throwing herself back into the text.
And more besides, Anthousa, her father said.

Anthousa Mona

Celui qui jadis était un Grand Prêtre et un érudit renommé chargea telle une bête sauvage, son corps recouvert de piques qui semblaient jaillir de ses articulations. Anthousa leva la main afin de parer l’attaque de son adversaire et le sort qu’elle lança parvint à dévier l’imposant poing qui se dirigeait vers elle. Autour des deux combattants, les Kelaris luttaient dans les rues d’Atia.

« Le sang des Kelaris coule à flot dans les caniveaux de la ville parce que tu t’accroches à tes préceptes obsolètes et stupides ! » railla Karris, en envoyant à la Grande Prêtresse une onde ardente qui lui fit fondre sa garde.
Cette dernière demeura impassible, même lorsque la chaleur qui parvint jusqu’à son visage fit roussir ses sourcils. La force de celui qui lui faisait face allait bientôt devenir incontrôlable et Anthousa n’avait d’autre choix que de continuer à le faire parler en empruntant son ton le plus impérieux, ton qu’elle était capable d’adopter en toutes circonstances : « Le sang des Kelaris n’est pas de ton ressort, Karris. Tout ce que je vois, ce n’est qu’un Capricieux de plus qui jappe. »

Karris saisit Anthousa à la gorge et, au même instant, un rayon de lumière provenant du bâton de cette dernière vint heurter son torse. Maelforge n’est pas le seul à pouvoir maîtriser le feu, pensa-t-elle. Il hurla d’agonie lorsqu’il sentit son sang bouillir dans ses veines. Il parvint malgré la douleur à projeter son adversaire contre le mur et la prêtresse alla s’écraser contre la paroi.
Alors qu’elle sentait les os de son squelette se briser, elle se mit à murmurer avec difficulté des paroles guérisseuses, tout en constatant que son opposant se rapprochait dangereusement d’elle.

« À vos yeux, je ne suis donc plus un Kelari, Votre Éminence ? Puisqu’il en est ainsi, je serai un Pyrkari et je pulvériserai ceux qui refuseront de se soumettre au plus fort ! »
En réponse, Anthousa se propulsa au-dessus de lui. Sa jupe flottait dans les airs et elle déclara : «Bientôt, tu ne seras plus que cendre et souvenir… jusqu'à n'être seulement que cendre. »

*
Jace ! cria Anthousa alors qu’elle se tenait assise contre la porte fermée de la chambre de son fils, les mains sur les genoux. Je suis navrée de te décevoir, mais tu sais que tu ne peux pas faire confiance à Karris.
– Tu es en colère parce que tu n’as pas réussi à prouver que tu avais raison à son sujet ! hurla Jace en faisant les cent pas à l’intérieur. Il est persuadé que tu ne cherches qu’à nous empêcher de passer à l’action !

Akios voletait à proximité et Anthousa reconnut le bruit qui caractérisait son déplacement. Elle passa ses doigts à travers le halo de lumière qu’il laissait sur son passage.
- Si notre peuple doit affronter Maelforge, je préfère que nous restions en dehors de tout cela, en effet. Si seulement tu étudiais les esprits pour accroître ton pouvoir plutôt que de choisir la facilité, tu…
– JE NE VEUX RIEN SAVOIR ! hurla Jace en lançant le parchemin qu’il devait étudier contre la porte.
– Tu ne veux rien savoir à propos de quoi ? Des esprits ? De ton peuple ? ironisa sa mère. Je te connais suffisamment pour deviner que ce n’est pas vr...
– Je ne veux rien savoir de toi ! grommela-t-il.

Les paroles étouffées que son fils avait prononcées la tête enfouie dans son oreiller étaient malgré tout parvenues jusqu’aux oreilles d’Anthousa. Cette dernière se sentit décontenancée pour la première fois depuis des années. Elle décida de se lever, défroissa sa tenue et répondit : « Eh bien, c’est à toi de déterminer quelles sont tes propres priorités. Rejoins-moi une fois que tu auras les idées un peu plus claires et nous passerons à table. »

*

Anthousa posa un genou au sol en voyant la vague suivante de réfugiés déferler. Ses doigts brûlaient encore sous l’effet des sorts qu’elle venait de lancer et la foule chancelante qui tentait d’échapper à la fureur des Pyrkaris se dirigeait vers les quais en poussant des geignements.

« Grande Prêtresse, économisez vos forces, je vous en prie. D’autres Clercs sont là pour nous soigner», commenta Thesios en passant un bras autour d’elle pour l’aider à se relever.

Elle avala une potion de mana à grandes gorgées et essuya les gouttes de liquide bleu clair qui avaient perlé sur son menton. Elle répondit : « Certes, mais aucun ne possède ma force. » Elle reprit sans tarder ses chants pour le groupe suivant de Kelaris qui peinait à arriver, observant avec satisfaction leurs plaies se refermer et leur cadence accélérer pour parvenir jusqu’aux embarcations.

-Je crains le pire si les Pyrkaris font une percée à revers et vous attaquent alors que vous êtes à bout de force, renchérit Thesios. Karris a bien failli vous tuer la dernière fois !
– Tout comme j’ai failli le tuer aussi ! rétorqua-t-elle en se remettant à chanter.
– Et si nous renoncions à cette idée d’exode et que nous restions pour nous battre ? De nombreux Kelaris en ont après vous parce que vous leur avez ordonné de fuir, ajouta-t-il en s’approchant et en esquissant un timide sourire.
– De nombreux Kelaris, ou juste vous ? hasarda Anthousa en s’arrêtant net et en lui adressant un regard noir. Nous devons partir, Thesios, si nous voulons survivre. Si vous osez contester encore une fois ma décision, je n’éprouverai aucun remord à vous laisser ici.


*

Anthousa s’assit sur les genoux de son père et commença à lire le parchemin que celui-ci tenait ouvert entre les mains. Akios, qui avait envie de jouer avec elle, virevoltait au-dessus d’eux, manifestant ainsi son impatience.

"[…] découvrirent par hasard cette île peuplée d’esprits anciens, gardiens des secrets de la création, qui sont comme les dernières braises du feu de la vérité sur notre monde. C’est pourquoi nous décidâmes de nommer ce lieu Île de Braise en leur honneur. Nous traitions les esprits comme nos égaux et amis, et nous décrétâmes de ne jamais plus nous soumettre, comme nous le fîmes jadis face à Tavril. Tout Kelari qui se respecte ne s’agenouille devant rien."
– Papa, j’ai soooommeil, hasarda la petite fille en baillant et en jouant avec sa tresse.
– J’ai bientôt fini, mon ange, répondit son père avec un sourire qui illumina son visage, d’habitude si grave. Tu as été très sage.
– Maman dit que je suis trop petite pour ces histoires de grands.
– Ta mère a bon cœur et la tâche qui t’attend la tourmente. Un jour, tu seras Grande Prêtresse et le destin de notre peuple reposera sur tes épaules. Nos espoirs sont grands, mais fragiles.
– Je suis peut-être petite, mais je suis forte ! déclara-t-elle en se replongeant immédiatement dans la lecture du texte.
– Bien plus que tu ne l’imagines, Anthousa, ajouta son père.