Almanac of the Tower of Estrod Museum

Item · 50 gp · Weight 2

"Gallery exhibits: "Among the Cloudy Colossi." In this picture the two angels, Targona and Lariel, are chasing and fighting a deadly vrolikai demon in the air, several miles above the Worldwound. After this battle, the skull of the slain demon was long displayed as an artifact in one of Drezen's inner towers; sadly, this relic did not survive the fall of the city. "Farewell to Sarkoris." Eliandra, the legendary priestess of Pulura, watches the city of Iz crumble into the freshly opened Worldwound. A caravan of desolate refugees, desperately fleeing to seek salvation in Mendev, can be seen behind her. "Crusader Queen." A copy of the famous embossed bas-relief originally created by master Darek Sunhammer. Young Queen Galfrey is portrayed personally leading her crusaders into battle on the 1st of Abadius, 4624, during the First Crusade. "Here We Stand and Will Not Take a Step Back." Hand of the Inheritor, the herald of Iomedae is depicted placing the first Wardstone among the fortifications of Kenabres. "None Will Escape My All-Seeing Eye." Inquisitor Hulrun fights a shadow demon that he exorcized from a soldier's body. "Seat of Grief." A view of the infamous Heaven's Edge estate. This is the place where most of Mendevian aristocratic society at once fell prey to a supernatural plague unleashed by the demons. "A World Long Gone." A thematic collection of various artists' works on everyday life in Sarkoris before the opening of the Worldwound. The first triptych is dedicated to the funeral rituals held at the Pulura's Fall temple for the deceased chieftains. The next cyclus of miniatures depicts various scenes from a woodworker's workshop — this form of craftsmanship held almost sacred status in Sarkoris. Several views of the city of Iz, the masterpiece of Sarkorian architecture, can be seen in the following series of engravings. Finally, the last painting, "The Threshold Prisoners," portrays a group of spellcasters imprisoned in the infamous prison tower. The origin of the picture is unclear, but the woman in shackles that can be seen in the background is widely believed to be the Betrayer of Humanity Areelu Vorlesh herself. "Yaniel by a Fountain." This painting is attributed to Deniza Roche, a soldier from the garrison of Kenabres. Deniza was not a professional artist, yet she had one advantage over the professionals who created later portraits of Yaniel the Blue-Eyed: the heroine of the First Crusade sat for this unique picture personally, which undoubtedly gives it much greater historical value. Yaniel is caught during a rare moment of repose near a fountain in the city. The portrait was presumably painted from life over the summer of 4637, one year before Yaniel's heroic death during the battle for Drezen. Reliquary exhibits: Wand of Zacharius. The wand of the famous mage Zacharius who made his name during the heroic and tragic siege of the Lost Chapel. As the fortress warden, he sent his apprentices to break the siege in order to save the priests who served the Chapel's many gods. Zacharius himself refused to leave the fortress, however, and is believed to have perished in the final onslaught. A popular legend says that the spirit of this brave hero still haunts the ruins of the Lost Chapel, waiting for a worthy crusader to bring back his wand and plead for aid in the darkest of times. This item was donated to the museum by Zacharius's apprentice, mage Teldon. Vessel of Raellas. This copper vessel and the oil inside it were sanctified by Raellas, priest of Iomedae and faithful crusader. A batch of lamp oil had been brought to the crusaders' camp, and Raellas took the vessel to move it to the storehouse. Raellas's faith was so deep that it made the oil shine all by itself, and the vessel became covered with engravings praising the goddess. This item was donated to the museum by Raellas's fellows in arms. Helmet of Scroccia. This helmet belonged to Bathistas Scroccia, paralictor of the Order of the Gate and one of the first Hellknights to serve his duty as a crusader. During the most unstable and dangerous first weeks of the war, Scroccia saved the Crusade from infighting between the worshipers of different gods. When a Hellknight killed a paladin of Iomedae in a personal duel, Scroccia stopped the imminent bloodshed by stepping up for his soldier and taking the blame for his deed. This was far beyond his duty, but Scroccia defended the honor of his Order by proposing to wash out the insult with his own blood. Scroccia agreed to be beheaded in exchange for a peace treaty between the two orders. His death put an end to the rivalry in the crusader ranks once and for all, and his sacrifice will be remembered by all crusaders forevermore. This item was donated to the museum by Queen Galfrey, Sword of Iomedae. Terendelev's Claw. This is a claw taken from the silver dragon and protector of Kenabres. It was cut off by demons when Terendelev heroically saved a group of ambushed crusaders from certain death. This item was donated to the museum by the Town Hall of Kenabres. We regret to inform you that the bulk of the Third Crusade exhibits is currently not available for viewing. It has been moved to the museum's storeroom for restoration and cleaning. Please accept our sincere apologies."