A Few Lessons in Life, part 1

I never thought of myself as a particularly wise man. I don’t understand philosophers, and have no skill in debating scholars.

Manual

A Few Lessons in Life, part 2

I’m not an aggressive man. I believe that we should be kind to our neighbours, just like Jesus teaches us.

Manual

A Few Lessons in Life, part 3

Be swift and merciless in your retaliation. Be ruthless. Make sure that the one who wronged you realises his terrible mistake.

Manual

A Gift of Madness, part 1

“They will come for you one day. They will throw their accusations and try to persecute you as the Devil’s servant.

Manual

A Gift of Madness, part 2

“First, call upon the daimon Epiales and look at your enemies, as they use their small, narrow minds to try to comprehend what their eyes are seeing.

Manual

A Gift of Madness, part 3

“Then, reach deeper. Call upon the divs, the shayatin, and speak these words: ‘Bring them peace, lead them out of this madness and awash them in calm’.

Manual

A Gift of Madness, part 4

“Finally, bring them the peace they will be pleading and screaming for – call upon the angel Dumah, and watch as he whispers words of absolute silence into…

Manual

A Great Contradiction, part 1

My investigations into the nature of magical practices has finally brought me to one conclusion: it is the most human of all arts.

Manual

A Great Contradiction, part 2

For example, many claim that magic is the Devil’s tool. Very well, it might be – we invoke daemonic names to help us perform some rites.

Manual

A Hero's Folly, part 1

As he stepped into the silvery stream, Euhemeros knew that his life would change forever. The naiads were capricious beings, but they never lied.

Manual

A Hero's Folly, part 2

Euhemeros travelled far and wide, earning renown and boasting his skills. One day he met a beautiful woman, Empusa.

Manual

A Precise Cut, part 1

The thing that sets a skilled fencer apart from the rest is precision of their strikes.

Manual

A Precise Cut, part 2

This is the point of repetition and learning all the proper techniques of sword fighting.

Manual

A Precise Cut, part 3

In order to defeat your opponents, you must attack quickly and with precision. It’s one thing to see how they move and defend themselves.

Manual

A Soldier’s Belly, part 1

Although war and famine often go together, soldiers cannot endure much of the former if their bellies are empty.

Manual

A Soldier’s Belly, part 2

The Spartans, who had an answer to every issue imaginable when it came to warcraft, also solved the problem of a meal suitable for warriors.

Manual

A Soldier’s Belly, part 3

Of course, I am speaking of regular armies and long military campaigns. In these days of small skirmishes, a warrior often must take care of provisions on his…

Manual

Against the Khan's Horde, part 1

“It was during the second year of our fighting against the Khan’s horde. The Tatars pinned us down in some small village on the left bank of the Danube.

Manual

Against the Khan's Horde, part 2

“I couldn’t believe my ears. Charge? Most of us agreed that we should try to hunker down in one of the hovels, maybe we could defend ourselves until Vaclav’s…

Manual

Against the Khan's Horde, part 3

“We readied ourselves and quickly got moving. There was no real plan here, we just wanted to rush the fuckers and take down as many of them as possible.

Manual

Against the Khan's Horde, part 4

“The day was ours. As Miloslav predicted, the Tatars hadn't expected us to attack so directly.

Manual

Anund and the Geats, part 1

And so it came to pass that a Geatish village was afflicted with a terrible disease that weakened its inhabitants's bones and made their breaths shallow.

Manual

Anund and the Geats, part 2

They brought what Anund desired. He devoured a large cut of horse meat in just a few bites. He cracked the egg open and greedily sucked out the yolk.

Manual

Arcane Arts and Corvids, part 1

“Ravens, crows, and other corvids have a bad reputation, and deservedly so. One look into these birds's cunning eyes is enough to send a shiver down the spine.

Manual

Arcane Arts and Corvids, part 2

“A skilled practitioner of magic can use the corvids's predilection for the ineffable to his or her advantage.

Manual

Arcane Arts and Corvids, part 3

“Understandably, the birds are rather unsettled by the experience of interdimensional travel...

Manual

Arcane Arts and Corvids, part 4

“Master sorcerers know how to manipulate these unholy birds even further, reaching through the aether directly inside the animals's minds and stoking their…

Manual

Be Your Own Healer, part 1

We’ve been told that in order to return to good health, we need help from medicine men and their very expensive remedies made of rare ingredients.

Manual

Be Your Own Healer, part 2

Let us begin with something simple: what to do when you feel pain in some place on your body.

Manual

Be Your Own Healer, part 3

Now let us move on to something more serious: open wounds. They are not easily treated, especially when they are your own, but there are things you can do to…

Manual

Become a Fortress, part 1

“Many of those who've had a taste of true combat will tell you that the best thing one can do is attack quickly and decisively.

Manual

Become a Fortress, part 2

“First of all, be aware of your surroundings. Learn to notice things in the corner of your eye.

Manual

Become a Fortress, part 3

“The second important rule of defending yourself is anticipation. If you know what your enemy is about to do, your chances of preventing them from doing so…

Manual

Become a Fortress, part 4

“Finally, one should always remember that defence in combat is above all a way to create the perfect opportunity to strike.

Manual

Becoming a Master, part 1

You ask: ‘When will I know that my training is over?’ And honestly, the answer is: when you’re dead.

Manual

Becoming a Master, part 2

Attaining such a level of mastery is not easy, of course. That is why you must focus on every move you are taught and repeat them over and over again, ad…

Manual

Becoming a Master, part 3

In the end, when you feel that your blade has no secrets from you, you will be able to take a look back and see the long, arduous journey you have just…

Manual

Burning Blood, part 1

“Eleazar of Küssnacht says: Blood. Sanguis gloriosus. It gives us life, binds us into families, carries the Divine spark that turns us from clay into…

Manual

Burning Blood, part 2

“Eleazar of Küssnacht says: It is difficult to manipulate someone’s blood by uttering magical phrases, but once a practitioner really grasps this knowledge –…

Manual

Burning Blood, part 3

“Eleazar of Küssnacht says: Once the blood is set afire, its course becomes almost unstoppable.

Manual

Burning Blood, part 4

'"Eleazar of Küssnacht says: Sanguis gloriosus. Sanguis mortifer. Just as Ha-Nozri turned water into wine, we turn blood into a living flame.'

Manual

Carnifex's Bet, part 1

“In my many years of service in Duke Casimir’s retinue, I've met quite a few skilled warriors, but one deserves special recognition – a quiet man from Silesia…

Manual

Carnifex's Bet, part 2

“Carnifex was not a large or particularly imposing man. Yet there was something in his eyes that you quickly learnt to fear. Bloodlust.

Manual

Carnifex's Bet, part 3

“So prolific was Carnifex in his head-cutting art that even Duke Casimir himself took notice of the Silesian warrior.

Manual

Carnifex's Bet, part 4

“It took some time, but Carnifex finally got his chance to prove himself to our Duke. In AD 1047 we took part in the war against Masovia.

Manual

Choosing Your Armour

I always preferred wearing lighter armour. If the armourer knows his craft, a thick leather vest will offer you sufficient protection to survive most…

Manual

Dancing on the Battlefield, part 1

Marcus of Prague, whom you may know as the First Sword of Bohemia, was a true artist in the way he navigated a battlefield.

Manual

Dancing on the Battlefield, part 2

I asked Marcus one day what his secret was. Was he truly able to know what his opponents were about to do, even though their own thoughts were just forming?

Manual

Defying Death, part 1

“My research into the arcane started with that most human need to survive – since I was a child, I tended to be sickly, fragile.

Manual

Defying Death, part 2

“I found the answers to my problem outside of Europe. Closely following the Arabic alchemists, I was able to discover a collection of works known as the…

Manual

Defying Death, part 3

“It worked! By God, it really worked! It all happened by chance, but I see divine providence at work.

Manual

Defying Death, part 4

“Ibn Hayyān’s work is a marvellous breakthrough, but now I see it’s only a stepping stone.

Manual

Fantasy and Reality, part 1

Read my words carefully. The marks that you’ve made on your forearm – they sting a bit, don’t they? But you shouldn’t mind that.

Manual

Fantasy and Reality, part 2

Now, focus. Blood is a fuel for our hexes, but strong emotions are an important catalyst as well. The hatred you feel, the jealousy and contempt – use them.

Manual

Geometria Arcana, part 1

As Plato tells us, the world around us is but a distorted reflection of another, subtler realm – the realm of pure ideas.

Manual

Geometria Arcana, part 2

Certain geometric patterns focus aetherial energy. Draw them on vellum, and you shall create scrolls imbued with magic power.

Manual

Geometria Arcana, part 3

Capturing the aforementioned vision will not be easy, though. Let these words guide you. Draw not one shape, but many.

Manual

Granny Oltica’s Book of Health: On Foraging

Nature is a great source of sustenance, but one should remember a few common rules when foraging for Her gifts.

Manual

Granny Oltica’s Dacian Cordial, part 1

Many people, especially the always impatient youths, have asked me if there is a way to make all my health recipes work faster.

Manual

Granny Oltica’s Dacian Cordial, part 2

I call it the 'Dacian Cordial’ and it’s quite easy to make, although you may need to search a bit for some of the ingredients.

Manual

Granny Oltica’s Dacian Cordial, part 3

When the Dacian Cordial is ready, you must apply it daily for at least a week. A small sip will do, preferably just before you go to bed.

Manual

Granny Oltica’s Real Ribwort Brew, part 1

Now, as everyone knows, the healing properties of ribwort plantain never disappoint.

Manual

Granny Oltica’s Real Ribwort Brew, part 2

First of all, not just any kind of ribwort will do. What you need are leaves of a young plant, preferably picked soon after rainfall.

Manual

Granny Oltica’s Real Ribwort Brew, part 3

As you wait for the powdered ribwort to be ready, prepare a quarter of sorrel juice. Boil water, add dried sorrel and two cloves of garlic.

Manual

Hitting Where It Hurts, part 1

It doesn’t take much to kill a man, truth be told. We are fragile creatures and if struck in specific places, we will bleed to death in a matter of seconds.

Manual

Hitting Where It Hurts, part 2

There are many more places on our bodies that can be hit to deadly effect. Any part of the head makes for an obvious target – cutting the throat or the neck…

Manual

Huzālu and Nabu, part 1

“And it was so that King Hammurabi waged a war against Rim-Sin, the ruler of Larsa. During this conflict, he found himself in need of a swift messenger.

Manual

Huzālu and Nabu, part 2

“Huzālu, a young priest of the god Nabu, decided to heed his ruler's request. Hammurabi looked at the small man in front of him – and as the courtiers laughed,…

Manual

Huzālu and Nabu, part 3

“Huzālu prayed to Nabu, asking him for aid in this impossible task. The answer came in a dream: the young priest was bestowed with a special rite.

Manual

Huzālu and Nabu, part 4

“Within ten days, the young priest was able to fulfil the king’s task. Soon, the war against Larsa was over, the city of Isin was sacked, and Rim-Sin had to…

Manual

Learning From Master Giaccomo, part 1

'Again!' my master shouted at me, raising his own sword. To be honest, I was tired and not in the best of moods - for the last two hours we've been doing the…

Manual

Learning From Master Giaccomo, part 2

I was exhausted and ready to say 'enough'. If I did, Master Giaccomo would smirk, nod and tell me to leave his school and never bother him again.

Manual

Learning From the Wolves, part 1

Have you ever observed how a wolf pack attacks large prey? After chasing it down and surrounding it, they jump at it, one by one, biting in a ferocious,…

Manual

Learning From the Wolves, part 2

We can learn a lot from the animal kingdom -– it teaches us about the world, and combat is no exception.

Manual

Looking For a Weakness, part 1

There is always a weakness. My father, God rest his soul, used to say that there was no man on earth that couldn't be defeated – be it in combat or through…

Manual

Looking For a Weakness, part 2

In order to find your enemy’s weakness, you must learn two things: perceptiveness and patience. Watch your quarry and learn all about them.

Manual

Looking For a Weakness, part 3

As soon as you ascertain that you’ve indeed found your target's true failing, exploit it quickly and with precision. Turn their weakness into their downfall.

Manual

Magister Arcanorum, part 1

“We need to improve our magic. We pay with our blood, but the results are weak. Pitiful. If you say otherwise, you are a fool.

Manual

Magister Arcanorum, part 2

“Our predecessors were many steps ahead of us, and it is terrible how much knowledge has been lost to time.

Manual

Magister Arcanorum, part 3

“After invoking the Names of God, you must clear your mind of any uncertainty and doubt. Yours must be a pure conviction.

Manual

Magister Arcanorum, part 4

“Now weave it. See the patterns in the tapestry and connect them. With each perfect affinity, you shall see your magic grow, and its impact on the material…

Manual

Marius’s Mules

(...) one of the big army reforms introduced by General Gaius Marius was the way how military logistics worked.

Manual

Mastering the Art of Parrying, part 1

When it comes to swordplay, parrying is one of the most difficult aspects to master.

Manual

Mastering the Art of Parrying, part 2

Now, let’s say you know how to deflect the attacks against you instead of just blocking them. The next step is working on your precision.

Manual

On Fighting Dirty, part 1

“I, Fernando de la Guardia, have been a veteran of many battles, a victor of numerous duels and a soldier in countless wars.

Manual

On Fighting Dirty, part 2

“Fighting honourably is all well and good, but it's no way to survive for as long as I have.

Manual

On Fighting Dirty, part 3

“Throwing sand in their eyes. Bribing their servants to put something nasty into their food or wine.

Manual

On Fighting Dirty, part 4

“Whenever you find yourself facing an opponent, remember this: there is no shame in doing whatever you need to survive.

Manual

On Focus and Fatigue, part 1

What are the most common causes of death on the battlefield? Fatigue and lack of focus.

Manual

On Focus and Fatigue, part 2

A wise warrior knows that when fatigue starts to become a problem, it’s time to withdraw, let the enemy take the initiative – or at least make them believe so.

Manual

On Focus and Fatigue, part 3

Once you've allowed them to push you into a defensive stance for a longer while, it’s time to go on the offensive, albeit cautiously.

Manual

On the Importance of Luck, part 1

Bastian of Pangalia was one of the most renowned warriors of his time, but unlike most of the people that shared his talent, he was not known to be of the…

Manual

On the Importance of Luck, part 2

He delves into this issue further on in his journals. When describing one of his many military campaigns, he said: ‘Luck is something I never underestimated.

Manual

Parable of the Wolf and the Shrew, part 1

Though most animals feared the Wolf, who lived deep in the darkest woods, hidden from sight, the little Shrew befriended him.

Manual

Parable of the Wolf and the Shrew, part 2

So the little Shrew asked, ‘How much blood would you like, o mighty Wolf?’ And the Wolf said: ‘Give me ten drops.’ And the Shrew did as he'd asked… But each…

Manual

Parable of the Wolf and the Shrew, part 3

‘Now, mighty Wolf,’ said the Shrew, ‘I wouldn’t dare do such a thing!’ And, as a show of good faith, the Shrew offered to give the Wolf not ten, but twenty…

Manual

Pazuzu’s Protection

It is one thing to cast hexes when no one’s interrupting you, but another if you’re trying to do so in the heat of battle.

Manual

Saviour’s Walk, part 1

It happened during the power struggle in Vale Sangora. Radu Dobrescu, Ovidiu Dragosti's most loyal follower, went to Sibiel to try to procure help from some…

Manual

Saviour’s Walk, part 2

Radu Dobrescu marched on, stopping only to catch a few hours of sleep. His boots were filled with blood, the pain in his legs had turned into a fire.

Manual

Spiritus Ater, part 1

Look around, and ye shall see that breath is the fuel which brings the world forth. Humans and animals must draw air, or else they perish.

Manual

Spiritus Ater, part 2

Magic, though immaterial and intangible, is just as dependent on the breath. Only not the regular kind, drawn through your lungs.

Manual

Spiritus Ater, part 3

At first, the aether will come as it pleases, in a slow rhythm, like a calm sea lapping at the beach.

Manual

The Arms of the Doge, part 1

“Olaf of Dubrovnik was a Dane mercenary who somehow found himself in Dalmatia and decided to earn his fame by serving the interests of the Republic of Venice…

Manual

The Arms of the Doge, part 2

“Olaf was not someone to be trifled with. A story told in Dubrovnik said that during one particular skirmish, the Dane cut down three men with one mighty…

Manual

The Arms of the Doge, part 3

“He was not a warrior of great finesse, but Olaf got the job done. Once, he protected a visiting Venetian noble from an enraged crowd of paupers simply by…

Manual

The Arms of the Doge, part 4

“Olaf of Dubrovnik lost his life in a skirmish against a roaming band of Frankish mercenaries who, not under any official contract at the time, tried to…

Manual

The Everlasting Motion, part 1

“In a fight, being tough is one thing. But you also have to be quick. Jump at your opponent, go through their defence, cut them down.

Manual

The Everlasting Motion, part 2

“Step in, step out. You never want to be caught standing in one place, it’s where the Grim Reaper awaits. Move around, keep them guessing.

Manual

The Everlasting Motion, part 3

“Your sword cuts should not be overstated. Avoid mighty swings, especially ones from above your head – most enemies will be smart enough to either dodge or…

Manual

The Everlasting Motion, part 4

“Instead, move your blade quickly, in an ever-changing motion. Cut from your right shoulder – humero dextrali. Then cut from your left – humero sinistro.

Manual

The Evil Eye, part 1

As I travelled through Transylvania, the search for my sister was unexpectedly impeded by a rather challenging obstacle: I wasn’t able to get any useful…

Manual

The Evil Eye, part 2

The more I learnt about the evil eye, the more I understood why no one wanted to talk to me.

Manual

The Fable of the Tortoise and the Fox, part 1

The Fox was growing hungry. Most of the creatures in the forest were aware of his nature, so no matter how cunning he was in trying to trick them into becoming…

Manual

The Fable of the Tortoise and the Fox, part 2

The Fox was waiting for the Tortoise to pass him. ‘Hey, aren’t you the Tortoise I’ve heard so much about?’, he asked amiably.

Manual

The Fable of the Tortoise and the Fox, part 3

Sensing that the Fox had ill intentions towards him, as soon as he saw the knave turning around, the Tortoise immediately hid in his shell.

Manual

The Insatiable Reaper, part 1

We are made of that which we see and that which we cannot see. Upon death, our flesh drops to the floor, limp and lifeless.

Manual

The Insatiable Reaper, part 2

He who possesses this skill becomes like the Reaper himself, unstoppable and insatiable, growing in might with each fallen enemy, death feeding upon death.

Manual

The Moon Goddess and a Bard, part 1

It was magic that saved him. When the Battle of Arfderydd was over and his master was killed, the bard ran into the forest.

Manual

The Moon Goddess and a Bard, part 2

Her name was Arianrhod and she came to him in a dream. She stepped down from the Moon and found him in that forest, a broken, pitiful man.

Manual

The Moon Goddess and a Bard, part 3

He was a hungry student. He sipped Arianrhod’s every secret, letting it flow through his mind.

Manual

The Moon Goddess and a Bard, part 4

And thus, Arianrhod’s work was complete, the bard’s mind – restored. The dream was over and it was time for him to return to the world of the living.

Manual

The Secret Technique of Master Fiore, part 1

After my time training with master Giaccomo, I needed someone who could help me improve further.

Manual

The Secret Technique of Master Fiore, part 2

It took almost half a year, but finally the day came when master Fiore showed me his special technique.

Manual

The Tragic End of Guillaume de Béziers, part 1

“There was this nobleman I hated. Guillaume de Béziers. A cruel, cruel man who did me and my family a terrible wrong.

Manual

The Tragic End of Guillaume de Béziers, part 2

“One day, de Béziers went on a hunt. He got a bit unlucky – a panicked stag ran straight into him.

Manual

The Tragic End of Guillaume de Béziers, part 3

“The gashes were not healing at all. Instead, the wounds festered and swelled with pus. The medicus tried his best but nothing worked.

Manual

The Tragic End of Guillaume de Béziers, part 4

“Guillaume de Béziers, the one who called himself my lord, died in agony. Many were surprised by this – after all, he was considered a man of robust health.

Manual

The Warrior's Spark, part 1

“Do you know this feeling when something dangerous is about to happen and suddenly all your senses sharpen? You notice things that would normally escape you.

Manual

The Warrior's Spark, part 2

“Not everyone is able to use the spark. To some it becomes too much – instead of pushing them forward, it makes them indecisive.

Manual

The Warrior's Spark, part 3

“Be wary, though, as some lose themselves in it. They let the spark overtake them and burn out in the heat of battle.

Manual

The Warrior's Spark, part 4

“It is true that when you experience battle, life outside of it becomes dull. You realise that everything that will happen from now on is nothing compared to…

Manual

The Witch of Brunla, part 1

“Have you ever heard of Adelheid, the Witch of Brunla? According to stories, before she earned this particular moniker, she had one of the purest hearts in the…

Manual

The Witch of Brunla, part 2

“Adelheid started dabbling in witchcraft from a young age. It is said that every year she would join other witches gathering on Brocken Mountain during…

Manual

The Witch of Brunla, part 3

“Many men fell for her charm, but Adelheid wanted more. She wanted them to die for her.

Manual

The Witch of Brunla, part 4

“No one really knows how many fools lost their lives in such a way. But one day it came to an end when a travelling priest challenged Adelheid.

Manual

Too Stubborn to Die, part 1

The toughest son-of-a-bitch I knew during my fighting days? Now that would be Dietrich of Rothenburg.

Manual

Too Stubborn to Die, part 2

When they finally got him to the medicus tent, I thought he was already a corpse. There was no single spot on his body left unbloodied.

Manual

Your Sword, part 1

I’ve lived as a mercenary for over twenty years now and this sword here was by my side almost all this time. My closest companion, so to speak.

Manual

Your Sword, part 2

It’s not about using my sword to kill. Yes, that's one of its purposes, it was made to harm others, there’s no way around that.

Manual

Your Sword, part 3

Now, it will take time before you understand what I’m talking about. I bet it sounds a bit weird. Maybe even a tad silly.

Manual