The Vakalic Tome

Description

This tome is bound in brown leather, and labelled in gold leaf: The
Vakalic Tome.  

The book has four chapters, and you may be referenced by reading them
individually.  

To read a given chapter, type:

Read Chapter1
Read Chapter2
Read Chapter3
Read Chapter4

Chapter1

Vakalis is one of the lesser domains of the void. It is a place of dark, blasted ground, riddled with warrens and shallow tunnels. The ruins of some city, often called by the name of the place, squats in a central hollow.

Almost exclusively, Vakalis is populated by imps. Little enough is there to draw larger classes of demons, so the imps, traditionally at the bottom of the infernal pecking order, infested the place, and spend their time bickering over obscure matters of hierarchy.

The imps common in a diverse array of types, being specialized to various functions. They are most commonly in the service of greater demonic powers, but, as we shall see, can be quite useful when conjured by mortal scholars, typically called by lesser rituals of power.

Chapter2

The most basic, or common (the distinction seems superfluous) sort of imp is called by the name of the region. The Vakalic imp is typically green, with small, functioning wings, and sharp claws.

Often used as messengers by demonic overlords, the Vakalic imp can be favorably employed by mortal scholars as well. Due to their connection to the void, such imps can travel great distances in a short span of time, and can be cajoled into transporting items or messages by skilled mages.

True to their names, the Vakalic imps are conjured through the use of the Vakalic sign, inscribed in charcoal. They are quite fond of mortal clothing, and will often perform their task for a simple set of shoes. (There is no accounting for the vanities of imps!)

Chapter3

Another commonly occurring species of imp is the so-called filchling. Reviled even among imps, they often occupy the bottom of what passes for social structure among the imps. This is primarily a result of their skulking, sneaking nature, and their absolutely obsession with hoarding any valuables they can in their jealously guarded warrens.

Their main function is as scouts of spies for competing for whichever other imp or other powerful demon who can buy their favor. We of mortal flesh can bind the demons to do what is perhaps their true calling -- theft.

Filchlings are summoned under the aegis of the Vakalic sign, and bound by powdered silver. True to their natures, they typically demand jewelry to satisfy their never-ending lust for precious metals.

Chapter4

Rarer among imps are those of their number who have learned a smattering of matters arcane. They are typically more intelligent than their brother imps, which either leads them to these additional powers, or have developed wit as a result of this magic. Because of both these traits, they are almost always powerful within imp society, with many subservient imps reporting to them.

These imp sages also occur outside of Vakalis, and often in the service at the courts of various demon lords. We mortals can take advantage of these imp sages when we summon them, often obtaining valuable information about exotic items or personages.

Unlike most of their brethren, imp sages are not bound by the Vakalic sign. Fancying themselves more intelligent and powerful than normal imps, they have become ensnared by the powers of the Aklaju Hieroglyph, engraved with lines of black charcoal. Mercenary in nature, they will often demand a price in gold coins.