Lost Cities of the Witchlands
Lost Cities of the Witchlands was published in 2646 by Lucacian explorer, researcher, and natural philosopher, Griffain Vedachier of Magetown. Considered his most important work, Lost Cities describes cities of the Witchlands which Vedachier allegedly personally visited at least once: Banjavit (Airdred's Waste), Camptephir (Shepherds Waste), Vilangril (Great Mage Dearth), Hars (Great Mage Dearth), Eszhuna (Great Mage Dearth), Aszhrafa (Great Mage Dearth), and Secruba (Riverby Waste). All in all, Vedachier visited seven significant ruined cities and numerous towns in the three Throe Wastes during his career. Vedachier explains the best approaches to make to arrive at the cities, the innumerable hazards and dangers to be encountered, and how to deal with local authorities. In the final chapter of the work, Vedachier speculates on the Anarch Wars and the various magical phenomena of the Witchlands, including the undead and the witch shards. Although some of his thoughts have since been refuted by hecatologers, his work remains essential reading for any study of the Throe Wastes. His observations on the debilitating effects of the Witchlands upon the panstream are often referred to in later works.
In addition to direct research and exploration, Vedachier drew upon historic sources about the Witchlands, sometimes quoting and commenting on them directly.
Reaction to the Lost Cities
Lost Cities was a sensation in the 27th century and evoked both lavish praise and harsh criticism for its daring revelations of the Throe Wastes. Vedachier's direct exploration made him an instant expert and hero of the Witchlands. Critics denounced Vedachier for his foolishness and decried him for encouraging others to enter the Throe Wastes to their destruction.
As a consequence of the Lost Cities, several provincial governments of Lucacia tightened laws and enforcement against entering the Witchlands, especially the ruined cities. The retrieval and sell of relics from the Witchlands is allowed only by permit. Additionally, the Aurician Empire in cooperation with local provincial authorities has set up multilingual signs outside of the Throe Wastes warning would-be visitors to turn back.
Some critics disputed whether Vedachier visited all seven cities as he claimed, but most scholars believe that Lost Cities is essentially true where Vedachier's direct experience is concerned.
See Also
- Anarch Wars
- Catalogue of the Witchlands
- Griffain Vedachier of Magetown
- Hecatology
- Lucacia
- Throe Wastes
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