To elaborate on the uncertainty of point #1:
There is an apparent discrepancy between old and new Arcanis material. To those who just play the game for the combat or with the attitude of being an observer in the story, it’s not a big deal. But for those of us who want to pay attention to solving mysteries, it’s connected to a clue. The Codex Arcanis (2nd ed., p.186) says, “Three centuries ago [text written circa 1020] in Ethelios, the High Priest of Belisarda was visited by a vision of the Prophetess. He went to the Council of Elders, saying the first signs of the time of Prophecy had come to pass, and that the Elorii should ready themselves for the coming conflict – one upon which the fate of Arcanis would rest.” As a result of discussions, a call went out for volunteer elorii to enter the land of humans, and they became the Laerestri. Eldest Sons (p.106) says, “As ages passed, the Elorii prepared for the war of retribution, shielded from the world outside by the power of the Elf-Mother. The priests of Belisarda, called Lifewardens, read the signs, awaiting the Elemental Gods’ return. As the days Umor spoke of approached, it was decided that greater knowledge of the world of Man and his ways was needed. To this end the Elorii set out to make contact with the race they had despised for so long.” The book later (p.110) elaborates on the discussions of each eloran nation on how to react to the signs that the time of the Prophecy was at hand: “The Cosaeli [elders] of the three Great nations held joint council, to determine the course the Elorii would take. Each would choose a different path.” The elves of Elonbe sent scouts into human lands to collect information; and the Entarans decided to open the a city to human visitors. LA-SP5-2 “Beyond the Threshold of Never” says on p.5: “In the year 755, the Elorii of Entaris opened the city of Seremas to humanity.” The above sources seem to agree with each other on timing. It was in the 700s IC that the Laerestri first appeared as the reaction to a sign of prophecy. The Codex of Heroes tells a different story with different timing (p.27). It relates a passionate speech made by a Malfelen around 3 IC and how the Elders of Elonbe eventually decided in reaction to send Laerestri into the world. Moreover, it elaborates on timing: “Thus far, the Laerestri have lived among the different tribes of man for almost one thousand years.” I don’t see a way to reconcile the stories. Is it a retcon? Did the writer of the second story ignore the first version? Why does it matter? The signs of the prophecy.
_________________ David Thomas Chappell Sestius Ovidius val'Mehan Comma and Khamat - psion patrician diplomatic legate and his Myrantian tutor Quintus Ovidius val'Mehan - patrician military tribune Amadi val'Abebi - Monk of Althares Talathos - choleric Kelekene dabbler
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