"Secrets of Numeria" by Robert Armone

"Prologue Numeria is a stern land in northwestern Avistan, full of unsolved mysteries. It's a fruitless wasteland, almost untouched by civilization, but it's not without a particular somber beauty. Throughout these lands in which only the strongest survive, cold rivers rush from the north to the south, veritable arteries of water for several nomadic tribes, and at the northeastern border, the waters of the Lake of Mists and Veils sparkle. Numeria is encompassed by dangerous regions. Ustalav lies to the west, swarming with undead; the black Worldwound lies to the north, filled with demons; and the endless internal wars of the River Kingdoms seethe to the east. The noble families of Brevoy and the daring defenders of Mendev would give a much to be rid of their Kellid neighbors. You, dear reader, can learn about these various lands and regions from other scientific works — on these pages, I will teach you about Numeria. Let us begin our journey with its greatest legends. Starfall Barbarians have lived in the territory of Numeria dating back to ancient times, long before it received its name — even before the dwarves' Quest for Sky. From generation to generation, the legend of Starfall has passed down among the Kellids — an immense calamity that struck Golarion in the distant past. Their oral traditions brought us vivid descriptions of this catastrophe. One night, a huge flaming ball appeared in the sky, radiating waves of heat as it plummeted toward the ground. On the way, it split into many fragments that fell across various areas of Numeria, wreaking terror and destruction. The largest fragment that fell kicked up a huge cloud of dust and dirt when it hit. Once the cloud settled, the surviving nomads saw a huge, strange mountain in the impact zone. A city later grew near it, eventually becoming the country's capital. It was named Starfall in commemoration the legendary event. The Silver Mountain itself became sacred to the Kellids, and to this day scientists and explorers are entranced by the mystery of its origin, not to mention the secrets stored inside. The Great Warlord Armag Among the ancient Kellid barbarians, there lived a warlord named Armag, unmatched in battle. A huge tribe known as the Tiger Lords followed him, defeating any enemies the encountered along their way. Like a ruthless force of nature, this horde crossed Numeria, bringing war to the south and the east in regions such as Rostland and Iobaria. The power and valor of Armag were so great that mighty Gorum, the god of war himself, bestowed the hero with his attention and benevolence. But the pride of the great warlord failed him: blinded by victories, Armag said he would live forever and death itself had no power over him. The boast reached Pharasma, the goddess of birth and death, who deemed it an insult. She sent her servants to help Armag's mortal adversaries accomplish a single goal — kill the impudent man and send his soul to Pharasma's Boneyard. Becoming a pawn in the feud between Gorum and Pharasma, Armag fought to his last drop of blood, but he fell while battling a great red dragon. His soul still didn't go to the Boneyard, however — Gorum took it and fused it into Armag's own sword. That is how Armag's boast came true: his soul never left this world, and the fame of his victories endured throughout the ages, making the Tiger Lord's name immortal. Armag, defeated only by the goddess Pharasma, plays a special role in the myths of Numerian barbarians. According to legends, Armag's sword has great power, and he who finds it will bring the world to its knees. Not only Numerian priests, but historians from all over the world argue over exactly where his remains and his soul, trapped in steel, rest. According to stories and research, Armag's tomb is hidden somewhere in Numeria or the adjacent lands — an unassailable crypt guarded not only by barbarians, but by myriad traps and even immortal guardians placed there by Gorum himself. The tomb has been sought by many honored scientists, such as Curtis Corvarraum and Tonahold Arintan, but their findings didn't provide any exact locations. Ancient chronicles describe a place between two dried rivers; the Silver Mount and the bed of the Sellen River are named among possible matching locations. You can learn more about these famous explorers' expeditions and where they think the grave is hidden in the extensive and comprehensive works of Corvarraum, Arintan, and their colleagues — "The Legend of Armag," "Lost Artifacts of Avistan," and "The History of Numerian Barbarian Tribes."