The Cataclysm and Cadres – Solstice
One document talked of the nature of Erdreja after the Cataclysm, dependant on Cadre choices
Quote:
Notes found in the Mists 1106, pertaining to the Cataclysm apparently
All were found on separate pieces of paper, so there is no order.
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A land of famine is laced with many trade caravans that seek to take advantage of the wealth of some and the lack of others. During the harsh winters the trade is reduced and those in the city eat well and worship in majestic temples of the major ancestors. Smaller ancestors in local villages look on helpless as their followers go hungry and cannot stop the occasional predators that come.
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Four large figures sit under the stars building a boat from wicker and hide. They argue about the shape and as they squabble it becomes clear that each is made from thousands of smaller creatures of different types. The insects and rodents making up each are not sill but constantly flowing between each of the large figures causing them to expand or shrink. As the sun rises the figures settle on the design the largest favoured. However all of them work on it and elements from all of them are incorporated in accordance with their size.
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The ritualist enters the circle and raises the seal, they offer respect to all the elements but those of war are lingered upon and offered the most praise. Nervously the ritualist gestures to the item they have come together to enchant and starts the familiar words of the ritual. The item itself had been a chore to find as few have the patience to learn such skills and it is difficult to shape items to order. Swallowing their concern they continue on summoning the power knowing that death or glory await them. (appeared twice)
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The student sits and learns of the world of feast while studying her trade. She works hard and soon picks up the basic skills whilst knowing that it will take many years to master the secrets of her art. Between her and the local ritual team they are easily able to supply their town with items to make life easier and safer.
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The ritual team file into the circle and take up their appointed positions. Placed on the altar before them is the sword that the will enchant. Purchased from the guild several years ago, it is a fine piece of work although somewhat functional and lacking in any flair. The formula phrases are used but to the surprise of the onlookers the ritual quickly deviates into a new and unfamiliar script. The team are taking on unusual and somewhat dangerous tack of trying a new variation as was often the case before peace won out at the cataclysm. The crowd exchange opinions as to whether this will lead to success or misery.
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An old soldier sits sharpening his sword as he contemplates another day guarding the trade wagons. After a cataclysm shaped by feast, trade has become a much more short distance affair and little remains in the wild to challenge a veteran such as himself. The mild weather is gentle on his old wounds and he offers up a prayer to the ancestor that there might be some disaffected bandits nearby to exercise his word arm. Meanwhile the teamsters thank the ancestors for a regular wage and good weather.
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Four tall lords stand in front of a crowd and promise rewards for any that come to work in their lands. Some of the crowd are persuaded and follow the lords off to work in their fields and others refuse to listen, instead turning to their tents and wagons. Soon a council of landowners is called to decide the new laws that will govern the land. All that followed the lords are present and have a say, while those that stayed behind are excluded and will be forced to live under the laws decided by the others.
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The nomad tribes had grown in number ever since the cataclysm of war. Rent from their homes by freakish storms, wild creatures or strange bursts of magic, they congregate together. Fortunately food and trade materials can be found in many places although it is not easy to say where or what you will get. The cities still stand strong and the ancestors still stand with the people, although some are new or changed and some barely seem to be ancestors at all.
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The balance stands in favour of famine and you see an apprentice study under his master. He learns quickly while the masterless students struggle. Even so when he starts his masterwork, it takes time and he has to hunt far and wide for the resources to fashion the shield that he has been set. Eventually after much hard work and toil, it is finished, a shining item of power that although it will last but a short time, is proof against the mightiest of blows. A rare item indeed that will secure him a place with the lucky few that influence the others of his guild. On the same day it is finished and he becomes a master of his trade, he learns that his childhood friend has led a ritual that failed, a not uncommon occurrence, all involved were killed.