Written Letter - Simon Corvax - 13 Antara, Year 2172 of the Third Age

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13 Antara, Year 2172 of the Third Age

To my colleagues at the University of Arcane Arts & Sciences;

On the Darkstorm and the "Weaving of Worlds"

Over the past decade I have done a great deal of research on the meteorological phenomenon known as "the Darkstorm" and its effects on the world of Sidereus. It has only been in the past four years that I have begun to uncover a trend that is disturbing to say the least. It was previously believed that the Darkstorm, the scourge unleashed upon this planet by the god Onûs, was only responsible for the chaotic infection known as the Wyld. This taint upon our world has been undeniable in its potency, though it seems that the Darkstorm has had yet another effect on the natural order of our world. In recent year I have traveled across the entire span of Linerra, and even into the realm of Leotal. What I have observed in these places has shocked and surprised me. At first it was disregarded a plague of the mind, where members of the various races of the world were found wandering the wastes, confused as to where they were and in some cases, who they were.

I came across a Chatûl woman who was surprisingly skilled in Arcane magics (not the Divine magic that is common among the females of her race), who was confused whenever someone mentioned the word "Chatûl" in her presence. How could any individual forget the very name of their species?

I came across a human male, calling himself Donovan (though I confess he seemed unsure of his own name), who was remarkably skilled as an artist and painter. He had no recollection of family, or his place of origin, and confessed a substantial amount of confusion about the very existence of the Derew Orcs, Satyr-kin and most especially the Arxus. He seemed lost, for lack of a better word, but he did not seem to have the confusion that is common among those suffering from amnesia. He reminded me a great deal of a person lost in a strange land who does not speak the language. Even more confusing, he bemoaned no longer being able to "call upon the earth", directly stating to me that he had once been able to cast powerful magics, enchant items and the like, and he seemed confused about how he had lost this ability.

I came across another individual still. An Obsidian Elf called Kierevaneide. He was a strange one indeed, as he wore fine chainmail, with heavy boots and gloves, very unlike the clothing and armor common among his people. He was dour beyond my ability to understand, as the Obsidian Elves are a passionate breed, and he too seemed lost and confused. He kept stating that he was the eldest son of House Deoradhain, "the House of the Scorpion", and he bore a strange scorpion tattoo across the right side of his face. I was especially confused because although he referenced (and described in great detail) the House-structure and political systems of the Iron Elves, he bore no sign of having been fostered by those people, and even confessed no knowledge of their existence. When I asked him what Obsidian Elven city he hailed from he seemed even more confused, and stated that he was frequently asked about the Obsidian Elves, but knew nothing of their ways or who they were. I then spent many hours with him explaining the Obsidian Elven people, only to discover that he referred to himself and other Elves with jet-colored skin as "Dark Elves". He also seemed very unfamiliar of the use of that term as a racial epithet, even to the point of believing it was absurd that such a thing could be true.

Time and time again, I came across individuals in my travels who seemed displaced from their reality, such as these. Eventually the simple truth became apparent to me and I began to investigate further. I asked those who were first aware of the appearance of these people if they knew from whence they had come. I was often met with eager conversation and tales of individuals rising from smoke-filled craters, or appearing out of thin air. In some stories they appeared naked and penniless, while in others they carried with them a great deal of wealth or a magical weapon. In all of these cases, it was apparent that these individuals did not belong in this world, but were transplanted against their own designs.

It is my theory that these individuals, and countless more like them, have been "deposited" here by the Darkstorm and its random, chaotic magics. How this is possible, or what this has caused is beyond my complete understanding, though I will continue to investigate. Further, I would suggest that it is possible that not only individuals, but creatures, items and other such things could be similarly transported through the Darkstorm's influence. Is it possible that many of the strange and unusual creatures plaguing the world could have come to Sidereus as a result of the Darkstorm? I suggest that this is the case. I will continue my investigations, but this concerns me. It is only a matter of time before my colleagues begin to see the truth in my words and begin investigations of their own.

In order to find my answers I have decided to travel to Starfall Gorge, as it has been reported to be an area where the Darkstorm is still violently powerful and active as it was when the scourge first assaulted our world. I will continue to record my findings for the posterity of those who will come after me.

May the Steward of Wisdom guide your path,
Simon Corvax,
Professor of Dimensional Arcana,
Egoras University of Arcane Arts & Sciences