There is much information in the war seas that most people cannot access. Ancient histories of old nations, tragedies of the past, forbidden powers, and much more. Perhaps if there was a place hidden within the war seas, where scholars could keep away from the watchful eyes of the many nations who seek control through both power and information, would the war seas be a better place? That was the idea of one man going by the name of Alexander Rain. While being fascinated by the prospect of magic and spirit, he had no power himself, only very minimally to the point where he could imbue traces into weapons and strength as a warlord, which he trained as a sort of compensation for the fact he possessed no particular powers himself.
Yet as much as Alexander was fascinated with magic, his studies seemed to always hit a sort of roadblock. This world did not take kindly to those who were not of natural born power, and most information of ancient tragedies and powers were withheld from the young scholar. This led to him having to resort to more “underhanded” methods. Black markets, cults, and more, these seemed to be the only way to obtain the knowledge that he thirsted for, that he LIVED for, yet he despised how it was messy and disorganized. What Alexander Rain wanted more than anything was a place where those regardless of power, status, or otherwise could come to simply rest and share information, a keep of sorts, not a grand nation or clan, but a simple respite for scholars like him.
Thus, enter Lanternkeep. Named after the simple lantern he would use to keep his many books and scrolls illuminated in the dark of night, he decided that warmth would be the symbol of this respite. Lanternkeep became a small yet secretive society where scholars and researchers alike came to share information, as it grew, so did the need for proper organizing. The last thing Alexander wanted was to keep track of an official guild or nation like some sort of ruler so the hierarchy of Lanternkeep was very simple, divided into three roles. Guests, simply there to come and go as they please, perhaps to read a book or two. Archivists, people whom Alexander Rain specifically knew, and would help manage Lanternkeep and it’s archives. And of course, Alexander Rain himself, who despite being the orchestrator of the keep, wanted to be seen not as a ruler, but simply another person, like anyone else entering, thus his title was simply that of “Keeper”.
However, not all was simple for the keeper. Despite seeming perfect and organized at a first glance, Lanternkeep still had many flaws. Firstly, Lanternkeep has always been considered a neutral zone, all are welcome as long as you don’t cause trouble, though this did not stop those who would steal or sell information, or leave share information of dark arts that perhaps would have been better off being forgotten by the world. This led to Lanternkeep while being a mainly peaceful place in terms of lack of conflict, had a small but potent underlying hidden layer of corruption, where people of the more malicious kind could still learn and share information of the darker sort. Lanternkeeps other greatest flaw was that most residents weren’t particularly skilled fighters, but merely scholars, with only a few having combat knowledge. Alexander knew of how vulnerable Lanternkeep was to foreign powers who may seek to destroy the keep because of it’s archives of sensitive information. To combat such a thing from ever happening, Alexander began working on a coverup.
Hearthstead. That was the name of a simple small tavern/cafe that was known to some of the general public. Yet what was seemingly nothing special, became the entrance to what was secretly hiding scholars from all across the war seas. Much to Alexanders dismay, having to hide away Lanternkeep did make it far more of a hinderance for other scholars to find, though there were still ways. The “intended” way for one to find Lanternkeep was through scattered clues and rumors, almost like a sort of test of ones wit and intelligence, to see if they were truly worthy of reaching the keep. While originally this method wasn’t to Alexanders liking, as the entire point of the keep was that all who seek wisdom are welcome, it grew on him overtime, as he admitted that it was almost like a test of ones worthiness as a scholar. One would notice clues and patterns, perhaps certain patrons to Hearthstead would always order certain things, have certain books, or specific symbols could be scattered across the island. Whispers and hushed tones speak of a secret society where scholars share information, like a calling to all those who are curious.
Even now, Hearthstead remains but a simple tavern to the untrained eye seeking respite, yet for those willing to take the time to put the pieces together, it may be worth far more. To this day, some speak in hushed tones across the war seas, a poem that has seemingly no origin, it’s very existence a mystery.
"Keeper of the lantern’s path
a place of respite from crown’s wrath.
He serves no war, nor king’s pride—
yet knows the names that tyrants hide.
His blade from lands once forgotten,
Durandal—blooded and rotten.
To curses, a bane
Watch for him, keeper in the rain.