Vis possibilities gleaned from the texts of the library of the Aerie of the Spirit's Breath. This should not be taken as an exhaustive list, as it is only the tip of the iceberg.
There are references to Acherusia -- a cavern on the borders of Pontus, through which Heracles dragged Cerberus from the infernal regions to earth -- scattered throughout the legend lore texts of the library. Several of them have notes from Corax. On another are several lines of code in an unknown hand.
A description exists of a pool directly east of the covenant, which is said to contain oracular powers. From texts in the library it seems clear it holds imaginem and intellego vis. The text that describes this pool also contains the rituals necessary to appease the nymph of the pool. Unfortunately the cavern containing the pool is the one Mushussu has made his home.
South of the covenant, west of the Iron Mountain, exists a cavern. This cavern is said to have been the home of a sorcerer named Myron who was hiding from the Church, before the Order was founded. When a Tytalus magus came seeking converts to the Order, he joined on the spot. He traveled east, hoping to bring the wonder of this new Order to all wizards. After several decades he disappeared and was never heard of again, though some believe he made it to the eastern sea. His home he left guarded by an automata of his own creation. Myron is said to have been the last of a lineage of priests dedicated to Athena, and that within his caverns there existed a shrine sacred to her. Myron himself was always commented on as never having a shortage of Intellego vis.
Neokaisaeria, which lies at the eastern end of the broad valleys and alluvial plains which the Lykos creates in its search westward to join the Iris. The heart of the Inner Pontos and of Mithradites ancient state, comprises more properly two valleys which are joined by a narrow neck east of Erbaa. On the spur of the Paryadres, where the steep northern slopes of the valley break up into gently rising hills. Here in ancient times, before the coming of Christianity, were the great temple of the god Men. While Christianity razed the great temples, obliterating the cultic centers, there is said to be a hidden sanctuary to the mysteries of Men nearby, buried in the hills. Before the fall of the Gauntlet, mention is made of a ceremony conducted there by several magi, though for what purpose it is unclear. They certainly considered it a source of vis, mention is made of collecting on lunar eclipses. Unfortunately, exactly where the temple is, or what rituals were conducted there remain unmentioned. And who knows if the temple still exists hidden in these hills.
Somewhere near Lake Van there is said to have been a copse of trees inhabited by a nymph. This nymph is recorded to have aided Hercules when he was hungry, and for her benevolence was raped by the hero. From this union came a great military conqueror who founded a kingdom around the land. When he died, years later in combat, his mother came to claim her son’s body and buried him within her grove. It is recorded that Thais once visited this copse and asked three questions at the tomb of the forgotten king. These questions are not recorded, though it is indicated she gained great knowledge. It is also said that she returned with gifts from the nymph, as parting gifts in thanks for those Thais brought to the grave of her son.
There are many streams that feed the great Euphrates rising from the Pontos mountains. One of them, as recorded in the Grimorie of Seraphis contains the home of a wise and ancient daughter of Nereus. Seraphis states that while she is hard to find, doing so can be rewarding for one who comes in a giving spirit.
Last modified: Sat Nov 6, 1999 / Jeremiah Genest