Abyss

Much time has passed since the Imperial calendar was adopted.
In the prior calendar, the year began with what we now call the
Guardian Moon and ended with the Ethereal Moon. Back then,
the 12 lunar phases were exclusively referred to as months. They
came to be known as moons with our current calendar system.

Though the prior names of the months are lost, it is known that Guardian
Moon was often shortened to the number one, Pegasus Moon to the
number two, and so on until Ethereal Moon, the twelfth and final month.
Though inelegant, this was a practical system that apparently served the
people of the time well.

There is no way of knowing when the old calendar was created.
Any attempt to trace its origins leads only to the era of the gods
and more unanswered questions. All we know for certain is that
the calendar has existed for a nearly incomprehensible length
of time.

To change a civilization's calendar would inevitably cause great
confusion and unrest. Why, then, did Emperor Wilhelm—the first
leader of Adrestia—choose to abandon the original calendar in favor
of the Imperial calendar? Historians have identified several possible
reasons for such a drastic measure.

1. The Influence of the Church of Seiros
The names of the Imperial calendar's moons, and the associated lore
behind them, are intimately related to the tenets and saints of the
Church of Seiros. It is highly probable that basing the new calendar
on the teachings of Seiros was Emperor Wilhelm's attempt to spread
those beliefs on a much wider scale and help legitimize the church.

If this is the case, it is further proof that the Adrestian Empire had close
ties to the Church of Seiros from the very moment of its inception.
Alternatively, it has been posited that the goddess herself wished to
change the calendar and voiced this desire through the prophet Seiros.
This would mean that Emperor Wilhelm simply implemented the change
rather than originating it.

2. Asserting authority
Calendars represent the flow of time, and so creating a new one is akin to
claiming dominion over time itself. Shortly after its founding, the Empire
used its influence to establish a new calendar and retroactively proclaim
its founding year as Year 1. Amid the unification of Fódlan, this move
increased Imperial authority and heralded the start of a new era.

___/15 - Ailell Forest
It has been several months since King Nemesis was defeated, and the
tides of war have turned from bad to worse. I have received news that my
friend Daphnel has fallen as well. Those zealots are after our heads,
and those of our leaders. All that is left for us is to disappear into the
muddy waters Seiros has created. My long life may soon come to an end...

___/2 - Itha Plains
I somehow escaped with my life, but I fear the end is near. Most of my
clan has already surrendered to the Empire. To my surprise, I am told
their safety was guaranteed. I, however, am a different matter. My life,
along with my sacred weapon, will unquestionably be forfeit. My dear
son and daughter... I hope you can forgive me one day.

___/5 ___
Why does Seiros despise us so? What did King Nemesis do to incur such
unyielding wrath? Perhaps it was a mistake to accept his offer. In any
case, that is all in the distant past now...
______and before this body falls to ash, the evil...

(The paper is so tattered the rest is illegible.)

I, a priest of______the findings of my investigation___ When a Crest
Stone was removed while its Relic was being wielded by a______all
movement within the Relic ceased. When the stone was returned,
the Relic once again___ It is beyond question that Crest Stones supply
their associated Relic with power of some kind. And the impetus of said
power is clearly related to the Crests that certain humans possess...

...Based on the composition of___it can be surmised that______likely
a massive creature akin to a wyvern. However___strength is beyond
compare to that of wyvern bones. They are more durable than all
materials other than crucible steel, making them ideal for crafting
weaponry, and absolutley______inhabiting___difficult to conceive, but
one theory___ Is it possible that______the goddess’s___have potentially...

...Heroes’ Relics have been found that are not linked to the 10 Elites.
______the 10 Elites______ Could it be that others were gifted this power
by the goddess as well? Perhaps the disturbing___that the Relics were not
gifts from the goddess___ Additionally______the same Crest Stones_____
Many of my hypotheses______I am desperate to find the truth of it all.

The time has come. I must discard______I daresay the goddess would not
wish for me to learn more than I already have.

(The pages are old and worn, so most of the text is illegible.)

In the land of Thinis, where the old gods are said to live, the False God
has awakened. Its looming, heteromorphic vessel was resurrected to sink
the world to the depths of the ocean. It will bring extinction to all
children of men, and salvation to all beasts of the land, sky, and sea.
For the children of men who spilled too much of the blood of life,
it promises only cruel retribution.

The False God must be defeated before the world sinks into a watery
grave. To this end, the children of men have erected pillars of light upon
the land. Thinis, Malum, Septen, and Llium were utterly destroyed.
Those lands have vanished from this world. Yet even still, the False God
stands. And soon, a flood aptly named Despair will drown this world.

The children of men fled to the depths of the earth, beyond the sight of
the False God, beyond the embrace of the sacred sun, and beyond the
reach of the waters of Despair. They swore a fervent oath of revenge
against the surface world, ruled by beasts, and against their tormentor,
the False God.

(This book's title does not match its contents, suggesting a false cover.
It seems to be a catalog of some kind.)

• Distance Viewer (Based on Glasses)
By combining glasses lenses, one can view great distances with enhanced
clarity. Crafting such a tool was forbidden by decree of the archbishop
for the following reasons: 1. The ease of locating enemy camps would
escalate wartime violence. 2. It would be too easy to snipe from afar.
3. It would lessen the mystery of the goddess, who watches from above.

• Flammable Black Water
A sticky black liquid was discovered in northern Faerghus. It burns
fiercely and emits a highly toxic gas. The use of this wicked substance
was forbidden by decree of the archbishop for the following reasons:
1. Misuse could result in accidental death. 2. It could be used tactically
by those lacking magical ability. 3. Competition for it could cause strife.

• Metal-Mold Printing Machine
Though initially lauded as a practical replacement for woodblock
printing, after careful consideration, the archbishop deemed it taboo
for many reasons, particularly the following: 1. Risk of mass circulation
of misinformation and malevolent rumors. 2. It is useless to illiterate
commoners. 3. Risk of intensifying disparity between church branches.

• Human Autopsies (Especially Involving Head or Chest Incisions)
Though it is widely believed that this is medically relevant, such actions
upon a corpse are considered desecration of the dead. Since white magic
can be used to a similar end, autopsies were deemed taboo. A notable
cardinal asserted that if medical science were to excel over faith-based
white magic, it would destabilize the foundation of the church.

(Burned papers that resemble a report of some sort.
A few passages survived the fire and are still legible.)

Item 18, Part 5
...the Faerghus Rebellion. I harbor doubts about the army Loog has
raised. How did he recruit soldiers without raising suspicions in the
Empire? How did he acquire those mysterious weapons, so like Heroes'
Relics? What is the true identity of Pan, the tactician rumored to have
been integral to Loog's victories? And Those Who Slither in the Dark...

Item 22, Part 2
The shadowed order of the Knights of Seiros believes that King Klaus I
of Faerghus was assassinated... Everyone believes that his will, which
demands the territory be divided among the three princes and fails to
name a successor, is a fake. The purpose was likely to involve the
Leicester region and display a greater military force than the Empire...

Item 49, Part 18
...the Tragedy of Duscur, after which more members of the Western
Church are strongly criticizing the Central Church. Among them are
those who claim the incident in Duscur was the work of the shadowed
order of the Knights of Seiros. It seems a confrontation over the dogma's
legitimacy is inevitable. Soon, the child of House Gaspard...

Item 51, Part 6
...son of the Alliance's leader, Duke Oswald Riegan, has died in an
accident. This follows an incident involving the previous successor,
and even the Knights of Seiros suspect it was at Count Gloucester's
command, though it seems too conspicuous. There is some concern that
this could spark a war. With Duke Riegan gravely ill, the situation is...

Table of Contents
• How to Compliment a Lover
• The Art of Seduction
• The Myth of True Love's Singularity
• Gifting Saint Cethleann's Love Garland
• Alone Time and Greeting the Dawn

(The date of removal and Seteth's signature follow.
It seems this was briefly part of the monastery's library,
but all pages are missing save the table of contents.)

The Seventh Song
...banquet celebrating the marriage of the young Emperor Lycaon III
continued until the full moon waned to a half moon. The wait staff
scurried about the castle refilling golden glasses. All present savored the
taste of the fine bacchus from Boramas, as well as the screams of the
northern swordsmen as they were torn apart by wild beasts during the...

...the countless dishes on the banquet tables were each overflowing with
spectacular offerings. Treats themed after the Four Saints graced massive
platters, just waiting for our greedy fingers to snatch them up. In honor
of Saint Cichol, guardian of the land, prime Gronder wheat was used to
bake endless loaves of delectable bread. In honor of Saint Cethleann,
savory fish was presented, a dish she is believed to have loved...

...when the clown dressed as Saint Seiros decapitated the criminal
dressed as Nemesis with a single swing, the spectators cheered with
unbridled enthusiasm. A young man, staring at Emperor Wilhelm as he
caught the saint and pulled her into a close embrace, suddenly beckoned
me. He pressed his lips to my ear and whispered sweet nothings,
mirroring Emperor Wilhelm and Saint Seiros upon the stage...

(The date of removal and Seteth's signature follow.
It appears to be a novel set in the Adrestian Empire.
It has sustained great damage, so nothing else is legible.)

(A scrap of paper is stuck between the pages of a book.
It appears to be incredibly old.)

• Moose Meat
Albinean moose is preferable. If unavailable, beef or horse meat may be
substituted, though the dish's unique flavor will be somewhat altered.
• Goddess Messenger
Be sure to skin, gut, and clean the fish before use.

• Zanado Treasure Fruit
While difficult to obtain, it is well worth the effort. If necessary,
boa fruit may be substituted.
• Seasoning and Spices
Adrestian rock salt, herbs of Faerghus, and honey of Leicester
are strongly recommended.

This is a special dish prepared for the new emperor at ceremonies.
Though its ingredients are extremely rare, making it rather expensive,
chefs must restrain themselves from sneaking bites during preparation!

My Beloved...

You were right. It seems he would not hesitate to divide the house.
What's more, I hear he's considering taking his half of the territory
and joining the Kingdom.

I can't believe he would even consider dragging another region into this,
not to mention stirring up trouble over his inheritance, at a time when
the Alliance desperately needs to unite. He's clearly out of his mind.
Though he bears a Major Crest and you a Minor Crest, your father was
wise in his attempt to declare you his heir.

As it were, I can't help but wonder what your intentions with me are.
I am drowning in letters proposing marriage to that...beast. He may
share your face, but the resemblance ends there. I refuse to marry such
a foul creature. If you don't come to me soon, I am going to you. Don't
forget that my father's blessing could be revoked at any moment...

I will depart Derdriu at the end of the Lone Moon. You had better be
prepared for my arrival. I wish to marry you beneath the Garland Moon.
Why? Well, I am a woman, after all, and even I harbor dreams of being a
Garland Bride. Understood? Great. Make it so.
-Claudia, Second Daughter of House Riegan