Eldwin's Tales

Eldwin was a collector of stories from his travels. After settling down he wrote two books, one of which, Eldwin's Journey, is recognized as trash everywhere, so much so that it is assumed a different author wrote the popular Eldwin's Tales.

Summary

Eldwin's Tales is a collection of stories with morals to teach those willing to take these stories to heart. His most popular recollection is that of a boy who went to take revenge on a troll who wrecked his village, with the moral, "Don't bring a crossbow to a fight that requires fire." This story has saved many an adventurer, not to mention players accused of meta-gaming.

This book contains stories to help wanderers caution themselves in the wilds. From mistaking cockatrice eggs for chicken eggs to negotiating with bandits while traveling, Eldwin's tales is functional as it is entertaining, carried by adults as well as children. Some of the tales within are An Efreeti is Not a Djinn, A Hag in the Forest, Dragon's Gold, The Four Elementals, The Peryton and the Pegasus, Deal with a Demon, and of course, The Tarrasque.

Historical Basis

It is hard to trace the origins of the stories collected in this tome, but most of them seem to have been at least based on existing creatures, if not historical events.

Spread

Eldwin's Tales is the most commonly printed book in it's time. Every general store has at least a few copies for sale and every hearth has at least one as well.

Variations & Mutation

Some printing's have left out thestory"One for Me, Oni for You," because of it's gruesome ending, although the newer printings have kept the story in, changing the ending. It is fairly easy to obtain any of the copies currently.