Atlas Research

[Izuyanai]

40th of Winter, 515AV Having roamed between several sections of the library such as geography and culture, Izuyanai had an armful of diverse documents. Some were neat scrolls or books while others were no more than a few leaflets bound together. Leaning down she slid her collection onto the polished surface of a large table, set in an clearing among the many towering bookshelves. Arranging the material so that there was plenty of space in the centre of the table, she proceeded to unfurl the scrolls. The cylinders rolled out smoothly while producing the slightest rustling sound. Utilising the weights provided, she pinned down the ends and dragged over a more comfortable looking chair in order to peruse them. They were region maps. Nudging them this way and that eventually ended in the estimate formation of the western half of the continent. This arrangement on the table allowed her to examine a vast area of the world. The fact that each of the maps differed in their detail and accuracy was slightly troublesome, but she recognised the characteristic landform of Wind Reach and lightly tapped it with her finger. Indeed, a label in spidery writing confirmed her map reading. The land jutted out toward Storm Bay and the peaks of Mt. Skyinarta was sketched. From there, Lhavit was easy enough to find. Right along the west coast and a straight flight from Wind Reach. The raven remembered how the flying traders from Wind Reach had travelled from the mountains with the view of the sea constantly on the right. This map of Kalea appeared to be a copy of a trading map. The creator must have dealt mainly with the west of the region as the detail was highly condensed on that side while large blanks were left toward the northeast. Thin wavering lines indicated relatively safe land routes that spun across the mountain ranges. Straight and bold lines indicated the flight path of the Endal. Dread Kalinor seemed to have most of the lines averting it, though some passed through to test their courage for trade. Unsurprisingly, not a few lines condensed toward the whimsical trading city of Alvadas at the very eastern edge of Kalea. Pulling a traveller’s journal toward her, Izuyanai flipped to the pages documenting their trip to this city. This was one of the more substantial volumes though it seemed worn and weathered. The bindings of the book remained firm while the pages were softer and fit more comfortably in the hand. Unidentifiable smudges marred the otherwise only slightly yellowing paper. The writer’s trip started in Wind Reach much like her and from what the descriptions of their travels were, they might have been an Endal or just someone flying on an Wind Eagle. I’ve arrived in the trading city, Alvadas. Home to Illusion and Trickery. Linking Kalea to the Suvan Sea, traders gather to this city and to The Bizarre (funny name that) to exchange a wide variety of goods. As the journal went on, the writer seemed less enthusiastic and professional, cursing what he described as infernal ever-changing streets. Skimming through the contents of the entire book, Izuyanai noted that this section seemed to be the shortest of them all. There were endless notes on their trip to Lhavit, at least. It was as if the poor author had run screaming from all the insanity he described during his stay. Smiling a little pitying behind her hand, the raven snapped the book shut and returned to the map layout. Alvadas jutted out toward the Suvan Sea and across from it lay Cyphrus, as was indicated in the curly handwriting of the next map. Unfortunately, this map was not nearly as meticulous as the other and only revealed the three major cities and the basic landscape around them. No labels as to natural formations or helpful trade routes. At least, she could make out Riverfall, the city she had come to research.

[Izuyanai]

Located along the lengthy channel that split the continent, Izuyanai predicted that most of its trade was by sea. Not unlike what the city name suggested. Pulling toward another proper tome, the raven proceeded to read a general record of city history and the surrounding area. Thankfully, it provided a little more information than the map could. From its rise after the Valterrian like most other cities, to how it was structured along the cliffs and the Bluevein River. The name Bluevein was something she recalled. Something she’d learned as she served in the Demise. A very coveted series of wines grown in Riverfall, apparently. Flipping a slapped-together bunch of documents balanced on her lap, she examined the data from trade in and out of Riverfall. The pages were in bad shape. The edges seemed to be fraying away not to mention the sorry thread binding them together. It was a rather strange piece of knowledge to be stored in the Bharani. Far from complete, the couple sheets of paper seemed to be a few pieces from a larger record. It was impressive what the Seekers managed to unearth in their quest for knowledge. The data revealed that one of the key trading components were indeed wine. A few were labeled, in fact. Next to a series of numbers the names Bluevein Prime, Bluevein Sapphire, and Bluevein Steele were listed. Dragging the weights off of the scrolls with small chiming clinks, Izuyanai returned them to the far end of the table and rerolled the scrolls. Carefully stacking them in a rough pyramid, she let the journal and scraps rest in front of them so as to block them from rolling away. This time the Kelvic lifted a thin, black leather bound journal and let it fall open to the first page. The impressive handwriting and quality of the material led her to believe that this was an original and not a copy by one of the many scribes in the city. If she was any good at profiling, this must be a high ranking official or noble. Which led to the question of how the Seekers got hold of it. Perhaps they bought the records from a visitor or tradesman. Though she couldn’t picture such a high ranking figure parting easily with their private records. The writing described something of social etiquette and cultural traditions in Riverfall. Bluevein Amethyst and Floral for sweet dessert wines. Bluevein Ruby of Blood for a wide selection of social gatherings. Bluevein Pride for more formal ceremonies. Though the author went on specifically about vintages, the first few pages only seemed to lead up to what they really wanted to discuss. After various advise as to which bottle was suited for which occasion or ceremony, the writer finally disclosed his great prize. Bluevein Godspirit. The rest of the journal contained boasts as to how they had procured this sensational wine and how they had shared it among influential friends. Apparently it had been obtained as a celebration to the sealing of a large contract with the winery. The taste described within was somewhat longwinded and poetic, leading her to believe that a shorter verse of praise would have done better to intrigue her. Briefly, she wonderedBriefly she entertained the thought that it wasn't actually the writer's lack of talent but her annoyance at how he threw around too many large words. Nevertheless, this seemed to be a legendary vintage. Rare even among the wealthiest citizens of Riverfall. Most difficult to procure.

[Izuyanai]

Leaning back, Izuyanai absentmindedly gazed around the library, lost in her thoughts. She drummed the tips of her fingers on the hard surface while listening to the far off echoes of other visitors. The writer of this journal had gotten something right. Imagine the political and or social sway one would have with such an item. Just having it in one's possession would be an attest to their power and wealth. It could be presented as a humble gift to those with more status. A polite and subtle implication of the desire of favours and opportunity. While it would prove to be a powerful bargaining item toward those of equal standing. While the raven was only slightly intrigued in tasting the spirit, this job was proving to be a very useful occupation. A sort of quiet respite in which she could recover and continue to learn. Observation of the human nature, or at least the behaviour of sentient beings would be vital to her goal. The Demise provided an excellent stage for such a pursuit. A constant stream of people. Some recurring and others in passing. Some sober and others completely wasted (though Aleah tried to prevent such overly enthusiastic customers). Complete with a barrage of information and conversation to pick and choose from. She never would have heard of the rumor that sent her in the right direction if she hadn't been in the right place at the right time. Even so she wondered if she would ever come in contact with a Bluevein Godspirit. Chances of finding it outside Riverfall were next to nonexistent, though it would be an interesting tool to have. Already, countless scenarios and ways to exploit it were running, half formed in her mind. Perhaps she should travel to Riverfall to obtain it. She was already planning to visit eventually in order to see the temple of the goddess Akajia, so who was to say she wouldn’t be able to procure the beverage then. There was the matter of the price. Money would be of little consequence in the face of such fun, but would they be willing to sell it to such a no-name outsider? What would the Lhavitian reaction be to the Bluevein series of wines? She hadn’t seen them sold in the market yet, but that could be due to the lack of trade during winter. She’d like to examine all the types of wines if such a thing was possible in Lhavit. If trade wasn’t as popular as it could be, an introduction would be in order. Lhavitians loved to party didn’t they? What a perfect fit. Geographically, it was unfortunate that Riverfall was so distant. Would trade by Endal or ship be more efficient? If she ever chose to stay in Riverfall, the cliffside would be a nice place to live. Similar to the dense forest and mountains of Kalea, she could picture herself building a nest along the crags. Or simply living alongside it in the city as she did now. To get the maximum effect out of her scheming, however, Izuyanai would have to know how to expertly interact with living beings. Her original goal had been the understanding of humans, but why not broaden her horizons a little. There were so many races and beings of different cultural background in just Lhavit. She could only imagine what it was like outside. In order to gain the trust and approval of her customers in the Demise she would have to be relatable and knowledgable. Their approval meant good business and good business could only mean better things for her.

[Izuyanai]

She figured she’d start with subjects close to home. So she had taken it literally and grabbed a wide selection from Lhavitian history and culture. Unsurprisingly, the Bharani had an impressive collection on its own city. Many were personal accounts by people of many different walks of life while some were mere facts and broad historical information. While she was at it, she might as well find out more on the Ethaefal. Perhaps it would provide her with an advantage in interacting with Aleah and Roric. Lhavit, “The Star of Kalea”, home to alvina Zintila and the heavenly Ethaefal. Most of that she knew. She’d met her Ethaefal proprietors and had only been a little shocked to find out that they changed form. Perhaps it was the fact that shifting forms was such a familiar aspect that it didn’t bother her much to begin with. If she could shift from human to raven, how strange was it that they could shift from ethaefal to a more earthly form. It did continue to intrigue her how alien they appeared. One silvery and ethereal like the moon while the other reflected the brilliant radiance of the sun. It was as if they didn’t truly belong in this place. Not unlike the alvina herself. Even before she came to Lhavit, rumours and stories of the celestial lady flitted about in the market at times. More than a few poems and renditioned versions of history were found in the library. Praising and lamenting her fall and sacrifice. She’d read them and wondered if any of them knew what Zintila had truly felt. Not that she could say any better. She daren’t write such stories for lack of the appropriate words and expression. Though, the same problem surfaced in all other texts about gods and goddesses. What did mortals know of these things? Would even the legendary Godspirit be a mere shadow to these beings? Or was good food and drink always appreciated? She happened to think so. An idea to present the gift to the alvina crossed her mind. However, a frown tugged at Izuyanai's mouth the more she thought about it. If there was no interesting reaction it would be terribly boring and her actions would fade into the mundane. Whats more it could be taken as a poor attempt at garnering favor. Though that wasn't her mindset, it would be troublesome if the alvina herself wasn't amused by the present. She'd have to think it through well for it to be a successful attempt at the very least. Whatever similar sadness the ethaefal fought against, they had been open enough to accept her assistance in the Demise. Aleah had been patient and had even shared her thoughts on why she had decided to take up the business. While everyone had their various problems, very few people came to conclusions or solutions. Izuyanai was quietly impressed. She could only hope that opportunities drifted before her in a similar fashion, someday.

[Izuyanai]

Pushing back her chair, the raven made to stand up and her ears were assaulted by the rough scraping of the chair legs against the floor. Reloading her arms with the gathered reading material, she proceeded to neatly stack them back onto the appropriate shelves. Weaving between the aisles she located labels on the shelves and continued setting the texts down gently. Her joints cricked uncomfortably as she stretched up to place a scroll back on a particularly high shelf. Wincing at the sharp discomfort, she got back down from the tips of her toes and looked out of one of the generous windows of the architecture. It must have been a bad idea to move so suddenly. The skyglass gleamed in the light from the pale sky above. Even though the inside of the building was relaxingly warm, just one look at the winter outside was enough to remind her of the cold she would have to fight through in getting home. It was a pity she couldn’t go flying to stretch her wings. Well, she could fly low and in between the buildings but that could hardly be called flying. It was much too dangerous to brave the icy gusts of wind howling around the peaks. If only spring would bring fairer weather.

[Aladari Coolwater]

Grades Ahoy!

Name:Izuyanai

XP Award:

• Cartography +2
• Organization +1

Lore:

• Riverfall: Trade Routes (Basic)
• Wind Reach: Trade Routes (Basic)
• Alvadas: Home to Illusion and Trickery
• Trade Routes: Avoid Kalinor
• Riverfall: Involved in Wine Trading
• Bluevein: Wine for Every Occasion
• Bluevein, Godspirit
• Lhavit: Home of Zintila
• Lhavit: Home of Ethaefal
• Religion: Offering of Wine

Comments :

Because there wasn't a lot of skill to be found in this thread, I tried to give you as many lores as I could. Hopefully you can put them to use at sone point.

If you feel I missed anything, or have any questions, feel free to PM me. And please don't forget to edit your request to reflect your thread's graded status. Thanks!