Shadowbane Lore Archives

Collection of Shadowbane Lore includes rare documents

Falastan the Wizard

Hail to thee, travelers! I have not seen many who would walk so far from civilization, through such wastes as these. The journey is well worth it: such wonders lie hidden within these brooding peaks of sandstone! Mark my words: these deserts were once the heartlands of the Lost Realm of Ardan, the birthplace of Humankind! I have managed to unravel many riddles and ancient hints to find this place, but now all my colleagues have been scattered by the horrors that linger here. If only the fiends could be driven out, we could reclaim the great Archive, and gain access to arcane secrets lost for more than four thousand years!

Who are you?

I am a Sage, a humble servant of the Knowledge, trained by the High Conclave of Wizardy in ancient languages, lore, and philosophy. I have spent my life poring over the ancient accounts of Ardan, and studying the few fragmentary relics of that wondrous kingdom that remain. When word reached the Conclave of this hidden desert vale and the great ruins within, I leaped at the chance to study them. Ardan fell millenia ago -- not even the wisest Magi dared dream that so many Ardani ruins would ever be discovered, and so perfectly intact! Weeks ago I came here with many colleagues, but I fear our expedition was attacked and decimated. I do not have the heart to return to my masters and report my failure, especially when the Archive was within my reach!

Tell me more of the Realm of Ardan.

Ardan was the name of the mightiest of the thirteen Titans, the first Humans wrought by the hands of the All-Father Himself. Ardan led his kin far away from the lands of Elves or Giants, and founded a kingdom that bore his name. From the Titans sprang all the races and civilizations of humanity, from the Invorri in the frozen north to the dusky Irydnu of the mysterious east. For countless centuries the Titans and their children dwelt in Ardan, and it is said the Gods walked among them, and taught them many things. They raised mighty cities, and bored temples and tombs into the faces of the mountains, using arts they learned from the Dwarves. Humans first learned the arcane arts in those forgotten days, and fought great wars against the Undead scourge and forgotten foes. Alas, the realm did not last.

The Deathless Empire of the Elves made war on the land of the Titans, and finally unleashed a mighty spell that cursed the Realm, laying waste to its lands and corrupting the blood of its people. Most of the folk of Ardan were driven mad, and Ardan himself died so that some of his children would survive. The few survivors were enslaved by the Elves, and forgot their illustrious origins. In time the slaves revolted and the Centaurs taught them much of their heritage, but all of the arcane secrets and glories of Ardan were lost. But not for long!

I have walked these dunes, and seen the towering facades, cut into the very cliffs! I have seen the shimmering ruins, half buried in the sands. The lost Archive of Ardan lies at the center of this vale, still filled with dusty scrolls! If we could but seize these lands, humanity could reclaim its lost birthright, and the magical arts would flourish as never before!

What is this Archive you speak of?

Fragmentary chronicles and ancient legends speak of a mighty library, designed by the Nameless One, the thirteenth Titan who was the first human wizard. This great archive was built by mighty elemental spirits called from beyond, and for centuries the accumulated knowledge and wisdom of the Realm of Ardan were collected there. The greatest Sages and Wizards of Aerynth had all dismissed the Archive as lost, and despaired of ever regaining the arcane lore of Ardan. But only weeks ago a half-mad explorer stumbled out of these sands, raving about a huge structure, flanked by great statues, wrought of sandstone and lapis lazuli. It must be the Archive! If only it could be taken from the hateful serpents, the Conclave would gain arcane secrets undreamed of!

What Horrors linger there?

The Conclave sent me to these god-forsaken lands to seek ancient secrets, but I have only found misery. The ancient Ardani ruins are haunted by hideous creatures: ophidian horrors that defy all knowledge. These walking serpents are potent wizards and deadly warriors, and fierce in the defense of the Ardani ruins. I am mystified to explain their presence here: are they some ancient evil imprisoned by the Titans long ago, some as-yet unseen variety of Beast-man that has emerged from the deserts subterranean depths, or are they some kind of invader from another world, like the Aracoix they so bitterly oppose? The answer is beyond my reckoning. If you would brave these dangerous sands, go forth and fight these serpents and perhaps you can help me discern their true nature. But before you go, I must give you warning: the serpents worship some foul terror, a dark thing from beneath the earth. They have drawn it to the surface -- do not seek it out. I beg you, for it is hideous to behold and its tentacles are deadly!

The serpents are not the only dangers that lurk here. Large numbers of Aracoix, more than have been seen since the War of Talons, have invaded the desert and seem to be slowly fighting their way toward the great Archive. I have tried several times to reason with them, but their arrogance and strange customs defy all reason. What use could the Birdmen possibly have for the ancient library of a race they dismiss as talking cattle? I fear we shall all learn the answer to our peril.

Done