A bit of harvested information on the valence of Lorae'Tyr

*From KP [#we91f8c8]
**Lorae'tyr [#vb51e89e]
Lorae'tyr is one of a number of valences from which demons may originate. Demons from Lorae'tyr may be summoned into Elanthia either by sorcerers with knowledge of Minor Summoning (725) or other powerful entities such as GM characters.~

Lorae'tyr is a humid, swampy realm, full of vegetation. It's various environments include bogs, forests, and plains. Its vegetation is not entirely alien, many plants even bearing extreme similarities to those of which could be found in Elanthia. Oddly, the plants in Lorae'tyr are much more vibrant and dark in color, and more pointed and sharp in shape. A yellowy hue colors the sky and air everywhere in the valence, only offset by the array of colors portrayed by the igaesha which inhabit the skies of Lorae'tyr.~

One of the most outstanding features of Lorae'tyr is its timeshifting. The passage of time in this valence lacks uniformity, or in other words, time changes at different speeds in different locations, and these speeds are subject to change at any time. A single field may age three hundred years in less than an Elanthian minute, while other areas may slow to a crawl while the world around them passes them by. Because of this, there is very little permanence within Lorae'tyr. Due to these shifts in time, Faendryl sorcerers would disappear for decades, only to return having spent mere minutes in the valence. Because of such dangers, the Faendryl Patriarch Unsenis Ignaas had travel there outlawed, and the valence was sealed with a magical barrier called Shieltine's Ward. This ward not only makes travel to Lorae'tyr extremely difficult, it allows the Basilica to monitor travel to and from the valence.~

Lorae'tyr is home to at least four known demon archetypes, the igaesha, verlok, grantris, and abyran. While the others seem to pay no heed to the timeshifting qualities of their home, the abyran seem to have recognized this issue and have taken measures to deal with it.~

The igaesha and the grantris do not appear to possess any sort of community or society, although the igaesha often tend to float through the skies in clusters. The verlok, on the otherhand, tend to inhabit large piles of metal in communities, living together peacefully. Moreover, the abyran have an intricate society, comprised of various castes.

**Igaesha [#vf4b20f7]
***Physical Description [#h2a9d8a0]
Igaesha are a species of colorful clouds. They range across the spectrum in color, though most commonly light or pale. Since they are clouds, physical objects move through them freely, displacing the vapor as it passes through. They can alter their own density to adjust their size, expanding or contracting at will. They can also alter their chemical composition to become acidic. This can be used as a form of defense, or possibly digestion. There is no change to the appearance of their form itself, though an increase in speed and precision of movement has been observed while in this state. There is no mechanical difference between sub-types of igaesha, only a difference in the consistancy of the cloud type.
***Society and Behavior [#k4b0de24]
In its natural habitat, igaesha flock in clusters with each other, drifting nonchalantly through the skies. They do not interact noticably, rather they relinquish their individuality for the duration. When alone, they tend to move with more deliberate actions, as opposed to drifting aimlessly. It is only when separated or disturbed that each igaesha will take a mind of its own. Individual igaesha will swirl rapidly and become acidic if they feel threatened. It has also been observed that individual igaesha will shift and swirl in patterns when encountering one another, suggesting that they are performing acts of communication.
**Verlok [#ff845e01]
***Physical Description [#u823d943]
The verlok are a species of metallic birds, similar in size and shape to chickens. The main body of the verlok is a finely detailed hollow metal frame, filled with intricate jointed mechanical parts. Each is comprised entirely of a single type of metal, such as those found in Elanthia. Additionally, the rarity of metals comprising the verlok are found in the same ratio as found in Elanthia. The metal bodies are coated in bright feathers which range in color from bright yellow or gold, to orange and red. Strangely, the feathers are not attached to the verlok's body at all, they float nearly an inch from the surface. Despite not actually making contact with the metal frame, the feathers' movements are synchronized with those of the bird's body. The feathers also emit a faint glow, enough to illuminate dark surroundings. The verlok are capable of flight, despite their metal bodies, and though they have been observed to perch in their home valence, they tend to remain in constant motion while in ours. They are also quite noisy, constantly clicking, humming, and whirring, and are quite capable of mimicking speech.
The identifying factor between the three sub-types of verlok is the metal they are comprised of. The metal of each verlok retains its unique abilities, lending their strengths or weaknesses to the bird.
Verlok'asha are the simple metals (steel, bronze, etc.)
Verlok'cina are the magical metals (mithril, vultite, etc.)
Verlok'ar are the elemental metals (drakar, gornar, rhimar, and zorchar, as well as drake and feras)
***Society and Behavior [#c4774460]
The verlok nest in communities surrounding large heaps of metal, generally comprised of a single metal, which its inhabitants will share. These heaps are the birthplace of the verlok, and where their bodies will go when they die. In this manner, the metals of generations of verlok are recycled continuously. Verlok are rather like barnyard fowl in their demeanor, generally content to wander about until disturbed, whereupon they will take flight for only a short distance, enough to separate themselves from the threat. When summoned, the verlok refuse to land for some reason, remaining perpetually in flight.
**Grantris [#td4ade0c]
***Physical Description [#lad6abfd]
The grantris is a centipede-like creature, slightly smaller than a small dog. They do not have a carapace, instead having a soft skinned body covered by coarse hairs that twitch in response to sound, movement, or touch. The grantris bears hundreds of thousands of legs, which are used not only for movement, but to balance things upon their backs. As with many other insects, the grantris can rub its legs together to create sounds. It possesses an exceptional ability to mimic noises, as well as create its own in complex variations. They are most often found in dull colors, such as brown or grey. Their eyes are often more vibrant, ranging from fiery reds to silvers.
***Society and Behavior [#e14e1da6]
The grantris does not seem capable of sentient thought, therefore any complex society seems unlikely. However, given its ability to produce audio with its legs, it likely communicates with others of its own kind, perhaps for courtship or to warn others of threats. The grantris is an extremely nervous being, constantly circling and searching for a place of safety, commonly under objects. When forced out, a grantris will simply circle incessantly until allowed a new hiding spot. When particularly frightened, the hairs on its body will twitch more than usual, and the grantris will circle even faster. It has been recorded that in extreme circumstances, a grantris can become so frightened that a backlash which severs the bond between demon and summoner is caused.
**Abyran [#e5f58cd5]
***Physical Description [#h1e91102]
The abyran are a species half-snake half-humanoids. Above the waist they have humanoid torsos, which blend into the scaly shaft and long tail of a snake. The skin of their torso can range in color, but is often some gradation of purple. The scaled portion of their body changes color to match their surroundings when endangered or excited. Their faces are mostly humanoid, but without hair or ears. They have unblinking, pupiless eyes, and have short protrusions on top their heads, which seem to move of their own volition. Their thin-lipped mouths contain a pair of menacing fangs, and long, thin tongues. The tounges of the abyran'sa and abyran'ra are forked, providing a sibilant quality to their speech. Like snakes, the abyran occasionally shed their skin.
The features of the abyran'ra are significantly different from the other sub-types. The most obvious being the protrusions of the head, which are instead a wreath of independantly writhing serpants. In addition, the skin of the abyran'ra is generally a darker hue, usually black. Finally, the ends of its fingers are viscious scythe-like talons.
***Society and Behavior [#oaea15fe]
The abyran have an advanced society, easily the most advanced within Lorae'tyr. They have a caste system, comprised of a civilian/labor class (abyran'a), a priest class (abyran'sa), and a warrior class (abyran'ra). The abyran are constantly constructing intricate temples of stone, each with multiple sections which all share a central overlapping point (imagine a clover leaf). Due to the unpredictable timeshifting of the valence, portions of the temple are always in disrepair, though this manner of construction ensures that at least one segment remains standing. The abyran appear to hold snakes in high regard, and have been witnessed prostrating themselves to even the smallest serpents, sometimes statues of serpants.~

The abyran'ra are powerful enough to use potent magic, both destructive and defensive. They have also been observed taking part in rituals which do nothing but display their power. Abyran'ra possess a particular fetish of violently removing the spinal columns of their slain enemies. They can then sharpen them into a bladed whip, and the set them aflame. Additionally, they clearly possess some sense of loyalty to their kin, because when they encounter a summoned abyran'a or abyran'sa, they will attempt to break the sorcerer's control over it. If they succeed, the sorcerer will lose the demon and incur a significant stun, but if they lose, the abyran'ra will be stunned instead. This is primarily fended off through training in Demonology.
*Enchiridion Valentia [#t9526675]
**VI. Enchira Tyr: Lorae'Tyr [#j020b919]
**The Valence [#ia2c8efc]
Travel to Lorae'Tyr is forbidden by the Basilica. The seven sorcerers still present on this valence should be brought, upon their return, to the Basilica for questioning immediately. These sorcerers are: Levianthia Sherula, Wintherian Lontriel, Mleriand Lontriel, Finmielle Thenryl, Chournd Dralhavaen, Gerphend Yourliand, and Uritheam Boltreade. Any sorcerer attempting to circumvent Shieltine's Ward on Lorae'Tyr will be executed.~

Lorae'Tyr possesses many features worthy of description, but the most striking is its interpretation of time. Traveling to this valence for even a short period of time can result in the loss of years on Elanthia. While within the valence, sorcerers have observed normal activity, such as foliage growth or geological decay, occur at varying rates, sometimes shifting speeds even as the sorcerer watched. The passage of time most certainly exists on Lorae'Tyr, but whether it is relevant to the valence's functioning at all is unclear. The demons who reside there seem unaffected and even oblivious to the temporal phenomenon, although the abyran appear to have compensated for it in a few ways more completely described in their section.~

Sorcerers who have returned from travel to this valence have exhibited no ill effects from their absence. The length of time that passes in Elanthia appears to have no relation to how long the sorcerer stays in Lorae'Tyr -- some have been there for a few minutes and lost hundreds of years, while others have made extended stays of several weeks and found only a few days have passed in Elanthia.~

"I passed through the veil at the Hour of Lumnis. I was there but a few moments, but when I returned I found myself in a completely different manor. The residents were quite startled to see me, and with some questioning I determined that I had been gone three hundred and ninety-two years. My manor had been sold, razed and rebuilt in my absence. I have aged not one bit." (Chournd Dralhavaen)~

"I arrived at the edge of a large forest, closely grown with emerald trees crowned with great masses of leaves. I paused to consider skirting them or passing through, when my sight shifted and the forest changed. Trees fell, fires burned, trunks rotted away and the ground consumed them. This all occurred faster than I could comprehend and when another shift occurred, a waving meadow of thin grasses stood before me." (Chournd Dralhavaen)~

Lorae'Tyr is perhaps the most colorful of all valences currently explored, due to both the nature of the resident demons and the natural environment. It is illuminated by no discernable source, but suffused with a sickly yellow hue that permeates even the close forests of the eastern plains. The overall climate is that of a swamp, with marshy ground and humidity predominating across the explored areas of the valence. Timeshifting occasionally provides more temperate environs, but the general tendency is toward moist bog lands.~

Much of the vegetation resembles that found in Elanthia, although shapes tend to be more sharp-edged and angular and colors tend toward the dark, vibrant tones. Foliage is just as likely to be violet or blue as the expected green.~

"The timeshifting stopped long enough for me to inspect some nearby plants. I was startled to spy what I thought was a wingstem. It was not the expected pale green, but deep indigo, and the leaves were deformed into diamond shapes that curled along the flat edges. The flowers were dark violet and although I swear it was wingstem, the differences in hue and shape gave me pause." (Uritheam Boltreade)~

**The Inhabitants [#t17181f5]

***Verlok [#zfb2baed]

One of two flying demons of Lorae'Tyr, the verlok is composed of a metal framework overlaid with a covering of brilliantly hued feathers that are suspended over the metal, but not attached. These feathers emit a glowing light and often lend their brightness to the surrounding area. When they fall free, their properties can be employed by a skilled user to grant additional light to an area for a short period.~

"If the feathers touch the metal, it is only by accident of wind or obstacle and I have certainly never observed it. They are otherwise perfectly suspended an inch from the surface. Resistance has met me each time I have pressed a hand to the feathers, although they are easy enough to manipulate when they are shed of their own accord." (Mleriand Lontriel)~

The metal framework beneath these feathers is hollow, intricately jointed, and detailed. Almost all metals have been observed by sorcerers studying these demons, in the same proportion in which they are found in Elanthia. In size, verlok tend to match Elanthian barnyard fowl, rather than smaller birds. Despite their mechanical appearance and metallic construction, the verlok are quite graceful and dexterous. Although they spend time on the ground in Lorae'Tyr, verlok summoned to Elanthia are perpetually in flight, and will not venture into any area that might require them to land.~

On Lorae'Tyr, the verlok live communally around large piles of twisted metal, always the same metal that make up the verlok of that community. New verlok emerge periodically from beneath the metal piles, and, when their lives draw to a close, they return to the pile to die.~

"While pursuing a cloud of igaesha, we encountered a large pile of what appeared to be faenor. There was a tremendous clacking from all around as we approached, although we saw nothing extraordinary in the surroundings. My companion began filling his satchel with the smaller pieces, only to be startled by a rainfall of the greenish metal. From the top of the pile, a creature emerged, slowly at first, but, as its wings of burnt orange came free, it took speed and flight -- disappearing into the surroundings before we could study it fully." (Mleriand Lontriel)~

They are constant noisemakers -- chanting, humming, and clicking nonstop. This seems to be the mode of communication among verlok, and their range of ability with sound allows them to imitate Elanthian speech with good accuracy.~

Many theories have been advanced about the origin of the verlok, and debate rages among those who have studied them. Because Lorae'Tyr offers little clues about their beginnings, no particular theory has any more weight than another. Among the most commonly advanced theories:~

They are natural creatures of Lorae'Tyr, evolving from substances already available on the plane. To suggest that various metals exist exclusively on Elanthia is to adopt a narrow-minded view of multi-planar existence, say those who espouse this theory. Alloys that exist among the verlok come from intermingling of communities of different metals.~
They are the natural creatures of Lorae'Tyr and, furthermore, are the base origin of all metal, and that the metal in Elanthia comes from a previous upheaval that involved their passage en masse to Elanthia -- followed by their deaths. Other supporters of this theory suggest that the metal of Lorae'Tyr was transported to Elanthia by the Arkati or ur-daemons during their wars.~
They are the result of the work of a past inhabitant of the plane who is no longer present.~
They are the result of previous work by the igaesha or the abyran, but now fully independent.~
They are the result of experiments by Fash'lo'nae or Eonak, or some other member of the Arkati, that had interest in creating a race of metallic beings who could recreate themselves. Which Arkati is posited depends upon the theorist's personal beliefs.~
They are the result of efforts by traveling sorcerers from before the Valentia was created, who may live there still and simply have not returned.~
***From the Book of Records [#j3143812]

The verlok'cina (the magical metals) was first summoned by Chournd Dralhavaen Faendryl.

The verlok'asha (the mundane metals) was first summoned by Mleriand Lontriel Faendryl.

The verlok'ar (the elemental metals) was first summoned by Chournd Dralhavaen Faendryl.

**Abyran [#d0fa0eef]

Within Lorae'Tyr, the abyran seem to have the most advanced society, with a clear hierarchical structure and organized culture. Two main classes have been identified: the abyran'sa, a priestly class, and the abyran'a.~

In appearance, both classes are remarkably similar. They possess an elongated serpentine body rather than legs and fully formed arms that assist them with climbing. Although their tail can be quite long, they usually balance upright so that it curls about them, acting as a weighted balance. They can sit on both the front and back of their tail, allowing them to shift their point of view without moving their head.~

Their skin is smooth, giving way to scales that diminish in size toward their tails. Like snakes, they slough off their skin occasionally, leaving behind translucent husks. Abyran consider these husks, along with lost scales, to be special and great care is taken to preserve them. The scaled portion of their body possesses some chameleon-like qualities, shifting in hue when the abyran is perturbed.~

"We had walked quite far without the abyran'sa showing any signs of distress. The windstorm picked up, however, and blew a large limb down from a rowan tree. The sudden noise and movement startled the demon, sending her to the side of the path where she drew herself fully upright as her scales begin to turn the deep amber brown of the surrounding tree bark. It was difficult to follow the movement of her tail at this point, and a predator would have poor luck trying to anticipate her next action." (Gerphend Yourliand)~

Their faces are distinctly humanoid, although they are lacking in ears and hair. Their eyes are round, without pupils, and they do not appear to ever blink. The crown of their head is fringed with finger-like protrusions, which move of their own accord, but it is unclear whether they serve any purpose. Their mouths are wide and thin-lipped, possessing two large, curved fangs. Both classes of abyran have long, slender tongues, although the tongue of the abyran'sa is forked. This forking, and the subsequent sibilant nature of their speech, is the sole difference between the two abyran classes.~

Faendryl scholars theorized that the two classes do not arise from familial inheritance. Instead, the forked tongue of the abyran'sa is just as likely to appear in the offspring of two abryan'a -- and just as unlikely to occur from two abyran'sa. This was confirmed when a large study was undertaken by the Basilica under the supervision of Sarlen Lastin Faendryl.~

On Lorae'Tyr, the abyran have constructed elaborate temples of stone. These buildings attempt to thwart the temporal shifting that occurs on the plane by consisting of multiple constructions that are joined by shared masonry at a central, overlapping point. At any one time, individual units within the structure may be destroyed or nonexistent due to fluctuations of time, but some part of the temple always remains standing.~

"At most, we observed three structures, joined like leaves on a clover. Two of them were partially finished and seemed to flicker slightly in the yellow haze. A fourth was in ruins, the stones tumbled and overgrown with ivy." (Uritheam Boltreade)~

None of these temples have been investigated thoroughly by traveling Faendryl, but they are thought to be the center of the abyran religion. Abyran have been observed to kneel in the presence of living serpents, even small snakes, and this has led researchers to believe that they worship these creatures or some form of serpent god. No connection between Luukos and the abyran is suspected, but the serpents that many Luukosian disciples keep have proven useful in the control of various abyran.~

"I was gauging the reaction of the abyran'a to various items and creatures we encountered in the area. There was little to note until we happened upon a simple garden snake, the length of my hand and no longer. The abyran'a nearly lost its mind, lowering itself to the ground, arms outflung. The snake was understandably startled and made to move away. The abyran'a studied every movement carefully, speaking to itself as if it was taking every wriggle as a sign to be carried away and studied in-depth. I have seen this several times since, even with statuary." (Gerphend Yourliand)~

***From the Book of Records [#bcfd1d98]

The abyran'sa was first summoned by Gerphend Yourliand Faendryl.~

The abyran'a was first summoned by Gerphend Yourliand Faendryl.~

**Igaesha [#v63a7f3b]

It is the igaesha of Lorae'Tyr that lend the valence its colorfully hued skies. The mist-like creatures, all lightly hued, tend to mass in large clouds that drift over the landscape. Altitude appears to be important, although the exact patterns of choice for each cloud remain unclear. These formations lend Lorae'Tyr its sense of atmosphere, and "rain" on this valence is usually the division of larger clouds into fogs that drift nearer to the ground until recombining with other fogs.~

"When the verlok passed through a rippling cloud of igaesha overhead, the cloud began to churn and roll as if greatly disturbed. As we watched, the bottom of the mass peeled off, a thin layer that fell downward as if weighted by steel. It roiled against the ground, passing around our feet and the verlok's faenor pile with ease. After rolling perhaps a hundred yards, it lifted itself upwards, so high that we lost sight of it." (Mleriand Lontriel)~

Although the clouds have a tendency to drift, individual igaesha are perfectly capable of directed and very quick travel. Formed of tiny droplets, the igaesha can contract and expand to accommodate any size space. They can also pass through most objects, even those that do not appear porous, without changing the nature of the material they have touched.~

When perturbed, igaesha can have an acid-like effect that has a limited ability to dissolve anything with which they come in contact. This effect seems to only be present when the igaesha desires it, as their normal ability to pass through objects does no harm. There is no color shift or consistency change to indicate the quality of the droplets, but the igaesha does tend to move with swifter and more precise motions when angered.~

"There was no change to the glass after the demon passed through it, even after a close inspection with a magnifying glass. However, much later, after the igaesha had been present for quite a long time and put on guard, it passed through the glass again. This time, the glass smoked and its colors ran together as if acid had been dripped across its surface. It did not dissolve, nor did it break, but its design was forever lost. The igaesha's form is as something reversible and how it controls the change, I do not know. Its appearance changed little aside from the swiftness of its movement." (Uritheam Boltreade)~

Sorcerers who have studied the igaesha extensively have been able to discern few means of communication among the igaesha. When in cloud form, the igaesha move as one being and do not seem to be communicating within the cloud in any recognizable form. Igaesha who are separated from a cloud but in the presence of another will often pulse or swirl in regular patterns, suggesting that igaesha have both visual abilities and do communicate via movement if needed.~

***From the Book of Records [#y810086e]

The igaesha was first summoned by Uritheam Boltreade Faendryl.~

**Grantris [#w6ae8df7]

Were it not for an accidental summoning by Mharcuis Roahnn Faendryl, it is likely the grantris may never have been discovered. These demons, remarkable as the only demon from Lorae'Tyr who use their legs for mobility, have demonstrated a facility for quick movement and effective hiding.~
The grantris resemble centipedes and millipedes, except that they do not possess the hard carapace. Instead, they are soft-bodied and are covered by tiny hairs that twitch at the slightest sound or movement. Squat and oblong, the largest reach the length and bulk of a small dog. Their legs, which number in the hundreds or thousands, reverse in order to balance objects upon their backs, making them quite adept at carrying more than the typical two-armed demon.~

"We placed a simple paperweight upon its back, to see how it would handle this burden. Its hairs quivered enormously at the introduction of a foreign object, but then the legs nearest to the glass globe turned upwards at the joint, touching tip to the weight. With this simple bracing, the grantris was able to move quite quickly around the room, the paperweight simply rolling from one side to another, but never falling due to the legs' careful grip." (Mharcuis Roahnn)~

Grantris prefer cover and will generally seek to be under or behind a solid object in order to prevent discovery. When in open spaces, they move almost continuously, constantly circling their confines to find a suitable place to hide. Their anxiety is heightened in the presence of non-humanoid creatures the grantris perceive as predators, and, although they are generally quite subservient, summoners have lost their bond with the grantris in the face of particularly threatening beings due to stark fear on the part of the demon.~

"The demon was always moving and would hide under the nearest bush or bench until we moved on. We encountered Dimerian along the way and he was, as always, accompanied by a grik'mlar in a particularly foul mood. The grantris froze for a mere second before resuming its rapid circuit of the forest floor. I felt a backlash of spiritual essence that left me prone. Dimerian told me after I recovered from the effect that the grantris appeared to re-open the veil itself and disappeared. I had no time to repair the link, the grantris' desire to return was so strong." (Fimelia Lolneria)~

Like other insects, the grantris can communicate by rubbing their legs together. They are capable of a wide range of tone and have extreme control over the sound, enabling them to communicate over short distances with other grantris in a highly complex fashion. In addition, the grantris can imitate humanoid speech patterns, particularly those that are elven in root, by mimicking the voice via melodic repetition with their legs.~

***From the Book of Records [#u680af16]

The grantris was first summoned by Mharcuis Roahnn Faendryl in an accident involving an incorrect valence runestone.~