Such a wonderful day! The sun was bright, the humidity brought on by last night's storm was trivially endured, and the birds were...well, really annoying, actually. Their constant chirping made it almost impossible to think. To make matters worse, the people of Galorand seemed content to encourage the fluttering flappers by tossing them bits of bread and oats! The little avians would all fly to the buffet, and amplify their infernal screeching tenfold. Merasmus took it upon himself to escape from the hell that is the outside world by making his way into the nearest book shop, where silent pontification and intellectual rigor reigned supreme. He had only been in this particular shop once before, but the intelligent regulars and the owner's own selection of academic reads made quite an impression on the wizened old man. 

Pacing slowly through the many isles of tomes, Merasmus had a very hard time actually choosing picking something out to read. Alchemical manuals, incantation guides, bestiaries of all sizes...they were all so tempting! Ultimately, Merasmus decided on something a bit more contemporary, but also on a subject he had little experience with. The front cover bore blood-soaked blades, rancid gashes, and a very detailed rendition of a leg that just had its foot removed, all encompassed by a flame that enveloped the rest of the book's visage. The title read [i]101 Common Wounds and Methods of Cauterization[/i], written by Sargon of the Akkadian Warbands. A gruesome read to be sure, but such knowledge could prove very useful to Merasmus...though he hoped that he would not have to apply any of it to himself, of course.

As Merasmus read his newly obtained text in the lounge area of the shop, he overheard some of the other customers whispering about some sort of war between the kingdom of Heham and a land called Hawic. Mercenaries and guilds from all over the continent were being recruited to bolster the fighting force of either side, though apparently most would have none of it. Merasmus considered war a massive waste of time. All that time fighting and dying when those very same soldiers could be put to work testing new inventions and securing magical artifacts for study! The leaders of the surrounding kingdoms were so childish their antics gave Merasmus headaches. Why couldn't they all just play together like good boys? The lands they raze could be home to the next great discovery, and they're just stomping all over them! Absolutely outrageous! Merasmus shook his head and continued reading, not wishing to spoil his good mood by thinking of such conflicts any further. 

Hmm...now that is a VERY interesting application of candle wax!