From the archeological notebook of Archon Niniri Niri. Weaponry: The Templar's Falchion: Falchions are blades of Hyuran origin, crafted with a curved edge that allows them to slash through flesh and less living materials alike. This blade was assuredly carried by a holy knight of Ishgard who took to the Vale, perhaps to end its threat, and failed. The Canopus Weaponry: A variety of weapons drawn from the Vale, these items are named for the stars above although little of their origin can be divined besides that they seem to have originated from Coerthas or Dravania, judging by the dragon that adorns the axe of the group and shields that bear the same name of Ishgardian make, found in the Stone Vigil. The weapons consist of an … [Read more...]
The Bestiary of the Aurum Vale
Nether Nix Taxonomy: Wavekin (Gigantoad) Description: Colossal toads coated in slippery mucous and with a gaze capable of shaking even the most steadfast of warriors, gigantoads are fearsome beasts. These ones were likely corrupted and emboldened by the goldbile of the Vale, making them otherworldy, or of the nether. Capabilities: These amphibians were apparently capable of using their considerable bulk to bludgeon their foes in a ‘labored leap’ as well as emitting large amounts of toxin. This substance specifically has a 'vasoconstrictor' effect, involving reducing blood flow. Etymology Notes: Nix, also known as neck or nixies are german water spirits that drown humans. This likely speaks to the dangers of … [Read more...]
The Aurum Vale – Tomb of Avarice
Excerpt from ‘The history of Coerthas, from refuge to Holy See’ by Archon Niniri Niri. Aurum Vale has long attracted miners and prospectors from across Aldenard due to rumors that it contained massive mithril veins. Unfortunately for the miners the rumors were incorrect, and the caves instead contained goldbile, an utterly deadly substance that gradually cooks the lungs of those who breathe its fumes, as well as corroding flesh on contact. This liquid is a fusion of mithril, sulphur and groundwater. To add even more danger to the situation the goldbile had mutated a number of the beasts within, strengthening them and making them more ferocious. This was causing a severe issue for Ishgard as the beasts were emerging from the cave to … [Read more...]
The Bestiary of the Dzemael Darkhold
Recluse Hippogryph Taxonomy: Beastkin (Hippogryph) Description: Hippogryphs are fierce beastkin of the mountains and hills. Their vestigial wings are incapable of flight, but can propel them along the ground as they sprint. They must have retreated from the hills of Coerthas, slinking into the Darkhold. This may have been the source for their 'reclusive' name. Etymology Notes: A hippogryph, or hippogriff, is a half-eagle, half-horse creature from European folklore, ridden by figures of legend. Diamond-tooth Hedgemole Taxonomy: Beastkin (Mole) Description: Moles are tunneling creatures which dwell beneath the earth and hunt out the insects they feed upon. Their tunnels commonly damage forests by … [Read more...]
The Dzemael Darkhold – Count Tarresson’s Grief
Excerpt from ‘The history of Coerthas, from refuge to Holy See’ by Archon Niniri Niri. Formed by the legendary Sylvetrel de Dzemael, finest of King Thordan's spearmen, Dzemael counts itself amongst the four Ishgardian High Houses. Originally a house devoted solely to military matters, the Dzemaels intermarried with the Faurechorts four centuries ago, a minor house famed for their architectural knowledge. Since then, House Dzemael has been the premier architect of Ishgard, and has increased in influence considerably, their maxim 'by the hundredth blow' echoing across Ishgard's fortifications. Count Tarresson Dzemael, the now-retired leader of the house, had a true passion for architecture, though his attempt to create what would be his … [Read more...]
The Armory of the Stone Vigil
From the archeological notebook of Archon Niniri Niri. Weaponry: The Ancient Sword: Perhaps the most fascinating weapon found within the Stone Vigil, this blade is not of Ishgardian or even Old Ishgardian make, but instead fits with all prior archeological and scholarly findings on blades crafted in the Third Astral Era, likely by the early Allagan Empire. These blades boast intricate carvings across their form, used to channel aether across the blade and improve its cutting power. How exactly it came to be in the Vigil is difficult to say, but it may have been uncovered by, and then handed down as a relic of a family, perhaps even within House Haillenarte. Etymology Notes: The ancient sword is a recurrent blade in the Final … [Read more...]
The Bestiary of the Stone Vigil
Dravanian Outwalker Taxonomy: Scalekin (Biast) Description: Drakes are ferocious predatory creatures with powerful tracking abilities and the ability to exhale gouts of fire. They are perhaps most famous as domesticated beasts of the Amalj’aa. A biast, however, is a subspecies that exhales lightning instead of fire. They were here in the Vigil as followers of the Horde, as scalekin are easily dominated by dragons. The Ishgardians referred to these creatures as 'outwalkers' which is apparently a reference to their role as scouts and vanguards of the Horde. Capabilities: The biasts in the longstop were capable of emitting the typical ‘levinshower’ lighting breaths. Dravanian Outflier Taxonomy: Scalekin … [Read more...]
The Stone Vigil – Fallen Watchers
Excerpt from ‘The history of Coerthas, from refuge to Holy See’ by Archon Niniri Niri. Records from before the Seventh Umbral Calamity testify to the Stone Vigil's role as one of four grand watchtowers belonging to Ishgard, apparently mostly under the authority of House Haillenarte, the eminent engineers and smiths of the city-state. The Stone Vigil was twinned with the Steel Vigil, and together the watchtowers braced Ishgard against attack from the Sea of Clouds. Sadly, when the Calamity struck even the mighty edifices of Ishgard were unable to defend against the catastrophe, and the Vigil's defenses were shattered, allowing the Dravanian Horde that the Holy See had been at war with to sweep in and seize the structure. House … [Read more...]
The Bestiary of Cutters Cry
The Myrmidons Taxonomy: Vilekin (Antling) Description: Antlings are common creatures in the deserts of Aldenard and are in almost every way simply enormous ants. Their 'societies' are divided in twain, between a worker and soldier caste. A number of variants of these creatures are native to the Cry, first and foremost being the sentries. Members of the soldier caste, these creatures seem to have acted as guardians for the sensitive parts of the nest deeper within. The adventurers who cleared the Cry also reported the presence of a princess deeper within. A princess arises in a rare birth, at which point the queen will take half of the colony and depart, allowing the princess to flower into a queen in their own right. Nearby … [Read more...]
Cutter’s Cry – Grave of the Darklight
Excerpt from ‘The history of Thanalan, from Belah’dia to Ul’dah’ by Archon Niniri Niri. Cutters Cry is one of the most dangerous locations in Thanalan, if not all of Aldenard. A simple shaded cave to an inexperienced observer, the depths of the cave are both immense, labyrinthine and filled to the brim with extraordinarily dangerous wildlife. Not long before the Seventh Umbral Calamity struck the world a famed group of adventurers resolved to empty the Cry of its ferocious inhabitants. The legendary Gerbald the Red led the Darklight Raiders into the caves, and these veteran warriors made good progress through the Cry before coming to a terror forgotten by history, a chimera of ancient Allag. All but one raider was slain, the sole … [Read more...]
