Introduction[]
artist's rendering: "The Beginning"
The Hintersteppes. Land of the great divide. Cold, whisping highlands, empty of man and silent for all times.
Yea, what is there to say of the Hintersteppes which has not been spoken? From it rose the devil mongoose warriors. To it go them that seek to ascend. The first home to the Xerantines. A beautiful, blight free plane.
Hungry so hungry
Forest, hills and stars alike
Wilderness free me
Ascendant significance[]
Do not we all long for the silent, calm embrace of the Steppes? Even the Phlogistons find such a place bewitching.
Few hardscrabble villages live near the Hintersteppes, and none in it. Mongoose Warriors venture into the icy drifts to prove themselves strong; Tis meet the ARIAX code cordons off this beauteous quiet. All respect the empty sanctity of the ascension lands; yea, even the Conclave.
Not all who depart for the Hintersteppes find their ascension; but all wish to. One day, may we all make the journey. So say we all.
The falling snowflake
glides int-ward to quietly
reflect shades of blue
Notes[]
Rendering: "Final ascent"
Translation of Pappillon Baptiste (in a particularly dreamy mood one afternoon- Ed)
See Also:
The Conclave
Xerantine