Table of Contents

• The Chronicle of Deeds
• Legacy of the Serpent Riders
• The Serpent Riders
• The Lands of Thyrion
• The Servants of Eidolon
• Artifacts and Armor
• The Crucader
• The Paladin
• The Assassin
• The Necromancer
• A Bitter Farewell...

The Chronicle of Deeds

It was precisely one year ago that Eidolon came to our world of Thyrion. On the evening before his arrival, a rain of fire streamed down from the sky, scorching citizens and buildings alike on the four continents of our fair planet. By dawn the populace was fearful and demoralized, and they fell quickly before the march of Eidolon’s vile Golems. The attack was bold and carefully executed. All four continents had fallen by midday: a sad tribute to the withered resistance of our four mighty nations. Even now I am shamed to think of it. Now, a full year after the conquest, Thyrion still huddles in a state of constant fear and dread. The conquest has ended, and many humans yet survive–but in these times of trouble, life itself is a meager blessing. Eidolon’s minions overrun the land and kill its populace for sport. The cleverest humans make themselves unobtrusive, avoiding Eidolon’s creatures and attempting little more than to survive. It is under these dreary conditions that I write the manuscript you now hold in your hands.

Legacy of the Serpent Riders

Several hundred years ago, in the time we now call the Age of Dreams, there were rumors of the Serpent Riders. The Serpent Riders were a trio of horrifying demons, wielding powerful magic and commanding vast, formidable armies. They possessed the power to travel from world to world–and everywhere they went, they spread chaos and despair. Their motives were unclear, but their goals were obvious: they wished to possess. That which they could not possess, they strove to destroy. No world was immune, not even our beloved Thyrion. So went the rumors, but few took heed. Some dismissed them as the ravings of a madman, or as fairy tales told to frighten children. Others disputed the very foundation of the stories, denying the existence of worlds beyond our own. And still others took comfort in obscurity: if other worlds did indeed exist, why should the Serpent Riders trouble themselves with Thyrion? How na∩ve, in retrospect, were our great civilizations. The portents were numerous and easily read, but none–not even I, Sage of Mur–gave them more than a cursory glance. And now we have paid for our ignorance, as all that was prophesied has come to pass. The four great continents of our world have been overrun by demonic hordes, their denizens crushed, scattered, and cruelly enslaved. Our world is, by any measure, utterly lost–and yet I cannot bring myself to believe it. Despite all that I have seen, I assure myself that salvation is yet possible. To this end I write the volume you now see before you. It is a history of the Serpent Riders’ assault on our world, and, hopefully, the counterattack that will free us of their dominion. At present time, the populace has little fuel for hope. None have risen to challenge the dark armies of Eidolon. Still, I continue to maintain my faith. In dreams and visions I have seen a band of unlikely saviors, a defiant flicker in the darkness that cloaks our world. Who these heroes are, I cannot say–but I shall present my visions in the pages of this chronicle. My visions, in fact, are our only reason for hope. They suggest an end to Eidolon’s reign, and the possibility of our world’s restoration. Instead of calling this history The Fall of Thyrion, therefore, I have named it The Chronicle of Deeds, after the deeds of unknown warriors that will hopefully save us all. These deeds may never be realized, but I steadfastly maintain that they must–for I shudder to think of the alternative. - Themedes, Sage of Mur

The Serpent Riders

In ages past, the steppe dwellers of Kazul-Mokh prophesied the coming of Eidolon and his brethren. But to understand their stories, one must first understand their view of the universe. In the steppe dwellers’ eyes, Thyrion is just one of many worlds. The other worlds of our universe appear as stars in the evening sky. By the steppe dwellers’ reckoning, there are precisely one thousand worlds besides our own, each appearing a single brilliant star. But this view of the universe posits many questions. What lies between the stars? What holds each world in place? According to the steppe dwellers, the universe is filled with a clear but viscous gas known as Aether. The Aether is to the universe what water is to the ocean; it holds the stars in place, and fills the void between them. A great crystal sphere encircles the Aether, preventing it from escaping. Beyond this celestial sphere lies darkness: the very darkness we see when the sun sinks below the horizon. This darkness is an uncharted land of powerful demons and evil spirits, each slavering to crush our petty worlds, but prevented by the great crystal barrier. The steppe dwellers tell of a brilliant magician who, seeking to travel to distant worlds, fashioned a ship of ironwood and silver to journey through the Aether. When the ship was complete he climbed aboard and sailed into the night, just as a mariner would take to the seas. The journey proceeded smoothly for countless days, but then disaster struck: the ship’s gossamer sails were torn in a great storm of Aether. Unable to steer or otherwise control his craft, the helpless magician watched his ship glide past the brilliant stars he had hoped to visit. Closer and closer loomed the celestial sphere, and the darkness beyond; the magician watched it approach with a mixture of dread and fascination. Finally, the magical ship collided with the barrier. The vessel’s silver prow punctured the crystal sphere and cracked it open, allowing a trio of demons from the darkness beyond to slip into our universe. Horrified at the tragedy he had caused, the magician worked a final, mighty spell to close the rift, exchanging his life for the power to seal the cosmic barrier. He died quietly in the darkness between worlds, wondering if our universe would survive the terror he had unleashed. He would never know the answer, and neither, yet, do we. So goes the story. Whether truth or fiction, it remains our best guess as to the origin of the Serpent Riders. Many have dismissed this tale as mere superstition, but I choose to believe it. Why? Just as the steppe dwellers foretold the arrival of the Serpent Riders, they also foretold the trio’s demise. For this reason alone, I fervently hope their prophecies are correct.

D’Sparil According to the texts of Yavenar the Astromancer, the Serpent Riders’ first attack occurred two thousand years ago, on a remote world whose name is forever lost. This world was a place of dense population and seven mighty nations. The Serpent Riders subjugated the world’s seven great leaders by trickery and guile, for they had not yet attained their full power in this universe, and could not crush the world through forthright aggression. One by one the nations fell, as if by clockwork; their corruption and decayed traditions had left them vulnerable to the Serpent Riders’ deception. When the seven great nations had been subverted, they were left to fight amongst themselves. D’Sparil, the youngest and weakest of the Serpent Riders, was left behind to act as puppeteer. He gleefully pulled the strings of each nation, pitting former allies against each other, and sending peaceful nations to battle. He planned to continue this cruel game until every nation had collapsed under the weight of war and famine. The two elders, meanwhile, departed. It was their intention to wreak havoc in new and unsuspecting worlds. Only the Sidhe, a race of heretical elves hiding in the secret places of the world, were left untouched by the Serpent Riders’ poison. Recognizing the threat to their world, the Sidhe elders contrived a mighty spell that crushed the greatest of the Serpent Riders’ armies, leaving behind only a fraction of the mighty horde. But D’Sparil, sensing the source of the magic, retaliated with a storm of pure energy that killed the elders to a man. In the wake of this great magical battle, with the world apparently withered beyond salvation, a single nameless Sidhe assaulted D’Sparil’s stronghold: The City of the Damned. Using the Sidhe elders’ Tomes of Power, mighty artifacts that enhanced the properties of his weapons, this lone elf scored an improbable victory against the forces of evil. D’Sparil was crushed and his minions killed or scattered. Though merely a shadow of its former self, the world was finally free of the Serpent Riders’ poisonous influence.

Korax The next target of the Serpent Riders’ wrath was Cronos, a populous human world. Cronos was a land of unification and oppression, where all of humanity bowed to the triumvirate of Legion, Arcanum, and Church. These three institutions controlled every aspect of Cronos, each exerting power over a meticulously defined sphere of influence. As such, Cronos was both disciplined and fragile: by subverting the leaders of these three institutions, the Serpent Riders instantly gained control of the entire world. Zedek, Marshal of the Legion, Traductus, Grand Patriarch of the Church, and Menelkir, Arch-Mage of the Arcanum succumbed quickly to the Serpent Riders’ promises of immortal life. As before, a single Serpent Rider was left behind once the world was largely enslaved. This time it was Korax, the second most powerful Serpent Rider. On Cronos there was no such thing as the Sidhe, no secret conclave to expunge Korax’s grand army. But there were three brave souls who fought against Korax’s might: Baratus of the Legion, Parius of the Church, and Daedolon of the Arcanum. Together, these three adventurers fought their way through the twisted realms of Cronos, ultimately defeating the chitinous horror that was Korax. Their victory marked a grand day for all of humanity, once again signaling the vulnerability of the dreaded Serpent Riders.

Eidolon
Eidolon’s power is immense, his grip on our world absolute. Some citizens believe his hellish reign must come to an end, and look to the improbable victories against D’Sparil and Korax for inspiration. But for most, the future is uncompromisingly bleak. Eidolon, the oldest and strongest of the Serpent Riders, is reputedly many times more powerful than his vile brethren. He is certainly aware of the weaknesses that led to the downfall of D’Sparil and Korax, and will do his best to guard himself against similar circumstances. Indeed, he has already taken such measures: in addition to his own troops, he has surrounded himself with the remnants of Korax’s and D’Sparil’s broken armies.

The task at hand is formidable. Whoever challenges Eidolon must destroy his minions on all four continents, then challenge Eidolon himself within his ebon stronghold. The dangers are great, from beginning to end. The dank jungles of Mazaera seethe with giant Scorpions and Spiders, while the pyramids of Thysis are replete with Mummies and dreaded Stone Golems. No less formidable are the horrors lurking in the ruined cities of Septimus, or behind the crenelated walls of Blackmarsh.

Despite all these travails, there is yet another peril: the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, who serve Eidolon as generals. Each governs one of the four great nations, and each must be defeated to end Eidolon’s infernal dominion. Can any hero, however powerful, face all these perils and emerge victorious? Only time will tell.

The Lands of Thyrion

What challenges and perils await those who would strive against Eidolon’s might? Aside from Eidolon’s ravening armies, the land itself presents formidable challenges. For those unfamiliar with Thyrion, I will now present a brief introduction.

Continents
Any hero wishing to clear the land of Eidolon’s minions must visit all four of Thyrion’s great continents: Blackmarsh, Mazaera, Thysis and Septimus. These lands all possess their own unique perils and challenges, many of which are unknown even to me.

Blackmarsh
A land of cold rain and dark, decaying castles, Blackmarsh appears harsh and uninviting to the casual visitor. It has become even less so since the coming of Eidolon: once-quaint villages and fortresses have now been overrun with Golems, Fallen Angels, and a host of other vile creatures.

Any hero wishing to rid Blackmarsh of evil would have to fight his or her way through several distinct locales: the Grand Cathedral, the Underhalls, the Mage’s Tower, and more. Eidolon’s minions have also infested the sewers beneath Blackmarsh’s greatest cities–and these, too, must be expunged of their evil denizens.

Eidolon’s inner sanctum is rumored to lie somewhere within the lands of Blackmarsh, though none can attest to this with any certainty.

Mazaera
Mazaera is a land of lush rain forests and nomadic tribesmen. A few scattered centers of civilization have been carved from the heart of Mazaera’s steamy jungles, but the remainder of the continent remains largely untouched by man.

Mazaera is filled with the ruins of ancient civilizations, many of which have now been claimed by Eidolon. The legendary Plaza of the Sun, Court of 1,000 Warriors, and Tomb of the High Priest are all famous sites long since overrun by vile beasts. Perhaps the most formidable of these creatures is the lithe and deadly Were Jaguar, which makes its home exclusively in Mazaera’s warm climate. Adventurers beware!

Thysis
Thysis is a continent dominated by desert: only the land adjoining the coast shows signs of abundant vegetation. Within this barren desert, several great empires have risen and crumbled–despite the apparent hardships of living in such a hostile climate.

The distinctive culture of Thysis has always seemed unusual to denizens of other continents, and is shrouded with even more mystery since the coming of Eidolon. The great pyramids of Thysis, both whole and ruined, have been conquered by hordes of Mummies and Golems. The fantastical Palace of Horus and the forbidding Temple of Set have likewise fallen to Eidolon’s inexorable onslaught. Only the mightiest of heroes will succeed in this strange, hostile land, where Scorpions run rampant, and sealed tombs conceal horrors beyond mortal imagination.

Septimus
The most heavily populated of Thyrion’s four continents, Septimus is a land of urban decadence. Its citizens are cosmopolitan, sampling the best that Thyrion has to offer from the comfort of their richly appointed palaces.

Unfortunately, the wealth and comfort of Septimus bred complacency and sloth. Aside from the ascetic devotees of Kravnos, Septimus’ citizens were ill prepared for the coming of Eidolon. Septimus’ grand structures fell within hours of Eidolon’s initial assault: the grand Forum, the multitudinous temples, the famous bath houses and hanging gardens. All these grand locales were conquered in record time, and Septimus’ citizens were forced to watch their carefully built cities reduced to ruins overnight.

Eidolon’s minions keep a particularly strong vigil over Septimus, due to its wealth and importance in the workings of Thyrion. Led by deadly Medusas, these armies will present a formidable challenge to even the mightiest champion.

Hazards and Peculiarities of Thyrion
As the reader may not be familiar with the lands of Thyrion, I shall endeavor to describe the perils and peculiarities that are found throughout our lands. Monsters are not the only challenge to face a would-be hero; the land itself is replete with untold dangers.

Precipices
Thyrion is a land of steep precipices and narrow gorges. In many cases Eidolon’s minions have used this feature to their advantage, occupying fortresses riddled with dangerous drops, and forcing would-be heroes to brave these perils before challenging the fortress’ occupants.

Rivers and Lakes
Rivers and lakes are scattered across the world of Thyrion. Just as Eidolon’s minions have chosen to take residence near dangerous heights, so too have they staked out lairs where water is close at hand. Thanks to the swarms of deadly Hydrae inhabiting Thyrion’s murky waters, the presence of lakes or pools is often of great defensive value to Eidolon.

Lava
Though uncommon, volcanic eruptions have been known to strike all across Thyrion. In certain cases, daring architects have sought to funnel molten lava through their palaces and tombs, either for decorative or defensive value.

Even the hardiest of adventurers cannot withstand the heat of this lava; falling into a pit of the stuff is almost certain death.

Traps
Eidolon’s creatures have devised any number of diabolical traps and snares to catch the unwary adventurer. Many of these traps involve falling sections of ceiling, magical fire that gouts from the walls, or floors that give way to sheer drops or superheated lava. These traps are so varied that I cannot list every sort: suffice it to say that a hero must be cautious when infiltrating Eidolon’s strongholds, for all manner of traps are likely to abound.

Teleporters
There is a final feature of Thyrion that bears mentioning. Unlike the others, it is not a hazard.

I refer, of course, to the network of teleporters erected by Thyrion’s mages many years ago. These teleporters connect important points on each of the four continents, and in some cases, connect the continents themselves. Using these teleporters is as simple as walking through a door.

Teleporters will be crucial to the fight against Eidolon, for they allow free movement among his most pivotal strongholds. Any adventurer seeking to destroy Eidolon would do well to locate nearby teleporters and use them to best effect.

The Servants of Eidolon

In the year since Eidolon’s first conquest, many strange and deadly creatures have stalked Thyrion’s shores. So that the reader might comprehend the might of Eidolon’s army, I shall spare a few brief pages documenting the nature of these creatures.

Scorpion Eidolon has bent a race of giant Scorpions to his will. These creatures are truly horrific: their deadly sting, combined with their variable size, force the citizens of Thyrion to continually watch their step. There are two known varieties of Scorpion: the pale Sand Scorpion, which fights viciously but lacks the strength of its darker cousin, and the glossy black Bog Scorpion, whose attacks are notoriously deadly. Both are best avoided.

Spider Just as Eidolon has turned Scorpions into his footsoldiers, his race of giant Spiders is a plague upon the land. Like Golems, they come in many different sizes. There are two distinct varieties of spider, each with its own color scheme. One sports a black and yellow coloration, while the other is a muddy brown or red. The black spider is reputed to be the deadlier of the two, but the red variety is still a dangerous foe.

Imp Among the weakest of Eidolon’s minions, Imps are nevertheless vicious adversaries. Imps have been sighted in both the coldest and hottest of Thyrion’s climes. There seem to be two distinct varieties, each best suited for a particular extreme of temperature: the Fire Imp and Ice Imp. They are quite similar in physiognomy, though the Ice Imps’ bodies are a frosty blue, and the Fire Imps exhibit a ruddy coloration. Imps fly upon leathery bat wings and attack their hapless victims with magical projectiles of ice or fire–or with vicious, swooping dives. They are fragile but extremely quick, and thus quite difficult to kill. All four continents of Thyrion are currently plagued with Imps.

Knight Archer Eidolon’s minions include a number of human and semi-human followers. In particular, Eidolon seems to favor the cadres of deadly archers who heed his beck and call. The continents of Thyrion veritably swarm with roving Knight Archers, each seeking to prove his worth by slaying a foe of Eidolon’s empire. Knight Archers occupy the middle range of Eidolon’s minions, both in terms of commonality and power. Their swift arrows can be deadly, while at close range these archers are forced to punch at their opponents. Knight Archers fire enchanted arrows of two varieties. The standard Archer arrow emits a greenish glow and deals considerable damage to its target. The alternate type of arrow glows luminous red, and knocks the archer’s foes backward with great force while causing an equal amount of damage as the green arrows. These red arrows are deadly tools, as they allow the Archer to buffet nearby foes back to long range–thus maintaining the optimum distance for successful archery. Occasionally the traveler may encounter commanders of Knight Archer regiments. These men, known as Archer Lords, are considerably more skilled (and therefore deadlier) than their common minions.

Hydra Even as the lands of Thyrion were being subverted by Eidolon’s minions, the waters were likewise undergoing a horrific change. Sinewy, tentacled Hydra now prowl the dank waters surrounding Eidolon’s strongholds, promising violent death for the unwary swimmer. Hydra can rip a victim to shreds with their wickedly barbed tentacles. When their prey is too far to grapple with, they spit a corrosive bile that sears the skin and even tarnishes metal. It’s a common misconception that Hydra can harm people on land. While all agree it is true that Hydra cannot leave the water, some claim they can rear above the water line and spit their bile at humans near the water’s edge. The truth of this frightening story remains to be seen.

Golem Golems were the mainstay of Eidolon’s first assault on Thyrion. These colossal automatons are both durable and formidable, winning many battles through sheer intimidation. The typical Golem stands twice the height of a man, and moves with measured, ponderous steps. Golems come in many sizes, however. There are reports of several distinct types of Golem. Though different varieties may appear on several continents, there are definite concentrations of particular types on each continent. The mid-sized Iron Golem, a ponderous creature of iron and lead, plagues the castles of Blackmarsh and jungles of Mazaera. Deadly and massive Bronze Golems tread the paved streets of Septimus, while the relatively diminutive Stone Golems prowl amongst the pyramids of Thysis. All Golems love hand-to-hand combat, where they can crush opponents under their massive, nerveless feet. Additionally, the larger Iron and Bronze Golems fire a deadly blast from magical gems set in their foreheads. The main challenge in fighting Golems is to deal enough damage to destroy them. There are tales of agile warriors who evaded Golems’ attacks with ease, but eventually grew tired of hacking at their durable opponents, and were forced to give up and run.

Skull Wizard No one knows the origin of the Skull Wizards. What is known, however, is that they posses immense magical power. Skull Wizards serve as generals and councilors to Eidolon, advising him in arcane matters and overseeing the gradual destruction of Thyrion. Skull Wizards are masters of summoning. Instead of directly attacking their foes, they like to summon lesser creatures to do battle in their stead. Spiders are reputedly their favorite subjects. When pressed, however, a Skull Wizard is not incapable of defending itself. It can summon a magical skull to fire at enemies, and it teleports short distances whenever it feels genuinely threatened. Even in death, the Skull Wizard is deadly. It is said that a dying Skull Wizard does not truly die, but instead is transmuted into a host of giant spiders. Finally, it is said that the Skull Wizard is merely a lesser form of an even mightier creature, the Shadow Wizard. None have seen a Shadow Wizard and lived to tell of it, but the rumors are so persistent that its existence seems likely.

Fallen Angel Fallen Angels haunt the decaying castles of Blackmarsh. Ghostly and ethereal, they possess a surreal, deceptive beauty. But beware! Fallen Angels rank among Eidolon’s most deadly minions, and harbor no love for humans despite their charming appearance. Fallen Angels use magic to harm their foes. Common attacks include magical bursts that seem to originate from the Angel’s translucent wingtips, and a crimson, spiraling bolt of magic that rends everything in its path. When attacked, the Fallen Angel is more than capable of protecting itself. Naturally hard to see due to their ghostlike transparency, Fallen Angels further confound their opponents by flying to and fro. When seriously threatened, the Angel can enfold itself in its own wings to ward off damage.

Medusa Medusa roam the great cities of Septimus, inspiring fear in all who tread those flagstoned streets. A startling combination of woman and snake, the Medusa is capable of turning her prey to stone with a mere glance. Her head is crested with snakes instead of hair, and these snakes spit venom that sears the unwary target. Little else is known of Medusa, for very few humans have seen one and lived to tell of it.

Mummy Travelers in the deserts of Thysis must constantly be wary of Mummies. These desiccated tomb dwellers are slow of foot but remarkably hardy. In the narrow confines of their decaying tombs, speed is less important than power. Wielding long scepters to good advantage, Mummies tend to have the upper hand when fighting in their natural environs. When their foes retreat to greater distances, however, the Mummy is by no means helpless. By stamping their scepters upon the ground, Mummies are capable of summoning flames from the earth itself, scorching hapless foes who try to run away. One cannot make the mistake of assuming that a Mummy is dead when its limbs have been severed. So powerful is its spirit that the Mummy will continue to attack after vital pieces of its body have been hacked off. Destroying a Mummy, therefore, is often a slow and painful process that requires the utmost diligence. Only when the Mummy has been thoroughly dismembered can an adventurer rest easy.

Were-Jaguar The steamy jungles of Mazaera are home to a particularly deadly foe: the Were Jaguar. Brandishing serrated swords, Were Jaguars look like a combination of great cat and conventional footsoldier, but they are considerably more deadly than either. Were Jaguars are extremely adept with both sword and shield, hacking and slashing at medium range, and bashing with their shields when an opponent draws too close. Were Jaguars are also incredibly fast and agile. They are known to leap and dive at their foes, and roll nimbly from side to side in order to dodge attacks. Occasionally they use their great shields to reflect incoming projectiles, sometimes even turning these projectiles back upon their originator. An even tougher race of Were Jaguar has recently been sighted in Mazaera. Dubbed the Were Panther, these beasts are supposedly even stronger and faster than their common Jaguar cousins.

Artifacts and Armor

The world of Thyrion has always been magical. Aside from the mundane trappings of everyday society, it is relatively common to encounter relics of great power. Here is a brief catalogue of such items, from the mundane (such as torches and armor) to the fantastical. Any hero who attempts to defeat Eidolon will be forced to make good use of these resources.

Armor
Several types of armor are widely available in Thyrion. Armor slowly wears away as it sustains blows, becoming less and less effective until disintegrating entirely.

Each piece of armor is designed for a particular body shape and style of fighting. Hence, some armor is of extra value to certain heroes.

Amulet Amulets are a magical sort of armor that greatly benefit spellcasters such as the Necromancer, but are of considerably less use to brawny warriors such as the Paladin.

Breastplate The Paladin prefers to wear sturdy breastplates, and gains great benefits when doing so. However, breastplates do not fit well upon the Necromancer’s slight frame, and confer fewer benefits upon him than any other hero.

Bracers Bracers fit over the forearm and are used to deflect enemy attacks. The deadly Assassin is highly trained in the use of bracers. Other heroes gain some benefit from bracers, though the Crusader, who knows little of their use, is least affected.

Helmet The Crusader is accustomed to wearing helmets, and therefore gains most value from their use. The Assassin rarely uses this armor type, though, and as such gains the least benefit from wearing a helmet.

Artifacts
A sharp-eyed adventurer is wont to aquire items that aid in the deliverance of our people. A quick wit and strong arm can only be aided by valuable found objects.

Torch The least of any adventurer’s supplies, torches are nonetheless valuable when exploring the shadowy places favored by Eidolon’s minions. They produce light for a brief span, then slowly fade. It is wise to save them for truly black areas, rather than expending them in locales where the gloom is merely a nuisance.

Healing Vial Healing Vials are used by Eidolon’s minions to repair minor wounds. The availability of these potions helps make up for the grievous lack of medics in Eidolon’s ragged armies. An adventurous hero could steal any number of these vials, and thereby keep himself in good health over the course of his travels. Unfortunately, however, these glass beakers are typically too fragile to carry: they must be quaffed on the spot.

Quartz Flask Quartz Flasks are a more substantial variety of Healing Vials. Unlike Vials, which are fragile and impossible to transport, Quartz Flasks are sturdy containers that can be ported from place to place. This portable quality, plus the fact that they’re substantially more potent than Vials, makes them a handy resource in battle.

Mystic Urn The Mystic Urn is a treasured but unfortunately rare artifact in Thyrion. Mystic Urns are portable, and are capable of restoring a grievously wounded hero to complete health or beyond. Their value, therefore, is self-evident.

Mana Crystals
Magic of all kinds is powered by an intangible essence called mana. Mana suffuses the earth and flows in the wind, but humans are incapable of tapping into this mana directly. To harness this mystical energy, magi capture it in specially designed crystals. Anyone who wishes to cast magical spells or utilize magical weapons must collect a number of these crystals. Mana crystals shatter as soon as they are touched, infusing the recipient with raw magical power.

As with Healing Vials, Mana Crystals are extremely fragile and cannot be transported, for they would shatter the instant an adventurer placed them in his pack.

Blue Mana There are two distinct varieties of mana in Thyrion: blue and green. Magi trap mana in different-shaped crystals, the better to easily distinguish what type of mana is stored therein. The blue mana crystal is a rare jewel indeed.

Green Mana Green mana crystals are no less rare than blue mana crystals. They are used to power any spells or weapons that the blue variety cannot affect.

Combined Mana On some occasions, mages capture mana of both sorts in a single crystal. These crystals are invariably red, and somewhat larger than the vessels containing blue or green mana individually.

Krater of Might The ultimate container of mana is called a Krater of Might. Unlike mana crystals, these vessels may be carried from place to place and used when necessary. They contain sufficient power to fully infuse a single human to maximum mana capacity.

Chaos Device Allegedly the fruit of a mad wizard’s experimentation, the Chaos Device teleports its user to another part of the world. This effect is not always predictable, but it’s useful when the user finds himself trapped in a room with deadly foes. Clever uses of the Chaos Device have been reported. For example, adventurers have been known to trigger these devices as they fell to certain death, or as they struggled for air underwater. The value of a Chaos Device, therefore, cannot be underestimated.

Boots of Speed Boots of Speed are created by secretive, unknown craftsmen. While their original purpose is not apparent to the average human, one thing is clear: by donning a pair of these boots, it is possible to attain speeds not otherwise possible. This extra speed is extremely handy in combat.

Disc of Repulsion The Disc of Repulsion is a defensive artifact. When used, it blasts aside projectiles aimed at its user, and hurls nearby opponents back to a manageable range. These discs are extremely valuable for deflecting damaging spell effects.

Icon of the Defender Perhaps the most potent artifact in all the land, the Icon of the Defender is a tremendous boon to its user. When activated, this artifact renders its bearer invulnerable for a short period of time. Legends abound of mighty heroes who used Icons of the Defender to slay their mightiest enemies, using the protection of the Icon to best effect by approaching their foes and attacking at close range. The Icon’s effects vary slightly when used by different individuals. The Paladin appears to turn to stone when he uses the Icon; the Necromancer is shrouded in darkness; the Assassin phases in and out of existence; and the Crusader glows with an unearthly light.

Tome of Power The Tome of Power is a staple of all warrior guilds. Tomes such as these bestow a supercharging effect upon both mundane and magical weapons, augmenting their natural strength, and in some cases producing new effects altogether. Tomes’ effects are extremely limited in duration, and are therefore best used when dealing with particularly deadly foes.

Seal of the Ovinomancer Perhaps the most dreaded artifact of all is the Seal of the Ovinomancer. This terrible creation transforms an ordinary human (or a lesser monster) into a brainless sheep! Mages’ guilds have long denied the existence of these artifacts, but all evidence points to the fact of their existence. Sadly, the Seal of the Ovinomancer is useless against the most potent of foes. Thus, a hero with this Seal could not merely approach Eidolon and transform him into a lowly sheep. Were this the case, our beloved planet would already be free of the Serpent Rider’s blighting presence.

Glyph of the Ancients The Glyph of the Ancients is a curious artifact that behaves differently in different heroes’ hands. When activated by the Crusader, the Glyph acts as a slow-moving mine that slides across the ground toward its target–and explodes. The Necromancer drops the Glyph in place and hurries away from the spot, as it detonates in just a few short moments. The Paladin throws the Glyph like a rock and watches as it explodes into a fireball. Finally, the Assassin drops the Glyph and watches as it sprouts a magical chain that attaches to a nearby wall. The Glyph automatically explodes when anyone touches the chain.

Force Cube The Force Cube, sometimes known as the Magical Square, is a small object that flies up to circle its owner’s head when activated. As it circles, it attacks its owner’s enemies with magical beams of light. The Force Cube lasts for only a short while, and is therefore best activated in difficult situations.

Stone of Summoning The Stone of Summoning allows its user to summon a giant Imp that smites his foes. This Imp cannot be directly commanded, and only remains for a short while. Therefore, as with the Force Cube, the Stone of Summoning is best used when fighting multitudes of foes.

Invisibility Sphere The Invisibility Sphere renders its user ghostly and ethereal for a short while, thus making him or her much harder to see and attack. This Sphere does not render its owner completely invisible, but is nevertheless an asset in many combat situations.

Rings
Rings are a special class of magic item unlike all others. Whereas some items (such as Healing Vials) cannot be carried to and fro, and other items can be carried and used at their owner’s leisure, rings fall somewhere in between. They can be taken from place to place, but the user cannot decide when or where to use them: their effects are triggered automatically, and last until the magical power supply has been exhausted.

Ring of Flight The Ring of Flight was originally commissioned by King Yasvim the Unruly as a "gift" for his bothersome son. When the ring was complete he presented it to his son, but neglected to mention that its effects were limited, thus endangering a user that flew too high for too long. Yasvim was notorious for his cruel pranks. Later the ring was copied by magicians throughout the land, and while not exactly common, the Ring of Flight can be found in many secret places throughout the lands of Thyrion. As the name suggests, the Ring of Flight bestows the power of flight upon its wearer. Flight begins as soon as the ring is picked up, and lasts for a limited time. The wearer cannot "turn on" or "turn off" this effect to conserve power, so effective use of the Ring is not always easy.

Ring of Water Breathing The Ring of Water Breathing allows its wearer to breathe freely underwater. The ring automatically comes into use when the wearer is underwater, and stops being used when the wearer surfaces. The ring’s magical energy is only drained while the ring is actually being utilized.

Ring of Regeneration The Ring of Regeneration slowly restores its wearer to full health whenever he or she is injured. The ring does nothing when the wearer is at full health; its magical energy is only drained while the ring is busy healing its owner.

Ring of Reflection The Ring of Reflection occasionally reflects projectiles that have been fired at its wearer. This effect is not guaranteed: sometimes the ring works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Magical energy is only drained from the ring when it successfully deflects a projectile.

The Crusader

In my visions, I have seen four mismatched heroes who seek to destroy Eidolon. The following pages chronicle my visions, imparting what I have seen of each. I know none of their names, but by observing them time and again in my dreams, I have come to know the heart of each. The first figure of my visions is a Crusader.

The Crusader is a holy man and a healer. Armed with both his faith and an array of mystical weapons, he is a staunch opponent of Eidolon. His superb defensive skills and mystical powers make him extremely hardy and resistant, and will serve him in good stead on his upcoming quest.

The Crusader’s Abilities
Though not the most formidable of adversaries, the Crusader has several abilities that greatly aid his chances of survival. Indeed, the Crusader is perhaps the hardiest of the four heroes, armed only with the favor of his god to protect him.

The Crusader has the power to periodically heal himself, though this power is not completely under his own control. As he fights the enemies of Thyrion, he is constantly learning and gaining insights. It is during his most intense combats, and hence his most intense periods of learning, that his body is apt to be completely restored. In this way, the Crusader’s god rewards action over sloth.

Occasionally, when the Crusader slays an enemy, a magical sphere appears over the corpse of his foe. This sphere represents the vitality and power of the enemy. By collecting this sphere the Crusader is able to partake of his opponent’s power and add it to his own. For a brief time his strength is superhuman, and he can perform feats of unlikely heroism. Eventually this power fades, however, and the Crusader returns to normal strength.

The Paladin

The Paladin, like the Crusader, is a holy man. But while the Crusader is principally a healer, and his skills emphasize defense, the Paladin is a true warrior. The favor of his warlike god protects him, but also gives him strength to smite his foes.

Few can match the Paladin in single combat. He lacks stealth and subtlety, instead relying on his mighty weapons and divine favor.

The Paladin’s Abilities
During endless hours of training, the Paladin has pushed his abilities to new levels. Invoking the power of his god, he has developed magical powers unknown to the common human.

Kravnos the war god has an affinity for water. As a minion of Kravnos, the Paladin is capable of moving underwater without the same restrictions as a normal human. While others are forced to laboriously swim, the Paladin traverses the depths as if they were air instead of water. When engaged in battle with a river or lake nearby, he prefers to carry the battle underwater, where he can use this ability to great advantage.

When brought to the brink of death by his enemies, the Paladin sometimes receives a great boon from Kravnos. As the lethal blow lands, the Paladin does not die. Rather, he enters a mystical state: he grows in strength and stature and becomes a holy scourge, seeking to avenge the evildoers who tried to lay him low. In this state the Paladin cannot be killed, and his powers grow to otherwise impossible heights.

The Assassin

The Assassin is a master of stealth, disguise, and trickery. Whereas the Paladin rushes into combat with a mighty roar, the Assassin sneaks up from behind. Many of the Assassin’s weapons and skills are geared toward trickery and concealment. From her devastating ability to backstab an opponent to the deadly Hand Crossbow, it is clear the Assassin is always ready for an unfair fight.

The Assassin’s Abilities
The Assassin is a master of stealth and deadly strikes. The first noteworthy ability the Assassin gains is that of stealth: she can render herself invisible when standing perfectly still in a shadowed area. It takes a few seconds for her to achieve this invisibility, but once attained, the illusion is perfect. It is rumored that Assassins can master this skill in broad daylight when their skills are all but perfected.

The Assassin makes very little sound when moving, and is often able to surprise her victims. Creeping up from behind, she strikes before her foes acknowledge her presence. When attacking in this fashion, she is capable of dealing much more damage than she otherwise would. This ability also comes into play when the Assassin strikes a foe who knows of her existence, but allows her to get behind him. This is a rare occurrence, but occasionally significant when she fights sluggish opponents such as Golems.

The Necromancer

The Necromancer is a self-styled lord of the dead. Though physically weak, his potent magic and dark talents make him a formidable combatant. He likes to fight from a distance, where his powerful ranged weapons can decimate even the most formidable of enemies.

The Necromancer’s Abilities
The Necromancer’s skills are truly unique, and most of them revolve around Soul Spheres. When the Necromancer slays an opponent, a Soul Sphere is left behind. This sphere is invisible to all but the Necromancer. It represents the life force and vitality of the recently-slain foe. The Necromancer may collect a Soul Sphere simply by touching it, thus collecting the energy in the form of mana or healing. As the Necromancer gains skill, his chances of benefiting from a Soul Sphere slowly increase.

Soul Spheres quickly lose their potency, so the Necromancer must be swift!

The Necromancer’s sickle is also a source of power. Whenever the Necromancer strikes a foe with this sickle, he has a chance to drain vitality from his opponent and add to his own health. This is not a common or predictable occurrence, but it is often helpful when the Necromancer enters precarious situations.

A Bitter Farewell

It is with heavy hand and heavy heart, dear reader, that I lay down my pen. I had hoped to write a full chronicle of the attack on Eidolon, documenting these four unlikely heroes’ quest to banish him from our world. But now I must abandon my work, for my hiding place has been discovered. Golems and Fire Imps will soon swarm through this place, destroying all that they find here. There is no help for it; I must flee for my life.

The future is uncertain. I have seen it in scattered visions, but the play’s final act has not been performed. Perhaps it is not yet written. Whatever the case, I pray that one of these four heroes succeeds in their quest. If not, this history–and the world that it chronicles–will be forever lost to darkness. I pray it is not so.

–Themedes, Sage of Mur

Hexen II™ ⌐ 1997 Raven Software Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Id Software, Inc. software code contained within Hexen II™ ⌐ 1996 Id Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Developed by Raven Software Corporation. Published by Id Software, Inc. Distributed by Activision, Inc. under sublicense. Hexen™, Hexen II™ and the Raven logo are trademarks of Raven Software Corporation. The Id Software name and the id logo are trademarks of Id Software, Inc. Activision« is a registered trademark of Activision, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective companies.

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