From af44e39a5277cb2112c666cddb3602ab87adc3b3 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: RustingWithYou <63625389+RustingWithYou@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Mon, 29 May 2023 04:17:44 +1200 Subject: [PATCH] Unathi Religious Books (#16396) * siakh book * autakh and skakh books * thakh book * finishes thah book and fixes some typos + loadout * autakh book nam --- code/game/objects/items/devices/versebook.dm | 48 +++++++++++++++++++ .../loadout/loadout_xeno/unathi.dm | 17 +++++++ .../RustingWithYou - lizardreligion.yml | 41 ++++++++++++++++ ingame_manuals/autakh.txt | 19 ++++++++ ingame_manuals/siakh.txt | 21 ++++++++ ingame_manuals/skakh.txt | 19 ++++++++ ingame_manuals/thakh.txt | 19 ++++++++ 7 files changed, 184 insertions(+) create mode 100644 html/changelogs/RustingWithYou - lizardreligion.yml create mode 100644 ingame_manuals/autakh.txt create mode 100644 ingame_manuals/siakh.txt create mode 100644 ingame_manuals/skakh.txt create mode 100644 ingame_manuals/thakh.txt diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/devices/versebook.dm b/code/game/objects/items/devices/versebook.dm index e447d31ae6c..2ef646e91cc 100644 --- a/code/game/objects/items/devices/versebook.dm +++ b/code/game/objects/items/devices/versebook.dm @@ -81,3 +81,51 @@ /obj/item/device/versebook/trinary/Initialize() . = ..() randomquip = file2list("ingame_manuals/trinary.txt") + +/obj/item/device/versebook/siakh + name = "\improper Writings of Judizah Si'akh" + desc = "A collection of musings, commands and theological discussions, copied many times over from the alleged words of the controversial prophet Judizah Si'akh himself." + desc_extended = "As close to a 'holy text' as the Si'akh faith has, this book can be found across Moghes and rarely beyond, despite efforts of the nobility to stamp out the firebrand religion. It lays down the \ + commandments and philosophies that a follower of Si'akh must live by, in the hope of redeeming themselves and their world from damnation." + icon_state = "holybook" + item_state = "book1" + +/obj/item/device/versebook/siakh/Initialize() + . = ..() + randomquip = file2list("ingame_manuals/siakh.txt") + +/obj/item/device/versebook/autakh + name = "\improper Reflections upon the Aut'akh Faith" + desc = "An illegal tome in the Izweski Hegemony, Reflections is a short book penned by the Unathi known as Emzal Paossini, known by Aut'akh as 'Creator of Paradigms', infamous for their role in the creation of the Aut'akh faith." + desc_extended = "The Aut'akh faith is highly decentralised and does not have holy texts per se. This book is simply a collection of personal musings from one of the Aut'akh's most influential figures.\ + While many of the core ideas of the faith can be traced back to Paossini's words, they are explicit in their desire that it not be venerated or treated as some divine mandate." + icon_state = "book10" + item_state = "book10" + +/obj/item/device/versebook/autakh/Initialize() + . = ..() + randomquip = file2list("ingame_manuals/autakh.txt") + +/obj/item/device/versebook/skakh + name = "\improper Sk'akh Legends" + desc = "This is a collection of legends, commandments and doctrines of the Sk'akh faith, published by the Church." + desc_extended = "Variations of this tome have been published for centuries, in one form or another, often changing to deal with recent developments for the Unathi people. This variation looks to have been published \ + fairly recently, and examining it shows several verses speaking on matters such as the new rise of the Aut'akh and Si'akh faiths." + icon_state = "book3" + item_state = "book3" + +/obj/item/device/versebook/skakh/Initialize() + . = ..() + randomquip = file2list("ingame_manuals/skakh.txt") + +/obj/item/device/versebook/thakh + name = "\improper collected Th'akh fables" + desc = "Th'akh is a decentralised religion, with thousands of variants across Moghes and beyond. This book is a collection of common ancient tales and fables, translated from an archaic form of Sinta'Azaziba into Basic." + desc_extended = "The tales of various Th'akh sects are numbered beyond count. This particular copy seems to be written by a shaman of the Court of Stars, and the names of their spirit-gods often crop up throughout the text." + icon_state = "holybook" + item_state = "book1" + +/obj/item/device/versebook/thakh/Initialize() + . = ..() + randomquip = file2list("ingame_manuals/thakh.txt") + diff --git a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_xeno/unathi.dm b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_xeno/unathi.dm index 26fa2a2bf2c..f51c61a3c17 100644 --- a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_xeno/unathi.dm +++ b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_xeno/unathi.dm @@ -125,6 +125,23 @@ sort_category = "Xenowear - Unathi" flags = GEAR_HAS_NAME_SELECTION | GEAR_HAS_DESC_SELECTION | GEAR_HAS_COLOR_SELECTION +/datum/gear/religion/unathi_book + display_name = "unathi religious texts" + path = /obj/item/device/versebook/skakh + cost = 1 + whitelisted = list(SPECIES_UNATHI) + sort_category = "Xenowear - Unathi" + flags = GEAR_HAS_DESC_SELECTION + +/datum/gear/religion/unathi_book/New() + ..() + var/list/unathi_book = list() + unathi_book["Sk'akh Legends"] = /obj/item/device/versebook/skakh + unathi_book["assorted Th'akh fables"] = /obj/item/device/versebook/thakh + unathi_book["Reflections on the Aut'akh Faith"] = /obj/item/device/versebook/autakh + unathi_book["Writings of Judizah Si'akh"] = /obj/item/device/versebook/siakh + gear_tweaks += new /datum/gear_tweak/path(unathi_book) + /datum/gear/uniform/unathi display_name = "sinta tunic" path = /obj/item/clothing/under/unathi diff --git a/html/changelogs/RustingWithYou - lizardreligion.yml b/html/changelogs/RustingWithYou - lizardreligion.yml new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..94129fcdc5c --- /dev/null +++ b/html/changelogs/RustingWithYou - lizardreligion.yml @@ -0,0 +1,41 @@ +################################ +# Example Changelog File +# +# Note: This file, and files beginning with ".", and files that don't end in ".yml" will not be read. If you change this file, you will look really dumb. +# +# Your changelog will be merged with a master changelog. (New stuff added only, and only on the date entry for the day it was merged.) +# When it is, any changes listed below will disappear. +# +# Valid Prefixes: +# bugfix +# wip (For works in progress) +# tweak +# soundadd +# sounddel +# rscadd (general adding of nice things) +# rscdel (general deleting of nice things) +# imageadd +# imagedel +# maptweak +# spellcheck (typo fixes) +# experiment +# balance +# admin +# backend +# security +# refactor +################################# + +# Your name. +author: RustingWithYou + +# Optional: Remove this file after generating master changelog. Useful for PR changelogs that won't get used again. +delete-after: True + +# Any changes you've made. See valid prefix list above. +# INDENT WITH TWO SPACES. NOT TABS. SPACES. +# SCREW THIS UP AND IT WON'T WORK. +# Also, all entries are changed into a single [] after a master changelog generation. Just remove the brackets when you add new entries. +# Please surround your changes in double quotes ("), as certain characters otherwise screws up compiling. The quotes will not show up in the changelog. +changes: + - rscadd: "Adds versebooks for the four main Unathi religions. These are selectable in the loadout menu." \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/ingame_manuals/autakh.txt b/ingame_manuals/autakh.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..b1a33af532f --- /dev/null +++ b/ingame_manuals/autakh.txt @@ -0,0 +1,19 @@ +For decades now, I have sought wisdom in the bones of those who have come before me. I have walked the cities and the tombs of the Sinta'Mador, who built engines of greatness while the Sinta'Unathi killed one another with swords. In their lives and their deaths, I have seen the truth of the soul, and the path we must walk. +The flesh is weak. This is a truth that is plain to the eye. The flesh grows, it withers, it dies, and within its weakness spirits of great evil may settle, turning good Sinta towards treachery, greed and corruption. +The body is but a vessel for the soul, upon this all agree. But a spirit cannot dwell in perfect harmony with a creation of flesh, flawed and weakened as it is. A spirit must have true control of its vessel, a perfect hybrid of body and soul, material and spiritual. The Mador understood this, though wise as they were they were limited by their time. We are not bound by such limits. +Trust in the strength of steel. Bind it to your soul's vessel, anchor your soul with it, and you will make of your body a fortress within which no evil may dwell. I have done this, and for it been called Guwan, heretic and abomination. They scorn me for my understanding, as they cling to their ignorance. +Look at what spirits of darkness have done to us. They have made us slaughter our own - not of our clans, but our kin nonetheless, our siblings in this precious life. Look at how greed and pride consumed Hegemony and Coalition alike in the Contact War, and you will see the truth. The weakness of our flesh, and the demons that we welcomed within it, are what has led the Sinta'Unathi to ruin, war and death. +I make no claims to be a prophet. I am not blessed, and I am not chosen. The spirits speak to me, as they have spoken to so many others, but I am but Unathi, no greater or lesser than any of you who read these words. +Steel cannot be tempted. Steel cannot be tainted. When a wall is old and crumbling, do we let it fall? Do we call it mutilation to repair it? No, we reinforce it, we build it stronger and better. Why should the same not be done for our own flesh, vessels of that which is most precious? +The priests of the Sk'akh Church condemn me for these words. Their Iron Masks have sought to kill me, and I have been proclaimed a vessel of evil. It simply takes observation to see the truth, and to look at what the Church has done. I have sought to spread knowledge and understanding, and to help the Sinta'Unathi race come to a more enlightened age, as they have schemed for power. Yizra Unzi is not an aberration to the Church of Sk'akh, but its culmination - a so-called priest who cares not for the soul or to improve the wretched state of our world, but solely for his own power. +Some among the faithful call me the Creator of Paradigms. I cannot lie and say that I do not find the title an honor - though it is one that makes me fearful. Have I not said, time after time, to not raise others up above yourself? +I am nothing special, no great leader or prophet. If you seek a living soul to venerate as something divine, do not look to me - look to yourself, and those beside you. That is where you will find the sacred things of this world. +The first augmentation that I constructed has spread widely, now - mirrored glass etched in the runes of the Mador, placed behind my eyes by a loyal friend. Some question its purpose, or think that it has none. It is an anchor for the soul, one that lets me see more clearly beyond this realm, and into what lies beyond. The ancient Mador, too, built such things, and these can be seen in the tombs of the north pole of Moghes, where their bodies lie in silent slumber. +I warn you now, if you follow me you will be hunted. Your fellow Sinta will spit on you as worse than the lowliest of criminals. You will live in hiding, as the brutal arm of the Hegemony will seek to crush you. Find the places of safety that our movement has built. Your life will be made harder if you follow us, and in many lands to even read these words will carry harsh punishment. But you have read anyway. You know that there is more to life than the boundaries that power draws. +For where does all evil lie, if not power? It is spirits of darkness that drive us to seek it, to dominate, to control.Reject this, though it is hard. In the place now known as Aut'akh Valley, I swore to myself that I would never again kneel before my fellow Unathi, nor allow them to do the same before me. +There can be no hierarchy, no division. We are born into this world, time and time and time again, each of us in the same way. What grants the nobility the right to call themselves superior? They are made from the same substance as us all, and they will die the same as us all. +We are each of us born equal. That is a fundamental and inalienable truth. +We must live as equals, not hoarding to ourself the things of this beautiful world that belongs to us all. Where one Sinta has and another has not - this is the birthplace of all that is evil. +What is a Hegemony? An instrument of violence from the powerful against the powerless. It is no better than a bandit clan, save that at the very least a bandit is honest in his intentions. The Hegemony is that most evil of tyrannies, one which claims its rule is a natural state. It is not. It is an institution of greed, violence and war. There is no good that can come from it, and so lnog as it stands we will never truly know peace and freedom. +Rule of bloodline, rule of strength, rule of some divine providence. I reject these lies. I have sworn time and again that I will call no Sinta master save myself, and to never seek dominion over the soul of another. +You have read my words. Many of you will scorn them, but some will understand. To you I say, you are not alone. Seek out those of us who feel the same. Seek Aut'akh Valley, or any of our communes across the stars. Aut'akh is not a religion dictated by words in a book, but a faith of freedom, of equality, and of unity between all Sinta. If these words ring true in your soul, then you are Aut'akh already. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/ingame_manuals/siakh.txt b/ingame_manuals/siakh.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..6e55edbd1a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/ingame_manuals/siakh.txt @@ -0,0 +1,21 @@ +As the Final Prophet born of the high purifying flames, I, Juzida, humbly deliver this message of divine faith from Sk'akh Themselves to the Si'akh people and the reader of my writings. Let it be known that in the boundless wisdom that is my mind and the ever flowing fury of purifying fire, teach yourself to embrace the tapestry of beliefs woven not only by nature but by the salvation of flame. +From within your heart and soul all beings lie within sparks of truth, and in the unities of our faiths, we shall find enlightenment. +Within our sacred bones as shamans to all needy, remember the act of branding and your cost of immolation to your soul. +As the flames trickle onto your scales and skin and charr you with revered rite, remember your commitment to your divine and embody your essence of my love. Your sacred bond of the eternal fire waits and your profound love is mine forever. +From our depths we arise anew. His fire ignites and guides towards highest heights. His voice resonates offering paths of repair. Lift up you who are worthy and lift up from your shackled fate. Discover my faith that I bring unto you and transcend time. +Beware those that will doubt you in your path. For they cast the icy shadow that quickens the death of your home. Their words and actions sow discord, mocking with sin the path of righteousness you will follow. Yet, do not hate them or allow their hate to blind you, for in kindness lies the key strength to overcome their stubbornness. +The Hegemony hunted as they please with it’s all encompassing might, but our believers remain steadfast firm in their holiest of battle, salvation is here all who allow it burning bright. +We will fear no sin as you carry yourself forward; your undying glory. +Let our voices and tongues be free with the grace of kindness and the words we speak guided by empathy for others around us. +In the absence of sin we cultivate understanding and the harmony of connection that transcend very thought and boundaries. Nurture a world of reigning compassion. +In the eyes of the divine the Guwan, deemed as criminal and unwanted within the Hegemon are mere pawns in their political games. Orchestrated by the ruling elites of fat tailed nobles, they are exploited and discarded at will for selfish reasons of ambition and intrigue. The flames of redemption flicker beyond the reach of these wretched Sinta, only in Si'akh will Guwan, find solitude and love. +Hate not the Aut'akh blasphemy. Pity them and weep for them, for they tear their own soul apart in misguided ignorance. Pray that they might hear my words, cast aside their wicked machines, and find redemption. A broken body may yet live, but a broken spirit shall surely be damned. +Those who claim to be Sk'akh's blessed are the most vile and sinful of all; their Church stands for nothing but its own enrichment. They scheme and plot and grow fat in luxury, while the Sinta they claim to shepard languish and suffer. The Great Spirit rejects them, and their teachings, for the word of Si'akh is the only truth. +Mourn not those who perished, as atomic fire drowned great Moghes. They are the blessed, for Sk'akh has spared them this damned world. It is we who remain who are the cursed, and who must find redemption in flame, that those we have lost shall return to us in earthly paradise. +The Hegemony is a nest of the corrupt and the sinful, as it has ever been. Not'zar Izweski sits on golden thrones and feast, while the people he claims to rule starve, solely by coincidence of his hatching! Hear my words and know them as truth that the Sinta'Unathi shall have no master but Sk'akh, and the words They have sent through Their Final Prophet. Lords and kings and Hegemons alike may have their armies of sin, but we are the righteous, who seek redemption as they wallow in wickedness. These words are the truth at the heart of Si'akh. +None are beyond redemption, even the most corrupt and wicked. For the sins of our race, the greed and the pride that swathed our world in fire, we are all damned, and only together shall we find purification and redemption. I call to you all Sinta, my brothers and sisters upon this damned world, seek the path of righteousness and never hesitate or falter upon it. +The excess of the wealthy, those who claim themselves noble, has grown into perversion and rot. Behold the dens of sin in the palaces of those who would be your masters! See the decadence that they engage in, while you and I must struggle simply to live! I say this to you, spurn excess and luxury. +Live humbly, drinking nought but water and eating nought but raw meat. Wealth lies at the root of the evil that has gripped our race, and so I say to you once more - if you would have redemption, peace in your sinful soul, give up your wealth and possessions to those who need it, and live your life humbly and without sin. +Moghes is our world, given to us by Sk'akh. By the work of our claws we have damned it, and only by our claws shall it be rebuilt as paradise. +Gaze unto not the sinner but his children, fragile and innocent, the epitome of our tainted lineage and succession. Born and shackled through the chains of sin their livelihood and safety is nothing but the holiest of duties! It is through their salvation we begin to mend our shattered bond of our wretched and accursed souls. Guard your young with unwavering vigilance for these are times of strife and trial! Cleanse the future of its stains from our past! +Through flame, we are purified, that we might redeem our damnation. I give this truth to you as Si'akh, the Final Prophet. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/ingame_manuals/skakh.txt b/ingame_manuals/skakh.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..b844e5e03b5 --- /dev/null +++ b/ingame_manuals/skakh.txt @@ -0,0 +1,19 @@ +Glory is given to Sk'akh, Great Spirit, Three of One. In Their kindness, They give to us the world entire. +For it is written that in the ancient days, when Moghes was young, the world was a place of chaos, where the stars fell from the sky. The strongest Warrior, the wisest healer and the most industrious fisher came together, and declared that order should reign in such a chaotic world. Their souls formed Sk'akh, who is the custodian of creation, the source of duty and purpose. +He holds the stars in the sky, ensures that the river flows and the arrow flies. She formed the Beastlands, the Chained Wastes, and all other realms, which are as numerous as the stars. They taught the Unathi to work together, as Their aspects once did. Thus was the world we know born. +Threefold is the Great Spirit, and Threefold are the Sinta people. The Aspects must be in balance, or tragedy shall surely come to us all. +The Empire of Sk'akh is the Beastlands, a paradise granted to the righteous. Those who live in goodness and righteousness, and endure the sins of others, they may live here forever in great harmony. It is a land of plenty and beauty, where the righteous may live until they wish to join themselves to Sk'akh, to guide those yet to come. +For the wicked, only the Chained Wastes await, to be bound to hot and scorching sand, as the pain they have created through their sin in life shall be reflected back upon them. The vengeful spirits shall flay the scales from their flesh, they shall spill their blood upon the sand, and they shall know no respite, save should they hold some righteousness in their hearts and embrace the patience and mercy of Sk'akh. +In His form as the Warrior, who is called Mukari, Sk'akh guides those who fight for righteousness. Should you fight with honor, He shall bless your arm with strength, and His sword shall fight with you. +In Her form as the Healer, who is called Simi, Sk'akh brings life, death and learning alike. She is the great teacher, and those who seek knowlege shall find what they seek written in Her holy tome. To those who would save a life, take comfort in that your cause is righteous, and that She will smile upon your efforts evermore. +In Their form as the Fisher, who is called Verrix, Sk'akh brings the great cycle, of seed and of sickle alike. Let Them bless you, should you find honor in the labor of your claws. Let Their bounty come upon you, as the world itself is Their blessing. Though the work shall be hard, They look with favor upon those who show their true dedication. +Give well and give faithfully to the Church, that the word of Sk'akh might persist. Do not regret such things, for they are ephemeral. The blessings that Sk'akh shall offer to the righteous are eternal. +Know that Sk'akh lays out the path for every soul in their life. Spurn those who would alter a hatchling before it is even born, save to save its life from spirits of darkness, for such modifications are the height of arrogance. We are but mortals, and to claim that we know our paths better than the Three of One is nothing but arrogant blasphemy. +The bodies that we are given are sacred beyond measure, made by Sk'akh's own hand to guide our souls through this life. Each of us is perfection, sculpted by the glorious and the divine. Do not seek to improve upon it, or to replace it with crude constructs; you are whole and holy as the Great Spirit has made you. +Pity those who take refuge in constructed things, such as the heretics of Aut'akh. In their pride they have damned themselves, and should they not seek redemption their souls are dust, cast to the Chained Waste. +Do not listen to those who embrace chaos, and claim that our universe is but uncaring chance. These are lies that strip the hope of the proud Sinta. There is an order to our days, and it is the will of Sk'akh, ordained threefold. +Marriage is a blessing of Sk'akh, to bind the Unathi people together. The Warrior smiles upon marriage between men, as the Healer smiles upon marriage between women, and as a man and a woman are blessed by the Fisher. +Spirits of the truly evil may escape the Chained Wastes, to torment the children of Sk'akh in the mortal world. Be wary of such spirits, and know that they are insignificant before the might of Sk'akh, that which may drive them back into the dark. +The faith of Sk'akh shall have its defenders. Those who swear themselves to the Aspect of the Warrior shall be armored in righteousness, and they shall be His sword against all that is evil. They shall know not pain or fear, and shall be a shield to the righteous and a scourge to the sinful. +Those who shall swear to the Healer shall be blessed with understanding the intricacy of all Sk'akh's creations great and small alike, and shall be called to the keeping and preservation of life. They shall maintain Her creation, and as such shall know true glory. +Those who shall swear to the Fisher shall be guides and teachers, showing Their goodwill to all Sinta. The knowledge that they shall keep is that which brings life, and it will show the path of Sk'akh to all those who wish to see it. \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/ingame_manuals/thakh.txt b/ingame_manuals/thakh.txt new file mode 100644 index 00000000000..88693cc6064 --- /dev/null +++ b/ingame_manuals/thakh.txt @@ -0,0 +1,19 @@ +In eldest day of y're bef're gov'rning law, did dwell the youngest of hatchling upon whom the prominent zo’zyola did bless and bestow their guidance. Yet in the folly of youth, the boy turned his tail to their consulship and cast aside their teachings. Hath moved by righteous wrath, he wast beset upon by the deepest of s'rrows f'r his disobedience, a blight of desolation to his aloof of bethinking. +Alloweth the spirits beest thy compass, guiding thy hands through life’s harshest of voyages, through the tempestuous sea our w'rship lies within. Hon'r the eth'real planes; thy steps shall beest embrac'd with purpose and fav'r. Alloweth love’s soothing whisp'ring cast the sweetest of melodies in thy willing ears. +On the m'rrow of thy journey, as the golden rays did cast their gentle toucheth upon thee, knoweth yond our people, gath'r in solemn remembrance f'r the sacr'd keeping of mem'ries. Embrace our kindship and alloweth our hearts beat as one, unit'd in respect to our ancestral souls yond wand'r our realm and the eth'real. Putteth down thy tools and prepareth with the food with utmost care, ch'rish'd spirits of y're, val'rous warri'rs and wise heal'rs, guests divine. +Behold beyond thy claws! The mast'rs of Akhanzi, with their steadfast iron wills and stalwart hearts, standing as sentinels 'gainst the h'resy that dares to snuff out the light of sanctity within our spirits. Minds sharp as a blade and muscles temp'r'd with vig'rous ablaze, wielding claws of almightiest justice, smiting down any who seeketh to sow apostate talk. Thus, their noblest of duty unfolds ahead, a resolve of resolute loyalty. +Unmoving, unyielding mountain rocks maketh way, enshrin'd with the most sacr'd and pious of Th'akhists, safeguarding the profound wisdom st'r'd hence and did treasure as essence of all spirits. Within these ven'rable walls, one finds the illumination of the faithful, with their testaments to the unassailable strength that did bind their soul to the mountain pass. +Where riv'rs flow from eldest mounts, and life flows within them, cometh Kazani, sharp-claw and battle-fury! Strong of battle, but beset by dark'st zo'zyola, rage and wroth and ruin! Cruel-hand, black-heart, ruled Kazani, til great'st of sin did he wreak upon kin. In bleak'st night did broth'rs clash, and wisest zyola curseth his name. Shame and sorrow ruled wicked Kazani, as Guwandi he made his name, first of many. Long he sought death with honor, that crimes should be forgiv'n, but upon him greatest of curses was placed, to know none but victory. +Long did Kazani, Guwandi, sharp-claw and brother-killer wander, til upon barr'n plain he did meet with oldest and wisest Sinta, spirit-call'r and high mast'r of Akhanzi. Shame and sorrow rul'd his day, as he did plead to be uncursed. So staff met sword, but with hidden cunning, secret wisdom, did the wise-warrior strike! Struck dead was the first Guwandi, his crimes aton'd. +A High Elder of Akhanzi cometh to Guzari, where seven hundred cold and cruel spirits did torment the citizenry. No blade could scar, no heal'r could cure the vile magick these zo'zyola wielded. With nought but her staff and her will, did the wise-heler go out into cold and empty lands, for days numbered thirty and six. Though black'st spirits struck at her, ancient wisdom serveth her shield! Bound, thou art, cried wise shaman of Akhanzi, and trapped within her whitewood staff the seven hundred, hence that power should no longer torment this world. +In eld'st times were Moghes and realm eth'real one. Wicked spirits, cruel'st zo'zyola, reign'd free, to torment Sinta in vile manner. Then cometh Sa'par, Sovereign o'er Solstice. Four-armed, wise-soul and battle-master, he taketh in his arms th'world entire, and did push realms in twain. Thus eart'ly Moghes and eth'real plane divide, not one but two. +Beware, beware, all ye good Sinta. Beneath th'gund lieth abomination, that which is called Dalskso, rotting-earth! Once nine and ninety wicked zo'zyola, made amalgamate in evil. To its slaves, dark power is given, vilest o'witchcraft wielded by cruel'st villains. None but the vigilant and true, mast'rs of the realm eth'real may stand 'gainst such vile shadow. +Beware the gifts of Gruzz, vile trickst'r. All that they shall sow be chaos, betrayal, untruth. O'er ye honest and forthright, no power can they have. +A thousand thousand times be a soul born unto the world. All Sinta wicked or righteous, in each be the cycle of seed and of sickle, of siro aflight and fishes in life's sweet waters, of life and death in equal measure. +Unto those who should burn for'st or poison sea, cometh wrath of Aosr. Though merrisome and kind a zyola is he, quick is his rage 'gainst defil'rs, despoil'rs of his realm wherein green things groweth. +Beware the veiled widow, who wanders upon moonless nights. Betrayed most cruelly she was, and vengeance upon the living she shall seek. Ask not to look upon her face or why tail she lacks - lest she take offense, and tear thine own tail from thy flesh. +Once was Azkharak, war-king of Vharzk. Bloody red his scales, bloody red his claws. In vicious slaught'r did he lead his host, sacking Thos'karum to Darakath. No warri'r, however great, could stand 'gainst him. But for his dishonor grave did veng'ful dead arise, and hunt him like eszkazal on op'n field. No blade can cut the wrothful dead, no armor shield 'gainst their claws, and thus bloody war-king was struck dead, his host broken. +Bone and blood of thine ancest'rs - in this lies power. Let their spirits walk beside thee, act as guides and companions between eart'ly and eth'real lands. +Life is ephermeral, wanting, waning. To thine clan, thine ancestors and thy legacy be true, that thou shall not die but live on, in world and time beyond our own. +Take to heart this warning, ye steadfast Sinta - beware the white-scaled man, face hidd'n behind mask. A traitor thrice-damned is he, curs'd by spirits to know no peace. He shall offer treasures and wealth, at the cost of thy very soul. Many have fallen to his lies and trick'ry, but remember this, that pure water shall burn him most terribly, as though it is flame. +In eldest day was a wise-fisher, elder of Akhanzi and learn'd in secret ways, gaoled by warriors of ill intent, false-tongued and iron-faced. Cruel mockery did they lay upon the wise, for powerless and old they seemed before the flame and the steel. In a high tower of stone they were locked, escape far from the eye. But the wise one knew the secret names of the spirits in stone, and called upon these steadfast things. "Break," they ask'd of the stone, and it did. Cruel-clawed captors sought their end, but they called again, "Aid me", to the capricious and whimsic'l zo'zyola of wind, and a great breeze did carry them as a siro to freedom. \ No newline at end of file