The Copper Chalice Misc Research

1. Religious Information, Mystical Ephemera, Prophecies, Etc

This part of the library mentions various books and documents with short abstracts of them. All written by Sofawiel in Months 5 to 8, Year 79: The injustice of Garl Glittergold. Riddle found in the Sorcere, "At the mouth of the great madness I face two choices, I take the right one" Given that this is a riddle, one must keep in mind that "Right" may mean correct, and not may be directional.

General Religious Information can be found in the so called "Book of Dieties" and the Trilogy "Weaker Dieties of Interest" by Yath'abban Zar'astra Vraevir. A note regarding Heresy vs. Blasphemy. For all writings of a religious nature, this library will take the following approach. Heresies will be defined as those plausible, yet non-standard, and substantially unproveable beliefs.

Claiming that Shar and Selune are but two manifestations of the same goddess (The Dark Moon Heresy) is an example. Blasphemies will be defined as utterings, actions, or beliefs which are demonstrably un-true, to the best of mortal knowledge. Claiming that Lolth teaches pacifistic benevolence to all races, is an example of what shall be labeled as blasphemies.

While I hope to record a list of known "Heretical" beliefs amongst many religions, This library will deal in blasphemous material only when it can be tied to a prophetic or historical purpose..

Day 11, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

2. Report Board and 3. Flora and Fauna

This part of the library contains miscellaus notes from various indivials. It describes various asaults (llike surfacer on the Melee Magthere, archmage Pharyx on Na?dar?Zul, House Hlatrae, Thomas Miller,  etc), preparations, trade exchange, explorations (like a discovery of the Ice Caves, Year 85) and sightings of kobolds near the Obsidian Asylum. The rest is of little historical interest.

The flora and fauna section of the library contains studies of various beings of the Underdark. Gathered by Sofawiel, and later librarian Xor Thalin, between Month 4, Year 79 and Month 10, Year 81. In studies, it describes the origins, society and other relevant aspects of The Spriggans, the Gibberlings, Stingers, Fiver Slavers, Tribal Caverns, Kuo-Tans, and the Sentient Jelly.

Flora like Wolfsbane, Phospherescent/Faezeress Mushrooms, Mirzyn Mushroom, Guaji, Beetles, Mandrake. And tthe Keepers. A semi-secretive order of those who tend to the natural cycles and rhythms of the underdark. Often associated with the so-called "Deep Grove", though not all "Keepers" are members. The "Deep Grove" used to operate out of a secret groto where rare plants grow.

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

4. Surface Geography

This section is divided into various subsections. One about Banite Meeting. A meeting where Dreadmonk Grendal Bloodwater paraphrased the teachings of Bane. Also present was First Knight Valorie Slades. They talked about Knights of the Road, "The Broken Circle" and Light Keep: Caldus Oat, Ylren Askovar, Eric Silverarms, Rosiemay Larkins, Elderith Ashalay, Pugdish, Uriah, Thomas Miller, Derrick Blak

This section also got detailed describtions of exits to the surface: Stinger Caves with its many exits, the Portal Room, The Gnoll Caves.

A Year 84 status of the The Black Archers states that Black Archers have fallen from their glory days. Trintiren Elraidenl, and Aedriath have long since passed. They continue to operate through the Fox's Den. Asherrin heads the Black Archers and is argued to be a powerful archer and excells in stealth. Liamal is another archer in the organization, but of less power.

The Heartwood Grove. Another Year 84 status. It mentions Archdruidess Navira Ashwood. She is a powerful Druid of simple nature. Mila Lane is another druidess of mention. Ha'ren is the last powerful druid of mention in the grove. He, like the others, is able shapeshift and has a strong grasp over spells. He is able to perform powerful conjurations. These three druids often travel together.

Day 11, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

5. Regional Information

This section is mainly written by Sofawieel, between Month 6, Year 79 and Month 4, Year 81. It describes the Stinger Cavern, the Overpass, The Ruins of Tollidor, River Aagir, Forest of Spores. Tribal Tribal Caverns, Elg'Nizgrul, the ruined Drow city that now lays in ruins. Abandoned after an event that is vague, the location has been alternately inahbited by spiders, devils, driders, mindflayer.

It is unique in the fact it appears that some party is attempting to rebuild the ruin, including a trade market, ships, and working port. Also of note is that the ruin contains a gate to the planes of Baator, and a ritual circle used during the stabilization of said portal. This can be cross referenced with the historical information on the appropriate shelf.

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

6. Illithid Specific Research (Part 1)

This section of the library is mainly gathered by Sofawiel, from Month 1, Year 79 to Month 8, Year 80. It doesn?t contain much new, compared to other known Illithid Studies. But the documents are interesting in the sense that they reflect positions or theories at a given time, and thus also what formed the Underdark in those years.

Parts of the documents describe Illithids: Capable of speaking without sound, within one's mind. Mind wards. Sharp claws, difficult to hurt, impossible to sneak by. Thralls serve the mindflayers like usual slaves, some have been twisted so far from their original forms that they do not feel pain of fear any longer. They really have no will of their own left, and are merely strong pawns to the mindflayers.

Types: The Cessirid is a form of illithidae (product of implanting a mind flayer larva in some other creature). Resembles an albino worg. IIt retains some psionic abilities, include the ability to resist magics and shrug off physical blows. The Illithid Darkeners often command a handful of thralls and summon pools of blackness from which they command they servants, and lash out with psionic attacks.

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

6. Illithid Specific Research (Part 2)

Another part of the documents mentions the numerous theories of the Illithid Threat: The Planar Rift/Binding Theory. The myriad of ritual circles in the region could be used to  expel the Illithid from their lair, or bind them within it. High Arcana is beyond my realm of expertise, so, again, someone else will need elaborate.

The Pocket Plane Theory. A derivitive of the Planar Binding theory. Sealing the Flayer Caverns in a pocket plane, and the sealing the pocket plane with a series of "keys". Not being a properly trained wizard, I'll leave this up to others to elaborate on. Concept initially discussed between myself and the originator of the theory: Na'diin Drakk'a

The Sentient Jelly Hypothesis. Proposed by Fraya Stensamler of Blingstonhold, this particular theory posits that the so called Sentient Jelly is in fact a young, or developing elder brain, as it continues to feed on other beings. Suggests that the thrall attacks on Udos Droxun are 'not from the cataclysm causing cell, but by the Jelly creating its own thralls.

The Chaos/Threat Theory its formed around two central premises. 1) The drow appear to be the primary target of the flayers still. 2) The drow are still the greatest secondary threat to everyone else. This theory is often touched upon by races who saw little direct impact from the cataclysm (Fraya of Blingstonhold, or, cross reference Syclya's report on Darthek the Kobold).

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

6. Illithid Specific Research (Part 3)

Some believe their races or tribal holds were left alone because they, as a race, do not have the same amount of mental "energy" drow and their constant schemes do, and are thusly less interesting, or? They believe the flayers simply target the drow so as to not let them regain their former strength.

The Mutual Reconstruction Theory. First explained to this author by Sszrinae Zar'rocc, and supposedly the overarching belief of Udos and the Sorcere during the last years of Xunmice Zar'roccs' supremacy as First Matron, the Mutual Reconstruction Theory posits that great care must be taken by the learned and powerful to assure any recovery from the cataclysm is...balanced.

At its simplest it is "Divide and Conquer" approach, yet reverse engineered. For example, if Udos were to try and utterly subvert the other settlements, the Flayer's would win, by having only one target to focus on. Or, if the other settlements faltered because Pit Town was overwhelmingly dominant, ...The illithid could focus their Overmind on destroying the very machine that keeps the Pit secure..

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

6. Illithid Specific Research (Part 4)

Once a slave race beholden to the Illithid rose up in revolt, lead by a female called Gith. After winning their freedom and destroying many of the Flayer cities (which subsequently resulted in many illithid outposts on the prime) the race faced a crossroads. Some wished to continue to follow Gith, and wage a perpetual war against the Illithid. Others wished to find a new purpose in life.

The former called themselves Githyanki, the latter the Githzerai. Some say Gith went to Baator to bargain for aid. Dispater offered her his armies, in return for the souls of all her people. As this was a too high price, Dispater offered her helping Gith broker a deal with the draconic god Tiamat. Gith herself would serve as payment. Maybe she serves Tiamat. Or locked away in Dispater's Iron fortress

Sources claim the trees near the "Machine" in Pit Town were moved from the Astral Plane to here as some sort of anchor, and, that this "anchor" was decaying. Given how swiftly this thread was given up by certain investigators perhaps it is false. However, I've not come across any detailed explanation of or hypothesis regarding 'how the Machine functions, and how long it can be maintained.

Vuzgloth was researching crafting a neurtoxin from certain mushrooms that he claimed absorbed large amounts of faezeress. He was working on this with some input from Master Hand. The goal was, to neutralize the flayer's psionic abilities, rather than kill them outright. This approach was taken due to the dangers posed by creating something lethal in large enough quantities.

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7. Historical Data (With References or Independant Verification)

This section of the Library is done by various. Krasza, Sofawiel and Damien. In that order. From Month 4, Year 79, to Month 4, Year 81. It contains scattered informations about the war on the Surface in Year 81. More reliable however are the studies of the history of Udos Dro?xun, (see the separate documents, 7a-7c).

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7a. Secret Library: History of Udos (Part 1)

The renegade house Claddath, having made pacts with the powers of Baator, stormed the ruins of Elg'Nizgrul and slew the sacred spiders living there. Within the ruins, a gate to Baator was opened and guarded by the most powerful of Baatezu. During this time, the year AR 34, emissaries of the Hells also approached a number of Udos' influential, trying to sway them to their will.

Original documents kept in the Sorcere, and signed by Ul'faeruk Bel'qualyn, speak of the search for a way to either close the gate, or stabilize it so the battle could be taken to Baator itself. I have spoken with both former First Matron Oblodra Drakk'a, and fromer First Matron and Archpriestess Nives Zar'rocc, briefly, about the use of "ritual circles" about the region to affect this stabilization.

17 Eleint of AR 79. After a surprising election result that saw Kize of House Al'truissa being the chosen representative of the First House, she, being Ust'Ilhareses Tam'ira's First Daughter, did move to claim her Mother's place and name herself First Matron. Often difficult to manage, when the mother is still breathing, the matter eventually came to combat

In a battle all witnesses described as lasting hours, with each being on what appeared to be teh brink of defeat many times, Kize remained the final one standing. Witness to the battle was Vathe'te of House Al'truissa, and Damien Tagnak'zur, Governor of Pit Town. With Fraya of Blingstonhold and this author arriving to see Tam'ira's fallen form.

Day 11, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7a. Secret Library: History of Udos (Part 2)

Late Elasias (8) of the 79th year of AR. An election was called by an unknown source. All three current matrons (1st) Tam'ira Al'truissa (2nd) Mydolith Fuma'vhid (3rd) Vay'olin Hlathrae stand for the calling. Kize Al'truissa of the first house stands as well, though not in direct opposition ot her mother.

The house seeks to expand its influence. A the Temple: After successful ascension by combat, Priestess Vastra rises to Ulath'Taller. This is a particularly important shift as previous Ulath'taller Sarinil'area Zar'rocc, and her disappeared predeccessor Aliize Xymox Zar'rocc were attempting to allow open worship of Kiriansalee, which caused debate in religious circles.

Late Elasias (8) of AR 79. In what this author presumes was a somewhat loosely orchestrated ploy, selections were called in Blingstonhold and Urblexis Grond at the same time as those in Udos. With support of the Orogs and Goblins, Horbag Kurvolter will likely become tyrant of Grond. Former Regent Fraya Stensmaler and "The Scholar" Xalanthia Zyghur'kura stand.

House Hlathrae in the Temple of the Spider Queen in Udos fell as First Matron of her House, replaced by Larasha. Council selection resulted in Matron Hlathrae, This Author, and the believed to be deceased Tam'ira holding council seats. Fuma'vhid began to re-emerge from its manor houses. Archpriestess Vastra was given final authority in Udos until such time as the Illithid threat was marginalized.

Day 11, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7a. Secret Library: History of Udos (Part 3)

Early in the 80th year of Arelith Reckoning. After some minor disputes and disruptions, Udos seemed settled under Archpriestess Vastra's guidance. Trials were held in the Melee Magthere to determine rank, and Damien's Hunters were prepared to return there to train and help train. However, what was on the surface did not last.

With the intention of giving Matron Larasha, of House Al'truissa, her proper rights with the registrar, Sofawiel resigned her council seat. New council: Tam'ira of Al'truissa, Larasha, of Al'truissa, and Vivia of Fumavhid. Vivia's candidacy was contested by some, as she had not yet become a mistress of life and death, as the old rules of Udos stated a priestess must be before entering House politics.

This new council promptly deposed Vastra as Archpriestess, without the traditional trials by combat. They then also removed teh citizenship and what properties they could from House Hlathrae. These actions, as of this writing, have prompted a declaration of war.

Age of 80th and 81th of Arelith Reckoning. The war is over! Udos after one year of war once again have peace, First Matron is again Tam ira Al Truissa and Hlathrae lost their war against here and second Noble House Fuma Vhid. Academies are operational, specially Melee one that count new fres recruits with each cycle under command of Commander Sephilia Darklight.

Day 11, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7a. Secret Library: History of Udos (Part 3)

Early in the 80th year of Arelith Reckoning. After some minor disputes and disruptions, Udos seemed settled under Archpriestess Vastra's guidance. Trials were held in the Melee Magthere to determine rank, and Damien's Hunters were prepared to return there to train and help train. However, what was on the surface did not last.

With the intention of giving Matron Larasha, of House Al'truissa, her proper rights with the registrar, Sofawiel resigned her council seat. New council: Tam'ira of Al'truissa, Larasha, of Al'truissa, and Vivia of Fumavhid. Vivia's candidacy was contested by some, as she had not yet become a mistress of life and death, as the old rules of Udos stated a priestess must be before entering House politics.

This new council promptly deposed Vastra as Archpriestess, without the traditional trials by combat. They then also removed teh citizenship and what properties they could from House Hlathrae. These actions, as of this writing, have prompted a declaration of war.

Age of 80th and 81th of Arelith Reckoning. The war is over! Udos after one year of war once again have peace, First Matron is again Tam ira Al Truissa and Hlathrae lost their war against here and second Noble House Fuma Vhid. Academies are operational, specially Melee one that count new fres recruits with each cycle under command of Commander Sephilia Darklight.

Day 11, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7a. Secret Library: History of Udos (Part 4)

There are also new rules near the Udos city gates, as well new Priestesses, in last four years Udos seems to be stable and prospers. Minor problems on relation of Vivia Fuma Vhid and First Matron as result is withdraw of Priestess Vivia from the Temple. As Udos is organised First Matron opens trade and diplomacy towards everyone in region, including surfacers from Abyss.

Althought she send her daugther to Grond, to meet with Goblins, Tyrant Skaro Sec refused any talks with drows what could result in was, or stop of long alliance between Goblins and Udos. Pit Town found its army lead by High General Kruusch, and General Turm of the Gnolls. But above else I am happy to say Library has returned from Dis, and once again open with new librerian, drow XorThalin.

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7b. The History of the Killian Yath (Part 1)

The Killian Yath was formed about a century ago. The details of the reasoning behind has been lost but some attest that the formation had to do with the Ulath Tallar's preparations of a complex ritual. As she withdrew to the inner sanctums, she needed a representative in the streets. Nath'aered, former Sut'rinos of house Elg'Carin, was chosen as he rivalled then Ul'saruk Kirraz in both prowess and

In the years of Nath'aered's leadership the Killian Yath were a strong force within Udos Dro'Xun, rivalling the Melee Magthere in political and military influence. Since then the blades of the temple have been disbanded and reformed numerous times. The organization has never been as powerful as it was in the first decades of its existance and its role is now a more subtle force.

The fighting style and purpose of the Killian Yath has changed over the years. They were born in part out of the rivalry between Nath'aered, leader of the Killian Yath, and Kirraz, Ul'saruk at the time of the Killian Yath's founding. Nath'aered was trained by Kirraz and used a fighting style similar to his former master: heavy armor, shield and blade. Nath'aered was a former instructor at the Melee Magthere hims

The order is a way for warriors of all kinds to get closer to the power of the temple. The similarities in tasks and position in Udos Dro'Xun has spurred many rivalries between warriors of the Melee Magthere and the Killian Yath over the years. Many scholars agree that it is foolish to have two military orders in the same city without clear distinctions as to each orders portfolio.

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

7c. Miscellaneous: Sofawiel?s Death. Goblin Poetry

Death of Librarian: Month 2 or 4, Year 81 Sofawiel left departed to Udos in help to start "NEW ERA" by supporting Archpriestess Vastra and House Hlathrae. These actions lead to her doom as war started after new elections for Udos council, where Halthrae and Vastra lost their position in The City.

She died from the hand of Larasha Al truissa. She revealed to Damien, she was broken teeth, arms, she hardly speak as well walk...her spirit for Udos died and althought everyone felt she counts last cycles her heart was still pumping against Ilithids and common goal. It is said she cut her veins in front of Minds Eye, drawing some ritual cricle with strange signs.

Goblin Poetry is the highest form of poetry, atleast to goblins. It very often tells about guaji root and is practically always composed during the effect of guaji root. Goblin poetry does not have stict structural rules, instead it is most often written by "Gut feeling" or "This makes me woooohh.." tactiques.

Few examples: "Gobbo, gobbo eats a guaji root. Beats a squig so cute. Guaji guaji makes gobbo dance and ends up in fart, applaud, scream, beat gobbo gobbo beaten by guaji root -Blurg Threefinger. Rirrur Snot Miner: Sstory says after falling into a vase of guaji juice: "Blob.. Blob blob blob. Blobbo blob blob blob. Blobloblobloblob! Blob. blob bloooooob bloob bllloolooloob blob, blob blob."

Day 12, Month 6 (Kythorn), 94 AR
Fraya Stensamler

The Underdark I.

The Underdark pervades almost all of Faerun, and Arelith is no exception. Most surface dwellers fear the dark depths to the point of panic, while many adventurers seek it out to find glory, riches and the unknown.

The Underdark in Arelith was first discovered accidentaly by a group of dwarven miners from the town of Brogendeinstein. Like so many times before the dwarves dug into the earth deeply following the guidaince of Dumathoin. Yet they opened a channel tot he surface world for the creations of the dark that in some cases cannot even be named.

The nature of the Underdark is such that it shifts and changes constantly. A collapse of rock may seal off one cavern, while opening up a different one altogether. It is an extremely difficult place to navigate because of this, unless one is well travelled in the caves constantly.

One such group is the Drow. They have lived in the city of Udos Dro'Xun perhaps even longer than the people of Cordor. The passage from the surface there changes constantly, affording the drow a decent level of protection.For the most part, the drow stay underground, feeling apathy for the surfacers, only occassionally raiding the upper lands for salves or building materials.

Day 1, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 89 AR
Bolius Yurrak Silvershield

The Underdark II. by Bolius Yurrak Silvershield

Among the other races that dwell deep below are the Svirfneblin, or Deep Gnomes. They are much like their surface kin, only with an exceptional fondness and affinity with stonework.

It is said that their city was carved straight from the rock, and in some cases is indistinguishable from a cavern wall. Litle is known about these reclusive people except that they care little for warfare, only mustering defenses to protect them from drow raiding parties. They are mostly concerned with digging the rock, forming it to their whims, and surviving when they need to.

Yet this is just the upper layer of what is known as the Underdark...

Day 1, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 89 AR

The Underdark III.

It is said that somewhere deep in the Underdark is a thing known only as "The Vault". It was actually constructed by the drow to protect them from the powerful illithids and beholders that dwell beneath.

Many years ago, the drow devised two separate chambers in which they'd keep keys to it, should they ever need to go down. The need was considered slim however, so they protected these keys with deadly guardians.

The guardians were two of Arelith's most powerful dragons, brought under control only by the combined efforts of entire Sorcere. these Wyrms were to be cursed into spending their eternities insides these prisons. Forever guarding the keys to the Vault.

Few adventurers have been to the lower levels of the Underdark, but they always bring back tales of humongous beholders, terrifying illithids, and monstrous umber hulks.Rare and unique treasures can be found there hwoever, so it is the author's humble opinion that there shall never be a shortage of expeditions there...

Day 1, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 89 AR
Bolius Yurrak Silvershield

Venoms/Poisons (Blade Applied) - Menu & Effects

As always, I am able to do other alchemy and herbalism works on order. But other than that...

BEBILITH - one/4k, five/16k, ten/30k, fift/40k, twenty/45k, twenty-five/50k

EYEBLAST - as above

MUSHROOM - one/3k, five/12k, ten/20k, fift/35k, twenty/40k, twenty-five/45k

ANTIWIZARD - one/2k, five/8k, ten/15k, fift/25k, twenty/30k, twenty-five/36k

And effects below...

BEBILITH - Decreased Heartbeat, Loss of Stamina, Fainting, Loss of Breath

EYEBLAST - Blindness, Loss of Vision, Light Sensitivity

MUSHROOM - Loss of Mental Functions, Stupidity, Confusion, Fear, Impulsiveness, Volatile

ANTIWIZARD - Extreme Loss of Memory, Inarticulacy and Illiteracy, Stupidity

Leave your name with a messenger and we'll meet somewhere nice.

Day 23, Month 7 (Flamerule (Summertide)), 156 AR
Yoaumir

Songs of those before

I have no lost my voice, I sing only the songs of those before, in service to their memory and to Milil. I can understand the Common tongue and Celestial obviously, but mostly communicate in Finger speak or writing.

The songs are collected either from hearing others tales, or while I wisp their final moments so they are immortalised in melody and memory. My duty is usually under the moonlight for this task.

Day 14, Month 11 (Uktar), 157 AR
Melodia Tsukiko

Herbs, Hexes, Hospitality and Horticulture

Narcotics
Stress / Anxiety Reliefs & Blessings
Mental Enchantments
Incence Burnings
Potions
Seeds
Pastes
Ointments
Poisons / Venoms
Draughts
Brews / Drinks & Catering
Deals
Pacts
Salves
Jobs?
Perfumes
Experimental / Unique Services
Flowers
Herbal Smokes
Lockpicks
Gonne Slugs / Gonnes
Choking Powder
Deadly Traps
Grenades
etc.

Share with rats.

Day 24, Month 10 (Marpenoth (Leafall)), 159 AR
Yoaumir