Prologue: Book three (Patreon)

Following my experience with writing my memoirs, I decided to continue keeping a diary documenting my journey and writing down all the interesting things.

As we approached the gate to Lumis, I touched it enthusiastically, to see what new adventure awaited me. Al mimicked my action and was also excited to check out the world's information. Mahya furrowed her brows, gave us both a murderous look, sighed deeply, and also touched the gate.

"I prefer not to know in advance," she commented. "It's like a spoiler."

"Yes, but how do we know where to go to see all the interesting stuff? I'd rather have a spoiler to find out all the worthwhile places." I answered.

I have to brag that I was right. If we hadn't read the world’s information when we approached the Gate, we wouldn't have known about all the exciting things to see in Lumis. I felt very smug until Mahya slapped the back of my head and told me not to be a peacock.

She was no fun. And I couldn’t figure out when exactly did she see a peacock.

12 Bloom, 783 AR - Traveler Kel'ith Moisper

• Lumis, a world of moderate mana (level 32), offers a balanced mix of magic and mundane. The capital, Crystalspire, is a sight to behold with its Mana Forge at its heart. Skilled artisans there use mana to enhance weapons and armor, though the effects are subtle compared to higher-mana worlds.

• I spent a week exploring Thornheart Forest. While not overwhelmingly dangerous, it houses enough mid-level monsters to keep an adventurer on their toes. I encountered a wild dungeon there - a rare find in Lumis. It was challenging but manageable, yielding a modest haul of magical items, and I sold the location to the adventurers guild.

• The Prismatic Falls, just a day's journey from Crystalspire, is a must-see. The mana-infused minerals create a mesmerizing color display, and the waters offer minor healing properties. I found it an excellent spot to recover after my forest expedition.

Lumis strikes a fine balance - enough magic to be interesting, but not so much as to be overwhelming. A solid choice for novice to intermediate Travelers.

I've added markers on the Travelers' Map for Crystalspire, the Mana Forge, Thornheart Forest, and the Prismatic Falls.

• Lumis is divided into three main kingdoms: Solaria in the north, Azureas in the middle, and Crystalholm in the south. They maintain a fragile peace, united by trade and a common respect for the magic that flows through their lands.

• For trading, I found enchanted textiles from Azureas sell well in the other kingdoms. Crystalholm's mana-infused glassware is always in demand. When leaving Lumis, consider taking some of Solaria's sun-blessed herbs - they fetch a good price in lower-mana worlds.

Lumis is more than it appears at first glance. Its magic is subtle but pervasive, rewarding the patient and observant Traveler.

47 Frost, 784 AR - Traveler Zara Stombin

Lumis continues to surprise me. I've just returned from the Shifting Sands, a desert region where magical mirages occasionally manifest. It's disorienting but fascinating - a perfect training ground for those learning to distinguish reality from illusion.

• The Dungeon of the Forgotten King, controlled by Azureas’s royal family, offers a unique opportunity. For a fee, adventurers can test their mettle against various challenges. It's well-managed, making it safer than wild dungeons, though perhaps less rewarding.

• I spent some time at the Beastmaster's Ranch, where they breed and train low to mid-level magical creatures. It's an excellent place to study mana beasts' behavior without the immediate danger of a wild encounter.

• One evening, I stumbled upon the Whispering Glade. The concentration of mana there makes communication with nature spirits easier, though they rarely show themselves. It's a peaceful spot for meditation or mana regeneration.

I've updated the Travelers' Map with the locations of the Shifting Sands, the Dungeon of the Forgotten King, the Beastmaster's Ranch, and the Whispering Glade.

• The political landscape of Lumis is interesting. While the three kingdoms maintain sovereignty, they're united under a loose confederation called the Lumis Accord. This allows for free trade and travel between the realms, which is a boon for Travelers.

• If you're looking to make a profit, consider bringing in simple mechanical tools. Due to the reliance on low-level magic, there's a surprising demand for non-magical solutions. Conversely, the subtle magical items from Lumis - like emotion-calming crystals or ever-cool water flasks - are highly valued in low-mana worlds.

Lumis is a world of subtle magic and hidden wonders. It rewards those who take the time to look deeper and appreciate its gentle enchantments.

3 Sun, 785 AR - Traveler Grim Tish

Lumis is too tame for my liking, but I suppose it has its merits for less hardy Travelers.

• The Crystal Cave near Crystalspire offers some decent magical crystals, though the harvest is strictly controlled. Still, I managed to acquire a few for my collection.

• I tried my luck at the Hedge Maze of Illusions. It's mostly a tourist trap, if you ask me, but the minor illusion magic could be useful training for novices learning to detect magical trickery.

• The Mana Spring Bathhouse in the town of Azurebrook provided some much-needed relaxation. The rejuvenation effects are subtle but noticeable. Good for recovery after a long journey.

• I did find one wild dungeon in my travels, hidden in a remote mountain valley. It was more challenging than I expected for this mana level, but that made the victory all the sweeter. These wild dungeons are rare in Lumis, so don't count on finding many. I didn’t take the core—don’t need it.

I've marked the Crystal Cave, Hedge Maze of Illusions, and Mana Spring Bathhouse on the Travelers' Map. Also added the location of that hidden wild dungeon - you're welcome.

• Now, about the politics here. The three kingdoms like to pretend they're all friendly-like with their "Lumis Accord," but don't be fooled. There's plenty of intrigue and under-the-table dealing going on. The capital cities are Crystalspire in Crystalholm, Azurebrook in Azureas, and Solara in Solaria. Each thinks they're better than the others, of course.

• For trading, bring in high-quality metals if you can. The enchanted items made here might be weak by our standards, but they need good materials. You can make a tidy profit selling mithril or adamantine to the Mana Forges. When leaving, grab some of those emotion-infused crystals from Crystalholm. They're a hit in more magic-starved worlds, and light to carry.

• And a word of warning: don't try to con these people just because their magic is weak. The royal mages might not be able to fling fireballs one after the other, but they've got subtle ways of detecting lies and cheats. Stay honest, and you'll do fine in Lumis. I learned from experience.

Overall, Lumis is stable and relatively safe. Good for beginners or those looking for a quieter adventure. Just don't expect high-level challenges or powerful magical artifacts. It's a "beginners' realm" for medium mana, if ever there was one.

19 Moon, 786 AR - Traveler Aeryn Widor

Lumis is a realm of subtle magic, and my journey here has been nothing short of enchanting. As a scholar of magical flora and fauna, the sights and experiences this world offers have been both fascinating and rewarding.

• The Mana-Infused Bakery in Crystalspire was particularly delightful. The pastries, infused with mana, not only taste exquisite but also provide a refreshing boost of energy. The baker explained that the secret lies in the mana-rich grains and enchanted ovens used in their preparation.

• The Eldertree Grove was another highlight. These ancient trees seem to whisper secrets if you listen closely enough. Spending an entire afternoon under their boughs, I felt a profound connection to nature. The tranquility of the grove was interrupted only by the occasional presence of forest spirits, who appeared as faint glimmers of light among the leaves.

• One of the most fascinating experiences was at the Echoing Caverns. The echoes here seemed to carry whispers of forgotten lore, guiding me to hidden treasures. Each step I took reverberated with a thousand voices, some speaking in languages I did not understand, yet the mana in the air made their meaning clear. I discovered a hidden alcove with ancient artifacts, which I documented meticulously.

• For those interested in magical craftsmanship, the Mystic Caravan is a must-visit. This traveling market appears unpredictably, bringing with it rare and exotic magical goods. I acquired a beautifully enchanted quill that never runs out of ink, perfect for my research notes. The vendors here are knowledgeable and eager to share stories about their wares, making each visit an educational experience.

Prices and Trade:

• Inns typically cost 50 copper per night.

• A meal in an inn is around 20 copper.

• From the technological worlds: Bring precision mechanical tools and durable fabrics; they fetch a high price here.

• From Lumis: Take mana-infused glassware and enchanted textiles back to tech worlds.

4 Frost, 787 AR - Traveler Borin Stonist

Bah! Lumis is a bit too gentle for my taste, but there’s gold to be made if you know where to look.

• The Guardian Trees in the forest weren’t much of a challenge, though their telepathic warnings were amusing. They tried to intimidate me, but a sturdy Traveler like myself doesn’t scare easily. Managed to find a wild dungeon in the Starlight Observatory area. It was a tough fight, but collapsing the dungeon and taking the core was well worth the effort. The core's worth more than all the loot combined.

• The Potion Emporium had some decent brews. Picked up a strength potion that could come in handy during my next adventure. The alchemist there was a bit of a chatterbox, but I managed to get some useful tips on local ingredients.

• The Enchanted Smithy wasn’t half bad. Got myself a sturdy new axe with minor enchantments. Should hold up well in a fight. The smith, an old fellow named Harl, knew his craft and even offered to teach me a few tricks.

• Visiting the Mana-Weaving Workshop was an unexpected pleasure. Watching artisans weave mana into fabrics was mesmerizing. I ended up buying a cloak that offers minor protection against the elements. Not as strong as my armor, but perfect for travel.

Prices and Trade:

• The money system is easy. 100 coppers = 1 silver. 100 silvers = 1 gold. 100 gold = 1 mithril.

• Inns: 60 copper per night.

• Meals: 30 copper.

• From tech worlds: Bring high-quality metals and non-magical gadgets.

• From Lumis: Take emotion-infused crystals and ever-cool water flasks to low mana worlds.

22 Bloom, 786 AR - Traveler Elara Moow

Lumis’s magic is subtle yet pervasive, making it a truly enchanting place for a mystic like myself.

• The Arcane Theater was a captivating experience; the illusion magic brought the performances to life in ways I never imagined. The actors moved with an ethereal grace, their voices amplified by mana-infused acoustics. It felt as if the stories themselves were unfolding before my eyes.

• I spent a tranquil afternoon at the Spirit Wells, rejuvenating in the mana-infused waters. The serenity of this place is beyond words. The waters glowed softly, and as I submerged myself, I felt my mana reserves replenishing and my mind clearing. The peace of the Whispering Windmills was a perfect backdrop for reflection. The windmills, turning slowly in the breeze, seemed to sing a gentle lullaby that calmed the soul.

• Exploring the Mystic River was a serene adventure. The mana currents enhanced my spells, making my water manipulation efforts much easier. As I practiced my magic by the riverbank, the water responded eagerly, forming intricate shapes and patterns that danced in the sunlight.

• The Elemental Springs were another highlight. Here, the elements are in perfect harmony, creating a place of tranquility. I felt the power of each element coursing through me, enhancing my understanding of elemental magic.

Prices and Trade:

• Inns: 40 copper per night.

• Meals: 20 copper.

• From tech worlds: Bring mass-produced medicines and precision farming tools.

• From Lumis: Take mana-infused wines and subtle magical items back to low mana worlds.

15 Frost, 787 AR - Traveler Garrick Ronclad

Lumis might seem tame, but there's plenty for a seasoned adventurer like me.

• Found a wild dungeon near the Elemental Grove. It was a tough fight, but collapsing the dungeon was worth it for the core. The dungeon’s creatures were formidable, but the thrill of the battle and the rewards made it all worthwhile.

• The Enchanted Workshop had some fine amulets. I bought one for protection; never know when it’ll come in handy. The craftsmen here are skilled, and their creations are imbued with subtle yet effective magic.

• The Runestone Circle was intriguing. Those ancient runes still pack a punch. I spent some time studying their inscriptions, trying to decipher the ancient language. Each rune seemed to hold a fragment of forgotten magic. Note that the Local Adaptation didn’t help me learn the runes, and I have no idea why.

• The Arcane Library was a treasure trove of knowledge. I spent days poring over ancient tomes and scrolls, learning about Lumis’s history and magical heritage. The librarian, an elderly mage, was kind enough to assist me in my research.

Prices and Trade:

• Inns: 50 copper per night.

• Meals: 20 copper.

• From tech worlds: Bring precision tools and synthetic materials.

• From Lumis: Take enchanted jewelry and mana-infused bakery goods to low mana worlds.

30 Sun, 786 AR - Traveler Sylvana Whileaf

Lumis is a world of quiet wonder.

• The Luminescent Garden at night is a sight to behold, the plants glowing softly under the moonlight. It was there I met a local druid who taught me much about the local flora. The garden is a place of serenity, where the glow of the plants creates a magical ambiance.

• The Hallowed Grounds were a serene place of reflection, where I felt a deep connection to the spiritual realm. Here, the veil between the physical and spiritual worlds is thin, allowing for profound meditation and communion with nature spirits.

• The Arcane Bazaar is a bustling market filled with all manner of enchanted goods. I bought a small trinket that helps calm emotions, very useful for meditation. The bazaar is a colorful and lively place, with vendors from all over Lumis selling their wares.

• The Mana Spring Bathhouse in Azurebrook provided some much-needed relaxation. The rejuvenation effects of the mana-infused waters are subtle but noticeable. After a long day of travel, soaking in the bathhouse was a perfect way to unwind.

Prices and Trade:

• Inns: 50 copper per night.

• Meals: 30 copper.

• From tech worlds: Bring mass-produced goods and high-quality textiles.

• From Lumis: Take subtle magical items and enchanted textiles back to low mana worlds.

After some deliberation, we decided to visit all those places. We had time and weren’t in a hurry. Our route looked like this:

Itinerary for Traveling in Lumis

• Crystalspire:

  • Visit the Mana-Infused Bakery. I wanted to learn to bake with mana, and I even intended to keep the skill if I got one.

  • Explore the Mana Forge.

  • Attend a performance at the Arcane Theater.

  • Visit the Arcane Library. We allocated at least a month for that.

• Prismatic Falls:

  • Enjoy the color display and healing properties.

• Thornheart Forest:

  • Explore the forest and look out for mid-level monsters.

  • Run the dungeon?

• Mystic Caravan:

  • Shop for rare and exotic magical goods.

• Eldertree Grove:

  • Spend time under the ancient trees and connect with nature.

• Echoing Caverns:

  • Explore the caverns and discover hidden treasures. If the whispers won’t help, my Luck is always up for the task.

• Shifting Sands:

  • Experience the magical mirages in the desert region.

• Dungeon of the Forgotten King:

  • Test our mettle against various challenges? Mahya and Al really wanted this one – I wasn’t so sure.

• Beastmaster's Ranch:

  • Study the behavior of low to mid-level magical creatures. Maybe we’ll learn something useful for Rue.

• Whispering Glade:

  • Meditate and regenerate mana in a peaceful spot.

• Guardian Trees:

  • Explore the forest.

• Potion Emporium:

  • Al wanted to purchase brews and learn about local ingredients.

• Enchanted Smithy:

  • Acquire sturdy weapons with minor enchantments for the three of us.

• Mana-Weaving Workshop:

  • Watch artisans weave mana into fabrics. Maybe buy some fabric for the boat and balloon. The balloon was a strong maybe. With the enchantments on it, we weren’t sure the fabric could improve it.

• Spirit Wells:

  • Rejuvenate in the mana-infused waters.

• Mystic River:

  • Enhance spells and practice magic by the riverbank. That was purely for me. They will find something to do in the meantime.

• Elemental Springs:

  • Experience the harmony of the elements. Me also – Yay!

• Runestone Circle:

  • Study the ancient runes and their inscriptions; maybe we’ll learn something. Who knows, maybe the Travelers skill was broken or something.

• Luminescent Garden:

  • Visit at night and learn about local flora.

• Hallowed Grounds:

  • Reflect and meditate in this serene place.

• Arcane Bazaar:

  • Shop for enchanted goods and trinkets.

• Mana Spring Bathhouse:

  • Relax and rejuvenate in Azurebrook.

• Run the wild dungeon and take the core for the boat – if it’s still there.

  • At this point, we’ll see what’s next.