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[Reflection on past failures]

Reflection on past failures
This last segment of the paper will examine previous failures and problems encountered during the course of mercenary work. The purpose is to outline a small number of failures clearly and concisely. Following the explanation of each failure, solutions are presented.

"I have worked with some people on jobs who just have a well trained and almost flawless understanding of where they need to be, when they should pull back to a more advantageous position with cover, et cetera.."
- Leiah Avryana, scholar

Exposed to archers
Many a time, the writer has been party to a group whose shieldbearer takes the fight to the enemy and disregards their often formidable backline of slingers or worse. In such situations, the entire unit is exposed to the assault from the front and also pelted by stones or arrows. In the worst case, the enemy missiles find purchase in the vulnerable backline who are unable to perform their role adequately or at all.

The solution involves using walls and natural formations in order to block enemy archers from firing at the unit. If enemy fire is inevitable, it is crucial to be ready to employ vials of blurring.

Ignoring choke points, caught in the open
A similar mistake in tactics involves the unit's inability to recognize potential choke points. Otherwise, the unit might recognize the ideal position but be unable to reach it in time before the enemy swarms the formation. The result has been either a drawn-out battle on many fronts or the quick slaughtering of the unit.

Solution involves noting defensive formations and choke points beforehand, and making sure to utilize them to the fullest in combat. Sometimes it is necessary to fall back to a defensible position and then the leader should be clear to call for an organized retreat.

Ineffective use of a choke point
Often small units hold choke points such as doors or narrow tunnels that are so small that two combatants struggle to stand beside one another. Therefore, it is often the case that only one or two combatants are swinging at the enemy while the rest of the frontline stands idly.

The solution involves arranging the frontline in a concave formation that lures the enemy past the choke point in hopes of breaching through. Instead, they are cut by the combined might of the entire frontline. In addition, versatile combatants often carry a bow or a similar option with which they may engage at range when the front is too crowded. Brief intermissions in battle are also suitable for the use of disruptive devices, especially if the group is exposed to enemy archers or slingers. Otherwise, bombs are a sound option.

Conflicting orders
Many problems arise from the unit having different tactical solutions to threats that arise in combat. For instance, one combatant might call for a retreat while another presses for a charge. When the unit splits its attention and potential between two maneuvers, even brilliant stratagems fall apart and the group is exposed to the enemy.

The solution involves choosing a leader whose word takes precedence during the engagement.

Unattended enemy magus
Left to their own devices, enemy magi will often rain destructive and debilitating invocations on the unit. Therefore, recognizing and neutralizing the threat is of primary concern. There have been many times when groups have been unable to properly address the threat, which leads to the enemy magus dispelling their wards or perhaps blasting the group on their knees with a powerful gust of wind before raining acid and fire on them.

The solution involves having access to vials of insulation and blurring, and agreeing the manner in which the enemy magus is to be dealt with. Usually the safest way is to use the terrain to the group's advantage, thereby forcing the mage out in the open where they may be singled out by the archer. If that is not possible, whittling down the enemy numbers from a safe position before risking a charge is the second safest option. Skilled groups with confidence in their survivability may even choose to charge magi outright, though such strategy is always best negotiated in advance.

Atreus Loukanis has a warning for armsmen:
"When holding the battle lines, consider what is the true threat to your company. A shaman invoking endless stream of conjurations will demand a break in formation, but too often I have seen men break line to chase a mere evoker slinging cantrips."

Blinded by avarice, slow to advance
The most frustrating way for a group to squander any profit that might be had is by busying themselves with looting and treasure when there is still fighting to be had. Wards fade, and it is best to press on while time is of the essence. Many a time has a group run out of protective magic simply because it has been too slow to advance, and often rampant looting is the cause.

The solution involves marking sites of potential finds and coming back to them once the enemy has been silenced. The rest is a balance of caution and steady advance. Some groups may prefer to save wards for later and in that situation early avarice and slow advance are not problems of similar magnitude.

"I had accompanied a band of sluggish shield bearers flanked by a pair of wizards. Their approach was slow and steady, lacking much brute force.. But so heavily enspelled that the foe could do little harm to them. Like dragging their feet through quicksand, slowly, slowly they battled until their magicks ran out. And suddenly, the foe became overbearing."
- Atreus Loukanis

Snorri further recommends that the person gathering the spoils should be skilled and known to be of sound moral character.

Split formation, force divided
The unit should always stick together unless splitting up is part of a maneuver upon which the group has agreed in advance. Sometimes a group neglects the importance of sticking together, and broken formations caused by poorly communicated charges and retreats expose the unit to undue danger.

"Sometimes there comes a time for a charge. It is important that all fall in step, a force split is beset on too many sides, and twice as weakened -- those behind may be slain or wounded, or worse."
- Gustav Tattori

The solution involves loud, clear and concise communication when it comes to orchestrating maneuvers. Tactics like charging enemy magi should be agreed upon before attempting to use them. When maneuvers are called for, the call ideally comes from the leader. It is crucial to maintain unit coherence unless tactics demand otherwise. Some situations such as hostile large scale evocations or the presence traps may require a split formation.

Death by a thousand cuts
Many a time has a group been besieged by seemingly nonthreatening foes like goblin runts and slinger, only to find that their combined blows wear down even a mighty warrior. Enemy missiles, even sling projectiles, may have a similar effect. The enemy may also employ offensive cantrips and first circle magic.

The solution involves employing vials of blur and being mindful of the group's positioning so that the group does not get swarmed.

Excessive reliance on the mender
One such situation involved a frontline heavy formation where the composition included two shieldbearers and two spearmen in addition to a magus. One of the spearmen charged in to hold a choke point, but ended up locking themselves in a corner between a wall, a pile of rubble and the other frontline combatants. They were cut by a particularly mean-spirited foe and were in need of immediate healing. However, the mender was separated from the spearman by the pile of debris and the other combatants, and let others know they were not able to reach. However, the other frontline combatants were not able to address the need and the spearman fell.

The solution involves positioning the unit so that the mender's access is not blocked. Similarly, blocking a spearman's route to retreat leads to difficulties and should be avoided. An alternative solution would include the frontline fighters breaking away from fighting long enough to apply life-saving curatives on the wounded combatant.

A similar problem may arise even when maneuverability is not an issue. Sometimes the entire unit is beset by enemies on all fronts, and then auxiliary menders are required. It is best to abandon all notions of saving supplies when everyone's lives are collectively threatened. In this case, the solution involves making clear to both name the primary mender and to let others know their help will be needed situationally. Every member of the unit should have access to some potent curatives, vials of blurring and vials of invisibility for emergencies.

Infighting
While pleasantly uncommon, there have been groups torn apart by internal strife rather than the enemy's blows. The mild form of this problem includes mistrust and verbal barbs, whereas more serious problems involve paranoid ranting and even physical altercations between the unit's members. Even slight mistrust may hamper a group's efficacy, and full-blown armed conflict will surely be expensive on the field.

The solution involves maintaining a respectful and resilient attitude, and it is especially true in the face of adversity and failure. Additionally, one should take care to communicate before and during assignments as to avoid misunderstandings and hiring poor company. Even large disagreements that arise during the course of work should wait until it is safe to focus on debate.

References
[The list of references includes names of ringrunners and refugees, but some more recent names stand out]
Personal experience in the roles of shieldbearer, mender and magus.
Atif ibn Al'Qazar
Atreus Loukanis
Gustav Tattori
Kara Fields
Leiah Avryana
Snorri
Wanderer Lynneth

[Formations]

Formations
This section of the paper examines common formations that are used to establish five person units. This list of formations is not meant to be exhaustive, nor will it adequately respond to all needs a unit will have in all of their engagements. However, these formations shall adequately prepare a leader for forming their own group based on their needs.

Balanced formation
A typically desired formation involves two shieldbearers, a spearman, a magus and either an archer or an auxiliary magus. In this kind of group, the two shieldbearers form a steady line that is joined or exploited by the spearman, which means that it will not always function ideally in tight quarters.

The rationale for two shieldbearers assumes that there is enough space for them to share the brunt of the enemy assault which then creates an opportunity for the spearman to exploit the enemy's flanks, thus bringing them down with relative safety. Ideally, these formations seek to control choke points where the two shieldbearers are able to stop a much more numerous foe without getting flanked, but they have to keep in mind the spearman's ability to attack as well. That is why the other members of the group should be backline combatants.

The magus in this group is often prepared with transmutations and defensive wards. Weapon sharpening is often critical to the group's ability to cut through enemy armor and wards. However, the magus and the group should coordinate carefully when it is the best time to engage these wards, as some work can take longer than the duration of an average magus' wards. If heavy resistance is expected, a group might prefer to use their own supply at first and then rely on the magus when the strength and depth of the enemy formation is known. Moreover, the magus with the least spells to offer during combat engagements should be designated as the primary mender, unless a more skilled healer like a specialized priest or a doctor is available.

The auxiliary magus will often support the group with either offensive or disruptive invocations. They might also be a capable performer whose songs uplift the group's spirits or a specialist that can use both bow and devices to disable the enemy combatants. While their role may also involve mending, they should be more liberal with their offensive incantations and ready to exploit weaknesses in the enemy formation with the invocations they have prepared in advance.

A visual representation of the above formation could be:

Shieldbearer, Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus, Archer

Back heavy formation
In usual circumstances, we refugees struggle to find two capable shieldbearers at the same time. Thus, many actual formations end up somewhat heavy with backline combatants. Usually, these formations consist of a shieldbearer, a spearman and a combination of magi, archers and specialists.

With a weak frontline, the group must be especially mindful of potential choke points to which they may retreat when the enemy grows too numerous to face on the field. It is also very likely that a formation like this will be especially vulnerable to enemy ambushes and ideally the backline will have combatants that can defend themselves when the enemy breaks free or flanks the formation. As with the balanced formation, the mender should be positioned near the frontline and with reasonable access to the other backline combatants in case of ambushes.

In the interest of maneuverability, the backline should try to keep tight corridors clear by sticking to the walls. This allows the mender and the frontline the ability to maneuver when it is required. If the passage back is blocked, there is a chance a panicked shieldbearer or spearman will back into a position where the backline becomes frontline, which often leads to many injuries and even deaths.

The strength of a back heavy formation is that it has potential for many specialties upon which it may call. It is also ideally suited for tight quarters like tunnels, where there frontline combatants might find it difficult to operate. Even when the backline consists of three magi with little offense to offer, at least two of them will be able to rely upon offensive cantrips and ideally they have also prepared defensive or offensive invocations in order to react to changing battlefield conditions. Under ideal circumstances, a back heavy formation consists of two shieldbearers or a shieldbearer, a spearman, an archer and then two magi or a magus and a specialist.

To present the above more clearly:

Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus, Archer, Magus

Shieldbearer, Shieldbearer
Magus, Archer, Specialist

Front heavy formation
This formation is both less and more common among mercenaries. Indeed, larger units often consist of many shieldbearers and spearmen entirely as entire battle groups of magi are eminently difficult to establish. However, in small unit tactics an overly heavy frontline may find it difficult to have enough space to both establish a choke point and to have every combatant meaningfully engaged.

Such formations are ideal when the leader expects to engage the enemy on many fronts or knows there will be enough space to deploy every combatant, or else is planning on keeping some combatants in reserve. A haphazard commander will find themselves outnumbered in a chokepoint where only the shieldbearer and perhaps one spearman is able to engage the enemy while the rest stand behind.

Common solutions include considering where the group can engage the enemy and employing inward-curving concave formations in order to lure some of the enemies past the choke point and chopping them down there. Ideally, some spearmen will also be able to employ the bow or other ranged measures to compensate for the group's shortcomings when it is time to silence enemy magi or adjust for tight quarters.

Of all the formations, the front heavy composition is the best able to charge through the enemy lines and engage the enemy magi directly. While such maneuver is always risky and should be deliberated and agreed upon before executing, the front heavy formation can defend themselves on three or four fronts simultaneously while leaving space in the middle for a magus to work as a mender or to offer other kinds of support. Successful groups usually negotiate this maneuver before fighting takes place.

A common front heavy composition could include two shieldbearers and two spearmen, of whom at least one is able to use a bow. The last position is usually filled by a magus skilled in weapon and mind wards. Since one magus can rarely support four people adequately, it becomes necessary to prioritize wards and also to use one's own supply of vials and other trinkets.

A visual representation could be as outlined below:

Spearman, Shieldbearer, Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus

Shieldbearer, Spearman
Magus
Shieldbearer, Spearman

Since magi are not always available, these formations sometimes fill the position with a specialist. A formation consisting of five frontline combatants is not recommended, for it leaves the task of mending upon each individual member of the group. A fifth combatant could still act as the mender, of course, and they would be ideally suited for addressing enemy ambushes and flankers.

Unconventional formations
As mentioned above, a formation of five frontline combatants would find it difficult to allocate support tasks effectively unless agreed upon by everyone well before the unit is threatened. It is still possible for unconventional formations to be successful, but they should consider the following challenges:

The severity of the engagement is an important consideration when considering the composition of the unit. Perhaps a dedicated shieldbearer is not required if the resistance is expected to be weak or nonexistent. Similarly, a simple task of guarding goats or clearing a building of undesired tenants may not require a fully actualized formation to deter bandits or small animals.

If the threat is severe, the first consideration the group needs to address is the lack of a shieldbearer. A skilled spearman may be able to defend oneself in a melee, but they are usually not equally suited for punishment the same way a heavily armored and shield-bearing stalwart is. In such cases, spearmen might wish to adopt a shield and be more liberal with their vials of blurring and protective trinkets. It may, likewise, be necessary to assign two menders. If the group has no rock upon which to build their formation, they will be quickly overwhelmed by enemies and thus lose the little chance of success they had to begin with. It does not matter whether the rock crumbles due to the mender's supplies running dry, the spearman falling or simply retreating. The end result is that the formation is broken. The group is then swarmed and slaughtered.

The second concern is the lack of a designated mender. Formations that fail to address the lack of a mender will suffer from poor morale and inadequate resource management.

The third concern is the lack of offensive power. A group consisting of one shieldbearer and four magi, for instance, might be able to quickly evaporate a few groups of enemies. As the battle draws on, however, magi will be lacking in offensive power and much supply will be depleted and wards will run their course before the enemy is completely and totally defeated. The usual result is that the unit!0!s supply runs dry and the unit is defeated instead, or else achieves a pyrrhic victory where the spoils of the mission do not even begin to cover the costs.

Therefore, it may be stated that even unconventional formations must be able to hold their ground, have enough offensive power to silence the enemy and have a clear understanding of roles they are supposed to perform. Some causes are worth defending at any cost, but few mercenary tasks should be pursued with that kind of reckless abandon.

On the topic of unconventional Small Unit Formations, Snorri goes on to explain: "-- how to proceed in groups smaller than five. It will often be the case that not enough hands are free. I suggest these compositions, in the most general terms:

2: 1 Spearman or Shieldbearer & 1 Magus
3: 1 Shieldbearer, 1 Spearman, 1 Magus
4: 1 Shieldbearer, 1 Spearman, 2 Magi

Although there is no mention of archers here, that is because with smaller groups it becomes easier to maneuver around and towards dangerous mages. If an archer had to be fitted in, he should replace a magus or a shieldbearer or a spearman, depending on how much supplies are available and one is willing to spend."

In conclusion, smaller and more unconventional formations may be viable under many circumstances, but they require experience and consideration to execute successfully. For instance, small formations may be better suited for infiltration work and Snorri also mentions that a group of three warriors can succeed should they have plentiful supply and excellent grasp of their tactics.

[Roles and responsibilities]

Roles and responsibilities
Having examined the bare bones of individual and group preparation, it is time to categorize a few broad roles available within mercenary units. Note that each individual is prone to having their own strengths and imperfections, and as such these roles should not be seen as strict guidelines. Instead, they exist to inform the reader about the strengths needed for succeeding as a group. Some of the roles may in fact overlap. The following section shall detail six broad categories into which individuals may be allocated: the shieldbearer, the spearman, the archer, the mender, the magus and the specialist. Each role is examined further below.

"If men depend only on the rustied steel in their hands to wage war, they can only do so much. The strongest weapon of them all is the mind."
- Atif ibn Al'Qazar, faithful sword to Agaslakku

Shieldbearer
The most commonly asked for and cited strength must be the ability to work as a shieldbearer. The term is a metaphor for a stalwart person who is able to both lead the charge and dig into defensive positions as the situation requires. Therefore, an actual shield is not always important to one's success as a shieldbearer. Some people carry a shield with little ability to withstand receiving a charge or being surrounded, after all - do not, thus, rely on the simple visual cue for your choice of shieldbearer.

"It bears repeating that he can only perform well when constantly healed. If there is more harm coming in than niggardly or inexperienced healers can cover, there is often no choice but to abandon position and reposition."
- Snorri, the Stalwart

Whoever one chooses to act as a shieldbearer must be able to face more than their number of foes while acting as a reliable bastion around whom the unit's entire formation is built. If the shieldbearer crumbles, so will the rest of the group. If the shieldbearer retreats, the more vulnerable members of the unit will surely be overrun. Therefore, the role of the shieldbearer is to act as an anchor for the whole unit. They should be the first to enter battle and the last to leave it, unless the group is certain about their ability to exercise flexibility in the situation. Atif ibn Al'Qazar echoes a similar notion, stating that the shieldbearer should be liberal with blurring and stalwart in the defense of the line. If they break the formation to heal themselves, the likelihood of everyone dying is great.

In the metaphor of the anvil and the hammer, the shieldbearer acts as the anvil upon which the enemy shatters.

Spearman
Again, the spearman need not be armed with a spear. Instead, it is their role in a group to take advantage of the shieldbearer's stalwart defense so that they may be the second in line to inflict grievous harm upon the enemy. The spearman might as well be called a flanker or a bruiser. Tactics of successful spearmen vary wildly - some may prefer large axes and swords while others rely on surgically measured strikes against the opponent's weak points. What remains a constant is the ability to inflict serious harm and the reliance on a shieldbearer to take on the brunt of the assault while they work to end it from a safer position.

"Something I like when you just have a single wall is the line. You make a line out from the corner of the cliff (or a wall). The strongest shield on the outside, the best killer on the inside. Ideally, the shield can take the most enemies at once, and the killer can kill one thing at a time and let a new enemy fill the gap."
- Kara Fields

While a magus is able to inflict grievous harm with their invocations, they are not to be considered a spearman or an archer. These roles entail the ability to constantly pressure the enemy with offense, which is often the shortcoming of many magi. Magi skilled in martial combat, however, can still function as effective spearmen or even shieldbearers. Spearmen can be seen as flankers, bruisers or disruptors, depending on the strengths and tactics employed by the unit.

A good spearman is able to do more than thrust their weapon, however. A mind for the changing tactical landscape of the battlefield is crucial so that one may employ disruptive devices and bombs alike in order to further decimate the enemy. The spearman is often in the best position to break away from the formation if the enemy threatens to flank the backline. Therefore, their mobility should be protected and they should ensure that they do not get trapped between a rock and a hard place.

In the metaphor of the anvil and the hammer, the spearman is the hammer that shatters the enemy upon the anvil.

Archer
"An archer who knows how to pick out leaders, shamans and specialists, and dispose of them is valued indeed, but rare."
- Atreus Loukanis

Often, the archer fills a role similar to the spearman. They depend on the shieldbearer to control the flow of the battle while they focus on killing from a safe position. The reason archers are afforded a special mention is because the enemy is likely to be using similar tactics, and it is often a skilled archer that will have an easier time disabling the enemy's backline when the front line fighters are occupied with the enemy's shieldbearers and spearmen.

Atif ibn Al'Qazar goes as far as to say that he considers the archer an essential piece of a successful formation. While such skilled marksmen are not always easily found, they are worth their weight in dinari in a balanced formation.  Snorri further emphasizes that their value is found in eliminating enemy magi whose invocations can do grievous harm to the entire unit.

It bears repeating that the archer need not be a traditional bowman, however. The Astronomers practiced in the art of drawing upon Incarnae, for instance, can perform in auxiliary archer role with continuous use of their Starblight invocation. Leiah Avryana notes that Starblight is useful for dealing with evasive and heavily armored targets, but warns that it is difficult to go back to curatives when focused on invoking magic. Therefore, an Astrologian expected to perform as an auxiliry archer should not be made the primary mender of the group. Avryana goes on to note that for the mender it is sometimes better not to do anything at all so that they may react when their skill is needed. Not all Astronomers are also practiced Astrologians, however. Similarly, a person with a bow might not be an effective archer if they do not have what it takes to shoot dead the enemy magus cloaked in a veil of blurring, or at least disrupt their invocations. Know yourself and know your unit.

Mender
The task of a mender involves controlling the unit's curative supplies and administering them to the needy. Often, menders bring their own curatives, yet it is always worth stating explicitly who is supposed to take the role of standing behind the frontline and attending to their needs. When such curatives run out, any group willing to chase success will understand that they must share what they have in order for the mender to be efficient at their role.

Aspiring menders should understand that a group expects them to spare no expense in order to ensure that the frontline holds. A skilled shieldbearer who is not shy about quaffing vials of blur is therefore vital to preserving a mender's diminishing supply. If a shieldbearer loses trust in their mender, they will usually attempt to retreat, which exposes the mender and other vulnerable members of the backline to great danger. Spearmen exhibit similar behavior and often require even more carefully timed support when they are miserly about using their own supplies.

Snorri's advice to all menders is to ensure that they have both the spells and the supplies to effectively protect themselves under unfavorable battlefield circumstances. He mentions invisibility as a valuable tool when one has to approach a combatant caught in a bad position or when threatened by oil, gases and similar harmful battlefield conditions. It is also very common for the backline to be ambushed or flanked, in addition to which enemy magi may sometimes disable the frontline combatants, which allows for the enemy frontline to advance. Every mender should make use of insulation at all times and be quick with other measures they deem appropriate. The battlefield is a harsh and unforgiving teacher.

Magi often make for effective menders, for their talent for solving battlefield situations is either spent in preparation or utilized only in select strategic circumstances. While every magus should have at least one offensive cantrip prepared, their time is much better spent ensuring the other fighters are healthy and have the supplies they need in order to press forward.

While one might think an archer might similarly make an effective mender, it is good to note that one does not shift from bow and arrow to curative supplies very easily. Indeed, archers who are either strong of arm or skilled at hitting the enemy's weak spots should instead be valued as potent slayers who should first and foremost concentrate on neutralizing dangerous enemies such as opposing magi. Therefore, it is worth the effort of a magus to empower such an archer to function at their best while the mending is left up to the magus. It is of course understandable that sometimes a group does not have a magus and has to rely on a mundane specialist for mending.

However, blind reliance on menders is not recommended. Every single member of the group should have access to serious curatives that are easily available at one's waist for quick access. Every moment not spent on eliminating the opposition is dangerous waste, but it is even more dangerous to let one's shieldbearers and spearmen perish when the named mender is not able to carry out the work alone. Indeed, groups rich in backline combatants should still name a primary mender and at the same time other backline combatants should be prepared to step in when aid is required.

Groups that do not name their mender will find their frontline skittish and unable to perform at desired efficacy. The order of mending should rely on the named mender first, after which a backline combatant takes priority. If the frontline combatants deem the situation suitably dangerous, they may also hold their blows for a moment in order to preserve their lives. A shieldbearer should always have the requisite supply to bolster their own chances of survival when others fail. If they fall, so will the others.

Magi
Invokers of the Weave come in many shapes. Astrologians, Priests, Sorcerers, Spellsingers, Warlocks and Wizards can all fit into this category, though it is not uncommon to see a martially inclined priest acting as the shieldbearer or spearman. However, for the purpose of this paper they are categorized into three valuable roles: support, havoc and control.

Support magi are the most efficient at enabling their group's success with an uplifting song, carefully curated transmutations and defensive wards suited for the group's needs. Common requirements from support magi involve at least weapon sharpening, weapon coating and warding from foul influence. Weapon sharpening is accomplished with the Magic Weapon invocation, which is often known as a simple weapon ward. A greater weapon ward may be called for in some select circumstances, but its short duration is best reserved for limited emergency use. While the weapon coating is not always necessary, it is a superior addition to the frontline fighters' ability to inflict harm. Such coating is accomplished with the Flame Weapon invocation. Finally, a circle ward known as Magic Circle against Alignment is often required to shield the minds and souls of the unit against magical assault. A similar effect may be achieved with the first circle protection invocation, but most magi cannot hope to cover everyone's weapons and minds alone. Other support offered by magi involve magic entwined in songs and chants, specialized invocations and other carefully curated skills that may see the group to victory.

Havoc magi specialize in a few powerful evocations or similarly inclined invocations that may decimate many enemies at once or bring ruin upon one high priority enemy. Aspiring leaders should know well that such power is often limited in scope and thus it should be utilized sparingly and with care regarding the positioning of the shieldbearer and the formation built around them. While more sustained ability to deal with foes as they appear is required, one should not underestimate the impact of a well-placed combination of grease and fireball invocations.

Control oriented magi include both charming sorcerers and specialists in conjuration who may either call upon disposable allies to control the flow of the battle or coat the advance of enemies in sticky webs or paralyzing invocations. As with havoc magi, their power is limited to select few uses and should be carefully curated. When it comes to large scale disruptive invocations, the magus should always and every time confirm with the group the tactics they intend to use before setting out for the job. The magus should prepare for the group's members being unable to process the information given to them and be ready to explain time and time again why running into their web invocation is dangerous and can potentially lead to the entire front line being slain if they are not careful about approaching it. Thus, even agreed upon tactics should be executed with caution, communication and a clear margin for error committed by both oneself and one's allies.

Atif ibn Al'Qazar recommends the use of conjured allies in order to meet large numbers of enemies on the field. According to him, it is wise to send the conjurations forth and away from the front line so that they may break the enemy formation.

Indeed, magi have many invocations and tactics to alter the flow of combat. One notable invocation Leiah Avryana calls the Celestial Mirror is worth mentioning separately. Atreus Loukanis assures that the spell was able to turn the tide of a battle in itself. The invocation is said to reflect "-- the cadence of the celestial heavens - the stars, the celestial disc and the sun". Despite its short duration, it invigorates and bolsters one's allies while hindering enemies who are caught in the pattern. Many magi have access to other similar tools when they are prepared and the tactics are carried out with the unit's full understanding. No one spell is above the rest, thus, and different invocations have uses and risks under different circumstances.

Another such tool employed by many magicians is the invocation of speed known as Haste. It deserves a special notion, for the third circle invocation is always going to be in short supply and the decision to hasten the right person carries great weight. The haste invocation should be given to the shieldbearer if they are engaged by several opponents who threaten to overwhelm them. If the shieldbearer holds, the haste invocation should be given to a spearman who can use the enhanced speed to slaughter the opposition in a frenzied burst of carnage. Even so, the invocation should not be wasted unless the combat situation demands that the enemies fall quickly. In rare instances, the magus might choose to hasten themselves so that they may employ destructive magic quickly to bring down an especially powerful enemy. Knowing the abilities you bring to the unit and when to use them is crucial in mercenary work.

What all magi have in common is the limited use of their invocations and therefore plentiful access to time during which their hands are idle. This makes them ideal as menders, though the value of well-placed combat cantrips is not to be understated. The named mender should exercise more care about when to invoke offensively, but other backline combatants may be more liberal with their use of cantrips and other offensive measures. In fact, the success of a group often depends on magi doing the little they can in order to ensure success.

Since magi are usually vulnerable, it is critical that they position themselves carefully. Ideally, a group will have a member who is able to break away from the combat in order to protect the vulnerable back line upon the event of being flanked. However, all magi should have at least a few defensive invocations so that their vulnerability does not compromise the entire formation. Sometimes it is better for a magus to quaff a vial of invisibility and allow the frontline to adapt to the flanking enemies than it is for a combatant to break away from a fight. As mentioned above, though, invisibility is a dangerous crutch and it should be used with caution. In addition to making one's wounded body harder to locate, some enemies are perfectly capable of seeing through an illusionist's veil and thus may catch a magus unprepared.

Finally, remember this wisdom: wards fade. Only after the whole threat is neutralized may you give yourselves to avarice. Do not, thus, squander your magi on looting corpses and checking piles of debris. Press on with determination, choose well when bolstering wards should be employed and utilize them to their full extent. Make sure the magus works as a mender or otherwise makes use of their offensive cantrips.

Specialists
Too numerous to count but vital to a unit's success are the specialists who bring useful skills to the group composition. Often required skills involve talent with both spotting and marking traps, disabling locks, coming equipped with a shovel and a grapple gun, knowing one's way around old languages in order to decipher warnings and more.

One such speciality that could be named separately is that of the scout. Whether by magic or skill, they can move unseen to gather information on enemy traps and formations. Similarly, they are often the one to spot hiding enemies. Usually groups lack the patience to send in a scout - and such waiting may not be wise when wards are actively fading. However, there are situations where simply getting to the site in which mercenary work is to be carried out is dangerous, and then it becomes eminently useful to have someone who can inform the group of danger before it is met head first. Similarly, one should always rely on a scout and scattered linear formation when traps are a possibility.

Specialists should be sought for the nature of the work in mind, but people capable of filling the role of scout are usually worth their rations and pay.  Likewise, should someone state that they are especially adept at scavenging debris and searching chests for hidden compartments, one should definitely leave the work up to a specialist instead of attempting to do the same with no training.

In summary, the common roles and responsibilities include the shieldbearer, the spearman, the archer, the mender, the magus and the specialist. The shieldbearers are the rock upon which the entire formation is built. Spearmen and archers disable the enemy while relying on the foundation provided by the shieldbearers. The mender is responsible for being the first to support the frontline combatants when they require anything, which usually means being quick with curatives. Magi may fill several roles, but they often act as a mender and then offer the most commonly requested wards or else fill the battlefield with havoc and confusion. Specialists provide various skills that are required before, during and after engagements. Scouts and people equipped with exploration equipment are often desired. The roles are not mutually exclusive and the people filling them will have their own imperfections. When each member of the unit knows what is expected of them, however, it will greatly enhance the group's chances of completing their objective successfully. While seasoned groups will come to understand each other's abilities well, it is worth noting that new members of the group will not have the same knowledge and thus explicit statement of intentions and expectations remains important throughout any unit's lifespan.

[Introduction]

Small Unit Tactics by Starikova

Introduction
Many of us refugees end up banding together in order to take on paying work offered at Krak des Roses or other similar establishments. However, not all of us are seasoned mercenaries. In fact, it is likely many of us have no significant expertise with the kind of danger we are in once we leave the safety of the Well and enter the dunes. This paper shall prepare refugees for working together on board assignments and other work that calls for individuals to band together in the name of a common goal. The paper starts with notes on individual preparation, after which group preparation is examined. Afterwards, the paper shifts focus on five man unit compositions. The number is chosen due to its suitability for most tasks while allowing for some flexibility in composition. Smaller or larger units may work depending on the nature of the assignment for which they are formed. While the paper examines common compositions, it shall also categorize some roles that are often needed in a small unit. In addition, there will be examination of common challenges and how to best address them on the battlefield. In fact, one such challenge begins the moment a group is being assembled.

For the purposes of this paper, the terms unit and group shall both refer to a cell consisting of five individuals, with the understanding that the size of the group or unit might change depending on circumstances and goals set by the people forming the group. Due to its size, the unit is categorized as a 'small unit', hence the title of the paper. However, the denominator is not repeated in the paper as it does not examine the workings of larger units, divisions, brigades, regiments (also sometimes known as battle groups, hence the distinction) or battalions.

In short, for it is known mercenaries are not always given to reading, the most crucial aspects of small unit tactics include: knowing yourself and your group composition, having adequate supply, naming your leader and mender and always communicating your goals and tactics clearly.

Individual preparation
Knowing yourself is half the battle in small unit engagements. Or perhaps a quarter of the battle, as it is also important to know your companions - a notion which shall be examined under 'group preparation' below. The other half, naturally, is knowing your enemy. When you know the challenge for which you prepare, it is easier to survey your stock of supplies and see what needs replenishing.

Before worrying about supply, however, one should first and foremost worry about what one can offer to a band of mercenaries setting out in the dunes. In small units, the contribution of all its members is vital. Note, however, that equal contribution is not required. In fact, it is likely that a five man unit will include several uneven specialties. Thus one need not be a peerless warrior in order to be valuable to one's unit. If one is lacking in understanding one's strengths, it is likely best to refer to the roles and responsibilities section of this primer so that one may see the suggested roles under which one might be able to perform.

After one knows the role with which one is comfortable in a unit, it becomes essential to take a look at one's equipment and supplies for the task. Most common requirements for all small unit mercenaries include at least: curatives, vials of blurring and vials of invisibility, a vial of seeing the unseen, vials of insulation and other boons required by your role in the battlefield.

Even the most meek pacifist may be beset upon by a group of flanking goblins or be shot at by enemy archers when the group's positioning is unfortunate. In such situations, a vial of blurring may be the difference between life and death. Invisibility, on the other hand, is a dangerous crutch that should only be used with caution. If you catch a wound from which you cannot recover, the others will have a much harder time finding you when you lay unconscious and invisible. That said, coordinated and wise use of invisibility can allow a group to escape an approaching and much more numerous enemy unit. Likewise, invisibility can help one blend into the chaos of a surprise encounter, hopefully avoiding the worst of blows while focusing on their task - though if the whole group is to run, it is best that its most vulnerable members are ready to run first.  Vials of insulation, on the other hand, usually last for the whole day and act as a powerful contingency against enemy evokers.

According to Atif ibn Al'Qazar, other helpful supplies include bombs with which to deal with large groupings of enemies and dispelling trinkets that can be used to strip the wards employed by enemy magi. Furthermore, everyone should have some oil, rations, a bedroll and other equipment needed for sleeping on the road. It is good if you can bring a shovel and a grapple gun with rope, but it is usually enough that one person brings the necessary equipment.

Snorri further stresses the importance of knowing what other boons you require and bringing plentiful vials to address your needs when your wards run their course or are otherwise stripped bare. Commonly requested wards and vials involve physical transmutations such as strength, grace and endurance. Even short term boons like vials of blessing and divine favor are valuable in combat situations where the enemy is proving both powerful and resilient. Additional weapon sharpening may be useful in an emergency when the lesser weapon wards run out.

In conclusion, individual preparation comes down to understanding what you bring to a group and what kind of support you need from other members of the unit. In addition, it is vital to have at least the core supplies of curatives, blurring and invisibility in preparation for the sudden changes in tactics that are often required in the field. Other supplies should be chosen based on one's own specialty and understanding, which will surely grow with the accumulation of mercenary expertise. Camping equipment will be used often.

To reiterate the above, you should know well your role in a group and discuss it before engaging in mercenary work. The supplies you need include:

• Vials of blurring, of which you should have at least two for short term work and many more for demanding engagements.


• Vials of invisibility, of which usually one or two are enough and they should be used with care.


• A vial of seeing the unseen to rescue people who use vials of invisibility carelessly. Also useful against enemy magi who use the veil in order to prepare.


• Plentiful vials of insulation, one of which should always be quaffed when engaging in mercenary work.


• Water for all your needs during the exhausting journey. Especially the mender and the shieldbearers require access to powerful curatives.


• Camping supplies that include at least rations, oil and a bedroll.


• Other vials of boons you require. Even if you have a capable transmuter with you, vials of strength, grace and endurance are often required. Vials of speed can make the difference between life and death. Bombs, dispelling trinkets and other magical fetishes can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Short term boons such as vials of blessing and divine favor are valuable at times.

Group preparation
As insinuated above, the first challenge of any group begins the moment the group is formed. Namely, every group should defer to one (1) and only one (1) battlefield leader who is in charge of making calls regarding the unit's tactics. Often this responsibility is implicitly assumed by the person calling the group together, but it is good to make explicit this assumption and the duties according to which the other members of the unit are supposed to perform. After all, not all available people have read  this primer and even fewer will have notable expertise in the roles for which the leader hopes to recruit them.

The battlefield leader, henceforth referred to as the leader, has the important duty of directing the unit in the clamor of battle and also making sure the unit is suited for the work at hand. It is common that small units contain conflicting personalities and insights into strategy. While two different tactical decisions might be sound in a vacuum, having them both shouted out and carried out at once in a demanding situation will surely spell doom for the group. In such situations, it is vital that all members of the group know whose direction takes precedence.

That being the case, any new group forming to perform a task should always take the time to both choose a leader and to go over each member's strengths and responsibilities so that the group may function at its best. It is easy to assume the quiet Nadiri in the back will take care of handing supplies and curatives to those who need them the most, but if such expectation is not made explicit the group might realize that the said Nadiri has no supply to offer only when it is direly needed. Indeed, smart mercenaries always carry some excess supply that can be shared with the less responsible members of the unit. While such annoyances are inevitable, it is even worse to compromise the unit's chances of success with avarice or miserly behavior. Excess supply is wasted on corpses.

In summary, each newly formed group should at least seek to establish a mutual understanding regarding each member's responsibilities within the group. This includes choosing a battlefield leader so that the unit may react to sudden changes on the battlefield. It cannot be stressed enough that such expectations should be made explicit and then also repeated as the composition of the group changes.

[Abstract]

Small Unit Tactics by Starikova
Revised edition


Abstract
Since many refugees are not given to lengthy ruminations and reading, a brief guide is provided below.

This is a summary of a much longer primer on Small Unit Tactics by Starikova. Its purpose is to guide refugees in forming small units of five in order to take mercenary work.

Each group of five consists of the following roles, which are to be seen as broad categories of oft-required ability and not an exhaustive list. The roles are described so you can understand what you can bring to a mercenary group and what a leader should seek in the people they recruit.

Each unit should start by naming a leader and then discussing responsibilities of each member in detail so that there is no confusion or surprises later along the line. Preparation is half the battle. Indeed, every mercenary should come prepared with curatives, vials of blurring and vials of invisibility. Anything else they may bring is up to their own discretion, but the above three things are in constant demand. More important than your individual strengths is your ability to communicate your needs and expectations clearly so that the group as a whole may prosper.

A shieldbearer: holds the line and is the first to secure choke points for the small unit. They are the first to enter battle and the last to retreat, or else the formation will fall.

A spearman: uses the opportunities created by the shieldbearer to deal grievous harm to the enemy, whether by large ax or carefully placed strikes.

An archer: a ranged spearman variant who depends on the front line to hold so that they may address high priority enemy targets.

A mender: every group should name someone who is responsible for dispensing curatives in the battle. Magi are ideal for the role, but others may perform it as well.

A magus: magi can offer bolstering and defensive wards, control the battlefield with debilitating incantations and conjurations, and rain havoc upon the enemy. Most groups need at least one magus to cover most sought after enchantments, but it is possible to do with supplies prepared in advance.

A specialist: exists to cover many other niches that a group needs. For instance, skilled scouts and loremasters both have their place in some jobs.  There is demand for talented scavengers and trapfinders as well.

A balanced formation includes two shieldbearers, one spearman, one archer and two magi. This formation can hold down choke points, address enemy threats at range and rain destruction on their enemies and boons on their allies. In the balanced formation, the mender is usually the magus who has fewest spells left after preparation.

Positioning
The shieldbearer anchors the formation at defensible positions. Do not advance past the shieldbearer unless you have agreed otherwise before doing so. Use choke points and walls to your advantage, and avoid exposure to enemy archers as best as you can.  This tactic also protects you from enemy magi who often rely on their sight to direct hostile invocations at you.

Supplies and wards
Every mercenary in the unit should at least have vials of blurring, vials of invisibility and water for the journey. In addition, everyone should bring camping supplies consisting of rations, oil and  a bedroll.  A shovel, a grappling gun and some rope are usual supplies if one combatant can carry them for the unit.

Commonly requested wards include weapon sharpening in the form of a lesser weapon ward, a lesser mind ward or a circle ward and elemental coating for the weapons.

Most frontline combatants will need vials of strength, grace, endurance, barkskin and shorter term boons such as vials of divine favor and blessing.  Many of these can be provided as wards by the magi, but combatants should always carry their own supply.

According to Snorri, shields should carry at least two vials of blurring for easy work and five or more for more demanding expeditions. It is recommended to carry vials of other boons in amounts that allow the combatant to recover if their wards are stripped by enemy magi.

Tactics, in brief
The shieldbearers choose the choke points and similar defensive points and anchor the frontline there. The spearman falls in and flanks the enemy. The archer picks out high priority targets from the backline, whereas one of the magi is prepared to unleash disruptive or devastating invocations as required. If incantations not required, they shall use offensive cantrips while the other magi acts as the named mender of the group and works to keep everyone well-supplied and healthy. It is vital that the shieldbearers control where the formation moves and that their security is ensured by the backline, especially the named mender. Clear communication should be valued and the tactics issued by the leader should always take precedence over others.

[Transmutation of life and the metaphysics thereof]

I knew I could count on their self-interest, but I did not believe it would have consequences so soon.

Transmutation of life and the metaphysics thereof

Abstract
The school of necromancy is often seen as a field that is predominantly occupied with the forces of death and entropy. Its most notable practitioners often seek the principles of reanimation and are vilified as desecrators of the dead. However, most adepts of the art realize that necromancy - as all schools - is an incomprehensibly large field of study that deals forces of life and death alike. Indeed, even a student of life must know about death, but understanding the principles of life and its transformation has more multidisciplinary ground with the school of transmutation than full-fledged devotion to the dark magic for which most necromancers are known. At the same time, practitioners of transmutation have dark magic of their own, including their oft-feared mastery of curses.

This thesis examines the connection between necromancy and transmutation from the perspective of understanding and manipulating life, including the properties of the soul and its cycle of reincarnation. Further multidisciplinary understanding is drawn from the schools of divination and enchantment, relying on a device called -

[Haphazardly, yet still very legibly scrawled note follows]
Have I written this before?

Thesis, why?

What device? I have no tools. Must find a replacement.

Practical applications:
- Observe the state of the soul and changes upon its make on the path
- Find a path forward through arcane transfiguration, beware shortcuts

Rejected the blue robes with little in the way of explanation, I am left to piece the puzzle together on my own. It is true that our core beliefs - and research - do not align and perhaps that is reason enough. It thus becomes all the more important that I seek like-minded individuals on the Great Stone Road.

At the same time, I consider my options with the branches of the Rose. However, I am not terribly fond of the drink and the joviality of jesters. Knowing all that I know about the Sister's Wine and the Well's Water, I cannot willingly imagine supplicating myself to either. The last option has a detestable reputation and I have learned a lot about their role in the war. All the same, they might have the kind of discipline and straightforwardness that I can use to further my own agenda. It is true that the refugees and I have more in common than any of the Sultan's lackeys. I have, however, precious little faith in a holy trinket that would save us in a time of need.

Were I to hold the Cup in my hands now, I wonder whether I would even allow it to spill. Life in the desert is possible, and I am coming to understand that we need hardship to thrive and reach further than we would if leading placid lives among the Mother's cattle. Perhaps the abundant bloom would free us of the Temple's yoke, but have us beholden to something else.

In that vein, I have considered my political allegiances. I have a great amount of respect for the Purple League and their staunch traditionalism. Unfortunately, it is their way that will keep us from questioning our servitude to the Sultan and the Mother, whose specter looms in the radiance in which the glorious leader bathes.

While my heart yearns for the noble ideas of the White League, I see weakness in their lack of discipline and the myriad voices with which they speak for and against each other. Perhaps theirs may still be a path that leads to growth through the trial of having to win your colleagues to your cause.

Though I care little for coin and making riches, I see in the Gold League the kind of ambition that will see them united and prepared to serve their own interests. Even as their obvious self-interest will bring strife and hardship, it will surely create opportunities for growth for those who are willing to strive to better themselves. If their united stand for independence weakens the Sultan's grip on the Well, perhaps in time they might force the Mother to show her true face for us all to behold.

It is with these thoughts that I have offered a League my support, meager as it is.

[Research on the acquisition of potable water must be urgently hastened!]

While my current research is pending challenges and grand discoveries, it is finally time to turn my attention towards both immediate concerns and the advancement of my craft.

Research on the acquisition of potable water must be urgently hastened!

A secondary priority must be given to studies regarding the nature of the soul, and finding texts and oral lore that further illuminate the subject. My fellow students of twin gardens might be able to provide important insight, though associating with them is always -- --. One such person is  - whom I saw --, indicating -- -- --. However, the moral question remains. Further along, amiable priests or Diviners might be able to fashion tools and theories that allow the observation of the soul and any changes within. This shall form the backbone of evidence-based empirical research.

Backed by sufficient theory and implements - as well as potential assistants - it should become possible to enact further changes in the soul both through transformative acts and manipulation by arcane means. Potential research questions include measuring and quantifying the state of the soul, followed by developing an evidence-based statistical framework for measuring change in the default state of the soul after it has been exposed to any and not limited to: physical exertion, physical transformation, moral exertion, moral transformation, cognitive exertion, cognitive transformation, arcane energies, incantations, known spells, experimental formulae, substances and the consequences thereof. Further research may illuminate answers to questions regarding the nature of the soul, the relationship between the soul, the body and the mind, and the nature of Godhead and enlightenment.

Physical exhaustion is relatively easy to obtain, but actual transformation beyond natural growth is more difficult. Research into invocations that transmute the corpus and the mind has already yielded quantifiable results, but further advancement should be possible and interesting regarding its effects on the make of  the soul.

On the topic of moral transformation, it occurs to me that I know one such person who claims to be able to perceive the taint of corruption in another. Initial research questions include determining from where their ability stems, how reliable it is and whether the ability can be replicated or diversified by any known means.

Cognitive exertion and transformation are both achieved by amassing further knowledge on various topics and reflecting. It is possible that historical and archaeological research can further provide clues regarding ancient magical practices and thus feed into arcane research.  One such notion is the connection between the orb and --.


Of ancillary importance is the notion that there is a stonefolk person, called Sol Auk, who may be putting together some manner of long term expedition. This endeavor may provide opportunities for fulfilling the primary research goal (see: the acquisition of potable water). Additionally, further opportunities are present in the chance to secure the means of subsisting outside Ephia's Well and in so doing further distancing oneself from the Water Temple's yoke. I should consider carefully what I have to gain or lose in the said venture, and what I have to offer beyond the ability to read and traverse the road. Should the venture attract like-minded or otherwise capable and amiable individuals, it could be a great opportunity to cooperate with skilled tinkers, inventors or even other arcanists. It is noteworthy that survival experience gathered from guiding a caravan of this scale could be distilled into principles that allow more refugees to find their own way outside the Mother's domain. 

[Appendix II - Note from a RUST SPEAKER, Iyar 23rd]

Appendix II - Note from a RUST SPEAKER, Iyar 23rd

This paper provides an overview on the 'Rust Speaker' pamphlet and compares it with existing Pra'Raj lore. The paper starts with a full transcription of the pamphlet, after which it is examined and the findings are contextualized with existing lore. Full transcription of the pamphlet is as below:

[Once more, it appears a part of the note is either omitted, lost or destroyed.]

The Rust Speaker pamphlets are different from other Pra'Rajin sources in a few key aspects. Firstly, they are marked with the shape of a bloody cog. This could be a reference to Qa'im and the Adherents' experiments there. Secondly, the tone of the pamphlet is wholly more religious than that of other similar material. They capitalize 'He' and speak of a power that calls forth fire. Finally, the pamphlet is signed with the pseudonym 'Rust Speaker', whereas other sources have been entirely anonymous or attributed to Zojhir.

The consistencies with previous scraps and other sources include the notions of 'becoming Eternal' and journeying towards 'Mastery of the Self'. Both of these statements maintain unity with the Adherents' core beliefs of attaining Godhead through the mastery of the self. In addition, the pamphlet agrees that the journey starts with introspection and, as with 'Divulgence of Z', the Adherent at the beginning of their path is understood to be incomplete. Furthermore, both the 'Divulgence of Z' and the Rust Speaker pamphlet refer to transformation. There is a possible link between the two pamphlets.

[Appendix I - Pra'Raj and the Adherents]

Appendix I - Pra'Raj and the Adherents

Abstract
This text collects written and oral lore surrounding the Adherents of Pra'Raj. The text begins with an examination of the three core principles found in written lore, after which a brief synopsis of oral lore is given. Moving on, the text suggests a few practical notions and attempts to inform further research by suggesting research questions. Lastly, a warning and means of contacting the author are provided.

Review of existing lore
What follows is a review of the limited literature and oral tradition regarding the Adherents of Pra'Raj. The little that is available in writing can be condensed in three basic principles, all of which rely on undocumented and hitherto undated sources:

Firstly, it is written that the Adherents reject the Wheel's singular claim to godhood and instead posit that the spark exists within each of us. This puts them in direct opposition of mortal representatives of the Wheel that would surely like we who remain to show subservience towards themselves and the powers they claim to represent. This notion is further supported by the fact that the surviving written records suggest the Adherents are to resist subjugation by the Wheel and to avoid any external paths in order to obtain Godhead. This does not necessarily mean that the Adherents are a solitary sect, however, as an untested theory or philosophy is not even worth the parchment on which it is written. It is likely that the reluctance and animosity the research has been met with so far explains why it is difficult to find reliable and well-documented discourse regarding Pra'Raj.

Secondly, it is well-documented that the Adherents believe that the spark of divinity that exists in all of us is both nurtured and tempered by the Sun. However, the written records do not indicate any measures with which one's progression towards attaining Godhead may be measured and therefore any increase in one's power, resourcefulness and grit may simply be attributed to one's ability that is honed by hardship. Furthermore, the writer assumes that the Sun is a metaphor for the trials one might face in the wilds and perhaps even in the sizzling courtrooms of Baz'eel. Were this not to be so, it would quickly become evident that the teachings of Pra'Raj contain a contradiction; how can one seek inner perfection if one must rely on an external power to provide the means of ascension?

Thirdly, records indicate that the path towards Ascension is perfection found by gazing within. What perfection entails, exactly, is unknown. Extrapolating from other texts and sciences, it is possible that the perfection could be cognitive, spiritual, physical and/or social. Furthermore, it is evident that the powers known as the Wheel embody different aspects of perfection, or at least excellence that surpasses our understanding. Exempli gratia, the Mother is associated with purity and life-sustaining water. On the other hand, the Sabotage embodies hedonism, deceit and ill-will - all concepts that are far removed from conventional understanding of purity. Therefore, it may be hypothesized that even as there are different powers, there must be different paths towards attaining perfection and thus Godhead.

The oral tradition gathered so far all springs from the Mother's well and is, therefore, unreliable at best. It is known that the actions of Zojhir have stained the name of the Adherents and Qa'im is mentioned in a similarly unfavorable tone. Even so, the specifics of what has transpired is not known. The clergy of the Wheel have so far refused to discuss the matter and it is imperative to find out more about both their moral and spiritual downfall as well as any success the methods with which they sought to refine their soul met. It is, at least, known that Qa'im is a city nestled on the other side of the Edutu River and that it is closer to Baz'eel than the Well. The rest of the oral accounts gathered for this study only serve to further confirm the above three principles that remain consistent for the Adherents' path.

In conclusion, the Adherents of Pra'Raj stand in opposition to subjugation by the Wheel and other powers that might make use of us who remain. The Adherents seek to grasp Godhead by turning their attention within, seeking perfection by a variety of means that should be explored further. What remains consistent is that the journey must be a challenge to one's indivisible, individual self. Moreover, it is often repeated that the potential for divinity exists in all of us and our personal attributes or circumstances may not be the deciding factor in our ability to seek perfection.

Practical applications
The most obvious and wholesome practical application of the above knowledge is to continue bettering oneself under circumstances that remain suitably challenging. After all, one cannot expect to grow limitlessly in complacency. It is possible that the greatest strides are made by those who are willing to undertake the greatest of challenges, but the writer would like to caution the reader against surrounding oneself with insurmountable and potentially deadly opposition. It is possible, after all, that luck and opportunity play into one's prospects of reaching perfection. It is evident that we sometimes reach heights that we did not rightfully earn - and until a sufficiently rigorous system is established for measuring progress, it is ill-advised to take great risks without fully understanding the reward.

For we who remain, it is a good reminder of the past. The Wheel may be all-encompassing here, but it was not always so and it is possible that it will not always remain so. While we may offer service or even devotion, it is best to make one's choices from an informed position.

Further study
Considering the draught of reliable information regarding Pra'Raj, the most fruitful result of this text shall be the underlining of potential research questions that may bring us closer to understanding the Adherents and divinity:

Who or what is Zojhir? What methods did they employ? How numerous and reliable are the records regarding their actions? Has any of their research survived and can its efficacy be determined?

What transpired in Qa'im and is it possible to find documents related to the Adherents there?  There are rumors of experiments with metal and dark magic, but no concrete evidence as of yet.

Are there records of other Adherents and have they been able to reach any sort of quantifiable success?

How does one measure perfection and one's progress towards attaining Godhead? There is potential for both traditional studies in statistics as well as more contemplative and even philosophical takes on the Adherent's teachings. For instance, is perfection singular or divided into aspects?

What are the results of solitary and mentored progression? According to one esteemed scholar the remembrance of whose name could be the subject of another study, one may find opportunities for growth by challenging oneself past one's limits when mentored. Does that apply to the path of the Adherent as well? Repeated references to the Sun's nurturing influence might further support this path of experimentation.

What is the nature of the Pra'Raj and its relation to the Sun? Is it indeed a singular entity or a system of beliefs?

Are there any writings or devices capable of delving into the nature of the soul and divinity? Do any systems of faith offer compelling narratives that could form a basis for further testing? Is a soul immutable - and if not, what measures (both mundane and not) may be used to enact a change within?

Is there any stock to stories of reincarnation and the cycle of life and / or souls? Is perfection attainable over several lifetimes or is it something that must be finished with a potentially finite lifespan?

May the dead obtain perfection or is it inherently limited to those who draw breath? Could an animated object or sufficiently advanced construct reach perfection?

Note on safety
As noted above, even the early stages of gathering information were met with suspicion and dissent. Given how the Wheel faith is tied with the Sultan's influence, it is not wise to spread allegations that might be viewed in unfavorable light by the clergy and the mortal representatives of the Sultan's reign alike. Therefore, one should be careful in choosing where to discuss and disseminate the above research.

[Interview with the Adherent]

Interview with the Adherent

Below is an exact transcription of a speech delivered by an Adherent in strict confidence. Their words echo Divulgence of Zojhir - III . The repeated parts towards the end have been omitted. Following the transcript, the content of the speech shall be analyzed.

[There are pages missing - likely omitted, stolen or ravaged by the elements.]

'Indignant and ferocious, you shall rise to the bite at the hand of your would-be master. It is good - though you shall know agonies, the pain is a mentor. Your jailor surrenders the key through their own malice.'

Having heard the Adherent's account, the first tenet (I.) in Divulgence of Zojhir - III becomes more clear. Especially the references to the Shepherd and the Jailor suggest that the Adherent - and perhaps Zojhir - see the Wheel faith as an inimical force responsible for their hardship and suffering. The Adherent's response to this threat is extremely strict, even if murdering powers was within one's purview. It is of course possible that murdering gods is a metaphor for resisting religious institutions, though then the contradiction is that the Adherents seem to look up to Pra'Raj as a God as well. This level of hostility and deep religious differences do go a long way to explain the suspicion with which Pra'Rajin are viewed by the general public. In this atmosphere, any attempts to discuss the Adherents' beliefs would likely lead to an unsatisfactory outcome. Zojhir may hope that when an Adherent comes to understand that there is nobody outside their religious structure who will give them a fair hearing, they can only turn towards their fellow Adherents for camaraderie. While existing circumstances may lead to this result in either case, the writer would like to suggest that aspiring Adherents should identify sympathetic people outside their system of beliefs so that their ideals may be given a fair hearing and then scrutinized. Should the Adherent's reasoning prove sound and their conviction true, one possible result is that more people will join the Adherent on the path.

The seventh tenet (VII.) in the Divulgence of Zojhir - III and the Adherent's stance on suffering resonate as well. It seems the two sources form a strong link where blame for hardship is placed on the powers that are. The 'Divulgence of Z' pamphlet, as well, speaks for casting off the guise of servitude and spreads isolationist propaganda the purpose of which might be to alienate the reader from the wider society. The pamphlet will be explained in detail below:

Divulgence of Z

'Truth is incompatible with Order.

Pra'Raj can only be experienced.

Mechanized structure defies understanding.

Seize your freedom through sacred force.

Cast off the guise of servitude. None will view you as an ally, only foe.

We are the vanguards of rebellion, the daring insurgents who refuse to submit to our oppressor's yoke.

We are ignorant, unconscious, flawed. Our collaboration will result in transformation.

As a whole, the note reads as a call to arms. It is not uncommon for groups small and powerful alike to use religious dogma as a method of instilling camaraderie and shared purpose among their members.

Given direct reference to Pra'Raj and the title, it is possible to extrapolate that this line of thought is either affiliated or claims to be affiliated with Zojhir. Compared with the Divulgence of Zojhir and the Adherent's oral account, it becomes clear that only the pamphlet claims truth to be incompatible with order. In fact, the Adherent who was interviewed for this paper sees Pra'Raj as a stern father with expectations of excellence. Similarly, the pamphlet also calls for cooperative growth, which likely necessitates some sort of order and mutual understanding in order to be functional. It may be true that one path does not work for all and indeed all of the texts seem to encourage independent thinking and personal understanding. Therefore, one systemic path for all may be an impossibility. It is, similarly, true that while one's progression towards perfection may be difficult or impossible to measure, the journey is worth taking even when the destination may seem unclear. Imagine, though, how much more appealing the journey would be if one's path towards enlightenment could be quantified reliably.

Comparing the pamphlet with Divulgence of Zojhir suggests that it is possible that Zojhir led a rebellion of the common man or that their name is invoked for such a purpose. The last lines of the 'Divulgence of Z' pamphlet make an explicit declaration of rebellious intent, which is also echoed in the Adherent's words when they say 'Indignant and ferocious, you shall rise to the bite at the hand of your would-be master'. The writer would like to caution against abandoning rational thought in face of such claims. Rebellious groups may well have just aims and real concerns, but it is just as likely that someone is seeking to attract the disenfranchised and the gullible into unthinking servitude to a cause that is not truly their own.

Taken in a wider context of writings and lore surrounding Pra'Raj, the three accounts seem to further confirm that the Adherents are opposed to the powers of the Wheel and potentially the reign of the Sultan, which is closely affiliated with the Water Temple. Zojhir's followers may, in fact, be extreme enemies of the established order. Whether the same is true for all Adherents is uncertain, however.

The writer's response to the above shall be found below:

Scholar's Prayer

'In the quest for truth and light,
We humbly yearn and seek your might,
To guide us on our journey,
As we seek to grow in life's tourney.

May our struggles and trials,
Spark a fire within us all,
As we go through our theories and trials,
Let our minds stand tall.

May we seek knowledge in all its forms,
And not shy away from the unknown,
For truth is found in exploration,
And in the seeds of curiosity sown.

For even the brightest star above,
Can lose its majesty when alone,
And so we strive to learn and love,
To break down barriers, brick by stone.

Grant us the courage to be bold,
The humility to learn from all,
And the resilience to rise when we fall,
As we pursue the path that we behold.'

A few salient points from the prayer
While strife and disagreement is to be expected on the path of the Adherent, one should not necessarily make religious war the prime focus of one's existence. As your path brings you enemies, it will surely bring allies as well - and not all of your allies will be fellow Adherents. Indeed, it is possible some of your fellow Adherents will work against you and that strife, too, shall feed your growth if you are not trampled under their ambitions.

Should Pra'Raj be a god in its own right, the writer would like to suggest that even the powers are imperfect and require adversity in order to grow. What is left for the star that grows so that it swallows everything around it? The Sun may well stand in opposition to the Wheel, and perhaps they shall never reconcile if such a thing was even once possible. That said, does Pra'Raj not need to be challenged just as we do? Their own dogma suggests that there is no growth in blind subservience or the silence of the void.

What remains a constant core in all of the written and spoken lore so far is the search for knowledge and deeper understanding - especially within, but also without as far as it furthers one's growth. It is clear that such search cannot be carried out in solitude, as scholarly ideas and one's beliefs regarding oneself must be both challenged and affirmed by others before they may grow to fruition. At this junction it becomes crucial to recognize that one's ideas may be successfully and rightfully challenged by people from many different backgrounds, and failing to see one's own conceit might lead to yet more stumbling along the road where one who has truly mastered their inner fortress might stride proudly.

That is the writer's devotion to God - the willingness to challenge and to be challenged without malice. Desire for knowledge, growth and understanding without fearing voices to the contrary. The act of sowing the seed in others as one nurtures one's own bloom.

Further research
Accumulated study and comparison of additional sources to the sources presented in this paper. Potential research questions include solidification of Pra'Rajin dogma, fact and error checking of the provided sources and gaining further understanding of both Pra'Raj and the Adherents as a whole. Sufficient body of knowledge might even allow one to identify splinters of Adherent beliefs and codify their core beliefs as well as differences with established canon. Of course, the task of establishing canon is a difficult task with a sect that operates in secret in order to avoid persecution.

Check of author bias, both regarding this paper and the source material.

References
Codwick's Almanack of the Rings, 2nd edition
Divulgence of Zojhir - III, not dated, author not verified
Divulgence of Z, pamphlet, Iyar 17th, IY 7787
Interview with the Adherent, Iyar 19th, IY 7787
Interview with an unnamed Poet, Iyar 20th, IY 7787
Prior research on Pra'Raj, Appendix I, Iyar 16th, IY 7787

[Divulgence of Zojhir - III]

[These papers are circulated in caches around the Well, perhaps poorly hidden under a rock or stuffed into a wall where the surface has cracked. The papers are unsigned and likely in poor order and condition when found, but they are accessible.]

Divulgence of Zojhir - III

This paper examines three notable sources of lore concerning the Adherents: a book titled 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III', an interview of an Adherent and a pamphlet titled 'Divulgence of Z'. What follows shall be an analysis of each of the ten tenets provided in the book 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III', after which the tenets will be compared to oral lore gathered from a self-professed Adherent and a note called 'Divulgence of Z'. Afterwards, the findings shall be contextualized with existing Pra'Raji lore. Only the Divulgence of Zojhir names a source directly and even its authenticity has not been confirmed with undeniable certainty. The author of the pamphlet called 'Divulgence of Z' is not known and it may be different from the author of the 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III'. The Adherent interviewed for this paper is known, but they are not named nor described due to the sensitive nature of the research and their beliefs.

Below is an exact transcript of a book titled 'Divulgence of Zojhir - III'.

[the pages appear to be missing - perhaps stolen or omitted]

What follows is analysis of the ten tenets divulged in the above text.

The first tenet (I.) seems to adhere strongly to the core of Pra'Raji beliefs; one must continue to challenge oneself in order to grow and grasp Godhead. The fangs of lions is likely a metaphor for people who are inimical to the Adherents. The strong wording suggests that the author - possibly Zojhir, a follower, or a scribe - wishes the reader to feel assailed on all fronts. This angle shall be explored in more detail below, where an oral account of an Adherent is given. In summary, though, alienating the aspiring Adherent from the wider society serves as a means of control, not growth. Adversity and challenge are important, yes, but isolation may not be necessary until it is forced upon you.

The second tenet (II.) describes growth through agony. It is important to note here that agony is not the purpose, but a likely result of facing hardship. The ultimate goal is enlightenment, not suffering. However, the author's claim to enlightenment is self-serving at best. While someone who has made progress on the path likely has valuable counsel to offer, it seems clear that each Adherent must ultimately carve their own path and face challenges of their own. There are no shortcuts, and thus mindless supplication to a fellow Adherent can be as harmful as supplication to the Wheel.

The third tenet (III.) is especially noteworthy for its reference to the twin gardens, which might be another allusion to the Twindari faith. The twin gardens could be a bridge between life and death, both of which are purview of the twin powers. The entirety of the text suggests that one's sojourn to enlightenment may take several lifetimes, and the repeated journeys between the gardens may indicate that it is either impossible or nearly so to grasp godhead within a single mortal lifetime. It is, in fact, possible that death is a necessary part of the journey and thus longer-lived races might take longer to find enlightenment. It is, also, possible that there is no ultimate goal - if the powers themselves are imperfect, it is likely that even they need to strive to grow. Therefore, this writer must caution the reader against hastily seeking death in search of enlightenment. To delay the hardships of one's full lifetime is to delay all the growth that results from facing any difficulties one might experience. Furthermore, the tenet seems to warn one against being caught in the trappings of life. Taken to the extreme, the path suggested by the author might involve extreme asceticism. Alternatively, it may open up an avenue for the author to exploit the faithful to render their labor unto them, instead of working on their inner growth to honor God.

The fourth tenet (IV.) is easily one that resonates with clarity. The accumulation of knowledge, the act of challenging pre-existing notions and inquiring further even as inquiries have been made before are integral to both scientific advancement and one's personal growth. Moreover, it has been a lifelong journey to learn and understand that people do not always speak with logic and truth in their heart. Our words are twisted by feeling, ambition and even ulterior motives. In addition to seeking out knowledge, one must be critical of what one learns and always be willing to have one's own beliefs challenged. When we defend what we have learned with a calm mind, we come to see the faults in our thinking and hone our knowledge as a smith would hone a blade.

The fifth tenet (V.) may refer to salvation by reaching Godhead. Perhaps a power is no longer subject to a cycle of reincarnation and the struggles one faces with continuing one's journey with fresh memories. It is not known what the reference to the mist implies. There is always a chance that it is not a metaphor for the cloudy recollections of the reincarnated. Codwick's Almanack of the Rings, 2nd edition, insinuates that the Mist might be related to the impassable shroud surrounding the old keep of the King in the North. Further study opportunity could involve scouring texts in reference to the Mist and the nature of reincarnation and memories retained.

The sixth tenet (VI.) further reinforces the notion of reincarnation and progression towards enlightenment over several lifetimes. Moreover, it seems to resonate with the necessity of inquiry and critical thought - and eschewing material trappings. Temptation comes in many forms, after all. One may be lured into indulgence, swayed by false promises or even caught supporting theories that cannot bear the weight of being scrutinized.

The seventh tenet (VII.) suggest hostile relations between the Mother's pantheon and the Adherents that follow Zojhir. This has an interesting link to the oral lore received from the Adherent and it shall also be discussed further below.

The eighth tenet (VIII.) appears to refer to the importance of both knowing and mastering oneself. Mental and perhaps even physical fortitude is important for resisting outside influences, and one would be a fool to discount social threats that test nothing but your ability to understand your convictions and to hold fast to them in face of persuasive and potentially dangerous arguments to the contrary.

The ninth tenet (IX.) seems to offer guidance for operating behind the lines of the perceived enemy. Surrounding lore suggests that Zojhir's Adherents see the Wheel faith and potentially the Sultanate as a mortal enemy. Taken with the interview of the Adherent and 'Divulgence of Z', it is possible that at least some Adherents have taken to forming underground resistance against the established order. However, it seems this tenet may not be crucial to one's journey towards enlightenment. Crucial to survival, perhaps, but not spiritual guidance.

The tenth and final tenet (X.) in Divulgence of Zojhir - III states that the Adherent is eternal and one's progression on the road spans many lifetimes. It is possible the forgiving attitude regarding the stumbling adherent stems from the fact that there is no sufficient evidence of people being reincarnated and also being able to use knowledge from their past lives to any real effect. Perhaps a true soul will always return to the path and maybe the path is paved with many failures and missteps, but such is very difficult to verify.

As a primary support, I would like to echo the other reasonable comments:

Sell your fucking water

Joking aside, one set of level 6+7 quests wiped out my healing supply from low levels and I think we did not even do poorly.
It is a great relief to see that for all the healing supplies I spend over the much longer level 7+ quests, I also get some back at the end or even around the mid point.

[Abstract]

[These papers are primarily spread on public notice boards in Ephia's Well and in Hasheema's Hope.]

Abstract
In order to survive in the harsh and unfamiliar desert conditions, the refugee must known the essentials of having water and food, staying in shelter, planning one's journeys, having proper equipment  and the possibilities and difficulties with navigation. This paper provides a refugee with a simple outline, which is then elaborated further.

Desert survival
This is a manual regarding common principles that ensure a refugee's survival in the desert. Many of us hail from circumstances where the unique challenges presented by the local environment are not familiar or widely understood. Firstly, a brief guide consisting of advice any refugee is able to follow is provided. Secondly, the manual examines some suggestions in depth for more advanced survivalists and patient readers alike. Lastly, a summary and suggestions for further research are given.

I. Do not challenge the Sun. You will lose. Find shade during the day. Ensure that you have water.
II. Adopt the loose, lightweight clothes favored by the locals.
III. Cover your head, face and neck as best you can. Sunburns are serious.
IV. If your feet chafe, dry them out and stop to remove sand from your shoes or leg wraps. Infected sores mixed with sand are painful.
V. If forced to navigate during the day, charcoal under your eyes may help preserve your sight. Glare from the Sun can cause blindness.
VI. Avoid exertion and sweating. Breathe through your nose to conserve moisture.
VII. Prepare adequately. Bring suitable clothing, plan your route and have enough water and food to survive detours and unique challenges on the road. A knife and lamp oil are valuable survival supplies. The desert can be cold at night. Take a warm bedroll with you.
VIII. Many creatures wandering the dunes are hostile. Avoid confrontation. See tip VI.
IX. If you travel with a caravan and your journey is interrupted, stay put unless you know with absolute and tried certainty how to navigate. Take time to consider how oft-traveled the route is. Another caravan might come along soon to rescue you.
X. Have patience and stay resilient.

[A hastily scrawled addendum reads:]
XI. DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE ASH STORMS!

Surviving in a desert environment may be a challenging task. The primary concerns are finding water, seeking shelter, staying cool, finding food, remaining oriented, and maintaining a resilient and calm state of mind.

The first and most critical concern in this situation is finding a reliable source of water. This can be accomplished by looking for signs of vegetation or digging in a dry riverbed. Once a water source has been found, it should be purified by filtering or more advanced methods and stored in a container to ensure its safety for consumption. In case no reliable source of water is located or the survivor lacks the skill to extract drinkable water from the environment, it becomes important to ration one's supplies. The consumption of food increases one's sensation of thirst and should be first moderated and ultimately avoided when the threat of running out of water becomes an increasing concern. When planning a journey, one should always plan for less than ideal circumstances and ensure that the water supply can be transported both securely and with ease.

The second concern is seeking shelter from the harsh elements. In fact, if you are not a seasoned traveler, staying in shelter during the day and avoiding exertion should be your primary concerns. Adequate shade can be achieved by constructing a simple shelter from natural materials such as sticks, branches, and leaves, or by seeking out natural formations such as caves or large rocks.

The life-sustaining importance of staying cool during the day in order to avoid thirst and exhaustion cannot be overstated. Covering the body with loose, lightweight clothing will help, in addition to which one should avoid exerting oneself during the hottest hours of the day. Combined with adequate shelter, a calm survivor may wait out the fury of the Sun and brave the sands when the temperature is more amiable to travel.

A simple man-made shelter and a hood over your head are not enough to protect you from an ash storm, however. An ideal shelter in those circumstances is a sturdy cave or a tall building that you can escape even if the entrance is buried in ash. It bears repeating, an ash storm can raise enormous amounts of matter that is able to bury small buildings over time. Contact with ash and the resulting overabundance of positive energy will cause serious and life-threatening burns that may, in extreme cases, turn the victim into one of the ash wraiths. In the absence of better tools to determine the likelihood of an ash storm occurring, one is advised to keep a sending chip so that they may receive communications from The Astronomer's of Q'tolip.

In addition to the above challenges, finding food can be a difficult task. Edible plants, fruits, and insects can be found in some desert environments, but an uneducated traveler should not risk eating unfamiliar plants. Small animals such as rodents and lizards can also be caught by setting up simple traps or snares. While some plants may contain nourishing moisture, it is also possible that their make includes liquids that are harmful to you and may, according to a refugee physician called Victor, cause 'nausea, stomachache, fever, vomiting, profuse sweating, muscle aches, and even death'. Victor suggests many of these harmful plants can be identified by their foul smell or taste - or otherwise unappealing form.

Maintaining orientation in the desert can be challenging in the absence of proper charting equipment. Natural landmarks such as mountains or other formations can be used to guide direction. The position of the sun and perhaps the stars may also be used, though one should not rely on them intuitively without expert knowledge. Considering how sparse these landmarks are in the vast plains that surround Ephia's Well, an uninitiated traveler is advised to avoid haphazard attempts at navigation. It is best to rely on established caravan routes.  The likelihood of survival is much greater if one has the presence of mind to wait for rescue. Even experienced survivalists should know their route well and be eminently certain of their ability to navigate before attempting to cross unfamiliar sands.

Finally, it is critical to maintain a resilient outlook. This can be achieved by avoiding defeatist thinking by focusing on the immediate needs and priorities. Perseverance and resourcefulness are key traits in a desert survival situation.

In summary, surviving in a desert environment requires a focus on the essentials of  water,  shelter, food, orientation and equipment. One should seek to maintain a calm and hopeful state of mind while remaining cognizant of the challenges ahead. A focus on the essentials will help to guide the survivor's actions while keeping despair at bay. Lastly, to caution budding survivalists, you should start your experiments in a relatively safe and well-known environment. Note that the conditions in which the squatters outside the gates live are already tremendously challenging and you might be in a life-threatening situation as soon as you depart the Gate of Roses. Have patience, thus, and try to get a mentor if possible.

Further study
A review of the advice given, contrasting the paper's suggestions with advice from seasoned survivalists. A new ranking of importance could arise. Complementing suggestions, alternative and detailed strategies, and challenges are all desired.

A review of an illiterate refugee's ability to commit the advice to memory. A more efficient mnemonic might surface. Research into easily memorized rhymes and songs might yield desired results.

A thorough codex of local flora and fauna, and study on the identification thereof.

Efficient and sufficiently available methods of gathering and purifying water.

Practical experiments in survival with lacking equipment. Preliminary studies suggest that it is possible to survive a night in the desert using one!s cloak to capture warmth and a natural rock formation to provide shelter even in the absence of fire and other comforts.

References
Personal survival expertise and manuals lost to time
Medical insight from refugee physician Victor, Iyar 20th, IY 7787

If possible, it would be great if the same tool worked on both scrolls and potions. Though not sure if that'd create problems with implementation.