Irin's Guide For Displaced Persons

First & Second Edition

"Ignorance and Willful Ignorance are two beasts of a similar nature. For Displaced, one can understandably be excused, but it doesn't change the fact it makes you a hazard. The other doesn't just make you a hazard, it makes you a stupid hazard. Reading this guide will keep you from being the former, and guarantees you'll never be the latter. We have enough of those around here." - Irin Barazir

If you are one of the people who has found their way to Last Spark, Irin's Guide has without a doubt landed in your hands at least once, and has likely been a trusted source of information ever since. Whether you are a regular citizen, a guild member, or a budding adventurer, this book was designed to help you navigate all of the familiar and unfamiliar things Undera has to offer. Either as a gift of welcome or for just a few silver, a veritable treasure trove of information is at your fingertips. Within one can find such engaging topics as:

• The Lands Of Undera - Country and World Maps
• The Long & Short Of It 1 - Mildly Abridged World History
• The Long & Short Of It 2 - Introduction to Religions In Undera
• Welcome To Last Spark - Sights and Highlights Of The City
• What Will & Won't Kill You 1 - Botanical Guidelines
• What Will & Won't Kill You 2 - Fauna Guidelines
• What Will & Won't Kill You 3 - Magical Guidelines
• Do And Do Not, An Introduction To The Laws Of The Lands (By Alphabetical Order)
• Read The Small Print - An Introduction To Guilds
• Buying And Selling - A Guide To Proper Bartering
• Etc.

All of these topics and more are covered in succinct language, and fairly precise detail for the reader's convenience. If you find any topic lacking or missing, within The Crimson Flail Armorer, Almin Barazir's shop in Last Spark, there are several scribes in Irin's employ who are willing to take requests for topics to be considered for adding into any future editions of the Guidebook.

Purpose

To introduce and educate new 'Displaced' inhabitants of Last Spark about their new home. On top of highlights about the city, such as points of interest, what flora and fauna is safe or poisonous, what places or guilds to avoid for those who are not criminally inclined, etc., It also contains a good deal of general, need to know information. From the major laws and basic history of the Kingdoms of Deldrune, Thylora, Reven, and their political neighbors, to the most prevalent religions and the various races they can expect to encounter both within and outside of the city walls. This guide also points to other works which may have more detailed information on specific topics for those who require a deeper understanding or wish to join one of the three adventuring guilds of Last Spark.

Document Structure

Caveats

While the guide itself is not a form of legal documentation, Irin does include a warning that failure to follow the  laws listed within will likely result in individuals being handed over to the proper authorities for judgement and punishment, if required, by the City Guard.

Publication Status

Both the first and second edition of the book are widely accessible within Last Spark, though the first edition is becoming harder to come by as it was put out of print after the second edition was released. Due to the resounding success of the second edition, and the approval of the authorities of Deldrune, Thylora, and Reven, the book is now available within the cities of Enrileth, Farrador, & Wardfell.

Historical Details

Background

After a rash of clashes between Displaced and the authorities of Last Spark in 1303 CE, Irin Barazir became frustrated when she discovered that one of the Displaced within her husband's employ had been arrested for a petty offense, and learned upon speaking with him, that the boy had, had no idea what any of the laws of Last Spark were, much less that he had been breaking one of them. The boy also revealed that many of his fellow Displaced knew next to nothing of their new home. Wishing to avoid future troubles, Irin began writing a short pamphlet for the boy and other Displaced with whom her husband did regular business. She did not expect the overwhelming response she got for her efforts.
After learning just how well the information was received, and how many more of the Displaced were asking for a copy of the pamphlet, Irin decided that she might as well put some real effort into her writings so that there were no misconceptions. Within a year she wrote the first edition of her work and found a reliable printer to make enough copies to sell in her husband's shop. Within eight months time Irin Barazir found herself a fairly rich Dwarf, and a budding passion for helping the people others were too scared or thick headed to talk to.

Public Reaction

In places where numerous Displaced have settled, Irin's Guide is a household staple. Many businesses will not hire or do business with Displaced unless they can prove that they have read or own one of the editions. Within cities where the Displaced are not generally welcome to remain, the first edition was met with some ire on the general lack of posturing to the nobility and royalty of the Kingdoms, but the general public was relieved that someone had taken it upon themselves to educate the otherworldly newcomers.
When Irin announced that she intended to write a second edition of the book, the nobles and royals clamored to invite her to come and speak with them in hopes of her portraying them in a more favorable light. While this did not go exactly as they had hoped it would, it did allow Irin to ensure that the second edition would have much more pertinent information for her readers about the Kingdoms of Undera, and the spoils or perils to expect therein. As a result, The three adventuring guilds of Last Spark: The Crimson Hounds, The Slayers Covenant, & The Wayfarer's League have made the second edition a required read for entry.

Legacy

Many Displaced who regularly interact with the natives of Undera swear by this book, and make a point of keeping a copy with them in their travels. Many guilds have offered writings by scribes or have invited Irin herself to personally record information about them so that they might benefit from business with up and coming adventuring parties. As of 1358 CE Ealdfrin Athfell, the Lord of Beywick Castle, has officially hired Irin to help make new laws or edicts accessible to the Displaced citizens of Last Spark.

Type

Guide, Generic

Medium

Paper

Authoring Date

First Edition: 1304 CE, Second Edition: 1354 CE

Location

Last Spark City

Authors

• Irin Barazir