Damon's History of Volara
Damon Aeary is a historian on Volara.
No one knows exactly where he comes from, but he is easily the best traveled of those who write about Volara.
Twenty-five years ago, he published an essay about Volara’s history in an academic text. The essay was popular enough, and thorough enough, that the scholars at the famous University of Llafanwyr in Te'ralyn decided to publish the essay as a stand-alone work, making it available worldwide.
Since then, it has been translated into twelve languages and is readily available in most of the major cities. Many inns keep copies of the text among their small libraries, and the book has become something of a primer for many of those interested in history. As a result, any character in the Volara setting can choose to know some or all of the information contained herein. A player may even choose to make this text part of his/her starting equipment at a cost of two silver coins.
Purpose
Aeary wrote his History of Volara because he felt a primer was necessary for the common citizen. He felt too much of Volara's history had already been lost. As a result, he believed informing the public was his duty as perhaps Volara's best-travelled scholar.
Document Structure
References
Praneya: Friend or Foe by Tandrigar Colm
The Second War: Intercontinental War as a New Possibility by Thandrius Cleary
Steeleye: Tongue of Silver, Fist of Iron by Hrothdan Ironpen
Steeleye's Girl: The Warrior Princess by Gerandal Elias
Salinar: The Founding by Eldren Dolaans
A Historical Overview of the Development of the Magocracy of Salinar: Volumes 1-3 by Dunston Hale
Salinar: A History by Liber Wulson
Drakscar Triumphant: Lawesee and the Rise of Kafre'en by Balious Joul
Marken: Market Economics at Work edited by Soren Delagarde
The Gochanrall Offensive by Dandrick Lone
Atrenes: Funding the Unfundable by Laster Maddock
Publication Status
In print by University of Llafwanwyr Press
27th Printing
Historical Details
Background
Aeary felt the common person's knowledge of Volaran history was woefully inadequate. As he had spent many years researching Volara's history, he felt he was in a unique place to provide a primer that would inform and entertain. Aeary was considered by some to be a dedicated scholar, while others dismissed him as a mere adventurer prior to the release of this text.
Public Reaction
The book was an instant bestseller and led to an increase in history students both at the University of Llafanwyr and elsewhere. People found Aeary's work interesting, easy to read, and informative. His willingness to credit other authors helped with his popularity, particularly when dealing with Steeleye, in whom there was a surge in interest.
Legacy
Aeary's History of Volara was seen as a landmark work in the historical field, not because it was particularly in-depth, but because of the simplicity with which it presented its subject matter. It's theorized that it led to a vast increase in the popularity of the Quilter's Guild while also influencing the number of students studying history at Volara's various universities.
Some have even suggested it contributed to the efforts of some adventuring parties, not least of which was the famous group led by Sir Tathranis Silverleaf and self-proclaimed Kender Queen Kizzy Glittertalk Wonderbright the 8th (and a half). Their endeavours included confirming the legendary Uthreya Steeleye party's discovery of a ruined city in the Asurisian Waste, as mentioned in the text.
Of course, whether it was Aeary's writing or not that influenced the Silverleaf-led party is a matter that is still up for debate, but there is no question their efforts solidifed some of the theories presented in Aeary's work.
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