Editing Journal

In Timespinner, the Journal is a section in the Pause Menu where you can look at your [[Quests]], [[Enemies]], your [[Achievements|Feats]] and any lore you may have found in the game. This lore is in 3 sections: Memories, Letters, and Downloads. Downloads can only be obtained once you acquire the [[Relics|Tablet]]


 '''Warning: Lore spoilers below!'''


== Memories ==
=== Time Messenger ===
&emsp; The encampment is a temporary one, as it always is. But<br/>
we have been here awhile, the shelters built up.

&emsp; The image is hazy. It was a long time ago.

&emsp; I'm speaking with my mother, and the elders.

&emsp; "Selen," she says, "what is our duty?"

&emsp; I am young. A child. I have been learning our history, as<br/> all our children do.

&emsp;"The Qaelans are the sacred guardians of the<br/>
Timespinner," I recite.

&emsp; "Why must we protect it?"

&emsp; "It is ancient, and its powers are dangerous," I say,<br/>
uncertain this time.

&emsp; Mother nods. "If in the wrong hands, all the universe<br/>
could be changed. Now, how do we protect it?"

&emsp; This one I know. "Every generation we train a Time<br/>
Messenger. It's their job to use the Timespinner to go back<br/>
and warn the clan if there is ever a threat."

&emsp; "Only as a last resort, though," one of the elders says. I<br/>
wince, realizing my answer was only partial. The elder<br/>
follows with another question. "What are the consequences?"

&emsp; "When the Messenger uses the Timespinner, they are<br/>
erased from history; they never existed until they rejoin the<br/>
clan. This way there is no paradox."

&emsp; "Yes," Mother says. "Good job."

&emsp; I breathe a sigh of relief as Mother beckons me to<br/>
leave the center of the circle and return to her. She smiles<br/>
and gives me a big hug, lifting me up into her arms. "You did<br/>
great, Selen," she says, holding me tight.

&emsp; As she walks away from the circle, I overhear another<br/>
elder speak. "We have been here long. Resources are<br/>
becoming scarce. We should move on, soon."

&emsp; Looking up at Mother's face, I ask, "Can I train to be a<br/>
Time Messenger?"

&emsp; "Maybe," she says. "But I hope we will never need you,<br/>
child."

=== A Message ===
&emsp; We had seen strange things in the sky. The elders sent a scout, Undar, to the city to find out what they were.

&emsp; "Ships," she says. "From the stars. They are called Lachiem, and bring great gifts for trade, in exchange for our world's resources. The cityfolk say they seem friendly, but... they have soldiers, too. Many soldiers."

&emsp; "Why are they here?" Mother asks. She is an elder, now. I am training to be a Time Messenger, as I dreamed - though none have been needed in generations.

&emsp; "I don't know, but - I overheard some in a tavern. They seemed very interested in the Ancients."

&emsp; "Could they know about the Timespinner?"

&emsp; "How could they?" I ask.

&emsp; "Regardless, we should move on soon," Mother says."

&emsp; There is a commotion in the village. Voices shouting. A woman I've never seen runs into the circle of elders. She is sweating, panting.

&emsp; "Forgive me, Elders," she says. "My name is Olada. I am a Time Messenger from this clan. We must leave now - Lachiem is looking for the Timespinner. In my timeline, they found us - forced us to tell them its location."

&emsp; My heart pumps. A Time Messenger! The elders nod. "We will close the circle with out as we travel." We begin to prepare.

&emsp; Suddenly my training seems more than ritual. Suddenly it's real.

=== Nomads ===
&emsp; We move regularly; the Lachiemi still search for relics of the Ancients. They have colonized the cities, take out planet's resources into the sky on their ships, but they are mostly peaceful. Still, we cannot allow them to find the Timespinner, and so we cannot let them find us.

&emsp; It's been eight years since they arrived on Winderia. It's been hard on us. A few elders have passed away, the stress of moving so often too much for their old bones. And there have been more Messengers. Three, now. Where once generations would pass without the arrival of a Messenger, now we fear more every day.

&emsp; Each time, we complete the circle. We hear their story and they hear ours. We welcome them back into the clan. They find new families. But the futures they reveal are always grim, the grief in their eyes permanent.

&emsp; We train more Messengers now, too. We don't know how many we will need - and we can never allow a Time Messenger to go more than once. It is dangerous, mentally, spiritually. The Journey is a sacrifice of your history, your past existence.

&emsp; We will need fresh blood in the clan, soon. Some of the women have planned journeys to the city, hoping to become mothers.

&emsp; We need supplies, too, and I have volunteered to trade. I'm curious about the Lachiemi. About why they want the Timespinner - or if they even know about it, specifically.

&emsp; The trip isn't long. There are other Time Messengers who will remain while I'm away - younger ones than I, with fewer ties to the clan. A small part of me still longs for a chance at adventure, and a greater part would spare these children their heavy burden - but mostly I dread my duty and hope I won't be needed.

=== Lachiemi Sun ===
&emsp; We'd meet with traders before, but I'd never seen so many people and goods in one place as in the city marketplace. They bustle about on a million errands, merchants shouting their wares - and Lachiemi soldiers patrolling the streets in their purple armor. They have declared Winderia part of their Empire, now; they rule, here. 

&emsp; "Miss!" someone calls. "Can I interest you in some fruit from the stars?" He's not local, and his wares are unlike anything I've seen before.

&emsp; "What is this?" I ask, picking up a spiky purple bulb.

&emsp; "A Lachiemi Sun, sweetest fruit you'll ever eat!"

&emsp; "It's from Lachiem?"

&emsp; He laughs. "Nothing grows on Devastation any more. But it's from one of the colonies! Where I'm from, in fact."

&emsp; I hear a cough behind me, and then - a group of imperial soldiers stands around the booth, staring at the merchant - though the leader stares only at me. My heart begins to rush.

&emsp; "Ah, I'm sorry officers," the merchant stammers. "I meant no disrespect to the Homeworld."

&emsp; "Don't let us hear you call Lachiem that name again," one of the soldiers says.

&emsp; The merchant nods, but the leader continues to ignore him. He removes his helmet to reveal a young face - and handsome. His hair is bright blue, like all the native Lachiemi.

&emsp; The Lachiemi are said to be quick-tempered, restless - but that blue hair is such a marvel...

&emsp; The officer smiles at me, and my pulse quickens, but this time not from fear.

&emsp; "I overheard you ask about that fruit," he says. "You have an eye for quality." He's noticed my starre, and I blush. "Would you allow me to buy that for you? Everyone should be graced with the taste of a Lachiemi Sun."

=== Moonlit Night ===
&emsp; I stay in the city for several days, hoping to explore and trade. I end up spending much of my time with the Lachiemi officer.

&emsp; "For all our history, we have been a restless people," he tells me. He's told me much about their history, philosophy, and art. "It drives us to explore, to go further into the stars, to seek the unknown. There is so much beauty in the universe, so many unseen wonders."

&emsp; "I used to have a drive like that," I say. "To be a hero, to be the one my people look up to."

&emsp; "I think you still do!" he says. "There's a fire in your eyes." He leans close, staring into them.

&emsp; I blush a little, but stare right back.

&emsp; "So if you have such drive to explore... why are you still on our world?" I ask.

&emsp; "There's still a lot to see here," he says, softly. "I want to understand other cultures, and perspectives. Help bring their ideas into the Empire. I recognize our system is not always perfect. We put a lot of focus on resources and power but... I believe our drive is also toward self-improvement. Or at least, that's how I'd like it to be."

&emsp; "A noble goal, but-"

&emsp; He interrupts me before I can finish. "I know. There is still so much to be done... Wisdom to study. Allies to find..."

&emsp; I continue to stare into his eyes. They are full of passion, but a quieter kind, now. His gorgeous blue head draws closer to mine. "There is such beauty in the universe. Wonders to discover," he continues.

&emsp; "Such as...?" I ask.

&emsp; He answers with his lips on mine.

=== Faron ===
&emsp; He arrived at night, running, panting. The village woke quickly when we heard another Messenger had come.

&emsp; "Take your time," Mother says, as the clan gathered around. She is old now, the Clanmother, leader of the circle of elders - which grows smaller every year.

&emsp; "My name is Faron," he says. "They found us. We were performing rites at the Timespinner. They must have been spying on us - we had no warning." Suddenly, he starts crying. Mother puts a calming hand on his shoulder.

&emsp; "They attacked us. Killed those who resisted. I was the only Time Messenger who could get away. I-I wasn't supposed to go. Not with-with a family... But I was the only one..." He sobs. "Please - is Jiana here?"

&emsp; The villagers are all around us, listening. Jiana steps out of the circle. He sees her, and runs to wrap her in his arms. "Oh, Jiana, you're safe..."

&emsp; She is stiff. Her two husbands and a daughter stand behind her. But she hugs him. "We were married?"

&emsp; "We had a son..."

&emsp; "I am sorry."

&emsp; Mother stands slowly. "We must prepare to leave, but we will complete the circle soon after. Faron, I advise that you take some time to gather your thoughts, as should you, Jiana. You will be welcomed back to the clan, Faron, and will always have a family in us all. However, it will be up to Jiana if she will have you. Your sacrifice was especially great, and this process will take time, but that is precisely what you have bought us, Faron."

&emsp; He nods shakily. "Thank you."

&emsp; Mother turns to Kallin, our lead scout. "We must have scouts in the woods at all times. The Lachiemi cannot be allowed to find us again. Tomorrow, we move on."

&emsp; I put my hand to my belly - already growing larger. I can't imagine leaving a child behind in another path of history. I hope I will never have to act as Time Messenger, now. I wonder if I'll have a choice.

=== Childhood ===
&emsp; Mother passed away before Lunais was born. The whole clan grieved with me, but we could not grieve for long.

&emsp; Lunais was born as we travelled. She had brilliant blue hair, confirming in my mind who the father must have been. The elders asked if I wanted to find him, to bring him into the clan, but I said he couldn't be trusted - he's Lachiemi. Anyway, I had no desire to see him again - he was never meant to be a long-term commitment.

&emsp; Lunais is headstrong. She rallies the kids around her in games of exploration and adventure. I try to teach her patience, but it comes slowly. But she's strong.

&emsp; Not like Faron and Jiana's son. Yorne is quiet, and he can be mean. But I cannot blame him. Faron gives him little attention - Yorne seems unable to replace Faron's previous son, from the other history, no matter how hard he tries. In his mind, his family is lost to the sands. Jiana gave him a son, but despite her best intentions, she could not give him the kind of family he wanted. I understand now why Mother privately cautioned her.

&emsp; "Lunais, wait up!" Yorne calls as they race around the encampment.

&emsp; Lunais pauses, then Yorne rushes past her. "Ha, sucker!"

&emsp; Lunais snarls and gives chase - sticks float in the air around her head. Her aura is powerful. More powerful than mine.

&emsp; We will have to train her as a Time Messenger. We may have to train them both.

&emsp; We can't keep on like this, or we will lose our whole clan to other histories.

=== A Solution ===
&emsp; "We can't go on like this, one Time Messenger after another," I say. The elders sit around me; I have joined their circle now.

&emsp; Clanmother Undar nods. "The Lachiemi have increased their patrols in recent years. You're right, Selen - we cannot do this forever. They will find the Timespinner."

&emsp; One of her wives, Thea, crosses her arms. "We cannot give up."

&emsp; "We need a new plan," I say. "I can't risk using the Timespinner now, with Lunais. We only have a few Messengers left, and we can't train them fast enough. What we need is... a new *kind* of Time Messenger."

&emsp; "What do you have in mind?" Undar asks.

&emsp; "Our traditions have always been for the Time Messenger to only come back as far as necessary to keep the clan safe, so as not to distort history too much."

&emsp; "We have no idea if Time can withstand more than a small amount of change at a time," Thea says.

&emsp; I nod. "But we must take a chance. I propose we train one Time Messenger to go back *further.* Go into the past. Prevent the Lachiemi from ever learning about the Timespinner if we can. Do something that will keep them from *ever* being a problem."

&emsp; "That's a huge change!" Thea says. "It will completely change our history - we don't even know if we will still exist!"

&emsp; "But it must be done!" I say. "The Timespinner is all that matters."

&emsp; "And who would you propose be this new Time Messenger?" Undar asks. But she already knows my answer from the glint in my eye.

=== An Old Friend ===
&emsp; I am in the city once more. It has been many years since I made the journey, but we needed supplies, including some for Lunais's party. Her training is nearly complete, and she will be a Time Messenger as soon as the celebration is done. I'm so proud of her, but also so away of the dangers and pain we are asking her to endure...

&emsp; I am also hoping to learn more about the Lachiemi, perhaps get some clue to their movements. Perhaps some information Lunais can use to stop them forever.

&emsp; I examine a crate of Lachiemi Suns in the marketplace, hoping to get one for Lunais. She won't understand the importance, but maybe one day...

&emsp; There's a large Lachiem patrol nearby - it's not nearly as bustling as last time I was here. I casually scrutinize a Sun as they pass, hoping to avoid attention.

&emsp; I'm unsuccessful.

&emsp; "Selen?"

&emsp; I recognize the voice. I turn as he takes off his helmet. He has a beard now, blue as his hair, but it's definitely him.

&emsp; "Nuvius," I say.

&emsp; "That's *Emperor* Nuvius," one of his guards snarls.

&emsp; My eyes widen.

&emsp; "It's okay, Carrack." He smiles at me. "I never thought I'd see you again." He moves to embrace me, and I fight the urge to recoil. There are so many soldiers...

&emsp; "Emperor?" I manage.

&emsp; He stays close when he releases me, and lowers his voice. "Yes. I was merely a prince when I saw you last, and didn't want you to like me just for my power... But come! We must catch up. Dinner, somewhere? I know a lovely little spot..." He gestures a path through his squad of guards, and they part on command, snapping to attention.

&emsp; Emperor of Lachiem... but what choice do I have? I nod.

=== Twilight Dinner ===
&emsp; To his credit, the spot he found for dinner is lovely. A view of the ocean, twilight surrounding us, a warm breeze rustling the trees. Still, I am profoundly uncomfortable.

&emsp; "I've always hoped I would see you again," Nuvius says to me, pouring me a glass of win. "How come you never returned?"

&emsp; "I had... other things to take care of," I say.

&emsp; "Come, like what?"

&emsp; "I became a leader of my clan."

&emsp; "Ah! Wonderful! We are both leaders, then. That night, all those years ago, I meant what I said about wanting to find a wise ally."

&emsp; "Truly, Nuvius? Your people have taken so much from our world," I say, hoping his response will reveal the desire for self-improvement I remember.

&emsp; "What we have taken, we have given back tenfold!" he scoffs.

&emsp; I look down.

&emsp; "But... perhaps... I haven't had the right counsellor," he recovers. "I still think about that night so long ago. Of the family we would have had."

&emsp; I try to hide my reaction but I can tell by his that I've failed.

&emsp; "What?" He stops drinking his wine and looks at me. "There's something you're not telling me."

&emsp; "I had a daughter, Nuvius." I am stunned at my own admission. I'm panicking. I need to get out of here.

&emsp; His eyes widen. "Is she...?"

&emsp; I nod reluctantly.

&emsp; "A daughter!" His eyes have lit up. "That's perfect! That's wonderful! What's her name?"

&emsp; "Lunais." I feel like throwing up.

&emsp; "Lunais! Selen, I'm so please. You must bring her to me!"

&emsp; I shake my head and stammer, "My clan is very private, Nuvius. We do not let outsiders-"

&emsp; "Who cares about your clan?" He downs his glass of wine, and pours another. "I am the Emperor! You will come back with me, you and Lunais. You can be my queen! We can rule the galaxy together!"

&emsp; I'm speechless, for a moment. "What?" is all I can manage."

&emsp; "Selen, I have wanted this for years. I love you! That's why I've wanted to see you again for so long. You can have anything you've ever wanted, just come with me! We can be together forever!"

&emsp; I balk. "You *love* me? You knew me for three days, almost twenty years ago!"

&emsp; "And I never forgot you. I've always loved you. I longed for a family with you, and here my wish is fulfilled!"

&emsp; "Well, I'm sorry Nuvius. It's not mutual. You were- a fling! You were fun, and you were an important infusion of new blood to our clan, but I never *loved* you."

&emsp; "Nonsense!" he says. "I rule this world, Selen, and so many others. Think of that power! What we can do together, if you will be mine. You can rule with me!"

&emsp; "You're responsible for so much pain on this world!" I can't stop myself from saying. "Winderia chafes in your grip; it was powerful before you showed up."

&emsp; "It doesn't matter, as long as you're with me."

&emsp; "No. I will never be with you."

&emsp; "But you're *mine*!" His voice is rising. I stand up, suddenly very scared. "You and my daughter! I will have you!"

&emsp; "I'm leaving, Nuvius."

&emsp; "Fine! I don't need you. But I *will* have my daughter. Tell me where she is and you can go."

&emsp; "Leave us alone!"

&emsp; He lunges for me, but wine has made him sloppy already. I flee.

&emsp; "You can't keep her from me!" I hear him scream. "I will find you, bitch!"

=== Final Circle ===
&emsp; The circle of elders is very quiet. I've just told them that Lunais's father is the Lachiemi emperor - the man responsible for so many of our woes.

&emsp; "This is a disaster. He will redouble his efforts to find us," Clanmother Undar says.

&emsp; "I know," I reply, full of shame and fear. "We must act quickly. We must set our plan in motion."

&emsp; Lunais's birthday celebration - her officially becoming a Time Messenger - is tonight!" Thea says. "But I fear she's not ready."

&emsp; "Send me with her," I say.

&emsp; "What?"

&emsp; The Clanmother shakes her head. "Two have never gone through the Timespinner together, before."

&emsp; "We should try. If I go, I will never have existed - and so the Emperor will have no one to hate! But if I never existed, Lunais will never have been born, and we *need* her. if we go together, perhaps we will both survive together. And we can stop Nuvius, and the Lachiemi."

&emsp; "It is a huge risk," Thea says."

&emsp; "But it must be done," Undar replies. "We have little choice any more. We must try."

&emsp; I nod. "Thank you, Clanmother."

&emsp; "But let Lunais have her celebration. She has worked so hard for this. After the procession to the Timespinner, you can tell her our plans."

&emsp; I nod again. "Very well."

== Letters ==
=== Lachiem Expedition ===
&emsp; Jarol Kail, Head of Thaumaturgical Studies 

&emsp; University of Plothar Province, Vilete

&emsp; We have concluded our thaumaturgical analysis of the portal and the world beyond. We have confirmed that it is Lachiem, our sister world in the sky. Untouched by civilization, it abounds with life - at times to a dangerous degree (see Appendix B, Megafauna). It is rich with natural resources. 

&emsp; Unfortunately, Lachiem also completely lacks the presence of Plasma in its atmosphere. As soon as our team moved beyond the portal, its effects were felt; the longer we stayed, the more pronounced the symptoms. We have called this disease the Bleakness - it weakens our auras, creates fatigue and irritability, pain and weakness. I fear that prolonged exposure could result in death for some constitutions. 

&emsp; Therefore, despite the rich potential of the world, it is with regret that I must recommend for the safety of our people that the portal to Lachiem not be used. 

&emsp; We will continue to study the aetherial flow of the portal from this side.

=== The Prime Edicts ===
&emsp; The Prime Edicts of Truant Vol Terrilis, First Emperor of the United Vilete

&emsp; Powers of the Aura are our birthright, the gift of the Plasma. Those with magical ability are the natural apex of our race. We must secure the existence of our people and a future for magical children.

&emsp; We seek to improve ourselves and our auras through research, alchemy, exploration and experimentation.

&emsp; Those with powerful auras are the natural leaders of the people. Those with powerful auras shall be raised by the magical elite as is their rightful place.

&emsp; Those who defy this new order will be sentenced to Lachiem, to live out their lives deprived of the blessed Plasma.

&emsp; Through magic, our world is made whole. We are the people of all Vilete, one world, with one purpose, under one Leader.

=== Letter of Reference ===
&emsp; Letter of Reference for Aelana to the Court of United Vilete

&emsp; To whom it may concern, 

&emsp; I am writing to recommend a place for my student, Aelana, among the court wizards of the Capital. 

&emsp; We discovered Aelana thirteen years ago, during a scholarship recruitment tour through the undercity. Although Aelana was born to low class parentes with no aptitude, she manifested a most powerful aura after being placed under duress. As mandated, we took her and trained her in our royal academy. She quickly took to our teachings, and proved her skill and talent beyond most of her young age

&emsp; Further, she is a compassionate person, a diplomatic speaker, and a fierce believer in the potential of United Vilete. While she still has much to experience, and must learn to better control her temper, we believe she would be a valuable member of the court, and could prove to be an important politician in years to come 

&emsp; If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out.

&emsp; Sincerely, 

&emsp; Thraena the Red, Headmaster of the Wriynar Royal Academy.

=== Declaration of Independence ===
&emsp; Declaration of Lachiemi Independence to the rulers of Vilete:

&emsp; As of this day, I, newly-crowned Queen Philia of Lachiem, declare our world an independent nation, no longer under the purview of Viletian control. 

&emsp; You may have sent us here as prisoners, but Lachiem is not your colony to control. Left ungoverned, we have chosen to govern ourselves. We reject your fascist regime; we reject your aura-centric meritocracy; we reject your dominance.

&emsp; We believe all are equal regardless of strength of aura.  We believe all deserve life despite the harshness of it without Plasma. We will fight for our rights and our lives. We will thrive here.

&emsp; Lachiem will be powerful. Let Vilete always remember how their cruelty led to our ascendance.

&emsp; - Queen Philia, First Sovereign of Independent Lachiem

=== Political Advice ===
&emsp; Emperor Vol Terrilis,

&emsp; I know I have only been an advisor to you for a couple of years, but I hope you will hear me out on this recent issue of the so-called independence of Lachiem.

&emsp; You instinct will be to lash out in retribution against the "Lachiemi"; after all, do prisoners get to declare independence from their jailors? Of course not.

&emsp; But that is all Philia is truly doing - making an empty statement. Independence means nothing within the walls of a prison. They may state such, but they still remain on Lachiem while we control the only portal to and from it - the walls of the prison, if you will.

&emsp; Nonetheless, the population of Lachiem has been growing, especially since your most recent Security and Justice Decrees. While I don't believe the Lachiemi to be a true threat - after all, those few with auras are weak on that world - given enough impetus, they could organize and attempt to strike back against us. Any conflict, no matter how much in our favor, will result in some death, not to mention further unrest among our people.

&emsp; It is thus my recommendation that we allow the Lachiemi to believe in their independence, and not to strike back against this more.

&emsp; Sincerely,

&emsp; Aelana

=== Naïvety ===
&emsp; Aelana,

&emsp; You are Naive if you think that allowing these Lachiemi to believe they have truly escape my ire by declaring some kind of independence will prevent eventual strife. The more powerful they think they are, the more likely they will initiate conflict. They are, after all, a world of criminals.

&emsp; However, I have no need to antagonize them directly. We are powerful; they are weak.

&emsp; If you truly think they will remain peaceful, I invite you to visit them. Go as an "ambassador," and see how they respond to diplomacy. You will see that it is hopeless - and when you return, I shall have prepared a strike force to remind them - and our citizens - who holds the power.

&emsp; - V.T.

=== Diplomatic Missive ===
&emsp;  Philia,

&emsp; I have sent this letter under the guise of a diplomatic missive; I hope it reaches you safely. 

&emsp; To put it simply, I miss you. Since returning to Vilete, I have been able to think of little but our time together - our talks in the gardens, the dinners under the blue sky, your warmth in the cold nights... Even the early signs of Bleakness were nothing next to your touch.

&emsp; You have opened my eyes, Philia. Now that I am back on Vilete, I begin to see those things I never saw before - I live in such an open environment, I did not see that oppression that lives beneath it. How the very culture works to hold down those without auras while blinding the upper classes to their struggles. How their needs are invisible to us. It is not simply a class of hierarchy; they are treated as less than human.

&emsp; Meanwhile, we seek to exterminate them altogether. The magic class is socially forbidden from fraternizing with those without, let alone to have children with them. We are breeding a more powerful race of magic users. Like Vol Terrilis is simply waiting for the rest to die off.

&emsp; Or killing those who don't die off fast enough.

&emsp; Vol Terrilis is powerful, and concerned only with his power; there will be no reconciliation with Lachiem, nor victory in conflict. However, I will see what I can do in the courts. Perhaps I can find a way to make things easier for you.

&emsp; I hope construction of your castle continues to go well.

&emsp; I miss you.

&emsp; With love,

&emsp; Aelana

=== Mission Findings ===
&emsp; Emperor Vol Terrilis,

&emsp; As you know, I recently returned from an extended diplomatic mission to Vilete - despite your reservations.

&emsp; To put it simply, the sheer numbers that have been sent to Lachiem as part of your edicts on public safety made the formation of their society inevitable. It is a human drive to survive, and the Lachiemi have begun to work together to do simply that - despite their suffering. They are, like it or note, a fully functioning society, independent from our control. And without subjecting our own people to the Bleakness, they must remain so.

&emsp; However, I believe the existence of the Lachiemi society can be benefit to us. We still are able to remove the undesirables from Vilete, and there will be less unrest among our own citizens if they know that criminals have some hope of life beyond the portal.

&emsp; Furthermore, when the Lachiem was first discovered, it was noted to be rich in natural resources; plans to colonize were halted only because of the Bleakness. But Queen Philia's society exists now regardless, and that means those resources are now available.

&emsp; I propose a treaty with the Lachiemi to trade for those resources. We gain their benefits with none of the human cost. In exchange, we can offer them Plasma Pods - allow them to mitigate the worst of the Bleakness, allow them to live more comfortably such that we can better profit off their labors.

&emsp; There is benefit to accepting their society, Emperor. I'd hate to waste it. I'd happily continue as an official ambassador, if you deem it appropriate.

&emsp; Yours,

&emsp; Aelana

=== The War of the Sisters ===
&emsp; It is the Year of the Sisters 47. It will be known as the year of the War of the Sisters began. I hope this record will survive as a testament to history.

&emsp; I returned to Lachiem to "officially" deliver Vol Terrilis's refusal of a treaty with Queen Philia. In truth, I had no intention of returning to Vilete. Vol Terrilis has proven that he is only concerned with himself and his own power.

&emsp; In fact, I am the new Princess of Lachiem, having been married to Queen Philia in a brief ceremony. We will rule Lachiem together, and better than Vol Terrilis ever did Vilete. Unfortunately, it became clear that that would mean war.

&emsp; I was resistant - could we not simply try to live separate from Vilete? But Philia has been here far longer than I. She understands that there is no peaceful existence under a fascist, even if he is on another world.

&emsp; But we were at a loss. How could be - with so few auras, and so weakened by the Bleakness - hope to fight against Vol Terrilis's army? Even the passion inspired by rebellion would not be enough for our soldiers.

&emsp; It was in the depths of despair and anger one night that the Immortals appeared to us.

&emsp; I understand them to be powerful spirits, Manifestations of magical energy - perhaps pure auras. They offered their help.

&emsp; It wasn't an easy decision. But it was a necessary one. Only with their help would we have a chance against Vilete

&emsp; They have given us power. They have given us hope.

&emsp; The war of the Sisters...

&emsp; We do what we must.
&emsp; - Princess Aelana of Lachiem

=== Peace Treaty ===
&emsp; Emperor Vol Terrilis,

&emsp;  I send this missive with Queen Philia, rightful ruler of the Independent Lachiem, to augment her entreaty for peace. I offered to come in her stead, given our history together, but she believed it important to represent her world herself. I hope you recognize the honor in that.

&emsp; We have taken control of the portal between our worlds. As you have seen, we have strength; we have allies. We have learned to survive on this world; we will not fall even to the Bleakness. If this conflict continues, thousands more will die, and you will be no closer to subduing us. We entreat you: let us end this now. We are still willing to negotiate an arrangement like I suggested those years ago; some of the vast resources of Lachiem for Plasma from Vilete. A mutually beneficial arrangement.

&emsp; Please listen to Philia. She is wise, and she wants only peace.

&emsp; Don't make the same mistake as before.

&emsp; - Princess Aelana of Lachiem

=== Stained Letter ===
&emsp; Aelana,

&emsp; No.

&emsp; You are a fool. Lachiem belongs to me - you are but prisoners.

&emsp; Do not forget that.

&emsp; And do not expect to see your dear Philia again.

&emsp; She must serve as an example to those who would defy me.

&emsp; - Emperor Truant Vol Terrilis of United Vilete

== Downloads ==
=== Lachiem ===
&emsp; Lachiem is a moon of the gas giant planet Corandar; it is the only life-bearing planet in the solar system of Parat Ankha. The planet's atmosphere is made of breathable air and has an ozone layer and magnetic field that protects it from Corandar's radiation.

&emsp; Lachiem is the home world of the Lachiem Empire. Since developing space travel technology in 928 AE, the empire's benevolent reach has spread throughout the Erneah galaxy.

=== Lachiem (+) ===
&emsp; Lachiem is a moon of the gas giant planet Corandar; it is one of two life-bearing planets in the solar system of Parat Ankha. The planet has an ozone layer and  magnetic field that protects it from Corandar's radiation. During the second War of the Sisters, Lachiem's atmosphere was poisoned by Viletian chemical weapons.

&emsp; Lachiem is the home world of the Lachiem Empire. Since developing space travel technology in 918 AE, the empire's benevolent reach has spread throughout the Erneah galaxy.

=== Vilete ===
&emsp; Vilete was a moon orbiting the gas giant planet of Corandar and was one of two life-bearing planets in the Parat Ankha solar system. The planet had a unique atmosphere, called a Plasmosphere, which was full of Plasma, a unique type of radiation.

&emsp; In 38 AE, at the climax of the War of the Sisters, the planet was destroyed. Today the remains of the planet can still be seen in the Lachiem sky, as magenta colored rings surrounding Corandar.

=== Vilete (+) ===
&emsp; Vilete is a moon orbiting the gas giant planet of Corandar and is one of two life bearing planets in the Parat Ankha solar system. The planet has a unique atmosphere, called a Plasmosphere, which is full of Plasma, a special type of radiation.

&emsp; In 14 BE, a portal to Lachiem was discovered on a remote island in Plothar province of Vilete. In 1 AE, the ruler of Vilete began colonizing  Lachiem. In 38 AE, at the climax of the War of the Sisters, the portal between the planets was destroyed.

&emsp; Vilete was conquered by Lachiem in 1025 AE, after a 9 year war.

=== War of the Sisters ===
&emsp; Lachiem's bitter rival, Vilete, was ruled by a mad despot who wished to control Lachiem's resources.

&emsp; In 38AE, after Lachiem rebelled against Vilete's oppression, they took control of the portal between world and built a device that would destroy it forever - and destroy all of Vilete with it. This harrowing but necessary act by Queen Aelana the Great, founder of the Lachiemi Empire, ended Vilete's evil forever and won the War of the Sisters for Lachiem, beginning a new golden era.

=== War of the Sisters (+) ===
&emsp; Lachiem's bitter rival, Vilete, was ruled by a mad despot who wished to control Lachiem's resources.

&emsp; In 38AE, after Lachiem rebelled against Vilete's oppression, they destroyed the portal between the world. This brave act by Queen Aelana the Great, founder of the Lachiemi Empire, ended Vilete's oppression and won the War of the Sisters for Lachiem, beginning a new golden era.

=== Bleakness Research ===
&emsp; Proposed methods and their efficacy in curing the Bleakness

&emsp; ABSTRACT

&emsp; The Bleakness, a genetic medical condition that has been linked to several negative symptoms, has plagued Lachiem natives for over a millennium. In this paper, we propose possible cures for the disease by gene modification, infusions of synthetic plasma, and temporary exposure to plasma radiation. User testing consisted of 50 adults (per technique) between the age of 20 and 40. Results were statistically significant for all techniques on both short-term and long-term examinations (p-values less than 0.01). Short term measurements show that relief is reported by and measured in 0% of the gene modification subjects, 88% of the synthetic plasma subjects, and 100% of the plasma radiation subjects. Long term measurements show that this reported relief, experienced by two of the test groups, does not last, with 86.2% returning to baseline discomfort within one week, and 100% by three weeks. We recommend that further research is done on gene modification as technology improves.

=== Emperor Nuvius ===
&emsp; Nuvius Erovia has been the rule of the empire of Lachiem since 1045 AE. The great emperor's reign oversees not only the home world of Lachiem, but the many habitable exoplanets that have been discovered and colonized throughout the Erneah galaxy.

&emsp; Nuvius was born in Varndagray Metropolis as the only child to Emperor Leonius in 1013 AE. At a young age he possessed a natural aptitude for magic and thus was privately educated and groomed to become a powerful warrior. As heir presumptive, Nuvius began to take on leadership roles in the military when he came of age.

&emsp; In 1045 AE, Nuvius, following traditional rites of succession, challenged his father to mortal combat. Being the victor, Nuvius ascended to the throne. Under Nuvius's rule, the empire has flourished more than it ever has before.

=== Winderia ===
&emsp; Winderia is a small pastoral planet in the Erneah galaxy. The exoplanet was first discovered by Lachiemi scientists in 869 AE via high-powered telescopes.

&emsp; In 1032 AE the imperial spaceship "Ambition" made a successful voyage to Winderia, but remained in orbit in order to study the planet and its civilization from afar. After several months of research, it was deemed prudent to make contact with intelligent inhabitants of the planet.

&emsp; The Winderian natives proved to be peaceful and, eventually, a successful trading agreement was established between Lachiem and Winderia. The Empire now freely trades technology with the Winderians in exchange for their natural resources. Despite a few minor rebellions, the Empire's relationship with Winderia is considered to be very positive.

=== W.R.E.C. Farewell ===
&emsp;  The WREC program (War Robots of Extinct Creatures) is finally being phased out. After its successful run of over three decades, including one trans-planetary war, we have decided to discard all unused units. A part of me will miss WREC, as its usage of long since dead animals as inspiration for each new model was always quite endearing to me. It was as if the designers were uttering a quiet apology for eradicating that animal's entire species (whether that extinction was intentional or not!)

&emsp; Nevertheless, the new technology that we are receiving from our mysterious "ally" is undoubtedly far superior to any unit from the WREC program - be it in speed or cost, to simple lethality.

&emsp;  Despite these new exciting advances in science, a part of me will always miss the quaint little creatures from the WREC line.

=== Biotechnology ===
&emsp; The new line of biotechnology war machines is proving to be quite effective. I would've never imagined juxtaposing simple metallic automata with literal biological organs. I'm surprised by the practicality of using enormous organic eyes as an ocular source for robots - enhanced as they are. Of course, an intentional side effect of the design is that they are so unsettling.

&emsp; The individual who spearheaded this new technology, Amadeus, is somewhat of an enigma to me. He claims to be from Surfflynd, but I find that claim preposterous, considering the primitive level of scientific advancement of that planet. My skepticism is not shared with the new emperor, however - at least, he doesn't seem to care. Perhaps I will attempt to reverse engineer Amadeus' biotech creations. It may be that I will find my answers there.

=== Experiment #11 ===
&emsp; ...the subject exhibited an advanced growth rate, as well as the addition of new psychic abilities, despite the subject's parents being completely void of any talent. Although my colleagues consider this experiment to be a failure, as we've yet to achieve our true goal, I believe it at least a step in the right direction. This will serve as a  springboard for my next experiment...

&emsp; As a side note: Some of my colleagues appear to be squeamish about the lengths we are going for this research. I do not blame them: the process of splicing unknown organic material into the embryo of a Winderian commoner is quite a leap from most modern scientific techniques. I know I do evil. But I posit that reaching further, faster, is ultimately our ethical imperative. Scientific advancement beyond Amadeus's design will allow us to move beyond dependency of the demons. We will bring order to the empire. Is that not the true Lachiemi way?

=== Experiment #13 ===
&emsp; ...by the results off my last few experiments, I decided to try splicing the biotech DNA into that of a grown Lachiemi nobleman. Monstrous, yes, but our emperor has given me leeway in my work. He appears to be very happy with my ability to make political opponents disappear. A fortunate side-effect, I suppose.

&emsp; The effects of the splicing on the subject occurred very quickly, but not without apparent physical discomfort on the subject's part. The final beneficial results are: a rapid growth in the body's size and strength (much faster than any of the run-of-the-mill DNA enhancements, which are so popular among the wealthy) as well as a marked improvement in the magical ability. However, the negative side effects of the procedure, such as skin sloughing off and an...irregular restructuring of muscles, have made this procedure unfit for any practical applications.

&emsp; The results of this experiment seem consistent with demonic designs. I have seen this sort of monstrosity before. I am not yet free of their influence. Perhaps we must move beyond their biotechnical designs altogether. I will do whatever it takes... I have to meditate on this...

=== Origins ===
&emsp; There is a strong psychic aura possessed by the biotech monstrosities Amadeus has helped us design. I now know why: between my reverse-engineering and some further<br/>Z
research into history (of all things) I can only conclude that Amadeus is a psychic being himself. A demon, to use the crude parlance.

&emsp; There is no doubt that his techniques will be of benefit to Lachiem; they've already proven deadly. But there's a reason for the fear their designs engender. He - and his kin, for I believe there are more of them - feed on the hatred, disgust, and the chaos that follows them.

&emsp; It aids Lachiem for now. But continued reliance on them will not do. Lachiem is built on order, on control; we cannot have such chaos following us everywhere. I must find a way to rid us of these so-called allies.