Spoils: ...and iiiiiit's a doozy.
Staff of Power: Caden has acquired a bona fide Staff of Power as a result of his time spent in Anebrilith-Beinost. It consists of an obscure material called a Shard of Resonance, causing it to shape itself in accord with the soul of the wielder. Each shaping is a one-time happening that requires some kind of divine approval. The Shard resonated with Caden into the form of a proper Staff of Power, with a construction perfectly resembling Prevalida both inside and out. Caps are screwed on at each end, allowing for future modifications. It's black with runic and symbolic indentations all over, each one filled in with an orange 'gel' like material that glows blue during spellcasting.
Incidentally, all money that would have been given to me for this quest, along with all money from my Exemplary Contributor prize, as well as the actual prize itself, are factored into me getting this thing. The relavent thread can be found
here.
Armor: In addition to his chestplate, Caden now has a set of cavalry armor for his arms and legs. There are plenty of gaps, but every little bit helps. All of this new armor is patterned after, and strongly resembles, Caden's original Conscript Breastplate. It's all Steel,
Above Average quality.*
It started at Excellent, but battle damage took a toll.
Alchemy: As a consequence of all his time spent restoring food and his role in transmuting an entire city, Caden has risen to
Above Average in his Alchemy education. He still can't transmute metals or large objects on his own, and he cannot use it in combat under any circumstance. This talent remains most useful for mending thread, fixing glasses, and dealing with food.
Knowledge: Caden's knowledge of Necromancy has gone up to
Expert level, with specific attention to
counter necromancy. Most of this knowledge is beyond his practical skills as a spellcaster, and instead applies to knowledge of the mechanics and theory behind how necromancy works.
Magic: Caden has advanced to
Expert at Geomancy, Arcane Magic, and Thermal Magic. He's become
Above Average with Gravity and
Average with Necromancy.
Spellwork: Caden has obtained the basic concepts for a Thermal Tornado, Thermal and Necromantic barrier spellwork. His Thermal knowledge now includes the know-how to lob both Fireballs and Frostbolts.
And for the actual continent of Raiaera...
Raiaera: Beinost: The City of Anebrilith has been torn down and rebuilt as Beinost, the Beautiful City. Damage from the sieges has been almost completely erased within city limits, while the land that surrounds it is still in need of purification and rebuilding. The city is only sparsely populated at this point, around ~5,000 people, almost all of them Elves or Half-Elves, but there's plenty of room and the locals are a hard bunch who've been through Hell twice and come back for more. It is noteworthy for being the only major city in Raiaera with no prejudice towards Alerians or Dark Elves/Drow in general, due in no small part to the role some of them played in its final liberation. Despite its beauty and tremendous potential, the city
was built using the souls of the dead as a material component. While they were almost universally volunteers, the place may well be haunted and could turn into a hotbed for the dark arts if mismanaged. Like Anebrilith, Beinost is a port city.
Beinost: The College Arcana: Built and then left empty in the heart of Beinost's Magic District. The College Arcana is a work-in-progress, with all but one of its future core staff travelling the world in search of knowledge arcana, artifacts, and all the other stuff that makes such a place viable. Its specialty will, eventually, be a Salvic-inspired, Raiaeran-modified form of general Wizardry, with little or no actual bardic or divine influences. Pointy Hats and Robes will, apparently, be the standard uniform for actual Wizards. Its only current residents are Neesal Danfras, a pyromancer Mage, and her baby daughter, Iera Law. Neesal remains to keep the place in shape and prevent squatters or prospective thieves from swiping anything on College grounds. Currently, the College hosts only copies of magical knowledge found in Blueraven's Grimoire at the time of the Second Siege of Anebrilith, and a copy of the teleportation spell used to reach Xem'zund's tomb.
As an aside: While the College Arcana does figure into my Extremely Long Term plans, I leave it up to the Raiaeran Continent Writer as to whether or not anything is done with it. Boot Neesal and Iera out as you will, open the school up if you want.