Crossroads Anthology

Overview

Crossroads Anthology is a Forsaken World lore anthology — short story collection by various in-world authors, gathered into a single volume. Stories range from heroic adventures to cautionary tales to humorous folk anecdotes. Atmospheric reading for players who want broader Eyrda flavor.

This article covers the in-world story content, lore beats, and player relevance.

Rogue

If you recognize a rogue, you either have exceptional insight or the rogue's intentions betrayed him. A true rogue conceals his identity in any situation. Even his friends and family won't know. Such a person prefers to live in the shadows. Rogues use various equipment depending on the mission but never wear armor or wield a large sword that draws attention. They typically choose light protective gear and easily concealable weapons, like leather armor and a dagger. Rogues never act recklessly; those who did are already dead. They must remain calm and be able to kill with one strike, knowing they must complete their mission at any cost, but their life is equally important.

Adventurers

Some call us moles because we constantly explore crypts and caves. Others call us jackals because we raid graves and crypts. Our goal is simple: find hidden treasures. We call ourselves adventurers. Some own bars, some have families, but when we hear of treasures, we all become adventurers.

The Task

The wind swirled autumn leaves, creating a special mood. Under the rustle of leaves, I slowly headed to the bar. An old man sweeping leaves on the porch looked at me questioningly. Few come to drink at this time. I entered the bar and sat down. The waitress quickly brought my order and drank some wine with me. I sighed quietly, thinking, "Such a beautiful girl. Who would want to kill her?" I reached for the cutlery, a shiver ran through me. I stood up, but my legs gave way. My vision darkened, and I fell. The last thing I heard was the sound of a knife being sharpened and the girl's words: "So early, and already one fat sheep."

The Prophet

A lark sat on the prophet's shoulder. "You can predict the future," said the lark. "Yes," replied the prophet. "I can predict that soon you will fly away." The lark laughed: "What about you?" The prophet's face turned sad: "I will die." As soon as he said this, the doors burst open, and Storm Legion warriors stormed into the temple. The lark flew up and cried: "Run! Why don't you run?" The prophet smiled bitterly: "Unfortunately, I cannot fly."

The Mummy

I gathered all the necessary equipment and left the village to begin my journey through the endless desert. But I hadn't gone far when I saw a strange mummy in armor with a sword in hand. Strangely, it wasn't covered by sand. I returned to the village and began questioning everyone about the mummy. No one wanted to talk, and I realized they were hiding something. I persisted, and eventually, a drunkard told me something interesting about the mummy for a few coins. Long ago, a simple-minded young man lived in the village. He fell in love with the village elder's daughter. He was the best among warriors, but still simple-minded, and the elder didn't want to marry his daughter to him. While he pondered how to tell him, the Storm Legion attacked the village. The young man bravely fought for the village and his beloved. When the Storm Legion retreated, the villagers found him dying from wounds. He asked the elder to mummify him after his death and place him outside the village so he could continue to protect his home and beloved. That's the story the drunkard told me. It seems the guy was indeed a fool.

The Wish

After another dangerous adventure, I was the only survivor. My trophy was an ancient scroll with magical power. "Use this scroll to fulfill your wishes!" read the inscription at the bottom. When I read this, I remembered ancient legends. With their magical power, ancient mages fulfilled people's wishes. Surely, this scroll came from those times. I immediately used the scroll and wished for eternal life. In an instant, I was transported to an unfamiliar place. I couldn't move, and even thinking was difficult. Then I understood everything. I was sealed in a moment of time and space. Yes, I won't age or die, but I will remain here forever.

The Bug

Great Axel looked at the people. They knelt in fear, trembling. "You all deserve death!" Axel declared, pointing at the men. "You will all be my concubines!" he continued, pointing at the women. No one dared to express dissatisfaction. Everyone humbly bowed their heads before the ruler. "I will take all your money and jewels! Everything will belong to Great Axel!" he said and sipped scarlet blood. Suddenly, a giant claw crushed Axel. "Cursed bug! How dare you bite me!" These were Axel's last words. The words of the dragon he rode.

Memory of Her

The head of the Council of Darkness, Haige, looked at the lovely girl at his feet with interest. "We've already appreciated your unearthly beauty. Now tell us why you came?" Haige asked, looking at Anna. Anna lowered her head and thought briefly. Then she resolutely said, "I want revenge on John, the messenger of Freeport!" Haige laughed: "Revenge? How do you want to take revenge? Kill him? That can be easily arranged!" Anna shook her head: "I don't want to kill him!" Haige was surprised: "What do you want then?" Anna replied: "John destroyed our love, but I don't hate him. I hoped you would help me make John remember me for the rest of his days and never forget." "Are you sure? That will be your revenge? For him to remember you forever?" Haige asked. Anna nodded in response. "Very well. I will make sure he never forgets you!" Haige's words echoed off the walls. The next day, John received a gift. It was Anna's corpse in a crystal coffin. A corpse with a note that read: "The poor girl died for you." When John received this "gift," it was a black day for him. From now on, John would never forget Anna.

Retribution

When I was little, I didn't even know about Freeport, let alone Greatdale. My world was limited to an old fishing village by the sea where I lived. But with the arrival of the Storm Legion, my world was destroyed. After my native village was burned, I went to Freeport with other homeless people. We weren't allowed into the city. The guards feared we would dirty the marble streets of Freeport. I watched as the people I came with died. I thought that although I didn't die at the hands of the Storm Legion soldiers, I might die here. At this time, the commander of the Storm Legion appeared and offered us to attack Freeport. He promised to feed us. To survive, we took the Storm Legion's weapons and attacked those who refused us help. After that, we were called the Rebel Alliance. We helped the legion, and everyone around became our enemies. But we just didn't want to starve to death.

Traveler's Diary

It happened in the Ruins of Oblivion. I had been excavating for a long time but couldn't find anything. I decided to come there at night. I decided to take a risk. I found treasures but accidentally touched ivy growing along the wall. The plant immediately ensnared me. I couldn't free myself and thought I would die there. I spent three days like that. When I was near death from hunger and thirst, a tomb raider found me. Although I hated these scoundrels, at that moment, he was my only hope. The tomb raider helped me free myself from the plant's grasp. I was given life, but I was left with nothing. The tomb raider took all my treasures and happily continued his journey. I returned to camp to rest and regain strength. After some time, I went back to the Ruins of Oblivion. Reaching the farthest part, I saw the same tomb raider who took all my treasures. He was tightly bound by the plant. He begged me to save him and agreed to return everything. Ignoring him, I continued collecting everything valuable. Soon the tomb raider died, and I could take both his treasures and those that once belonged to me. I wouldn't save anyone in this cursed place because I don't believe in promises.

FAQ

Q: How is it different from other lore? A: Anthology format = many short stories vs single longer narrative. Each story stands alone; players can read in any order.

Q: Where to find? A: Bookshelves in major cities (Hossinger, Freedom Harbor), rare quest rewards, occasional Tavern Tasks.

Q: Time investment? A: Each story 5-10 minutes of reading. Full anthology spread over multiple play sessions.

See Also

• Tavern
• Lost Records: The Long Road
• Main site: Class guides