So the results are in from our recent contest. It was a very tough time to find a winner, because frankyl the judges didn't agree at all!!
Each had a clear favorite. Each had a clear second place. They were not the same. I also made a HUGE mistake in retrospect when I designed the grading scale: I made it way too small. I should have gone with a much more extensive system to prevent a lot of the overlap and scoring issues. No big deal since we had only 5 entries, but huge deal because all 5 were great entries. The scores were literally fractions apart.

But live and learn. I did some mathy stuff, and factored in superlatives and other things, and came up with a winnner. It's a bit subjective on my end, but for multiple reasons it had to be.

It was close, and I can see three entries becoming canon in Audalis. But I must stress, all five entries were outstanding and I thank all the participants, including our judges (and our ringer judge who stepped in at the last minute!)

I'll leave the judges anonymous until they come forward.

Here are the runners up, in no particular order.

By Odyson

Let me tell you of a Young human from ages past. He was Abelard, son of the King of humans in that time. He fell deeply in love with an Elven princess named Lona. The human and the elves did not trust each other in those times and each vied for power so the families of each refused to let them marry. In Abelard’ attempt to prove his love he had a great Emerald mined, cut and polished by the best jewelers around. Then he took the stone to a young Wizard named Rolomiel to have it blessed and give it magical powers that would impress Lonas father.

Rolomiel though young had gained a reputation as very able wizard. His skills and power seemed beyond his years. No one seemed to remember where he from or when he had arrived. There was a charm to his manner that put people as ease when in his presents, but there was a darkness that seem to follow as wake when he pasted. His true nature was well hidden. Those around him could only see the humane side as that is what dominated his physical appearance. His mother had been a blind country girl who had disappeared in the forrest near her fathers farm. All had assumed she had become lost and wandered until she perished. She never saw the demon Sammael that captured and raped her while he was in human form. She remain his captive and bore him a half human son. The boy was taken and raised and taught magic by those that worshiped Sammael. The demon had plans for his son. Now Rolomiel had grown to a man and was making plans of his own. This stone gave him a rare opportunity.

Rolomiel blessed the stone and devised a simple spell on the stone that would delight anyone that held it against the skin of their hand. But Rolomiel also added his spell to the stone. because he wanted it and he knew it would yield great power. He felt that in time he could get the stone back. His spell would yield the strength to open a doorway to his father’s realm giving him access to his family’s powers.

In the presents of her father Abelard presented the stone to Lona as the proof of his love. When Lona took the stone she was not affected by the spell ,perhaps because her love was stronger, perhaps because of natural magic she carried inside her, but when her father touch the stone he was filled with delight, and said I shall keep this stone as your token and give you my daughter as your wife. This pleased both Abelard and Lona and they were wed.

Now the father would not part with the stone and the longer he kept the more possessive he became. Abelard now feared for his wife’s father health and went to Rolomiel to seek help. Rolomiel agreed to help but only planned to take the stone for his own. When Rolomiel was alone with the Elven King he cast a spell upon him and took the stone. The stone had grown strong on it own and when Rolomiel took it draw the evil from that deed and intent and opened a portal from which a demon emerged. The demon slew the helpless king and then turned on Rolomiel, but before it could attack Abelard enter. Seeing the dead King he draw his sword and attacked the demon. In the battle the wizard was knocked cross the room striking his head. There he lay unconscious dropping the stone. Lona hearing the battle came in and seeing the stone picked it up. The stone then drew from the love of Lona and again opened the portal but this time it sucked the Demon back in. Abelard and Lona knew that the stone was now evil so Lona took and hid the stone. When Rolomiel awoke he wanted to know happened to the demon and the stone, but they told him the demon and the stone were lost back into the portal.

In time they had a daughter and it is said that the daughter of Lona found the stone. Lona caught her playing with it but the daughter was not affected by the stone and the stone did not react to the daughter. Then for each generation the Heirs of Lona have been able to control and protect the stone.

But also in time Rolomiel became more and more powerful. He lived long through the ages and has plotted rule all the lands to his evil pleasure. He suspected that the stone survived and that the Heirs too survived. Now he wants the stone so he could control the portal and the demons it possessed.

To protect the stone it was taken and hid in a secret place and group of elves were trained as knights to safe guard this secret place, for generations they have dedicated themselves to protecting the stone. And the Heirs of Lona were also hidden away. The story of the stone was never told to them so that they would be safe and Rolomiel could not use them to control the stone. Rolomiel has returned and he has all manner of evil creatures searching for the stone and the Heir.

"And now I believe the heir of Lona has returned to the hiding place of the stone.” The young girl was silent and looked at the story teller in disbelief. As the story teller looked into her eyes he said,“ You must be protected from Rolomiel.”

Ad's Note: This entry received overall average marks, scoring high in some areas and lower in others. Overall scoring well in the "Playability" catagory.

E.L. Llewelyn was a bard and scholar who devoted the majority of her life to collecting oral traditions and recording them for future generations. Her vast works range from myths, legends, local superstitions, poems and songs. Llewelyn traveled across many different kingdoms (see full annotated works), focusing primarily on small towns and nomadic groups. The following is an excerpt from her book Tall Tales.


Cade the Dragon Slayer

overheard at The Flying Bishop tavern outside of Haven’s Arch in Pardinal.

Say there young man, you seem pretty full of brass. Have you ever heard of Cade the Dragon Slayer? No? Oy! Maria! Fetch us another round!

Now this happened in my grandfather’s grandfather’s time. He was just a small lad. His village was populated with Humans and Halflings alike. One evening a troop of dwarves came into town to trade their wares. Now, this was a big ta-do, and most of the villagers gathered around in the tavern that night to hear of dwarven tales. Let me tell you, son, a dwarf can spin quite a yarn! There was one in particular, Red Beard if I remember right, who told stories of dragons and great knights who slew ‘em. His stories entranced a young Halfling by the name of Cade. He sat there wide eyed as he listened to these great deeds and went home with visions of swords and treasure. It wasn’t long after that he got it into his head that he wanted to be a dragon slayer.

This young Halfling pestered everyone in the village from then on, reeking havoc through the streets as he fought with invisible foes. When his age of manhood came about, it didn’t surprise anyone that he said that he was off to tempt his fate. Most of the villagers laughed at ‘em, told ‘em he would die a horrific death. But away he went, and no one supposed that they would ever see ‘em again.

Didn’t take Cade long to catch wind of a dragon. After a few weeks of traveling, he discovered that there was one holed up in the mountains in an abandoned dwarven community. The Halfling had managed to work for different villages while he made his way towards the mountainess terrain. It kept ‘em feed, and he managed to outfit himself with some armor and a sword of his own. The people he met told him that most had moved away from the lair, preferring their lives over land disputes with a dragon. They told him that it was an ancient creature, and strongly warned against pursuing it. Cade wasn’t daunted by what they told ‘em. He knew in his heart that he was destined to be a dragon slayer.

The entrance to the cave wasn’t difficult to find. Flanked by rising dwarven made columns, the mouth of it looked like it had been clawed away for a larger occupant. The halls inside were vast, and it took Cade several hours before he finally found what he had been searching for all of his life. A hoard of treasure.

As he gazed at the mounds of gold and precious jewels, a great rumbling came from the hallway in front of him. A deep, silky voice spoke to him, “Creepy creepy little mouse. You’ve wandered into the wrong house.” Cade gazed towards the voice, and a gargantuan red dragon squeezed its way into the room. Smoke curled from its nostrils, and its wicked claws clacked and scraped as it treaded over the fortune.

So there he stood, surrounded by vast treasures we can only imagine, and looked that great wyrm in the eye. Cade mustered all the courage that he had, brandished his sword and cried, “How dare you? I have come to slay you and take what is mine!” The dragon shook with laughter and said to him, “Take what is yours? An amusing statement. I think I will merely take a light lunch.” Without so much as a pause, the dragon craned its neck down and swallowed Cade whole!

Now calm down, I know what you’re thinkin’. You’re thinking “He said dragon slayer, not dragon dinner.” Just wait until I finish the story.

There Cade was, in the belly of a dragon. His skin was burning from the acidy contents of that dragon’s stomach. Now, I don’t know how many Halflings you know, young man, but when one of them puts their minds to doing somethin’, he won’t stop until it’s done. Cade thought of one thing and one thing only: to get out. So he starts hacking and slashing at every solid surface that he could reach with that sword of his. Pretty soon he starts feeling air on his blistered face, and makes his way through the hole.

Gettin’ out into that chamber, he was surprised to see that great dragon lying on its side dead. The room looked like the beast had thrashed around for quite a while; the piles of gold littered helter skelter all over the floor. Cade walked over to the wyrm, hacked off its great head, and started down the mountain to the nearest village. When he arrived, no one knew him to be the same Halfling that had passed through a week or so before. His face and body were badly scarred, but he carried the proof with that giant dragon head.

I was told that Cade stopped at every village he had visited to show off his prize. When he got back to his home, he was given a hero’s welcome. The villagers begged ‘em to stay, but he told ‘them that he was off to find another one.

No one really knows what happened to Cade after he visited my grandfather’s grandfather’s village. Some say that he died shortly thereafter. Rubbish is what I say. Some people decided to go up there and check to see if that dragon really was dead. Do a little bit of plunderin’. When they got there, not one copper remained. Whatever happened to Cade and that treasure, the Gods only know.

Ad's Note: This entry scored average as well. Awarded the "Funniest Entry" superlative!

In the northern elven kingdom of Antaron, a legacy had been born thousands of years ago. A story of heroics in a time of despair when the elves questioned what would come of this world. It was dark times, in the earliest writings of the land, where gods and goddesses walked among the lands spreading fear into the inhabitants. The most feared of all was Tyrannis, the Goddess of Evil and Treachery, for she was beautiful, and demanded obedience from her followers.

In the year of 425 ER, a tribe of humans had come to dwell with the Sylvarian elves, in Alloryen. In the town of Faernae, the humans had coexisted in harmony with the elves for several generations. The secrets held fast from their ancestors, kept them on friendly terms with the Sylvari. The elves did not agree with anything that was against nature, and the gift certain tribesmen possessed would be considered evil. The humans feared that they would be cast from Alloryen if the Elves found out about their gift, so they hid it from the Sylvari in hope of maintaining their homes.

Xivienda was an elder of the human’s tribe, and well respected among both her people, and the Sylvari. The woman had long white hair, which she wore braided, and a floor length brown skirt with a forest green long shirt. The people could pick her out from a mile away, because she had always worn earth tones, since she had been nothing more than a child. The woman had a talent in medicine, but it was not for that reason she was so highly ranked among her people. She had a wonderful gift, which provided a great deal of information to her people. Xivienda was a Dreamwalker, she could walk in the plane of dreams, where many people would come and go during their dreams, never staying on the plane for longer than a couple seconds before fading away. Such was the way of the Plane of Dreams; a select few had the gift of walking upon this plane, without a magical artefact to transport them here. It is easy for Dreamwalkers to notice newcomers for their appearances would flicker constantly, and their clothes changing constantly without them noticing. Evil lurked within the Plane of Dreams, for anything was possible on this plane, and nobody knew what or who may be lurking nearby.

The elder spent an hour in the Plane of Dreams each night before withdrawing into normal dreams, which were protected by spells against invasion. On a spring night in the year 430ER, Xivienda had noticed an oddly evil presence within the world of dreams. It was ritual for over 30 years for her to visit them, and it had always had a feeling of being unsafe, but this night, there was a presence that made her hair stand on end. The feeling of eyes upon her no matter where she imagined herself, it followed her, and in the world of dreams, that in itself was a special feat. Somebody was following her, and watching her every move, disappearing and reappearing within seconds after she herself had moved to a new location. For the first time in all her years, she was worried about being so strongly in the world of dreams, yet she knew that she needed to find a way to become a step ahead of her “shadow”. The elder imagined herself on the Khordalt Mountains, and she was suddenly there, as expected her shadow had followed her, and yet this time she was ready, and managed to catch a glimpse of the follower. Xivienda was so shocked with what she saw that she faded from the world of dreams.

Sitting upright her mind racing with the reality of what she had seen in the world of dreams causing her worry. The Elder immediately dressed herself and called an emergency meeting for the council of the human tribe. The woman needed to discuss these matters with her superiors to decide the course of their actions; she would also have to forbid the other dreamwalkers of the tribe to stay out of the world of dreams. The council was gathered and in session within moments and the woman stepped before her fellow council members her voice quiet, as to discourage eavesdropping.

“Councillors, I have called you here in urgency for things I have seen in the world of dreams. There is evil there, beyond anything I have seen throughout my years. We have all heard of the legend of Tyrannis being banished in 4600 BER by Arandil Eldros and many other Sylvari. It seems that the Goddess of Evil and Treachery is at her games again. I am positive she is plotting to attempt to return to Audalis and seek revenge upon those who banished her so many ages ago. The legend of her fall is celebrated in Audalis, however her followers are constantly at work, corrupting the weak minded, and who will devote themselves completely to her evil ways. I will return to the world of dreams this night; however we must forbid the other dreamwalkers from walking upon the Plane of Dreams until it is deemed safe.”

Xivienda nodded then took her seat which was cue for the others to now speak. The councillors took turns speaking, as was ritual for their meetings. Each took their turn to ask questions to the Dreamwalker, and she would answer accordingly. It would be a long night full of discussions, and then she would return to the World of Dreams in hopes of finding Tyrannis. The Elder had many questions floating through her mind about the Goddess of Evil and Treachery. How long has she been in the world of dreams? Are there members of the Oracle of Oblivion who can walk amongst our dreams? Treachery runs deep in her veins, and I know she does not allow for failure, I need to be careful in these dreams. Suddenly Xivienda rose from her seat when the councillors had finished asking questions and nodding to them she spoke in a firm voice.

“Tonight’s meeting was sealed to the flame, it is to be discussed with none others. I shall speak with the other Dreamwalkers in confidence, so that they remain out of the World of Dreams until it is safe to return. The meeting is finished, I must return to the World of Dreams and you must all get more rest as tomorrow will bring great tasks in preparation for what may come to pass.”

The councillors stood and left the gathering in small groups, retreating to their own homes to spend the night in prayer, and then to return to sleep. Fear was deep within their hearts, for the legend told of horrible times in the past when Tyrannis had roamed the land with the other Gods. The Councillors had had eventless dreams, of nothing in particular while Xivienda had returned to the World of Dreams. The Dreamwalker did not have any difficulties returning to the world of dreams; however it felt different than only an hour earlier. The evil feeling that had greeted her earlier seemed diminished, yet still pulling at the corner of her mind. Something was amiss in the World of Dreams, which frightened her more than death in itself. The World of Dreams was a mirror image of the world in which they inhabited, if the room bore candles in their world, then the dream would reflect it perfectly. The Elder traveled through most of the night through the World of Dreams, and luck seemed on her side, for she had managed to stumble upon a meeting of the Oracles of Oblivion. It seemed as if a large number of their members either had the Gift, or managed to be in possession of some sort of Artifact that allowed you to roam the World of Dreams safely. Xivienda thought herself quiet as a mouse in the night, and thus it was that she was soundless with each step, her breathing too soft to be overheard by the Oracles of Oblivion. Studying each person involved in the meeting, until her eyes fell upon the darkness that was gnawing at her throughout her last journey into the World of Dreams.

Snakelike violet eyes turning to each person in turn, however none dared lock eyes with the Goddess. They were discussing a plan of action about how to release Goddess from Arandil and the Sylvari ages ago. Tyrannis was speaking loudly, for she believed that she was alone with her followers, and if anyone stumbled upon them, she would hear them. The Goddess of Evil and Treachery spoke of her plans with ease, informing her followers that with the coming year, she would be strong enough to pass through the dimensional gate between the World of Dreams and the world of Audalis. Every 30 years the gate is opened between the worlds and her 5000 year banishment would be coming to an end in five years. The Seductress continued to speak with her followers about their individual tasks, while Xivienda had heard enough and faded from the world of dreams.

The Elder balanced between the World of Dreams and the real world, in the most peaceful place between worlds. The vastness of and peacefulness of the place had always brought her awe, and yet for once she would not enjoy her visits here. Time did not exist between worlds, and thus she was unsure how long she remained balanced between the two worlds. Xivienda could not find the dreamer she had been seeking, and thus allowed herself to pass into the real world, and then into consciousness. When she awoke, the sun was brightly shining and after her morning ritual she sought out the council again, to pass on the information she had heard, though this time, she also invited the Sylvari council. The meeting was going to be a formal meeting, and she had to ready herself for the replies she knew she would receive.

Fingolfin, was the current lord of Alloryen, it would be he who met with the Elder Xivienda the following day in private before the formal meeting took place. It had been his direct ancestor who had banished the Goddess of Evil in the past. He had strong confidence that his ancestors had properly banished her, and that the Goddess would not be able to return to the lands. However Xivienda had assured him that she had evidence that things would play out differently if her wise words were not obeyed. It had certainly not been a threat and the Elf Lord knew that it was no threat; however he was unsure if he could agree with her, without betraying his great grandfather. The words of his great grandfather had been passed down from Lord to Lord, and he would one day pass it to his heir.

The Elder had been warmly welcomed into the House of Fingolfin and after pleasantries had been exchanged they went directly into the subject at hand. They discussed the terms of banishment, and they both agreed that the time was nearly up, and that something would have to be done to prevent Tyrannis from returning to their plane of existence. The Dreamwalker had information she had to share with the Elf Lord, and she knew it would quickly be rejected as preposterous without being given any thought on the subject. The woman knew she had to tread carefully with her words, or many people would pay for her lack of restraint.

“Mi Lord Fingolfin, we are both agreed that the banishment of your ancestors will expire in the coming years. However, I have some dire information to shed upon the situation, if you will allow it. My ancestors have a gift, which we must keep a secret, and thus I cannot tell you the nature of how I came upon the information that I will share with you. Please trust me, as I have trusted you in bringing my people to your lands. Mi Lord Fingolfin, I fear that the closer we come to the time the spell expires, the more powerful her presence will stretch towards us. The banishment said she would not be able to walk upon this world, unless either your great grandfathers descendants disregarded his tale as nothing more than a fable, or until the time expired. We know that the time has nearly come to an end, and we must also take into consideration that perhaps the Goddess of Evil has found a way to harm us, and spread fear to be released earlier than previously assumed. What if she could kill us in our dreams? Do you know how quickly fear would spread among out lands, which would increase the probability of her returning before we are ready to reseal the banishment terms.”

The Lord of the Elves had sat in silence like a statue, if the words affected him in any way, he would not show his thoughts upon his face. The woman’s words held value; he had not considered that there were any loop holes in his ancestors’ banishment so many ages in the past. Questions raced through his mind as he contemplated the wise words of the human before him. Fingolfin would have to contemplate his answer, and then speak it before the council. He would not give Xivienda the pleasure of an answer this night, he would consider it at length and she would have to find out the answer the following day. Rising from his chair, he walked over to The Elder and escorted her to the guest room where she would await the council meeting. Xivienda had hoped to receive at least a clue as to the decision of the Elf’s decision, however the Lord was unreadable. The woman had watched his features like a hawk, including his body language and yet nothing at all of what she had seen would indicate what decision the Elf would choose.

A couple hours later, she had been summoned to the council chambers where the verdict would await her. Since she had the information, she did not need to be there when they spoke in detail about their options, it would only infuriate her. The woman had changed her clothes to become more presentable to the council members and worth a beautiful leaf green dress that was both elegant and snug in all the right places. If the word graceful had been used in perfect description to define humans, in this moment Xivienda would be the perfect example. The woman bore about her a confidence that most men could not muster, and she wore it like her favourite coat. The Dreamwalker found her chair and sat down soundlessly, into its depths crossing her legs carefully as she drew in a deep breath. Nobody in the room spoke; it was a moment of silence to gather their wits about them. The Elves nodded to her in greeting, some even voicing their salutations, and when each had been introduced to the Elder, the council would begin.

When at last the meeting had commenced she sat straight in her chair, her eyes always following the Lord Fingolfin. The Sylvarian Elf stood from his chair at the head of the table and began speaking in his beautiful elven voice.

“In 4600 BER, our history begins dating back from our forefathers. We all remember the stories from our youth being passed from generation to generation about the Legend Arandil Eldros.” Each elf was nodding mumbling to them without interrupting their leader. “It was Arandil and his brave companions who had banished the Goddess Tyrannis from Audalis. The banishment, has nearly reached its limits, and the barriers holding the Goddess from stretching out her hand and seeking revenge. The terms of the banishment, as I have been informed, contain a condition. We were unaware of this until we looked back upon our memories, and it seems the information I have obtained this day is correct. The Goddess of Treachery may be able to slip through this loophole. We banished her from setting foot in Audalis, however, when we dream, we do not always stay within our realm. Every one of us is at risk when we dream, and thus we must decide upon a course of action to protect ourselves. We must seek council with the other races within Audalis and make a stand to protect ourselves.”

Ad's note: This entry scored extremely well, earning a solid second place in the contest, as well as the "Most Detailed/Storylike" superlative.

The Gilskalos Connection
Bre Uthan 675 bER:
Gilskalos flee their dying world, Gilskalis, known to sky watchers of Antaron as Sgiathatch. "The Father" put his people to sleep and inserted them all into crafts, brilliantly disguised as great rocks of the heavens to further protect them from Gudslaktare and his Ondska minions, Raukogurtha, Tela'Luume, and Raukoruukinaya. The craggy arks were populated and sent off, five city sized crafts in all, toward a new home as The Father stayed behind and bore the onslaught of one rogue comet and three asteroids.

The impact split the planet Sgiathatch into two lesser bodies, holding each other and the assaulting asteroids Raukogurtha, Tela'Luume, and Raukoruukinaya in a gravity enforced imprisonment so they may never harm another world again. Gudslaktare, however, was struck by one of the world's larger six moons and was hurled into the sun, never to be seen again.

Olemra 640 bER: Year of Star Burst
The astrological phenomenon was predicted and being watched carefully. Two hours after the darkening of the day, all of Antaron could see with the naked eye, the moment known in history as Star Burst, witnessing the powerful heavenly event.

Three hours before the Lighting, the Gilskalosian crafts were coming in too hot. Three of the five were damaged critically en route during their 35 year trip to their new home. Three of the damaged ships, burned up upon entry through the atmosphere before impacting with great force, one at the northern ice cap of Audalis, one in the Taskarren ocean off the western coast of Antaron, and one landed near Megilindar Nost. The other two landed in the lsles of Tiborn. One of the two plowed into a snow capped mountain killing half of the Gilskalos on board, while the other soft landed in the water and skimmed its way to the shore of one of the larger Islands.

The sky watchers, commoners, and nobles alike saw the “Star Fall” as celestial spirits sent of the gods coming to affect changes in their world, while others saw the event as gifts from the gods. One such individual, a bladesinger, worked hard for years with the help of those whose expertise was invaluable in creating what most would consider the most powerful, if not enigmatic, sword out of a strange metal ore from one of fallen stars appropriately named by the sky watchers,Elen’nuar, known better by all others as Starfire.

Believing that these events were the will of the gods, and that a way to understand that will was being set up, the skywatchers named and observed the twelve celestial bodies involved with the event, and began predicting events by how they believed the alignments of those bodies affected the five spirits, called Uru’loki, and how they would affect Audalis.

Development of the Uru’lokian Astrological Pantheon
As was stated before, the sky watchers of Antaron named the 12 celestial bodies involved in the events of Starburst:

Solanis(sun) is the codex of the gods, the focal point, showing the will of the gods through the position of the following celestial bodies in relation to Solanis.

The split aspects of Sgiathatch- Uruloki’perya (the dark aspect) and Sgia’perya (the aspect of light)
Uruloki’perya comands the following darkly aligned orbiting bodies (meaning these celestial bodies revolve around Uruloki’perya as satelites):
Maikarithil (moon)- A highly reflective moon of deep purple hue.

Raukogurtha (Death)- the first of the three asteroids to strike Sgiathatch

Raukoruukinaya (chaos)- Second asteriod to strike the planet at the equator

Mori’Alu (Water)- one of the six moons of Sgiathatch, colored black as sackcloth.

Tela’Luume (The End)-third and last asteroid to strike, the planet splitter.


Sgia’perya commands the following orbiting bodies aligned with the Light:

Vala en’Coimas (life)-Bright white moon

Maiasanye (order)- Marblized black and white moon

Lokindor (Land)-brown and green swirled moon

Yesta (The Beginning)-The only moon that has an atmosphere and supports plant life.


The Sylvari sky watchers of Antaron named the fallen stars as well, which the alignment of each are balanced with both a light and dark aspect. Their effects depend on the alignment of their ruling bodies with Solanis. They are named as follows ( listed with their ruling bodies):

Elen’nuar (Solanis/Maikarithil)-Was found near Megilindar Nost and forged into a legendary sword by Artoril Landilindar. Therefore, it logically follows that the sword is affected by the alignment of the ruling bodies.

Huiva’Ektele (Mori’alu/Lokindor)- The one to fall into the Taskarren Ocean to the west, belived to be responsible for changes in land or water. The sky watchers of the Slaa’kar race revere and pay very close attention to the effects created by Huiva’Ektele and the alignment of Mori’alu, believing them to be the personal messengers of the gods they worship.

Telayesta (Tela’luume/Yesta)- The one that crashed into one of the northern Islands of Tiborn. Believed by sky watchers to mark the beginning and the end of events predicted by reading the alignments of the other Lokian bodies. Unbeknownst to the mainlanders, half of the lives aboard were lost in the crash.

Seorsa (Raukogurtha/Vala en’Coimas)- the star that landed in the northern portion of the Taskarren Ocean near the south coast of the Isles of Tiborn. Unbeknownst to mainlanders, all lives aboard the rocky craft survived. Believed by sky watchers to be the controller of the number of days any being is allowed to exist. It’s human name is Fate.

Tarailoki (Raukoruukinaya/Maiasanye)- The star that impacted the northern ice cap of the world. Believed to control the minds of criminals and lawmakers. Changes in levels of lawfulness and lawlessness are subject to this now frozen metallic mass.

How the Uru'lokian Astrological Pantheon works
As stated before, Solanis is the codex or key to reading the above listed celestial Masses.

The two larger masses Uruloki’perya and Sgia’perya orbit each other much like thrown bolas.

The moons under the control of the Aspect of light orbit Sgia’perya while the two dark moons and the rogue asteroids orbit and are under control of the Dark Aspect Uruloki’perya.

When one or more bodies line up with Solanis, from the view point of the sky watcher, the fallen stars those celestial bodies control are activated, creating various effects or changes in the world.

For example: Uruloki’perya, Raukoruukinaya, Mori’alu, and Lokindor line up perfectly with Solanis. This would create an underwater earthquake and consequently a tidalwave.

A more complex example: Raukogurtha, Lokindor, and yesta lining up could mean the beginning of war. When Raukogurtha, Lokindor, and Tela’Luume start to line up, expect the war to come to an end.

Expect a miracle beneficial to all the world when all bodies line up in this order from Audalis to Solanis: Yesta, Lokindor, Maiasanye, Vala en’Coimas, Sgia’perya, Uruloki’perya, Maikarithil, Raukogurtha, Raukoruukinaya, Mori’alu, Tela’Luume. On the inverse however, expect a world changing, life taking, cataclysm if these celestial massed align in the reverse order.

Ad's note: This one was polarizing apparently, earning first place on one list, second place on another, and tied for last place on the third. I can understand as it's so different from the other entries. All judges agreed this gets top marks for originality, but disagreed on how well it would fit into the Audalis setting, as well as Playability. I almost feel hesitant to rank this one because of it's uniqueness. So I will simply post it for what it is. Personally, I like it and can see it having a place in the lore section of Audalis.

The Ascension of Coiawen
Or
The Fall of Nyssa

“Howl wind, howl with all your might. Bring us fair weather, help to end this blight.”
-Ancient Sylvari Prayer
Through the mists of time, at the base of the mountains in flawless woodlands, the Sylvari lead a life of eternal grace, but through the will of the gods, they shortened this existence. Some welcomed the gods’ decision, many were merely accepting, but there were others who were bitter and filled with spite. One who was thus was the magic wielder Nyssa. She believed that the gods had stripped the Sylvari race of their way of life, had robbed them of their precious existence.

Nyssa became obsessed with regaining the kiss of immortality. Her studies turned to darker forces, and after a time her clan exiled her from their folds. Determined to return to her former state, she used the expulsion to consort with fiends without repercussion. These demons gave her the means to be both beautiful and terrible. Her heart turned black and seeped with hatred while her body shone with a dark radiance none of our race had ever achieved. She had regained her immortality at a heavy price.

After a time Nyssa established her domain deep in the forests. Many came to behold her beauty and ask for her favor. But there was no room for love in her heart. There were several that she slew or cursed without remorse. Her days were plagued with hatred and grief for herself. Thick vines of ivy entwined her dwelling, and after a time she neither knew nor cared about the world outside of her own.

Many seasons passed when a plague, unnatural and unholy, came to being on this world. Crops withered and livestock died. Unnatural storms manifested across the plains, yielding no rain but setting the grasslands afire with its strikes of light. Disease spread rampant through villages. People of all races perished by the thousands.

Word of the horrifying epidemic had reached the ears of the dark Sylvari. Something stirred deep in her soul, and she ventured forth to witness these things. As she walked through the infected lands, she felt no touch of the sickness, for this was an epidemic of pure evil, and the nature of her soul made her impervious. Nyssa journeyed without penitence, knowing that the gods had forsaken these people, just as they had forsaken her. She longed to retreat back to her home, but could not; a yearning that she could not place cried out in her essence. Unbidden, she continued to travel at the behest of that voice.

Many weeks passed. The landscape began to look familiar, but it looked like a large scar had rent it open. Trees stood blackened and leafless. The grass was scorched and shriveled. No birds sang into the deadly quiet, and what wildlife was left was gaunt and filled with sickness. Her feet took her into the heart of a village, where bodies laid scattered on the ground. Most were doubled up with looks of pain, but all were cold to the touch.

A small rustling from the edge of clearing caused Nyssa to pause. Upon investigation, she saw a small Sylvari child shaking a lifeless form. The child looked up at Nyssa with a dirty, tear stained face, and her scream of agony rent the air. It was if the shriek of anguish had woken up the part of Nyssa’s soul that she had so desperately forsaken so many centuries ago. As she looked around the village, she realized that this had been her home. The horror of what was happening to this world swept through Nyssa like a firestorm. She had finally felt sorrow for another other then herself. Nyssa sat down with the child at her feet and wept. After a time, a sense of deep calm and purpose came over her.

Dark forces had caused this malevolence upon the land, and Nyssa’s vast knowledge would allow her to stop it. She stood in the clearing and performed the ritual to end the blight that encompassed the world. A great gale swept through all the lands. It uprooted trees, flattened buildings, and caused mountain tops to crumble. All seemed to converge on the Sylvari mage. As the plague was drained out of the land, it was soaked up by Nyssa. Her form twisted and writhed, and when the gale finally subsided, a bent and gnarled old woman stood where a beautiful Sylvari had once been. Nyssa’s form had taken on the features of the plague, but her heart had been purged of its hatred.

She took the child, Mailina, from the village and raised her as her own. They traveled the lands and helped heal those in need. Their journey was slow, for she constantly felt the agony of the plague that now wove its way through her body. Nyssa taught Mailina to use magic to restore the balance of life. Though Nyssa often heard those whom they helped utter mocking comments about her visage, she was not daunted. Her soul, which had been so full of torment, was finally at peace. Not long after the child had reached adulthood, Nyssa succumbed to her maladies.

The gods themselves, in response to the utterly selfless act that Nyssa had performed, raised her to their ranks. It was thus that Nyssa became Coiawen, daughter of Healing.

From the Sylvari Myth Romien Coiawen ar’ Lantad Nyssa, translated by Cleric Armand Boyn of our Lady Coiawen’s Abbey in Bright Brooke, Coria.

The thread is now open for comments. The Fall of Nyssa got top marks all around, scoring first place on two lists and third on another. Also determined "Most likely to be used in a campaign."

So that's it folks! I want to thank everyone again for entering, and like I said almost every entry will probably be canonized. Two I believe are parts of stories being written by the authors so I don't want to use them.

That being said I officially declare this contest a success! Granted a success with huge snags along the way done at probably the slowest time of the year for Inn activity, but a success none the less!

In the near future I hope to lauch a new program to get large amounts of Audalis material flowing in from the creative masses. Keep your eyes peeled for it.

Congratulations once more to Celeste!

I can see where the judges would have had a difficult time choosing just one winner from that batch of submissions! Great... no... FANTASTIC work from everyone who participated. I greatly enjoyed and was aptly fascinated by each and every article....

Soooo... congratulations to Celeste for the winning article, of course, and congratulations to the rest of you for the spectacular submissions that, undoubtedly, will become Audalis cannon right along side that winning entry. Beyond congratulations let me also offer thanks for all of your hard work and sensational expansion of the Inn's signature setting! You're all worthy of a win and a prize in my books.