A compendium of lore, player submitted entries, and tidbits of flavor to support The Eternal City.
Songs
Once ye walked with me .. in sundrenched fields and forests grey,
Now ye must walk alone… as i know that i must as well some day …
I grieve my loss , my fallen kin.. sing sifaro and sifara all
With eyes wide open you walk the paths .. to the Incarna where you will stay.
Fear not the paths, with your heart so true.. so bright a life ye led
your pain is gone and your race is won .. would that i lay there in your stead.
Incarna call my kin to home.. And guide them along the Way
Kin of mine hear my call .. i will greet ye glad one day.
Road rise up to Meet them …. Erai'Theran ..oh lord light their way
Wind Blow at my kins Back ….this in song i pray.
I grieve my loss , my fallen kin.. sing sifaro and sifara all
With eyes wide open you walk the paths .. to the Incarna where you will stay.
Fear not the paths, with your heart so true.. so bright a life ye led
your pain is gone and your race is won .. would that i lay there in your stead.
Incarna call my kin to home.. And guide them along the Way
Kin of mine hear my call .. i will greet ye glad one day.
Committed to flame this Hollow shell …To free my soaring Kin
Free from Pain and free from Strife .. never to again know Sin
I grieve my loss , my fallen kin.. sing sifaro and sifara all
With eyes wide open you walk the paths .. Incarna welcome them in.
Welcome the morning
Dew shines on the earth
Rise, friend sun
Rise, friend beast
Rise, fellow man
Ay, aya, aya, ayai
Welcome the morning
Time to go to work
The sun is here
Brother beast is here
We are here
Aya, aya, ayaa, aya
The morning has come
Enjoy it while you can
It will not come again until tomorrow
Welcome it now
The flowers will come with time
Aya, aya, ayai, ayai
Land of sun, flower, beast, and stone
Man of hand, heart, and bone
Our land will come
Embrace the morning
And be happy it comes
Aya, aya, aya, ayai
Aya, aya, aya
From across the grassland,
The Cinerans stand,
Breaking through everything that their enemies had,
But at the last sight,
The Cinerans thought they won the fight,
And then here comes a big 'ol Iridne drunk,
With a mug full of ale in his hand,
The old man,
Took a step past our fleet,
And attacked the Cinerans,
No one could stop him as his killing proceeded,
The Cinerans retreated and never came back to see,
[Chorus]
The Iridine Man!
The one who drinks ale all day and kill with his hands.
[Chorus]
The Iridine Man!
A popular love ballad during Tulca's time, soon after the founding of Iridine, the name of the writer of this tune has disappeared into the obscurities of history, but the song lives on in some of the smaller towns and even in the artisan's district of Iridine.
The summer ro-se
The serene autumn sky
The clouds above me,
Fluttering softly byÖ
The rising su-n
Pushing the fog aside
Dawning o'er the
The fields of golden rye
As you look at me,
And me at you
I wonder what's in storeÖ
As you look at me,
And me at you
While the waves wash on to shoreÖ
The nightingale sings,
She sings a lovely song
Her whistles echo
Echo beyond the stars
The flowers wither
The leaves fall from the sky
Ereal above me
Waves a solemn goodbye
As you look at me,
And me at you
While the sun makes her last run
As you look at me,
And me at you
As the moons shine from aboveÖ
I never thought that
The nights would last so longÖ
I never dreamed that
You'll leave me in the storm
The whips and scorns of time
The winter's bitter wind
Are my only friends alive
And when you return
Your face lights up the sky
Your golden sunrays
Bathe me in a serene light
Your smile has warmed me up
Removed the scars
And has outshone the distant stars
As you look at meÖ
And me at youÖ
You are the life
That keeps my soul alightÖ
The whys of Saplings
an essay in verse
by Shade
To find a sapling,
seek a tree
Saplings only grow
where trees be.
Saplings, they make
bandit spears
and bandit spears
cause fightersí tears
Saplings also
fangstaves make
fangstaves, bandit bones
do break
To my mind saplings
serve us best
when pushing them
in quicksand tests
High o'er the hills, far o'er the seas,
Fly with the small birds, follow the breeze,
Go with your heart, where would you roam,
back the the rose colored stones you call home.
Run past the rocks, fly fast the mountains,
Live off a sack, drink from the fountains,
go with the wind, fly with the birds,
be as free as you can, as you run with the hurds.
Be not afraid, be a warrior now,
When you have come back, take a big bow,
But hurry back, I have a feast on the table,
When you tell them your stories, they'd have think it's a fable,
You know the truth, and you were able,
to come back home, we missed you here.
The man trudges
Through his darkness
Hesitates
And begrudges
His own love,
His own daughter,
He says, Darling,
Not much longer
And the winds rage
And they howl
And the man cries out for wealth and power
And the winds rage
And he screams
Love is no more than a dream
He turns upon
Those who listen
He says now
There won't be reason
To submit
To the lovers
Now that we
Have the power
And the winds rage
And they howl
And the man cries out for wealth and power
And the winds rage
And he screams
Love is no more than a dream
The man's fate
Is looking drear
His death is close
It is near
He is no longer
A begrudger
But merely
A secret lover
And the winds rage
And they howl
And the man cries out for wealth and power
And the winds rage
And he screams
Love is no more than a dream
I'll go to war, I'll battle hard,
As long as I get food.
Search around the battle yard,
Make the blood look good,
I'll die for my land, I'll die for freedom,
but if I die, I'll be mad if i didn't get a turnip
If I do not get my food the bag guys, I might have to eat 'em.
Is that cherry wine yer drinking, please give me a sip.
CHORES
I'll go to war, I'll die for freedom's call,
And all i ask for in return is a great cake you'd have to haul.
Cherry pie and chicken soup,
Potatoe fries, chocolate delights, as long as there's no poop.
Everybody! get to yer gardens now, I'll save the town!
But while yer there, get vegtibles and fruit.
If you don't I'll fight like a coward, against the evil horde
Mix yer salads, grill yer fish
forget about yer balads, and you, don't call me selfish
(CHORES)
When the war is ove',
and that's only if we've won,
I hope to see a great big bore,
or atleast some pie shined on by the sun,
Don't worry, the wor is almost gone,
he cooked me up a salad
So now sing yer songs,
And of course yer balads
(chores)
Yes! now the war is finished
I'm proud to say we've won
but saly it's not the same for the kitchens,
I have no pie shined in sun.
I'm so glad it's over, we can now cook up a feast
keep the good men soffer, and I'll cook up up the beast
(chores)
When I was coming to Iridine from Remath, the sailors on the ship used to sing this day in, day out. It annoyed the 'ell outta' me, now it's your turn : )
'Twas a cold and windy mornin' in Blackvine (in Blackvine)
When all of me money was spent (spent spent)
And where the 'ell it went, I can't remember (remember)
So down to the dock n' yards, I went (went went)
Tally lay back (back back)
Take in the slack, (take in the slack)
Take a turn 'round the capstain's eve this mooooorn
Round ship's 'haken boys, be handy (be handy)
We're bound valla'va ride 'round the horn.
So here we are again at sea boys (at sea boys)
The same old garbage, all over again ('gen 'gen)
And taken we'll be here for quite a time boys (time boys)
Join me in singin' the ol' refrain! ('frain! 'frain!)
Tally lay back (back back)
Take in the slack, (take in the slack)
Take a turn 'round the capstain's eve this mooooorn
Round ship's 'haken boys, be handy (be handy)
We're bound valla'va ride 'round the horn.
The battlefield approaches, you look around this place
you see looks of suprises, and some of extreme grace.
Everyone is ready for battle, except the normal few
who are sitting in the back, trying to tie their boots
CHORUS
Welcome to the battlefield, Where warriors dreams are made
Welcome to the battlefield, where you could end up dead
Welcome to the battlefield, where nothings to extreme
Welcome to the battlefield, A place for you and me
The hills are very rocky, the rivers very deep
but nothin's gonna stop you, from gettin to this place
The enemies flanks approach you, Shouting battle cry's
but you cant see the enemy, because your stuck in the second line!
(CHORUS)
you can hear steal clashing, right infront of your face
an enemy is charging, heading for your waist
You feal these are your last moment, in this world tonight
but you get ut of it safely, without saying "bye midlight"
(CHORUS)
Your side has the advantage, very few enemy still stand
Your captain shouts the order, to wipe out what is left
Charging into battle, the enemy starts to run
But you wont let this happen, because your startin to have fun
(CHORUS)
The enemy has fallen, you begin to celebrate
you walk into the city, greeting with cheers and embrace
You know that your A hero, and walk home for A meal
congradulations troop, you survived the battlefield!
Bright azure eyes
Burnt by the sun
Beauty withers and dies
Please don't come undone
So a life worth living ends in a second
Look at the blood writing up on the wall
Seems that something beyond this life beckoned
No one's there to catch you when you fall
I wanted to say I fought for you
But if I did then I would lie
I guess that some saviour forgot you
Those who don't deserve it die
Some stories aren't worth being told
My fists are red, blood running to the sea
There's no beauty that won't grow old
Spirits of vengence I will you to me
Hear the tortured cries of my kin
You and I, we are one in the same
Let the final revolution begin
Thier last words will be them screaming my name
Her eyes shown azure
Out shine the sun
The weak killed the pure
Mercy for NO ONE
There Once was a Healer,
From away far Altene,
Who didnít believe in war.
An outcast, an Exile,
This Altene, He.
This Altene, He,
Went through the City,
Healing Men, Women,
Rats, dogs, and monsters,
An outcast, An Exile
This Altene, He.
This Altene, He,
Walked to the river,
And said to Ereale,
Why?Why?
An outcast, an Exile
This Altene, He
This God, Him,
And Ereale said,
Because, Because
You are I,
I am you,
This God, Him
This Altene, He,
And He said,
I am a healer,
Because of you?
An outcast, An Exile,
This Altene, He.
This God, Him,
And He said,
You are my successor,
Me : you, you : me,
This God, Him.
This Altene, He,
And He said,
You are I, I Are you.
We are together
An outcast? An Exile?
An Altene, He
This God, Him,
And he said,
You my Son,
You will take my place,
This God, Him
And Ereal, The God,
Lay down and died,
And his Son,
This Altene,
This Outcast, This Exile,
His Son, Took his place.
This is the Story of an Altene, He,
A Healer,
A Gods Son,
This Altene He,
Named Larn,
So many years ago,
Became Ereal
Shlinter Sargont
Bard, Altene Stavesm
(Chant= a crowd of drunks yelling "It's my, it's my, it's my life")
It's my Life
Everbody's got a right today
(it's my, it's my, it's my life)
Gonna do things my own way
(chant)
Get what's mine, take what's left
(chant)
Live my life with no regrets
(chant)
Raaaaaah!
Everybody's got tha price to pay
(chant)
We all 'ave evil in our own way
(chant)
N' if I walk the streets at night alone
(chant)
I might not feel like goin 'ome
(chant)
N' all tha injustice that makes ya talk
(chant)
I knew all about dat before I could walk
(chant)
Act like pain is "somethin new"
(chorus)
All I have is pity for you
(chant)
If ya don't like this's still tha sound I bring
(chant)
If I could, I still wouldn't change a thing
People get what they deserve, place no bets
(chant)
I live my life with no regrets
(chant)
~yell~
It's MY!!
It's my life!
It's my, it's my…
IT'S MY LIFE!
The day grows old,
Lucifal do your work,
Let me drink, and drink more ale,
Goodness… I am not drunk,
I act not the jerk.
Lustful women,
Offer yourself to me,
Fill me full of ale,
and my pouch dry.
My stomach full,
My head is buzzed,
I can't see my feet no more,
and there's a fly…. I can hear it buzzzz.
Leaning right,
Tilting left,
My cup I drain,
and leave none left.
Burb and slurp,
Think I care?,
This beer is for me,
and I drink with flair.
The end of the song,
Is comming thus,
My pouch is empty,
My thirst is quenched,
I look around,
Where's my wench?
jail is the worst part of iridine.
no one even has food.
you can even here a pin.
it really changes your mood.
constables are on your back every day and night.
they only rome the streets of midlight.
even if you attack them,
they will still win.
then they take you to a place that's dim.
that is why I hate this place.
dont even have a mace.
it is very boring.
while the rain is a pouring.
and the old man is snoring.
constables are on your back every day and night.
they only rome the streets of midlight.
even if you attack them,
they will still win.
then they take you to a place that's dim.
you meet alot o' fugitives.
that is the way you live.
that is how it has to be,
you can't have any tea.
constables are on your back every day and night.
they only rome the streets of midlight.
even if you attack them,
they will still win.
then they take you to a place that's dim.
some people die and some people live.
some people lie and some people sit.
but it is to small.
even if your tall.
even if your small.
you can't even go to the mall.
you can't even play with a ball.
constables are on your back every day and night.
they only rome the streets of midlight.
even if you attack them,
they will still win.
then they take you to a place that's dim.
-Emporer
(wroten when he was in jail)
Well…
ya may never do the dishes,
and your head may be full of air,
but you give us our drinking wishes,
and thats all we care!
CHORUS:
Oh, Constantine, Constantine,
Ya may be dumb as an arse,
but you're in a convienient spot,
so we come here of course!
Well…
Yer drinks taste like sewer water,
and in the building, we can find mice,
But we love ya anyway,
besides, the drinks are well priced!
CHOURS:
Oh, Constantine, Constantine,
Ya may be dumb as an arse
but you're in a convienient spot,
so we come here of course!
Oh so tall and fair,
So full of life he was,
A friend, a comrade, a loss,
As Iridine weeps for him,
I smile.
A memory comes to me…
Of a rainy night spent
Hid away from the storn,
Of ale, of laughter, of toasts,
He bragged of recipes
I laughed.
His concotions so well known…
And yet as I listened,
I thought "Boy you can't hold ale."
Then THUD!
Our laughter rang out
Through the rain
I'll remember him always
As I drink this tea.
I smile.
With every creamy cinnamon sip,
I recall the great man
Who made it for me
My friend, my comrade,
My Antequides.
In memory of Antequides, you are missed and never forgotten, my friend.
We do as we please in the taverns.
We wander the roads in a daze.
We fight for the glory of Iridine.
We've lounged at the Toga for days.
Oh drink men, drink!
This wine is the best by far.
Oh drink men, drink!
Enjoy yourselves at the bar.
So try to stay sober.
There's work to be done.
Every man's got a job he must do.
But that's all behind us, so why don't ya buy us.
A couple of rounds or two!
Oh drink men, drink!
This wine is the best by far.
Oh drink men, drink!
Enjoy yourselves at the bar.
So drink all ya want.
There's plenty for all.
So don't stop your drinking now.
For when we empty this tall glass bottle.
We'll give the bartender a call!
Oh drink men, drink!
This wine is the best by far.
Oh drink men, drink!
Enjoy yourselves at the bar.
Aye, my brothers, hoist that beam
Aye, my friends, break that stone
Aye, me lad, dig that stream
Strong be hand and heart and bone!
Though today we're crushed under townie boots
Ya can't get the whole tree if ya don't get the roots
The townie whip can snap and crack
But the burden'll never break my back!
For now level the forest and haul the logs
One day we'll whip them townie dogs
They can beat us and take our lives
One day we'll burn thier town and take thier wives
(we got many a whippin for that part~snicker~)
But listen here for yer own sake
A "barbarian" heart will never break
Go ahead, break my bones, tear my flesh
After a short bath of fire I'll come back fresh!
When the sun sets and the day is done
Then we'll see the townies run
On the townie's land we'll trod
Let em' try to stop the serpant god
Townie scum, can't do yer own work
Go ahead and try ya big jerk
Cause one day it is I who'll be free
And I won't force you to work for me
You should be ashamed of what you've done
Now I bake under this sun
But we all got the right to be free
So get on an even field then face me!
When yer gone I'll remember you
and everything you put me Through
And I'll make sure I always wonder
Why ya killed my friends and stole my thunder
But one day I'll be back on my feet!
Then! Mr. Townie! You'll know defeat!
Aye! My brothers! Work all day long!
Aye! My friends! Break that stone!
Show them town rats that yer strong!
Strong be Hand and Heart and Bone!
AYE!
(no offense to all the townies who don't think they deserve respect just out of merit)
Oh
Welcome to my space,
It is my place,
And I make no haste,
And time I will not waste!
Practice til you drop,
Grab some food at the shop,
I strain until I pop,
With a chop chop chop!
*pause*
I train and I don't stop!
At the end of the day,
I lean back and shout out "HEY!"
My training underway,
And it shows in Gilven's pay!
*pause*
I'm on my way!
Down the river walk
The Stone Toga is where
I dine
No matter where
I wander I end up
In Iridine
Working at Apula's
Helping those poor
Citizens
Working for almost dirt
Paid ten denars,
Two sens
Visiting the graveyard
To see a friend
Who died
Seeing my friend
Up in smoke
I cried
The sheep now come
I now must
Retire
But only for the night
My life will not
Expire
You talk about you and only you, and the things you can do for you. You say you're more than a meal so I wanna see whatcha got on the menu Now, if you think you're the man, the only man with an exterior you feel is superior Just give Kylara a little peek and see if you really can deliver Your tendancies are short, my expectations are long and as I see it now there's not much to go on It seems you've dug a hole you can't crawl out Now I see what you are truly all about Don't brag about your diamond rings Or the expensive clothes you wear 'Cause I could care less for what you possess and your attitude needs repair Don't brag about your body Toshy And say you're packing alot 'Cause all I see besides your big feet is that you got big socks Let's just say there's something lacking A flea shouldn't have the nerve to go bragging So pack up your little gift and go steppin' Return it back and put it in the kiddie section Full figured in a place that can deliver? Ha Ha not from what I have seen I can't trace what's below your waist There's too much space to be inside those leggings bye bye Toshy bye bye It's time to wave the white flag now that this kitten has let it all out of the bag.
She wakes in an unmade bed In a cozy little cluttered room She hums to herself as she mixes her tea Their song, that just wonít leave her heart.
ìWhere this arrow strikes no heart shall escape such a tiny little reminder for so many in her wake her greatest friends hold a heartís arrow and yet for two her scars still show for this little arrow on her thigh, brings memories back to the love who died without her heart to call his and of the one who hurt her so carelessly but, more than them this irony.î ìThe tat placed there to remind her of one. whose dark brown eyes captured her, and his song would not let go her soul for this man her thigh was marked in vain hope that someday it would be she could have her biggest desire and finally conquer her biggest fear for true love in this world be so rare in her heart it beat for him, only him.î
This secret tune makes her smile As he stirs and wakes to kiss her She looks into those dark brown eyes Saying so casually, ìmorning my loveî As he responds she wonders, ìDoes he know how much he owns my very soul?î
I met a fellow in the Toga who wore a tunic. he attacked me which was wrong and he knew it. I slapped him in disgust and retreated. He did it again, I gave him a grin and said dont do it!
He used his stave one more time. Which is not what I had in mind. When another went to it and filled with rage, he almost blew it He exclaimed ÏI am tired of his kind!Ó
Well this story is a small one for the tale is very short. For that action a warrant is issued and a tunic runs away, laughing with glee as he knows very well….in Iridine, there is, no court.
I awaken,
And think of you,
I am taken,
When I see you.
I would give all,
To live with you.
When you call,
I shall run to you.
(chorus)
I look around,
I think of you,
At every sound,
I think it's you.
If you are bound,
I'll cry for you,
I see the ground,
I'd die for you.
The K's were fighting one by one, hurrah, hurrah. It's all because of a greedy mask, he had his mind set on a task. Steal the pouch from brawling Kry.
But the klepto mask was yet undone, even though he had his fun. He looked in the pouch with eyes that yearned to count innumerable coins. But all he found was air, was air.
*Inspired by the true story*
My sister's feet, she's got a rather dainty pair. And my mum, her skin is cold and fair. My father's muscles, they bulge when bare. And Me? All I've got is really long hair. What can with hair really do, really do? Many more things than you, than you. He can braid it, trade it, die it, buy it many many many types of clips. So to all of you who say he's effete, all I can say… You try keeping it clean every day!
(A Seaman's Hymn of Ereal, A song of the Iridinian Sea)
Verse 1
Out on the deep,
And stormy sea,
Some poor sailors are Tempest tossed and more.
But there is a light,
Shining from Iridine's harbor,
From the Lighthouse on the shore.
Chorus
Oh let the Lighthouse Light be Burning,
Sent from Ereal, across the waves.
Because some poor fainting,
Struggling seaman,
Will be rescued, and be Saved!
Verse 2
When on life's seas,
You are drifting.
And your soul is in a storm.
Look to the Light of Ereal,
That is in His Harbor,
From His Lighthouse on His Glorious Shore!
Chorus
Oh let the Lighthouse Light be Burning,
Sent from Ereal, across the waves.
Because some poor fainting,
Struggling seaman,
Will be rescued, and be Saved!
(A Warrior Hymn of the Soldiers of Ereal)
Chorus:
Onward Ereal's Soldiers,
Marching as to War!
With the Banner of Ereal,
Going on Before!
Verse:
Ereal Royal Master,
Gives Victory against the Foe!
Forward into Battle,
See His Banner now and Go!
Chorus:
Onward Ereal's Soldiers,
Marching as to War!
With the Banner of Ereal,
Going on Before……..!
(A sad, but proper, Funeral Hymn of Ereal)
Verse 1
Over the Sunset Mountains,
Someday I will softly go.
Into the arms of Ereal,
I know that He Loves me so!
Chorus
Over the Sunset Mountains,
Ereal's busom is waiting for me!
Over the Sunset Mountains…….
Ereal, my God, I will see!
Verse 2
When my life has ended,
And family and friends are at my Pyre.
The Scrolls of my Deeds will be read.
I will join Ereal after the Glorius Fire!
Chorus
Over the Sunset Mountains,
Ereal's busom is waiting for me!
Over the Sunset Mountains……..
Ereal, my God, I will see!
(A romantic love song)
Verse 1
Candles burning, Honey Mead is waiting and soon,
My husband will be by,
Hope and pray he will say that our Love,
Never dies!
And if my best laid plans they fail
To melt my Husband's heart.
I will sing this song of Love to him!
Chorus
And maybe this Old Song of Love,
Will bring back old times,
Making old lines sound new.
And he will lay his, head on my shoulder,
And his Midlight love for me will show through.
And maybe we will start to cry,
And wonder why,
Ereal gave us our love and showed the way.
And maybe this Old Song,
It brings back old times,
And our Love is here to Stay!
Verse 2
It has been so long since I,
Seen his face light up,
When he comes home.
It has been many hours I have wasted staring,
At the floor.
Sweet Old Song, I am counting on you,
To bring his love to me.
I am tired of crying alone.
Chorus
And maybe this Old Song of Love,
Will bring back old times,
Making old lines sound new.
And he will lay his, head on my shoulder,
And his Midlight love for me will show through.
And maybe we will start to cry,
And wonder why,
Ereal gave us our love and showed the way.
And maybe this Old Song,
It brings back old times,
And our Love is here to Stay!
Repeat:
And maybe we will start to cry,
And wonder why,
Ereal gave us our love….. and showed the way!
And maybe this Old Song,
It brings back old times,
And…. our Love….. is…. here…….. to Stay!
Sung at the Wedding of Elrina and Riticus
May the Sun always light your way before
And the darkness follow it behind
May the Moons lend you grace
While the Stars grant you peace
These are the wishes of my heart.
May Fire and Water always be your friends
May Earth and Air keep you from harm
May you always know kindness and always be loved
These are the wishes of my heart.
May you grow in Wisdom,
May you walk without fear
May you never know hunger or pain
May the Sun warm your souls,
while your friends warm your hearts
These are the wishes of my heart.
So may the Sun always light your way before
May the darkness cover it behind
May the Moons lend you grace,
while the Stars grant you peace
These are the wishes of my heart.
We're all sitting here,
(chorus)
Yes, we are! Nursing our beers,
(chorus)
Yes,we are! Sharing good songs,
(chorus; you get the point)
Flapping our tongues,
(chorus)
Chewing the fat,
(chorus)
Petting the cat,
(chorus)
Having great fun,
(chorus)
And drinking until… up comes the sun! Thank you very much.
Sitting there, on the bar in a small glass.
You can bet your ass that it's the best drink by far.
Posca, posca. It's wine that tastes like crap.
Posca, posca.
You'll never remove the smell if you drop it into your lap.
(undertone) Tastes and smells like crap, yeah…
Grab the wench beside you, forget what your wife is making you do.
And after a while, don't be ashamed if you're in need of a loo.
Yeah, it's posca, posca
The drink that burns your tongue.
It's posca, posca.
Good if you want the liquid out of your lungs!
(spoken) Stone Toga Inn posca… you know what you want… and what you're able to afford.
One day I spied a rich old man
Who quickly did approach
He said, "My lad, oh did you know
A fibula's a brooch?"
And then one day I chanced to spy
Some soldiers push a man
They weren't Cinerians, I think
They're called Cinerans
One day I went to Gilven
To learn my old spearshaft
But chanced to look below his belt
"I think I feel a draft!"
I bought a feminalia
To give my own true love
But chanced a man upon the street
Who wore one with his glove
Oh, this is my silly lyre
I pulled it from a blazing fire
It's out of tune, the pegs don't turn
But thank Ereal the strings did burn
Oh, this is my silly lyre
I love with all my heart
I only wish that I could play
Without it falling apart
-by Malik Corvus Dukat
(chant 4x)
Rats drink from thimbles
Cats drink from cups
Men drink from kegs
but then they throw up
chorus—
Rat tail Ale and Rat Tail Beer
Served no other place but here
Rat Tail Ale that glorious brew
Made by rats who drink it too
Down near the docks where it's dark and damp
There's a little bar 'neath a little lamp
You can search near and you can search far
but there's no place like the Cheese and Star.
(chorus)
The bar is a plank on an old sea chest
there's rickety stools for the bigger guests
There's tiny tables and tiny chairs
and even tiny little stairs
(chorus)
A one-eyed rat's behind the bar
And on his patch he's painted a star.
He fears neither cat nor man
cause he can drink more than either one can.
(chorus)
The place is full of men and rats
and even desperate drunken cats
the little bar mice scurry fast
collecting empties as they pass
(chorus)
No one knows just how it's made
and one-eyed Patch will never say
but take my word for this one's true
there is no finer, richer brew.
(chorus)
All delights and pleasures pale
Beside the joys of Rat Tail Ale
Rat Tail Beer, Rat Tail Ale too
Made for rats like me and you.
(chorus)
ODE TO A PRACTICE DUMMY
Oh I love you dummy dummy
You are my weapons practice honey
I can whip you, I can beat you
and I never have to meet you!
You would make a perfect lover
I would never need another
And though' I'd have to keep you
I would never have to feed you!
Quintus's Bachelor Party
by Shade
Mighty Quint would Ara wed
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry
He the heart and she the head
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
chorus:
Hey ho Quint is gonna marry
Hey ho Quint is gonna marry
Hey ho Quint is gonna marry
All his friends had better hide!
Mercurio arranged the feast
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
In his inn with scurrying beasts
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Rotgut mixed a special brew
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Made it strong and chalky too!
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Zent and Dytan presented the head
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Of a Cineran who was dead
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Myrd sipped wine while Shade sipped mead
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
The other guests got drunk at speed
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Shade sang along while Eva swayed
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Then Eva threw her clothes away
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Eva pranced and Eva danced
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Caused a reaction in Quint's pants
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
A passing boatman joined the throng
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
He drank, then he spoke Ara wrong
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
A bar brawl soon was underway
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
The boatman left by the window way
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Quint passed out from too much brew
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
A wicked thought possessed the crew
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
They took his boots, they took his sack
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
They stole his clothes right off his back
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
They dragged him down the tavern stairs
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Quint snored on without a care
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
A raft floats on the Salinae
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
With Quint on view to passers-by
Hey ho! Quint is gonna marry.
Repeat chorus many times
Hide from Quint
If sung solo, teach chant at beginning, and chant several times before singing chorus at the end. If sung ensemble, chant as continuo against the verses
(repeat chorus and or chant until too drunk)
Sing stones!
Cry!
Speak out the names
of those who have gone
beyond the Veil.
Sing Stones!
Cry!
Give their names to me
here
In my hands.
I have no hearth to share
But I will break bread
Half and half again
willingly.
I will set my cup,
for us to fill
and be it sweet wine
bitter sorrow, or wild grief
I will not flinch,
but drink my share.
Sing stones!
Cry!
Pour the names
of the Veil-traveled
into my ears
for me to mourn.
The Altene soldier's marching song, in as many verses as Quint could remember while not marching or drinking. Sung as more of a chant or shout, to the sound of stamping (marching) feet.
(Chorus)
[Oh you men, raise up your swords,
And flirt with Lady Death.
Spin and turn, dance and burn,
To the final, gasping breath.]
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
And Altenes more than most.
They'll slash out yer guts, cut off yer head,
An eat yer eyes poached on toast!
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
And no one can say it is other.
No one's as scary, as gory, as hairy,
'Cept maybe his dear old mother!
(chorus)
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
And they fight hard and drink hard as well.
Next time you see 'em, scream out an flee 'em,
They're bringin you nine kinds a Hell!
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
None of 'em knows other ways.
They'll kidnap yer daughter, commit bloody slaughter,
An gleefully do it fer pay.
(chorus)
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
An none may say to him nay.
He'll march all night, at dawn he'll fight,
An wench tha rest a tha day!
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
He's quick with tha wine and a laugh.
No he can't dance, nor speak sweet romance,
But tha ladies love his fangstaff!
(chorus)
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
And no one can raise more Hades.
Ain't got no charm, he'll break yer arm,
But his big spear's tha love a tha ladies!
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
It's all he ever can be.
At dawn he's a warrin, night before, he's a scorin',
Every woman'll kiss him fer free!
(chorus)
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
An their women shout an fight.
They don't want gentle, nor sentimental,
They want a man fighting all night!
Every man-soldier's a son of a goat,
An tha weaker ones all get tha boot.
Tha women all cheer when tha soldiers march near,
With their spears all raised in salute!
(Chorus)
[Oh you men raise up your swords,
And flirt with Lady Death.
Spin and turn, dance and burn,
To the final, rattling breath.
To the final, rattling breath.]
A song for Quintus and Lleullin by Shade
Butterflies bloom in my garden
Fish fly free through my walls
I get drunk
drinking sunlight
Roses make me tall
(repeat)
In the Summer I go fishing
I catch blueberries with gold.
When the snow falls I go swimming
So I dont get cold.
Butterflies bloom in my garden
Fish fly free through my walls
I get drunk
drinking sunlight
Roses make me tall
(This Idyan song was originally created by the minstrel group, Cabal of the Darkhood. It has a heavy Percussion beat and two string accompaniments of two different octaves [to be sung VERY loudly and with a moderate tempo])
(Darkhood was at its highest popularity around 13 - 11 years before the republic. These groups were called Slag Singers)
Oh when I got egg on my face,
And the crowd’s laughin’ at me,
I want to rip out that kid’s head,
And leave it out to dry.
I glare up at his snickerin’ face,
And wish to rip it to shreds,
I stand up and pull out my knife,
And his face starts turnin’ red.
[Chorus]
Oh his face is gonna be a mutilated mess,
His eyes are swollen with reddish bloodshot eyes.
When I shove this gladius deep down his sorry throat,
He’ll think twice about embarrassin’ me twice.
I stand up and he steps cautiously back,
His throat’s in knots, his face is sweating.
Oh I’m gonna have some fun with him
Before I slit his throat, it’s gonna be a blast.
(Chorus)
Oh when I got egg on my face,
And the crowd’s laughin’ at me,
I’m gonna rip that head right off his shoulders,
And I’m gonna have a blast.
(Instrumentals)
(Chorus)
His life is going to end right here,
And I am going to enjoy it.
His life is going to end right here,
And I am going to enjoy it.
Author welcomes constructive criticism. Please forward all comments to moc.loa|5000agemO#moc.loa|5000agemO w/ 'To Dice' as the subject, or just tell me what you think in Midlight.
(chorus)
As I write from the front line
I think; wouldn't it be fine
If I could see you again
And not just pretend
Alas, it is just a dream in my mind
We set out at dawn
All three hundred strong
You are just a dream in my mind
I see hardened faces
From various places
You are just a dream in my mind
(chorus)
chorus
It is now time
To move our bold kind
You are just a dream in my mind.
Our future is determined
By those creeps, scum, and vermin
You are just a dream in my mind
chorus
As the dawn breaks
Their cutthroats not yet awake
You are just a dream in my mind
We gather our strength
However long in length
You are just a dream in my mind
chorus
The attack is almost ready
Our steeds are all but steady
You are just a dream in my mind
We are ready to die?
Under vicious skies
You are just a dream in my mind
chorus
We whisper the signal
We charge out at the dismal
You are just a dream in my mind
Death all around me
I swing my sword mightily
You are just a dream in my mind
chorus
Both sides are dying
Our wounded are lying
You are just a dream in my mind
There are just few left standing
The dead see angels landing
You are just a dream in my mind
chorus
They are pulling ahead
Above all our dead
You are just a dream in my mind
We will not give up
But their spirits are going up
You are just a dream in my mind
chorus
A gladius hits from nowhere
Mine own armor is tearing
You are just a dream in my mind
My chest is bloody
From my Cinerian buddy
You are just a dream in my mind
I hear the dying screaming
Mine own flesh is teeming
You are just a dream in my mind
I dare not make sound
For the Cinerians search the ground
You are just a dream in my mind
I am surely dying
Here where I am lying
You are just a dream in my mind
I feel no pain
My tunic is bloodstained
You are just a dream in my mind
I'm slipping away
On the battlefield to-day
You are just a dream in my mind
They think they have won
But we've just begun
You are just a dream in my mind
I think about you
And your smiling face too
You are just a dream in my mind
It is now my time
To go beyond the line
But if I see you again
It will be in heaven
And that would just be fine
Wouldn't it be grand
Just to hold your hand?
It is just a dream in my mind
You will never see my letter
But I think It's all the better
You are just a dream in my mind
I just want you to feel
That my love was always real
Good-bye, my love, and sweet dreams.
Stories
Coming Soon
Poems
Coming soon
Miscellaneous Fiction
On magic and the Prohibition Thereof ~ By the Butterfly
On the sixth tablet of Iridine law, the crime of using forbidden magics is listed as one of the most serious crimes against the Republic itself, placed above all save for treason. So it has been for many years, and those who govern us reassure us that we are the better for it. Magics are used only by those who serve evil, and have no place in the Republic.
Yet we are not free of evil magic due to the prohibition. One has only to trek through the tunnels of the sewers beneath the City and witness the fate of the Altene mercenary Feysal to realize this. As Moonfall draws ever closer, the threat from the magic of the Ravanites and other evils becomes ever greater. The prohibition does not prevent the Ravanites from wielding magic; it merely adds to the aura of fear surrounding them and magic in general, giving them greater power to use terror to control the populace. For as long as the prohibition is in effect, the people of the City have little or no defense against the spells of our enemies.
Imagine if ordinary people were allowed to learn magic. Then, whenever the Ravanites attempted to attack us with their powers, the people of Iridine would be able to resist their attacks. Curses such as that placed on Feysal could be studied, understood, and lifted.
It has been rumored that the Cult of Ereal is studying the lore of ancient religions in an effort to understand the force of magic and apply it towards their own goals, which at the moment are in general noble and good. Yet, once the Ravanites are eliminated and the Erealites are left the only group allowed knowledge of magic, what is to prevent them from using it for deeds as evil as those of the Ravanites? Any time a tool - be it knowledge, weaponry, religion, or magic - is kept concentrated in the hands of a small minority of the population, the potential is there for it to be used for control and exploitation of the majority.
If the Republic is to be kept free of the influence of evil magic, then the ban on magic must be lifted, completely and immediately. The right to learn the ways of magic must become as integral a part of the rights of the Iridine people as the right to speak freely and the right to wield a gladius. For as long as the Senate keeps the ban in place, for as long as magic is kept only in the hands of a criminal underground or a small elite segment of the population, for as long as there is an aura of fear and distrust kept on those who practice magic, the people of the City will be forced to live in fear of what those who disregard the ban may choose to do with their forbidden magics.
I, for one, will not bow to the law in this instance. If the opportunity is given to me to learn the way of magic, I will take it without fear of the constables, and use it to defend my friends, my loved ones, my fellow citizens of the Republic, and all men of all other nations from those powers which might choose to harm or control them.
The Parcine People ~ By ElCapitan
Over the last several centuries, the Parcines have evolved into a sturdy, adaptable, secretive and warlike race of people. Labeled as outcasts for their animistic religious beliefs, which are decidedly against the norm on Midlight, and ridiculed as uncivilized and barbaric, the Parcine people have learned the hard way to flinch back from direct encounters, and never to use force unless you are certain to win. But as cold and unyielding as the Parcine culture looks from the outside, it can be as nurturing and warm as any in the more civilized countries.
The first thing that any Parcine learns from birth, aside from who his ancestral spirit guide is, is that Parcines can not trust the outsiders any more than you can trust a rabid wolf. Any Parcine worth his salt trains with a weapon, and quickly. While most Parcines prefer the brutality of the axe or club, other, more exotic weapons can find themselves being brought into bear. Above all else, the Parcines are able to adapt, and that shows in their fighting technique. Given a lack of other options, Parcines will use natural weapons- rocks, trees, or small mammals- to beat an enemy.
Life in the Blackroot mountains, where most Parcines live, is hard. With a high infant mortality rate, it is assured that any child that survives infanthood is strong and able. Weaker infants that manage to survive are shunned and made to fend for themselves; there is no reason to feed useless mouths. The hard existence breeds hardy men and women, that is certain. There are few in the world that can best a Parcine at simple brute strength, and most have instincts which you could sharpen a knife on. A Parcine is not the enemy that you wish to have; they are patient and tireless, and if you've offered them a blood insult, they will collect no matter what the price.
The society of the Parcine people is calculated to produce strong fighters and hunters, but is not known for turning out scholars or theologists. Parcines don't question why they have a family spirit that watches over them and gives them as much luck as they deserve; it simply is. As such, those that spend their time on foolish thoughts will more than likely receive a whomp on the head for their unproductivity.
All Parcine clans do have a Grand Spirit that watches over all of the family spirits, and makes sure they do no ill to their charges. The family spirits are in charge of making certain that each family has the amount of luck that is due to it from the brave and strong deeds of that family's members. The more fortune that a family makes for itself, the more that its spirit rewards them with. If a series of bad fortunes hit a given family, then that family is deemed to have done nothing brave or rewarding to deserve the luck of their spirit, and need to accomplish more deeds for the spirit to reward them with. Many of the most successful, and the most lunatic, endeavours ever completed by any Parcine were due to a need for more good luck.
Any good Parcine will feel ill at ease in a city, with all the potential threats and constrictions that a city holds. Most would much rather be under the stars and away from the civilization and the law of the 'civilized' peoples. This does not, though, mean that any Parcine is allowed to commit acts that would offend his spirit or the Judger, who is a rough appropriation of Ravan, and risk being sentenced to hell or another term as a human being. In addition, any Parcine that violates the goodwill between clans is charged to die by any other Parcine that finds him. This makes sense; there are far too many outsiders to fight to waste good warriors on each other.
Although the Parcines have a rough time of it, in many ways they are freer and less culpable to man. This freeness is bought at a harrowing price, when you consider the life that one of these men must lead.
Compiled from the notes of Bawtun Gilsesh
A Fighters Prayer
Ereal, o wise, bright and brave,
Help me strike my foe,
Help me send them to their graves,
And cause them uncounted woe.
Give me the power to o'ver come
All obstacles in my way.
Send me your grace, oh fair one,
To help me win the day.
Zante's City ~ By Armgdn1999
Sunrise. I sit at the Harbor of Moons, its waters gleaming golden under the soft light of the early sun. I stare peacefully out to sea as the morning rays caress my skin with their sensual warmth. Behind me my city wakens.
Many a tale of love and friendship have unfolded here, but not for me as I have never loved or been loved and exist without friends. Many heroes have risen and fallen in this city, their lives a saga retold and remembered forever. But not I, I will be forgotten when I die. I know these people not as individuals, but as a whole they are my family. I would fall in battle for these people, though my life may not seem much to them. Without them I would be even less than I am, but in my absence, their daily lives would not change. And yet I am content here, sustained by the love and happiness of others, fueled by their hopes and dreams, as I have none of my own. I belong here, heart and mind, body and soul. For this is my haven, my city of never-ending love and life. This is Iridine. This is the Eternal City.
A Simple Prayer ~ By Kurlac
Thank you Ereal. Thank you for your blessings, and many gifts. Thank you for the strength to live each day. For my life I give the greatest thanks. Even though you are not here, we can see you. Even though you do not speak, we can hear your whispers. Even though it is dark, we can see your life. Thank you.
Challenge ~ By Dice
The following comes from an Iridinian fight song:
"I am a man; I am a horse; I am one with myself," shouted out the first voice; I can whip any man in all of Iridine, by Ereal!"
"I am a wolf, half man, half horse," cried another; "I can defeat any man on the Invex, by Ereal!"
"I am a man, answered the first; "have the best sword, best hunting hound, best horse, and most beautiful wife in all Midlight, by Ereal!"
"I am a devil rat," rejoined the second; "have the claws of a crab, the teeth of an osecar, the wings of a raven, and and a serpent’s tail; can whip any man, by Ereal!"
+++Idyan Battle Prayer ~ By Cyanicus Ulyssia
Ancient Idyan Battle prayer, 4th Archer Company, Iris’ legion. (Recorded by Nysus the scribe before the battle of Cresis) 326 years before the founding of Iridine, 17th day of Iris.
May Ereal grant us with his blessings for our coming battle, Give us the hands of stone, with which we can fire our mighty bows.
Give us the eyes of the hawk, so that we can smite our enemies from a distance.
Give us the legs of the Cheetah, so that we may run and live To fight another day.
Please Ereal, we don’t want to die.
May we engage the opposite Direction of the enemy with no dishonour to our name.
Please Ereal, we don’t want to die.
May we run faster than the Quickest soldier bearing even the smallest knife So that we may serve our homelands another day.
In exchange for your blessings, we humbly give you three things, A small rock, a present from our mother Midlight.
A bronze arrow, cherished by our finest archer And a silver bow, used by the purest of our warriors.
Thank ye Ereal for granting our humblest demands.
May we serve you With honour as the finest archers on Midlight, fighting in your name.
(After the battle, the 4th company suffered no casualties and had the highest kill rate out of the eight archer companies of Iris’ legion)
In-Game Writings
Codex Gardens of Iridine