| Selected Texts
The following section features a list of a
few common books. The title is followed by the date it is
believed to have been written, and the author's name. If no date
or author is included, then they are not known by scholars. Also,
if it is a religious book, it will have the name of the
respective deity after the author.
Religious
Texts
The
Book Of Dolcrian (c. 3100AL),
unknown author, Cattar.
This immensely celebrated work has been used by the clerics of
various Good faiths for centuries. Considered fundamental for
it's guidance, it is best known as being Cattar Methage Nyle's
personal prayer book before his ascendance.
This passage from the second chapter of
this short, six chapter handbook, describes the relationship
between man and the Essence, creator of all that is.
"...But it is not our mission to seek
out the reasons for all that is. We cannot spend our short time
on this land delving on this omnipotence, for our own journeys
are the greatest of all. If we can understand our purpose, our
potential, and discover our own path, then we will have become
one with the Essence, no more and no less than that great force
ever will be."
Excerpt from the Book of Dolcrian, translated from ancient
Parthaegian.
The Caethis (c. 1400AL to 500AL), various authors, Cattar.
The most important collection of holy books within the Cattarrian
Orders is the Caethis. Written by the greatest messengers of
ancient times, with sections supposedly written by Cattar
himself, the Caethis represents the cornerstone of the entire
Cattarrian faith.
A total of twenty books exist in the
collection, and other than Cattar, authors range from Simiah to
Crat Darha, Torla and Brother Merriten. The following excerpt is
said to have been written by Crat Darha.
"Good is not a tool for gaining access
to that which we should not gain access to. It is not a device
with which to gain immunity from a punishment that we may
deserve. It will never be a brand of righteousness, giving the
privileges of rulership and authority.
But aid those in need, respect all that is living, pursue the
path of peace, and yours will be the way of Cattar. The way of
Cattar opens all doors, protects all of it's followers, and
bestows to them the influence needed to reach their goals."
Excerpt from the ninth Caethis (931AL), by Crat Darha, translated
from ancient Parthaegian.
The Cattarrian
Chronicle (500AL to present),
various authors, Cattar.
For centuries, the leaders of the Cattarrian orders have recorded
their thoughts in the Cattarrian Chronicle, an ever-growing
collection of holy books. Copies of the Chronicle are available
at all of Cattar's major temples.
The Temple
Collection (60AL to present),
various authors, Cattar.
Studies of older religious texts, opinions and views of
Patriarchs, and criticism of the orders' policies.
The
Philosophicals (400PO to present),
various authors.
All texts written by clerics of Cattar which are not grouped in
the other four classifications are called Philosophicals. Over a
three hundred of these books exist.
Writings of
Torla (c. 1100AL), unknown author,
Torla.
This is Torla's main holy book, and many believe it was written
by Torla herself.
Principles of
Life (c. 800AL), "Father
Brythus", Torla.
The Principles are the texts that all clerics of Torla consider
essential guidance in understanding the basic rights entitled to
living beings.
The Book of
Justice (c. 500AL), unknown author,
Rorren.
Used as a handbook by magistrates throughout the continent, the
Book of Justice is considered the foundation of law everywhere.
It is not considered, however, to be an official guide to law in
most nations, but as a set of guidelines.
The Arthiss (c. 1100AL), various authors, Simiah.
The Arthiss is an important work of holy philosophy, and is
popular not only within the orders of Simiah, but with those of
Parda and Torla as well.
The Sarqul , unknown author, Gondor.
The Sarqul is a mysterious tome, and it's importance within the
orders of Gondor is so great that it is seldom carried by
clerics, and kept at safe locations. It's date of creation is
unknown, and those who do know certainly are not telling anyone.
Still, some knowledge of this books contents are known to
scholars.
A section of the Sarqul dedicated to the
prophecies of the end of mortal existence is said to provide a
detailed description of the arrival of the representatives of the
Gods, and the destruction they will bring to the nations of men
and Felines. In any event, it is widely believed that the Sarqul
has a powerful, supernatural effect on it's reader.
Book of Theryth
(c. 1000AL), unknown author,
Theryth.
The infamous Book of Theryth is dedicated
to teaching the practice Evil ritual, methods of murder, and Evil
Philosophy.
Guide to Truth (c.1800 - 1050), unknown author, Lagvile.
This book is a powerfully deceptive work, leading the reader on a
path of false morals, trickery, and fundamentally Evil
principles.
Shadow of
Gerrisath (c. 600AL), unknown
author, Sathross.
This is the main holy tome of Sathross, and not only features the
complete teachings of this deity, but includes a remarkably
complete description of his own visits to the plane of mortals.
Tales
Beyond
Serotta (390PO), Derkei Vervich.
Vervich's Beyond Serotta is one of the all-time classic romances,
telling the story of the young diplomat Drimeyan, who, while
traveling through the Snar Mountains, becomes involved in aiding
in the reconstruction of a small port village called Serotta.
The Legend of
Ryan (787AL), unknown author.
A favorite with bards, the Legend of Ryan tells the story of a
Feline forest guide who is called on by the image of Crat Darha
to save the world. His epic travels and sometimes comical
episodes bring him face-to-face with Gondor himself, and with a
remarkable plot twist, incredible luck and unprecedented
cleverness, Ryan succeeds in saving everything that is.
The Tale of
Lord Ranthax (120AL), Sir Ethart
Blayke.
This popular tale tells of the adventures of Lord Kershmede, both
before and after being summoned to take his place as Knight of
the Empire and Lord High Commander of the Imperial Militia. Sir
Blayke seems to have keen insight on the events that occurred
during the life of this legend, and tells of his exploits up
until his death during the Second Barbarian War.
Age of Sadness (520PO), Nerwin Agletheet.
Agletheet was the master of fireside prose, and successfully
captured his ability in his well known work, Age of Sadness.
Here, he tells many short stories of the adventurers who lived
before the Oblivion, and of their great deeds and losses.
Lord Frescher
and his Three Spotted Dogs (548PO),
Seisha Feres.
Lord Frescher is one of Seisha Feres' most popular works, telling
of a count in the northern reaches of the Barony of Fenning. The
character has exemplary morals, and on various occasions through
the book, aids the Empire in apprehending criminals, solving
mysteries, and solving disputes. His love for the Empire is only
matched by his love for his three hunting dogs, Curn, Galn, and
Felophethiser.
Arcane
Theory
Arcane
Studies and the Flow (300AL), Gray
Wizards.
Arcane Studies is the fundamental Gray Wizard book, and is
mandatory reading for all students attending classes with their
mountain. It is a complex analysis of the Flow, and contains
equations most experienced wizards cannot grasp.
The Flow (930AL), Hederesod Nex.
The famous Master of the Gray Wizards, Hederesod Nex, explains
the true nature of the Flow's origins, and the secrets to it's
continued control and study.
Tapping Into
Natural Energy (200PO), Anitia
Sonner.
Anitia Sonner, the famous wizard from Lione, explains his
theories about Elemental Energy, and it's relation to the Flow.
Many of her theories are strongly contested by other researchers,
who believe that, for the most part, these natural forces are
essentially the same thing.
The Catalania
Collection (570-594PO), Milar of
Catalania.
This 7 volume collection of theoretical and practical views of
magical energy and it's use is fast becoming the most popular
current magical study. Milar, councilor to the Emperor of
Catalania, is quite famous for his dedication to the arcane.
Arcane
Magic
The
Tortoise (584AL), Talbash.
The spells contained in the Tortoise are coveted by wizards
throughout the continent . The most famous of these, Hourglass of
the North, capable of sending subjects back in time. The Tortoise
is currently rumored to be in the possession of the Master of
Time's Flow.
It should be noted that there is also a
book called "The Tortoise", written by Talbash, but
that is only a study of magical theory.
Lellnite Speaks
Lellnite Speaks contains powerful magic from ages past. It's
origins are unknown, as is the date it was written. The spell,
"Lellnite Speaks", contained in the book , is said to
be a "powerful command of attention and truth".
Spells of Conth
(c. 400PO), Ulerin Monstol.
Spells of Conth is perhaps the most well known of the rarer spell
books. Currently, the original copy of this work is in Felineo,
at the Temple of Cor.
Book of Powers
Said to have been written in Cathian and the Underworld, the Book
of Powers contains magic intended for use by immortal messengers
of the Gods. It is said to be in the Private Library of the Gray
Wizards, constantly guarded. As per the agreement between the
Gray Wizards and the faiths, access to the book has been given to
all High Messengers. Among the spells contained in the book is
the Wave of Death, and the Light of Cathian.
Glestmial's
Spells (c.200AL), Glestmial.
Glestmial was preoccupied in solving the problems most wizards
were faced with on a daily basis. His spells reflect his studies,
and primarily address healing and instinctive spell casting.
Healing
Herbalists
Compendium (437PO), Brother Aglerre
Surtois.
This encyclopedia of plants contains over three hundred of those
most useful in herbalism. Accompanying each entry is a brief
description of it's uses, and a drawing.
Plants that
Heal (569PO), Brother Latlir
Rashin.
Latlir Rashin, the respected High Priest of Cattar, exposes his
favorite plasters, poultices, salves, and tonics. He details
preparation and common uses.
Derothan's
Handbook (312PO), Weybrook
Derothan.
Derothan was one of the first true Physicians, and his last
written work, Derothan's handbook, became his most famous. It is
a complete text for learning the intricacies of herbalism, and
although it does not replace a teacher, it is a exceptional
reference and is sized for travel.
History of
Plague (514PO), Lady Teilin of
Ocelot.
Lady Teilin was much respected as a historian, and one of her
many popular books is the History of the Plague. The book
includes accounts from victims who survived the ordeal, clerics
who treated the sick, and excerpts from other related books.
The Physicians
Manual (570PO), Aedrus Feres.
This 8 volume collection covers Human and Feline anatomy, common
practices for healing, surgery, and much more. It is popular with
physicians throughout the continent.
Science
The
Modern Alchemist (13PO), Cerron
Kellson.
Kellson was the first Alchemist to make his trade popular, by
releasing a comprehensive guide to elements, their properties,
and procedures for causing their transition into other states. He
also describes the Ruby Elixir, the mythical potion that causes
aging to cease.
Advanced
Mathematical Theory (502PO), Pirrat
Urisov.
Urisov, the greatest known mathematician, wrote the most
comprehensive manual on advanced calculation ever. It is read by
scientists everywhere, and some of his discoveries are considered
revolutionary.
Military
Strategy and Accounts
The Field (470PO), Ritrajev Goryevsk.
This two-volume study of battlefield warfare has been employed by
great military commanders for over a century. Many generals in
the Militocracy have credited this work alone for their military
successes. Even in far away lands like Balton and Serval, it is
required reading for ambitious officers.
Militia Command
(549PO), Mertz Gurten.
This basic book of militia command is directed at young nobles
looking into careers as militia officers.
A Comprehensive
Guide to Battlefield Strategy (c.
928AL), Lord Ranthax Kershmede.
This guide to battlefield strategy and tactics is attributed to
Ranthax Kershmede, and is considered, by Imperial generals, the
most complete and highly evolved military manual of all time.
Kershmede describes many of the battles he took part in,
analyzing the outcome and theoretically applying some of his
methods.
Nation in Arms (915AL), Thocoly Lob.
This account of the tragedy and glory of war was written by
Thocoly Lob, the famed Emperor of Catalania. At the time this
book was written, he controlled the entire continent. He speaks
of the conflicts he was forced to deal with, and the great
battles he took part in at home and abroad.
Other
Books
Imperial
Handbook of Diplomatic Protocol (388PO),
various authors.
Carried by diplomats everywhere, this ancient guide is observed
by the courts of Kings and Counts alike, and contains many
practices that are considered mandatory for nobles.
The Blue Book (500PO), Lord Orzette.
Lord Orzette is credited with bringing together the most used
rules of etiquette into single pocket-sized guide.
The Heraldry
Collection of Pallassi (312AL -
Ongoing), Academy of Ancestry of Pallassi.
The Heraldry Collection of Pallassi is by far the most expansive
archive of heraldry on the continent. With over two hundred
books, updates occur every five years, when scholars are sent to
cities throughout the continent to collect more information
regarding family and government heraldry.
The Union Guide
, merchant tax laws (167PO -
ongoing), various authors.
This large collection of merchant law and port taxes is the work
of the government of the Union of Serval. Most merchant captains
carry this book when traveling to unknown or unfamiliar
destinations.
The Culinary
Art of the South (435PO), Cirrelle
Scione and Quierre Argimont.
Scione and Argimont are famous for having created some of the
most exquisite dishes of the south. Their study of the culinary
arts is popular with cooks throughout the south.
|