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Exploits in Etheria

Jonathan Mallard

To: z_bob@domain.sf
From: SomewhereOutThere@otherdomain.sf
Subject: Exploits in Etheria

Z-Bob, the time portal has ceased fluctuating, and we have found ourselves in ancient Etheria, near Klazmu, on the Plomab River. I have sent out the observer bot EP3253-12, but it seems to be malfunctioning. Please send a replacement. In the meantime, I have traveled across part of Etheria to the Melgus River and explored the civilization in this location.

Parenthedoi, one of the major religions, is still influential in Etheria, although it is in decline. The two major schools are Qatzmo, which regards Parenthedoi as a philosophy, and Enkorkrot, which regards it as a religion. Enkorkrot is a school that believes devotion to the Five Gods would lead to salvation in Pletno, a true heaven. Qatzmo, however, does not consider Pletno a true heaven but an escape from the network of sentient intelligence, which can be achieved by thought-expanding and assimilation of the self into others. Parenthedoi is in decline due to Fergmutar and M'ek. M'eki expansion into Etheria resulted from the attacks of Gamlor of Parun. The Fergmutar warriors, the Genjon, offered little resistance because they used the elephant for cavalry.

Etherian art is built upon previous art. The Molmac statues in the state of Molmac are delicate bronze statues. There are both secular and religious poems. Etherian classical music is based on a prugon, which is a musical scale. A performer can use a mlakmatar, a winged instrument.

Life varies for people in Etheria. The Mengreton are forced to isolate themselves from the rest of society, since they bear the Plague of the Deep. At the top of the scale is the Hekebon, the great monarch, who has the most wealth. For peasants, life is difficult. A farmer plows using megahibi, an indigenous animalplant of unknown, possibly extraterrestrial, origins. Farmers harvest two crops a year from their land. The tax collector makes everyone's life miserable. Many peasants fall victim to moneylenders who charge high rates of interest. Trade with other countries means lots of cargo.

I will study this culture more, but first I must rest. I hope to hear from you soon.

--PT

Copyright © 2002 by Jonathan Mallard.