ATLAS OF THE HOLLOW WORLD
-------------------------

   We are pleased to introduce to the dear readers a new
section of our Mystaran Almanac; the Atlas of the Hollow
World.  In this chapter, we shall detail the information
gathered about the various nations and empires found within
the mysterious Hollow World that lies thousands of miles
beneath our very feet.
   Unfortunately, the Hollow World has just been proven real
during the past year, and we therefore do not have very much
information regarding the area yet.  As mentioned in the
chapter on correspondents, we will gladly take any information
regarding this strange new world.  Even now, we are trying to
arrange interviews with the various members of the famous
Karameikan Polar Expedition.
   For now, we hope that you, the reader, will be satisfied
with the description of the Kingdom of Nithia and the Azcan
Empire which we have extracted and pieced together, with
permission, from various sections of "Claransa's Travels to the
Center of the World."  For those of you who are fans of the
literature, you will notice that what we have below seems to
cannibalize her book.  Indeed it does, and we make no apologies
for it.  The purpose of the Mystaran Almanac is to detail places
and events, not Claransa's adventures (a fact that Claransa
agrees, and even insists upon).  Much of it has been edited out
with only the pertinent information regarding Nithia or the
Azcans kept.  If you would like a real sample of Claransa's
writing capabilities or just wish to read about her adventures,
her book is available through most book merchants and libraries
for the mere price of 10 gold pieces.
   Just a reminder to the reader, the directions of East and
West are reversed within the Hollow World so that they match
those of the surface world.  This is important when attempting
to figure out the locations of the various nations.
   Also, the information provided by Claransa is from almost a
decade ago.  The editors do not claim responsibility for any
facts that are no longer valid due to the changes that have
occurred in the past 10 years.  More up to date information
will be provided in future Almanacs as we receive it.

                                        B.F.


AZCAN EMPIRE

   Location:  Hollow World, continent of Iciria, northern
hemisphere, western coast.
   Area: Unknown.  Estimated to be between 500,000 and 900,000
sq. mi.
   Population: Estimated to be approximately 3,000,000.  
   Languages: Oltec (Azcan dialect), Neathar. 
   Coinage: None (barter only).
   Taxes: Forced military or other duties.
   Government Type: Theocracy, with the King being a priest of
Atzanteotl.
   Industries: Agriculture (beans, corn, peppers).
   Important Figures: King/Emperor Azcotica (human, male, Pr12 of
Atzanteotl).
   Flora and Fauna: Dinosaurs, monkeys, swine, snakes
(including the azcan feathered viper), and great cats
(especially the jaguar).

   Description: by Claransa the Seer, during her visit in AC
1005.  Note that only parts deemed important for you the reader
were taken, and sections have been edited, deleted, and even
rearranged from their previous order for brevity and/or clarity. 
If you would like to read more, I recommend purchasing a copy of
"Claransa's Travels."

   "As I travel through the lush jungle, I cannot help but
imagine what these people must look like.  I have heard many
descriptions from the Neathar about the short, dark, burly humans
called Azcans, and most of them seem to indicate that they are
extremely savage and brutal, even to their own people and the
land they live upon.  
   Still, at the moment, my main concern should be to get there
alive.  Right now, the jungle I am crossing is filled with
various large reptiles, most of which could easily kill me by
merely stepping upon me."

The Land

   "This is my fourth day in this jungle, and nothing has changed
very much.  The area seems very flat, without any significant
hills or mountain.  Luckily, the vine-covered trees do not block
the reddish sunlight from the stationary star above, preventing
me from getting lost in the underbrush."
   "It also rains every day or two, making the climate very warm
and humid.  Fortunately for the Azcans, this allows them to
cultivate maize and vegetables from the very poor soils cleared
from the jungle by their slash and burn techniques."
   "The most northern part of the nation reaches far enough in
latitude to include temperate forest.  Here, the Azcans are
fortunate enough to have rich soils and can harvest more than
enough for their northern cities to thrive and even export food."
   "Here in the foothills of the World Spine, the southern border
of the so-called Azcan Empire draws near.  I find it only fitting
that my journey through their nation finishes with a complete
change in scenery as well as nation.  The mountains are tall, the
terrain rocky and jagged.  Yet, despite the climate change, the
Azcans are still present.  In this area also claimed by the
Schattenalfen elves, the Azcans maintain several gold mines, as
well as mines for other precious metals.  Considering that they
use this gold only for jewellery, since they do not possess any
coinage or currency, I find that this only tops the list of the
things they do for pride and personal prestige.  To risk war with
an enemy so close just to be able to wear more jewellery is
suicidal.  Then again, the Azcans are nothing if not fatalistic."

The People

   "The Azcans are a savage and cruel bunch.  I see now that this
reputation, spoken so much about by the various peoples of the
Hollow World, is well deserved.  This race participates fully and
whole-heartedly in human sacrifices to their Immortal Atzanteotl.
In fact, just as often as not, the victims are volunteers who
believe that such a sacrifice will guarantee them a great place
in the afterlife."
   "The Azcans enjoy a game called Tlachtli, where commoners and
slaves are forced to play.  The game consists of getting a ball
through a hoop at the other end of the field, and players are
allowed to use any means necessary, and I do mean ANY means. 
Fatalities are not unknown, as the players play for keeps since
the losing team is usually sacrificed to Atzanteotl."
   "They seem to have a very strict and detailed hierarchy within
their society, yet at the same time, anyone of any social class
can rise from the lowest to the highest, or vice versa, rather
easily.  This has mainly to do with combat and fighting prowess,
which is in high regard by all Azcans.  Another sure-fire way to
gain prestige is to join the ranks of the priests of Atzanteotl."
   "Most of the commoners wear breechlouts, or a short tunic-like
dress for the females.  Sandals are very rare, unless in a rocky
region.  Such simple clothing is permissible because their
climate requires nothing more from them to survive.  Many also
like to wear headbands.  Colors are simple; almost everyone wears
an off-white cloth.  It seems to do otherwise is a signal of
rank.  Bright colors, such as red and turquoise are a sure sign
of nobility.  The nobles also wear excessive decorations, such as
furs, gold, silver, exotic feathers, and the like."
   "The goal of every Azcan, besides attaining personal wealth
and glory, is to fulfil the Azcan dream.  This is, of course,
nothing short of world domination."
   "And nothing gets in their way.  The current King, Azcotica,
received the crown upon assassinating his father Moctaplan and
his older brother Tenpocatliotl just a few months ago.  There is
no proof of such deeds, but everyone seems to know it.  The fact
that the Azcans can follow such a ruler despite knowing what he
has done goes a long way to show what cruelty they can tolerate."

Don't Miss

   [The editors of the Almanac would recommend missing the
entire Azcan Empire at all cost.  It seems that they sacrifice
almost all visitors to their nation for the glory of Atzanteotl. 
Claransa was only able to visit because her magic enabled her to
pass as one of them, thereby eliminating most potential problems.
Still if one insists on going, the following extracts seem to
indicate a few things worth seeing. Ed.]
   "Finally, there I was, but a few more minutes from Chitlacan,
the capital of the Azcan Empire."
   "The largest and most impressive building [in Chitlacan. Ed.]
is a stepped pyramid dedicated to Atzanteotl.  This is where the
daily sacrifices to Atzanteotl take place.  The building must be
at least 200' tall and probably twice as long along the base.  At
the top is the actual shrine to their Immortal which contains the
sacrificial altar and basin.  I would love to get a closer look,
but there are several squads of Azcan warriors guarding every
possible access to the pyramid."
   "I must say, I enjoyed watching this game of Tlachtli.  The
eagerness and desire to win by all players makes it a very
exciting game without any dull moments or stops in activity.  The
huge Tlachtli court is also a sight to see, capable of holding
several hundred spectators, as well as the occasional visit from
the King himself and his court."  [Ed. Note: This was her opinion
of the game before learning what happened to the losers.]



NITHIA (Kingdom of)

   Location:  Hollow World, continent of Iciria, southern
hemisphere, eastern reaches.
   Area: 687,277 sq. mi.
   Population: 4,000,000, including 350,000 in the capital of
Tarthis.
   Languages: Nithian, Neathar.
   Coinage: Eye (gp), hawk (sp), beetle (cp).
   Taxes: 25% income tax, 5% salt tax (sale tax) on water.
   Government Type: Monarchy, but all Kings and Queens must be
clerics.
   Industries: Agriculture (Nithia has abundant growing
seasons; it produces enough grain to feed the nation and have
surplus for trade), gold mining.
   Important Figures: Pharaoh Ramose IV (human, male, Pr15 of
Rathanos), Queen Tafiri (human, female, Pr12 of Pflarr)  [Ed.
Note: Current information seems to indicate that Tafiri is now
dead and that the following people have attained positions of
importance: Queen Senkha (human, female, M12/Pr4 of Rathanos),
King Al-Belak (human, male, T12), Djemun (human, female, T15),
Vizier of Internal Security Nikita-Ahmed (human, female, F18),
King Khnemet-urt (human, male, Pr9 of Pflarr), and Permon (human,
male, C8, the only non-specialty priest in Rathanos's clergy).].
   Flora and Fauna: Among the many monsters and animals are
animal herds (oxen, horses, sheep, goats), giant ants, rock
baboons, bandits, giant (scarab) beetles, camels, carrion
crawlers, lions, dragons, efreet, gargantuans, gargoyles,
gelatinous cubes, ghouls, gnolls, liches, giant lizards,
manscorpions, mummies, purple worms, rats, rocs, flame
salamanders, scorpions, skeletons, snakes, sphinxes, living
statues, stirges, and zombies.

   Description: by Claransa the Seer, during her visit in AC
1006.  Note that only parts deemed important for you the reader
were taken, and sections have been edited, deleted, and even
rearranged from their previous order for brevity and/or clarity. 
If you would like to read more, I recommend purchasing a copy of
"Claransa's Travels."

   "After the long talk with Trubiyar [A Jennite friend Claransa
met on her travels. Ed.] about the lands surrounding the plains
of his people, I decided that Nithia would be the next place for
me to visit.  The story of how the land was once green, but then
the sun came crashing into it and turned it into a desert is one
that any mage or sage in mythology and history cannot ignore.  It
seems that after the area became a desert, a civilization of
dark-skinned people called the Nithians appeared just as
mysteriously."
   "They apparently have huge stone monuments, most of which are
used to entomb their dead as well as all his living relatives. 
Could this be another sacrificial culture similar to the Azcans I
visited... well, way back.  With these never ending days, I have
lost all track of time."
   "It was agreed then, and the next day the two of us set off
toward the land of Trubiyar's enemies.  I hope that he will keep
his word and behave while there, as the last thing I need is to
be caught in the middle of a racial war."

The Land

   "The land of Nithia is a bleak and scorched place.  Despite
the eternal red sun being in the exact same position as it is for
anywhere else within the Hollow World, the climate here is
tremendously warmer that just several miles west.  The sky is
completely clear of clouds, and I doubt is has rained here in
days...err sleeps.
   Vegetation is practically non-existent, but there is more to
this desert than just sand.  There are several rocky
outcroppings, forming walls and canyons, as well as badlands and
barren broken lands.  Exposed rocks have been eroded by hundreds
and thousands of years of wind and sand, taking unique and
sometimes interesting shapes."
   "The farmlands and grasslands surround us now.  It seems we
are but a march away from the famous River Nithia which
apparently cuts the kingdom of Nithia in two.  This large river
is the source of all life for the Nithians, as well as everything
else that lives in this desert."
   "It seems that along the shores of this huge river, a normal,
agriculture-sustaining land is available for the peasants and
slaves to work on.  Despite their claim to the vast area of
desert beyond, here lies the true nation of Nithia."
   "Tarthis is built on the banks of the River Nithia, right
where the first division of the huge delta takes place.  The city
has a sun-dried brick wall surrounding it, ample defense in case
of an attack from the neighboring Jennites or Tanagoro.
   "Most dwellings are also made with the same mud bricks, as
well as the occasional stone, and thatched roofs.  The rich,
however, live in huge stone palaces with giant statues of
sphinxes or their Immortals everywhere."
   "I find it truly impressive that such a primitive culture has
mastered such techniques of irrigation.  The fact that water can
be attained from various wells within the city, as well as a
sewer system to take care of the refuse and waste is a clear sign
of excellent scholars, engineers, and leadership."

The People

   "Like all the other cultures I've encountered so far, the
Nithians are rather unique in their customs and habits."
   "The commoner among the Nithians wears a simple loin cloth or
a sleeveless linen dress if female.  Some unfortunate slaves wear
nothing at all but a belt.  The upper classes, including the
priests, wear more or less the same garments, just with better
fabric and brighter colors.  They also wear an immense amount of
gold and jewellery, of which the Nithians have managed to create
various interesting specimens.  I have acquired one of their
bracelets, which I think I shall keep."
   "The Pharaoh of the Nithians is always a cleric, and is
considered by the people to be an actual Immortal avatar of the
Immortal in question.
   The religion also holds power elsewhere, as they are
responsible for collecting the taxes and performing the death
rights upon the burial of the dead.  In fact, it is believed that
the truly faithful to the Immortals will one day return among the
living, hence the fact that they perform special ceremonies to
keep their bodies intact and the burial of their belongings with
them."
   "The rich of Nithia build gigantic pyramids whose only purpose
is to serve as their tomb once they are dead.  Apparently, this
helps achieve a greater place in the afterlife and hence improves
the chances of returning to the living on the "great day" to
come.  Once dead, the rich man is buried with everything he holds
dear, from his valuables to his relatives and favorite slaves. 
In fact, most consider it an honor to be buried alive in such
pyramids with their master.  Of a peculiar note, they also store
food in the pyramid, so that the souls will not starve on their
journey into the afterlife."

Don't Miss

   "The one building that I truly miss, having been forced to
leave Tarthis, is the Library of Mysteries.  This huge stone
building is filled with ancient scrolls and books that must date
back for at least 3 or 4 thousand years.  So much could be
learned from extensive studies of the information that might be
within the halls of the library.  Rumors abound that some of them
are even magical and show the secrets to great power.
   One thing that amazes me, however, is the similarities between
the Nithians and the Alphatian Thothians back on the Isle of
Dawn.  Even their language is very similar.  I cannot help but
wonder if the Thothians and Nithians are somehow related."
   "The Great Pyramid housing the tomb of Rasiris, stands just
over 500 feet into the air.  The structure appears a bright white
under the sun as a layer of white limestone covers the blocks of
granite the actually make it up.  And that is just one pyramid
here in the Necropolis of Tarthis, burial ground of the
Pharaohs."
   "When I was told that anything could be found in the Grand
Marketplace, for a price, I didn't believe him.  Now I can see
the truth in Trubiyar's words.  This huge, open-air market, must
cover several hundred square feet and have merchant stalls or
tents everywhere.  Various merchants from other cultures seem
almost welcome here, selling their goods just like any Nithian
merchant.
   Another commodity that can be bought here at the Grand
Marketplace is information.  Apparently, word gets around
quickly in the hand of the right people, and, with the proper
contacts, which can all be found in the marketplace, one can also
be privileged with the information, for a price, of course."



TIMELINE FOR THE HOLLOW WORLD, AC 1013

   Since there is lacking in detail of the nations in this
section, we have therefore found a substitute to fill in the
void.  We now have at least two brave souls who have journeyed
to the Hollow World and returned with information on what has
happened for the past two years.  
   These individuals, however, wish to remain anonymous, as
they fear reprisal from the Alphatians, who have claimed the
North Polar Opening as theirs, which is the route they use to
get to the Hollow World.
   Of interest to the editors of this Almanac, however, is the
fact that the first owner, Rikard Prospero, had access to
information on what befell in the Hollow World.  If anyone can
manage to discover what his source of information was, the
editors of this Almanac would be very pleased to learn of it.
   Anyways, here is a shortened timeline to detail events
which occurred during the year AC 1013 within the Hollow World. 
We hope that you, the reader, will accept this as an apology
for not publishing this information in last year's Almanac. 
Events in the Hollow World for the year AC 1014 can be found
in the chapter of Current Events: AC 1014 along with the
events from all around the world of Mystara.


NUWMONT AC 1013

     "Emperor" Zandor, freed from temporal stasis thanks to
the Day of Dread, demands that the guards holding him prisoner
release him.  Eventually, he is brought before Empress
Eriadna.  The sight of his mother drives him crazy, and he
collapses to the ground, crying and screaming in terror as if
his nightmares came true.  Eriadna has him once more confined
in a cell (which is proof against magical tampering despite
Zandor having lost his spellcasting abilities) with heavy
guard until she decides what to do with him.


NUWMONT AC 1013

     Saau-ur Uhem is tried for impersonating the dead Pharaoh
Ramose IV.  Nikita-Ahmed, the vizier of Internal Security, and
Permon, a cleric of Rathanos and close friend of Ramose,
testify that he is indeed the Pharaoh.  Plus, Ramose is
carrying the Pharaoh's Crook and Flail, two artifacts that are
handed down from Pharaoh to Pharaoh (see HWR2: The Kingdom of
Nithia).  Saau-ur Uhem is found guilty, the Crook and Flail
evidence that he must have somehow been responsible for the
death of the real Pharaoh.  Ramose is sentenced to the mines
for the rest of his life since Nithia has no death sentence as
death brings you to the paradise afterlife, and is hence a
gift, not a punishment (see HWR2).  Still, the Pharaoh has the
right of life or death on anyone at anytime, unlike standard
magistrates and local rulers.  But in this case, there is so
much controversy and rumors of civil war that Senkha orders
Ramose to the mines to avoid outbreaks of violence.  The Crook
and Flail are returned to Senkha.
     Senkha came to the decision after deliberation with
various other nobles, including King Al-Belak (who secretly
wants to be Pharaoh himself), and various other nobles related
to Ramose who are still upset at him for having executed Queen
Tafiri.  Also, Ramose was unable to cast any clerical spell
despite the fact that he is a cleric of Rathanos (which he
claims he lost because of his sentencing of Tafiri).  The main
factor was, however, the voices in her head that kept
insisting he was an imposter.
     Tension begins to rise in Tarthis and the kingdom of
Nithia since many of the nobles were also convinced that it
was indeed the true Ramose who has been sentenced to the
mines.  A civil war seems to be in the making.


NUWMONT, AC 1013

     Empress Eriadna asks Prince Haldemar to explore the
Hollow World and establish relationships with the nations
below.  She gives him all the various maps and notes that have
been taken since AC 1010 when Alphatia first arrived in the
Hollow World.  Although Eriadna has sent exploration missions
several times since the arrival of Alphatia in the Hollow
World, she had ordered her explorers not to contact the
natives and simply learn all they can from them as, having
seen the Neathar's reaction to the Alphatians, she didn't want
Alphatia to have even more enemies.  Now, she believes it's
necessary to make peaceful relations with all the nations
below; the Karameikans escaped last year, and Eriadna believes
it's only a matter of time before armies from the surface
world arrive to try and conquer the lands.  She wishes to have
alliances with the various nations so they can all work
together to safekeep the Hollow World.  Haldemar was chosen
because of the excellent job he did along the Savage Coast
back on the surface world.
     PCs can get involved thanks to the fact that Haldemar
must replace a few crew members who quit/retire.  This would
mean that they take part in all further adventures of the
Princess Ark.  Among the new crew are a few Alphatians who can
speak Neathar, the common tongue of the Hollow World.  Since
communication magic fails here in the hollow world, Haldemar
begins to learn the language of the Neathar himself.


NUWMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark arrives in the city of Baraga, the
"capital" of the Merry Pirates' nation.  There, Haldemar makes
a few trade agreements with Necco the Black and is assured
that Baraga, as well as all the other Merry Pirate ports, is a
free port in which Alphatians can come and trade when they
want.
     Another Pirate Lord, however, eyes the Princess Ark and
wants the flying ship for himself as it would make him the
most powerful pirate in the area (boats being used by pirates,
and with the Spell of Preservation having a looser hold on the
Merry Pirates, this is acceptable in terms of the Bias of the
Merry Pirates; see HW box set).
     Haldemar is warned about the plot by Sebek-Komnut, a
young Nithian male who joined the pirates, but found it not to
his liking (because of cultural bias).  He wishes to return to
his homeland and asks for passage aboard the Princess Ark as
repayment for his help.  Haldemar agrees, but states that the
Ark will stop at all the nations between here and Nithia. 
Sebek-Komnut doesn't mind about the delay.  Haldemar
eventually learns that Sebek-Komnut is the son of some minor
noble back in his homeland.


VATERMONT, AC 1013

     Djemun, a close friend of Senkha (see HWR2: Nithia), has
noticed that Senkha has been acting strange the past few
cycles.  Convinced that someone is manipulating Senkha to not
accept Ramose for who he really is, she decides to help free
the Pharaoh.
     She talks with Nikita-Ahmed, who then makes a public
announcement to Senkha for Djemun(since Djemun prefers to be
behind the scene).  Nikita-Ahmed claims she can prove that
Ramose is indeed who he claims to be.  She will find the Book
of Amon, which only Pharaohs can read (artifact presented in
HWR2).  If Ramose can read it, then he is indeed the Pharaoh. 
If he goes insane, then he is not the Pharaoh.
     Unable to refuse such a proposal because of the unrest in
Nithia, Senkha agrees to the test.  But Nikita-Ahmed must find
the sacred book on her own, which has been lost for centuries,
without help of royal funds.  Until then, Ramose will be held
prisoner in a cell, safe from injuries in the mines, but still
unable to go anywhere or cause trouble.  Nikita-Ahmed agrees.
     Djemun and Permon join Nikita-Ahmed in her quest, and
although the trio are rather powerful, they are also rather
old (youngest being in his 50's).  So Nikita-Ahmed gathers
younger adventurers and heroes to help her (PC involvement at
this point is possible).  Their first task is to find the
possible location of the Book of Amon.  For that, they contact
the Priesthood of Pflarr (experts on magical items) and do
research in the Library of Mysteries.
     Ahmed leaves a few of her trusted officers in charge as
she doesn't plan on performing her duties until her quest is
done.  She leaves explicit instructions to protect Ramose in
his cell as she believes that unknown forces will try to have
him killed before she returns with the Book of Amon (she's
right;  Thanathos and Ranivorus will do all they can to have
the Pharaoh killed).


VATERMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark flies over the Schattenalfen Caverns to
the east (HW directions) of the Merry Pirates and Traldar
(having mistakenly believed the Traldar were part of the Merry
Pirates).  There, the Ark is approached by a squad of
flapsail-riders.  The Schattenalfen captain of the squad,
Trylthyn (presented in HW boxed set), demands that the
Princess Ark leave the Schattenalfen territories.  Haldemar
manages to convince the air-captain to escort the Princess Ark
to the capital so that he can talk with the Queen of the
Schattenalfen on behalf of the Empire of Alphatia.
     Along the way, the group is attacked by a red dragon
desiring to claim control of the air they are flying in.  The
dragon proves to be no match for the Princess Ark and her
magical weapons, and soon flees.  Trylthyn is impressed by the
abilities of the humans, and envies their camaraderie which is
not present in his own race.
     At Issarthyl, Prince Haldemar and his party descend into
the capital city a mile below ground.  There, after attempting
peaceful discussions and proposals, Queen Catriata throws one
of her tantrums when she learns that there are elves in
Alphatia who enjoy living on the "surface" world.  She orders
that Haldemar and his escorts be imprisoned, then executed.
     Trylthyn, having seen a glimpse of the life of the
humans, decides that he likes their ways over the ways of
Atzanteotl and his fellow Schattenalfen.  He frees Haldemar
and his group, and they make it back to the surface and the
Princess Ark.  Haldemar accepts Trylthyn in his group as he
once did, long ago, for Myojo.
     The Princess Ark flees northeastward with several
flapsails and Schattenalfen in pursuit.


VATERMONT, AC 1014

     Al-Belak, King of the Southern Kingdom of Nithia, begins
courting Pharaoh Senkha.  He believes that marrying her will
give him the power he needs to make himself the next Pharaoh.


THAUMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark manages to evade its pursuers.  However,
the Ark was damaged by several spells from the spellcasting
elves who chased them.  Haldemar orders the ship to land for
repairs.  They land at the edge of the Malpheggi Swamp.
     After a few days of repairs, a group of lizardmen
approaches the ship.  The two groups seem to get along
peacefully until the lizardmen spot Sebek-Komnut.  At the
sight of the Nithian, they are instantly reminded of the
plague that struck them back in AC 1012 (PWA2).  They attack
the crew of the Ark, believing that they will bring the plague
back to their people again.  Haldemar is forced to take the
Ark to the air again.
     They set sail toward the northeast again, this time for
the town of Haldemar where they can finish repairing the
Princess Ark in a proper skyship berth.  
     Haldemar is rather disappointed by his lack of success
for peaceful relations twice in a row.
     They land in Haldemar and repair the Ark.


THAUMONT, AC 1013

     Nikita-Ahmed and her group discover clues about the Book
of Amon that seem to lead to the town of Ranak, the ancient
capital of the Nithian Empire.  They head for the town by the
means of Nikita-Ahmed's floating chariot (HWR2).
     Once there, the group begins exploring the libraries of
Ranak, as well as visiting the centers of magical research
that are present there.  After a long search and finding the
right contacts, they learn of an ancient magical storage area
deep beneath the city in the ruins of the old Ranak which the
current one is built over.
     They eventually find the room after roaming the
underground catacombs and discover many ancient magical items
and spells, but not the Book of Amon.  Still, they find
evidence that the Book of Amon was in Ranak, but was taken
away during the height of the Tarthis-Ranak war.  It is
believed that fiends summoned by Hathep stole the book during
the fighting in Ranak and fled with it.  The final papers
indicate that Pharaoh Kifara had managed to relocate the Book
of Amon in the Tower of Sekhaba and was planning on retrieving
it.  There is no further mention of the artifact or anything
else afterwards (Kifara, as well as the entire city of Ranak,
was then destroyed by the magic of the followers of Hathep,
ending the Tarthis-Ranak war, before she could reclaim the
artifact).
     The group then begins their search in locating the Tower
of Sekhaba.


FLAURMONT, AC 1013

     Having finished repairs on the Princess Ark, Haldemar
once again sets course for Nithia.  He plans on passing
through the lands of the Oltecs and Kogolor dwarves first.
     They pass over the Oltec Hills and talk to the locals in
the first village they spot (Bitac).  From them, they learn
about the local customs and the location of Manac, the capital
of their Kingdom.  The Ark sets course for Manac.  There,
Haldemar meets with Monpac the Sunwatcher, The Oltec (King). 
After peaceful talks and participation in a few local customs
of story-telling as well as playing wooden musical instruments,
The Oltec declares that they accept anyone in their lands that
comes in peace.


FLAURMONT, AC 1013

     Having heard rumors that the Tower of Sekhaba is located
in the Realm of Silence, Nikita-Ahmed and her party equip
themselves and travel out into the broken lands northeast of
Ranak.
     On the way out of town, they are attacked by mercenaries,
but manage to defeat/evade them.  Unknown to them, the
mercenaries were sent by the ruler of Ranak, King Al-Belak, as
he wants the old Pharaoh out of his way so he can be the new
Pharaoh.
     In the Realm of Silence, the group encounters various
desert creatures, strange monoliths, and abandoned pyramids,
but still do not manage to find the Tower of Sekhaba yet.


FLAURMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark passes by the huge Mt. Ronani and
approaches the dwarven realm of Kogolor.  An away team goes
down to visit the kingdom below.  Much to the surprise of the
Alphatians, the dwarven cities are mostly above ground and
easy to spot.  They head to the capital city of Kolmstat and
talk with the receptive, friendly, and open dwarves (another
surprise to the Alphatians).  Kolmstat is then attacked by a
daring raid of a war-party from the Krugel Hordes.  Haldemar
and the Princess Ark help in the defense of the dwarven city,
and hence King Bilfric III declares that Alphatians will be
warmly accepted allies of the Kogolor Dwarves.


YARTHMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark flies above the Brute-Men lands.  Since
these neandertals do not make any villages or structures, the
Ark fails to locate any signs of civilization, so moves on
toward the south and Nithia.


YARTHMONT, AC 1013

     Nikita-Ahmed and her party discover the Tower of Sekhaba. 
There, they confront the priests of Thanatos.  After various
clashes and a hair-raising battle, the group manages to flee
with the Book of Amon.  But not without cost; various members
of the party have been killed, including Permon, Ramose's
close friend.  Djemun has also succumbed to the maddening effects
of the Tower (actually a Burrower; see HWR2).  Nikita-Ahmed is
forced to take care of her insane companion as they flee back
through the desert.
     Eventually, they make it back to the River Nithia, and to
the village of Ker-nome.  Nikita-Ahmed leaves the mad Djemun
in the hand of the villagers as she rushes back to Tarthis.


YARTHMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark arrives at Tarthis, the capital of
Nithia.  There, Haldemar learns that Sebek-Komnut is one of
Pharaoh Ramose IV's sons.  
     Sebek-Komnut learns what has happened and demands to see
his father.  He has forgiven him after all those years for the
execution of his mother.
     Meanwhile, Pharaoh Senkha is reluctant to make any deals
with Haldemar, and hence Alphatia, because the voices in her
head warn her against it.
     Agents of Ranivorus kidnap Sebek-Komnut, and secretly
send word to Ramose that if he does not kill himself, they
will kill his son (since they are unable to bypass
Nikita-Ahmed's guards to kill him themselves).  The crew of
the Ark learns of Sebek-Komnut's disappearance and free him
from the evil priests, hence saving Ramose.


YARTHMONT, AC 1013

     Nikita-Ahmed arrives back in Tarthis and presents the
Book of Amon to Pharaoh Senkha and the nobles of Nithia. 
Prince Haldemar of Alphatia is also there to witness the
events unfolding.
     Ramose is brought to the royal court, and is presented
with the Book of Amon, which he reads.  He does not go insane,
proving that he is indeed the real Pharaoh.  He demands that
Senkha relinquish the title of Pharaoh at once, returning the
rightful rulership of Nithia to him.  
     However, Senkha takes the Book of Amon and reads it as
well.  Having been declared the rightful Pharaoh in ceremonies
given by the priests of Pflarr and Rathanos, she is also
unaffected by the book.
     There now appears to be two Pharaohs, and many of the
nobles begin taking sides.  The priesthoods back Senkha, as
Ramose has apparently lost favor with Rathanos, and therefore
does not deserve to rule Nithia.  King Al-Belak also supports
Senkha (although for hopes of personal gain rather than any
loyalty).  Ramose has most of the military support because
of Nikita-Ahmed, as well as the support of King Khnemet-urt of
the Delta Region.  Ramose also gains the support of many of
the lesser nobles and commoners as he has returned from the
dead, and that should be proof enough he has the blessings of
the Immortals.
     Sebek-Komnut asks Haldemar, and Alphatia, to join the
side of his father.  Haldemar informs that he cannot take
sides in an internal conflict.  Sebek-Komnut is disappointed
in him, and Alphatia.  Despite the fact that Haldemar will not
support him, Ramose does not hold a grudge, having become a
calmer man over the years.  He states that he understands
Alphatia's position, and asks him to leave Nithia.  Ramose
will be glad to make negotiations with Alphatia once the
internal problems are over and asks that he return later. 
Haldemar thanks Ramose, and the Princess Ark leaves Tarthis.
     Although Ramose has the guards necessary to capture/kill
the usurpers right now, he does not act as he loves Senkha and
believes she is simply misguided somehow.  He tries to talk
her out of an armed conflict, but fails.  Senkha and her group
leave Tarthis, unopposed by Ramose, and head for Ranak.  Civil
war seems about to break loose on the nation once more.


KLARMONT, AC 1013

     As feared, Nithia falls into civil war as the Delta
Region Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom fight to put their own
Pharaoh on the throne. 
     Ramose is saddened by the way things have turned out, as
he despises the pointless deaths that will be caused by the
needless fighting.  The war is a long one and continues to this
day.


KLARMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark arrives over the area of the Tanagoro
Plains.  An away team, including Haldemar, goes down to the
ground below and explores around (reason: flying ships tend to
scare primitive natives).  They are greeted in a small village
defensively, but peacefully.  After talks with the local
ruler, they learn of the location of the Togoro (great king of
Tanagoro). 
     The Ark leaves and locates the village of the Togoro. 
There, Haldemar (with his away team again) talks with Korolo
Togoro.  The Togoro seems to be interested in finding ways to
store food and water more efficiently.  Leo, the gnome
engineer of the Princess Ark, attempts to show them various
methods, but Korolo dislikes all of them (because of cultural
bias).  Still, Korolo Togoro appreciates the help the
Alphatians have tried to give the Tanagoro.  He welcomes
Alphatians to his lands provided they obey their customs and
come in peace.  
     Haldemar exchanges various items of interest to the
Tanagoro (such as food and water) for a batch of their
wheat-beer, which the crew finds very potent and enjoyable!
     From Korolo Togoro, Haldemar learns of the other great
warriors to the south called the Jennites.  Not shown on any
of the maps given to him by Empress Eriadna, he decides to
explore the southern plains.


KLARMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark hovers over the Jennite Plains.  An away
team led by Haldemar goes down and explores around and locates
the Jennite village of Saniladar, named after their chieftain.
Upon being given gifts by Saniladar, Haldemar offers something
of his in return, and is accepted by the village.
     The village is then raided by another village which it
had raided a few sleeps ago.  Jennites being worshippers of
Tarastia always get revenge when they can, and so feuds tend
to last forever.  The crew of the Ark are forced to help
defend the village from the Jennite cavalry just to stay
alive.  Their help earns them the respect of the villagers of
Saniladar.  Haldemar is view with awe and some fear at his
display of the control of the forces of nature, such as fire
and lightning (as combat magic is not available in the Hollow
World).


FELMONT, AC 1013

     Haldemar and his team attempt to visit another Jennite
village only to discover that their helping the clan of
Saniladar has earned them the enmity of the other clans around
them as the Saniladar has raided all of them various times. 
His team is attacked, and a few crew members are taken
prisoner.
     Haldemar brings the Princess Ark directly to the village
which has his captured men, only to find out that they have
already been executed, as the Jennites do with prisoners of
war.  Disgusted with the barbaric and savage ways of the
Jennites, Haldemar orders the Princess Ark to head west,
toward what his maps indicate should be the Milenian Empire.


FELMONT, AC 1013

     While sailing over the Sea of Yr, the Princess Ark passes
several islands that they decide to investigate.  There, they
encounter a culture of Broken Ones (described in the AD&D
Monstrous Manual, p.30)  
     These creatures, humanoids made out of animal parts, were
the creation of an Alphatian mage in Blackheart about 250
years ago.  They wound up hating their Alphatian master and
killed him.  The other mages of Blackheart soon encountered
these raiding Broken Ones and banded together to exterminate
them.  An unknown Immortal took pity on them and transported
them here to this island in the Hollow World were they could
live in peace.
     The Broken Ones have a deep hatred for their creators,
and hence tormentors (according to them), the Alphatians. 
Prince Haldemar, when identified as an Alphatian, is attacked
by the creatures.  The Princess Ark away team barely makes it
back to the Ark.  They then leave this island, hoping to never
have to return.


FYRMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark passes over a Nithian-style town on the
western coast of the Sea of Yr.  Intrigued, Haldemar orders
the Ark in to investigate and make contact.  
     There, Haldemar meets with Uart-neter Semsu, the ruler of
the town of Lothar.  The lord of Lothar learns about the civil
war brewing back in Tarthis.  He had lost all contact with Ramose
IV when he was captured by Senkha's guards for impersonating the
Pharaoh.
     Within Lothar, Haldemar encounters a Nithian who asks him
various questions about his flying ship and Alphatia.  At
first, Haldemar is happy to talk about his homeland, but then
begins to become suspicious as this stranger wants to know all
he possibly can.  He has some of his men follow the scholar
back to his place.  They discover he is indeed a scholar of
various lands and cultures, as well as history.  His symbol,
which is carved over his front door, is a lighthouse.
     Haldemar then leaves Lothar and continues on his way to
the Milenian Empire, despite warning from Uart-neter Semsu
claiming that the Milenians are all barbarians that cannot be
trusted.
     Uart-neter Semsu sends troops back to help Pharaoh
Ramose, whom he truly believes has Immortal support in his
rulership.


FYRMONT, AC 1013

     A village in the Traldar lands is destroyed by a huge 12-
headed hydra.  The neighboring villagers quickly grab their
weapons and go on a hydra hunt, like any brave hero would do.
To the Traldar, this is just another opportunity for their
adventurers to prove that they are great heroes!


FYRMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark arrives at Corisa, the capital of the
Milenian Empire.  At first, things are a little hectic, as the
Milenians believe that the Princess Ark is a Heldannic
Warbird, having returned once more to cause trouble (events
described in HWR3: Milenian Empire).  It is soon discovered
that they are from Alphatia, and not Heldannic Knights.  Trade
negotiations are made with the Senate, which are only too
happy to agree with Alphatia's policies of keeping the
Heldannic Knights and other nations (Haldemar does not mention
they are from the surface) from taking over the Hollow World.


AMBYRMONT, AC 1013

     Before leaving Corisa, Haldemar is approached by an old
man calling himself Trokalikos of Laroun (HW boxed set).  The
man claims he simply wants to learn more about the world and
asks to join the Ark for her voyages around the Hollow World. 
When asked what he will give in return, Trokalikos mentions
his vast knowledge of the various cultures around here, as
well as his ability to speak most of the languages.  Haldemar,
having had to learn Neathar and use that primitive language to
communicate with everyone is rather interested in this
advantage, so he hires the old Milenian.
     The Princess Ark heads northward, toward the Traldar
Kingdoms, since Trokalikos has corrected him, indicating that
they are not part of the Merry Pirate cities.  Haldemar is
impressed at the knowledge of the old Milenian.


AMBYRMONT, AC 1013

     King Dogrel of the Alphatian Neatharum, having picked
enough loyal troops to his rule, and not the Alphatian Empire,
sets his long awaited plan into motion.  He sends his soldiers
out into the Neathar Lands, far enough from the town of
Haldemar so as not to be noticed by other Alphatians, to capture
and enslave as many Neathar as possible.  He wants to use
them to make a larger and more prosperous nation than the
Alphatian Neatharum which has been denied expansion, and hence
power,  because of Empress Eriadna when she made a peace
treaty with the Neathar.  He has secretly hated the Empress
ever since.  Now he wants to try and make his own kingdom
independent from Alphatia.
     The location chosen by Dogrel and his men is at the lake
where the Torolai River meets the Great Mud River.  One
skyship is given to them to retain easy contact with the new
town.  There, they begin enslaving the Torolai Neathar in the
plains to the north, as well as Valgrai Neathar in the forests
to the northwest, around the mountain chain.


AMBYRMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark flies over the lands of the Kubitts, not
knowing there is a culture of diminutive people hidden in the
trees below.


SVIFTMONT, AC 1013

     The Princess Ark arrives in the Traldar Kingdoms. 
Trokalikos directs them to the city of Coresco.  Before King
Tiradon of Coresco will deal with Haldemar, he has to prove to
them that he is a respectable hero, and is therefore asked to
participate in a hydra hunt.  The 12-headed hydra that
destroyed one of the smaller villages a couple of months ago
has yet to be destroyed.  
     It turned out that the hydra was a Lernaean hydra (for
each head severed, two more grow back, unless flames are
applied to seal the wound.  They have a maximum of 12 heads.),
and they have been unable to defeat it.  It just kept
regrowing its heads.  Also, this particular specimen seems to
be rather cunning (INT 8), and can even spit out poisonous
gases from each head.  The Traldar believe that the hydra must
be the creation of some evil curse, as they have never seen
one with such powers before.  Because of its uniqueness, the
locals quickly call the beast the Coresco Hydra.
     The crew of the Ark participates in the hunt.  The
creature is soon brought down thanks to the advanced magic of
the Alphatians, including the good use of a Fireball spell to
seal off all the heads and prevent them from regrowing.
     King Tiradon gives the Alphatians respect for their acts
of bravery, and accepts to trade with them.  Trokalikos warns
Haldemar that the Traldar are fickle people, and their
leaders, usually warlords, come and go.  This village might be
peaceful now, but could just as easily declare war on the
Alphatians the next time they come by, especially if another
leader has seized the throne since then.
     The Princess Ark sets sail westward, intent on following
the islands that belt the equator of the ocean (Anathy
Archipelago), since the Alphatians already know about the
Azcans to the north who continuously raid the Alphatian
Neatharum.


EIRMONT, AC 1013

     Traldar adventurers, curious as to where the famous
Coresco Hydra came from, begin backtracking the creature's
trail to its original lair.


KALDMONT, AC 1013

     The Traldar discover that the hydra was released from an
ancient shrine to Halav.  The shrine has apparently been
desecrated by Schattenalfen, and hence the Coresco Hydra
attacked the elves.  Carefully searching the shrine shows that
an artifact is apparently missing.  A count of the footprints
and Schattenalfen elf bodies reveals that some of them
survived.  The Traldar believe that the Schattenalfen must
have that artifact, whatever it might be, and the hydra was to
punish them for not protecting it.
     The adventurers return to Coresco and inform everyone
about their findings.  Many bands of heroes decide to take on
a quest to find that artifact and return it to its rightful
resting place.  The various groups all head out toward the
land of the underground elves.
     King Tiradon prepares the city of Coresco for a possible
war against the Schattenalfen.