These are notes that I took while re-playing parts of the Avernum trilogy in order to find out about its history. Right now they are still in exactly the form that they were when I took them, so they aren't exactly the easiest reading material ever, but they point you to the right places to find out some things. You can probably glean some information about my upcoming scenario based on these notes, too.
Thairl in Fort Avernum in A1 says that they've been at war with the sliths for "years"
Avernum Memorial (nw corner FA) says 94,000 have been exiled
King Micah praises "the land the people who had come down here before me had created"
Rone's memoirs: Rone the Wizard, Erika Redmark, and Patrick Padraig were the wizards that fought Grah-Hoth with "a large band of warriors and a small cadre of mage apprentices"; they were exiled after being "at the wrong end of a political struggle in the Mages' Guild"
Rone in Castle: they fought Grah-Hoth in Akhronath when they trapped him
In Akhronath is a Royal Seal of the Empire (why?)
Patrick in Patrick's Tower: he is a former member of the Triad, wrote most of the books of magic there; 1st Triad: Patrick, Erika, Solberg
History book in Patrick's library: Micah was king during war with Grah-Hoth, has had 40 years of rule
Anji in PT: Motrax killed some of the 1st Expedition, sliths others, starvation others; "The Empire decided that it was lethal down here. That's when it started exiling people to these caves"; 1st Expedition brought Smite (giant-slayer)
Tunnel to Lost Bahssikava is uncomfortably cold, dimly lit
LB: Sss-Voss, leader; Legare, expedition leader, mighty warrior
Sss-Voss: homeland "was lost centuries ago"
Sss-Kass: expedition was down there for two months
Sss-Bahss: Sss-Thsss (not Sss-Thoss) was leader of banished sliths
Sss-Tass: "Our small band has lived here for two hundred years.... We have survived so far, but any disaster could wipe us out."
Monsters under LB are drakes, lizards, aranea
Ruins under LB: "Looming in the darkness to either side of you are several large, ruined buildings, built in a very strange, angular style. Cavequakes and erosion have very slowly worn away these ancient structures. Faded frescoes on the walls depict sliths of all sizes and shapes. Fascinating. While the Slithzerikai in your caverns all live in caves, the sliths who created this place were rather skilled architects. As interesting as this place is, however, it is also very ominous. It is centuries old, and as you examine it, you feel that you're being watched."; altar: old slith religion involves human-like ankhs
Voice in mind from doors in Bahssikava Deeps: "You find a pair of massive steel doors, even larger than the gates to the north. They are covered with etchings of the slith gods, all in poses of strength and battle, all looking out at you. As you approach, you hear a voice in your mind. It is calm, insistent, and sibilant, a slith voice. 'Be it known that the servants of Thsss, and all his progeny, are banished from our civilized lands. Spread whatever evil you want, fight whatever senseless wars you want, but do it far from us. Never will any of the dark progeny of Thsss return through this portal, until they have at least learned the virtues of patience and peace. Farewell. May the Gods watch you and grant you wisdom.' Then there is silence. The portal to the lands of the Slitherzikai beyond remains closed. And it may remain so for all time."
Legare: "This may sound strange to you. I am meditating. Down here, alone, I have gained a new, strange clarity of mind. One day, I will return to my people. Not yet."
Ancient Crypt entrance: "It was thought that the First Expedition from the Empire about fifty years ago was the first group of humans to explore these caves." Also, "It must have been here for centuries. The frescoes on the walls are clearly of humans." It adds, "It's quite a revelation that humans have been down here for this long."
Motrax has lived in his cave for "centuries" according to message in Motrax's Lair
Motrax, on the 1st Expedition: "A group of them came here, fleeing a band of sliths. They dared to demand that I help them. I refused.... They attacked. I slew them.... Another band came, humbly this time, asking for sanctuary." Also, "I have been down here for centuries, long before the Empire commenced their savage genocide against my kind." And, "A thousand years I have been alive." About sliths: "I remember once, they had the gall to attack my home." First meeting with humans was with those of the First Visitation.
Triad in A1: Linda, X, Solberg
A1 begins in year 817
Jonathan in Silvar keeps records of Avernum history and people
Micah: "When humans first arrived in Avernum, Grah-Hoth was already here." Fought by "An army of warriors and mages, led by Rone, the Royal magician, Linda, Solberg, and most powerful of all, the incantrix Erika." Also, "Grah-Hoth is where we placed him: in a magical prison in Skarragath."
Undead Wizard in Skarragath: "Solberg and Erika Redmark and Patrick and Linda were the greatest of us [who fought Grah-Hoth]."
Book in Skarragath: "The book lists 'Those who died to defeat Grah-Hoth.'" Also, "They all died around forty years ago, roughly the time of the founding of Avernum."
Solberg: "When [Demonslayer] was broken, the creatures that slew the humans took the pieces as trophies." The sliths took one piece to their temple. The undead of the Crypt of Drath took another. The nepharim took the third. "It was [Erika] that created the strain of mushrooms that grow quickly and are so nourishing, and other special plants as well. It was she who used her powers to steal things from the land above, like tools, and books. She built the Tower of Magi. She led us. Then her hatred drove her away." But, "we asked her to leave." Also, "Erika created the trees that grow in stone, so we could have a meager supply of wood. She summoned down several plants from above, and changed them so they'd grow down here. The one thing she didn't make was the glowing fungus on the cave ceilings. It's amazing, magical stuff, and was already here when the Empire found these caves."
Erika in A1: "It was his [King Hawthorne's] father who sent me down here, and he [King Hawthorne] who accelerated the pace at which people were exiled. He poured people down here like water!" Also, "Most of the books I magicked down from the surface.... These passages wouldn't even be lit if I hadn't created the fungi that emit light, and I don't even get credit! And don't get me started on the mushrooms!" Adds, "The mushrooms down here? That are edible, nourishing, and grow with only the slightest light? I created them!"
Note in Crypt of Drath: "... luck. Demonslayer is lost. It broke into three pieces, when we could use it most. A ghoul carried the tip below. It is lost in this crypt. We are taking the other two pieces west, in the hope...."
Book in Swamp City: "The book is a history of the Empire. Like most of the books on the surface, it was only released after being carefully checked by the agents of Emperor Hawthorne. It describes how the Empire came to rule all four continents on the surface. The book ends just after the fourth, wildest continent, Valorim, is finally conquered by Emperor Hawthorne. The humans there who opposed him either ended up dead or in Avernum. Usually the former."
Triad in A2: Mahdavi, X, Solberg
Ogres in Ogre Lands near Tower of Magery describe A1 heroes' massacre as "a few years previous"
From what I gather from the Spiral Crypt in A2: Empire soldiers, "among the first visitors to these caves," were chased by "lizard men," sliths, into the crypt, deeper and deeper inside, where they then sealed it with several of the sliths also inside. These few they killed. Then they began starving until they killed each other out of hatred (because they died "of extreme violence"). This happened "a long time ago, maybe even centuries."
King Micah: "Some years ago, a small band came to the defense of Avernum in a time of great trial.... But they are gone now, and nobody knows where they went." Also, "Erika and Solberg knew Garzahd once." Presumably the political struggle on which they were the wrong side of.... Also, in response to "Who is our nemesis, Your Majesty?", he says, "I speak of Garzahd, archmage and leader of the Empire's forces in Avernum.... I believe that, as long as Garzahd, lives, we will probably lose this war."
A2 begins in 817?
Elohi-Bok in Olgai, in response to the question, "How often do you hibernate?": "Every few centuries, to give the caves a chance to regenerate. Life down here is hard, as you doubt have found. The resources we require to live are limited." Also, "We are only one of many tribes." Also: "The caves now are very different from what they were when we began our last Resting. There are humans now, and nephilim and nepharim, and the sliths, and the other races you told us of. And only we can hibernate."
Bon-Ihrno in Avit: "Every millenium or so, depite our best efforts, we vahnatai use up the food in the caves. When this happens, we are able to magically hibernate, to give everything time to recuperate. We only just woke from our last Resting a year ago."
Erika: "Oh, sweet Garzahd, the man, the vermin who sent me down here. Now he is in Avernum, and I want him dead!" About Solberg: "Ask him about Garzahd. They knew each other."
Solberg: "The Tower of Magi is, following the custom for such towers in the surface world, run by three mages. Normally, the system works. However, several years ago we had a disaster." Continued, "Linda was on the Triad then. She came up with an insane scheme to capture a demon lord and bind it to her will. She imprisoned anyone who questioned the scheme. I came here and built this tower, so that I could repair any damage from a safe distance. Fortunately, the beast was slain." Also, "You see, all the most powerful mages in Avernum, me and Erika and Aimee and Patrick, we were colleagues on the surface world. Us, and Garzahd." Also, "Garzahd. Poor, foolish, paranoid Garzahd. He worked and learned with us, but could never stand the thought that others could have as much power as him. He also was the only one of us who developed political connections. And he used those connections. Oh yes." Also, "He envied us our skill. He thought us a challenge to his aspirations. So he spent his time, he and Hawthorne, getting each of us exiled one after another. He did that, and spent years developing protective spells for himself. Such a bright mind, wasted in such petty pursuits." Also, "This puny tower has been my home for seven years."
A3 begins in 833
Erika in A3: "I was a mage on the surface, working for the Empire. There was a power struggle. We all fought for Emperor Hawthorne's favor. My side lost. I, Patrick, Solberg and others were cast down into the depths, and I, their leader, was cursed!" Also, "We found Avernum to be a string of filthy caves, filled with scum-encrusted, beleaguered humans fighting desperately for survival. There were nephilim, the savage slithzerikai, and a horde of demons. A terrible mess. One of the warriors, named Micah, was trying to bring order, but not having much luck. With the aid of my power, everything changed." Then, "We brought magic to the pit. I found a way to fetch my magical tomes from the surface, and, using our combined powers, we tamed the squabbling bands, formed cities, formed schools, beat back the dark forces, and formed a nation." Also, "Patrick is dead now." On Micah, "He's the king now, and has been for over twenty years. He has a few good years ahead of him."
Solberg: "I was one of the first wizards here. I fought in the first war against Grah-Hoth. I helped build the Tower of Magi. I had the honor of assisting the adventurers who destroyed Grah-Hoth once and for all. Then I had the further honor of assisting the adventurers who contacted the vahnatai and helped us win the war against the Empire. I have had a hard life in Avernum, but at least it was full of achievement." Also, "The first group? Nobody knows. They disappeared. Some think they eventually found an escape route to the surface, though I have my doubts. The second group? They are in Avernum still, helping repair the damage from the Avernum war and working to build relations with the vahnatai."
Mahdavi dies in Tower incident, and so does Linda
Xian Tome: "THE LANDS OF THE EMPIRE - The Empire, blessed power over us all, controls the four known continents. Aizo, the oldest, is the birthplace of the Empire, although the ruling seat is now on the continent of Pralgad. Vantanas is the smallest continent, but in many ways the richest, with its hot climate, fascinating fauna, and rich stores of gold and diamonds. And finally, there is the recently settled Valorim, which has a wild (though controlled) spirit." Also: "The Life of Empress Prazac, by Flotno Boerheis - Our blessed Empress and ruler, Prazac the Kind and Just, was born in Y.E. 5420. Her royal parents, Hawthorne and [censored], waited nearby, anxious and loving. It is said that angels appeared and the sky opened up in holy light on the eve of her birth. Eyewitness accounts prove this story true in legally enforceable ways. This was a great harbinger of the wondrous works she was later to achieve..."
VoDT: signs on rooms in lecture halls: Pergaltho, Vinnia, Graniok, Erika
ZKR: Intro text: "The slithzerikai, the strange, subterranean lizard men that fought Avernum for much of their existence, have attacked again. Several huge, barbarian tribes of the creatures are attacking Avernum, and they have had great success against its troop. A series of vicious ambushes destroyed Avernite outposts and patrols in the outlying caverns. The sliths moved fast. Now they control a long gallery just outside the heart of Avernum. The only thing holding them back: Fort Cavalier. It is a new fort, well-built and well-defended."
Commander Yale in Fort Goodling: "The sliths are a far worse foe now than they were in the first war. Several of their barbarian tribes have united, something we never expected to happen, and their magical skills are as sharp as ever." Also, "Avernum numbers many civilized sliths among its allies. We understand that not all of that ancient race are evil."
Seletine, of the new Triad, on the Tower of Magi: "The center of magical learning in Avernum. Recently destroyed, it has been rebuilt to be stronger and lovelier than ever. We hope that it doesn't get blown up again anytime soon."
Book: "You find an interesting book, titled 'The History of Avernum Following the Return.' A summary: Avernum was formed when the Empire, deciding to rid itself of the annoying people on its surface, sent them through a one-way teleporter into the caves far below the surface of the world. After Avernum made peace with the Empire, all of its citizens who cared to return to the surface were given land in southeast Valorim. Many Avernites decided to return. Surprisingly, many decided to stay in the caves instead. The Avernites who had made comfortable lives below ground or who were unable to trust or obey the Empire stayed below, where they continued to tame the underworld and build ever grander subterranean cities. The Avernites have been successful, and, to some extent, even prosperous. Massive teleporters carry materials from the underworld to the surface, and the goods necessary for survival in the cave are sent down in return. Although the perils of being an Avernite are as great as ever, the future of these strange, pale people has never been brighter."
Book: "You find an interesting book, titled 'A Summary of the Second Slith War So Far.' A summary: Avernum contains cities of both friendly slithzerikai and evil, barbarian slithzerikai (both are frequently called 'sliths'). Avernum has fought one war with barbarian sliths already, which ended with the assassination of their king, Sss-Thsss. The evil sliths, following their defeat, fled to lower caverns as yet unreached by Avernites. There, they united, trained, reproduced, and built themselves up into a united, fearsome army. There, they waited with uncharacteristic patience. When half of the Avernum population returned to the surface, the sliths' opportunity presented itself. They attacked through the waterways. They moved swiftly and with the advantage of surprise, butchering many Avernum settlers. Now the sliths stand poised to destroy the last forts separating them from the Great Cave and the capital of Avernum. Fortunately, we still have several options to explore to defeat them. (The rest of the book has been censored. The pages have been carefully removed from the book.)"
Masskriss in Assikvas: "Assikvas be our city home. We not like slithsss who mussst warfare with humans. We just lives here and make our livessss." And, "We has no great love for humansss, but no great hate or greed, either. We but eat fish and live and study and worship. WE leave the futile warsss to othersss." And, "We sliths value knowing much, and value more the following of our many godsss, and the remembering and making statuesss of our revered ancestors." And wtf? "It is a figurine! It is of Sss-Thsss, great and power slith leader of old. Great lord! Great artifact! Will you give it to us for your passage?"
Sssah: "Not meet human ever yet. You pale and soft. Interest." And, " 'I have interest on you kind. No want hurt you with fists.' Interesting. Sssah doesn't have the long, sibilant S sounds you're used to hearing in slith speech."