Author: Adelyn Belle'rose
Rozen Chalice Publishing, a division of East Arelith Trading
Original Publication: 167 AR "Fall of Wharftown"
Revised Edition: 176 AR "Arelith: A History of Wharftown"
"The Arelith Antiquarian Society is instituted to examine, preserve, and publish all antiquities as connected with the art, language, literature, and history of the Arelith Archipelago. Articles bearing this notation have been selected for conservation regardless of race, faith, alignment, or affiliation. While all efforts have been made to ensure the information within is accurate regarding the subject matter covered, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any other inconsistencies herein, whether such errors or omissions are the result of negligence, accident, or any other cause. If any such errors, inaccuracies, or omissions are discovered please contact the author who will address the issue."
Contents
I. FOUNDATION
Founded by Cordor's First Knight Lenore in 10 BR (Before Arelith Reckoning) for refugees, the village of Wharftown grew into a thriving fishing village. Later, in 10 AR (Arelith Reckoning), Aristotlus Bibliophilius the Fifth left Cordor to become Mayor of Wharftown. With aid from Rune Degrem, The Waymen of Wharftown were established as the settlement's premiere guard force during his term.
II. THAYAN INFLUENCE
In the year 40 AR the Thayan red wizard, Ayin Savvix-Urhun Zrask Mesmer, won Wharftown's election to become Mayor of the fishing village. Fearing the formation of a Thayan stronghold on Arelith Herial Ghalen, Magil Mahr, and Kathele Se'Lhane formed the 'Wharftown Liberation Movement' to counter the new Mayor's influence. This conflict reached a climax when a bloody purge was launched against Wharftown's red wizards in 41 AR. The red wizard Ayin Mesmer and almost every male defender were slain in what would later be known as the 'Massacre of Wharftown.' This butchery would mark the end of Thayan control over Wharftown and Jheramaine Naethandreil would be elected the village's new Mayor. After elections, the settlement's guard force would remain mostly female under the village's new Anti-Thayan leadership. Later in 42 AR a treaty of neutrality and mutual military aid would be signed between Wharftown's Mayor Jheramaine Naethandreil and the Temple of Bane's Dreadmaster Gorgath Deathcrush.
Over four decades later in 98 AR The Guldorand Mayor Gil'thilak, Wharftown Mayor Khayal Khamsin, and Bendir's Mayor Elanor formed a coalition known as 'The Dominion.' This partnership would last less than a year before dissolving.
III. WAR
While very few documents pertain to such interventions, various notations within other works lead one to conclude that from 35 AR to 115 AR Wharftown was involved in the multiple conflicts that occurred across Arelith. As such, those events of paramount importance have been detailed below.
-Urblexis Grond-Wharftown War: 35 AR-
Skeflock, The Tyrant of Urblexis Grond, sent an army to siege Wharftown. Bendir's Captain Biad Scheppen would launch a counterattack, forcing the svirneblin's army to retreat into the Underdark.
-Myon, Bendir, Brogendenstein, & Light Keep - Wharftown War: 57 AR-
As a result of Caster's mayorship, Myon, Bendir, Lightkeep, and Brogdestein declared war on Wharftown. Mayor Caster then stepped down as a Banite mayor was elected. A peace treaty is signed, leaving Wharftown as a vassal under Myon. Sometime later, the Church of Bane was able to break the vassalage.
-The Wharftown Clash: 69 AR-
During the mayorship of Valorie Slades Infernal followers, who at the time controlled the Arcane Tower, attempted to subjugate the fishing village with a massive assault. At the onset of battle, the Tower's tiefling Archmage Houndgot was captured by Sando Saikoro of the Sea Leopard. As the engagement continued, Abyssal reinforcements from the Black Citadel assailed the flanks of the sieging Infernal army and routed the enemy. This timely intervention saved Wharftown and caused many casualties among the Arcane Tower's forces.
-The First Banite War / The Second Mistican War: 71 AR-
A skirmish between Myon and Wharftown forces resulted in a full-scale war between Wharftown, which was under Banite control, and Cordor. While aiding the Forsworn, Ser Ubaldo Ferraz of The Knights of the Road was killed during an engagement near Guldorand by Dredoc Khraa.
-The Great War: 115 AR-
War was declared when a former Wharftown official, on the eve of being ousted in an election by challenger Roxite, was believed to have fled to Guldorand with the town's treasury. With the start of hostilities between the two settlements alliances were called upon and the Duchy of Sencliff responded by declaring war on Guldorand. With Wharftown's allies fielding fresh forces, Guldorand called upon the Cordorian Alliance of Myon, Cordor, and Brogendenstein for aid. In short order the land was engulfed in an island-wide conflict. Cordor demanded Wharftown's surrender, however the terms for capitulation were refused and the war would roll over the isle of Arelith for the next two years. 'The Great War' finally ended in 118 AR as the city-states involved met at the Myart Shrine to finalize a peace treaty.
IV. SECOND DOMINION
Elections in Wharftown were called after Mayor Roxite's departure in 117 AR. Sensing an opportunity Rosenkranz III of the House of Ezekiel, First Chaplain of the Reformed Church of Bane in Minmir, stepped in to fill the void by declaring himself the next Mayor. Winning the election through violence and intimidation, the new Lord-Mayor of Wharftown consolidated his power base and countered the Cordorian Alliance of city-states by declaring the formation of a confederation called 'The Second Dominion.' During his reign Rosenkranz would vassal the Duchy of Sencliff to Wharftown and dispatch an armed expedition to Andunor in 117 AR to assist allies against the Cult of Tiamat whose figurehead, Achuakiejir Stormwind, was Tyrant of the Sharps District. The conflict began when the blue wyrm Zeshyrr'kalik'straza, a dragon in human form and member of the cult, murdered a legionnaire of the Dominion. In response, Rosenkranz marched his military from the surface to Andunor, killing those encountered along the way until reaching the city's center. Within the Hub of Andunor, the High Priest Tyrael of the Cult of Tiamat was found and crucified. The nails were driven in by a young warrior who had recently arrived on the isle by the name of Sydney Harrow. The display was left as an example before the Dominion forces withdrew. Known for his gruesome displays, Rosenkranz would later have Sir Rannos hanged outside the settlement's walls before another election was called in Wharftown the following year. Winning this second election a final peace was signed in 118 AR, ending 'The Great War' which had been waged for the last three years.
In the period after the war, approximately 123 AR, Rosenkranz dissolved the Second Dominion and left the region with the Damkianna Azuilah Misotho of Sibayad. It is speculated that 'The Second Dominion' was a foundational interest, or testbed, for a larger project concerning the reclamation and restoration of the lands of northern Minmir, once held by the Lost Kingdom of Kohlingen. Ultimately Rosenkranz's efforts were unsuccessful. The former Sovereign and his followers elected to depart the island after their full momentum had fallen away rather than wait for another cycle of intrigue to re-found the Dominion.
V. DOWNFALL
The beginning of 129 AR saw Wharftown inaugurate one Armenius Caedare (b. 94 AR) as Mayor. He was described as a pale-skinned, black-haired human male known for his skill with a forge and faith in the God Tempus. He was known for his controversial election platform to convert Wharftown into a neutral refuge for all races. At his appointment, the Wharftown stockpiles were high in metals and low in cloth. The treasury was 1,201 million gold, with a tax rate of 4.90% and a population of 56 citizens. The town was independent and traded with both Cordor and Guldorand. The significant members of his regime were the Ashwood twins, Clive and Mira, who led the militia.
-Mutiny of Faeren Ashlight: Early 129 AR-
Dissatisfied with the neutrality policies of Mayor Caedare, notably his hiring of a Banite into the militia, Faeren Ashlight took up arms against her former town in mutiny. Whether she was killed or escaped after attempting to kill the town's Mayor by arrow remains unknown.
-Ashwoods Resign from Militia: Early 129 AR-
The Ashwood twins, closely involved with Mayor Caedare's regime at the time of his inauguration, quietly resigned from their posts as militia commanders due to concerns over the settlement's new policies. The Ashwoods were believed to have changed their allegiance to the Duchy of Sencliff, the Duchess Arianne de Fleur, who was notable for supporting their crusade against lycanthropes.
-Wharftown Sacked: Mid to Late 129 AR-
Wharftown was sacked numerous times by the Iron Order of Elven Death, House Xal'Rae, and affiliated mercenaries as a direct result of Mayor Caedare's controversial neutrality policies that allowed monster races within the town. Likely seeing such practices by a surface settlement to be perceived as weakness.
-Fleet of Three: Late 129 AR-
A pirate armada led by the black orc Urelesh, the Fleet of Three, was sighted off the eastern coast. The fleet docked in the harbor and struck a protection bargain with Wharftown's Mayor Caedare. An alliance that greatly concerned the other regional settlements of Arelith.
-Wharftown Declares War: Late 129 AR-
After a minor disagreement, Mayor Armenius Caedare struck down the Cordor General Jharock Never in Wharftown. High Chancellor Casmir de Lanze and his retinue visited after the news was received, hoping to avoid a more significant conflict. As the leaders of both settlements spoke, a member of the Cordorian party fired upon the Wharftown forces. A skirmish ensued, driving the High Chancellor from the village proper. Mayor Caedare summarily marched to Cordor's gates with the Wharftown Militia and declared war before besieging the city. Though countless lives were lost, the settlement held until the King's elite guard could be mobilized. By the time they joined the battle, Wharftown forces had already disengaged and retreated from the field.
VI. THE FINAL YEAR
The start of 130 AR saw the Mayor of Wharftown escalate the war by establishing several Underdark alliances and promoting "Death to Cordor" as a way of life. When an attempt toward peace was made, the Wharftown Mayor responded by delivering a large vase filled with the cremated ashes of Cordor's fallen warriors to the city's gate. Forced into a desperate situation, King Edward I reached out to Amn through Ambassador Aldo for assistance. The council of six responded by dispatching an Expeditionary Fleet under the command of Admiral Hernan aboard the flagship "Grand Ballena" to support Cordor in finding a permanent solution to the crisis.
While the Amnian fleet eventually arrived, their journey was delayed by the intervention of the Sahuagin, a type of fish people, who blocked its passage. Fortunately for Cordor, these same Sahuagin had also kidnapped the princess of a local Sea Elf clan which struck a pact with the city's adventures. If the princess were safely returned, the Sea Elves would see that the Amn fleet arrived safely. General Dan'ethe, Vice-Chancellor Thorn, Ara of Myon, Green Hawk Faeren, and Captain Kareshk of Arelith successfully rescued the princess, and the Cordor fleet was freed to continue its journey.
With the reinforcements now anchored in Cordor harbor, King Edward I made the following decree:
[The Wharftown Proclamation]
"It is with a heavy heart that I today sign the necessary documents to order the razing of the fishing settlement of Wharftown on the Bitter Coast."
"At the end of the next month the army and navy of Cordor, together with the Amnian expeditionary force to begin the bombardment."
"This has not been an easy decision, but it comes after years of intermittent conflict, and we can no longer permit such a threat to exist so close to our own borders. We ask our friends sever any remaining diplomatic ties to Wharftown."
"I urge all citizens who have not yet done so to leave the town at the earliest opportunity. If, before that date, the conflict is ended and the leader of Wharftown in custody this order may still be rescinded."
<>This letter is signed by the hand of King Edwards Cordor and bears the seal of the city<>
The middle months of 130 AR saw Wharftown citizens fleeing en masse, at the threat of bombardment and at the Mayor's refusal to surrender and vassal to Cordor. In short order, the town was entirely evacuated. The bank closed, homes were abandoned, and looters ransacked now empty shops. Mayor Caedare made a last attempt to bar his citizens from leaving, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Many of his former subjects turned against him, speaking out about his mounting paranoia and erratic behavior. Several settlements of Arelith soon ended trade with the village of Wharftown and stood with Cordor by founding Refugee camps for those displaced by the conflict. Both sides martialed military surplus while stockpiling resources.
[Letter to King Edwards I from Amnian Admiral Hernan]
"To King Edward,"
"And so Armenius Caedare's monstrous dream is a harsher reality then any of us could have envisioned; Necromancers practicing their rotten art amongst the backdrop of children and fair traders, beast crawling out from the depths to kill in the name of Wharftown with chants of "Death to Cordor," deals struck with local bandits to harass anyone with intent to live a peaceful life, and most horrific of all a vase sent to your own government containing the ashes of your own people."
"Do you not understand that there is no course open to us but to fight it out with the aggressors once and for all? Will you risk having the island spiraling out of control if the example is set that a Fishing Town run by kobolds can bloody the nose of a Titan? Will you risk emboldening Guldorand, or Brogendenstein, or Myon to be the next to try their hands at pot-shotting Cordor and continuing this cruel strife?"
"I am Admiral, not a King as you are, but you must now see that firming your grasp on the reigns of Cordor's destiny and bringing Wharftown to kneel is now more than ever nothing but the process of peace, for all Arelith. The Grand Ballena is at your side whatever your decision, but if the only conflict my fleet experiences in this chapter is the knowledge that we are mere spectators in Wharftown's War we shall all be greatly disappointed."
<>Signed, Admiral Hernan<>
VII. THE END IS NIGH
By late 130 AR, King Edwards I gave a final speech to the people of Cordor before dispatching the local fleet under the flagship 'Avora' along with Admiral Hernan's expeditionary force to anchor in Wharftown harbor.
[King Edwards Speech before the assault on Wharftown 130 AR]
"My fellow Cordorians, members of the Military, and esteemed guests in this city. We stand at a most difficult time in history of this island, and of this city. There are, no doubt, many who feel as I do that the coming action is necessary by the events that now unfold before us."
"Cordor has never sought to be a conqueror, never sought to build an empire. We have led not through force, but through example. Ours has been a benevolent state and the freedom enjoyed throughout the northern territories has been testament to that fact. But at what price? How many or our fellows have died in these interminable wars? How many innocents must die to satisfy the pride of these toy-box tyrants?"
"I come to you now, with an answer to that question. No One More! The great irony of this, is that Wharftown itself was itself founded by refugees, and guided by paladins of light. Yet, over the last hundred years that light has died. It is a place now synonymous with evil, bloodshed, and cruelty. To petition for peace would bring what? A few weeks, perhaps months of stability before this cycle once again began? I know, that many of you have long since tired of that."
"We also know that the many of those there have pledged to continue their fight with or without the town, and likely they shall. But stripped of their legitimacy they will fight only as the common cutthroats and outcasts they have shown themselves to be. Proven, without a doubt, that they cared nothing for those they once pledged to protect."
"Fellow Cordorians, let us not take pride in our actions, for there is no glory to be had in what we set out to do. The pride is here, the honor is here. In the stones, in the streets, taverns, and houses of this fine city. In the peace we live by, and the tolerance we preach. Long Live Cordor!"
With weapons trained upon the settlement, the final demand for Mayor Armenius Ceadare to surrender himself and vassal the fishing village to Cordor was made.
He refused.
High Chancellor Valentina Ortega effectuated the order to attack.
An army of the unified settlements assaulted the town's palisade as the combined fleet unleashed a bombardment upon Wharftown's coastal fortifications. The engagement that followed was brutal, and while not lacking in determination, Wharftown did ultimately lack a superior naval force. Within a short period, the small village's coastal fort was overwhelmed by the concentrated bombardment and the village proper was laid to ruin. Those that survived the slaughter either surrendered or fled into hiding.
Cordor stood victorious and declared that Wharftown was to remain as it was, a ruin, never to be rebuilt. A testament to the cost paid for the foolish pride of a toy-box tyrant.
VIII. SHADOW WHARFTOWN: THIRD ITERATION
As with all things, Shadowfell reflects the material world with its own twisted representations. This effect is multiplied for locations where significant events or tragedies have occurred. Thus, the tragic past of Wharftown would instigate an event that altered the very fabric of the Shadow Plane. It would later be referred to as 'The Third Iteration.'
-First Investigation: 168 AR-
Adelyn Belle'rose, Adept of the Andunor's Erudite Arcanum, conducted an evaluation of Shadow Wharftown on Month 1, Day 19 after hearing reports of strange happenings within the echo of the fishing village. She would discover a newly constructed stone keep in the middle of the village, garrisoned by the shades of Amnish Soldiers. Anchored in the shadow harbor was a nearly formed fleet of Shadow Amnian vessels, while the above void was filled with swirling magical energies and lightning. Lady Belle'rose would encounter the Amnian Naval Captain, Elisabetta Izaro Selemchant, who misidentified the historian as a subordinate officer of a commander's rank. Adelyn would learn the shades were echoes from the first attack on Wharftown in 130 AR, doomed to repeat the conflict as per their original orders. The recent changes to the shadow village, which was a near-perfect copy of the original Wharftown, resulted from this echoing of events which was now on its third iteration. The Captain would refer to a recent attack by the "Fish People" taking place in the town the prior tenday, and "Commander" Adelyn was instructed to complete a patrol for any lingering threats. It was later noted that no such event took place in the original history of Wharftown and the Amnian shades, at least those in leadership positions, mainly appeared aware of themselves and the passing of time, which set them apart from the typical shadowfell aberrations. The Captain gave the current year's date, which confirmed the theory when asked. A cross-comparison of the material plane's Wharftown, accessed via a shadow door on the keeps far side, found translucent structures from the original Wharftown atop the ruins in a ghostly parody of life.
-Second Investigation: 168 AR-
A second examination on Month 1, Day 21 by Lady Belle'rose encountered a large group of Underdarkers, Banites, and Void Cultists gathered in front of the Amnian Keep. They were in a passionate quarrel over who had access to the village for writs. It should be recorded that the Sharran Void Cultists had been patrolling the town for some time and claiming it as the domain of their Goddess. Also, during this period, the Writ Master was located not within the Shadovar Trade Post as it is now, but within Shadow Wharftown. This led to many complications and travelers being required to pay a 10,000 gold coin fee to the Sharrans for a safe passage 'Travel Permit.' During this squabble, Naval Captain Elisabetta Izaro Selemchant spotted "Commander" Adelyn from the keep's walls and ordered her to bring the 'rabble's leader' inside to converse. A Drow named Ryalla Z'ress stepped forward to claim the leader's position, and they entered the keep. Here Ryalla Z'ress attempted to persuade the Amnian Naval Captain into enforcing the neutrality of Shadow Wharftown. The Captain stated her forces would not police the village, nor did she have any regard for local politics. Her only concern was accomplishing the orders of King Edward I, the destruction of Wharftown, and nothing more. "Commander" Belle'rose was then instructed to escort the Drow out of the keep. Afterward the gathering continued their discussion on who had the right to control the town, clearly oblivious to the threat posed by the Captain's words. It was noted that even while staring directly at Ryalla Z'ress, the Amnian Captain failed to realize she was speaking to a Drow. This, along with the shade's view of Lady Belle'rose as an Amnian officer, led many to believe the shades still viewed the world as it had been and not as it is currently was. Lady Belle'rose tested this theory by using her 'rank' on an ordinary Amnian shadow soldier in the town. The attempt resulted in a string of wordless sounds followed by salutes, confirming that only shades of rank held any rational thought.
-Third Investigation: Month 3, Day 25 168 AR-
Tasked by the Erudite Arcanum to form an expedition and examine the happenings of Shadow Wharftown in-depth, Lady Belle'rose gathered a research party on Month 3, Day 25 and traveled to speak with the shade Captain Elisabetta Izaro Selemchant using the false identity established prior. The expedition's cover was that of a recently arrived company of reinforcements from Amn. However, during the discussion, Captain Izaro stopped one of the group who was, and to this day none know why, carrying a fish for a weapon. Attempts were made to explain this man away as a fishmonger of the village; however, the Captain viewed the fish as a symbol of the local rebellion. Ordered arrested, the man was escorted to the side of the Amnian keep. When taken to the location, a large field of bodies lay on the ground in a scene of mass execution. Being ordered to kill the 'rebel,' the group instead resisted. The Captain and her escort shades faded into mist upon the battle's end. An examination of the field revealed the bodies to be made of the shadow plane and not real people. All the remains bore signs of arms and armor which spoke of the mass killing only including rebel combatants and not civilians.
Shortly after the engagement, Captain Elisabetta's shadow reformed with no knowledge of prior events, including her death. She then ordered eight of the gathering into the keep to make a report. Once a group was selected, they entered the keep's interior to find a fortress in a constant state of flux. Large chunks of the wall and floor-breaking away to dissolve into nothingness, the void left behind replaced in an endless cycle of destruction and repair. A condition the Captain failed to notice or acknowledge. A chance to examine the Captain's war table revealed maps and battle plans, but every single one was different. Sometimes Wharftown was in the right location or the wrong location. Sometimes it was even landlocked. There were plans for occupations, pure bombardments, and overland assaults, though all the projects appeared to conflict. Speaking with the Captain, the party learned this iteration was an occupation by the Amnian shade forces, which had devolved into a gorilla war with local Recidivists in exile. When asked what orders the Captain had, she tasked the group with locating the nuns in the Forest of Weir. The Captain did not know what these nuns were planning, only that their mere presence was an issue. She stressed that the situation should be handled with 'delicate' care, suggesting that their deaths were not the goal, only their removal. If the Nuns were returned to the Captain, she would be forced to execute them, a fact the Amnian officer seemed hesitant to do.
After a broad search of the Forest of Weir, a nun was located within Castle Gloom standing watch over a secured steel door. She was a living person of the material plane stationed to protect the castle's shadowfell entrance. After much hesitation and persuasion, she spoke of the events taking place in Wharftown.
"... There is suffering here, yes. The suffering, loss, and grief of so many who were harmed and made less than whole in the razing of Wharftown, is finally coming 'around,' here."
"We are aware more will suffer. Both those minds and souls who are real upon the Prime, and the minds conjured out of the shadows, which exist only to suffer, to re-live every variation of their sufferings."
"... this Wave is coming, through It shall swell, and rise, and it must ultimately crash. If we cannot ease the suffering in the Waves re-living, then we can only pray it should be steered to fall quietly and painlessly as it can."
Upon conference with those gathered, Lady Belle'rose's proposal to study the effects of the mentioned 'Wave' by increasing the suffering in Wharftown was accepted. To this end, the nun was taken after some struggle and returned to the Captain in Wharftown. Surprised by the nun's presence, Captain Elisabetta ordered the humans' fate sealed and dismissed the investigation team.
-The Wave: 170 AR-
The 'Wave' finally arrived in 170 AR to crash into Shadow Wharftown with such violence and destruction as to tear a gaping chasm in the very center of the village. This maw would swallow the entirety of the Merchants building and leave the community in disorder. The once-proud lighthouse and bastion of the Void Cultists was ruined and laid bare. No part of the town escaped untouched. Even the village's Writ Master relocated to the Shadovar Trade Post, abandoning the town. Further investigation would confirm Shadow Wharftown's Third Iteration had ended with the Waves passing.
[Excerpts from Adelyn Belle'rose Research Notes]
". . . The overall investigation exposed the event in Shadow Wharftown to be the direct result of the initial attack by Amn forces upon the fishing village in 130 AR. The physic echo of passionate emotions and violent deaths from that day gathered within the plane of shadow until of such strength as to manifest in a 'Wave' of Negative Energies to reiterate past events to a similar conclusion. As they are happening, various material plane events appear to shape how these memories reenact their final orders. While each iteration is different in detail, the outcome remains the same. As shown, the 'Wave' can be increased in potency or decreased in power by the actions of those from the Prime Material."
". . . While the Amn Fleet and Keep remains at the time of this writing, no reports of their forces have been made since the event's conclusion and attempts to contact Captain Elisabetta Izaro Selemchant have met no success. I will admit this fact dispirits me as much as anything can. I grew rather fond of the Captain and her dedication to duty, even if she was but an echo of a person now long gone. At least some solace can be taken by those who fear mortality that even after death, much like the charming Captain, our actions in life might still echo in eternity."
". . . I can then only deduce that with so much energy expended, the shadow forces of Amn have faded into the Void, again to swelter in the negative emotions left by the past until the time arrives for a Fourth iteration to occur."
AFTERWORD
To this day, Wharftown remains a grim example of the cost paid for ambition, pride, and one man's refusal to compromise. However, unlike Benwick and Kohlingen, Wharftown remains lost only so long as King Edwards I decree remains. Perhaps in time, with effort and forgiveness, the King might rescind his proclamation and allow the site to be reclaimed once more.
FIN
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- Book(s):
[1] Erasmus Bishopthence, "Wharftown Political & Regional History: AR 129-130"
[2] Unknown, "Wharftown: Collected Texts Before the Fall"
[3] Admiral Hernan, "Amnian Correspondence with Edward Cordor, 129-130"
[4] Unknown, "History of Cordor, Vol. 1"
[5] Erasmus Bishopthence, "Cordor: Political & Regional History, AR 126-130"
[6] Unknown, "Ayin Savvix-Urhun Zrask Mesmer"
[7] Unknown, "The Sack of Wharftown"
[8] Ser Nelehein of Impiltur, "The Second Mistican War"
[9] Adelyn Belle'rose, "Arelith: The Second Dominion"
[10] Adelyn Belle'rose, "Arelith: A History of the Underdark"
[11] Unknown, "Everything Bendir, Vol III"
[12] Unknown, "Aristotlus Bibliophilius the Fifth"
- Written Documents:
[1] Jheramaine Arcastus, "Colav's Retirement"
[2] Various Authors, "Letters From the Thayan Liberation/Massacre"
[3] Adelyn Belle'rose, "Research Notes"
[4] Hadriel, "Beloved Wharftown"
[5] Ayin Mesmer, "Exile Order: Kathele Se'Lhane"
[6] Unknown, "The Liberation or Massacre of Wharftown"
[7] Unknown, "The Wharftown Clash"
[8] Sigurd Moonspell, "Treaty of Wharftown and Temple of Bane"
[9] Marya Althschuler, "Wharftown's Supplication"
[10] Airk Dar'Danowin, "Vela'Shil Report 14 Nightal 38"
[11] Shaalira the Younger, "Capture of Villains"
- On Sight Investigations:
[1] Erudite Arcanum
- Dedication:
"This book is dedicated to Ilith Ilyana, my deadly elven golem, a loyal servant and calculating protector."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
[The modest portrait of a young vermilion-haired lady with pallid flesh is positioned next to the paragraph below. Her emerald gaze looks intently at the reader, betraying the aspect's alluring facade with callous indifference. The suggestion of a predatory smile appears hidden within the corners of full upturned lips.]
"The Vampire Adelyn Belle'rose has been charming readers with her historical works upon the island of Arelith for years. As the former curator of the Cordor's Museum, she helped bring the past to life through exhibits and displays. Later, as a member of Andunor's Erudite Arcanum, she would lead the research team to investigate Shadow Wharftown's Third Iteration. Through the founding of the Arelith Antiquarian Society and the East Arelith Trading Company, she continues to advocate for the preservation of knowledge across the archipelago."