The CityI am Vaandermel, and I am to be your instructor in geography. It is most important in the city to always know where one is, especially for you children. We have managed to settle about a twentieth of the city, and that is only if you count ground area only. Even in the towers we've cleaned out, empty space towers stories above us, and the underside of the city? No one but sneakthieving Skaven and insane Asura venture there.
We are surrounded by danger at every turn. Some, mostly Granok, have left the city, staying close, but living free on the land. But that land brings its own dangers. The creatures that live outside the city - from where they sprung, I do not know - are wily and intelligent.
Magic too, behaves oddly. In some areas, certain types of magic is stronger than at other times. We're not sure if that is something the city is causing, or if it is an effect of the Cleansing. Since all of you children have the ability to use magic, you must also learn where these areas are. But we'll get back to that later.
What you must absolutely know are the boundaries to the established safe zones. Most of the population lives in a straight line along two main streets that connect the harbor to the centre of the city. Stay in this area if you want to be safe. Under no circumstances venture outside of it with an adult.
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The WorldIn ages past, it is said that the World had many names, Aerth, Tyr, Azher, Nox. But, as the ages wore on, and races passed away, the names lost their meanings. And now, it seems, the world is made anew, but at such a cost. But I digress. My name is Halthor, and I am a Shade. I am of the race that used to be Men, not that you'd recognise us to look at us now. We were, or perhaps still are, the latest race to pass off the scene. We had our age, and now, we simply wait to see what will become of us.
Where was I? I suppose you'll want to know about the religions of the world. Most young ones do. It must seem like such an odd thing to you, but we were never in any doubt as to who the gods were. Each race had their favourite, but we knew who they were. We knew, you see, because they were close to us. When our priests prayed to the All-Father, he answered. When the Shamans danced for Ouroboros, he woke. Our histories were kept safe by the First Tree. When we rode into battle, we did so knowing our cause was right, because Freya directed us. Our dead we gave to Akyishigal for safe-keeping.
All that changed at the Cleansing. Now though, you see the priests studying the heavens, or the bones, or the spirits of our ancestors. At the Cleansing, every god fell silent. Every link was severed. The dead walk among us. We know not if the gods are alive or dead, or if they have left us behind, but we believe that they are there. Hopefully, that belief does not die with you young ones.
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ResponsibilityAs you graduate today, look for the recruiters at the rear of the building. You're all, of course, familiar with your responsibilities by now. Every citizen - and that is what you are now - must serve the community first. You all will soon be able to go and make your own way in this world, but your first responsibility will be to the city.
Some of you may choose one of the various military groups that serve on the wall. This is a great honour, but also an important duty. You will keep the rest of us safe from the demons outside. Those of you who would rather eschew military service may take up the mantle of explorer. This is also a dangerous duty, but one more fit for a mix of bravery and intelligence. Finally there will be those of you who want to stay close to your families. For you, The Works Service is there. You'll be expected to help maintain the services - water, plumbing, farming - on which all of us depend.
No matter your choice, do not underestimate your value. None of these jobs will be easy, but when they are done, you will be free to do as you like, without hinderance. As long as what you do is legal, of course.
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Setting Rules
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Note: This applies only to spells received by selecting your faction. It does not apply to spells received as part of your class. |