Sortians Research

Ioannes researches the eyes that activate statues.

Findings from the Library of Thoth (Back stacks of the Library of Mitra)

Ioannes finds a very old book about the ancient Sortians, who were traitors under Priscus Pulcher. They rebelled against the natural order of having magic controlled by approved churches and colleges, advocating for allowing anyone with magical aptitude to cast spells. This rebellion caused the Civil War and the abandonment of the Exarchate of Narsileon, setting the Empire back a thousand years.

Among their “sins” were:

• Summoning demons.
• Letting women and elves hold leadership positions.
• Creating “graven images” or magical statues of their vain leader Priscus Pulcher for worship.

One confirmed ritual involved inserting magical eyes of various types into the eye holes of these statues, with effects such as:

• Passing messages.
• Teleportation.
• Causing nearby children to disobey their parents.

The author of the book advises funding a mission to find and destroy any surviving Sortian statues and eyes to prevent their use for evil.

Discussion on the Sortian Civil War

• The Civil War was long, and “everyone lost.” However, the Empire survived, albeit with smaller borders.
• Spell use was eventually opened up.
• Some old churches lost power, and new ones took their place.
• Priscus Pulcher and the Sortians are still remembered as traitors, though many are unclear on the specifics.

The Philosopher Statue

• The “Philosopher” is a generic figure.
• Priscus Pulcher was an actual historical figure.
• He did look similar to “The Philosopher” later in his life, but it’s unclear which came first.